Sakura leaned back with a relieved smile on her face. Her eyes fixed on Naruto- clad in complete Quidditch gear- as he zipped excitedly around the pitch. To her left, Sasuke was sitting back casually with an imperceptibly small smile on his lips.
It's only been a few weeks since the start of the new term but between their little misadventure, exchanging letters throughout the summer (a concept her parents found oddly endearing to the point they set up a perch for her owl in the house), and spending nearly every waking hour together, added with her spat with Ino, the three of them had gotten significantly closer.
"It's not like we haven't expected this outcome already," Sasuke said conversationally.
"Yeah, but it was really impressive of him to hold out against a fourth year on his own," she watched as Kiba zipped by him to give him a playful smack on the back.
As a muggleborn, Sakura at first didn't know what to make of the magical sport. It was oddly interesting, to say the least. She herself wasn't much for sports, but her little misadventure last year had possessed her to take up self-defense classes in the summer- much to her parent's relief and delight.
After all, it's better to be prepared and not need it than to be unprepared at all when the situation calls for it. Magic or no.
The concept of riding on a broom still somewhat clung to her as a fairytale concept. Though admittedly, she did enjoy flying and feeling the wind on her face. She managed to get herself an O as a final grade in Flying Class as well! Still, she's no athlete unlike Sasuke- who had displayed his own skillset in the skies during the Slytherin tryouts last week- and Naruto- who apparently inherited his mother's flying talents.
"Guys! Guys! Did you see what I did back there?! Am I amazing or what?!" Naruto didn't bother to wait till he stopped in front of where she and Sasuke sat the bleachers as he practically zipped towards them.
"I'd go with or what," Sasuke shook his head lightly.
Sakura though, mirrored the blonde's wide, fox-like grin, "Yes, Naruto, we did. That was really amazing!"
Naruto's grin, if possible, had grown even wider, and just as he was about to retort against Sasuke's seemingly mocking comment, the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain had called for everyone to round up.
"They're probably going to announce the results," Sakura supplied.
"If it's anything like the Slytherin Quidditch Team then it's going to take a while," Sasuke added and she didn't miss the way he stressed his two last words. He told them that the Slytherin team held a small party for the new members and since this was Gryffindor, they'll surely kick their welcoming party up a notch. "You can tell us all about it later at dinner."
"Sure thing! You better not cry when I say I made MVP today, Sasuke! 'Cause I definitely will! Believe it!" Naruto flashed them a smile and a wave before zipping back to where the team gathered at the center of the pitch. Eager and confident to hear his name amongst those who passed.
"There's no MVP in tryouts, dumbass," the raven-haired sighed to which Sakura chuckled lightly.
They both made their way back to the castle with a relatively companionable silence. Confident that Naruto would make the team. She was glad she at least wore a scarf when they made it to the pitch. The approaching autumn has been making its steady presence known with the slight chill in the air. They actually made an odd picture- a pureblood and a muggleborn, and a Slytherin and Gryffindor at that, casually walking side by side. Friends. For as much as Hogwarts tried to promote interhouse cooperation and unity over the last few decades, it's not so easy to get rid of centuries of house rivalry and prejudice.
"What position do you think Naruto will get?" she asked.
"Chaser," Sasuke answered immediately, "That maneuver he pulled off practically solidified him that spot."
Sakura nodded agreeably. Though she's not as keen with the sport as the boys, she tried her best to understand since it's the one thing so far the boys get extremely along with, "I think he'll make a good Keeper too, if not just a reserve. He's just as good as blocking the quaffle from getting into enemy hands as scoring them."
He hummed with a convincing nod. For rivalry's sake, Sasuke and Naruto both applied for the Chaser position during their tryouts. However, the Slytherin Captain deemed Sasuke more fitting to be a Seeker, and instead made him a reserve Chaser. Which, given his assessment, wasn't unfounded. Sasuke's frame and flying style made him as slick and quick as his house emblem, and while Naruto's fast, his loud presence would probably scare the snitch off before he could give chase, if not catch the enemy seeker's attention.
They had just moved on to talking about their Charms homework when they passed by a group of their year-mates. Particularly, they were a group of girls who were not as keen on her newfound friendship with a certain Uchiha. Though Ino's not one of them, she wasn't the only one who was jealous of Sakura having Sasuke's attention.
She can't blame them though. To be perfectly honest. Sasuke definitely had the physical features to be a local heartthrob. Not only that, he's also skilled and smart to tie with her as brightest wizard of their year. Though he excelled more on the former and she beats him on the latter. If she wasn't content on being his friend then she would've developed a crush on him as well.
Sasuke must've sensed her discomfort with the way her head bowed as if to make herself smaller and unnoticeable. He sped up his movements and she quickly followed suit. Wanting to get away from the glares boring onto her back.
"You know better than to let them get to you," he said somewhat harshly once they turned a corner. Sakura would've flinched if she didn't know he only meant well. Since the start of the term, Sasuke seemed to have taken the task of helping her stand up for herself. Which was something she honestly appreciated, if not a bit embarrassed. Apart from her parents, she wasn't used to people looking out for her.
"I know," she said solemnly before finally lifting her head and daring a peek at him, "You know, it also wouldn't hurt if you act nicer to other people. I'm sure they're not as bad once you get to know them."
Sasuke harrumphed, "I'll consider it once they stop being annoying. Are you heading back to your common room?"
Pink brows furrowed minutely at the way he quickly chose to change the topic but chose to let it slide, "I'm actually heading to the library. I wanted to check if the book I wanted to borrow is available now and I thought I might do a bit of light reading."
"The library, of course."
She jutted her lower lip, "You could join me, if you want."
"Not today," he shook his head, "I promised Itachi I'd meet up with him after Naruto's tryout. He said he wanted to show me something."
The pinkette nodded in understanding. It had come to their attention early on that Sasuke greatly looks up to his older brother, who was two years above them. He was also more than happy to supply that Itachi was the brightest wizard of his age, that not only was he smart but extremely talented as well. Though Sakura wasn't sure how much of his descriptions were exaggerated from his hero worship. She had, after all, only met his esteemed brother shortly after their misadventure. He came to her cot in the hospital wing to thank her for helping his brother and keeping him safe despite how dangerous the situation had become. Sakura was only relieved that he didn't blame her for dragging his brother into such a mess, or demanded that she stay away from him. On the contrary, Uchiha Itachi was polite and cordial, if not a bit too formal. He also wished her a pleasant summer when school ended and he didn't seem to mind her friendship with his brother. It's rare to find purebloods, especially those as old as the Uchiha family, to be amiable to muggleborns like her.
The Uchiha brothers at least.
They reached the inner courtyard where they spotted Itachi under an arch that led into the building across the courtyard.
He was talking with a very familiar snow-haired Ravenclaw.
Sakura bit on her lower lip to swallow her gasp. Ever since Sasuke's warning, Sakura had opted to be more wary of the white-haired Senju. Fortunately, apart from the last one, there hadn't been any interaction between them besides passing by each other in the library. Maybe because she was more focused on hiding herself last year that she had only noticed that Tobirama also spent most of his time in the library. She would always find him perusing between shelves with his nose also stuck on a book while sometimes writing on a leather-bound journal or a piece of parchment.
"Sasuke. Hello Miss Haruno," Itachi greeted with a small polite smile once they were close enough.
"Hi, Mr. Uchiha," she greeted back.
"Please, Mr. Uchiha is my father. You may call me Itachi," he acquiesced, making her eyes widen at the privilege. From her brief experience and the letters exchanged with Sasuke, tradition and formality were drilled into pureblood witches and wizards since they were born. The younger Uchiha brother may be condescending and conceited at times, his actions and the way he speaks betrayed his etiquette training. Naruto, however, seemed to be quite an exception. Though Naruto's mother was a pureblood herself, he was spared from most of the archaic practices because of their free spirit.
Sakura glanced over discreetly to the Uchiha beside her and he just shrugged in approval.
"Then please call me Sakura, Itachi," she smiled and the corner of his lips lifted ever so slightly. He's really polite.
That, or she earned his favor and good graces for being Sasuke's friend.
"Ah how rude of me, Sakura, this is Senju Tobirama. A fifth-year prefect in Ravenclaw. Tobirama, this is Haruno Sakura, a good friend of my brother's. From what Sasuke has told me, it seems that both of you are quite the scholars and frequent residents of the library. Though I don't believe you two have met," Itachi introduced and Sakura shot Sasuke an embarrassed betrayed look. She wasn't sure what to feel about being talked behind her back, even if its only to their older brother. Sasuke however, just turned his head away.
Sakura warily glanced at the white-haired Senju, and just like before, she could feel that subtle fog over his dark brown eyes.
"We haven't been introduced," Tobirama said, and because she was looking at him, she missed the slight arch of Itachi's brow at his answer.
Remembering her manners, Sakura tipped her head slightly, "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Senju."
"The pleasure's all mine, Miss Haruno," he nodded back, expressionless as ever, before turning back his attention to Itachi, "I believe we'll have to resume our conversation at another time."
"I suppose so. I will owl you if there's any sudden developments."
As Itachi and Tobirama exchanged a few more words, Sasuke leaned a bit towards her direction, "Are you sure you don't want to walk with us?"
Sakura shook her head, "I'll be fine, thank you. I'll see you later at dinner."
"Come along, Sasuke. Sakura, I wish you a pleasant day," without further preamble, Itachi turned on his heel towards the direction of the dungeons with Sasuke following suit, sending her a final glance over his shoulder.
Having realized that she's been left with the very person she had been wary with for the last few days, Sakura tried not to squirm at the apparent feel of those magic-veiled eyes on her person. All the while she mentally berated herself for being so judgmental. After all, there had to be some other reason he's using glamour magic over his eyes. And as much as she appreciated Sasuke's warnings, they're basically just rumors and she should know better than judge a person by their appearances. She should give him the benefit of the doubt.
Still, this is very awkward.
"I uhh… I'm going to head to the library now," she quipped instead, unsure if she should bid him farewell or not.
"I see," she barely heard him say as she turned on her heel and purposely headed towards her sanctuary.
Her jitters eventually settled when she had walked a considerable distance towards her destination, and her mind had successfully diverted to her mental list of book titles she thought of reading in case the book she wanted to borrow wasn't available yet.
Of course, if her book is available, then she'll have to make a quick change of plans.
Sakura smiled in greeting towards the librarian behind the large desk to which she was given a nod of acknowledgment in return as she continued scribbling on her log book. But before Sakura could open her mouth to ask for her book, her eyes had already caught the familiar title sitting amongst the other tomes on the cart meant for Returned books just waiting to be replaced on their respective shelves.
Not wanting to disturb the librarian, Sakura gingerly took the book entitled: Magic's Hollowed Secrets before making her way to her desk. After spending all her free time in the library, Sakura's feet operated like clockwork as she maneuvered between the labyrinthine shelves that would've deterred a normal student but for someone like Sakura, found excitement- magical, even- at the thought of getting lost in thousands upon thousands of tomes and scrolls. As if getting lost in her own world.
Whenever she and the boys would study or do homework together, because it's the one place they could get Naruto to tone down his voice and complaints in fear of the strict librarian, they would often choose one of the tables near the atrium. For, as it turns out, there were a lot of distractions for one hyperactive blonde if they do it in the study hall.
But this place is special.
As much as she grew to care for the boys, she'd like to be selfish for once and have this little corner all on her own.
"Aguamenti," Sakura casted silently after making sure there were no students or professors nearby. Though there were hardly any people around this time apart from the studious people who also found a home in Hogwarts' vast library, and even then, hardly anyone ventures close to her little corner located on a small loft at the second floor.
With her magic easily obeying her will, a steady stream of water trickled from the tip of her cherry wand and filled one of the two plastic cups she took out from her bag. Satisfied with her conjuring, Sakura turned her attention briefly back on the open book on her lap.
Magic's Hollowed Secrets was a collection made by a 14th century author. However, unlike most books that contained implicit details and explanations on magic and facts, this book was a collection of theories, problems, questions, and even concepts the people of the wizarding world considered the impossible and fairytales. It proposed no answers whatsoever so it's no surprise that it was hardly of any use to students and therefore is the only copy available. The original of which was secured in a vault as was mandatory for any book or scroll that dated in the mid-17th century and earlier.
Sakura though, saw it in a different light.
During the summer, on a seemingly normal day while she's helping her mother in the small vegetable garden she had on their backyard, her mother commented how convenient it would've been like to just point a wand and have tools do her bidding without taking the extra effort to do everything. As Sakura's parents, they were privy to know about magic and were only sworn to secrecy as mandated by the Statue of Secrecy. Though there were times when they don't understand what Sakura shared to them, the pinkette never held it against them and opted to explain it in terms they could understand, much to her father's amusement.
Sakura had chuckled at her mother's comment, saying that although it is convenient, most spells are hardly permanent and are still bound by the laws of nature. To be honest, it sort of bummed her that magic wasn't as omnipotent as she thought it was.
She had used water as example then. That although one can conjure water to put out a fire or drink, it does not have the permanent effect of quenching one's thirst. Since magic primarily bypasses most natural processes oftentimes to create an instant effect. However, by the end of her explanation, her mother had only raised a brow at her and said: "But doesn't water 'come from' thin air?".
It was then that Sakura became inspired on making a small bit of experimentation of her own.
Taking a deep breath, Sakura willed her magic to do her bidding. According to her professors, there were four main factors to properly conduct a spell: wand movement, incantation, concentration, and intention. The exceptions being wandless and non-verbal spells, which were considered to be much more difficult. Unfortunately, for what she's about to do, Sakura had none of the first two. Still, she kept her wand aloft, pointing at the other empty cup just in case.
In her mind's eye, she concentrated on the image of water droplets forming around and gathering together at the tip of her wand. Instead of like with the Water-Making Spell, that came from the tip itself.
The pinkette attempted to conjure the water out of 'thin air', or would transfigure be the more proper term?
The first two attempts were folly, but on her third try that made a wrinkle form between her brows, a tiny bubble slowly came into existence. Despite her excitement, Sakura willed herself to not lose her focus as she kept gathering more and more of water vapors. Intending to let it grow to about the size of a tennis ball.
'Almost there…'
"What do you think you are doing?"
Sakura let out an undignified squeak that effectively broke her concentration. Fortunately, the ball of water had fallen into the empty cup and only a tiny bit had splashed over the table. She whipped her head to the side and to her utmost horror, Tobirama stood a few feet from her desk. His eyes narrowed accusingly and suspiciously. Showing without a doubt that he had just caught her red-handed.
"Practicing complicated and advanced spells without proper supervision of a professor or a capable student is prohibited," he rebuked as he marched towards her with purposeful steps. His last word had a bite to it that made her flinch and glue to her seat. Her head dropped and her cheeks tinged pink in shame, "As admirable as your drive in advancing your academic pursuits, there are still rules needed to be followed, Miss Haruno. Are you even aware of the repercussions should you have performed a spell improperly? You could've caused a mess, or worse, got yourself hurt. I understand the appeal in trying something new but there is a reason the Water-Making Spell was taught to sixth years, and to even attempt to do so windlessly and non-verba-"
"But that wasn't what I was doing!" Sakura blurted. Her cheeks by then had turned even redder and her verdant orbs had glistened both in humiliation, shame, and a bit of anger. The only time she's ever been scolded like this was when she had wandered off too far on a hiking trip with her parents and thought she had gotten lost.
If possible, Tobirama's umber eyes narrowed further, "You mean to tell me you weren't attempting to perform an Aguamenti Charm just now?"
"No. I mean- yes, but I didn't- I mean I already did but just now I wasn't," she chewed on her lip as her mind scrambled to formulate what words she could even say. While a part of her still panicked over the fact that she had been caught.
And by the very person she had been warned about no less!
"Miss Haruno, it would be wise for you to confess in a clearer detail so as to not make this any harder for the both of us, to yourself mostly," he said in a calmer tone as if leading by example but the hard gaze in his eyes only made her squirm.
She's heard of the idiom 'Wish the ground would swallow me up' before but this was the first time she ever applied it to herself… and mean it literally.
Anything to get away from him.
"I…" she gulped, "I already performed an Aguamenti Charm."
Sakura reluctantly pointed at the nearly full cup to her left and missed the brief quirk of Tobirama's brow.
"Successfully?" he asked, as if unsure himself, to which she only nodded her head. He blinked and stared at the cup for what felt like a full minute before continuing, "Then what were you just doing?"
The pinkette took a deep breath in this, resolving to just confess her crime. To be honest, the only reason she attempted this experiment was because she knew nowhere else private enough to do it.
"I was attempting to form a ball of water from air."
"How is that different from the Water-Making Charm?"
"Because this water will not disappear and can quench my thirst."
Tobirama snorted- snorted! "It is impossible to conjure anything permanent out of thin air."
"Yes, but there is water in the air."
Although Tobirama's eyes were still narrowed as he stared her down, the look on his otherwise aloof expression betrayed a sense of suspicion and disbelief. He looked at her as if she had just sprung out two heads.
"And how, do you think, would you be able to do that?"
"I was thinking of speeding up the process of condensation, since magic is more like a force that allowed a witch or wizard to exploit the laws of nature in very specific and creative ways. I suppose saying transfiguring is more appropriate since I'm using the gaseous state of water back into its liquid form," she explained. The words flew off her mouth seamlessly. It's a habit she developed along with her lip biting when she studied alone. She would sometimes mumble to herself textbook facts and opinions to help her further understand a concept or idea. Naruto would often interrupt and make her explain things in simpler sentences though.
When she caught herself mumbling the rest of her explanation, Sakura snapped her head up to apologize but all that she met was a blank expression on Tobirama's handsome face.
"What is… condensation?" he asked, unsurely, and it was Sakura's turn to blink.
"Uhh…"
So she explained, and Sakura was reminded of the fact how the Wizarding World barely scratched the surface, or even bothered, about the Muggle Realm at all. Especially when it came to science.
Magic-folk were so used to the creativity and liberty that came with magic that their understanding of how the world works were limited in what they deemed as 'Laws of Nature'. Hence, when Sakura explained the water cycle and still saw the confused, blank expression on the white-haired Senju, she tried her best to reiterate her words and even drew on a parchment to help visualize the process.
Really, she wasn't sure whether to shake her head in disappointment or laugh at the irony of the situation. Whereas she came into their world that only knew of magic from the fairytales she read when she was young, Tobirama didn't even know the states of matter- a topic she knew and mastered by the time she was in second grade.
"Fascinating," Tobirama breathed by the end of it all. Thankfully, Sakura didn't have to try as much to get him to understand. His dark brown pools stared directly at her verdant greens. At one point, Tobirama had helped himself on the chair opposite of her as he listened attentively and hung onto every word she said, "Can you perchance, do it again?"
Pink brows shot up, "Well, I… I think I can try but- but you said practicing unsupervised magic is prohibited!"
"Yes," he leaned back from where he propped his elbows on the desk, "but rules have loopholes. You cannot practice such spells unless you're supervised by a professor or a capable student."
She blinked multiple times at the insinuation. Sasuke had emphasized how brilliant Tobirama was when she asked but even in front of her, she couldn't help feeling a bit unamused at how confident he referred to himself.
"You're… volunteering?" she said, unsure what proper term to say.
He nodded, "I may only be a fifth year but I am a prefect so I fit the initial criteria. Even if things go awry, I promise that I will take responsibility and no harm will come to you nor any punishment shall befall you during our collaboration. I'll swear on my magic, if you wish."
Sakura shook her head vehemently. It's surprising enough that he would go so far to this. Are purebloods really this… committed or he was he that curious on how the process worked. Furthermore, to have him swear on his magic… though she hasn't read much on binding and oath rituals, she knew enough so far that to swear a promise on one's own magic was just as much considered a strong ritual already.
"You don't have to swear on your magic," she said before sticking her little finger out towards him, "Pinky promise it to me instead."
Tobirama stared down at her offered finger with what she believed as confusion and intrigue, "What is that?"
"Pinky promise," she chirped. Her earlier indignations had already muddled at this sudden turn of events.
"What does it do?"
She shrugged, "It's just a seal of promise."
"And this is… a muggle thing you do?"
"Sure," Sakura dared, figuring that Tobirama was also a pureblood who wasn't prejudiced against muggleborns, considering how attentive he was when she explained some basic science.
He was silent for a few heartbeats, "You shouldn't seal promises with someone so easily, Miss Haruno. We barely just met."
"Considering that you just offered to swear your magic on me? I'll take my chances."
Dark brown eyes narrowed slightly, "Gryffindor… This pinky promise does not incorporate magic. How would you know I wasn't just exaggerating so you could show me the spell?"
"Because you're a Ravenclaw," she shot back his earlier comment on her house. The house of the eagle would always choose knowledge so long as it can be reasonably achieved, "You already gave yourself away when you offered, and I can tell you really want to see it."
Tobirama stared unblinkingly for a moment and for the second time, just like the first time they met, his lips quirked up a small smile as he said in a soft, barely-there voice, "Clever."
That said, he mirrored her gesture and stuck his own pinky out, holding it aloft as he wasn't sure what to do next. Sakura though, smiled brightly and hooked their little fingers together. She waited for him to hook his own finger back; he eventually gave in at the expectant look on her face.
Sakura bobbed their joined fingers once before letting go with a brighter smile on her face.
"Alright!" she cheered with a light laugh, oblivious to the unidentifiable look on Tobirama's face.
Without further preamble, Sakura whipped out her wand and held it over the half-full cup like before. Clinically, she told him how she thought of bypassing two of the four fundamental factors in spellwork as part of her first trial and how she had only been relying on imagination, willpower, and intent so far.
With renewed confidence from her earlier success and safe in the knowledge that no one will interrupt her this time, Sakura reattempted her spell with much significance than before. Although it took a while to get the first few droplets to gather, and the growth was just as slow as the first time.
By the time she was able to fill the other cup, the water in the other cup had already vanished. Leaving not even a wet surface to prove its existence.
"May I?" Tobirama asked and Sakura nodded despite being unsure what he would do.
He lifted the cup, umber eyes stared intently as he gently swirled the contents. He even lifted it to his nose to smell it! Sakura bit on her lip to keep herself from asking and interrupt his inspection. She was confident that it was just plain water as she had said but part of her was also curious of his findings. Eventually, Tobirama took out his walnut wand from its holster beneath his sleeve and waved it around as he casted non-verbal diagnostic spells.
Once he finally deemed it safe, Tobirama unceremoniously lifted the cup to his lips and took a sip. Much to her great shock.
"Miss Haruno," he said carefully before locking his umber gaze to her, "You are exemplary."
Heat flooded her cheeks at the sudden praise. Though he wasn't smiling as one would normally praise another, in fact his expression remained just as aloof as before, his steely gaze (no matter the glamour) gave way how much he meant the compliment.
"Thank you," she said meekly, letting out a small smile of her own. He still stared at her as she took the cup back from his hand and took a sip as well.
It was just water.
"Could use a little ice though," she mumbled out a comment.
The corner of Tobirama's lips quirked this time in a small smirk, "One spell at a time, Miss Haruno."
Sakura further blushed at being heard.
"Do you mind if I try it?" he asked and she nodded eagerly in return.
Tobirama brandished his wand, mimicking her position and directing his wand on the other empty cup.
Nothing happened.
In all of his attempts, not even a speck of water droplet bubbled at the tip of his wand as intended. Even a frown had settled over Sakura's face as she retold him how she did it and even drew on a parchment for visualization.
"I don't understand…" Sakura bit her lip. She was sure she explained it as best she could. It wasn't that difficult since he already understood condensation and the states of matter already.
"Hmm," Tobirama hummed as he casually twirled his wand around his fingers in thought, "Miss Haruno."
"Yes?"
He was staring at her again.
"How many attempts does it take for you to perform a new spell successfully?"
She titled her head in confusion, "I don't… really have a hard time performing spells. As long as I memorize and understood the principle behind it, I only need to try it once. If not, maybe twice or thrice? It took me three attempts to do an Epoximise Charm but that's because I didn't understand the point of it at first."
"I see, and the Aguamenti Charm? How many times did it take for you to conjure just enough water to fill a cup?"
Again with the Aguamenti Charm?
"It was my first time, and I just thought that I don't need much water so…" she rolled her wrist, unsure what else to say, as she was confused with his questions herself, "Is it… significant to our current problem?"
"I have a theory," he said with clinical eyes, "But tell me, why did you bypass the other two fundamentals in spellwork?"
At this, Sakura flushed, "Well- it's just… I uhh… I don't know how spells are made."
He twirling wand came at an abrupt stop, "And still you attempted to perform complicated magic on your own."
Her lip jutted out in a pout, "It's not that complicated you know. At its core, it's basic transfiguration."
.
"Why did you choose that book, of all things?" Tobirama asked as they walked together to the Great Hall for dinner.
For the rest of the day, Tobirama taught her the basics of spellmaking and wandwork. Citing references on Ancient Runes and the use of Arithmancy to equate probabilities of success and failure. Sakura though, was just too eager to learn something new so she didn't mind at all as she read and took down notes on the basic runes from the book he recommended while he formulated possible wand movement and incantations for the new spell.
Sakura snapped from her musings, her mind full and bouncing from one new teaching to another, "Oh, well, I just thought it would be a good index."
"Index?"
"By knowing existing problems, I'll be able to know if the idea I had had been thought of already. I wasn't sure how much the Wizarding World incorporated science in their magic so I thought it was a nice reference."
"I see."
She was about to ask him what he thought but a loud call of his name echoed down the hall they were walking on.
"There you are!" Senju Hashirama's wide grin could rival Naruto's as he jogged up to them from the intersecting corridor they passed by.
"Brother, you're Head Boy, you know better than to shout in the hall," Tobirama scolded and Sakura immediately recognized the bite in his tone. When she looked back, she saw once more the strict prefect her friend had warned her about. The same one that had rebuked her earlier.
Hashirama ignored his words, "I need you to help me round up the other prefects later after dinner. We're going to have a quick emergency meeting after dinner. Nothing long, thank Ashura, just something quick the headmaster wanted me to pass on to the others."
"Brother!" Tobirama hissed, "Don't be rude."
This time, Hashirama finally looked down on Sakura who scooted back unconsciously from the chatter she obviously wasn't included in.
"Oh! Hi there! Tobi's not bothering you, is he?"
"You fool," the younger Senju growled as the pinkette blinked her eyes in confusion at the siblings' exchange.
Tobirama posed himself as strict, aloof, grumpy even, but Hashirama was all sun and smiles that reminded her greatly of Naruto. This was the first time she and the Head Boy had ever interacted with each other but she had always seen him around in the Gryffindor common room. And just like their personalities, they extended it to how they interacted with one another.
Although Hashirama doesn't seem to mind, or he's grown used to ignoring his younger brother.
"Not at all," she shook her head, "he's actually been really helpful."
She missed the brief glance Tobirama sent her way.
"Oh, that's good! Wait, aren't you Naruto's friend?" the brunette's grin widened, crouching a bit from his tall height to meet her, "I'm Senju Hashirama! And you're named Haruno Sakura, right? Naruto spoke very highly of you and House Gryffindor is really thankful for all the house points you've been racking up. I guess it's more appropriate to say it's a pleasure to officially meet you, huh?"
He winked and Sakura dipped her head meekly in return. She shook his offered hand.
"Miss Haruno, why don't you go ahead to the Great Hall? I'm sure your friends are waiting for you."
She briefly caught Tobirama's gaze and understood his silent message.
"I'm please to officially meet you too, Mr. Senju."
"Ah none of that Mr. Senju nonsense! Besides, you're a fellow Gryffindor! Feel free to call me Hashirama instead."
Sakura nodded at his exuberance before finally excusing herself. Behind her, she barely heard Tobirama sigh exasperatedly as he hissed: "Honestly, were you asleep in all our etiquette lessons?"
By the time she arrived at the Great Hall, all the other students had just settled down and Naruto was signaling her to take the empty seat beside him.