AN: I wanted to publish this the first of september buuuut I will be very busy the first week in so here you go. It´s on the short side but it felt like a good introduction to just leave it there.
*The Lightening Strikes*
Hogwarts Express
"Can't believe we are already in our fourth year" Daniel said to the kunoichi as they waited for the rest of the group to arrive.
Saeko had to agree, time did move quite fast, and it was better spent than she anticipated "True, finally we will pass onto more advanced magic."
"Officially you mean" the bespectacled boy winked.
"Naturally," the Uchiha smirked, "like any Ravenclaw worth its salt would be content with the pace the staff has set."
Daniel chuckled "There have to be rules in place, we can't have the Gryffs hurting themselves."
Both Ravens laughed tad maliciously. But to be objective Saeko had to mention "That said, most of our Hoses' injuries are related to going too fast and wanting to experiment."
"Yeah" the Brit nodded, "but that still sounds better than being injured because he or she didn't read the instructions properly or just wanted to find a shortcut to do less work."
"But that is how discoveries are made" the ninja countered.
"Yeah, but corpses too" Daniel shrugged.
"Corpses? What the hell are you two talking about?" Caitlin said from the entrance to the compartment, "Never mind, I'm better off not knowing. Did you get it?"
"Get what?" both residents asked.
Caitlin squealed as her eyes zeroed to the front of Saeko's robes "You did!"
Saeko cleared her throat "I'm flattered you are interested in my tits but this is rather sudden."
"You wish," the red-head rolled her eyes, "I knew it! They made you captain, congratulations!"
Daniel noticed the badge as well "Indeed, you'll make a good captain."
"Thanks" Saeko grinned.
Caitlin put her hand around the ninja's shoulders and her voice grew colder, her eyes narrowed "I'm sure under your leadership the Eagles will win again, right?"
Saeko was actually impressed "Of course, I do everything at one hundred percent."
"Sweet!"
The trio talked about quidditch, a discussion Graham eagerly joined when he arrived.
The next to arrive were Ashley and Peter. The girl was more exuberant than usual, a clear contrast to Peter who just sullenly waved.
"Who kicked your puppy?" Graham asked his friend.
Peter just shrugged and sat down. Ashley just rolled her eyes "He's been this way most of the summer. Don't know why, we have met some new cool friends."
"Yeah, awesome. Also you might not know it since she has her uniform on but is, hmm who did she put it, ah, punk-rockin it now" Peter explained.
"I don't know what that means" Saeko ventured.
"Don't ask, you'll see. Just wait when she dyes her hair, now she doesn't have a mum around to put a stop to it" the boy warned.
Ashley huffed "Even Jeff says I would've looked great with pink hair."
"Who's Jeff?" Caitlin asked eagerly.
"Her boyfriend" was Peter's brooding reply.
"Ooooh" the group chorused and nodded in realization.
The small brunette smiled widely and nodded. She immediately started talking about her new muggle boyfriend she had met that summer.
Seeing Peter grow from annoyed to pissed Saeko thought about being a good friend and change the topic. When it was appropriate she said chipperly "Hey, did you hear that Harry Potter is coming to Hogwarts this year?"
The change was successful and everybody began discussing the fabled Boy-Who-Lived. Saeko smiled in satisfaction but resolved to talk about his Jeff at length when they retired to their rooms. And with Peter as well, maybe now he will finally realize he likes his childhood friend. The Uchiha was not a huge romantic but she was sure those two would get together in the end.
"Which House he will get sorted into?" Daniel mused as the group still talked about Potter.
Helena whipped up her betting book.
Saeko wasn't really interested in speculations, she already had some information on the boy and the rest she would find out shortly, her mission demanded it.
Plus she just had a feeling Potter would somehow get involved with that parcour Dumbledore cooked up to protect the Stone. When the Headmaster informed her about it Saeko had to keep her Uchiha face but otherwise she would've pursed her lips in annoyance - housing a treasure in a castle full of children and teenagers was not the wisest of ideas. Especially it was meant to be bait. While the real deal was safe under the Fidelius the students could still get caught up with the thief. And they would, Saeko would bet on it.
But hey, not really her concern as long as her charge stays out of it.
Saeko sighed, The-Boy-Who-Lived will definitely be involved, Naruto called it the 'main character effect'. True, he was talking about himself and his propensity for trouble no matter the rank of the mission, but it could be applied, especially with a silly title like that. The-Boy-Who-Lived was practically a dare.
And someone would accept sooner or later.
Gryffindor Tower
"I hate being a clone" Saeko's Kage Bushin (Saeko) grumbled as she was stuck on the ceiling before the entrance to the Gryffindors Common Room, waiting for a scrawny eleven-year-old.
Harry Potter and his red-headed pal finally climbed out of the portrait and made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast. Saeko noiselessly followed in the shadows up on the walls, thanking Kami it was Sunday already. Next week the boss will be sending a summon to tail Potter instead.
"Ok, what do we have so far" Saeko ran through the mental list of friends and enemies she compiled for the shy little boy during the week, "Potter is friends with Weasley, which means adding the twins and the insufferable Gryffindor prefect. Granger seemed eager to get their attention – mostly due to being not able to bond with the girls, she's clean. Otherwise there is not much bonding with his dorm mates, only Longbottom has potential."
"On the other hand Potter struck some kind of rivalry with the Heir Malfoy - he's a little prat but he clearly didn't get any harmful instructions from his father. Yet. She would need to monitor that. Oh and she would need to ask what is the deal with Snape."
"Other professors seem impartial, McGonagall has a soft spot but it won't interfere with his treatment. Quirrell is funky, but Boss already noted that."
"Hagrid is on the friend's list as well. I was told the half-giant was friends with Harry's parents. He's clean as well. Let's just hope Hagrid's pets won't eat him."
As Potter ate his breakfast (beans on toast, ugh) Saeko surveyed the Great Hall. The-Boy-Who-Lived was still a novelty and his many fans still stole a look at him here and there. Actually respectful fans, just staring at him, that was a welcome novelty as well.
Saeko was getting bored. This is exactly the reason why she specialized in fire jutsu, no scout missions. If your mission was to blow someone up into smithereens there was no need for subtlety and waiting around. She could of course, but she preferred making an impression.
Only a few hours and she could report to the Boss so in turn she could meet up with the Headmaster. Saeko suppressed a groan "Come on Potter, do something funny."
Her prayers went unanswered.
X
At the same time
Saeko felt her clone's chakra and her eyes traveled to Harry Potter. The boy exceeded her expectations, she was half-dreading he would be the second coming of Naruto. This specimen was much, much, much calmer. Thank Kami!
She had already asked Skygge to be the more permanent guard and spy. She was perfect, excellent at blending in the shadows and the most patient being the Uchiha has ever encountered. Skygge and some of the other smaller ravens had agreed to rotate shifts, they didn't even grumble much.
When the ninja returned her attention to breakfast she found Caitlin glaring at an older year. The red-head noticed "I still can't believe that cow was made prefect."
Ashley rolled her eyes "So you said already. You don't like your roomie's BFF, she stole your shirt and she reads Twilight. We hate her too as any good friend should. What I can't believe is Quirrell for DADA."
"Yeah, me too" Daniel chimed in, "We had all those ball-busters and now this loser. How can a bumbling fool teach us such an important subject!"
Helena tapped her chin in thought "When he taught Muggle Studies last year he was ok, he didn't stutter for one. I wonder what made him change subjects. And his behavior I guess."
"Why should I care if he encountered some sort of trauma, he's a teacher – he either teaches or he's out" Daniel said resolutely.
"Harsh" Graham commented, he rather liked the teacher last year. Well, not now obviously.
Paddy shrugged "But true. I'd rather have a competent teacher. Pity Deirdre had to leave."
Saeko nodded vigorously "She was definitely better in all aspects."
"Especially in the looks department" Graham murmured.
"Amen" Paddy said and Saeko nodded with a smirk.
"Pigs" Ashley summed it up.
The pigs in question shrugged unashamedly.
With their breakfast eaten, the majority of the group made their way back to the Ravenclaw Tower. Saeko split up with her friends just atop the stairs and went to meet Flitwick. She had already met with Madame Hooch the day before yesterday but she still wanted to go over some details about her new position as Quidditch Captain. And, most importantly, to get her password for the prefect's bathroom.
"Saeko!" a voice made her stop.
The ninja turned and smiled warmly at her fellow beater "Hey Jared. I was just going to Flitwick about the team."
"Oh. I won't keep you then, I just wanted to ask if you already decided when to hold trials"
The Uchiha paused "I wanted to ask the Team about their schedule and some other things once everyone got used to school again. I have a meeting with Dumbledore this evening about a personal matter but I have no idea how long that will take. But still, could you and the guys wait for me in the Common Room later this evening?"
"Sure, sounds good" Jared nodded, "I'll tell them."
Saeko smiled "Dōmo."
"Dōitashimashite" the Brit proclaimed proudly.
The ninja clapped "Very good!"
Jared grinned "See you this evening then."
The two beaters waved in goodbye and went their separate ways. Saeko closed the distance to the Head of House' office and knocked with a smile. She actually liked going to this office – Flitwick was pleasant company, even when she tried to mooch new spells, and he served surprisingly good tea. Sometimes even cookies.
"Come in Miss Uchiha. Tea?"
"Oh yes please."
