Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Naruto
Warning: This story will contain spoilers from Naruto and Harry Potter so if you don't like spoilers don't read this story. Also, some facts may be different from the original plot and characters might behave differently from their original natures but that is how I need them in order to write my fanfic so again if you don't like it refrain from reading it. The genre is Drama/Hurt/Comfort, Harry is emotionally hurt. In this fic, Harry may behave emotional and depressed (but not throughout entire storyline) so think carefully before you write something to you don't like my fic please read something else but if you have constructive criticism for me do go ahead and enlighten me. Lastly, there might be some future violence or coarse language. You have been warned!
Chapter 13: Spiritus…
"Any spirit with a will to live is like a candle light in the darkness. By overcoming shadows, it shines brighter than ever."
Everything had gone rapidly down hill since the day Harry had a heart attack. The days that followed were a living hell for everyone who wished to see the teen up and healthy again. It still surprised Sarutobi that there were numerous people who visited the youth even though he had only lived for a few months in the village.
That was why it was so heartbreaking for the Third Hokage and medics involved in the teen's care to be here, in Harry's room, at this late hour. However, after many discussions he had had with Tsunade and Kazuki, Sarutobi had made a decision to let the boy go as he had always yearned.
Tsunade had announced him brain-dead few days ago. At this point in time, they were just ventilating and medicating a dying body. Even by some miracle that Harry had managed to wake up at this moment, the future looked grim. There were already severe damages to his major organs beyond cure which required him to have transplants. The boy would need a constant caregiver for the rest of his life and they couldn't even measure the extent of the brain damage he had sustained that could affect him physically and mentally.
Sarutobi did not want to see Harry in such a state. He also did not wish for others to see that either. The third Hokage had seen over the years what the option of keeping someone in that condition on a life support would entail and it was anything but pleasant. The precious memory one held of that once dignified person shreds away with pain only to be replaced with ugly images that said person would never wanted to show to anyone in the world. So he had decided to remove Harry's life support.
Asuma came home from his mission the day before and Tsunade had allowed him to stay so he could spend his last moment with the dying teen and support his father. The jonin never considered Harry as family like his nephew did, but he did like the teen enough to be upset about this outcome.
Everyone had determined that it might be for the best to let Konohamaru believe Harry had died peacefully overnight rather than from the action they were about to take. The aging Hokage couldn't bare the thought of his grandson's reaction if the small child ever found out about this incident. Sarutobi felt like he was committing a murder. A different sort than the ones he had done before for the sake of the village. Why hadn't he considered about keeping Harry at the Hokage Mansion during the evenings until one of the ANBU was able to guard him again prior to all this mess happened?
One by one, Shizune removed the machines that supported Harry's life. The screeching alarms that were immediately silenced kept ringing in Hiruzen's ears as though dying screams accusing him of his decision. Tsunade turned to her mentor, wordlessly letting him know they were at the last stage. As he watched the vital signs drop, it wasn't hard to mistake that dying heart as his own for he definitely felt pain in his chest. At least the boy would die with dignity with no tubes and lines decorating his body.
"I'm just fooling myself" Sarutobi bitterly berated himself.
There was no dignity in death. Death was death and that was it. All those shinobi who died were honored as heroes with their names forever engraved on monuments and memorial stone. But survivors knew better than anyone else that that was nothing but an illusion to comfort those who have survived.
Tsunade put a hand on her master's shoulder to give him support. Sarutobi could see Kazuki not looking too happy either; then again, this was all medical staff's worst nightmare.
The boy's heart started to slow down as minutes went by and no one doubted that it would eventually halt its beats. That was why no one in the room expected seeing Harry's body glow with a warm silvery light. Everyone in the room were frozen in their spots, not able to grasp the situation. None dared to touch the glowing figure. Shortly after, the radiant light shifted into a wolf like shape before settling itself near the bed. Asuma, who had been standing nearby, jumped away automatically and all the shinobi did the same with their weapons drawn.
"This way, cub." The light called out in English. Thankfully, everyone in the room understood the language and wondered what the creature meant. It appeared as if the form was talking to Harry.
"He… He's breathing!" Shizune couldn't hold her gasp when she chanced a glance at Harry.
Everyone looked at the younger kunoichi to see her hand covering her mouth in disbelief. However, it wasn't long before everyone in the room donned some form of disbelief themselves when they suddenly heard a wheeze from Harry who no longer was on a ventilator machine, which had been helping him breath. They had been trying to make him breath on his own and failed miserably countless times, what was happening now?
"His vitals are going back up." Everyone watched how the numbers started to climb back up towards the safe range as Shizune had pointed out.
Tsunade and Kazuki immediately joined Shizune and started to assess Harry while other medical staff frantically worked under their commands despite the unknown creature sitting nearby.
"This way, Harry. I'm right here." Medics all froze in surprise but resumed back to their work when the creature made no further moves.
"No way." Tsunade muttered as she watched the scene before her eyes.
Hiruzen saw it too - his charge's right fingers were moving. Also, wounds that had been necrotizing were healing itself to healthy state in front of their eyes. Going closer to the youth not believing his own eyes, Sarutobi grabbed the slight pink right hand that had patches of black from dead tissues only moments ago. He wondered if he was hallucinating before he confirmed all the other occupants in the room were also witnessing this miraculous phenomenon.
"Ungh." Everyone heard the wheezing moan from Harry. The youth's face scrunched to a small frown as though in discomfort before finally revealing those emerald orbs.
"Hari?" Sarutobi braved to break the silence that everyone was too stunned to do.
The foggy green eyes swept across the room then came to a stop when the creature caught his vision. Harry opened his mouth as though to speak something but suddenly started to have a coughing fit. His breathing started to become laborious as he seemed to choke on something.
"Get him some oxygen." Tsunade ordered before moving closer to reassure the teen who continued to cough. "Hari, relax. Everything is going to be okay. You're at the hospital. Here, we're going to put this mask on you to help you breath better."
However, Harry knocked Tsunade's hand which held a mask and started to pull away from everyone's physical touch.
"No." Harry whimpered.
"I think he's confused." Tsunade said. "Hari, calm down. No one will hurt you."
"You need to relax Hari or you're going to hurt yourself." Sarutobi tried to comfort the boy but wasn't sure if Harry was even listening to any of what they were saying.
"It's okay, cub." Unexpectedly, the creature jumped onto Harry's bed. While medics jumped away, Asuma brought his weapon between the teen and the creature in a threatening manner with a clear warning not to make any more moves. Before anyone can grab the teen and take a cover, Harry was suddenly lunging at the creature.
"I thought you left me behind." Harry now held onto the mysterious animal's neck while his breathing became more relaxed. He appeared to be a very frightened child.
"I would never do that." The wolf nuzzled into Harry's embrace. "Everything's going to be okay now."
"Where am I?" Sarutobi's heart seemed to have stopped at those hoarse and barely audible words from his adoptive son. He started to have a very bad feeling at that inquiry.
"Who are you?" Harry inquired not looking at anyone in particular but they all knew who the boy was referring to.
"Someone who will always love you." The statement sounded very sincere to everyone who heard it in the room.
"I can't remember anything."
Tsunade had reassured Sarutobi that Harry was probably confused at the moment and this situation was temporary as he had just woke up from a coma. Other than drug-induced amnesia, complete memory loss wasn't a common event as people thought, but rather, it was an extremely rare occurrence that most medics would never get to see throughout their careers.
"What do you remember?" The entity asked kindly.
"I don't know. I can't focus anything. Nothing makes sense." Harry started get distressed but the wolf just nestled deeper into the embrace.
"Don't fear. You're just overwhelmed and confused. How about we take a walk?" Then it escaped from Harry's arms and jumped off the bed before walking toward a window.
When Harry tried to follow, Asuma caught him in time before Harry lost his balance. Fortunately, Harry didn't try to pull away from the contact like the last time.
"You're not strong enough to walk yet." Tsunade warned.
Everyone was startled when the window mysteriously opened on its own only for the wolf to jump down from the second storey height and land down on the clearing outside.
"Whoa! You're definitely going to hurt yourself by jumping after that thing." Asuma said, as he held on to the boy who tried to move.
"Don't go. Please, wait for me." Harry said desperately reaching out to the mysterious creature before he turned to face Asuma. "Please. I have to go."
"That thing could be dangerous." Asuma looked back to two Hokage for their opinions.
"This way, cub." Then it turned away and started to walk out of the hospital grounds.
"Wait! Don't leave me!" Asuma still waited for a decision while the teen struggled in his hold.
"Help him follow. We'll see what happens." Sarutobi finally declared.
Asuma nodded and scooped Harry into his arms and jumped out the window followed by others except medics who stayed behind along with Kazuki to clean up and possibly come up with a cover story. Once out of the building, they were joined by Jiraiya who had been watching out for them from outside. They shared silent acknowledgement of one another before Asuma carried Harry to where the wolf was patiently waiting.
"I thought I lost you." When Harry tried to reach out, it just chuckled softly.
"I'm right here and won't be going anywhere for now. Don't be afraid." Then it turned around and continued. "Let's take a walk. Show me where you want to go."
Harry looked around the darkness. Everything seemed foreign yet familiar.
"Which way do I go?"
"You'll have to decide on that." With that swift answer from the wolf, Harry observed the pathways before pointing to a certain direction. Asuma carried him down the road as Harry continued to point at different directions at every fork until everyone noticed where the teen appeared to be headed.
"Stop for a moment. This house…" Harry stared at the structure. "Saru…tobi?" He read each letter from the wooden board hanging on the front door's beam then looked around taking in every detail.
At this action, Hiruzen carefully opened the front door enough for Harry to peek inside. However, they refrained from going into the building not wanting to wake up Konohamaru. After a long pause Harry spoke again.
"I lived at this place." Harry whispered but it was loud enough for all to hear. "Other people lived here too." Sarutobi seemed hopeful at those words.
"Really?" The wolf asked back and Harry nodded.
"Can you remember them?"
"A little boy. He was lonely like me." Sarutobi and Asuma looked guilty at that comment.
"A guy who smoked a lot." When there was no further elaboration, there were snorts of laughter among people while Asuma looked offended.
That was all the description he was going to get?!
"I told you, you need to cut down on the smoking." Tsunade snickered in middle of Asuma's mental ranting.
"I don't smoke at home anymore thanks to this brat." Asuma grumbled.
"You mean you can't. But it still wouldn't hurt to cut down on it." Sarutobi added.
"There was also a kind man like the headmaster." Then Harry turned his head to Sarutobi and studied him for sometime before he spoke again. "You're him."
"Yes." The third Hokage answered with anticipation. He was a bit fascinated with the description and wanted to know who this headmaster was. But then Harry made a sad face.
"Are you also taking care of me to make sure I die at a proper moment?" Those words shocked Sarutobi and everyone else as none had expected a question like that.
No matter what his original intentions were regarding Harry, the old Hokage had grown fond of the boy just like his children. Then to hear that sentence from his adoptive child who wore such a hurt expression made him feel stabbed at his heart.
"No!" Quickly, Hiruzen calmed himself and thought about implications of those words. At first, Harry had said that this headmaster was kind only to ask a question that was hard to relate to the aforementioned word.
Sarutobi was sure that this 'proper moment' was not referring to end of one's fully lived lifespan, but rather, a premature death. The likely conclusion drawn from this was disturbing, yet, all fitting to missing puzzle pieces. Someone had used the boy under the pretense of caring for him before planning to dispose of him. From what he knew, the teen had grown up with abusive relatives with little love. And Sarutobi knew how vulnerable these abused children were to do anything to please a person that they believed would care for them.
I… did it… I… killed him.
Sarutobi remembered the words Harry had said while not fully aware of his surrounding in their initial meetings. This headmaster may have manipulated the teen since young age so he can kill someone. The boy said there had been a battle and it is possible that this headmaster had planned Harry to die after he had fulfilled his purpose.
"Harry, there's no excuse for what he has done. You have every right to not forgive him, but we're all nothing but a past now. You have to move on." The creature said solemnly.
"Who are you?" Harry asked again.
"I'm someone who will always love you." The reply Harry got was not the answer he sought so he pointed to a road again which Asuma complied and carried him. After few minutes, Harry asked to the creature.
"Are you dead then?"
"Nothing will come out from that answer." The wolf chided gently, but Harry persisted.
"Everyone who loved me ended up dying. I can remember that."
"Let's keep moving."
The most of the places they stopped briefly were places Harry had frequented. Harry was able to recall places and people involved with that place, though it lacked great details. However, this trip suddenly took a different turn when they headed toward the Uchiha district under Harry's guidance.
"Stop." Harry suddenly said since their silent journey in former Uchiha district.
Harry looked around and they noticed Harry's expression gradually becoming anxious while his breathing was becoming more audible.
"What's wrong cub?" The wolf sounded worried.
"Lots of people were dead here." Harry whispered as though it was a big secret. "People died. Lying in this street."
They all looked at Harry, wondering how he knew about such fact. Uchiha massacre wasn't a forbidden subject like the nine-tailed fox, but it was also a subject people avoided like a plague. Sarutobi doubted Harry would have heard about this incident from anyone especially when not too long ago Harry had asked about Sasuke's family. Even if he did, how did he know there were dead people in this very street of all other streets in this big district? Such a detail was not known to others except for Sasuke and ANBU involved in the investigation.
"How did you know that Hari?" Sarutobi asked.
"I saw it." Harry turned grim. The horrifying images were there in his head yet he didn't recognize them. He didn't know when this had happened but he was able to recall scene of piles of dead bodies.
"You saw what happened?" Everyone looked alarmed and baffled at the remark but Harry ignored Sarutobi's question and looked around the dark street corners as though searching for someone. "How?" Sarutobi tried once more but Harry seemed lost.
"I don't know."
"Were you here when it happened?" Jiraiya asked as well further pushing the subject. However, Harry gave a tiring sigh and spoke again.
"It's so confusing."
"It's because not everything you remember is yours." The creature commented in all knowing manner.
"What do you mean?" But it remained silent at Asuma's inquiry.
Harry gave one big frustrated groan and pointed to another direction again. When they came to a stop again in front of a house, everyone held their breath. It was a house they all knew about. It was Uchiha Fugaku's house.
"Hari what are you doing here?" Sarutobi asked carefully.
"Itachi lived here." Harry just muttered as he observed the house.
How did he know about that? The last time Harry had met Itachi, it appeared that that was their first meeting, which was only few weeks ago. If anything, the villagers avoided topic of Itachi even more than the massacre itself. Where could he have gathered that information? And also, how did he know all this details regarding Uchiha clan?
"Now did he?" The wolf asked nonchalantly as though he was oblivious to the severity of the topic.
"We're alike." Harry nodded his head.
"How so?" Tsunade couldn't help but ask as she couldn't really see the picture.
Harry appeared to be contemplating the answer for the longest time before he finally announced soberly.
"It was never ours to choose."
"What do you mean?" Tsunade frowned.
"Our dreams turned into nightmares one after another and brought disillusionment and despair."
"Don't say such a sad thing." The wolf approached Harry making Asuma, who was holding him, tense but he stayed on his ground.
"But that's what happened. We bring trouble to those around us and we can't even save them."
"Do you really believe that? Is that what you want to believe?" Harry gazed at the wolf, however no one was certain if he was contemplating about those questions or something else entirely.
"You died… because of me." Harry finally announced. It was clear the last questions didn't reach's Harry's mind.
"I'm sorry that I couldn't stay by your side cub but it wasn't your fault. I'm not blaming you. I still love you very much" However, Harry turned his head away from the animal as though gazing the animal any further would cause him pain.
"And that's why it hurts more." The full moon came to Harry's new view. He then looked back at the faceless figure of the wolf's which glowed in the same colour of the silvery moon.
"Moon… Moon…" Harry murmured but he could tell that his mind was getting clearer now. "Moon…y"
"That's right."
"Lupin… Remus Lupin." It suddenly became easier for Harry to sort out the mess in his head than before as everything started to return to its place. "Remus?"
"Yes, I'm glad you remembered." Remus sounded happy and proud. "Harry, you don't bring deaths of people around you. It's just a series of coincidental misfortunes. It's not your fault." Then he turned his head to people surrounding Harry. "Look around. This is your new home now so live a happy life that you always wanted and that will make us happy as well."
Before Harry could say something, he noticed that the figure of Remus started to fade away.
"I have to go now Harry." That final voice was full of smile for some reasons unknown to bystanders.
"No! Don't go Remus!" Harry pushed himself off from Asuma, but the jonin was too busy staring at the disappearing entity to catch Harry as the wizard lost his balance and fell right through Remus who continued to fade away.
Harry looked like a lost child as he pushed himself up and frantically looked around him for the wolf who have disappeared completely. His shoulders sagged as he sat on the dirt ground while his face portrayed defeat.
"Hari." Harry got startled at that foreign pronunciation of his name.
When Harry looked up, he saw his adoptive father looking worried as he slowly put a wrinkled hand on his frail shoulder. However, Harry wasn't sure how he should respond to such a face. Should he smile, cry or apologize? The last one seemed to be the most safest and familiar option but Harry remembered not many people in this place liked that response.
"Welcome back home." Sarutobi seemed to pick up on Harry's predicament and smiled gently at the teen.
Finally, Harry smiled back awkwardly, unsure of his own action but he was able relax himself soon as his guardian's smile widened and helped him back up on his feet. When Harry returned to the hospital, he promptly fell back asleep.
"Uncle! Uncle!" Harry blissful rest didn't last long though as he heard yelling and someone shaking him.
"Konohamaru, you have to let him rest." Another, much older, voice was heard too.
"But grandpa! What if he doesn't wake up like you said?!" That childish voice sounded so desperate for Harry to just ignore and go back to rest in that sweet darkness.
"He will. You need to be patient."
"Konohamaru?" Harry croaked. And that was a cue for the small boy to grab what his small frame could reach and hold on to of his barely awake uncle while he cried in relief.
"I-I thought! You weren't waking up!" The small child spoke as best as he could in between the sobs.
Harry patted the boy's head. He felt guilty for ever thinking about leaving. What would have happened to this child if he left? Who was going to look after him while his other guardians were barely at home? Would this child go through the pain he suffered?
"Uncle, I'm sorry. I'll be good so stay with me. Don't leave me like mum and dad." Konohamaru sniffled.
"What are you sorry about?" Harry asked as he wiped the boy's tears.
"For you, getting hurt." Harry could feel the shame in the child's voice and he knew the reason behind this from his own experience.
From the side, Sarutobi looked remorseful for not being able to comfort the child enough and make him go through such groundless sentiment.
"Why would you think that?"
"If I was good, you wouldn't have been hurt." Harry propped himself up in his bed at that response and motioned Konohamaru to sit on his bed. When the child complied Harry hugged him. Konohamaru reacted by hugging back tightly as though he wouldn't let go of this embrace.
"It was never your fault. This didn't happen because you couldn't protect me." At last, Harry understood what other people have been telling him back in England. He understood what Remus had told him not long ago.
"It was something out of your power. It was an accident. It's not your fault. You don't have be 'good.' You already are a good boy and I'm very lucky to have someone like you as my nephew. I still love you very much. Do you understand what I'm saying?" He understood what those people felt like when they tried to convince him that certain things, which he blamed himself for, were in fact, not his fault.
Konohamaru nodded his head while his face was still buried in Harry's chest. "Then you'll come back home and live with me?" Voice was muffled but Harry understood him nonetheless.
"Yes. Once Kazuki-san discharges me, we can live together again." Harry reassured the child. The wizard then shifted his gaze towards his guardian who quietly nodded his head and left the room to give them some private time together.
It took some time for Konohamaru to let go of Harry but eventually, the child was soothed enough to not cling on to his uncle the entire time as they conversed. Harry listened as Konohamaru talked about the time he was hospitalized. The wizard was surprised to hear about the number of days he had been hospitalized as well as people who had visited him during that duration. He was grateful to people who had helped take care of his nephew and visited him at the hospital.
"And then Naruto-niisan and his girlfriend came like usual but then suddenly there was this loud sound from one of the machine that was connected to you. A lot of people came in and surrounded you. One of them made us leave. It was scary."
There were many things Harry wanted to ask but he did not interrupt the boy as he continued to narrate the events from his point of view. It was necessary for Konohamaru to talk about this stressful experience to allow him heal.
"I wasn't allowed to see you for the rest of the day. When I asked grandpa, he just said that you were still sick and everyone was doing their best to fix you. I was allowed to see you again the next afternoon but you had this weird tube in your mouth. A nurse said it was to help you breath and when I asked why you needed that she said it was because you were not strong enough to breath on your own."
When, for the first time, Konohamaru took a long pause in his story, Harry combed the boy's hair in a comforting gesture resulting in the child to snuggling closer to him.
"It scared you to see me like that." Konohamaru nodded. Currently, they were resting contentedly next to each other with the head of Harry's bed raised.
"But the more scary thing was that your heart had stopped. That's what Naruto-niisan said. And no one was telling me at first. They all hid that from me!"
"They didn't mean that." Harry also knew where that anger came from. All those buried negative feelings while he was in coma were starting to surface as the child was assured with the fact that his uncle was safe. "Don't be mad at them too much." Harry thought it was ironic to find himself in this position since it was usually the other way around.
"They all knew! And you're my uncle! I should know too!"
"You're right. You had every right to know. And you have every right to be mad at them." At Harry's calm response, Konohamaru's anger and hurt feeling was slowly dissipating. Unlike other people, his uncle did not tell him that he shouldn't get mad at them. His uncle even agreed with him! "I think they wanted to protect you from feeling more scared and sad though. So just be mad for a little bit to give them a hard time but not for too long, okay?" Harry added last part playfully as he winked.
"Okay." Konohamaru smiled back for the first time since he came to the hospital and talked with Harry.
Harry let Konohamaru finish his story and did all he could to help resolve any negative things the child experienced during his absence. By the time Naruto came to visit him, they were chatting about what they were going to do together once Harry got discharged.
"Hari-san! You're really awake! How are you feeling?" Harry smiled as Naruto rambled on while running towards him. Sakura was following not too far behind the blond with few more familiar faces.
"Hari-san, it's so good to see you awake!" Ino said as she popped out a flower basket. "Get well soon."
"Thank you, Ino. You really didn't' have to." Harry was a little surprised to receive a gift as it wasn't a common occurrence for him but he was still thankful.
"I also brought you a present! Here!" Naruto said out loud again as he held out a white bag containing what seems to be few cans right before Harry's face almost hitting him. "It's peach cans! Hope you like them! I was going to buy ramen but Sakura-chan said-" But the dangling can was snatched away by Sakura.
"Naruto, don't' put that bag at Hari-san's face, you almost hit him with it!" Harry couldn't help himself as he started to chuckle at the scene before him which was followed by laughters of other children present.
"Thank you, Naruto-kun." Harry extended his hand to receive the bag as he continued to smile. "How did you guys know I was awake?"
"Well, Asuma-sensei told me this morning before he went off for another mission but he asked me to say hello for him. I told my team afterwards as they wanted to see you get better for some time now." Shikamaru said motioning to rest of Team Asuma.
"Thanks for coming." As Harry thanked him, Shikamaru noticed great improvement in Harry's overall condition in just overnight.
There were still many bandages around him but Shikamaru had a feeling that those were all to deceive others to hide about mysterious sudden healing of the wounds and injuries that were previously impossible to heal in short span of time. All those dressings were new with no seeping drainages. Moreover, small wounds that were visible before were all healed.
"I heard from Tsunade-sama so I brought Naruto along." Shikamaru continued his observation as he watched the older teen interact with Sakura and others.
During his guilt ridden weeks of the teen's hospitalization, Shikamaru had a plenty of time to reflect about the Hokage's charge. He questioned why Hari was even kidnapped in the first place. The older teen wasn't a logical choice if he was kidnapped for the reason of being the Hokage's adoptive son. If that was the case, then Konohamaru was more suitable candidate as the child was related to the third Hokage by blood and was younger, which made a lot of things easier for the kidnappers.
With this analysis, Shikamaru came to a conclusion that there must have been another reason why Hari was kidnapped and started to focus about the youth's origin. Hari was an outsider - an orphan with a destroyed hometown. He was adopted by the Hokage. But why? There must have been something special about him that made the third Hokage to extend his protection because it was very unlikely Hari got adopted for the reason of pity. No matter how kind Sarutobi Hiruzen was to his villagers, he was still the Hokage, which meant he was the most skilled and fiercest ninja and they did not adopt children out of sympathy. And Shikamaru concluded that 'something special' was the reason Hari got kidnapped. But what was that 'something special?'
"What are you kids all doing here? He needs rest, so leave and come back another time in a smaller group." Kazuki suddenly came in and started to glare at the group of children. His veteran eyes did not miss the fatigue Harry was trying to hide.
"But last time, there were more people visiting-" Naruto's protest, however, was cut short.
"Out. He needs rest." Before Naruto could say something back, Sakura cover his mouth and excused themselves before leaving the room. Once all children, except Konohamaru, were out of hearing range Harry thanked the old doctor.
"Thank you Kazuki-san, I really couldn't ask them to let me rest when they came all the way here to visit me." Harry relaxed his back on to the bed again.
"Are you tired?" Konohamaru asked anxiously.
"I'm just a little sleepy. That's all. I'll get better soon."
"You'll wake up again, right?" It would take some time for Konohamaru to get over this event and Harry was more than willing to help the small boy heal.
"Absolutely." Harry's beamed at the child.
"Then sleep well, uncle. I want you to get better and come back home with me. I will protect you while you sleep." Harry closed his eyes at that determined voice.
"Thank you, Konohamaru. That makes me feel reassured to rest better. See you in few hours." And soon, Harry was enjoying bliss of sleep again.
The days that followed were similar yet different as new visitors always came to see him each day on top of regular visitors like Konohamaru, Sarutobi, Naruto, Sakura and Shikamaru. Lee and his loud sensei came along with a Hyuuga ninja named Neji. It unnerved the wizard to see that white eyes again since he had met Hiashi. Several of his neighbors also dropped by with some food wishing his full recovery. To his surprise Anko dropped by with Ibiki and Harry didn't want to get sick visited by Anko ever again.
During all this, Harry wondered about Sasuke. That day when he had finally woken up from his coma, he found himself with Sarutobi and Tsunade after waking up from his nap. He was instructed to not reveal anything about his kidnapping incident and he had a feeling it was to protect Sasuke. In a way, the wizard felt sad that they wanted to cover up what he went to through to protect their own shinobi but on the other hand, Harry also didn't want Sasuke to be in further trouble than he already was by trying to leave the village. When Harry asked about what had happened to Sasuke, he was only told that the boy was being treated for his injuries. Sasuke's rank also has been suspended indefinitely until the proper punishment was decided.
Harry pleaded with two Hokage about Sasuke's case. He told them that the boy was just heading down the self-destructing path without being fully aware of consequences. It wasn't as though Harry had fully forgiven Sasuke but Harry also didn't want to see the boy's life destroyed any further. They told him that they will take Harry's plea into consideration but for now, Harry should rest and be stress free.
On the whole other issue, Harry wondered if he was getting homesick. It wasn't as if he missed those idiots back in his world but it was something else. Out of the blue, he just wanted to see those familiar sceneries back in England. His regained memories since coma not only brought painful events from the past, but also, this urge to go back. He missed Hogwarts, the station and wizarding villages and wondered if all those damages had been repaired.
But it's still my memories.
His own voice rang out in his mind. Harry still wasn't sure what that experience on the river was about before he woke up from coma. Was it a dream or was this one of those things that people say that they experienced when they came back from being dead?
If everything is taken away from me, I'm not myself anymore.
Does he still think like that now? What would it have been like if he was back here without his memories? He wouldn't have recognized Sirius, Remus and people he has met in the Leaf village. That thought made him his stomach twist when he imagined the further anguish it would cause on those nice people.
You'll never know true meaning of happiness without sadness.
How cliché yet it was a much needed lesson Harry needed reminder of. Shisui. That was the man's name. Was he a real person? Ant that guy named Itachi looked a lot like the man he had met who had caused his eye injuries.
Whatever the case, Harry finally decided that he couldn't' forget anything. Running away from painful memories meant forgetting those that were precious to him and that he wouldn't give up on anything.
You weren't waking up! His condition caused them lots of suffering.
We were so worried about you. These people were actually worried about him.
Welcome back. They actually waited for him to wake up.
Get well soon. They seemed to want to see him healthy again without anything in return.
The wizard felt horrible for thinking about death when he thought of those who wished for his recovery. At the same time, it also made him happy a bit as it made him think that there were people here who cared about him.
Over the years, his view of the world had changed so many times. Each time, it made him believe the world was tougher place to live. It made him think love and honor was fastest way to get yourself killed among the wretched people. Yet, this experience made him able to hope for something a tiny bit more.
When the day of his discharge from the hospital arrived, Konohamaru and Naruto came to accompany Harry home. Sakura and Konohamaru's friends were waiting at home to throw him a small celebration party. It was also a goodbye party for Naruto before he left with Jiraiya to train. Asuma and his team wanted to be there too but they were away for a mission. It was still sad to see the village in a state of recovery as he walked home. He heard that the academy remained closed while most shinobi continued to suffer a heavy mission load.
Nonetheless, their travel back home didn't last long. When they were about a half way home, two ANBU appeared before the group startling them. Harry recognized one of the masks as a person who had carried him to the tower back in the Forest of Death.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your way home, but you'll have to come with us, Hari-kun."
"To where?" Konohamaru immediately grabbed on to his uncle with a firm grip, afraid that by letting him go, he'll never see Hari again.
"We were ordered to bring you to the Hokage Mansion." The taller of the ANBU overlooked the boy's question in favor of speaking to Harry.
At that Harry crouched himself at Konohamaru's level which effectively stopped arguments from the children.
"I'm sure grandpa just wants to see me before I go back home. I'll go straight to home once I see him."
"Then, I wanna come too!" Konohamaru quickly responded.
"Konohamaru, I know it's not easy for you when I'm out of your sight. Believe me, similar thing happened to me too." Harry said softly.
"Really? You too?" Konohamaru sounded a bit skeptical.
"Yes. I promise that I'll come back as soon as I can. I'm sure one of these ANBU will escort me back safely once I'm done so there's nothing to worry about. I think adults just want to talk to me privately."
"Why can't I come?"
"The same reason you don't want adults to be hearing you when you talk with your friends." Then Harry whispered into Konohamaru's right ear playfully. "I think they're cooking up trouble but I'll let you in that juicy secret when I come back." And Harry finished that sentence with a light tickle to the boy's neck.
Konohamaru yelped but even after Harry's hand had left, Konohamaru looked less nervous than before. At that appearance, Harry turned from his nephew to Naruto.
"I'll catch up with you guys at home. Make a good cover story for me?" Harry joked lightly then left the scene with the ANBU once the children were more at ease from being separated from him.
When Harry arrived with the ANBU, he was met with a familiar people waiting for him at the usual spot during the past few times he had been to the Hokage Mansion. Sarutobi guided Harry to a sit across from Tsunade and Jiraiya while Shizune stood behind the fifth Hokage.
"This morning, we received a guest who was looking for you. She said she came to represent the Yamata clan." Tsunade started.
"Yamata clan?" Harry asked back, perplexed. Tsunade asked him in a way that made him think that he should know well about this clan. However, the wizard couldn't recall anything about that clan and couldn't help himself from asking. "I'm sorry, but who are they?"
"So you have no clue as to who they are?" When Harry shook his head, Tsunade continued to press for information.
"Anyone from your past?"
"No." Harry wondered if that was the wrong answer as everyone silently exchanged glances that he couldn't comprehend. Their eyes seemed to harden as though they have reached an unspoken agreement before Tsunade spoke again.
"Bring her back in." One of the ANBU left the room to only come back alone.
Upon closer inspection, Harry noticed something slither after ANBU. It was a white snake about three meter long with red eyes and those unnerving red beads scrutinized Harry's every features as it came closer. The ANBU stopped his tracks but the pearly creature continued its way until it stopped before the two Hokage but her focus was visibly elsewhere.
"Ah, so you're the descendant from his clan." The white snake said as it observed Harry and the wizard was starting to feel dread creeping up on him as he had an ominous feeling about this meeting.
"He said he doesn't know anyone from the Yamata clan." Tsunade declared.
"Of course he doesn't. If I remember correctly from what Siyu said, he's from the Slytherin line." Tsunade scowled at the unhelpful retort.
"What do you mean by that?" The snake seemed to smirk at Harry's inquiry for the first time. Harry didn't like way this conversation was heading. "I'm sorry, but who are you?"
"You recognize that other name, don't you?"
"Who are you?" Harry's patience was running thin at the snake's mocking attitude.
Harry thought back about his times in this world. The day of the invasion was the only time the name Slytherin was ever mentioned in this world as well as only time for him to have communicated with snakes. That day's event was hard to recollect in fine details as he was in adrenalin filled mind state. But could it be that this Yamata clan and the Slytherin line are connected somehow? However, how would someone from the Slytherin family be here? Was there a wizarding community that he and the others were unaware of in this world?
While Harry considered many possibilities, the snake in front him seemed to be amused at Harry's antic as though it could read Harry's thought. The creature ignored Harry's question and continued her words.
"I came to extend the invitation to the child of the Slytherin."
"What's the reason for the invitation?" Tsunade already disliked the way the scaly creature was toying with them with purposeful cryptic answers from their first meeting.
She had put up with the boy's cryptic answers because he was her old teacher's charge, but she wasn't about to extend the same courtesy to that snake. She was getting tired of snakes messing with her head by this point in her life, mostly thanks to her old teammate.
"The elders of my clan want to see the child who has claimed the heritage of our clan. They have been very curious since Siyu reported of what had transpired on the day of the Leaf Village's invasion." The snake replied with full of pride.
"What is the Yamata or this Suride something clan?" Jiraiya asked.
During his years of travel and work as a spy, he would have thought that he would know such a clan that dealt with snakes especially when you consider there may be a high chance that Orochimaru may be or will be involved if such a clan existed. Just as when the snake seemed to be willing answer Jiraiya's question, Harry interrupted.
"I politely refuse the invitation." Tsunade looked intently at the boy. It was as though he was trying to hide something.
"And why's that young speaker? Don't tell me you're taking your words back. If that's the case then it'll be considered as an insult to us since it'll mean that you have deceived and used us."
"I want to quietly live a normal life." Everyone tried to comprehend the true meaning behind Harry's words.
"No one said you couldn't." Teasing was evident in the snake's voice as she countered Harry's remark.
"You know very well what I meant." Harry gritted the words out trying hard not to blast the snake that was a possible threat to his new found life.
"No, I don't, so enlighten us." The snake looked around to the rest of the people in the room in a ridiculing gesture. Harry tightened his lips before he stood up from his sit.
"If those elders really want to see me then tell them to come themselves instead; this conversation is finished." Harry walked past the snake to leave. Harry would have succeeded in his attempt if it weren't for one particular word that snake uttered for all occupants in the room to hear and understand.
"I wouldn't do that young wizard."