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The Next Great Adventure

"To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure" – Albus Dumbledore (HPSS, Chapter 17)

Chapter 10: Bloodlines

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It was early in the morning of Harry's second day in the hospital. The sun was just barely peeping into his room and birds chirped enthusiastically outside his window. He flexed his arm, hardly feeling the tingle that had encompassed his body so strongly the day before. He grinned.

Maybe I'll get out of here sooner than I thought.

He was about to call a nurse about breakfast when a visitor hurtled through the door.

Kakashi entered his room and rushed to his side, giving Harry a bone-crushing hug. Harry saw his visible eye filled with unshed tears for just a moment, though Harry thought he might have imagined it, because it was gone the next time he looked. Harry was surprised at this sudden display of affection. It was the first time Kakashi had hugged him like this.

"Don't ever worry me like that again," the man whispered, still holding Harry tightly.

"I'm sorry, Kakashi," Harry said meaningfully. "Next time I think I'm hurt, I'll let you know."

Kakashi chuckled.

"You better." He released Harry and straightened his jacket, seemingly embarrassed.

"Now, the medics have told me you are inheriting your bloodline limit, which has caused you all these problems." Harry nodded in agreement. "Do you know what it is?"

"Luna has mentioned a few things to me, but I'm not entirely sure what the bloodline actually entails. She said she would go over it with me when I'm back at home."

Kakashi flinched slightly at the word home. Harry noticed the flinch and suddenly realized what it meant. His heart stopped when he thought about not living with Kakashi as his guardian. He didn't want it to end.

"Kakashi." Harry grabbed his hand. "I, I don't want to stop living with you. I mean, if that's okay with you. You are family now."

"Well," Kakashi scratched his chin thoughtfully, but Harry could see the grin he hid underneath his mask, "there is a vacant apartment two doors down from mine. Do you think your sister would be okay with you living apart from her? I don't want to cause problems between you two."

"I'll ask her, but I'm sure she would be fine with that." Harry answered thoughtfully.

Kakashi patted Harry's head fondly and ruffled his hair, causing it to stick up like his own.

"Anyways," Harry continued as he tried to smooth his hair back down, " I don't even know what she plans to do yet once she settles in. I'm not sure if she's ever even had a job before."

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"So you're really okay with living in an apartment by yourself?" Harry asked Luna for the third time. She had come to visit him that afternoon and surprised him with a generously sized bag of sweets, though Harry had no idea where they came from.

"Of course, Harry. I'm here to be your sister and your supporter, but I'm also your friend. I don't want to separate the bond you have formed with Kakashi."

Harry opened up his mouth to argue, but she interrupted. "And this works out for me, as well. I've always really liked my privacy. It gives me more time to study bizarre creatures that have yet to be discovered. I mean, just think of how many Wrakspurt and Nargle-like creatures are living in this country right now, just waiting to be revealed!"

Harry reached over and pulled Luna in for a hug.

"Don't ever change," he stated softly, squeezing her for a moment before leaning back in the hospital bed.

"So what are you planning to do once you settle in?" Harry asked curiously. He had been thinking about what Luna would want to do since she had arrived, but he hadn't been able to come up with an answer. He could never understand her thought processes, so she always managed to surprise him.

"I have very little chakra since I was already past maturity when I arrived here, so being a ninja is not an option. I don't think I could be a ninja, anyway. After the war, I don't think I want to fight anymore." Luna gave a sad smile before looking out the window. Harry noticed her eyes turn glossy; the nightmares of the past war being replayed like a screen before her, and he shivered, because those same nightmares had been plaguing him, as well.

She shook her head abruptly before clearing her throat.

"I'd like to find a peaceful job here so I can enjoy this chance at life that the fata have given me, and also look after you. I know how you always find yourself in the center of trouble. I'll need an army of Opalspoors just to keep an eye on you."

"It's not my fault," Harry grumbled. He was glad that Luna was deciding not to pursue a ninja career. He didn't think he could bear it if something happened to her again. "And what are Opalspoors?"

"They are rocks with the ability to watch over people who attract trouble. They use telepathy to keep constant communication between themselves and notify the observer about the person under surveillance." Luna tilted her head thoughtfully. "They are also very good at watching over babies while they sleep."

"Yes, I'm sure those would be useful." Harry cleared his throat. "I bet you will find a great job here. I'll ask around and see what is available."

"Oh no, you don't have to do that Harry. I'm sure something will present itself to me soon enough."

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Harry had quite a few visitors on his third and final day at the hospital. Shikamaru and Chouji brought Naruto with them to visit first thing in the morning. He was trying to enjoy the cardboard-like toast and jam the hospital had given him for breakfast, so their visit was most welcome. Chouji had thought to ask his Mom to cook him a delicious breakfast filled with nutrients to 'help him recover quickly'. All Harry could tell was that it smelled incredible and made his mouth water, so his hospital food was tossed happily out the window.

All three of them are very kind, Harry thought happily, watching them chatter about their days at the Academy and how excited they were for him to join. Even at such a young age, they all possessed such caring dispositions. Harry was really lucky to develop friendships with these boys.

It was just a brief visit before the nurses rushed them out, though Harry didn't understand why. He had a sinking feeling it had to do with Naruto being there.

Even Raido came to visit, though Harry assumed the reason was to get a good look at Luna and flirt with the nurses. It was a nice gesture, even though his intentions were less than pure. He had looked a little disappointed that Luna wasn't in the room but cheered up considerably when he saw the pretty nurse who came in to check Harry's vitals one last time. He ruffled Harry's hair and winked before following the nurse out the door.

Why do all of the ninja want to ruffle my hair, Harry thought, soothing his hair out for the third time that day. Even though they don't know it, I'm only a few years younger than them!

He had to convince himself that he definitely wasn't pouting.

Harry spent his lunch gazing out the window, eating the last remnants of Chouji's wonderful food and wishing he were out of the hospital to start practicing his magic again. He had promised Kakashi he wouldn't start training his bloodline until he was fully recovered, but his boredom and anticipation was making it very difficult to keep his word.

Kakashi swept in for a brief moment to tell him that he and Genma were helping Luna move into the vacant apartment. Harry's heart swelled at the thought of having all the people he cared about living under the same roof. It was almost like the dormitory again. His thoughts wandered to his old dormitory, with the wonderful people he would never see again. Ron and Hermione's faces flashed very vividly in his mind, and it took everything he had not to burst into tears.

At least I have Luna here now.

Later that afternoon, Harry had more surprise visitors. Sasuke came in nervously, clutching his older brother's hand.

"Hi Hari," he said softly. He glanced up at his brother and was nudged closer to the bed. He held out a bento.

"I made this for you so you can get better soon," he said shyly, his cheeks turning pink with embarrassment. Harry grasped the bento tenderly while beaming at the boy in front of him.

"Thanks, Sasuke, it's perfect. The food here is terrible, so this will be a great dinner!" He set the bento on the side of the bed and reached over to give Sasuke a brief hug, which the boy grudgingly accepted. Sasuke leaned back immediately, straightening his shirt and Harry couldn't help but grin.

"So, who is this with you?" Harry asked, peering over at an older but eerily similar version of Sasuke.

"This is my nii-san, Itachi. He's already a chunnin," Sasuke said, puffing up his chest proudly.

Harry studied Itachi. While on the surface he looked like a normal boy, Itachi's eyes reflected a pain that Harry himself knew all too well: eyes that had seen too much battle and bloodshed. Beyond that, Harry sensed an overwhelming power radiating softly from him.

"It's nice to finally meet the young boy who has caught my otouto's attention," Itachi remarked, causing Sasuke to blush.

"Nii-san!"

"It's very nice to meet you Itachi-san. I'm sorry it wasn't under more pleasant circumstances." Harry gestured at his hospital room.

"How did you end up in the hospital?" Itachi inquired.

"Well, it seems I've come into my bloodline, and I was a little stupid about trying to use it before my body was ready. But I'm perfectly fine now!"

"What kind of bloodline is it?" Sasuke asked eagerly.

"I'm not exactly sure yet, but my sister arrived at the village just in time and is going to help me learn how to use it."

"When will you be able to leave?" Sasuke asked.

"Tomorrow morning, hopefully," Harry replied. "I'm more than ready to be out of the hospital and for everything to be back to normal!"

"Things will be anything but normal," Itachi commented lightly, and Harry felt a chill as if Itachi was referring to something he had not yet been informed of.

They left soon after, Itachi stating they needed to return home for dinner. Harry pushed the comment to the back of his mind. Even if it had been weird, Itachi was still just a kid; there couldn't be any hidden meaning behind it, could there?

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"I'm free!" Harry exclaimed as he stepped out of the building. He truly felt like a kid stepping out from a long day cooped up inside. He almost wanted to break into dance. Ah, the joys of childhood.

Kakashi gave him a tap on his head but couldn't hide his amusement.

"Luna, Genma, and Gai have been up all morning making you a surprise welcome home breakfast. Act surprised." The man warned.

Harry grinned happily at the thought of all these wonderful people he now called family taking the time to do something special for him. He glanced over at Kakashi. He was also grateful for the man telling him about it beforehand. He didn't like surprises too much. Not anymore.

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Harry enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with a mixture of local food and food he remembered from Hogwarts. It brought back wonderful memories of mornings surrounded by his best friends, chatting about their classes for the day. It was bittersweet, but Harry was thankful nonetheless.

Luna began cleaning the dishes, and Genma jumped up to help her out. Harry started stacking plates before he was ushered quickly out of the room and told he wasn't allowed to help. Harry sat helplessly next to Kakashi and Gai as they watched the two clean the table.

Genma was exceedingly helpful, even ushering Luna away from the stacks of dishes in the sink, stating he could take care of the rest. Luna walked passed Harry with a dazed expression, and he heard her say, "Yes, he will do nicely." He shook his head, deciding to not even try to understand Luna's peculiar words.

"So, my youthful friend, I am very happy to see you back at home!" Gai announced gleefully, patting Harry on the back, "and this means that we can also continue your training!"

"Gai, Hari needs to be careful using his chakra for now. He'll have to learn the basics of his bloodline before it will be safe for him to continue that kind of training." Kakashi interjected. He cast a worried look at Harry. Apparently not everyone believed he was completely healed.

"Ah, but the training of the body will not be hindered by this! I shall train you to be the fastest Academy student, or I will walk on my hands for a week!" Gai stood up dramatically and struck a pose that seemed to radiate light. Harry felt fear creeping into his skin as he thought of what awaited him in these training sessions.

Luna came waltzing into the conversation, seemingly out of nowhere.

"First, he will be learning the fine art of our bloodline. Though, I'm sure he will catch on quickly," Luna said, giving Harry a knowing grin. "No one can keep The Chosen One from doing what he wants to do."

Harry ignored the ninja's confused expressions and turned the subject to something entirely different.

"So I met an interesting ninja yesterday. He's my friend Sasuke's older brother…."

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"So, Harry, how does it feel?"

Harry arrived early the next morning at Luna's apartment to start practicing his magic once again. He could barely contain his excitement. They both decided to start his magic training safely inside Luna's new home, away from prying eyes until he achieved a certain amount of control. Itachi's ominous warning still rang uneasily in his mind.

It took a few minutes to call out his magic, but like riding a bike, it came back to him very quickly. It vibrated like an excited child who had been cooped up and was ready to burst outside to play.

Harry didn't respond, instead he increased the light coming from his palm and slowly levitated it to the ceiling. A sense of happiness, relief, and familiarity all flooded him at once as his magic cajoled him to practice some more. He cracked a smile and let out a bark of laughter, as if the magic itself was casting a tickling charm.

"Now, charms are going to be the easiest. Starting at the beginning might be annoying, but at least there won't be any winged keys attacking you this time." Luna said calmly.

"How'd you know about…?"

"Transfiguration will be the most difficult, and you should probably not attempt that until you have other subjects relearned."

Harry nodded and glanced over at Luna. She was lying backwards, dangling off the couch and fiddling with a string and a pebble while humming an unfamiliar tune.

"What are you doing?"

"Setting a trap."

Harry stared at her expectantly, but seeing that she wasn't going to elaborate, he turned around to continue his practice.

"Okay, now let's try another one," Harry muttered, and began locking and unlocking Luna's apartment door.

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"I need answers, Kakashi."

Kakashi nodded in agreement but remained silent. He sat in front of the Hokage's desk for the third time that week, all for the same reason: Hari.

"Hari and his sister are under scrutiny by some very powerful people. I need to know the extent of this bloodline limit in order to know how to protect them. There are some who would love to use a boy like Hari as a weapon for the sake of the village." Kakashi looked at the Hokage with disbelief.

"But they don't even know what the bloodline is. How is it they are already being noticed?"

The Hokage pulled out his pipe, placed the tip to his mouth, and lit it. The smell of smoke always seemed to calm him. Small circles of smoke drifted lazily up to the ceiling.

"I think the interest stems from the unknown qualities this bloodline may entail. If the child can already speak to snakes and transform his body into an animal, what will this second set of power in his body be able to do? People have been speculating, and it seems they believe it will be something worth while."

"Sir, what happens if this bloodline is as powerful as you believe?"

"Then, my dear boy, you will need to train him to be the strongest shinobi possible and take care of him to the best of your ability. Help him to find allies in the village so he will have support when he needs it most. Hari and his sister will need all the help he can get."

Kakashi stood up and bowed. As he approached the door, he turned to give a final statement before swiftly departing. "I will protect him. I will do whatever it takes."

Kakashi could feel the Hokage's smile for a long time afterward.

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End Chapter 10

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Well next chapter Harry goes to the Academy! I'd love to hear what people think will happen there. Shout outs to anyone that guesses correctly!

Thanks so much for reading and staying this this story!

-EmLights

(p.s. Pairings! I have one or two in mind, but I'm interested in what you guys think.)