Chapter 12: Holidays and Mirrors

"And you three will be sure to find some time to look up Flamel?" Hermione asked as Naruko hugged her tightly. After visiting Hagrid's following Harry's first game, Hermione soon found out Naruko was hugging her a lot more because she was leaving for the break. Hermione was surprised she actually found herself a little conflicted about leaving for Christmas. She really wanted to see her parents again, but she also wanted to stay here with Naruko and her other friends. The thoughts of also experiencing a Magical Hogwarts Christmas hadn't even crossed her mind.

"Not the whole time, but yes," Harry said.

"I really wish I could help more…" Hermione said with a frown.

"You have been helping lots. Flamel's just too bloody annoying to find," Ron griped. He was kind of jealous Hermione would get a break from searching for Flamel. They had been searching the library when they could during their free time. Naruko seemed to also have a knack for searching through books like Hermione did and she somehow went faster than they did. Ron lost count of how many times he picked up a book from the shelves and Naruko told him to put it back, since she already checked that book.

"I'm going to miss you, Hermione-channnn…" Naruko said with a pout and her big deep blue eyes. Hermione really hated how effective Naruko was with that move. It made her want to change her mind again and stay. Hermione ended up settling for hugging her tight once more.

"I hope you three still have a Happy Christmas," Hermione said once she was leaving to catch the holiday train back.

"Happy Christmas!" the three chorused to her while waving.

{-} {-} {-}

When the Christmas Holiday came around, Naruko found herself spending a lot of time with Harry and Ron. Mostly Harry, since Ron spent plenty of time with his brothers as well. The Weasleys were all very friendly, but Naruko and Harry both found themselves a little like the outsiders when it came to the family after some time. Harry and Naruko instead spent time with each other alone so Ron could be with his family in the way only brothers can be together from time to time.

Naruko was rather lonely the rest of the time, so she spent what she could with Harry and/or Ron. Her roommates all went home. She didn't even have a Hermione-chan to hug. She was okay at nights for sleeping, but ever since she got friends and teammates the blonde girl really hated being alone unless it was required for a mission.

She had vainly hoped more people would stay behind for the holidays and it would be a good chance to really get to know other fellow students better. The fact so few people stayed behind really drove home how few people were truly alone in the way she and Harry were. Because of this, she really acted on Hagrid's words from when she visited him on her own. She latched on to those she did have even more and making a point of physically doing so. Harry was her main target since Ron had his brothers, but Ron got a little bit of it too.

Harry was a bit nervous at first with Naruko being so clingy. It was something that actually started to ramp up after his first Quidditch match he now realized.

She had also noticed he would look to her and shift uncomfortably from time to time. It was as if he wasn't sure what to do or something. "Muuuoooo," Naruko said one time with a ridiculously cute noise that even he knew as such. She added to that a just as overly cute pout as she whined, "Harry. Do you really not like my company?"

Harry swallowed. "No. That's not it at all… I'm just not used to such things," he explained. She gave him a smile and snuggled more with him where they were sitting in front of the fire. She might have also decided to take it upon herself to get him over his physical contact aversion. It made for a good excuse instead of just because she was lonely.

He really wasn't used to such things though. A girl of any kind wanting his company this much? Especially one cute like Naruko? That never happened to Harry Potter. Harry Potter was usually avoided by all people. He didn't dislike Naruko being like this, it just was new to him. Both Hermione and Naruko were huggy with him and Ron a decent bit as friends in general, but this was different.

"Sorry…" Naruko said quietly. Her voice was filled with a surprising amount of emotion like it was at times. "I… I get lonely… It feels wrong being the only one in my room," she admitted.

Harry relaxed and gave her a smile. "I think I can understand that. I actually really like your company. Being like this, I also don't have to feel I'm infringing on a Weasley Family Christmas. I'm just not used to such things," he came out and admitted.

Naruko decided this meant he needed to be snuggled more. She also gave him a bright smile as she used that infernal cute girl over powered weapon of giggling. She then said, "That sounds like some kind of TV or Radio Holiday Special." She then cleared her throat and imitated a show-host's voice, "Now back to our Holiday Special. A Weasley Family Christmas!"

The two chuckled to that and Harry added, "I can just hear a jingle in the background of the announcement." Naruko giggled more to that as she nodded and held his arm tighter. Harry had a feeling his arm wasn't going to be returned to him anytime soon. Naruko seemed to have claimed it for the night. It was kind of nice though having a friend there this close to him. It was hard to explain. To think, he foolishly thought when she first started acting this way it was some kind of test.

{-} {-} {-}

The hunt for Nicholas Flamel hadn't really made much progress, Though Harry, Ron and Naruko would admit they were taking to enjoying the holidays more than Hermione probably would have liked. She would probably be scolding them for not spending more time in the library by this point of the Holiday Break.

"Like she's looking while she's with her parents! Honestly. If it meant that much to her she should have stayed for the holiday as well," Naruko huffed when Harry mentioned this a couple of times, even if she didn't really mean her words.

It seemed her jealousy along with her loneliness were coming out a lot more and he wasn't sure about this development in her. He even took to giving her more hugs thinking it would help, since that was something Naruko usual did plenty with them all. Ron would just look at them a little oddly for a moment when they were like this, but it would pass quickly and he seemed to have come up with some explanation for it all.

Naruko gave a sigh as Harry again hugged her quickly. "I know it isn't fair to say that about her. I just miss everyone else and it kind of gets to me thinking about that. I know she would be upset we aren't spending the whole time looking, even though it was the holidays. She'd probably even say something about us not working hard enough," she said as she calmed down a little but was still upset.

"We are looking some. So, she wouldn't get too mad about it. I mean we have looked over the whole library apart from the restricted section by this point, I'm pretty sure," Ron said from where he was sitting. He was getting used to the way Naruko latched on extra to Harry so much over the holiday. He wondered what it was like, but he was kind of glad he wasn't the one being clung on to like that.

Harry got an idea from Ron's comment. "That's what I'll do! I'll check the restricted section. I'll use the cloak! I've been looking for a reason to finally use it," he said excitedly. He got many more gifts for Christmas than he thought he would get. His Favorites were his Weasley Family Sweater, a really nice picture frame Naruko got for his parents' photo, and an invisibility cloak that supposedly belonged to his father.

"Wicked!" Ron said. He looked like he was about to say something more, but Naruko spoke up next.

"Be careful, Harry. And be sure to tell us all about how cool the cloak is," she said with a smile. Harry was thankful here, since it seemed even Ron understood why she said that. Harry wanted to look for Flamel, but he wanted his first time under the cloak to be on his own. It was his family heirloom.

"It is a Bloody Brilliant idea! You won't have to worry about Filch or any one else seeing you. You can stay as long as you want!" Ron said feeling excited about the plan. Harry nodded and grinned in a way that might give Naruko a run for her money.

{-} {-} {-}

Harry felt complete freedom under the cloak. He could move unseen. He didn't have to worry about lights in the hallways or slipping into shadows when he thought he heard someone approaching. He was still careful though. He could be heard, but he picked up a thing or two on how to move quietly from the times they roamed the castle with Naruko leading them.

Harry actually kind of found himself wishing he hadn't decided to go alone after all. There was something he really liked about the idea of roaming the castle at night with Naruko under the cloak with him. It was confusing and even gave him strange dreams of such things. "No idea why she was naked in them though," Harry thought with a blush. He might have some ideas, but he ignored them.

The library was eerily quiet and dark when he got there. Madam Pence was very strict about noise level, but it was still odd being here like this. There weren't any lights on and no students attempting to be silent as they looked through books. He wasn't even here with Hermione or Naruko. It all felt more than a little wrong to him. "I really should have brought Naruko along," he thought.

Harry honestly never thought there would be a day he felt odd being alone like this. He now understood Naruko better. He understood why she was sitting with him in the common room so much more for the holiday break. He decided next outing he did with the cloak was going to be with Naruko. He guessed the one after that would be with Ron.

Harry looked over the shelves in the library's restricted section. He honestly had no idea where to start. He read several different titles, some of which were very disturbing, but none of them really seemed like a book where he would find Flamel's name. Harry decided to pick one out. It was a large book with black and silver binding. It was also heavy. "Just my luck… I pick out the bloody heaviest one there is," Harry grunted to himself.

When it finally came free, the book fell to the floor and opened to the middle. Sadly, for Harry that wretched Potter Luck came into play. He picked not only the heaviest book, but also a book that seemed it wanted to audition for a Hair Metal Band. It let out the loudest yell that would have only been acceptable with a metal band chorus playing to back it up.

Harry quickly threw on his cloak and ran as fast as he could. "Never coming here alone again! Nope. Only with Hermione or Naruko at the least!" Harry mentally scolded himself just as he rounded a corner right before Filch charged into the library. Harry, in his panic, quickly ran and then dived into a room. Not the best idea given his previous luck in such regard, but he wasn't on the third floor this time at least.

The room he picked was rather dusty with desks stacked along the walls and some moonlight coming through the windows. The feature that stood out the most, was a tall mirror in the middle of the room. It had the strangest inscription on it that he didn't even bother to try and make out. He was too busy staring in awe at what he saw in the reflection. He even quickly looked around a few times to be sure he was alone.

In the mirror, he saw people. Lots of people! Many had green eyes like his. Some had similar hair to his. He then gasped as he walked closer. He instantly recognized two figures standing by his side. "Mom… Dad?" he asked breathlessly. They nodded to him with happy tears in their eyes. They weren't just a photo here. They were seemingly standing next to him life size. Harry sniffed a little but smiled back to them as he continued to stare into the mirror.

{-} {-} {-}

Harry wasn't sure how long he spent looking at that mirror, but he was determined to go see it again. He wasn't sure what it did, but if it showed family members like he thought it did. There was only one person he could bring to show it to. "Naruko," Harry said after catching her on the way to breakfast.

"Yes?" she asked cheerfully.

"I want you to come with me tonight. There's something I want to show you and we'll use the cloak. It will be late though," Harry said.

Naruko looked to him and then smiled and nodded. She then grabbed his arm and smiled more as she said, "That means we can still enjoy breakfast together." She gave a happy hum as she dragged him with her. Harry was already used to this. There was a part of him that was going to miss this once everyone returned. He would still be happy when this ended. Naruko would no longer be feeling so lonely by then.

Ron, Harry and Naruko spent a good bit of time together that day, but during the afternoon Ron again went to spend time with his brothers. Harry and Naruko both encouraged this. They would spend all of the time they could with family if they had it.

Harry and Naruko were again sitting right in front of the fire place in the common room. Once more, Harry's arm was Naruko's and now he started to find himself aware of… things. Naruko was surprisingly soft in places on her body. She was also very warm. The school uniform suited her very well. She wore it most of the time but without the outer robe. Harry tried not to think on it all too much. He would be blushing if he did and other embarrassing things could happen.

There was one thing additionally on his mind though. "Naruko," he started.

"Mmmuuurraaahhh?" she acknowledged him with another of those ridiculously cute noises she made.

"How come you didn't go home for Christmas? You talk about your Jiji and Iruka-sensei and some others. The way you talk about being lonely, I figured you would have gone home as well," he asked.

Naruko was in thought as she looked into the flames. She nodded to herself and stood up. "Come with me," she said to him. Harry nodded and got up as well. She led the way out of the dorm and down the hall into an unused classroom.

"What's going on?" Harry asked as she motioned for him to sit down in a chair. She leaned on a desk in front of him.

"I'm about to tell you something very important, Harry. Something you can't tell anyone else. I do plan on telling Ron and Hermione soon enough, but at the right time and I want to do this one on one with them both as well. It will make sense when you hear what I say," she started.

Harry took in a deep breath. It seemed he found himself much deeper in something than he thought he would, but if Naruko wanted to tell him something this important. It was obvious he would listen to her.

Naruko took in a deep breath and let it out. "I'm not just a witch, Harry. I'm also a kunoichi," she started.

"What's a Kunoichi?" he asked.

"A female ninja," she answered.

"Ninjas are real?!" Harry asked in shock. Naruko nodded. "Wow…" Harry said in awe.

"You know how Diagon Alley is hidden?" she asked. Harry nodded. "How Hogwarts is hidden?" He nodded again. "There are lots of places hidden in the world. I come from a place like that. It is a place the size of a continent. Filled with several different ninja nations. It is almost like a world hidden within a world."

Harry was taking this in and was glad he was sitting down. Worlds within worlds? That was something he could only barely grasp because of how magic was real. There was no way he would stay standing after such a revelation.

"We progressed much differently than this world. Most people there have chakra instead of magic. My clan is an exception in that we have both. We usually come to Hogwarts to learn about magic, especially if we don't have someone who can teach it to us back home. I'm the last of my clan soooo, I came here. I also get to learn about my mom while being here so I really like it," Naruko said.

Harry mulled this over. "Why not go back to your home then?" he asked.

"I'm a solider, Harry. I go back home there is a chance I won't return, even if it is remote. I'm also kind of on a long-term mission while here as well. We check on things out here from time to time, but we mostly keep to ourselves. I'm also learning about this world and updating our information on it. I will return each summer and if I am specifically needed for something, but I am not going to unnecessarily risk my life by returning home each holiday and going on missions. So that is part of the reason why. I'm also kind of locked out a bit as well. I mean something could probably be done, but the way I go between here and my home is usually just open for summers," she explained.

"I do have friends and people I see as family back home, but going back before summer is reserved for emergencies. I may find a way to go back and forth more freely, but until then. I am here until summer," Naruko said giving a small smile to him.

"Wow…" Harry said. "I believe you, but that is really… wow…"

Naruko nodded, "I get it. You have to keep it a secret though. The teachers know where I'm from and my situation, but you are the only student apart from me. I will do what Hagrid kind of hinted my mom did. I will tell others, but only the people I'm closest too. That's you. Hermione-chan. And Ron for now. Though I don't know how they will handle it."

"That is still a lot to take in. It is rather unbelievable, even if I can sort of grasp it," Harry said.

Naruko got an idea. "I'll give you a demonstration. That kind of shows what can be done with Chakra." Naruko made a hand sign and said, "Henge no Jutsu!"

There was a puff of smoke and in place of Naruko now stood an ancient looking man with a really cool hat and white robes with a pipe in his mouth. The smoke cleared away again and Naruko was once more in front of him. She grinned. "That's called the transformation jutsu. It lets us take on the look of anyone we want. It usually has some flaws. Shadows don't exactly line up like they would and the feet can be a little… hazy? Not right or solid looking," she explained.

"That's really impressive!" Harry said.

"That's way I wasn't really impressed with Professor McGonagall's cat thing. I can change into any number of animals and have a few times. I've even turned into objects. Like so. Henge no Jutsu," she said.

There was a puff of smoke and in place of Naruko there was a large school pencil. Harry looked at it in awe and even picked it up and ran a finger along it. The pencil turned a little pink at one point, but Harry was too amazed at how it felt just like a real pencil and he rolled it between his fingers a little as well.

"Kyyyyuuuu!" the pencil suddenly shouted cutely while continuing to blush. Harry kept holding the pencil in shock and the pencil's blush darkened.

Harry then dropped it back on the table and threw his hands up. "Sorry!" he said in apology.

The pencil vanished and in its place was Naruko blushing and squirming a little. "I-I-It's okay…" she said in a much higher pitched voice than her usual. She wasn't prepared for that like she should have been. She wasn't going to say it, but while he felt a pencil. Harry was actually essentially rubbing her privates in that way when she started to blush. She didn't think he would pick her up so she didn't make it as carefully as she usually would.

"Qqqquuummm… Harrry…" she whined still blushing a little as she pouted a super cute Naruko pout. Her panties were ruined thanks to Harry's unintentional man handling of her body's naughty parts. It felt good though and she kind of wish she hadn't made a sound. That was the special kunoichi training coming into play. They were trained to be aware of and on guard, but never to shy away from certain things... It was a great tool to use as either a kunoichi or a ninja.

"I'm sorry…" he repeated and closed his eyes. He had no idea what happened, but it felt very inappropriate with the way she was acting.

"I need to get back to my dorm room for a bit," Naruko said quietly still blushing as she walked out holding herself a little strangely. She was way too wound up now.

Harry stayed in the room blushing still trying to absorb everything that happened. The Transformation Jutsu part was far too distracting though. Why couldn't he know these things? Whatever they were? He felt like he should have better understood what happened just then.

{-} {-} {-}

"Ready to go?" Harry asked Naruko. She had been very extra girly for the rest of the afternoon especially around Harry, but now she was focused.

"Yep," she said happily. "This is kind of exciting," she said with a grin.

Harry smiled and nodded. He then wrapped the cloak around them both and they vanished. "So cool! I mean I can stay unseen, but to actually turn invisible?" Naruko said quietly as Harry guided the way. He was blushing a little as he did so. He never really realized Naruko had such a wonderful scent before, but now she was right in front of him. He couldn't help but take in her scent and realize how soft and lovely her voluminous blonde twin tails were.

"It is something," Harry said. He hoped she didn't figure out he was distracted by her.

It wasn't long until they were in the room. "I don't know exactly what it does," Harry said as he took off the cloak and was thankful. He could inhale something other than Naruko's lovely scent. It really was too distracting for him under the cloak. "I just know it was something I think you would really like. I have a theory, but I'm not sure. So, go ahead and look, Naruko. Then tell me what you see. I saw my parents," Harry explained to her.

Naruko felt a little nervous for some reason. She essentially dragged Harry up with her to the mirror holding on to him. Harry didn't complain though and just went with it. She looked in the mirror after a moment and gasped as her beautiful blue eyes shined. She gave a happy sniff as she nodded at it. "It isn't something that shows parents, Harry. But it does make me feel happy. It shows me as everything I want to be. Surrounded by my important people and wearing the cool hat on my head. It shows me what makes me the happiest. My goal!" she said.

She then pulled Harry closer and she hugged him and even kissed him on his cheek in thanks. She smiled as she said, "Thank you, Harry! This makes me even more determined to achieve my life's goal!"

Harry blushed as she continued to smile at the mirror a little more and hold him closely. "I don't get it though… It shows you the future you want. That isn't what it showed me," he started.

Naruko's eyes widened and then she gave him a different smile. This one was less super happy and more caring and loving for him. "It shows you, your family. That's what you want the most. But it could be your future too. It could be your goal," she said.

"How?! My parents are dead. Just like yours," he said. If it was anyone else he was saying that too, it might have been received badly. Luckily for him Naruko had already pretty much come to terms with her dead parents, even if it did still hurt a little.

"You can still have a family of your own. You can have a large family additionally as well. Family doesn't have to be by blood only. Precious people and friends can also be family," Naruko said holding him close to her. She was taking comfort in someone else being there with her. That she wasn't alone.

Harry thought about that. He started to smile. He then looked into the mirror again. It was different this time. His parents were still there, but there were so many more people clear now. It showed him standing by an older Naruko, who was really hot. She was holding on to him the same way the real Naruko was holding on to him currently. He saw himself as older and there were kids all around them. Hermione and Ron and more people were around as well. All of the people were smiling or clasping a hand on his shoulder. Harry liked this new vision. Like Naruko said. It was something to aim for. Something he could strive to get. A goal.

"That is very perceptive of you, Miss Uzumaki," a kind voice said. Harry and Naruko both looked to a corner of the room.

"Professor Dumbledore?" they both asked.

He gave a kind-hearted chuckle. Professor Dumbledore was sitting on a desk. He stood up and walked over to them both. Naruko was still holding Harry, though not as tightly.

"True enough. Still, it seems you, like your mother Miss Uzumaki, have a wisdom beyond your years. A wisdom that had less to do with her lifestyle and was just a part of who she was," he said kindly.

"I already told Harry I'm a kunoichi earlier today. You don't have to talk around it," Naruko said smiling as Harry nodded. He was still surprised to see the headmaster here.

"It is good to see you are already forming bonds with others to the point you feel you can trust them with such information. Your mother had a few she trusted with such information. It is a shame she, like so many others, died before their time," Professor Dumbledore said while looking into the mirror for a moment with a sad smile.

"What does this mirror do?" Harry asked.

"The happiest person in the world would use it as a normal mirror. It shows us what our heart desires most. It is something that can lead one to wasting away in front of it for days or even years. It is also something that can show us our path. Our goals. Remind us of what we need to work on accomplishing," Dumbledore said.

"I show not your face, but your heart's desire," Harry read as he looked at the inscription again.

"Good job, Mr. Potter. As I am sure you are now aware of as well, judging from how you reacted to Miss Uzumaki's words, what the mirror shows us can change," he said turning to them.

"What do you s—" Harry almost asked.

"Harry…" Naruko said to him imploringly.

Harry blushed a little and scratched the back of his head nervously. "Sorry, Professor Dumbledore. I shouldn't have asked such a question," he said.

Naruko gave a small smile as she added, "He's still learning tact. I may not be the best teacher, but I can at least try to help him learn from my own mistakes."

Professor Dumbledore gave a chuckle. "There is nothing to forgive," he said. He then looked them over again. "You two really do share a lot in common. Both of you have a similar past. Both of you look a lot like your fathers, and from what I have heard, share your mothers' personalities," he said.

"You knew my father?!" Naruko asked as her grip on Harry tightened anew.

"Forgive me Hiruzen, but I think you don't realize how ready she is to know," Dumbledore thought. "I did know him in passing. Your mother brought him here a couple of times to visit. You know him as well, Naruko. Though only until now, as the Fourth Hokage. Minato Namikaze very much loved Kushina Uzumaki and you look exactly like a younger female version of him," he said. He watched to see her reaction.

She sniffed happily and held on tighter to Harry. "So much makes sense now… I wish they told me, but I get it," she said. She then came over and quickly gave Professor Dumbledore a hug catching him off guard. She backed up and smiled as she said, "Sorry… I didn't know how else to thank you for that."

"It is alright," he said with a kind smile.

"I still don't get why Jiji didn't tell me sooner… I mean understand to a point but…" she trailed off with a thoughtful frown.

"Sometimes it is most difficult for us to realize how much those we care about the most have changed or grown. Even more so for those of us with an ancient disposition," he ended with a chuckle.

"I'm happy for you, Naruko," Harry whispered to her. She hugged him again and he returned it.

"Well. It has been a long day I get the feeling. I will be moving the mirror, so don't come back to look for it. Remember the goals it showed each of you and work towards them. Even those that understand the mirror and what it does, can still fall victim to its siren song," Professor Dumbledore said as he examined the mirror with a more critical eye.

"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," Naruko said again as they left.

"Yes. Thank you, sir," Harry replied as well before closing the door behind them. It was good Naruko finally knew the names of both her parents.

"As much as I loved the gifts everyone gave me…" she said with a happy smiled as tears of happiness streaked down her face. "I think Professor Dumbledore gave me the best Christmas Gift, even if it was after Christmas Day."

Harry smiled and nodded to her in agreement as they made their way back to Gryffindor.

{-} {-} {-}

"I'm beginning to wonder if maybe Flamel is actually some kind of funny nickname or something," Ron grumbled as he put down another book. The group had started to try and work more on finding the mysterious man after the whole mirror thing.

Harry did use the cloak again, but that time it was with Ron so his friend could experience what it was like. The boys made a bit of a game of tailing Percy one night when he excused himself in a rather odd manner. Prefects weren't required to patrol during the holidays and Percy wasn't just taking it upon himself to do so anyways. However, Peevees knocked over a suit of armor near them with a cackle and then disappeared. It was too close of a call for them and so they left without finding out what Percy was up to in the end.

"I hear you there, Ron. I say we call it quits. Maybe Hermione can come up with a new approach when she gets back," Harry said.

"I'm half tempted to tell her she has to go a week or two searching on her own. You know. To make up for not doing it over the break," Naruko said with a Humph sound and a toss of a twintail.

"You do realize that isn't exactly something she would see as a punishment, right? She'd probably have that gleam in her eyes she has when finding a new book or something. We'd never hear from her again," Ron said.

"Okay… Fine," Naruko grumbled. Naruko was feeling even more upset and lonely as the break continued. Both Ron and Harry had taken it upon themselves to try and get her off such thoughts and reign her in a little bit. They did so with different tactics.

"I'm still not going to let her off easily… I know she has family and all, but she still left," Naruko said with a pout.

Harry and Ron were both very sure when Hermione did return Naruko would latch on to her and not let go for at least a day. They however did not say this, because they did not want to incur the wrath of Naruko Uzumaki. Harry especially didn't after learning she was a Kunoichi.

"Pity the Restricted Section is a no-go, even with the cloak," Ron said with a frown. He did not want to mess with books that literally yelled at you.

"Do you two want to take a break?" Harry asked. Both of his friends enthusiastically nodded in agreement. They were all getting tired of the library.

"The way things are going… I wouldn't be surprised if we found some secret undiscovered part of the library. I feel like that would be the only way we could actually find books that I wouldn't swear we already looked through multiple times.

Naruko gave a chuckle. "It wouldn't be so bad if it was a naughty section," she said grinning.

Harry blinked at her. Ron stared for a moment and blushed a little at the thought. "Where did this idea come from?" Harry asked.

"Oh, come on… Surely even you can't believe the wizarding world isn't filled with those kinds of spells. I bet there is either an official or an unofficial section like that here somewhere," Naruko said.

Harry was in thought for a moment.

Ron then said, "I wouldn't mind that… Still tired of this place though. I bet it is about time to eat." Just then both his stomach and Naruko's growled. Harry chuckled as the two blushed before they laughed as well.

"Let's get out of here," Naruko said. She then led the way out quickly. It actually was about time to eat. They still had some more time to go before the holidays ended, but the three friends doubted there would be much progress on the Flamel front in that time.


A/N: I feel I should clarify what I mean about there not being romance until end of third or fourth year. That does not mean there won't be crushing and other thoughts regarding the other. It means they won't actually have a romantic relationship until then, meaning being boyfriend and girlfriend.

I also figured I would go ahead and mention this here since it is something I thought too good to not mention. It will take some time though and maybe I can get a feel for what people think about it. I am thinking it will take place end of fourth or fifth year most likely. That can change, but I will have to see how the story progresses.

Anyways. I was exchanging PMs with TrenchcoatMan and he mentioned it would be good to have all of the magic around Hogwarts eventually effect Naruko's seal. The idea I really liked from this he mentioned was Naruko's parents becoming ghosts due to their chakra imprints in the seal. I think I like that idea a good bit. It will be fun. I will just have to figure out how restricted they would be. Hogwarts only? Magical World only? Going to Konoha (keep in mind this isn't going to be a rant fic to punish the civilians)? This is all just thought at the moment.

Another thing I am considering, and if anyone has actual ideas on the matter they can share if they wish, is pairings for Hermione and Ron. I am not a fan of Ron and Hermione being together, but that doesn't ruin the series for me. I just don't like it. Ron gets too jealous easily and having an overachiever like Hermione around him all the time would not be healthy or good. His jealousy is really bad, he did leave them in the middle of the Horcrux hunt after all and I don't believe the excuse of it being the locket's fault. I think they would both be better off with someone else and I am not trying to start any fights here. I also won't be doing anything like Ron bashing or what not. He will get called out for his jealousy when it happens, but that would be about it. I don't hate Ron. I just don't like him with Hermione in the end.

I am thinking of people for them to pair with in the story. They will both be straight, even if Naruko is a strange exception for Hermione lol, but their pairings can be either magicals or ninjas. I have some ideas, but I am not fully sure about them at all. I would prefer more well-known ninja from Naruto such as the Konoha 11, or people around them a decent amount before the whole 4th shinobi war.

Sorry for the long Author's note and the small rant about Ron and Hermione. Now to the next chapter!