Ok....so next chapter....

Also...to those who read the last chapter: Thank you. To those of you who added this to your favorites or story alerts...thank you even more.

Thanks to Thrae and Echelon and the Social Scene for reviewing. And Thrae, if you'd like to use the Deithold, just credit this story for its creation (and send me the link so I can read the story.....)

so...this update...didn't wanna come. I was at camp...for 5 days, and I'm still exhausted from it. Plus...apparently I write a LOT more in school...which does not bode well for 2 months of summer...

But...cause all that's pointless at the moment, enjoy the story, and remember...I don't own Naruto, or Harry Potter


As he came to, Shino Aburame was shocked. He didn't move an inch, keeping his eyes closed, forcing himself to feign sleep, unsure of where he was. It was quiet, and warm, much different from what he last remembered. There was a softness beneath him, quite possibly a bed, and it was foreign to him, this comfort, after the torment that had been endured. Mentally checking his condition, he realized he felt stronger than he had since begining his mission, his chakra felt restored, he was fairly certain his wounds were bandaged, and the rest of his body was healed.

Shock and worry flooded him at the realization of his treatment. He had no idea where he was, what was going on or why he'd been treated. He had no clue where his team mate was, and if he'd even survived. The other's condition had been much worse than his own, he'd been more resiliant to the torture, recovering quickly, only to be assaulted again, until the recovery rarely occured.

Cautiously, Shino allowed a few Kikai to investigate the surroundings, using them as his eyes and ears. according to the insects, the mild genjutsu he'd placed on himself was still in effect, and to any person he'd look normal. His glasses, which had been broken into several pieces, were now repaired, resting on a nightstand next to him. For some reason, two other objects, appearing to be broken sticks, also were on the stand. And then, the most important thing was brought to his attention, his team mate was safe, as healed as he was.

Before the temptation to relax could present itself, the Kikai brought to his attention something else, something important. There was a woman in a nearby office, doing something odd with a stick. Another Kikai informed him of a small bag beneath the cot he was on. Moving with the silence only a shinobi could possess, Shino slid from the bed to the floor, crouching as he pulled the bag towards him. The movement took mere seconds, and when the woman took no notice of him, Shino began to study the bag. Summoning the smallest amout of chakra possible, he began to examine the bag. Sensing nothing wrong, the Kikai moved towards the bag at a silent command. Instantly, Shino realized something in the bag was enfused with chakra. Or rather, something similar. The Kikai found this new substance interesting, different than any chakra they'd fed on, despite the amount of opponents they'd faced, it was a heavier energy, crackling around the object.

Deciding the bag seemed harmless, despite the energy around it, Shino opened it cautiously. When nothing happened, he tipped it over, sliding the contents onto the floor. A small red book and a note hit the floor softly, and when the woman didn't attempt to exit the office, Shino unfolded the note. It was messy and slightly dirt smudged, but the writing was mostly legibile.

'To whomever was found. I have been informed that you are different than many of the students and teachers here. Because of this, I realize that you are most likely uninformed about both your location, and the circumstances that brought you to this school. You are currently at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Of the many students here, very few know of your existence, unless he who found you has told people, although I believe you are fortunate. I am one of the students here, although it is advised you do not look for me. While you may know who I am, you will not know me. However, if you are in need of guidance, the book which I've given you is charmed. It has a modified version of the Protean charm, and you can use it to communicate with a book of my own. The wands on your nightstand are for any use you may have of them. The dark one is redwood and dragon heart string, the lighter is oak and phoenix feather. I wish you luck in your adventures.'

Looking away from the note, Shino surveyed the book. It was the source of the energy from the bag. It seemed to hum with energy, a soft pulse, as if it were alive. Folding the note and placing it in the book, he slid both objects into the bag, before placing it back under the bed.

Turning his attention to the 'wands' on the nightstand, Shino realized they were practically alive with energy. If the book seemed to have a pulse, the 'wands' would be alive with it. And yet, it seemed to be wrong as well. The energy seemed to be disrupted at the break in each 'wand'. Sliding on his glasses and recalling the Kikai back to him, he continued to survey the 'wands', forcing himself to ignore the anxious hum of the Kikai, their urge to devour the energy surrounding them. He knew the insects would need to feed soon, the mission had been cruel, killing many of the insects, and leaving the rest as starved as Shino had been.

Continuing the silent examination, Shino looked up at the sign of movement. It had been nothing more than a sigh and a twitch of fingers on the sheets, but it was enough to signify the other was awake. "You okay?" The bug user breathed.

"Yeah..." The other replied, keeping his position on the bed. "But...where are we?"

"Hogwarts. It's a 'magic' school" Sensing the next barrage of questions, he continued, "We have a friend somewhere. Someone left a note, explaining where we were, they left us 'wands', although I think they're broken." Something in his mind warned against speaking of the book just yet. "Take this, it's apparently oak and phoenix feather. I'll think they're needed for cover. Another woman had something similar."

The boy rolled his eyes, "Great...a stupid stick...so useful." His voice was sarcastic though he remained quiet. "What do we do now...I mean...after all we went through...we didn't send reports...we didn't find the bastard....what do we do now?"

Shino shook his head slightly, "We do what we are trained to, blend it. We'll find your brother soon. And we're lucky, the note was written in English."

"You mean one of the like...fifty languages we had to learn to translate damn messages we got from spies in Oto?" He was disgruntled and furious, his voice gaining volume quickly. "That's for saving Sasuke! Not a damn school!"

Shino narrowed his eyes behind his glasses, slipping onto the bed, the woman had heard him speak. "We'll talk later. For now, English, and blend in, I've got half a cover-story. Keep calm."

Ignoring the way the other's eyes flashed in his direction, Shino focused his attention on the woman nearing them, an unreadable look on her face. Shino murmured one last phrase in japanese.

"Here goes nothing, Naruto."

So...yeah...This chapter is like...half as long as I wanted. But, when I was typing it up, it refused to flow, at all. So I'm re editing this. I don't think it helped that I've barely been home, and am leaving again Tuesday...such little time to edit.

So yeah, Naruto and Shino. Wasn't expecting anyone to guess Shino (because the way I picked him was random as heck), but thought someone might've gotten him...oh well.

You guys will get the rest of this chapter at the normal time...though if I get enough reviews, I could be persuaded to get it out a week early....cause it is already written up and everything....

Oh...and if the bugs aren't really called Kikai...well...I read it somewhere, and it sounds so much better than destruction bugs to me. So...yeah...feel free to correct me though.

Remember...constructive critism is appreciated. I accept Anonymous reviews. And all reviewers are awesome.

Hope you enjoyed the story and see you soon ^_^

~CP