Chapter 3

Albus Dumbledore had seen and done lots of things during his life and career. He was there when his family broke apart, when his sister died possibly at his own hand, when his best friend had risen to darkness. Battling Grindelwald later on and even winning this fight, thus winning the Elder Wand. He had lived many years and always was an optimistic person seeing the light of hope at least somewhere, returning smiles and greetings all the way, making friends, colleagues and acquaintances. The night when young Harry Potter returned from the third task of the Triwizard Tournament with the dead body of Cedric Diggory was one of those rare times hope was decimated to a minuscule shimmer, nothing more. After the end of the first war Dumbledore always had known there would come a time when Tom Riddle would return. Every time Harry had faced the man he guessed that it came closer and closer. But he had hoped that that boy would at least grow up before he had to face Voldemort a last time and actually kill him.

He had then searched for a way to not only protect Harry but every of his students. The first idea that came to his mind was a fairly easy one. Not only place a lot of Aurors on the case but also involve most of the Order by assigning them to guarding duty. As most first ideas this one had vanished a mere second later. Dumbledore had looked deeper into protecting his castle which would seem like a better idea than just let people stalk Potter. He also threw out the idea of using Aurors as this would just make the Ministry overly suspicious since they propagated the idea of Voldemort having died during the First war and pushed down every person that said otherwise.

His thoughts had drifted to figures lurking in the dark, creatures of the light and way further. He had browsed through books old enough that the paper had cracked and split in his hands, scrolls with texts written in faded out ink. Dumbledore had taken enough time for that project and he had not found anything which actually satisfied him. Everything had far too many negative sides overruling the positive aspects of it.

That was until he had come upon a script older than many he had seen. Rivalled only by the most protected books in the wizard libraries all over the world. It had been hidden between some boring magic lectures, some of them not even accurate and all of them too old to read. But this one...

Albus Dumbledore had searched. For clear evidence that the information held in between was correct and not some lie. And indeed he had found it. In the archives of the ministry. Deep inside, stored under reports of the war. As if it was unnecessary, as if it told nothing of the occurrences in the Atrium where, just years before, one stupid Ministry wizard had levelled his wand at another mans head all the while yelling 'Stupor!'. As if it said nothing of the process of getting the man, who broke the wizards hand and snapped his wand, and his followers to this world. This dimension, away from his own.

But it did.

It stated everything that Dumbledore needed, every bit of confirmation in pages upon pages, endless sentences, scientific ones as well. How researches had come to the idea of interdimensional travel and thus ripping the fabric of time and space itself. How they got into contact with a medium civilized society able to communicate with them. How they enabled a stable portal to pass notes between the two worlds. A copy of the original contract was included, pinned to the back of the stack of papers. As Dumbledore read through it he had to agree that the terms were quite simple, but also personalized to that special situation. So those people obviously were professionals, had known how to set up contracts that covered everything, as if they had done so many many times.

So the headmaster of Hogwarts came to a conclusion. One which he had thought about a lot of times, had lain awake during nights. He knew the drawbacks, the risks concerning this possibility, but if he would be able to make the perfect contract he could protect Harry Potter and the whole school by only spending money.

Dumbledore knew he was old enough to have gained massive diplomatic skills, but when the first note came back he felt inexperienced like a twelve-year-old.

While he had written something akin to a formal introduction of himself and what he was asking of, those people shot his request down at first try. Formally.

Three days later he had tried again, this time including a brief history of his world and the just resurrected Tom Riddle, as well as the fact that the lives of children were at stake. Bit of blackmailing but it was for the greater good.

The second note didn't deny his request and he was asked to answer some questions. In turn he asked something about them.

As much as I heard about your deeds in our lands, who and what exactly are you?

Dumbledore had checked the answer anxiously.

Your people might call us mercenaries. We trade skills for money, only acting on contract though.

He wasn't really happy about the fact that those 'mercenaries' literally killed if only paid enough but if he could word the contract in the right way...

So he was sitting down writing and rereading his letter until he had agreed with himself that there wasn't anything left. Mere hours later an unsigned contract had managed to find the way into his hands. Everything he had asked for was included, every little detail written out. All in all it was two standard pages long and only required his signature to complete that part of the deal. As he was dotting down the last letter of his name he noticed the other attached paper at the back. It was a small note on some brown paper, folded in itself.

Dumbledore unfolded it, now looking at a sketch of sorts, it was an intricate circle, filled with runes upon runes, none of which he knew or understood. Underneath it were a few instructions on how to draw it, and where and why. It was a sealing array to bring over the hired guards to his world. As it only said something about the measures and basic structures of the room where it should be placed he could still decide the direct position of it. At the beginning he wasn't too sure where he should draw it, but immediately decided not to do so inside the boundaries of Hogwarts' grounds as he didn't want do ruin the defensive spells around the castle.

The headmaster had thought of some places and made a list of them, just to cross them out not five minutes later. When he finally made up his mind he had wasted six hours of his life with the most ridiculous pondering he had ever done.

Now sure what to do he copied the sealing array – as he was totally sure it was one – down into the floor and prepared the rest of the room for the upcoming arrival of his guests. Or guards, for that matter.

As stated in the contract they should arrive sometime between six and seven o'clock the same night. Shortly after they would accompany him to a small meeting with some members of the Order, just to get the introductions straight and a plan for the next days as well as it would help with establishing a connection with other wizards – and witches – beside him.

For the upcoming situation he had arranged with Rosmerta to have a room booked at the Three Broomsticks so they could get some privacy. It was out of school time anyway, so not many people except the residents should be there. He also had asked for the option of dinner which was fine with her as he had asked some time before they actually came over.

At five to six he prepared himself for their arrival, in what ever way it was.

That was when it happened.

Dumbledore was no newbie to magic, he had seen alchemists weave their works and he was one of the greatest wizards in the world himself. But he hadn't seen that coming. Truly not.

As the clock chimed six times the world around him erupted in bright blue light, not unlike the electric discharges of lightning. The air around him crackled like a log sitting in fire, while at the same time all the moisture in the air seemed to vanish, instead the room turned hot, like he had been sitting in a desert. He was sure the room wasn't shaking, so maybe it was he himself, wobbling around. A horrible screeching noise filled his ears as the light got even brighter, almost a shade of white.

It was over with a sudden sound, like a whiplash. The air got more moist and the room turned dark once more, a peaceful calm entering.

If it wasn't for the six people standing right in the circle of the sealing array in the middle of the room Dumbledore would've guessed that nothing had happened and everything had been just a day dream. But it wasn't. The six of them were standing back to back, not giving themselves an opening. Four of them wore cloaks, shrouding their features in darkness, as if they weren't mysterious enough as it was. The two others were standing with stiff shoulders, not budging an inch, like they had been caught in time.

As it had been written in the Ministry reports the cloaked ones were voids of information. He could not discern if they were male or female, old or young. The only thing he could tell about was their height, but that didn't give away much.

Before he could continue to muster them, a voice spoke up. He didn't know who it was as nobody had moved.

"Are you Albus Percival Brian Wulfric Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Leader of the Order of the Phoenix?"

The professor shook his head.

"Excuse me but I'm Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. You may got the wrong person.", he stated.

The person closest to him raised his head and looked him straight in the eye. "No. Just a proof of identification. Not that anyone else would have been able to summon us."

From what Dumbledore could tell, it was a young man, late teens or beginning of twenty, even though is eyes betrayed his real age. They looked haunted, grief ridden and sad beyond belief. The man – boy? - wore long black pants the ends tied to the leg with bandages. His feet were covered with black sandals, whereas his arms end chest were hidden beneath an equally dark sweater and an olive green vest. Funnily enough his hairstyle reminded Dumbledore of a pineapple.

He bowed before the old headmaster.

"My name is Nara Shikamaru. I was informed that in this part of your world it would be Shikamaru Nara, so we will stick to that as to not confuse anyone. I will be your acting mediator for the mission."

Dumbledore nodded and promptly held out his hand to let the stranger shake it, which indeed he did.

"Welcome to Britain, Mr. Nara. I also welcome your fellow guardians.", he said only to be corrected.

"They are not my fellow guardians. I will only take up the position as mediator and consultant, while", he gestured to the other uncloaked person – a girl he realized, "Hanabi Hyuuga will be our official representative. The two of us won't be involved in any fighting.", Nara confided.

He nodded and waved his hand towards the door.

"I got a room booked in an inn near here, so we can talk without any interruptions. I will be introducing you to other Order members as well seeing you might have to work alongside them."

The brunette nodded. "We will see." He then turned his head looking at one of the cloaked people.

"You might take the lead, Captain."

Said Captain didn't give any sign of appreciation but moved towards the door, never even looking at Dumbledore. The headmaster on his part was confused. He obviously had thought Shikamaru Nara was the head of the group but hearing him call the other one 'Captain' changed his view on that.

He was moving to follow the Captain but was being held back by the Nara.

"Right now you might not grasp our concept of hierarchy, but soon it will all be explained. Be patient. Now go, I will be right behind you.", the brunette whispered in his ear, taking away the hand he had placed upon Dumbledore's shoulder. The man nodded and turned to leave the room. His guest seemed to move in a sort of formation, but he could not quite get idea behind it. There was no threat near, as he had told the leader of their village. While somewhat guiding them to the desired location he got another chance to study them and not for the first time since their arrival he found himself speechless. The way they moved. It was so...flawless, smooth and predatory at the same time. It only left little to imagine just what sort mercenaries they were. Assassins.

Dumbledore narrowed his eyes. Of course he hadn't doubted that they were also skilled in that branch of work, but getting it verified was somehow different. He chose not to say anything yet since he could just add that to his upcoming questions.

They soon reached the Three Broomsticks and while the Captain stopped on the right hand side of the door Shikamaru Nara gently nudged him in the back, as if to show him to just move on without him. Which he did.

Rosmerta smiled at him when he entered but the smile started to waver as soon as she saw the others. Obviously she had noticed the hooded ones as soon as they came in. Her eyes flickered back to him and he nodded, as to reassure her that nothing bad was happening. She then proceeded to clean mugs and cups and glasses, trying to occupy herself so she wouldn't stare at the strangers.

"Can I bring you some drinks, Albus?", she asked.

"Not yet, no, Rosmerta. But when the others arrive, you might bring us some butterbeer if you won't mind?", he questioned.

"No of course not." She then resumed to cleaning.

Dumbledore motioned for his guests to follow him as he moved up the stairs and into the first room on the left hand side. The last one to walk in was the Captain who promptly closed the door and formed a strange hand sign. Albus did not know what it was for but seeing that the others didn't mind and the Nara just nodded at him he settled at the table which was standing in the middle of the room.

While the Nara and the young lady – Hanabi Hyuuga he reminded himself – copied his movement the others remained standing. He looked at the mediator only to see him angling his head, as if waiting for the headmaster to start speaking.

"Very well.", Dumbledore began. "As I already said, I welcome you to Britain." Before he could continue though, he was interrupted by Nara.

"What is our exact location at the moment, if you don't mind me asking?"

He shook his head.

"Oh excuse me. My old age seems to be getting to me." He watched as Nara just starred into his eyes, obviously not in the mood for jokes. "Right now we are in Hogsmeade, Scotland. It is a small wizarding village just off the grounds of the school. I thought it the best place to have a first meeting."

The consultant neither agreed nor disagreed so Dumbledore resumed his earlier welcoming speech.

"I wanted you to guard the grounds because - "

"We read the file."

Dumbledore's head snapped to the person standing beside the door. The Captain. Not that he said any more than his small disruption, but it was enough that the headmaster finally asked his questions.

"Who exactly are you?"

Instead of him answering though it was Shikamaru Nara, so he had to turn his gaze back to him.

"He is the Captain for this guarding mission. If you got any problems with him though, you may have to come and complain to me, as he might not be listening to you."

Dumbledore was intrigued. "And why is that?"

The Nara smiled and wanted to answer but before he could his gaze snapped to the door where – in turn – the Captain had made a move to open it. As he did so six figures stood in the doorway.

Smiling again Dumbledore stood from his chair. "Ah. I see you've finally arrived."

"Well.", a young woman with an eye catching shade of pink hair quipped," Moody wanted to make sure we weren't followed so he chose a wider route."

"Quiet!", a gruff voice commanded and a scarred man entered the room as if he owned it, swiftly moving towards the table, greeting Dumbledore with a handshake and plopping down, not forgetting to scan the strangers all the while with his electric blue eye whizzing in its socket.

The other five decided to follow him, took their turns in greeting the headmaster and sitting down on the other chairs.

Dumbledore noticed how the Captain once again closed the door and performed his strange handsign.

"So these are the guards.", Snape spoke up from his place near the window sneering at the cloaked people scattered around the room.

"Ah yes yes. Alas! Formal introductions are in order I guess.", he agreed. He motioned towards Shikamaru. "This is Mr. Nara. He will act as a mediator and consultant of sorts, while Ms Hyuuga over here will be an official representative of their village and culture."

"Representative! She is just a child!", Minerva McGonagall, the stern deputy headmistress of Hogwarts, intervened.

Dumbledore noticed how young Miss Hyuuga turned her head to stare at McGonagall and for the first time he saw her eyes. She was blind. And enraged.

"Excuse me!", she spoke up. While there was definitely fire behind those words her exterior was calm and composed. "Do not accuse me of such things as being a child whereas I have seen more things than most of you ever will."

"What a bold accusation on your part.", Moody gruffly spoke up. But before anyone could say more Shikamaru Nara coldly interjected.

"I would like to discuss the mission, not the difference in culture, thank you."

At this the headmaster started to smile again, a twinkle entering his eyes. This young man certainly knew how to handle people. Lupin seemed to notice that as well.

"I am Remus Lupin. If you ever need anything during your stay at Hogwarts or during your time working for the order do not hesitate to ask, I'm always willing to help.", he introduced himself in a way that calmed everyone down.

"I'm Tonks. Just Tonks.", the young Auror stated and leaned further back in her chair.

Snape just continued to sneer at them. "Severus Snape, I'm -"

"The Potions Master at Hogwarts. We read the file."

Just as everyone was moving their heads towards the door they heard the Nara sigh. Hanabi barely managed to contain a smirk herself. But the Captain was right, this was getting ridiculous.

Moody in turn started his interrogation.

"You might want to remove that cloak, boy or I will see to it.", he growled.

"That would be a violation to the contract.", Shikamaru stated and stood up, walking to stand beside the Captain. Dumbledore wasn't sure what exactly would happen next but he surely didn't expect that smirk to graze Nara's face.

"Headmaster. You asked Lady Hokage for protection of the grounds of Hogwarts castle and student body. You also requested for a strong team to be send, because your Dark Lord was on a high level of power unlike most of your 'fighters'. So Lady Hokage sent a fabulous team."

The brunette gave a small sign and the cloaked ones moved their hoods back far enough that painted masks could be seen instead of their faces. Dumbledore heard Tonks and McGonagall gasp as there was a similarity between those people and Death Eaters. Moody nearly sprang from his chair, grasping his wand, Shacklebolt repeating the acting. Before they could send a spell in the direction of the strangers though the Nara held his hands high in a placating gesture.

"I know who they might remind you of. But they are not in league with those people. May I introduce to you the best Black Ops team Konoha has to offer.", he smiled and pointed at the one behind him. "Captain Commander of all ANBU forces, Captain and head of this mission. You may call him Fox." While Moody and Shacklebolt put their wands away the former was still sceptical and didn't immediately sit down again. He continued to muster Fox who just stood stoically as if he was a statue. He then decided to speak up.

"I was there when you ANBU people first came to Britain. Back during the first war, working for the Ministry. I saw what you can do.", he huffed and went forward, holding his hand as if to shake Fox' hand. He returned the gesture, grasping the mans wrist and shaking it slightly.

"The name's Moody. Guess we're lucky to have you here.", the Ex-Auror growled, his gnarled hand firmly holding onto Fox' gloved one.

"How nice it is that you two are already on such a personal level, I'd say, let the boy continue his introductions.", Snape sneered from his window place, narrowing his eyes not only at Moody but also at Nara, who complied.

He turned his head and nodded at another one. "ANBU Captain Raven. Second-In-Command for this mission. Dove. Third-In-Command. She's here for possible interrogation." Dumbledore saw young Tonks blanching to his left and decided to ask what was on everyone's mind.

"What kind of interrogation?"

Nara just continued to smirk. "The kind were you definitely get information. Over there", he motioned towards the last unnamed," Slug. Head of the Medics Unit.", he finished and sat back down.

McGonagall bristled. "Now that we know who you are, do you mind removing those masks?"

"They won't.", Shikamaru said, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed in front of his chest. "They are ANBU, Black Ops, only operating under the Hokage, who in turn is the only one to know their true names and faces. They only answer the Hokage and nobody else."

"Asking them to remove their masks is like asking them to lay down their jobs, giving away their identity, putting their family and friends in danger.", Hanabi continued, her hands crossed on her lap.

"Albus!", the stern woman looked at him. "You mean to tell me that we won't ever see those peoples faces, nor even know their names?" She then turned back to Shikamaru. "And what do you mean they only listen to your Hokage?"

"Exactly what he said.", a voice spoke up. Fox stepped towards the table.

"Those masks are not for our protection. Where we come from probably every enemy we engage knows who we are anyway, since they recognize our fighting stiles. But here nobody knows us. There is still a possibility that people will come and try to hurt those who are important to us.", he then took a folded parchment from within his cloak, putting it on the table. "The contract states that we are to follow given guidelines and rules. As long as I don't order them to stash the masks they won't do so. No discussion there."

Dumbledore noticed how rough Fox' voice sounded. It might have been because of the mask, but he wasn't too sure about that. When the headmaster looked at the other wizards and witches in the room he saw Minerva clenching her jaw and her nostrils flaring, obviously not too happy with them hiding their faces, Severus deep in thought, Tonks already interested in their abilities and Moody's eye whizzing from mask to mask. Lupin and Shacklebolt's expressions were guarded, no yet too trusting. He himself knew what the contract had stated and – much to his personal ire – thought to have overlooked something. He had read through the contract about ten times, but surely he hadn't read between the lines.

Masking their identity always meant that they were hiding some part if them, that they had to hide something to start with. Dumbledore was old, he had seen lots and he was sure about that. Even if Fox said it was only for protection purposes, he did not want them to have secrets. He also did not want to break the contract though since that would leave them helpless once more. How could they be possibly working together with them, if they didn't even know who they were.

"There is no way -"

"No.", the Captain stated, shaking his head.

"What about you not following our orders?", Shacklebolt spoke up for the first time since the start of the meeting. "Dumbledore is your client, he paid for your services."

"He also signed the contract. He read the requirements he needs to fulfil in order to request a team being send here. He agreed with these requirements when he put his name down.", Shikamaru said looking only at the folded parchment on the table. "The contract states that he has to leave us to use our methods, which I take it were discussed with our Hokage. As the client you have practically no power over us. We will only do what you have paid us to do. No more, no less."

Following these words was a silence which filled the entire room until a soft voice spoke up.

"We may follow orders if they will help us with our mission, though."

Albus wasn't too sure who spoke but from the faint rustle of clothing and Moody's apparent stare at Dove it seemed obvious enough. Up until now he had not wasted any thought to the genders of the guardians but hearing that slight female tint of tone coming from the voice behind the mask, he was actually surprised and intrigued. He hadn't thought that women – beside Hanabi Hyuuga as a diplomat – were part of the team. The idea of female mercenaries ruthlessly killing others seemed wrong to him but he had seen his fair share of womanly ire throughout his live to at least believe it.

"What Dove means", Fox elaborated," is that if there is a good enough reason behind your orders we might carry them out. For example telling us to guard a specific corridor out of specific reasons at a specific time and date."

The way he said that made not only Dumbledore shudder.

Remus Lupin often only saw the good in people. He prided himself with being a great judge of character which probably resumed out of him being a werewolf. The moment he had stepped into the room he felt the hairs on the back of his neck rising almost immediately. Something was wrong. When he got the first glimpse of the cloaked warriors he had felt dread welling up inside of him. The second Fox had spoken up for the first time had left him with the feeling of suffocation. Not that he had shown it, he was quite good with hiding his emotions, but this... Then the Captain had mentioned the corridor. Not just a corridor, but a specific corridor, as if he knew what the Order was guarding. Which he didn't. As far as Remus knew Dumbledore hadn't told them anything about that particular subject. Not yet. He had first wanted to see them perform their duties and later induce them into Order business. And only if necessary. Something about those people was just plain wrong, but he couldn't get a grip on what it was. Maybe it was those masks. He was unable to look into their eyes, judge and assess their character, their soul. Those faceless people left him scared. He guessed that this was one of the reasons why they wore those masks in the first place. He had to repress the urge, the need to just bolt out of the room, running as far as he could. Remus knew the others felt similar things, but not as distinguished as this. But what scared him far more than their knowledge of Order Business, their predatory stances, their frightening behaviour, was the shear fact that since he had entered the room the one named Raven stood opposite him, the glinting of his eyes behind the porcelain mask never once leaving Remus' face. As if he knew. Everything.

"I think that's enough, Captain.", Shikamaru Nara's voice broke his process of thoughts. When he looked up he found the young man interlacing his fingers and leaning on the table. "We will go further into this once we come to such a situation. Now. Do you have any other questions regarding our part of the deal?", he asked, staring Dumbledore directly in the eye.

"Why, yes, of course!", the old man answered, the twinkling back behind his half moon glasses.

"Since I entrust you with my dear students, I'd like to know what exactly you can do. Maybe a demonstration...", he trailed off, knowing they got what he meant. But to his and the other wizards – and witches – surprise Hanabi Hyuuga merely snorted, trying to mask it with a cough. She failed. Terribly.

Snape got on her case just as quickly.

"And what is so funny, girl?", he sneered.

"Oh, nothing.", she confided. "Just the fact that you think that the best of Konoha's Black Ops are going to tell you their secret techniques because you want to know. That's ridiculous!"

A smirk was prominent on Shikamaru Nara's face. He probably thought exactly the same.

"Can we know at least something about you guys? That is getting ridiculous. You're here to keep a student body safe and help us in our war. But we know next to nothing about you, except your cute little nicknames.", Tonks complained, her hair turning a light green. Then her face took on ashen white colour when Fox moved directly towards her, crossing his arms in front of his broad chest, legs spread shoulder wide, looming over her and thus scaring the wits out of her.

"Those are not nicknames. Those are titles given to us by the strongest person of the village. They are not cute. They represent our strength, our will, our determination, our honour. Those who carry such names, such masks, such ranks are the strongest of the strong, the Elite of the village. Do not underestimate us, Nymphadora.", he growled, an animalistic sound escaping his throat. How he knew her name, she didn't care about. She used all her will power not to 'eep' and hide under the table. This guy was scarier than a dementor and that surely meant something.

The Captain swiftly moved back to his previous place standing there as if nothing had happened. Tonks guessed that he was still glaring at her though.

"As soon as I send notice to Lady Hokage I will ask her if giving out minor secrets is acceptable. Such as age and a list of core capabilities. Will that suffice, Headmaster?", Shikamaru tried a diplomatic approach only to get the mad twinkle back into Dumbledore's eyes while the man smiled broadly.

"Yes, thank you."

Nara nodded and studied his hands.

"You in turn must give away your secrets, or whatever it is you're still hiding from us." He sharply glanced up. "No denying there. I will know if you lie. And if not me, then Dove will."

Dumbledore pondered what he should tell them and how to best approach the subject. Sure, he could just be blunt about it, throw random information on the table and let them do their work, but he didn't want to do it that way. Instead he stroked his long white beard and glanced at Alastor who immediately understood. The scarred man frowned but didn't say anything against his idea. Nor actually for it.

"I think you can understand that I won't just dish out our secret information, Mr. Nara. But I know that not telling you necessary details might violate the contract in such a way that you just pack your bags and leave. I don't want that, of course." He swallowed levelling his gaze at the young man opposite him. "But you may accompany me to the next Order meeting. Both you and Miss Hyuuga, as well as anyone of the squad you deem appropriate.", he finished.

Moody could see Nara going over the idea of being pushed head first into a meeting with unknown factors. A slight narrowing of his eyebrows was showing his displeasure.

Moody was beginning to think the boy would never answer when he produced a package of something from his olive green vest, putting it on the table.

"That seems acceptable, Headmaster."

As soon as he had said that Dumbledore was smiling grandfatherly once more, seemingly satisfied with the outcome of the discussion.

Shikamaru then took out a small stick of some kind from the package, plopping it into his mouth. Moody thought he had seen something like that before in the Muggle word. A cigarette it was called having the same function Mundungus Fletcher's pipe had. Smoking bad smelling tobacco.

"What a drag...", Nara muttered as he lit the cigarette.

This made Dumbledore feel like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. A first meeting always was complicated, he knew that much. So despite every gruff word that was somehow traded during the last – what was it an hour? times were looking up. They now had a strong ally in their possession. Working with and for them. Backing them up.

"I got a question, though.", Tonks quipped up, waving her hand. She was back to her good natured self smiling at all those present, her hair a violent shade of pink once more. Before she could finally get rid of her question though it was Moody who spoke.

"Do you know how the man is that was leading your troops last time you entered our world?"

The curiosity in his voice also drew in Lupin's, McGonagall's and Shacklebolt's interest.

Shikamaru blankly looked out the window even though by now it was dark enough that he couldn't see past the street.

"What's his name?", he asked.

"Never knew it.", Moody answered.

"How does he look?"

"Grey eyes. Didn't see much more of him. Had a cloak on like you fellows."

"What a well of information.", Hanabi snorted quite unladylike. She smirked like she always did, not that the wizards knew of that.

Moody gritted his teeth. The man had inspired him to work harder, to never let his comrades die, something he still followed today.

Recalling some more information he looked at Nara.

"Said he was General or something. Had a son as well."

The slight shifting of Slug's feet was heard through the room as if the agent knew something the others didn't. Shikamaru gazed at the mask hiding Slug's face, giving the medic the chance to speak up.

"Sakumo Hatake was General of Jounin forces during the Third War.", was all the information she gave out. To Moody it seemed like all of those masked people became even quieter than before. Like they were mourning. Even the Hyuuga and the Nara held their heads lower, not looking at anybody.

"So, who's that Sakumo-guy?", Tonks asked, oblivious to everything. She always acted like she didn't notice things, but that was just a farce. She wasn't that blind to the world around her, but acting on it made it easier to look underneath the surface of things, of people. If they thought she didn't understand they would say stuff with background.

Shikamaru heaved a sigh, blowing his smoke away from his face.

"Sakumo Hatake, Jounin General during Third Great Shinobi War. Also known as 'Konoha's White Fang'. As Mr. Moody said he was stationed as the leader of the last cooperative mission during your last war."

"How is he?", Alastor inquired, hoping the man was alright.

"He's dead.", he said inhaling more smoke. "Since about twenty seven years."

"Our war started twenty seven years ago, Mr. Nara, so you are clearly wrong that it was this Sakumo Hatake.", Snape scoffed.

"No.", Slugs voice filled the room once more. Even though she – another woman! - spoke without her voice raised everyone could hear the determination and authority in it. "Sakumo Hatake came back from the mission in this world and was promptly send on another one at home. He was dead not a week after he had parted with your world."

Shikamaru leaned back once more and had his eyes closed while listening to her.

"What happened?" That was Tonks again. Interested in the man that had the great Alastor Moody so intrigued.

"I know of this story. My father told me because he thought that this man did the right thing.", Hanabi mentioned. All eyes were trained on her now.

"He was on this mission, you know. His comrades got captured and he decided not let them be killed and abandoned the mission, but saved them, even though he knew that the mission would keep Konoha safe in the raging war. He came back, his comrades hurt, but not dead. When the council asked him, why he did what he did, he said that their lives were far more valuable than this mission."

She paused looking to Shikamaru for verification. He only nodded, gesturing for her to continue. Hanabi fingered one of her brown locks, wrapping it around her finger, calming herself as this story was getting to her too.

"He was suspended from active duty afterwards because with his actions he endangered Konoha's position in the war. The day after...they found him dead in his living room. He thought of himself as such a disgrace that he killed himself."

A soft gasp was heard and when Dumbledore turned he saw McGonagall looking quite too pale for his liking.

"Who found him?", Lupin questioned, shaken.

"His own son. Kakashi was six at that point in time.", Shikamaru gave in.

This time Tonks gasped and even Snape didn't seem up for a sneer.

"So he took his own life because of what others thought of him? Because he actually saved his friends?"

Moody's jaw was clenched. He was angered with what had happened. The man he had encountered so many years prior was disciplined, unafraid, knew how to handle thinks and gave a shit about the opinion of others. But that...

"Times have changed.", Fox put in. The mans voice was near a growl as if he was there, had experienced that kind of stuff. "There is a proverb going around Konoha and by now the Nations and villages as well.", here he stopped but Raven picked up for him, speaking for the first time that evening.

"Those who abandon the mission are trash.", his smooth voice stated, pausing and waiting for reactions. He got them as well as Moody was looking even more angry now while McGonagall bristled and Dumbledore was attentively waiting for him to continue.

"But those who abandon their comrades are even worse than trash."

"It actually is something that is deeply ingrained within us.", Shikamaru smirked. "Never think of us as heartless bastards, 'cause we are not."

"Maybe it's something we really should take to heart, seeing as we will be working together.", Dumbledore said, positively surprised by the shinobi's statement.

Shikamaru nodded, once more folding his arms in front of his chest. He was glad those people trusted them at least a bit. He was known to be a diplomat who you could work with but having more than one ANBU agent on your case never really helped to establish trustworthy connections.

"Well", Dumbledore clapped his hands,"as much as I would like to talk with you and continue our little meeting I must say it's getting late. Let's show our guest where they will stay."

The wizards – and witches – stood up, moving towards the door but as Tonks wanted to yank it open she stumbled over her own feet. Before falling on her face she was caught by Fox who heaved her upright and softly opened the door, making her frown.

"I was sure it was closed a second ago.", she mumbled. A soft laugh let her look up and she caught herself staring at the Captain's mask.

"Miss Tonks. A seal can only be lifted by those who know how to do so. You're not one of them, I have to say.", he whispered, only for her to hear. It was a soft tone unlike the rough one he had presented himself with earlier and she was glad she wasn't blushing up a storm.

Fox walked out of the room, his associates following him out, waiting for Dumbledore to lead the way. The old man took his sweet time, cleaning his glasses while whistling a low tune.

"Now", he began," I originally wanted you to stay at Hogwarts but soon changed that idea seeing that you would have no privacy with all the students roaming the halls. With only a short space from Hogsmeade to the castle I want you to stay here for the night. I arranged a room with Rosmerta, as well as meals at all given times. You would just need to ask."

He then proceeded pointing in a direction down the hall. "The room at the end of the hallway shall be yours."

"There's something else. Isn't there, Headmaster?", Shikamaru asked. His voice hinting at hidden knowledge.

Dumbledore nodded. "Alas! Yes, there is. Of course I won't hold you back from staying at the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix for the days to come. I'll tell you about the arrangement once we've come to the conclusion which meeting you'll be attending. Adding to that, I think Molly would be quite glad if she had someone helping her with the daily chores around the house. Just if you don't mind doing that of course. It may help you gathering information of our culture. Or whatever you want to be informed on."

Nara just shrugged and gestured for the Black Ops agents to get going. He himself stayed in the middle of the hall.

"I thank you for your time, Headmaster.", he bowed deep, Hanabi doing the same at his side.

Moody gruffly held his hand out to be shaken and after that was done he went outside, not caring what happened next. Tonks. Lupin and Shacklebolt reproduced the motion and followed him. Snape just left with a billowing cloak.

Minerva McGonagall wasn't too sure what to do so she just nodded curtly and turned around, wishing them a good night. Dumbledore smiled his grandfatherly smile watching them as they receded to their room.

"That went well, didn't it, Minerva?", he questioned while popping sweets in his mounth. "Want a sherbet lemon?"

"Albus!"

Fox sighed as he sat down on his bed. Even though he knew that confronting the wizard would be grating on his nerves he hadn't thought that it was this annoying.

"That man is ..."

"Eccentric?", Raven mumbled as he sat down beside his leader.

"Yes."

As long as he had been an ANBU Captain he had met many strange people but never someone this...colourful. It was strange to see someone this old and yet so young in spirit. Naruto was really glad that it had been Shikamaru's part to talk with the old man as he always knew his way around people. Said person stepped into the room not a moment later, Hanabi in tow.

The brunette heaved a mighty sigh, plopping down onto the mattress of the nearest bed.

"What an act.", he huffed, crossing his arms behind his head as he leaned on the wall behind him. "I hate initial meetings, they're always such a drag."

"I just think those people are way too strange.", Hanabi complained standing where Shikamaru had left her.

"Keep that opinion to yourself, Hyuuga-san. It won't do us any good if they catch onto your dislike.", Fox admonished in a soft rumble. The heiress jerked her head in a nod-like gesture and ventured over to the table near the window.

Fox sighed another time as he stood up, cracking his joints in the process. He looked through the room, sweeping over the people in it more than one time thus gaining their attention. When he spoke his voice was a low but soft one, quite unlike the one he had used when speaking with the wizards. This were his people after all.

"I don't think I need to say 'Good work' since all we did was standard protocol. Thank you, Shikamaru for keeping your calm. Hyuuga-san. You need to get rid of that snorting. I know that sometimes things are said which are just plain ridiculous. Do not, under any circumstances loose your professionalism. You will learn. You have to.", he explained and was surprised she just accepted it like it was, no complaining no nothing.

"Moving on.", he turned towards his Second-In-Command," Raven. Your task is to scout the perimeter of Hogwarts' bounds tonight. Take all the time you want, but return with results. Slug, you will do the same with the village. The two of you will find the shortest way from here to the castle in cases of emergency. Dove. You may get rest tonight, I know you just came from a mission and haven't got any rest since then."

The ANBU members barely nodded to show acknowledgement but waited for him to finish instructions.

"Hyuuga-san. I will brief you with the rest of the mission details in a minute. Relax. Shikamaru", he looked at his old friend who just raised an eyebrow in turn. "Start the report to the Hokage. Nothing else for you tonight.", he smirked beneath his mask. Not that Shikamaru didn't know he did that.

"Thanks. So much.", he sighed already taking out another cigarette.

Raven and Slug fluidly slipped out of the room, Dove shuffling under some covers, not minding to sleep while the others were up and around.

Fox sat down on the other chair, watching Hanabi through the slits in his mask. He had to smile. Even though she had lived through the war as well her childishness and irritability hadn't left heart all. How she had managed that, he had no idea, but he was happy she hadn't changed at all.

"Well, what now?", she snapped, not being used to waiting.

He scratched the back of his head even though he didn't feel much of that through the cloak.

"Now, Hyuuga-san -"

Hanabi. If you going to be informal, just call me Hanabi. Makes this a whole lot easier!"

"Hanabi then.", he paused thinking how he could break the news. "I already told you, that you would have an active part in the mission."

"Mingle with the students.", she said.

"Exactly. Other than that you really only are our representative. You will not under any circumstances be guarding the castle, you will not do anything which will end up with you hurt. I promised that to the Hokage when I requested your presence."

"So why did you take me anyway? Any particular reason?", Hanabi waspishly asked, still riled up from the previous talk.

Not only that he guessed. When they had arrived in this land he felt like vomiting. Straight onto the client. Actually he was glad none of his team had broken down, since this method of travelling obviously involved a great deal of sickness mixed with wobbly knees and a major headache slash migraine. Maybe he had to fix the seal, maybe it was just part of interdimensional travel, he didn't know for sure and since he didn't have to participate in another journey soon he didn't really care right now.

"Actually I requested you, so that you could have your fair share of diplomacy training while being absent from your clan at the same time. You wouldn't get a chance like this a second time, Hanabi."

She wasn't pacified by this.

"That's it? That are your reasons for taking me away from home? Diplomacy? Politics?", she yelled, not the least perturbed that an ANBU agent was trying to sleep a mere feet from her, the Hokage's head strategist writing a seriously important report to her left or that it was the Head of ANBU she was shouting at.

"I got to be at home. My sister needs me!", she furiously whispered, her face red by now, tears threatening to spill over, her hand at his collar, dragging him halfway across the table. He didn't mind. Fox knew those emotions from the war when Tsunade had sent him into hiding, while friends were dying left and right.

"Your sister was the one who begged me to take you with me.", he murmured just loud enough for her to hear. He knew begging wasn't the right word for it, but he couldn't tell her the whole background or she would know who he was. Which he didn't want.

"My sister does not beg! She's the heir of the Clan, our next head. Information you should know about by the way.", Hanabi responded, not letting him go.

Fox moved his hand over hers, lazily opening her fist and sitting back on the chair.

"She begged for your sake. Honour her request. Now go to sleep." He motioned towards a bed at the other side of the room. Dumbledore hadn't known how many people came for this mission but Rosmerta obviously had reacted accordingly when she noticed they were more than expected. Two extra beds was erected, whereas there were only three before. Of course there were six of them and only five beds. Obviously she was looking more at Dumbledore than at them, but Fox didn't care. They wouldn't all the beds anyway since at least two of them weren't around the whole time anyway. At the moment Dove occupied one of the beds, Hanabi moving to another one, Shikamaru sprawled across the third while writing the report. As a shinobi he was used to less. Not only during the war but even before he had slept on the ground, not caring what kind of weather it was. His clothes would get sticky with mud one way or the other while training, fighting or just plain surviving.

Fox stood up, discreetly sighing behind his mask. It had been a long day and the sealing had taken its toll. Not his body was tired, his mind was. He grabbed a few papers from his hip pouch and rammed them against the wall, the intricate seals drawn on them glowing for a short moment before returning to their normal black colour. He ripped the paper from the wall, not leaving a mark behind. Doing the same a few more times throughout the room he yanked the last one from the would and then pressed his thumb onto the place where the paper had stayed just seconds ago. He channelled a bit of his chakra and not a moment later the whole room was brightly lit, a low whispering of power sweeping over the inhabitants.

His deeds were done for now. Fox nodded at Shikamaru who just yawned in turn and sat on his previous chair, waiting for Raven and Slug to return.

A/N:

That's it for now guys. Bit more than last chapter but I can't promise to keep that up. Originally only planned on 5000 not 8800 words, so we will see.

Regarding reviews. See guys. That's how it goes. I love you, really. 32 reviews for chapter 2 as of yet. You're seriously awesome guys. It showed me that lots of people like that story. It also told me what you like about the story.

Top-Reviewer for the last chapter is GaijinSamurai for his well thought and well written review. That's why you get an answer btw.

GaijinSamurai: That's what I'm talking about when I say review. Yeah I know the whole Sasuke-thing is something that can be quite annoying. Thanks for offering your opinion anyway. My reason for having him there is actually just that I really need him at the moment. I hope you can accept that. As for the romance. Have nothing planned there and as far as I can tell there won't be anything coming up. Maybe a crush on Hanabi's part (or even Tonks, but just because I think that's hilarious) but I won't even go too far into that. Bit of humour can't hurt.

Now. Uhm. Thanks again for your reviews. I got me to write 4000 words in minimal time and the rest spread over the last few days. With university coming up once again I guess there will be an influx of ideas so ..yes. Got the plot planned till chapter 8 and ideas for the end are on their way.

I hope you liked that chapter. I will be going over it in the next few days and get rid of all typos and the kind.

Please leave a review.

Taka