*Happiness and Grief*
Jamie descended from the stairs that to the dorms. She looked around for her team only to spot most of them standing together near the statue of their patron founder. Only her keeper and Saeko were missing. Looking for her missing members she spotted the young beater sitting next to her friends, chatting happily. Jamie approached the second years "Good morning."
The girls replied in the same manner, Saeko adding her customary taichō. "Are you going to sit with the team for the game or your friends?"
Before the ninja could answer Ashley smirked "Sorry captain. Lover girl here has a date."
Jamie arched her eyebrow and said teasingly "Really now? Who's the lucky gal?"
"It's not really a date. I'm just meeting a girl I may or may not be interested in, and her friends, to cheer her House Team on" Saeko said airily.
"A Hufflepuff then!" the platinum blonde smirked and nodded towards the yellow scarf.
Helena was quick to reply in her friend's stead "Indeed. A third year. She won't tell us the name. As if we couldn't find out the moment we step onto the stands."
"That's not the point. Right now I'm just getting to know her and I'm going to enjoy a nice Sunday and a quidditch match" the scarred kunoichi replied.
Jamie and the girls hummed knowingly with a glint in their eyes – it almost looked rehearsed. Saeko stood up and brushed of speck of imaginary dust from her uniform and said neutrally "Now if you excuse me, I'm off."
"To collect your date?" Helena smirked.
When Saeko made no motion to reply Jamie spoke up "Well, good luck with your wooing. Now please pay attention not only to your gal but also the match. We have already seen the Gryffs play, but observe anyway. With all the fuss that is around the team now we need to win."
"Aye aye captain!" the Uchiha saluted and proudly went through the passage that led from the common room.
X
Saeko made her way through the stands full of yellow-clad students. She spotted her target few rows down and smiled. "Ohayō Faito-san!" Saeko sing-songed and clapped her friend on her back.
Faith jumped, startled by the sudden appearance behind her, but smiling anyway "Hey, Saeko. Glad you could make it."
"Faith! You didn't say your friend was the Ravenclaw beater!" said the petite blonde next to Faith.
The brunette just shrugged and scooted over so that Saeko could sit next to her. Looking the Raven over she nodded appreciatively "Badger colors. You could use some face-paint but I'll take it."
"Why thank you, Faith," the ninja smirked, "I believe some introductions are in order?"
"Yes, of course. Saeko please meet Serena, Abby and Sofia. Oh also Lucas and Greg" the brunette introduced her friends who waved in turn.
Saeko smiled "Nice to meet you all."
"Helooo?" said the petite blonde from before, Serena, as she waved her hand before Faith, "My question?"
"You didn't ask any" the Faith smirked
Serena rolled her eyes "It was implied. How do you two know each other? And why didn't you tell?"
"The library, where else to meet a Ravenclaw" the brunette replied and her housemates chuckled.
The Uchiha shrugged "What can I say, I do my House proud. As do you – you really went all out for this game."
The group grinned. All of them were wearing yellow jumpers with a black badger on their chest, black scarves, gloves and hats. The boys and Sofia had their face painted. Faith had her lips painted vivid yellow, same as the other girls. "Yep. But wait for our game with the Snakes, we have a banner ready for that one" Sofia boasted.
"Really? Just for the Snakes?" the ninja asked, interested.
"Lucas here is quite the artist – he drew an amazing badger that's eating a snake" Abby said as she looked all starry-eyed at the boy in question. The boy blushed at the praise.
The Puffs and the lone Ravenclaw between them continued talking until the commentator announced the game and presented the players. As the yellow-clad players made a lap around the pitch Saeko had to chuckle at the noise level all around her – the Hufflepuff really were all about House unity.
"Madame Hooch has released the quaffle and THE GAME IS ON ladies and gentlemen!" the commentator, another Badger, said for all the arena to hear.
The game was fast and quite wild but also very close – the chasers were nearly tied with their goals. It looked like it would come down to the seekers who were furiously searching for the elusive golden snitch.
"… and Cadman saves another one! Great job Cadman! Quaffle goes to, wait, forget that – it looks like White has seen the snitch! Fraiser is right behind him. It's the real deal, come on Fraiser!"
Despite the yellow sea encouraging their seeker to fly faster it was Leon White who ultimately caught the snitch and ended the game in Gryffindor's favour. The final score was 140 to 260.
Saeko didn't dare to make a comment since her companions were silent, their disappointment quite evident. Then as one they began talking, discussing the match and making their displeasure clear. The relieved kunoichi joined up.
Serena summed it up "Uchiha's scorned lover was just better. Well, I'm sure his brand new broom helped." The girl in question rolled her eyes as the group chuckled.
The group gathered their things and made its way out of the stands, still chatting and grumpily observing the celebrating Gryffindors. Greg and Lucas were making plans for Exploding Snap back at Hufflepuff common room when Faith spoke up "Sounds good but I'm going to take a walk to cool off. Saeko, wanna come with?"
The scarred kunoichi was impressed by her boldness and her poker-face despite her friend's amused and shocked faces. "Sure" she replied. Saeko and Faith took off together, not waiting for verbal reactions from the Hufflepuffs.
When they were out of earshot Faith said with a sigh "I'll never hear the end of this from them."
"Probably" Saeko snickered as she heard Lucas wolf-whistle.
Faith looked at the taller girl "It did come out kinda wrong. We just didn't have the time to talk at all during the match." Saeko smiled, quite happy how the things took a more date-like turn.
The girls spent the next hour walking around the lake, talking.
X
Ravenclaw Tower
The kunoichi entered her Common Room in a very good mood.
"Saeko, over here!" Ashley called from her favorite seat near the window. The Uchiha was not surprised at all and ready to face the music. She made her way to her friend that was far from alone.
"Hey. How did you like the match? It's a shame the Puffs didn't win, it would give us an advantage in the Cup" the raven-haired teen said while dragging a nearby chair towards the group.
Jamie nodded "Yeah. It was a good match though. We already discussed the Gryffs with the team but nothing much has changed. I'll be briefing everyone during our next practice anyway so you didn't miss much."
"Hey hey hey! That's sooo not what we are going to talk about" Ashley spoke up.
Helena, who for once had her book of the moment closed, smirked "She's right. You do know you are not getting out of this."
Saeko gave them an innocent look, full of false confusion. Caitlin wouldn't have it "Come on, we want details. I asked my roomie – the girl you were sitting with is Faith Brennan, third year, Hufflepuff house. She's in runes and…?"
The ninja was impressed "Wow, did you do a background check on her too?"
Jamie was the one to answer "Nah, but you must know that teenage girls love to gossip. Oh, and by the way Jared says, and I quote, 'Damn, she's hot. Nice going partner'"
"Yeah, it was noticed she is quite… grown up" Ashley said as she looked down on her chest with a frown.
The quidditch captain smirked "I think the word you were looking for is 'busty'. At least soon-to-be busty."
Saeko hummed "She did look adorable in full Hufflepuff regalia, did she not?"
The blonde chaser laughed "Yeah, the only thing she and her friends didn't have was a banner proclaiming their undying love to their House team."
"Maybe next time" the kunoichi grinned.
"So what did you do after the match?" Ashley asked eagerly.
The Uchiha leaned back on her chair with a smile "We went for a walk, we talked a bit. Nothing major."
At this the girls were disappointed, even Helena. Only Jamie teased, still smirking "Ooh, not even a comforting hug that her beloved team lost the match so closely?"
The girls perked up. Saeko smiled softly "Maybe. Now, could you please drop it?"
"Okay, but one last question – will you be meeting again?" Caitlin asked.
Saeko nodded, her smile still in place. Jamie winked at her teammate "Excellent. Now, please excuse me, I have homework to do."
When the older-year took off Helena turned back to her friend "Just so you know we weren't the only ones to notice you with her."
"As long as they will not make a big deal out of it like the mess with White, it'll be okay. Or at least I hope. We are not dating – I would say she is curious but not uninterested. We will see where it goes" the brunette sighed.
Ashley was confused "Really? You asked her out without knowing she might not like girls the way you do?"
"What, you think I have some mystical power of Gaydar?" the scarred girl chuckled, "Of course I asked her, how else that would be determined?"
The smaller brunette rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly "Oh, sorry, that makes sense."
Helena smiled at the ninja "She seems nice, I hope it goes well – we live vicariously through you afterall."
Saeko chuckled.
Ashley and Saeko's Room
The girls were in their room, reading, with Helena, who could barely stand her roommate and was right at home. Caitlin was with them – since there was an odd number of girls in their year she was rooming with an older-year and she and her friends were having a study group there.
Suddenly they heard a gentle tap on the window. Saeko stood up and let a one of her brother's crows in with slight trepidation.
"You got mail?" the blonde pureblood asked.
Caitlin arched her eyebrow "I have been meaning to ask - why ravens?"
"Crows" replied the rest of the girls in unison. It was far from the first time they had to answer that particular question.
The Irish girl rolled her eyes "Why crows then?"
"Just because" the ninja smirked as she went to unseal some raw meat for the bird. "Just as well I could ask why owls."
"Fair point" Caitlin acknowledged and returned to her book.
Saeko murmured thanks to the summon and gave her a treat. She took the scroll and sat on her bed to open it. The crow did not wait and flew right back into the night.
The scroll contained two seals – one for the letter and one for a package. Saeko's eyes lit up at the thought of a gift but she decided to open that when she was alone. She channeled chakra into the first seal and several papers poofed right into her hands.
The first letter was from her brother – Itachi was on a mission when they were supposed to meet. His letter was short but one piece of information stood out – Tsunade. During one of his Orochimaru missions he met the fabled medic. It seems that the meeting gave him and the Hokage an idea because he sent Jiraiya, along with Naruto, to try to retrieve the Senju to look over the potions and healing spells Saeko brought to Konoha. The Uchiha grinned as she read – having Tsunade in her corner would be a huge bonus when she went for Hokage. Naruto might get to meet her first but if she is supposed to go over her work… But the Senju and the Uchiha were notorious enemies… On the other hand… Bah, she'll have to wait for more information.
The next letter made her smile – Neji's teammates were promoted and they completed several high-level missions with the Hyuuga as their leader. Also he and Hiashi were training together. All in all he seemed happy.
She opened the next letter, also from a Hyuuga. Saeko smiled that her sensei from her genin days had thought to write her. The smile turned into a frown fast. Saeko sighed as she folded the letter back up. Ashley noticed the change in her friend "Bad news?"
"An old teammate of mine died" Saeko sighed. Her Uchiha mask was still in place but she was distraught.
"Oh my god!" Caitlin and Ashley gasped. Helena was more distinguished about it but was clearly shocked as well.
Saeko nodded "Shintani Sakuya. Older than me, a first generation shinobi but very good. A swordsman. Funny guy. Such a shame"
The British brunette shook her head in disbelief "You seem so blasé about it!"
The scarred kunoichi looked her friends in the eye "He was a soldier, he knew the risks. I'm sad and pissed but an Uchiha has to be composed at all times."
"I can't believe you! The only think that was missing in that statement was 'meh, it's the cycle of life'" Ashley shrieked. Since the jounin didn't react the musician shook her head and exited the room with a slam of the door.
The two Brits sat in awkward silence. Finally Caitlin spoke "She is kinda right, you know."
"Your statement did seem a tad bit cold" Helena agreed with the Irish gal.
Saeko shrugged "I apologize, but it is how I said. Besides he is not the first soldier I knew that died. And he will not be the last."
Helena nodded in acceptance. She was unsure how to feel about her friend's pragmatism but ultimately it made sense. Caitlin knew little about Saeko and her life in Konoha so she was more disturbed. The kunoichi noticed "My family is military as well, you know. My parents died too, as did my grandparents. I could go on. I'm sad but we learned to cope with death long ago."
Caitlin nodded "I think I understand. Ashley will too, don't worry."
The raven-haired teen gave a tight smile and returned to her mail, hoping for no more bad news. Finally she selected Naruto's letter, the blond made her smile more often than not. She was not disappointed – from what she could read she looked forward to see the blond's interacting with his mentor 'ero-sennin'.
Saeko read all the letters except one which she purposely left for last. It seemed Yuuko had overheard Ino and Shika talking about the Uchiha and writing letters to her. The letter made her grin. It was obvious the blonde had close interaction with Anko at the T&I. She enjoyed the flirtatious tone and she used her wand to summon quill and parchment to reply in kind.
Not much later Helena deemed it was quite late and bid the two girls goodnight. Caitlin got up when the blonde did and she too exited the room with a smile and wave. When both Brits were gone Saeko opened the package her brother sent her. She was delighted to see four books which were quite obviously been bought in Knockturn Alley or from some less reputable bookshop.
"Arigatō Nii-san" Saeko smiled.
X
Next Morning
Saeko woke up early. She went to sleep not long after her friends excused themselves, only skimming her newly arrived books. The ninja decided to give Ashley space – this way she could enter the room without any interaction.
Her roommate was still asleep when the raven-haired teen finished her morning routine. With one last check in the mirror Saeko picked up her sealed supplies and double checked her weapons. She was almost out the door when she heard a sleepy "Good morning."
The ninja turned and smiled "Ohayō Ash."
The smaller brunette sat up on her bed and rubbed her eyes "After I wake up more, can I talk to you? I wanted to apologize."
"There is no need" the Uchiha smiled, glad her friend was ok with her.
"No it's not. You told me you were a soldier – it was always so abstract a concept, but yesterday… Well, I understand. Also for the first time I realized that you could die on your job" Ashley explained.
Saeko sat down on her bed "I'm always careful, but yes it's possible. But believe me I'm not going down before I achieve my dream and become Hokage."
The british girl nodded weakly "That's good to know. Also there is one other thing." The Uchiha nodded in encouragement, already knowing the question. "Have you ever killed anybody?"
"Yes" Saeko exhaled, "I have. I am a shinobi."
Ashley gulped "I thought so." After few seconds of silence she spoke up once more "Does it make me a bad friend that I just want to pretend you are not?"
"No, it makes you human. It makes you a civilian, an innocent who never had to face war" the ninja said solemnly.
The other girl just nodded and got up. Saeko gave her a tight smile, understanding - forgetting about it may be the best way to go. She just hoped that Jiraiya's intel about Voldemort was incorrect.