Edit: OMG, it did come! You have no idea how up-set I was, thinking it didn't come.

For those of you who don't know, I had ordered a tux off E-bay last week on Thursday, and I had thought it wouldn't come in for my senior prom tonight. I was so upset, I even cried. I was really upset about it. But it came in! Yay!

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Itachi was released the day of the Gryffindor/Slytherin match. Several times results of scuffles had come into the hospital, sprouting the oddest sorts of ails either ninja (as Sasuke still refused to leave his side) had ever seen.

The day of the match, the two brothers made their way to the Quidditch towers. Sasuke had been given a spare Hogwarts robe, Gryffindor, shrunk by Itachi himself. The youngest Uchiha had to endure the vast proclamations of how cute he looked in it, but he did it silently. Still, he refused to speak to anyone other then Itachi, which was a blessing in disguise because if the story of Itachi's family getting killed off and he didn't leave for home came to surface, then it'd cause problems. Why, exactly, Sasuke was staying with Itachi now past the holidays had been addressed by saying 'family issues' and changing the subject. Most people just assumed a bad divorce, and didn't put anymore thought into it.

Apparently the rumor that he had been mauled by a supposed Black was fully accepted, though there was an under torrent of him battling a dragon (Dumbledore had informed him of the lies he used to cover the incident). People now looked reverently towards him, almost scared to talk to him.

Itachi and Sasuke sat themselves at the bottommost seats in the corner of the Gryffindor tower, watching the game. Taking advantage as Sasuke seemed to be drawn out of his moody shell by the exciting (and violent) match, Itachi explained how the game worked, distracting himself as well.

It was an easy game for the Gryffindor house. Itachi, while did not like flying in the least sense, was good at Quidditch. Wood blocked every attempt when Slytherin did get the Quaffle, and the girls of the team pulled moves with ease, ducking and rolling to avoid collisions before easily putting every shot in the Slytherin's hoops. The Slytherins, enraged, caused many penalties by their dirty handed tactics, but each penalty just tacked on another score for Gryffindor to their anger.

As they had only been twenty points behind the lead in the Quidditch cup, as soon as Harry spotted the snitch, he dove for it, wanting to end the game quickly less his Quidditch friends get hospitalized because of the vengeful Slytherins. His Firebolt zoomed faster then most people could see (Itachi saw it effortlessly, and Sasuke saw it with only slight difficulties) and he caught the small golden snitch to the crowds cheers.

Not wanting to get mauled and possibly loose his brother in the crowd, Itachi led them back to the Gryffindor tower before everyone else. Sasuke was babbling happily about the game, fully excited over the win. It was hard not to be, with everyone else sobbing in joy.

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As June approached, things settled down. The Slytherins nursed their wounded pride at loosing, and the Gryffindors cheered their Quidditch Cup Championship. After a day of 'vacation' Itachi allowed himself, he started his morning routine again, only this time involved teaching Sasuke into it. As the boy could only join him for one class, Care of Magical Creatures, he spent the time Itachi was in class training with the regiment made for him after his brother had observed his skills.

A few weeks before the Exams were to take place, Hagrid stopped the flow of magical creatures. He said his exam was to learn the only spell able to repel one of the worst creatures imaginable—a Lethifold.

And that meant the Patronus.

Harry had been ecstatic, and promptly showed his off (and finding it to be a stag for the first time). Hagrid set him to teaching the class with a wide grin.

Itachi, however, seemed to have the most difficulty with the spell. He had spent half of the first lesson just thinking, trying to find a happy memory. Nothing with Shisui would do, as those memories where tainted by sorrow that he had ended that life. Definitely nothing with being a ninja, as that just led directly to more violence and pain.

Everyone in the class had gotten a small whasp of silvery smoke by the end of the third lesson, but Itachi still was having problems with his memory. He had chosen the one of finding out Sasuke was alive and well after the horrible Boggart experience. But he realized that memory was more of pure relief then anything, so it was hardly surprising to him that he still couldn't do it, no matter how much he copied the others.

It had gotten to a point that Hagrid had taken him aside the last lesson before the exam, "Yeh don' have a happy mem'ry?" He asked when Itachi explained his thoughts on his problem.

"Ninja do not have emotions—of any sense. I have been a ninja, or at least training to be one, for as long as I can remember."

The big man scratched into his beard, black eyes moving to where Harry was helping another student with his spell. "Hm, try thinkin' way back. It'll come ter yeh."

Itachi watched him go, and then his eyes landed on his brother, who was lying in the grass on his stomach, feet in the air as he studied from a scroll, lips moving slightly as he read. It struck a cored in his mind and a memory of a similar scene played in his thoughts.

He was almost seven, and was studying from a book while in the empty living room, absently playing with a kunai. Sasuke, then one and a half, waddled in, gurgling slightly as he ran in a way only toddlers and drunken people could achieve. Itachi rolled his eyes, and went back to his work, vowing silently to himself to ignore the nuisance. Infant Sasuke thumped loudly up to him, almost falling but bracing his hands on Itachi's side to prevent his tumble.

Ignore the child that is now fascinated with his shirt, Itachi's mind told him as he turned the page with his kunai before resting his head on his crossed arms, black eyes scanning the words.

Somehow amused, Sasuke had crawled onto his back and sat on him, laughing and squealing loudly. But that wasn't all, oh no, the chubby fingers found Itachi's budding pony tail, tied by a white string, promptly undoing it. Grabbing fists full of the now free locks, the baby Uchiha yanked on them slightly, as if they were reins, as he giggled and squealed in happiness.

"..." Itachi tried to ignore him, really he did, but it was impossible at that point. Fearing for his hair, (not only to be yanked out, but also to be drooled and or chewed on) he twisted and rolled over, grabbing his brother before he was pitched off, less he started wailing. Holding Sasuke above him (to the immense joy of the child) he glared, "Stop that." But Sasuke, with his eyes closed as he squirmed, kicking his legs, didn't realize the elder child was annoyed with him.

"'Tou-sah, 'tou-sah, 'tou-sah!" He said happily, one of the few words he knew.

Itachi sighed in annoyance and sat up, placing Sasuke on his raised knees so he could look the child in the eyes, who grinned bubbly at him. "No, not Otou-san. I am Onii-san." He said, lowering his head closer, pressing his point. "Onii-san."

"O... Onii-san!" Sasuke said for the first time, before starting to swing his arms, fully trusting the hand at his side to keep him balanced. "'nii-sah, 'nii-sah!" He laughed, kicking his legs.

Sighing in irritation again, Itachi stood, carrying the child under a single arm to his obvious enjoyment. "Come on, Otouto, I'll take you to mom so I can finish studying and you'll have someone to play with." The day ended at that, Sasuke being gushed over by his mother while Itachi finished his book before starting on practicing the techniques in it.

Gazing at his oblivious brother now, he stood from the barrel where he had been sitting on. He approached the area where people were practicing, and then got a good open spot.

"Itachi, you got a memory?" Harry called over from where he was helping a Slytherin, who had an enormous look of concentration on his face. "Remember, concentrate hard!"

"Expecto Patronum." Itachi said simply, pointing his wand before him. Bursting out with tremendous force, a silvery dragon roared into the clearing, its blank, bulging eyes searching. Seeing nothing amiss, it flew in spirals up into the sky, long thin body over lapping, before it vanished.

Dead silence filled the clearing, everyone staring at Itachi, who calmly peered up where his charm disappeared. Huh. It wasn't a weasel.

Ron, who was working near with Hermione, gapped at him, eyes wide. "What on earth did you think of?"

He glanced at the red head without turning his head, but didn't answer.

During their exam, Hagrid brought out a glass cage, in it what appeared to be a tattered cape to the puzzlement of all but a few (Itachi stopped Sasuke from getting nearer by grabbing the back of his robes and hissing at him to not get closer, which caused those who knew Itachi well enough to step back a few paces in fear). He explained the creature and how it killed, things Itachi already knew, before telling them that to pass the class, they had to approach and cast their Patronus. If the creature tried to move away, then they got full marks. If something came out, but the creature didn't move away, they passed with acceptable marks. If they were unable to do either of that, then they had to tell Hagrid what was the one thing you never do to a Hippogriff to pass the class. A handful of students (Harry and Itachi included) produced full Patronus, and the rest were able to produce whasps of silvery essence.

Their next exam was potions, which was so easy Itachi could have done it with his eyes closed. Snape begrudgingly had to give him full marks. Cheating to his full ability, he got Harry's to thicken properly, and Neville's not to explode without anyone but him knowing he did it. It was good to be a Shinobi.

Astrology, History and Herbology quickly fell away, Itachi easily doing each one. Soon it was their Defense against the Dark Art's class, which turned out to be a sort of obstacle course. Itachi waited until last to go. He completed everything within a minute except for the Boggart. He hesitated just slightly outside the trunk, but then gripped his wand and went into the enclosed space, Team Six waiting nervously outside of it. They watched the still trunk for a full five minutes before it suddenly poofed, as if a bright light flashed within it. He immerged in smoke, black eyes scanning the area as his team cheered and Lupin said 'full marks.' He spied who he was looking for standing nearby and quickly went to him, bending down to hug and apologize softly to the confused and highly embarrassed Sasuke. No matter how they prodded, he refused to say what this boggart did.

They were walking back to the castle, Ron starting to tease Hermione for her boggart but then a man wearing a pinstriped cloak dragged the attention away. Itachi was instantly at Harry's elbow, glad that Sasuke went back to get his things and planed on meeting them for lunch in the Great Hall, and watched as Cornelius Fudge greeted Harry.

"Hello there, Harry! Just had an exam, I expect? Nearly finished?"

"Er—yes?"

"What are you doing here?" Itachi said, drawing the attention of the man who was not supposed to know he existed.

"Ministry Business," He said dodgingly, looking confused at him for a moment before reconization flashed across his face. "Ah! You're the child that got into that..." He trailed off, eyes darting to the others.

"Incident, yes."

"Well, no need to worry, lad. The Dementors will get him. We got a good lead, and we're closer then ever!"

"Hn," Itachi caught the eyes of his team, and they read it in his gaze; he's a horrible liar. They grinned back at him, agreeing.

Looking at them with slight confusion, he made his leave. "Well, I'm afraid I dallied too long. Excuse me, Harry." He tipped his hat to the others—who he didn't know their names—before making his way down the steps and in the direction of Hagrid's cabin.

Their last lesson was Divination, and as they made their way to the tower after saying good bye to Hermione, they found it crowded with students.

"She's seeing us all separately," Neville said when they asked, book open in his lap. "Have you guys ever seen anything in the crystal balls?"

"Nope." Ron said simply.

"My horrible and gruesome drowning," Itachi said in an off hand manner.

"Hey, that's a good one. Can I use it?" Ron said, grinning over at him, causing everyone else within their proximity to snicker.

Well, except Neville, who paled considerably. "...Really?"

Itachi looked at him for a moment, before shrugging. "I did see a bunny-shape once," He dodged answering the question. However, that caused the group to start snickering again, and this time including Neville.

Slowly they were called in, one by one, and when the person left, refusing to answer pleading questions. Ron scowled as he came down, saying it was rubbish and you guys will have to use another fortune other then drowning.

"Harry Potter," The voice called, and Harry went up.

Itachi listened absently, with all the skill of a ninja of his caliber—to pass the time—knowing Harry was making up complete bull shit, but the Professor was delighted to hear him admit seeing the Grim.

But then something happened. There was a strange voice, Trelawney's, but not.

"IT WILL HAPPEN TONIGHT," She/it said, and Harry sputtered, confused. "THE DARK LORD LIES ALONE AND ABANDONED, SEARCHING FOR FOLLOWERS. FOUND NOT, KILLED NOT, HE WILL RISE AGAIN. TONIGHT, BEFORE MIDNIGHT, HIS SERVANT WILL ATTEMPT TO CRAWL FROM THE DEPTHS TO HELP HIM. FEAR NOT THE BLOOD KILLER, THE TRAINED MURDER, THE LIVING WEAPON THAT REVELS IN THE SHADOWS, FOR HE IS OUR LAST HOPE. FLEE WITH THE DOG, RUN WITH THE WOLF, STAND GUARD WITH THE DRAGON, TAKE A STEP AND THERE WILL BE NO TURNING BACK."

He was standing now, looking up intently at the trap door. Harry came stumbling down a few minutes later, looking very pale.

"Itachi! Did you hear that?" He said, faltering on the last step and clutched at Itachi's sleeve to maintain his balance.

"I did," He said, eyes hard and face set.

"What on earth was it?" The other dark haired boy breathed, shaken.

"I don't know," Itachi said honestly. "But when something unusual happens, it is always best to take special note of it."

Nodding dumbly, Harry nearly fled the landing, leaving Itachi to his lesson. Not waiting for his name to be called, he looped up the stepladder.

Professor Trelawney jumped as he appeared, but she plastered on a fake smile. "Oh, I'm sorry dear, I'd forgotten you hadn't gone..." She said in her misty voice.

Itachi effortlessly approached, sitting down at the table with the large crystal ball. "I am to peer in this and attempt to see, correct?" He asked when she didn't say anything.

"Y-yes..." She tried smiling, but it was withering pathetically in sight of her nerves.

What would he see this time, if anything? He hadn't actually attempted to see something since the first time, so was it a fluke or not? Hm, only one way to find out. He leaned forward and placed his hands around the ball like he had at his very first attempt, letting himself zone easily as he focused on the swirling depths.

It wasn't long before he saw something, someone, running. It was just a blurry, dark outline at first, but it was clearing, sharpening until he saw a limp figure draped over the shoulders of—

"Please!" Trelawney suddenly flung herself over the ball, covering it and jerking him out of his zone, "Please d-don't!" She cried, shoulders shaking.

"Why?" He asked, sitting back and placing his hands on the table.

"I can't bear it!" She shook her head, "I don't want to see what you see! I don't want to know!"

He clasped his hands in front of his mouth and calmly observed her, assessed her as she finally pulled away from the orb. "All year, you have avoided reading me at every point. Why?"

"B-because," She gave a great sniff and huff, taking her shawl to wipe her eyes. "I have never met such a blood stained soul before. And e-every time I see you, I see more blood being spilt! More pain! I can't stand it!"

He was quiet for a little while, watching as she refused to meet his eye. "I am ANBU. I have killed before, and I will again. It is part of my life as a shinobi, of the life of every shinobi. I accept that as my fate."

She nodded, still not looking at him. "You don't have to gaze, child. You pass. Just, please, go... Please..."

Silently, he left her to her weeping.

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MDF: The final, Harry Potter arch is coming in the next chapter! How do you think it's going to play out? And what do you think of my altered prediction?