Chapter 24: A New Hope
The incident at the Ministry had made many headlines in the wizarding community. With the return of Voldemort being reported, Fudge immediately resigned due to his failure to accept the truth. Naruto, Harry, and Dumbledore were cleared of being blacklisted as a result of the truth coming out. Also the numerous deaths of Death Eaters had been reported at the Ministry as several of their corpses have been found littered around the Ministry. Along with that happening, some other good things happened. For instance, Umbridge was immediately sacked after a bunch of her students testified against her, even going as far as showing them the evidence of her abuse. Dumbledore finally came back as headmaster of Hogwarts. Oh and after everything that happened, Naruto managed to sue the Ministry of Magic for everything that happened, with some help of course, so in a way he had won, along with getting a heavy load of galleons as compensation. Anyways for our lovable blond Uzumaki, he's right now at the hospital wing, after being treated for his injuries, despite Kurama healing him.
Luckily Hermione was by his side, as he was reading the newspaper regarding everything that just happened. "It was a good thing I managed to contact some of my overseas friends to help me file a suit against the Ministry. From what I heard, the international wizarding community were really pissed off by the British Ministry of Magic for their incompetence when it came to many things, so really the Ministry had it coming," Naruto stated, chuckling at that idea. "Heh, I guess the Uzumaki name really has an influence on the wizarding world, huh?" Hermione stated. The two laughed at that idea, as it did make sense as to why Naruto managed to get a lawsuit filed against the Ministry. Naruto sighed, "How's that scar of yours?" he asked Hermione, who got a scar from Dolohov during the battle at the Ministry. "The pain went away, though it might leave a nasty mark for who knows how long," she stated with her, as she pulled on the neck of her shirt, exposing her collarbone, where the beginning of the white line was visible. She pointed at her chest, as she traced a line over her shirt that went down in between her breasts. Then she traced a finger down the line around where her belly button was and finally around the hem of her pants. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…I failed you at the Ministry. If I hadn't been so weak I-"
"It's not your fault Naruto, I was careless at that moment, but I don't regret it, trying to save you," Hermione said, with a sense of finality. Naruto nods, as he was rather silent. "You know, when I transformed…into that mindless beast… the first thing I thought of..was you," he said quietly. Hermione was shocked, but motioned for him to explain. "I was afraid that you and everyone died…I…I was ready to take away my own life, after reliving those horrible memories of mine from what happened here to all the way back home…I was afraid I would suffer that pain I tried to get away from again," he said, as he was trying so hard to hold in these strong emotions of his. "However I was saved from ever having to take my own life," he said. "Saved by who?" Hermione asked, sounding curious.
"My parents…I finally met my mom and dad," Naruto said, as he sadly smiled. The brunette was surprised, as Naruto began to explain his encounter with his parents. "I can remember it all, from what they told me, of how they met all the way to how they were really happy that they were having me as their child. They really wanted me to be seen as a hero after sacrificing their lives for me and sealing the fox inside me, because they have faith that I could one day learn to control this beast. They were even proud when they found out that I made my own path in life and made friends who have accepted me for who I am, especially since they already knew about you as they saw my memories." Hermione blushed, "O-Oh really, what did they say?" she asked. "They said many good things about you, especially my mom as she believes that I got myself a keeper," the blond said, as he chuckled. "But in all seriousness, I was glad that they along with you were the ones to save me, as if they hadn't been there or if you hadn't reached out to me, I would've died…so thank you…for everything. If anything, I'm glad my parents did seal the Nine Tails inside me, knowing that I will make them proud and had they not done so, I wouldn't have met you or anybody else in this world. So I will keep my chin up high and move forward and become the son my parents would be proud of," Naruto said, as he smiled with a determined look, knowing that he has embraced everything that has happened and is ready to move on. Hermione nods, "That's right and I will always be with you, no matter what happens, you can count on me, I swear to my bones," she said with a determined look. The two smiled at each other and kissed, before they decided to move on to another topic.
Timeskip
The last day of school has happened, as the end of the year feast has taken place. Everybody was clapping and cheering once they found out that Umbridge is finally getting replaced and that Dumbledore is back and for good. So far no major incidents have happened, aside from some of the Slytherins being pretty salty about this whole thing. Especially Draco, as he found out his father had been arrested by the Ministry, so he decided to take it out on Naruto and Harry. Luckily the D.A. came to the two's aid and helped incapacitate Malfoy and his cronies, before Naruto and Harry decided to give Malfoy and his cronies a kick in the balls and a black eye on each eye. As the group was walking to the train, Harry decided to say something. "I've been thinking of something Dumbledore said to me," Harry stated. "What is that?' Hermione asked, looking at him. "Even though we've got a fight ahead of us, we have one thing that Voldemort doesn't have," he said looking at them. "We have something worth fighting for," Harry stated, as everybody agreed. "This is the fight of our lives, and we need to win. Whatever it takes," Naruto stated, as the others repeated that last phrase and nodded. Soon they entered the train, ready to go home for the summer holidays.
During the train ride home, Naruto decided to tell the others about how he finally met his parents and how they managed to make the seal normal again. Needless to say, Harry and Ron were shocked, but also glad that Naruto finally met his parents. "So Harry, what was the prophecy all about, why were Voldemort and his band of Death Eaters after some glowing orb?" Naruto asked, as Harry frowned. "From what Dumbledore told me, the prophecy held information as to how Voldemort would be defeated. Voldemort wanted to take it, but Dumbledore stated that Voldemort couldn't as only the ones mentioned in the prophecy could take it. But there was something weird about it, the prophecy mentioned both our names and the mentioning of two dark lords," Harry stated. Naruto thought about it, "Menma…he's the only other contender for the second dark lord. After all, he and Voldemort are working together, especially considering that Menma only desires power and he's willing to take lives for it. I'm no expert at prophecies nor do I have any interest, but I think since we were the ones mentioned in that orb, that means in the not too distant future we might have to step up and face these two threats." Harry nodded, "Right, we have to get stronger and be ready to face these two."
Naruto looked serious, "In order for me to get stronger so that I don't hurt any of you guys…it's time I learn to control the power of the Nine Tails. It's going to be tough, but it will be worth it." The two nod at each other, knowing what must be done. But that could wait, as they are right now enjoying some peace and quiet of the train ride, while talking about stuff. Soon they arrived at the train station and got out with their luggage of course. They soon see their adult guardians waiting for them, as they waved at the kids. "I'll see you guys around the summer," Harry stated, as the others agreed. Before Hermione left to go meet her parents, Naruto called for her about something. "Yes Naruto?" she asked the blond boy. "Since this is the start of the summer holiday, I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date with me some time. We can go get dinner and see a movie or we can do whatever you want, that's up to you," Naruto asked. Hermione smiled and kissed the boy on the lips, "Pick me up at 8, next Friday ok?" she asked, as the boy sheepishly nodded. The two laughed and hugged each other, as they promised each other they would hang out around the summer. As she walks back to her parents after giving Naruto one final goodbye, Naruto turns around to see that Tsunade and Mito along with Itachi are waiting for him there. Unbeknownst to him, the spirits of Naruto's parents and Jiraiya were watching over the boy, as they smiled knowing he had finally moved on. "Looks like our son has finally moved on," Minato said, as he and Kushina looked proud. "I have a feeling Naruto will finally surpass us all," Jiraiya stated, as the two nodded. Soon the spirits vanished, knowing Naruto will be alright. Naruto felt something like a wind blowing, but he shook it off as he was happy seeing his new family. "No place like home," he said to himself, as he and Mito, Tsunade, and Itachi walked out of the station.
The End
Note: Alright that wraps up the fifth volume, as I'm currently planning the sixth volume. Anyways this had been another volume I enjoyed writing the most, though it was sometimes stressful. But still I was glad that everyone here is enjoying the story, so thank you all and have a good day or night and feel free to review
