Two Scarred Souls Heal Each Other
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Naruto. They belong to their respective authors and publishing/media companies.
Warning: Yaoi/Slash. Harry/Ibiki. Please don't read if its not your cup of tea.
Beta: Latte2
Author's Notes: I was reminded in a review that I had previously quoted this story as being 10 chapters long. That is no longer true. TSSHEO has taken on a life of its own.
In addition - Sakura will be not be drummed out of the shinobi corps just yet. She'll get another chance to choose either becoming a kunoichi of worth or staying a worthless fangirl.
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Chapter 8: Let the Plotting Begin
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Sunday. Konoha, Elemental Countries
The next morning, Naruto was nestled happily into soft pillows and a downy comforter. Gradually, his sleepy mind took notice of his unusually luxurious sleeping accommodations and he sharply woke up to assess his safety in an unknown environment. Frantic blue eyes swung rapidly around the room, looking for hidden dangers, barely taking note of the elegant cherry furniture and walls decorated with serene forest paintings. His fearful search for an unknown assailant came to a grinding halt when he heard a puzzled "Hoot?" coming from the left wall. Turning his head sharply, he was immediately relieved to see Hedwig perched on the still of the opened bay window.
"Hedwig!" he exclaimed with relief and rushed over to the owl, who now had her head tilted in curiosity. Her eyes looked upon the blonde genin with a hint of bemusement in its amber depths.
As Naruto scratched Hedwig's head, the series of events from last night played through his head. 'Huh. Well that explains the unknown bedroom.' he mused softly to himself. As he continued his soft petting of the white owl, he took a moment to re-examine his new bedroom. During his second and more leisure perusal, he was pleasantly surprised by the elegant but comforting décor. The room contained a large bed with rich green bedding, a long dresser on one wall, a large desk with matching shelves above it, an expansive bay window, two additional windows flanking the bed, and three doors painted a light color. The blonde gave Hedwig a finally pat and walked around the room to explore where the doors led to.
Opening the first door that was opposite of the bed, he found it led to a hallway. A warm feeling of happiness erupted in his chest when he noticed the door contained a small sign that proudly declared it "Naruto's room". Looking down the hallway, he noticed the two doors respectively labeled "Harry's" and "Hermione's" were still closed so he closed his door and kept exploring his bedroom. Not a guest bedroom. His!
The second and third doors were located on the same wall, separated by the long dresser and opposite of the bay window. Walking to the door on the far right, he discovered it was a large walk in closet. Opening the last door, Naruto was surprised by the sophisticated bathroom that was attached to his bedroom. It was a five piece bathroom complete with dual sinks, a toilet, a large shower, and a huge soaking tub complete with jets. The genin couldn't wait to try the jet tub. Despite his fast healing, Naruto knew a hot soak would feel wonderful after a long training session. He never soaked in a bathtub before due to his previous apartment only ran cold water and he wasn't foolish enough to try and enter a public bath house.
Grabbing a set of clothes from the dresser, he rushed back to the bathroom to take a scorching hot shower. Thirty minutes later, clothed in his customary orange jumpsuit, Naruto felt refreshingly clean. Hedwig had left sometime during his shower so he exited his room after a lovingly pat on his door sign.
Walking down the staircase, he followed his nose to the scent of food that drifted through the air. Navigating through the first floor, Naruto walked into the kitchen only to be confronted by a strange sight in front of the stove.
His blue eyes bulged as his mouth dropped in shock. Pointing furiously, he sputtered and finally screamed in hysteria "Little Green Man. Little Green Man. It's an alien. Kami-sama, they do exist. Kiba was right all along!"
Hermione and Harry looked at the genin in amusement, but continued to sip their tea and coffee, content to let him scream in hysteria before explaining the situation to him. Meanwhile, Dobby turned around from the stove and looked at Naruto with his floppy ears twitching up and down. However, both siblings choked on their drinks when the blonde all but howled –
"Nooooooooo! I don't want to be anal probed!"
~Thirty Minutes Later~
Naruto sat down at the table, eating his delicious traditional Japanese breakfast with an occasionally twitch as he watched Dobby nervously. The little elf was certainly fascinated by the young blonde boy as it was the first time anyone was frighten of him. However, Dobby was still worried about the fearsome 'anal probe' that the boy had mentioned which caused the Great Harry Potter and his Grangy to choke and shake when it was mentioned.
'It be a dark spell. A bad bad dark spell.' Dobby thought to himself with a determined ear wiggle. He remembered how both siblings adamantly refused to talk or explain what it was to the confused house elf. Thus, Dobby resolved to never, ever mention the dreadful anal probe least he scared his friends again like earlier. The wheezing and choking sounds that they had made in shock clearly demonstrated their fear and terror of that terrible spell.
Naruto ate his food mechanically as his head swarmed with the information that was just revealed to him after he had sworn an oath to never reveal their secrets without permission. Both Potter-Blacks were sages who used spiritual energy to affect their environments and their selves. Unlike chakra, it was a bloodline trait that was born to only 1 out of 6,000 people in their homeland. In their hidden society, Harry was the clan head from a wealthy and prominent house. Due to wars and persecution, he was the last surviving member of his clan. His status left his vulnerable to people who wished to prey on his wealth and political status so Harry and his adopted sister fled their homeland to rebuild a new life where they wouldn't be controlled by greedy and manipulative people.
While their special ability was surprising, it was their knowledge and acceptance of his jinchuuriki status that confused the genin the most. He was constantly treated like trash by the people of Konoha so it was surreal to have two foreigners recognize Naruto as just being Naruto and open their home to him. The blonde teen was awed by the amount of trust the Potter-Blacks gave him and promised to never betray their faith in him.
"So, Naruto, do you have any questions for us?" gently asked Harry.
The orange clad teen shook his head silently, only to pause when a sudden idea entered his brain.
"Ano, do you mind showing me what your spiritual energy is capable of? I know what chakra can do, but not spiritual energy. That is, if you don't mind. You don't have too. I was just.." rambled the dazed genin.
"Naruto, its fine." interrupted Harry with a small chuckle. "Both Hermione and I asked the same thing when were offered a place at a prestigious magic school in our homeland."
"Magic? School?" echoed Naruto.
"Even though it's referred to as energy or chakra here, we were raised to call it magic." was the sensible explanation from Hermione. "All children are taught how to use their magic at a school. The professors visit our homes, demonstrate magic, and ask for our acceptance or refusal to attend their school."
"Ohh, a school of magic. That must have been so awesome." remarked the awed blonde.
"It was. Now, a demonstration of what magic can do, right? Okay, how about flouting." asked the green eyed wizard with a bright smile.
"Floating? Wooahh! This is so cool" screamed a laughing teenager.
While Naruto was looking at Harry, a sneaky witch had taken out her wand and casted a feather light and flying spell on the genin.
As Naruto happily dog paddled through the air, Hedwig flew up from her perch on the back of Harry's chair and engaged the teen in a game of flying/floating tag,
Harry and Hermione watched the aerodynamic duo for a few moments. The witch looked down at her feet when she felt Crookshanks pawing at her left leg.
"Oh, hello there, Crookshanks. Do you want to join them too?" she asked.
The half kneazle mewled in response, so within moments he was navigating his way through the air with his tail swishing lazily behind him.
"I do believe you just doomed several birds to extinction." drolled Harry, as he observed how Crookshanks was stealthily drifting towards an open window.
"I highly doubt it. Crookshanks has never displayed an interest in birds before. Fish and mice, yes. Birds, no." was his sister's dismissive rebuttal.
As soon as the words left her mouth, Crookshanks darted out the window and into a nearby tree. The ensuing noise of panicked bird shrieks gave little credence to her statement.
"You were saying, dear sister?"
"Shut up, Harry!"
Ibiki stared apathetically towards the sweating and panicky potbellied landlord of Naruto's former residence. The sweaty man's eyes were darting back and forth in the interrogation room, desperately searching for a way out. As if he could possibly find one. They were currently in a room that was deep within the bowels of the Torture and Interrogation Headquarters. The jounin could positively feel Anko bouncing on her feet, happily anticipating a chance to 'play' with the man if he chose to be non-cooperative to their investigation.
"Hotaru Nukpana, do you know why you are here?" ask Ibiki in a cold but silky tone.
"No. I've done nothing wrong. Why have you brought me here? I am a fine upstanding citizen of Konoha." demanded Nukpana with a false sense of bravado.
"Ah, yes. Tell me is it customary to charge a Konoha orphan a rent of 6,000 yens which is 50% more than your other residents. Added to the fact, it's the smallest apartment, hasn't had repairs in 10 years, and doesn't have running hot water. Furthermore, you seem to be increasing the outrageous rent whenever you please which is clearly against the lease agreement with the tenant and the bylaws of Konoha. So do you have any explanation for your actions, Mr. Upstanding Citizen?" Ibiki lazily scanned over a piece of paper before staring at Nukpana with a deadly glare that promised untold pain if he tried to lie to the jounin.
"What? This is about that blonde brat? Preposterous." spat the civilian in irate rage at having his day disturbed over such trivial matters. "That brat should be glad that I even gave him a place to live instead of kicking him out to live on the streets like the filthy demon that he is!"
Ibiki leaned back and smiled predatorily at the red-faced man.
"Unfortunately, Nukpana-san, it appears as if you have just broken the Law of the Third Hokage. Sadly, your stay in our lovely department has now been extended. You will experience some unpleasant sensations, but hopefully you will live through them with your sanity intact. Perhaps, you will be more civil in a later session, hmmm?" stated Ibiki with a blood-chilling smile as Anko happily stormed into the room to take her latest project to her playroom.
She had been hoping that the little piggy would land in her delicate care. Even before the Chunnin Exam, Anko had kept a close eye on the jinchuuriki as his situation reminded her far too much of her own past before the civilians perceived her as being too insane and dangerous to trifle with. It was never easy to carry a burden that was never asked for nor earned through your own actions. The special jounin respected the genin for never letting public opinion break him. If torturing the piggy meant help finding justice for Blondie, she'll diligently endeavor to have a very hardworking day!
Ibiki watched impassively as Anko dragged the crying man out of the room. Normally, he would be in charge of such a high profile investigation. But due to his ties with Naruto, he diplomatically decided to take a backseat. That way no one could accuse him of favoritism or being bias at a later - and there would definitely be a later. Ibiki knew the Civilian Council will be up in arms over this case.
~Four Hours Later~
'Today is going to be long, long day.' Ibiki thought to himself as he sat at his desk and read over the report he was going to present to the Hokage.
Mere hours earlier, Ibiki had watched as Anko ruthlessly gathered information from Nukpana. Ibiki's suspicion that Nukpana's actions were directed by someone else was confirmed. However, he was shocked to find his actions were directed by a shinobi, a council elder to be exact.
What they had pierced together from Nukpana's tearful blubbering was the undeniable fact that his actions were only part of a twisted and convoluted plot to establish control over the Kyuubi jinchuuriki. Ten years ago, Nukpana was approached by a council elder who warned the landlord that his tenant was truly a demon in human form. The elder went on to tell the man that he didn't have to treat the vessel like a human because that would only serve to make the demon comfortable in Konoha. By deliberately arranging for the demon's home to be uninhabitable by human standards, Nukpana would be driving the hated demon to take shelter on the streets where it would be vulnerable or out of Konoha completely. Regardless of the outcome, Nukpana would be a hero for getting rid of the village's least desired denizen.
As Anko continued to question Nukpana, more dirty secrets were revealed. The man hadn't allowed the apartment to become so derelict until the Third Hokage had passed as he knew Sarutobi-sama often visited Naruto at his apartment when he was younger. Furthermore, it was never a coincidence that Naruto was always found on nights when violent mobs would form. In exchange for free drinks at bars, he would always lock out the blonde the following night he received tips that people wanted to go 'fox hunting'.
By this point, it was apparent that Naruto's abuse was systematically organized in the village. The only question that remained was why?
Using the names that Nukpana supplied, several trusted shinobi were dispatched to round up the named bartenders and assailants. What followed next was a slow unraveling of a political nightmare of manipulation at its finest (or lowest) degree .
All the men were very alike in their backgrounds and circumstances. While none of them had relatives in the shinobi corps, each man had lost loved ones due to the Kyuubi attack. Predictably, they fostered resentment towards its jinchuuriki. All of the men were approached by 'ANBU' shinobi who revealed that most of the shinobi corps knew the boy was an actually demon, hence why it greatly resembled the Yondaime as a method to further torment the villagers. The supposed ANBU revealed how the shinobi couldn't actively harm the demon due to it being under the protection of the Hokage, therefore the duty to purge the village rested upon the civilians' shoulders.
Ibiki pinched his nose in frustration at the depth of corruption that ran rampant in his beloved village. It was disgusting to know the 'ANBU' were correct in their assertion that most of the shinobi wouldn't actually hurt Naruto but neither would they actively help the blonde either. It was only logical to acknowledge that some shinobi had been slow to protect or help the boy from mobs due to their (conscious or not) resentment towards the great chakra beast.
Signing heavily, he gathered his papers and left to meet the Hokage to present his vital findings.
~In the Hokage's Office~
Tsunade sat at her desk, reading the report impassively. Ibiki was in her office along with Inoichi and Shikaku who were looking over their own copies of the report as well. Their presence had been requested by Ibiki and approved by the Hokage.
"It appears this problem is much bigger than I had originally anticipated. I thought only civilians abused the boy. But it seems many shinobi did too, whether orchestrating the abuse or turning a blind eye to it. While I have my suspicions as to why a council elder acted in such a manner, I wish to hear your opinions as well." She regarded the three men with a cool and collected glance.
"Power, pure and simple. It was for power. He already had significant influence among ninjas because of his elder's position. By preying on the civilian's feelings of resentment and fear, he established himself as being on their 'side', a wise leader that they could trust. It's a slow operation to convert loyalty from Sarutobi-sama to himself. After all, the Hokage's stance on Naruto lowered his political esteem in many villagers' eyes." Shikaku's mind was working overtime to unravel the motivation and actions of the possible traitorous village elder.
"I have to agree with Shikaku. However, it may be a matter of personal resentment as well. Didn't he lose family due to the Kyuubi attack?" questioned Inoichi. His years as the former Head of the T&I Division had heightened his ability to spot psychological explanations for criminal actions.
"If my memory serves correct, he did lose many of his family members in the attack. However, I don't know if he has any remaining family in the village." replied Ibiki.
"Find out who he lost in the attack, Ibiki, as it could be vital information. I want you to continue your investigation because it seems as if his actions are leading to a political coup – that sneaky bastard! I also need to know if any of the civilian councilmembers have abused their authority as well. If I am going to re-haul the council, I need to present irrefutable evidence to the Daimyo in order to gain his permission to do so." ordered Tsunade.
"Shikaku, Inoichi, I need you both to serve as extra eyes and ears in Council Meetings. There is no telling what his next moves will be so I need all the help I can get to navigate around him. You have my permission to debrief Chouza and ask for his assistance with this too. Also, if you can have trusted clan members discreetly gather information from civilians, that would be greatly appreciated."
All three men nodded their heads in agreement. Shikaku and Inoichi resigned themselves to asking their wives for their help in this endeavor – in other words, gossip.
Shudders ran up and down their spines as they imagined their wives unholy glee at being unleashed upon the village.
Predictably, Shikaku summarized his feelings in the trademark Nara motto:
"Tch. Troublesome."
~Afternoon, around 1:00 pm
Hermione hummed softly to herself as she browsed the bookshelves of A Sealed Kunai Bookstore. This was the very same bookstore that Iruka had escorted her to during their coffee date on Saturday. The witched tucked a stray curl behind her left ear as a light blush tinted her cheeks over thoughts about the kind and intelligent chunnin. She couldn't wait for their next meeting on Wednesday!
She found and picked up the book, Konoha's Constitution and By-Laws, that Iruka had strongly recommended in light of the actions of the Civilian Council. Despite already having the information that was gathered by the goblins, Hermione wanted to have a firm grasp on the laws of Konoha. She knew the political machinations have only just begun.
Turning the corner around a bookshelf rack, the witch headed towards the cashier only to freeze when she caught sight of the pinked hair genin. For a few seconds, Hermione debated with herself over greeting or ignoring the un-affable girl. Based upon Naruto's description of the girl and her own observations, Hermione was bemused to realize Sakura was like an unholy combination of herself, Ginny, and Cho Chang – a book smart, obsessive bully with an unhealthy amount of respect towards figures of authority. 'How utterly charming.' she thought sarcastically.
With a determined sigh, Hermione walked forward to politely greet the girl who was standing in the medical section of the bookstore. 'Oh, it appears that the Hokage's and Harry's plan to have her become a medic-nin was successful. Hopefully, she can grow into her own skills instead of running after that poor boy to be his wife.' mused the curly brunet.
"Good afternoon, Haruno-san. Are you having a pleasant day?" she greet the genin with a polite and cordial tone.
Sakura was visibly startled. She jumped slightly before turning to face the approaching witch.
"Good afternoon, Black-san. I am doing well and yourself?" the pinkette replied with a slight bow.
"I am doing fine. I see you are now interested in medical studies. Did you decide to become a medic-nin?" Hermione was interested in knowing how Sakura would explain her new career path.
"Oh, yes. Hokage-sama recommended me to become a medic-nin, so how could I decline her endorsement? Besides, Mother said Lady Tsunade hinted that she would take me on as an apprentice. I can't wait until I start my first medical lessons on Monday. I am sure I will learn so much from Tsunade-sama." boosted the girl, with a confident flip of her pink hair.
'Oh-kay, she's clearly still delusional.' thought Hermione. 'It's best just to humor her.'
"What as fabulous opportunity for you! You are sure to have a bright future." praised Hermione with a fixed smile on her face.
"Absolutely, especially when Sasuke-kun proposes to me!" announced Sakura.
'Propose? She thinks he's going to propose to her?' Hermione's smile slowly faded off her face as she looked at the girl in disbelief.
"Propose? Uchiha-san is going to propose to you?"
"Oh course! How could he not purpose to me - the most beautiful and talented girl in the village. With my close connections to the Hokage, I'll even be able to raise the political prestige of the Uchiha clan too!"
"Ohh, so you're going to be one of his wives! Congratulation, Haruno-san!" Hermione just couldn't resist poking a stick at a hornet's nest.
"One of his wives? What do you mean one of his wives?" screeched the indignant pinkette.
"Didn't you know? According to the by-laws of Konoha and the Clan Restoration Act, whenever a clan becomes too small, selected males are eligible to have multiple wives in order to rebuild the clan. Naturally as the last Uchiha, Uchiha-san should take multiple wives so the Uchiha Clan can be brought back from the brink of extinction. Especially since he is now a genin and his life is in danger daily." explained Hermione; inwardly dancing in mirth over the girl's flabbergasted expression.
"His only wife will be me!" The loud shout drew the notice of the store's other shoppers.
"The only one to decide that is Uchiha-san. I honestly don't think he is the kind of person who would let personal feelings and attachments get in the way of his duties to his clan." stated Hermione matter-of-factly.
"But….he would …never…and..My mom will make it so I am his only bride!" screamed the genin before she rushed out of the store.
Hermione watched the girl's mad dash through the street for a few moments before calmly strolling to the checkout desk. 'That should keep the Civilian Council away from my small family for a while' she thought in satisfaction.
The witch knew most civilians didn't remember or know that bloodline clans could have polygamy marriages in order to rebuild the low population of their clan. Within moments the main point of her not-so-quiet discussion with Sakura would be spread all throughout Konoha, courtesy of the numerous eye witnesses in the bookstore. Soon, the Harunos' weak alliances will crumble as the other civilian clans scramble to secure their own political favor with the last Uchiha. Sakura's infamous possessiveness of Sasuke will work against her, as other families ban together against the Harunos so their own family members could become a part of the Uchiha clan instead.
As Hermione left the store with her purchase, her keen observation skills noticed the clumps of people gossiping along the streets and in stores. She knew within a few hours, many civilians will be plotting how to get their daughters, nieces, cousins, and etc. to be one of the future brides of the Last Uchiha.
'Hopefully, Sakura will soon realize her childish dreams can never come true unless she matures and works for them.' Hermione seriously hoped the news of Clan Restoration Act shook the girl out of some of her delusions.
Hermione continued to hum to herself as she walked towards home to give Harry an update of her latest plot – which was completed devilish and underhanded. It was good to remind herself why she was once called the smartest witch of her generation.
~Hogwart's Castle, the private laboratory of the Potions Professor
Dumbledore scowled furiously as another cauldron exploded in the potions lab. It took a quick flick of his original wand for the mess to be banished. Once again, another blood ritual had failed to find his missing pawn.
The old wizard pulled a vial of blood from a hidden pocket in his glaring yellow robes and swirled its contents gently. He curiously examined the black-red liquid, looking for any signs of flaws or imperfections.
"Hmm," he mumbled to himself, "perhaps the ritual failed because the blood is too old. After all, 18 years is an extraordinary amount of time for ever fresh charms to work."
Indeed, the blood in the vial belonged to the 18 month old Harry Potter that he had wisely gathered before depositing the boy on his aunt's doorstep one cold, November evening.
The disgraced professor eyed his phoenix's empty perch on a nearby surface with a glare of hatred. He was enraged that the wretched bird had managed to break free of his familiar spell and fled the castle. Finding Harry would have been so much easier if Fawkes was still here.
Dumbledore continued to gaze around the room in disgust. He couldn't believe how far he had fallen. After the war criminal trials, the public had quickly turned on him with the disappearance of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. The ex-Headmaster's name was dragged through the proverbial mud as many witches and wizards blamed him for the abuse and mistreatment of their hero. He was quickly voted out as the head of the Wizengamot and the International Confederation of Wizards. The wily politician had avoided a trial and prison by using long collect favors and a silver tongue to talk his way out of charges.
In a quick meeting the Board quickly decided to dismiss the man as Headmaster. The only reason why he was allowed to remain at Hogwarts as the newly hired potions professor was because there was no other qualified potions instructor to take Severus Snape's place when the man resigned in the summer. Not surprisingly, Dumbledore was not fond of his demotion at Hogwarts.
In order to regain his previous popularity and political clout, Dumbledore needed to find the Boy Who Lived by fair means or foul. Once he had the blasted boy, he planned to use a plethora of dark rituals and spells to ensure Harry's obedience for the remainder of the boy's natural life. In fact, Dumbledore planned to siphon some of Harry's youth and magic too The complicated ritual and array would only work with wizards of equal power. Obviously, Harry was the closest wizard to his magical strength. He would have used Gellert but years in magical shackles had diminished the former dark lord's magic significantly. Plus, Dumbledore wanted to gain youth not more wrinkles!
Grumbling under his breathe, he went back to his book shelf full of glamoured books. To everyone else, they were transfiguration or history texts, but the old professor saw priceless dark and banned books. Picking up anothet book, he gently opened the old tome and began pursuing for another spell or ritual to try.
Albus Dumbledore was a wizard on a mission. He was determined to regain control of Wizarding Britain, the freedom of one boy be damned!
Posted: 3/18/2013 Word Count: Over 5,050
Thank you for reading my story. Please take a moment and review. Thanks a million!
Author's Notes: Please read if interested.
Wizard to Muggle Ratio – found at Wikibooks – A Muggle's Guide to Harry Potter
Explanation to Naruto – they put in layman's terms so Naruto could understand it – clan head, bloodline, etc. Why did they reveal magic to him so early – to avoid lying, deceiving, or betraying him like everybody else. Harry values honesty and loyalty more than most people so he holds himself to the same standards. Ibiki's not brought in the loop at this time due to their relationship being new. Remember its only been one date so far.
Flying spell – it actually exists according to Harry Potter wiki.
Landlord's name: Couldn't find it online so settled for a made up one. So according to online research Hotaru – Japanese for darkness, Nukpana – Native American for evil.