AN : First thing first, to answer Mabidiso. I didn't intend to picture Harry as a drama queen really. Perhaps I went a bit overboard with his reactions.^^' But I wanted to give him some sort of strong reactions to what he learns. Perhaps I made it a bit too strong. Anyway, you're right when you say that Harry is unfit to live in the Elemental Countries and to deal with any sort of difficulties as he is now. And this is precisely why he had to go to Hogwarts and face the Wizarding World alone and eventually grow up. (This answer your question Dark Neko 4000). And don't worry, I intend to make them equals in the end^^. As for the question of masks and his dealings with the Dursleys, I actually wanted to have a Harry who prefers to hide himself in another world, in an imaginary world, rather than facing reality. This is why he can come up with fantasy theories to explain things. He litteraly has his own world. This is also why the previous chapter is called "Facing Reality." Despite himself, he has a responsibility towards the magical world. He has to face it and obviously he doesn't really know how to handle it. As for Naruto, I didn't describe his reactions faced with magic, because I intend to bring it up later. The last chapter was meant to focus solely on Harry.

Anyway, some of your other points are actually handled in the following chapter. And, I confess I have forgotten Hedwig in the last chapter. ^^' I had intented to introduce her at that time, but it had slipped my mind. But it is rectified in this chapter.

Now that all is said, I think, we can go back to the story^^

Notes

[ Text ] : Letters and messages

Disclaimer : I don't own HP or Naruto

Chapter 9 - Resolve

[ Dear Brother,

I wasn't expecting another letter so soon after the one I received just a few days ago. I've never witnessed you to be so urgent or desperate before. What you told me about Harry is quite concerning, indeed. He can't be left in the state he is at the moment, as it could be dangerous for the both of you. But, you already know that.

I don't really understand feelings, not yet anyway. But I know that you can't let him break down this way. Remember that you will bring him back to Konoha. You know as well as me that our world is a harsh one that devours the weak. He HAS to toughen up. And before you say it, you won't always be able to protect him. You will have to leave him for missions. Don't forget that we are targets as well, and therefore his life will also be at stake. I think that being magical will help him in protecting himself, but he has to be strong mentally or he will die here.

I know that my words are harsh, but this is a reality that you have to keep in mind. I don't really understand the bond you have with him, but I know he is precious to you, and as such you must help him become stronger. As much as you want to, you can't shelter him. There are things that he has to face. And facing his world is one of them.

You can only give him the push to do it himself. So, Confront him. Confront him like you do to people who cross your path. Confront him and reach him as you only can. I have faith that you will succeed. I just hope this letter will reach you soon enough.

With all my concern,

Gaara. ]

It was the third time that he was reading the letter. Gaara was right, of course. He had been a fool, he realised it now. He had so much wanted to protect Harry, to protect the innocence he could always see in those emerald eyes that he had blinded himself. Being with him meant that Harry could not be weak. Gaara was right. Perhaps wanting to bring his friend with him was selfish. Too dangerous. Perhaps it would be better if he had not insisted in befriending him. Perhaps Harry would not be depressed then... Who was he trying to fool? Even if he had tried he would not have been able to stay away from the raven-haired boy. The moment they had met he had constantly had those sorrowful green eyes in the front of his mind. He could not have stayed away. Not that he understood how or why he felt that way, but he did. Plus, even without him, Harry would probably have to face the Wizarding World, eventually.

He sighed heavily and turned to look at the sleeping form beside him. Even in slumber, Harry seemed perturbed. His brow was furrowed and he kept fidgeting. If he did not better, Naruto would have thought he was not sleeping. After their first trip in Diagon Alley, Harry had kept quiet. He had not given a glance to his books and refused to touch his wand. After a week of this treatment, Naruto had sent a letter to Gaara and asked for advice. In the meanwhile, Jiraya had suggested that they went to a calm retreat in hope that Harry would open up if he was away and cut from the world. They had chosen to spend a few days in a forest in the North of Wales. It was a quiet place, bare of human life. His sensei had expressed the same concerns as Gaara, although he had been less direct than the Sand Jinchuriki. Jiraya had tried to talk to Harry, but it seemed the boy was set to ignore him. He had ignored Naruto too, despite the genin's attempts to speak to him. He did not understand this. They had always been able to reach each other before. Why was this different? Confront him and reach him. Gaara's words kept whispering in his mind. Yes he had to. He would not let Harry ignore him any longer. And if he had to be harsh, so be it!

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As the first rays of light were warming up his surroundings, Harry could not help but think that he felt strange in his duvet. It was as if he was sitting, but that was not possible. Deciding that his sleepy mind was very strange, he made to move only to realise that he could not. Was that a nightmare? Trying to move a little, he was surprised to feel ropes around him. Never before had he been able to feel anything during his sleep. Fidgeting again, he realised that he was sitting on a moist surface. How strange. And what was this warmth against his cheeks? He shivered. Was that the wind that he just felt? Slowly his mind seemed to realise that he probably was not sleeping. Testing his theory, he opened an eye then the other, only to be faced with blurry green surroundings. He was outside? So that meant he was still sleeping because he remembered falling alseep in the tent.

"Finally awake," an all too familiar voice stated, followed by hands putting his glasses on his nose. He looked up and gulped. Naruto was standing in front him, his arms crossed against his chest and wore a serious and determined expression. His eyes were shining with subtle concern and some kind of resolve that made Harry cringe slightly. "Now," Naruto began, "You've been moping for two weeks now and I can't have that! I understand that you are shocked and terrified, but that does not explain why you kept pushing me away!"

"I did not push you away," Harry responded.

"Don't deny it," Naruto almost shouted, "You've been avoiding me! You've refused to speak to any of us for two weeks now! I can't accept that! You can't solve your problems if you shut yourself at any difficulties! You have to face them!"

"That's easy for you to say!" Harry shot back. "You're not the one who has to face all this!"

"And what? Do you think you're the only one on this planet to face such burdens? There are other people out there who also have to face such responsibilities! But they do not back down and face them heads on!"

"I'm not the other people! I'm not as confident and assured as you!" he yelled, "I'm sorry," he murmured while bending his head down, almost shamefully, Naruto noticed. Considering the young boy at his feet, the blond boy crouched down and brought his face at the other's level.

"Harry, look at me." He waited patiently until the wizard boy slowly looked up. "Is that why you wouldn't talk to me? Because you were ashamed?" Harry just bit his lips nervously and slightly nodded avoiding his friend's intent gaze. "Harry... why..."

"I've been reading about it for months, but when facing it, I... I couldn't... I just could not... and the wand..."

"The Wizarding Community is expecting a lot from you and you will face it either you want it or not." Harry's eyes widened in fear at this statement. "You can't run away from this. You will face every expectant faces, every judging eyes and you will survive. You will receive comments and you will take them, harsh and good alike. You will face this and you will become stronger."

"How can you be sure of that?" the young wizard asked weakly.

"Trust me." Green eyes met blue eyes, and all Harry could see was confidence and a strong belief in those words. How could he doubt those eyes?

"What about... what about the wand?" he whispered. Naruto considered him a moment before reaching for his pouch and retrieving a kunai.

"What do you see?"

"A kunai," Harry answered after giving his friend a questioning look.

"Yes, and what is a kunai? What is it for us, shinobi?"

"A weapon."

"Yes and a weapon is just a tool, Harry. From what we've read, a wand is just a tool, a tool that can be turned into a weapon indeed. But like any tool, it is the one who wield it that decides of its use. As a shinobi of Konoha, my kunai is to protect my village and its people. I use my weapons to protect those who are precious to me. A kunai does not decide if a shinobi is good or bad, just as a wand does not determine if a wizard is good or bad." This did make so much sense. How foolish had he been to overreact the way he did. But still...

"But, mine... mine... How can I wield one that is so similar to their murderer's? It would be as if I was betraying them..."

Of course, he was to react this way. How could he not? And Naruto understood very well, although he has to bear his parents' murderer. He pressed a hand on his stomach and looked sadly at his friend. Perhaps it was time to reveal this monstrosity. He had delayed it for too long now. There never had been a right moment before, but now, now, he could. Slowly he took off his shirt, gaining Harry's attention. He took a deep and anxious breath, before forming the ram hand seal and gathering chakra. Soon the signs on his stomach appeared.

"Naruto... what..."

"Harry, you've spent enough time with me to know what are those marks on my stomach." The young wizard took a closer look.

"It's a seal, right?" At Naruto's nod, he continued, "But, why do you have a seal on your stomach?"

"It's because, I contain something."

"Something? What do you mean you contain something?"

"I have a demon inside of me," Naruto whispered.

"A demon? What... what do you mean?"

"Twelve years ago, almost thirteen now, my village was attacked by a demon. A fox demon. Kyubi. This demon was very powerful and no man could kill it. The Fourth Hokage then made a decision. If the Kyubi could not be killed, then it will be sealed. And the Fourth did just that. He sealed the demon in a newborn... me. The same night I became a jinchuriki, I lost my parents to the demon. I don't who they were, but I was told they died during this attack..."

"Naruto... I..."

"Yes, I'm the bearer of my parents' murderer. It's painful to know that the very reason I'm an orphan resides inside of me." Tainting me. "Does it make me a bad person? I don't know, but I try. I try not to be a demon."

"Naruto! I'm so sorry, I..."

"Why are you apologising? There's no reason for that."

"Of course there is! I've been so selfish!" He felt horrible. How could he have forgotten that the world did not resolve around him. And Naru, his Naru, had such a heavy burden, heavier than his own. But he did not say anything. And he was so strong. Selfish. Absently he noticed that the ropes restricting him were being released and then he was gathered in a comforting hug. At this, he could only cry harder. It was always him. Him who needed to be comforted. Him! Selfish. Desperately he threw his arms around the other boy's neck, pressing his cheek against the other's.

"I'm so sorry, Naru," he whispered in the blond's ear. "I've been such a bad person. I relied on you and burdened you with my trivial fears, while you already had your own. But you don't have to worry any more. I will become strong, like you said. I promise."

Naruto just tightened his embrace, trying to bring Harry closer to him. He felt relieved. The young wizard was now in the good state of mind to face the Wizarding World. Of course, he was not so naïve to believe that the younger boy would remain firm in his resolve. After all, he was fragile and it would take time for him to be completely confident and strong. But it was a beginning. They would have to work hard from now on and hoped that Harry would be ready when the time would come to go back to the Elemental Countries.

"Naru," Harry asked after a while. "Why didn't you tell me about it before?"

"I..." How could he answer to that? "This is not something that I like to advertise."

"Didn't you trust me?"

"It's not that... I have a demon inside me, Harry. This fact should disgust you, scare you."

"But it doesn't! Did you think I would abandon you because of it?" Naruto only nodded. "I would never abandon you! Never!" The genin only smiled weakly at Harry's vehemence. The younger boy did not know what being a jinchuriki meant. He did not know that he was dangerous. Once again he questioned his decision to stay close to Harry. How could he put an innocent in danger? Selfish.

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Soon after their discussion, the two boys rejoined the camp to find Jiraya waiting for them. Upon seeing the older man, Harry apologised profusely for his past behaviour. But the Sannin brushed it off and just said that he was relieved that the young boy had come to term with what he learnt. They then had breakfast and for the first time, Harry turned his attention to the owl Hagrid had given him. He had not named her yet, seeing that he had not wanted anything to do with the Wizarding community until now. The approach was hesitant at first. He was afraid that he had somehow offended the bird. But slowly they became quite comfortable with each other and he was soon petting his bird. However, he did not know how to name her and decided to wait until he found an adequate name. The owl seemed perfectly fine with that.

After breakfast, the Sannin announced that since they were in such a remote place, they might as well train. The two boys agreed with that easily enough and eagerly began their morning routines. Once done, the older ninja led them to a meadow.

"I found this place two days ago when I was collecting mushrooms. I think it's perfect for training." Perfect it was indeed. The meadow was surrounding by alders, almost shielding it from view. The trees also gave the impression to be cut from the outside, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. "Now, I want you Naruto to test Harry's reflexes in actual fighting."

"And what will you do while we're working?"

"Observing, of course!" the Sannin exclaimed. "After all, you need an outside pair of eyes to point out the good and bad things!"

"Yeah, right! Observing my ass!" Naruto muttered under his breath. "He'll probably laze around like usual. Stupid Ero-sennin."

"What was that?"

"Nothing," Naruto was quick to answer.

"Good. Now I leave you to your training." And with that, he promptly disappeared into the trees.

Without more prompting, the two boys were facing each other. They stood in the middle of the meadow, fifty metres from each other. Naruto was calm and was waiting for Harry to come to him. The young wizard was tense, but had a determined glint in his eyes. He would do his best. Soon, he was charging at his blond friend, directing a punch in the other's face, only to easily be intercepted. But he was not put off and continued his attack with a kick. Relentlessly he kicked and punched, but did not really manage to touch Naruto. Eventually, he was thrown back by a well aimed kick in his gut. It took him a moment to stand up, but he managed to do so and charged back only to trip.

"Ouch!"

"How did you manage to trip here? There's only grass!" Naruto asked incredulously.

"There's a stone here, if you must know!" Harry argued petulantly. "Come have a look if you don't believe me!"

"Harry..."

"It is here! Look!" he argued further and pointed at it while stubbornly sitting next to it. Seeing the look he was receiving, Naruto only sighed and approached to see that indeed there was a stone. A black stone. Taking a closer look at it, he noticed a strange drawing on it.

"What's this?"

"A stone."

"I know! But what's this sign on it?"

"A sign..."

And indeed, here it was. Carved in the middle of the stone. There were circles intertwined with each other. Five circles intertwined and in the middle of it a sixth circle. It looked like a sort of flower. What a mesmerising sight. The circles seemed to fit with each other and formed a beautiful and well-balanced whole. Fascinated the two boys seemed drawn to the stone and reach a hand to touch it. As soon as each had a hand on the stone, the air surrounding the meadow changed. Everything stilled for a moment before a warm wind swept through the trees. A warm and strange feeling overwhelmed the two boys. It was comforting, as if they had reached home. Never before had they felt so at peace, so welcomed. This was a feeling that they knew, but it had something else to it. Something more. Something that made them feel whole. But what? However they did not have time to think on it any further, as the feeling soon left them. They touched the stone again, hoping to feel it again, but it did not happened again.

"What was that?" soon asked a worried Jiraya. They did not know.

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Hidden in a deep and dark forest, a group of cloaked people stopped their activities. Frozen by the sudden rush they felt. Eyes closed they enjoyed the moment. Such a long wait. Slowly smiles and delightful laughter were heard throughout the forest. At last, it was time.

In a dark and large room only lit by candles, a group of men were meditating when a sudden wind swirled around them, making the candles flicker. Shock. They had almost lost hope, but now... Gentle smiles slowly adorned their faces. Yes, the time has come.

Perched on his chair, an ancient toad could only smile knowingly, before going back to sleep.

Here you go. I hope you enjoyed it. I know the fighting part was not brilliant. Well, I hope to improve that for later.

So, after long thinking, I decided to divide my story in 3 parts. I think it will work better this way. Anyway, that's why this story is indicated as "complete" but really, it's just the 1st part being done. The next part will also be called Companion Souls except that there will be something else instead of Finding You. I just don't know yet how to call it. I'm not really good with titles. Anyway, that's it for now, see with Part 2.^^