Chapter 15: Naruko's First Detention!
"What do we do?" Naruko asked as she sipped the tea Hagrid served her.
"I'm not rightly sure. Do we call it off?" Hagrid asked.
"I'd rather not. If it wasn't for the arrangements we made, that wouldn't be a problem," Naruko said with a worried frown.
They were in a bit of a quandary. Hagrid mentioned to Naruko something was hunting down unicorns in the Forbidden Forest. This was what he wanted her help with. Hagrid might have been a bit apprehensive if she wasn't already an experienced Kunoichi, but he agreed it would be a good idea. It would also give her some good experience.
He made arrangements via letters with Sarutobi to make it a mission. This was why Naruko didn't want to call it off. It would have to be marked as a failed mission, which wouldn't look good on her record. It was also her first solo C-Rank mission.
It was close to being a B-Rank mission, but they didn't have enough information to know for sure. Instead, Dumbledore and Sarutobi decided to make it a high-end C-Rank mission. The Forbidden Forest was dangerous and there was a very remote possibility a dark wizard could be involved, but that was unlikely.
The problem they faced was due to Professor McGonagall's unintentional interference. When Harry, Hermione and Naruko smuggled Norbert out of the castle, they weren't caught. The plan Naruko set up with her clones saved them a lot of trouble. Ron told them all about it the next morning at breakfast. It seemed to have been even more fortuitous Ron stayed behind. He made it more believable they weren't up to anything.
The four of them didn't get in trouble. However, that wasn't the case for someone else. Draco had detention for being out of bed that night. Something they all agreed Blonde Sasuke deserved for going to McGonagall and hoping to see them get in trouble. Unfortunately, Neville was also in trouble.
Neville heard about Draco's plan. He wasn't aware they already planned for any potential problems. He tried to find and warn them about Draco. He ended up with detention for his efforts. The four friends felt bad about this, especially because Neville really helped them out at Halloween.
The two boys would be serving detention the night Hagrid already planned to search for what was killing unicorns with Naruko's help. They couldn't just reschedule given how serious of a matter this was. Naruko was more determined to go through with it. Hagrid wasn't shy how it could be dangerous. She wanted to be there to make sure nothing bad happened to Neville.
Naruko hummed in thought and gave a grin. "I'll just get detention! We'll explain to McGonagall what's going on and come up with a plan to get me in detention too. I won't get a failed mission and you won't have to go without my help. It will give a reason for my being there as well. I can help keep Neville safe if needed," Naruko said. She gave a sigh. "And I suppose Blonde Sasuke too," she grumbled.
"I can see that working! Let's get started," Hagrid said as they took a last sip and headed to Hogwarts.
[-] [-] [-]
Their plan easily worked and McGonagall apologized for her mistake. Naruko felt mixed about this plan. She felt mixed for a silly reason. It was mostly about her own pride than anything. She was going to pull a prank on some Slytherins and purposefully get caught. It wouldn't be anything too bad or hurtful, but it would be enough to get her in trouble. It went against her pranking nature to get caught though.
Professor Snape agreed to be the one who got on her case. He could maintain his role as Head of House and dislike of Gryffindors, which would give validity to his involvement and reaction. McGonagall would intervene when he called Naruko out. The two would have a brief discussion before the blonde girl received detention with Draco and Neville. Professor Snape knew what the detention entailed and would agree, claiming it was adequate enough as a punishment.
"What kind of prank to do…" Naruko wondered to herself as she sat in the common room quietly with Hermione next to her. She wanted it to at least be something glorious, if she had to get purposefully caught.
Naruko gave a chuckle to herself after a moment. She then started to chuckle louder.
"What's so funny?" Hermione asked. There were others staring at the two of them, including a pair of well-known twins with matching flaming red hair.
"You'll see… You will all see… Tomorrow shall be fun," Naruko said. She then got up and left for her dorm room.
"Makes you wonder what she has in mind. Oh, twin of mine," Fred said.
"Too true, my less handsome twin… or maybe you're the handsome one… Regardless, I do think she has made it rather obvious whatever she has planned," George said.
"Maybe… Not very prankster of her. I feel we can forgive her, if it is good enough. She is still just an ickle firstie," Fred replied with a chuckle.
Hermione looked to them and wondered what was going to happen tomorrow. She also wondered why Naruko had more or less announced it tonight. She would have to ask questions later. Naruko was a kunoichi. She wouldn't get caught for something like this unless she meant to get caught.
[-] [-] [-]
Several students gave tired yawns as they did every morning at breakfast. Ron was convinced it was far too early and this was some kind of conspiracy to get him out of his wonderful and warm bed. Hermione was looking all around the dining hall trying to figure out what Naruko did. The twins were doing their best not to grin widely in anticipation of what had been promised last night.
Naruko was humming a tune to herself Hermione recognized. She looked to her friend curiously. Naruko grinned and gave a giggle as she winked at Hermione. Hermione was about to ask for an answer when the doors to the hall burst open.
Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle came marching in with purpose. They also seemed a bit confused. Then suddenly…
The three started singing in voices far too grand to be their own.
"Oh, what a beautiful Morning!" Draco sang first.
"Oh, what a beautiful Day," Crabbe added.
"I've got a beautiful feeling!" Goyle sang.
Then most of the Slytherin table seemed to jump up on their own and respond. "Everything's going my way!"
Pansy struck a pose as she sang, "All the sounds of the Earth are like Music."
An older Slytherin copied Pansy's pose and repeated, "All the sounds of the Earth are like Music."
The two then danced a little with each other as they sang two lines together. "The breeze is so busy, it don't miss a tree. And an old weeping willow is laughing at me," they sang.
Then again all of the other Slytherins sang the chorus again. "Oh, what a beautiful morning!"
"Oh, what a beautiful day."
"I have a beautiful feeling!"
"Everything's going my way."
Then Naruko joined them as a way to show it was her idea and sang with them the last line. "Oh, what a beautiful dayyyyyy!"
When the song was over, there was a moment of silence as Naruko grinned and applauded as she said, "I didn't know you all liked that song too! It's one of my favorites!"
The Dining Hall burst out in laughs. Everyone was cheerfully laughing and some were singing the chorus in a teasing manner to themselves. Professor Snape made his way over to Naruko with a sour look on his face. There was a part of him that might have found it slightly amusing though.
"Miss Uzumaki… What is the meaning of this?" he asked severely.
Naruko grinned in a nervous manner as she said, "Ummmm… I felt a little sad and wanted to have a musical number?" She gave a nervous giggle and looked as if she was now terrified of what she just did.
"Clearly, you need a moment to reflect on your behavior… Perhaps detention will help you rethink how to go about cheering yourself up," he said.
Professor McGonagall stormed over. "I believe that is my duty. Naruko is my student," she said. No one was surprised by this intervention by the Deputy Headmistress. Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall were known for intervening on such matters.
"I wonder if you will give your beloved student a proper lesson," Professor Snape said lowly in doubt.
Professor McGonagall looked a little furious at his questioning her ability to properly discipline her charges. She was in thought for but a moment. "How about she has the same detention Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Longbottom will be taking. I trust you are aware of what that entails?" she replied, only a little snippy.
Professor Snape gave her a level gaze for a moment before begrudgingly nodding in approval. "I feel that will suffice this time," he said.
He looked to Naruko and said, "I trust you will be bright enough to think twice before doing such a stunt in the future."
Naruko just nervously gulped before giving a slow nod.
"Very well," Professor Snape grumbled. He turned and called out to all of the students in the dinning hall, "Get back to your meals or dismiss yourselves for class."
The students were all busy silently whispering to each other. They wondered what was in store for the three. If it was a detention Professor Snape so easily approved of, it was obviously severe.
[-] [-] [-]
"Want to tell me why you would do that, Naruko?" Hermione asked with a frown once they returned from classes for the day.
"Oh? You don't believe what I said? You didn't find it funny, even in the slightest bit? I seem to recall you enjoyed it," Naruko said giving her friend a small grin.
Hermione blushed. "That's beside the point. I do like that song and I love Oklahoma! What I'm talking about is getting caught… I know you did so on purpose," she said giving Naruko a level gaze.
Naruko looked her over and sighed. She then tilted her head in the direction of her bed. Hermione nodded and the two climbed inside together. They both closed the curtains which secured it.
"You're right. I did get caught on purpose. Neville and Draco will be helping Hagrid with a search in the Forbidden Forest for injured or dead unicorns. It has been happening for a little while now. Hagrid's done what he can on his own to figure it out, but with no luck," she said.
"That sounds dangerous!" Hermione said with wide eyes.
"It would be if they were entering on their own, but they won't be. Hagrid and Fang will be with them. I'll be there as well," Naruko said.
"Still… Is that the reason why? I doubt you would do this just to help them after you overheard what their detention was. Maybe for Neville… Not for Malfoy too," Hermione said.
"We already had it planned as a mission. This is what Hagrid meant when he mentioned missions at Hogwarts. Jiji gave his approval and everything. Professor McGonagall hadn't heard about the mission plan when she assigned their detentions. We came up with this plan so I have a reason to be there as well. I didn't want to have it marked as a failed mission and it was too late to change our plans. Both Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape were in on it," she said.
Naruko turned a little downcast as she added, "I also see it as a way to make things up to Neville. I don't know what I would do if something happened to him, even if it was unlikely. He was up and got caught because of us."
Naruko then smiled a little as she said, "This way I get to help Hagrid and protect Neville too."
"That's good to hear," Hermione said relieved. If that many adults were in on the plan, it couldn't be a bad thing. She also felt better with Naruko being there to help Neville out.
Hermione looked to Naruko and asked, "Why have them sing though?"
Naruko giggled. "I wanted to at least make it good. And I do like that song," she said. Hermione shook her head, but smiled as the two opened the curtains and stepped out of the bed.
[-] [-] [-]
When it came to Ron and Harry, Hermione helped Naruko explain it to them as well. Harry actually frowned and was upset they didn't let him help and get detention as well. "I'm just as responsible for Neville being in trouble," he argued.
Ron frowned. "I get what you mean, mate. But really… This is the Forbidden Forest," he said.
"Even more reason," Harry said.
Naruko looked to him seriously as she said, "Stop being foolish, Harry."
Harry frowned to that.
"I'm serious," she said keeping her gaze on him. "This isn't a game and it isn't something you should get all… extra noble about. I'm a full fledged and trained kunoichi with real experience. You going there to try and help, would just be more of a liability."
Harry frowned deeper.
Naruko carefully placed a hand on his shoulder. He didn't shrug it off right away. She smiled and said, "I do like that you are noble like that, Harry. I really do. It's great you want to be there to help out a friend. If you had a year or two of experience with training, it would be good you were there." She hoped that would help put him at ease.
Harry sighed. He hated how he knew she was right. He looked to her with intense green eyes. "Start training me then," he said.
"I don't think it works like that. Being a kunoichi or a ninja is very different from being a wizard. I've been training for this since I started the academy at 7 years old," Naruko said.
"I don't expect to be at the same level as you, Naruko. I just don't want to be any further behind. I don't want you to always say, 'Maybe next time', or 'You just don't have enough experience'. I don't want anything like that when it comes to my best friends," Harry said.
Naruko looked him over. She could see the determination in Harry's eyes and demeanor. She could completely relate. There was also the fact he was Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived. She hated he had such a title. It painted a target on his back, even if Voldemort and his followers never returned, people would still be after him for some reason.
She gave him a serious look and spoke to him evenly. "You can start by doing some physical training. Start by doing at least the basics. Sit-ups, push-ups, and jogging/running. Use the school grounds for that in the mornings and eventually evenings as well. If you're serious about this," she said.
"I am," Harry said firmly.
Naruko nodded to him. "Then you also need to work on your mind. No more putting things off, or spending time complaining about professors giving too much homework. I'm not saying you need be like Hermione—"
"Hey!" their frizzy haired friend said.
"—But you need to study more than just the bare minimum. You could also try meditating or something. It took me too long to learn the mind is just as important at the body," Naruko said.
Harry nodded and took mental notes. He didn't need to worry about school performance here. Dudley was stupid. If Harry did too much better than him, his cousin complained his freakiness messed with his grades. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon did not like that. They weren't here though and would probably never see his grades or care for them.
"I'll get started on this. I may not be able to join you in helping Neville this time, but in the future if something like this happens again… You won't be able to turn me down like that," Harry said. His green eyes were glowing in determination.
"If you train up like that and live up to your word, I'll want you by my side. Konoha always places importance on working as a team. It's what makes us so strong," Naruko said.
Harry nodded and smiled. "I like the sounds of that. I'll live up to my word. I promise you that," Harry said.
Naruko grinned as she said, "I'll hold you to it. I take promises seriously. I never break a promise, even if it takes me years to fulfill it."
Naruko clasped Harry's shoulder and smiled to him. Harry blushed but smiled back to her. "I'll follow your example on that," he said.
Ron wondered if he should do something similar. He felt inspired to do something to be at their level too. He wasn't sure about the whole study thing, but maybe he could do better there to an extent. He really didn't want to become a second Percy.
He might try the whole exercise thing… in evenings. He wasn't a morning person and Ron doubted that would ever really change. He could still do something though. He wanted to be there for his friends.
Hermione decided she should do something like them. She was never a fan of working out or anything like that. She always preferred to just open a book and learn more that way. Naruko had a point though. The mind is just as important as the body. Hermione just needed to learn that lesson coming from the opposite end of it.
[-] [-] [-]
When it came to the night of detention, Naruko was the first to arrive where they were meeting Filch. Draco came second and scowled at her. He had not forgiven her for what she did to him at breakfast.
The only reason he didn't unleash the full wrath of his father is because she targeted all of Slytherin and not just him. He, Crabbe and Goyle just happened to be the opening act. There was also the fact he still remembered you should be wary of Uzumakis. Best to not directly oppose them, even if Potter and the others were fair game.
Neville came last and was very nervous. "S-s-sorry I'm late," he said.
Filch gave an unpleasant smile to the boy. Before he could say anything, Naruko ruined the moment. "You're actually five to ten minutes early," she said.
Filch grumbled about how the fact he arrived last meant he was late. He then cleared his throat. "You lot probably think it will be easy tonight. You're so very wrong," he said with a dark laugh.
"Oh please… What is writing a few lines or cleaning a classroom?" Draco said as he rolled his eyes. Their notes just said to meet Filch for detention. They didn't give any details.
"Feh!" Filch started. "You think that will be your punishment?" he asked.
"Wha-what is it?" Neville asked.
Filch gave a nasty grin as he said, "You lot will be helping Hagrid tonight."
"But he does… Servant stuff!" Draco whined.
"Ha! You still got it easy compared to the good old days. Used to be I shackled you up on the wall in a dungeon. Or suspended you from the ceiling by your thumbs. Those were the good old days," Filch said almost dreamily.
Draco and Neville gulped to that.
"Yeah… Back then you would have thought twice before breaking the rules. Sadly, we have this whole 'think of the children' thing going on now. No respect for the rules anymore," Filch grumbled with a huff.
Soon the group was standing in front of Hagrid's hut. Draco grimaced in displeasure at the thought of doing so-called servant stuff. Naruko was pretty sure he would soon be terrified, once he learned what they were really going to do. Neville was about as nervous as he usually was when in trouble.
"You're all here," Hagrid said as he opened his door. He was standing with a crossbow in one hand and a lantern in the other. He had a second lantern on his belt.
"Brought them for their punishment. I'll return to collect what's left of them come morning," Filch said giving a chuckle.
"What are ye going on about. You know you'll be picking them up later tonight," Hagrid said.
"Still… Things can happen in the Forbidden Forest," he said trying to still freak them out one last time as he left.
"What?! That's dangerous!" Draco shouted.
"Would be if ye were going in there alone," Hagrid said. "Ain't nothing in there gonna bother ye with Fang or me."
"I want the dog!" Draco said firmly.
"Alright… If ye say so… Fang's a right coward though," Hagrid said with a chuckle.
"What are we exactly helping you with?" Naruko asked while playing the part.
"Something's been attacking the unicorns, even killing them. We're going to look for clues. Hopefully we can find whatever it is. Or at least save the unicorn," Hagrid explained.
"What would do that…" Neville couldn't help but ask.
"Something up ta no good," Hagrid said.
Naruko fell behind a step, 'in shock'. She quickly made a few shadow clones that disappeared out of sight and followed them. The plan was for her to do this in case they needed to split up. She would probably go with Hagrid, but her clones could keep an eye on the other two. She could also replace herself with a clone and keep an eye out from the shadows if needed. Draco unfortunately put a little wrench in their plan by claiming he would be with Fang. It was always a possibility this would happen though.
[-] [-] [-]
Soon they came to a blood trail. "Fresh…" Hagrid said with a frown. They had planned this out because it was about time for another one to be attacked. There was a bit of a pattern to the attacks. Hagrid hoped they would just cut it close. He didn't want it to be this close though.
They continued as Draco drew in closer to Fang. "I should tell my father about this…" he muttered.
Hagrid let out a laugh. "For all tha good it would do ya. Yer dad would tell ya that's how it was at Hogwarts. Knowing him, he'd more likely say ya shouldn't have gotten detention in the first place. At Hogwarts, you do something productive with detention. That way you'd more likely learn yer lesson and do something useful," he said.
Draco swallowed to that. It wasn't often the "When my Father hears…" defense didn't work.
"Look at that," Naruko said pointing up ahead. The silvery unicorn blood was more visible now.
Hagrid hummed in thought. "This is what we're looking for. Looks like we got two trails to follow," he said.
"I called Fang," Draco felt he had to say.
"I heard ye…" Hagrid said.
The giant of a man nodded. "Alright. Neville, Draco. You two go with Fang and follow that trial. If ye see the unicorn, send up green sparks. If ye get in trouble, send up red sparks. Give me a demonstration," Hagrid said.
All three sent up green sparks first and red sparks second. "Good. Naruko. You're with me," he said as they split up.
Once Naruko and Hagrid were alone, he turned to her. "Alright. If ya want, you can just have a couple of them clones follow me. You said you can do that substitution thingy with them if needed," he said.
Naruko nodded.
"That way if I get in trouble somehow. You can be there in a jiffy," he said.
"Thanks for letting me keep a better eye on them. My clones are good and very useful, but I'm much sturdier than them," Naruko said.
Hagrid nodded. "Get on then. I might have you help me a little more after they leave if needed," he said.
Naruko nodded as she made three clones and disappeared.
[-] [-] [-]
Naruko carefully followed Draco and Neville. She was very quiet and kept to the shadows with her clones. They were surprisingly the quietest part of the forest back drop. There were animals making sounds every now and then, hidden in the trees.
She was having trouble seeing in the darkest parts of the forest, even with her heightened senses. It put her a little on edge because of how dark that meant it was. She chose to keep even closer than she originally planned. She should be good, but she didn't want it to be this easy for them to accidentally see her or a clone.
Eventually the plan had to go through yet another change. It was again courtesy of Draco. Blonde Sasuke thought it would be a right jolly laugh to freak Neville out in the forest. He made a sound and jumped back stopping right in front of Neville. Neville panicked and sent up red sparks. Draco laughed at Neville.
Naruko quickly made a clone and had it dismiss itself. This sent the message to her other clones.
The Naruko clone following Hagrid let out a sigh. "We should still go, but it is a false alarm. Draco thought it funny to scare Neville," the clone said.
Hagrid burst through the brush with Naruko right behind him. "What is it?!" he asked.
Draco laughed louder at Hagrid's arrival.
Neville frowned at Draco. "He scared me as a joke," he admitted.
Hagrid looked to Draco angrily and now the boy didn't think it so funny. "What are ye thinking?! I'll be telling Professor Snape about this. Ye don't need me to tell ya that ain't good," he said.
Draco noticeably swallowed to that. Professor Snape took Slytherin misbehavior seriously when it wasn't under his watch. It looked bad, not only for him, but all of Slytherin.
Hagrid gave a sigh. "Alright. Naruko. You go with Chuckles here. Neville ye come with me," he said.
The Naruko clone sighed and frowned to Draco.
"We'll be lucky to catch anything out here now. Hopefully we can still find the unicorn and save it at least," Hagrid said before the group split up again.
[-] [-] [-]
Naruko found a chance to take her Clone's place. The clone headed off to watch over Hagrid and Neville. She didn't like having Draco as company, but it was probably for the best Neville was with Hagrid and her clones now. Hagrid was strong and few things would bother him. She was just a replacement jutsu away, if things got bad.
"I can't believe we have to do this," Draco grumbled.
"Maybe you shouldn't have gotten detention," Naruko said.
"It's your fault. You know," Draco said.
"How is it my fault you got in trouble?" Naruko asked.
"You were up to something with the others. That's how it's your fault," he said.
"Where did you even come up such an idea? Your stupid idea got Neville in trouble as well," Naruko said.
"I saw you all. That's how," Draco said.
"Doing what?" Naruko asked.
"Trying to smuggle a dragon into the castle," he said.
"Really?" Naruko asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah… I heard you all talking about dragons with Hagrid," he said.
"That's because Hagrid really likes dragons and knew Ron's brother Charlie. He works with dragons for a living," Naruko said as she shook her head.
"But…" Draco said. He hadn't really seen what they were up to. Just overheard some things.
"If you were really so concerned, why didn't you go to someone sooner?" Naruko asked.
Draco remained silent.
"Also… Professor McGonagall checked on us when we were in our bedrooms for the night. All it amounted to was her scolding us for staying up too late," Naruko said.
"You did something. Obviously," Draco said.
"Like what?" Naruko asked.
"I don't know… Something…" he said.
Naruko frowned to him, but heard something from up ahead.
Draco was about to say something else, but she placed a finger to her lips and motioned to the brush. For all he wanted to complain, Draco seemed to figure she was being serious and not to argue. They moved into some brush and laid low.
Draco's eyes were wide in worry. Fang was even being quiet. It seemed he too knew to follow Naruko's lead here.
Something with labored breathing seemed to pass them. Naruko could just make out the figure in the darkness. It was wearing a hood and cloak. It seemed to scare off all of the other animals of the forest. Everything went quiet around it.
Draco was about to scream, but Naruko covered his mouth. Fang was too terrified to even whimper at the moment. She looked to Draco with serious blue eyes. He got the message loud and clear. Do not do anything stupid.
Once the creature, whatever it was, moved far enough ahead of them. Naruko motioned for them to get back on the path they were following. "Red sparks," Naruko said.
Draco sent them up without a second thought.
"What is it this time?" Hagrid asked as he came to them.
"We saw something… It was weird," Draco said. He was unable to describe it.
"Some kind of cloaked figure... It was too dangerous for us to follow it," Naruko further explained. Her clones were following it though. "The forest went oddly quiet around it," she added.
Hagrid's eyes widened a little to that in surprise. There wasn't much which would cause that to happen. "Where did it go?" he asked.
Naruko pointed in the direction. Hagrid looked around to mentally map the area and know where to start on his own. It was getting late now, and there was little hope they would find an injured unicorn still alive. He frowned to that thought.
"Alright… Let's get going back now," Hagrid said. Draco wasn't about to argue at this point. He, Fang, and Neville took the lead back.
"My clones are following it. I'll switch with one of them here in a second," Naruko whispered to Hagrid. Hagrid gave a slight nod in reply.
[-] [-] [-]
Naruko switched with a clone and followed the strange being. She wasn't sure what it was, but it wasn't just some creature. It also didn't seem to be paying too much attention to its surroundings. It was like the thing knew nothing would dare approach it.
Naruko had a feeling the thing was right.
Her clones were on all sides slowly following it. Naruko was coming up with a plan. She wanted to know what this thing was. She knew it would lead her to the unicorn, since it was following the trail of blood. There was so much the blood trail was getting easier to see.
Despite her training, Naruko felt really uneasy once they approached a moonlit clearing. Right in the middle there was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. It would have been a wonderful sight seeing a unicorn, but this one was dead. The strange thing she was following was above it and seemed to be drinking the blood.
She must have let her guard down. The thing suddenly looked up and saw her. She paused as she saw what looked like red snake-like eyes under the hood, but she couldn't make out a face. It was like the hood of the cloak made it so only the eyes could be seen.
The creature charged at her on all fours! It moved faster than any creature she was used to seeing here.
Naruko dodged out of the way and was ready to attack with her clones.
Suddenly something different bounded into the clearing and kicked the creature hard in the side. It was a centaur. He was young with long white blonde hair. He came over to Naruko.
"We must get out of here," he said.
Naruko just blinked. She was too caught off guard seeing a real live centaur. She thought they were just legends. She looked over to where the creature seemed to be slowly recovering.
"Now is not the time," the centaur said.
Naruko was confident in herself, but she wasn't sure what to do about this centaur as well. She still wasn't keen on leaving the thing.
"You are needed for more important things than taking on that creature here and now," the centaur said.
Naruko finally relented and sighed.
"You may ride if you wish, but we need to move," he said to her.
"I'll follow," she replied. The centaur nodded and they started to run off in a different direction.
"I'm Naruko. Who are you?" Naruko asked.
"I am Firenze of the Centaur," he replied.
"What was that thing?" Naruko asked.
"Something that is no longer human. Something that is for now… Immortal," he said.
"You mean I couldn't have taken it?" Naruko asked.
"I am aware you are an Uzumaki. The stars have spoken of your coming. I know you are a kunoichi," Firenze said.
"I bet I could have taken it. Immortal or not," she said.
"You would have won in that confrontation. But it is not something that can be defeated in its current state. You would have given it knowledge it could have used to become something far more terrifying than it already is," he said.
"Really?" Naruko asked in shock.
"You have talents and abilities few would dare try to challenge. That thing though… It would have just slunk away and learned more before returning to a form. The stars have spoken of how terrible it would have become. You are needed for more important matters," he said.
"Like what?" Naruko asked.
"To fulfill the promise, you gave the boy who all know of," Firenze replied.
"You could just say Harry…" she grumbled.
"I do not know him well enough to use his name. It is likely I never will. He will need what you will teach him. He will need you and others by his side. You in turn will need him and others by your side as well," Firenze said.
"That sounds like some kind of prophecy talk or something," Naruko said as the two continued running side by side.
"It is no coincidence the world of the ninja and the world of the magical are now in sync with each other," he said.
They might have discussed more, but just then a different centaur appeared. "Firenze! You say too much!" a wild looking centaur shouted. This one had wild black hair and a black body. He also looked angry.
"Bane. You know who this is," Firenze said. "You've seen the signs."
"It is still not for us to say so flippantly!" Bane said.
"We were just talking…" Naruko seemed to growl a little. She didn't like their conversation being interrupted like that. It seemed very important. She was a little surprised when the new centaur seemed a little taken aback by her tone.
He then seemed to steel his resolve. "Words of prophecy should never be uttered so easily. Especially to those it pertains to," he said.
"Why not?" Naruko asked.
"It gives the prophecy too much power. Prophecies only come about if they are believed enough," Firenze surprisingly answered.
Naruko frowned in thought.
Firenze turned to Bane and said, "I never mentioned prophecy directly. I merely told her there was a reason she was here now and other things were happening."
Bane looked to Firenze with narrowed eyes. "I know how you like to twist words…" he said. He then stomped on the ground and rode off back into the forest.
"What's his deal?" Naruko asked with a scoff at his direction.
"Bane does what he can for us as our leader. He fears tempting fate too much, as he calls it. He has his reasons. He also isn't very fond of humans," Firenze said.
"What happened to cause that?" Naruko asked calmly.
"Wizards see us as dark creatures. Many see us as lower beings, as those who should serve them," Firenze said.
"I hate people who think they're better than everyone else and deserve special treatment," Naruko said with a frown.
"As do I. Bane thinks we should have no contact with wizards at all, if possible. I believe we should prove to them we are not lower beings. I also don't want us to do so through violent means. I believe distancing ourselves only makes the issue worse," Firenze said.
"I can see that," Naruko started. "If you keep everyone away, then they will always believe what they hear about you. They will never question it. If you actually talk to them and stand by their side, then some will realize what they heard is wrong. Eventually, if you don't just bow to them or cower from them. They will realize you are more than they thought and were told."
"True words. That is how I feel, even if I can see where Bane comes from," Firenze said.
They were walking now and came to a stop. "This is where I will leave you. Remember what we discussed. Though I feel you did not need to hear such words, Naruko Uzumaki," he said.
Naruko gave him a smile. "Maybe we'll meet again someday. I still wanted to take that thing… But I'm glad to have met you at least," Naruko said.
Firenze gave a chuckle. "As I said. You could have taken it. I too am glad we met. If we will meet again? I feel I can say we shall. But only the stars truly know for sure," he said. He then bounded off into the forest.
"There ye are," Hagrid said as he came to her on the path. "Your clone headed back with the others. What did ye find?" he asked.
Naruko frowned. "I don't know what that thing was. It killed the unicorn though. It was drinking the blood…" she said with a grimace.
Hagrid frowned to that. "Aint nothing natural that would do that… Nothing natural at all. Sorry to hear about the unicorn," Hagrid said with a weary sigh.
"What would drinking unicorn blood do?" Naruko asked.
"It gives ye immortality. So long as you drink it regularly… But you suffer a terrible price. Aint nothing natural that would do that. Yer existence wouldn't be natural either after committing such a terrible act. Unicorns are truly pure. They are so pure. No creature, no matter how dark, would dare kill one," he said.
"That's why you're saying it isn't natural… You mean even considering magic and magical creatures," Naruko said.
Hagrid nodded.
Naruko was in thought. "I think we can head to the unicorn. I think whatever it was, left," she said.
"Why do ye think that?" Hagrid asked.
Naruko gave a grin. "Firenze gave it a good solid kick with his forehooves. Sent the thing reeling in pain," she said.
Hagrid gave a chuckle. "Sounds like something he would do to such a thing. Surprised ye met him. Neville and I met Bane and Ronan earlier. They're also centaurs," he said.
"I met Bane too. He wasn't happy about Firenze talking to me. Said Firenze was telling me too much," Naruko said.
Hagrid shook his head. "I've met them on numerous occasions. I still don't ruddy get them. When we met them earlier, they kept going on about the stars and Mars in particular. Were no help at all," he said.
Naruko gave a chuckle to that as she led the way to unicorn's body. It was truly sad the unicorn died, but she was glad for the break in gloom while talking to Hagrid.
"I really wish I could call this a completed mission," Naruko said with a sigh.
"What are ye talking about? Ye can. The mission was ta help me find the unicorn, alive or dead," Hagrid said.
"That's a very small bright side. Still wish we found it soon enough to help," Naruko said.
"Aye. But can't do nothing about it now. Just got to do better next time. If something is out for the blood… That complicates things… I'll be speaking with Dumbledore about this and he'll decide how we further proceed," Hagrid said.
"If you need my help with whatever he decides, just tell me," Naruko said.
"Aye. That I will," Hagrid said with a nod as they walked to the clearing.
