AN : New chapter and quite a different handling and a focus on Harry's feelings and reactions to what he learns. I hope it is not too weird, especially the first part. Well, you'll tell me anyway.
Thanks again to the few of you who reviewed the last chapter. To answer mabidiso, you're right, there is more to the relationship between Harry and Naruto than a similar history. I will let you to your speculations for now though, because it is interesting to see the ideas you can come up with^^. As for Jiraya and his lack of commitment as you put it, don't worry he will be involved. I just wanted to mainly focus on Harry and his reactions first. The idea was that Jiraya wanted to approach him with these information with as much tact as he could, as you will see in the following chapter.^^
Now that's all said, on with the story.
Disclaimer : I do not own Harry Potter or Naruto
Chapter 8 – Facing Reality
March
One month had passed since Harry was told of his past. After the revelations, he had kept silent the following day, thus worrying his companions. But how else could he react? His parents were dead. Murdered. Intentionally killed by an evil wizard while he, Harry, had survived. Why did he survive? He was not that special, if there were others like him. And he was a baby when it happened. A baby is defenceless, right? So he couldn't possibly have survived and less alone vanquished an adult evil wizard. But he did. Eventually, he decided to ask Jiraya if he had not learnt anything else. Fortunately, the man did but had only waited for Harry to digest the main information first. And that was how he discovered that the Wizarding World was literally worshipping his existence and blessing him for getting rid of You-know-who. He also learnt that no one else but him had ever survived the killing curse. So did that mean he was an anomaly among his kind? How would they treat him when he appeared again? If he did. What did they expect of him? Jiraya had volunteered to find more information about all of this. His story, his parents, his status, the school... Should he?
April
With Naruto prompting and reassurances, Harry eventually agreed to learn more about his kins and his status among them. Seeing as he had had quite a strong reaction before, the Toad Sannin decided that it would be wiser to give the boy information one at the time. So after a brief visit to the Wizarding Community, Jiraya came back with a simple book explaining the way the magical society worked. He spent most of his evenings reading it and then talking about it with Naruto and Jiraya. This ended to be a really fascinating and informative reading. The magical world had its own organisation. There was a ministry that made sure that non-magical people or muggles, as he learnt, were kept unaware of the Wizarding Community. There were laws as well that the ministry was to enforce. There were also an hospital, a prison, schools and market places. There were also spells for everything and anything. The more he read the more enchanted he became. This was an incredible world and he could be part of it. He was becoming excited at this prospect. But what of Naruto? In response, only a smile and an encouraging nod.
May
Books were violently thrown against the wall before ending up on the floor. He sat as far away from them as he could, trembling. He brought his knees to his chest and took deep long calming breaths. Where did all this come from? He did not even know how he did it, so how could they? If only they were saying the same thing or if it was plausible, but this was only nonsense! And his portrait. Good. Brave. Loyal. Trustworthy. Courageous. Virtuous. A Saviour. A Heroe. Who was this person? Not him for sure. He was just Harry. A ten year old boy with a funny scar, black hair, who loved reading and whose best friend was a ninja. Did they expect him to be this other one? To be a perfect Harry Potter? His heart was becoming heavy with this foreboding burden. How could he face these people while being just Harry?
Gentle hands brought him in a comforting embrace.
"They will watch me and judge me. I'm not like what they say I am. I..."
"Then, you'll just have to be yourself."
"But..."
"No. They don't know you, so you will have to show them who you are. Do not try and be what they want you to be. You are perfect as you are, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Plus, Ero-sennin and I will be there to help you face it."
Could he do that? Just being himself? Still, their eyes would always be there, filled with their expectations and hopes. Could he face it? Will he face it?
June
His fears were somehow alleviated thanks to Naruto constantly comforting him. Feeling apprehensive, if not scared, was comprehensible. He could not completely forget it but he could not let it dictate his decisions and his behaviour when he would be there. It was difficult at first and more than once he was reluctant to face the Wizarding Community, especially when he learnt that Hogwarth was a boarding school and that he would be separated from his friend. It had also been difficult for Naruto to accept that, although he managed to hide it. It was Jiraya who eventually reminded them that Harry was expected to go there. Moreover, there he could learn to control his magic. Something the Sannin could not teach him and this was something the magical boy needed to learn if he was to protect himself. So he read Hogwarth: A History. He learnt how the school worked, its history, the courses he will have. The school seemed to be a wonder in the Wizarding World and he found himself curious about it. Perhaps Hogwarts would be fine. Just Hogwarts...
0000000000000000000
Rising lights filtered through the drawn curtains. It was still early and the room was still basked in darkened light. Furniture was visible even in the shadows. He had been awaken for a few minutes now. Checking up the clock, he read 5.30. Early. He had fidgeted a lot last night before eventually falling asleep. And it had not been a restful sleep, despite his friend's presence. And now he was awake far too early. Of course, he could say that this was because he was used by now to wake up early with his morning training. But this would only be an excuse. No, today was a special day. 31th of July. He was eleven today. Eleven and it meant Hogwarts. Eleven and it meant facing his kins. He sighed heavily. He had received his letter a few days before, just as Jiraya had told him. He had stared at it for a while before opening it. This piece of paper had made all the things he had learnt in the past months real. He had not answered immediately, but took his time to speak to Naruto first. The two boys had been silent for a long time, before Harry eventually wrote and sent his answer back. The younger boy's fears and doubts were still present, but he eventually understood that he had to attend this school. It could benefit him and once he finished his schooling, he would join Naruto and live with him in the Elemental Countries. And for that, he had to be strong.
"It's too early for thinking," a voice next to him said drawing him back to the present time.
"Sorry about that. I think I'm a bit nervous," he admitted.
"I'll be there, remember? So go back to sleep, we still have a few hours before this person arrives."
"Easier said than done," he muttered.
"Now Harry, relax, will you. Everything will be fine. If you want, we'll make you as inconspicuous as possible. And no matter what happens I'll protect you," Naruto assured drawing the younger boy closer to him. Harry instinctively snuggled letting the other boy's words reassured him and lulled him into a light slumber.
Two hours later, the boys woke up again and this time prepared for the day. They were at the Dursleys, as this was where the person from Hogwarts would come and pick up Harry. They had not want to draw attention on the fact that he spent most of his time in another house. Fortunately, Harry's family were not early risers, so they could enjoy a calm breakfast and make use of the bathroom without the Dursleys hovering behind their backs. One hour later, the two friends found themselves in the sitting room waiting for this person to arrive, while the Dursleys were having breakfast in the kitchen. As promised, Naruto had helped Harry in neutral clothes. The raven haired boy was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a simple green T-shirt. He also had a black cap that would hide his scar. As for the genin, he was wearing black pants and an orange T-shirt, obviously.
At 8 o'clock precisely, the bell rang. Exchanging a glance with his friend, Harry stiffly stood up and made his way to the door. Upon opening the door, the young boy was met with an incredible sight. In front of him probably stood the hugest person in the whole world. Forgetting his nerves, he could only gape and spluttered the first logical thing that came to his mind.
"You were tricked by the Queen of Hearts and drank too much Growth potion! You should have asked Caterpillar for the antidote! Now she'll easily find you and Off with your Head!" he exclaimed horrified. The man looked quite confused by this statement and responded the only way he could.
"Huh?"
"Harry? Is that the person from the school of yours?" Naruto's voice came from behind.
"Yeah! But that's not the most important," he turned frantically towards the blond.
"What could be more impor..tant..." Naruto trailed off when meeting the sight of this very huge man.
"You noticed it too, Naru!"
"How could have I not notice? He's huge!" Naruto replied and turned towards the older wizard, "How did you become that huge?"
"That's obvious, Naru!" Harry exclaimed not letting the man the possibility to answer, "This is the Queen of Hearts' doing."
"The Queen of Hearts?" the ninja asked.
"Narutooo!" Harry desperately whined, "The Queen of Hearts, you know, Alice? I read you the story already." Recognition slowly dawned on Naruto quickly followed by a horrified expression.
"No," he whispered dreadfully, "his head..."
"I know, this is terrible. Poor him," he said and the two boys could only look at the man with pity and fear. As for the wizard, he had no idea of what was going on and was soon feeling awkward faced to the two boys' intent gaze, but this was Harry. He was seeing Little Harry again and he was so happy about it.
"Arry! How big ye are now! Ye were only a baby when I last saw ye!" he exclaimed thus ended the strange moment. The green-eyed boy blinked a few times, refocusing on the matter at hand and remembering why this person was there.
"Right," he said, "You are from Hogwarth."
"Yeah! I'm Hagrid, Keeper of the Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts!" the giant man answered proudly, "and I'm here ter take ye ter Diagon Alley ter buy yer school things!"
"Yes, that's right."
When he had sent his letter saying that he would attend Hogwarts, he had then received an answer informing him that a member of staff would come and take him to buy his things. After discussing with Jiraya and Naruto, they had decided that it would be wise to accept and probably pretend that he did not know much about the Wizarding World. After all, he had been kept away from it for the past ten years. How would he have been able to know anything about it?
"Well, I'm Harry," he continued after a while, "and this is Naruto, my best friend."
"Nice ter meet you, Naruto! Now, are ye ready to go?" Hagrid asked, turning his full attention on Harry.
"Yes, we are."
"We?"
"Yes, Naruto and me."
"I'm sorry but yer friend can't come. He's a muggle."
"But he's my friend! And he knows already and hasn't said a word to anyone else! Please, let him come! I need him to come!" Harry asked pleadingly. He did not want to go there for the first time without Naruto.
"I don't..."
"Please, please!" Harry cried with tears threatening to spill. Faced with such a desperate expression, Hagrid could only nod.
"Fine, fine."
"Thank you!" Harry exclaimed relieved.
"Now let's go!" And with that they left Privet Drive.
During their way to London, Hagrid eventually enquired about the Queen of Hearts and soon became horrified by what he was told. However, he was confident that Professor Dumbledore would not let him down, and said so to the younger boys, who seemed to accept this quite easily. It took them nearly an hour to reach London and they promptly made their way towards Charing Cross. As they came closer to enter the magical world, Harry was feeling more anxious and was barely keeping his countenance if not for Naruto's presence. They eventually accessed the Leaky Cauldron. The boys knew of it thanks to Jiraya's reports and the inn was exactly like the Sannin had described it. Dark and out of time, at least from their perspectives. There were quite a number of people and they would have gone unnoticed if not for Hagrid.
"Harry?" a witch exclaimed, "like in Harry Potter?" the raven-haired boy had hoped that the giant man would deny but was quickly mistaken.
"Yep! The same an' only 'Arry Potter!" Hagrid declared, beaming proudly. At once, all the wizards and witches present moved towards the trio in hope to get a better look at their Saviour and thank him. Harry was petrified and could only watch in horror as the wave of smiling people was approaching him. Some were battling to shake his hands and the young boy paled not knowing what to do. This was too overwhelming. Sensing his friend's distress, Naruto promptly stepped in, placing himself between the crowd and the smaller boy.
"Enough!" he yelled while subtly leaking small waves of Killing Intent, as to make the fanatical group pause. After all, it would not do to scare them. "Please," he continued in a quieter voice, "My friend is not used to all of this. If you could give him some space, that would be nice." Clearly unhappy to be denied their Saviour, some were ready to argue, if Hagrid had not intervened.
"Yeah, plus he has to buy his school supplies and we don't have all day!" Reluctantly but understanding, the crowd dispersed and the Trio headed to the back door. Once there, Harry could breathe again and regained some of his colours. Naruto turned to him concerned.
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah," he replied a bit shakily, "Thanks." Naruto nodded and brought Harry in a quick but supporting hug before turning to Hagrid. "What were you thinking by announcing his presence like that!" he shouted, "Harry is already nervous as it is, he did not need that!" The huge wizard slightly put out by such accusation and feeling ashamed when noticed Harry's state apologised profusely before opening the passage to Diagon Alley.
The rest of the trip was better. After Harry managed to calm down, he ended up enjoying his first time in the Wizarding World. The Alley was a wonderful sight and he had the impression to be in a fairy tale. Everything he saw was an amazement and satisfied his curiosity. There was also this feeling in the air, a sort of tingling that brushed at his senses and made him extremely aware of this environment. Never before had he encountered anything like this. It was as if the Alley was singing. When he pointed this out to Naruto, the blond told him that he did not feel anything different, that it was probably something only magical people could sense. So Harry did his best to describe it to his friend. He wanted him to understand it too and to experience it in some way. The young wizard had a particular difficulty to describe this feeling when they entered Gringott. For him, it was similar to the outside but also different in some way that he could not point, as if he did not entirely understand it. Despite his inability to describe much of it, Naruto still enjoyed the bank and especially the roller coaster, which was probably the most thrilling and exhilarating experience he had had so far since he arrived in the Outside World.
The rest of the shopping trip went quite similarly. It was really an incredible experience so far and Naruto was reassured when seeing Harry's happiness. It seemed that the younger boy would fit in and would be able to put his fears aside. He just hoped that in the end, the wizard-in-being would still come with him in the Elemental Countries. Of course, if he decided otherwise, the genin would not force him, but it would definitely be painful. But this was something to dwell on later, for now, he had to support his friend the best he could. Their shopping was almost done by now and all that was left was the buying of a wand. Soon enough, they entered the wand-maker shop, Ollivanders'. This shop was different from the others they had been to. This one was darker and eerily quiet. It was as if they had entered a church or a temple, and to be honest, Naruto found it a bit creepy. Glancing at his friend, he noticed that Harry had become quiet and seemed unsettled by the shop. Placing a hand on the smaller boy's shoulder, he squeezed slightly and gave his friend a reassuring smile.
Taking a deep breath after his friend's support, Harry hesitantly stepped closer to the counter, peeking behind it.
"Um... Hello?" he asked weakly.
"Mister Potter," a voice suddenly rang, making the boys slightly jumped, "I've been waiting for you," the voice continued revealing an old man with piercing blue eyes. Harry could only gulp as these eyes seemed to assess him and enter his very soul, before his eyes settled on his scar. "I'm sorry to say I sold the wand that did it," he said softly, making Harry stiffen at the statement. "Thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Phoenix feather. Powerful wand, very powerful, and in the wrong hands… well, if I'd known what that wand was going out into the world to do… Although, I've always wondered how someone destined to hold a weapon gifted by a phoenix could have turned into such a terrible person..."
Not dwelling upon it any further, the man then proceeded to recall his parents' wands, before handing him the first wand for him to try, which ended blowing up a nearby window. After that a succession of wands was put in his hand, each of them failing to match him. Eventually, Ollivanders paused for a moment, taking a thoughtful stance, before slowly making his way between his ever lasting shelves and picking up a box. Retrieving the wand inside of it, he carefully handed it to Harry. This resulted in sparkling gold and red escaping from the tip of the wand and enveloping the young boy in warmth. Smiling he knew that this was his wand and shared his joy with Naruto. However, the wand-maker had to comment.
"How curious."
"Sorry, but what's curious, sir?"
"I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather — just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother — why, its brother gave you that scar."
At this statement, Harry dropped the wand, simply blanked out and remained still. The brother wand of the evil wizard. Of Voldemort. No! He did not want it! He did not want to be connected to this murderer. Why did he have to have this wand? Did that mean he too would become evil? He was furiously shaking by now and was slowly edging away from the wand.
"Harry! Calm down!" Naruto's frantic voice was yelling at him.
"Mister Potter," Ollivanders' voice rang out, "Do not reject what is yours to wield. Do not fear what is not to be feared. Magic has her reasons and going against her can only lead to terrible consequences." What? But this wand was similar to his. How could he be expected to own it? He did not want to. Why? How could he be related to his parents' murderer like that? Was the scar not enough?
Grief, fear and anger swirled violently in his core making his magic unstable. Soon the fragile shelves in the shop were shaking, dropping many boxes. Harry was slowly losing control. This was certainly too much to handle. And really, Naruto could not blame him. After all, how else could he react when such violent facts were thrown one after the other to his face? However, he could not be left like that. If he continued to lash out his magic, it could be dangerous and unhealthy for the green-eyed boy. Acting quickly, the ninja moved behind his friend and apply pressure at a point where neck and shoulder met, effectively knocking out Harry. Carefully supporting the now unconscious boy, Naruto could only gaze down sadly at his precious friend's troubled face. Oh, Harry...
"You did us a good thing by calming Mr Potter," Ollivander said after a while. "It seems you are a close friend to him, so I will tell you this. The young Potter can't escape his fate. This wand chose him for a reason and he would do well to understand that this had to be. Support him with all your heart as he will do to you, Wielder of the Ancient East, as only your strengths combined can help you towards what lays ahead." Naruto turned confused and worried eyes towards the old man. Somehow, his words rang heavily in the boy's mind. However, he could not ask anything as the man was already retreating to his shelves. Taking this as his cue to leave, he left some gold for the wand, just as Hagrid was arriving. The giant man enquired about Harry's state, worried for the boy, but Naruto only told him that he was exhausted. So while the ninja had Harry securely in his arms, Hagrid took most of the young wizard's purchases, and they made their way back to Little Whinging. All the way back, the blonde kept silent, pondering on what happened during this first trip.
