Castle Guards
Castle Guards
By Ammie Hawk
Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own Harry Potter or Naruto.
AN: Well, I've got some good news and I've got some bad news. Good news, I've got my bounce board back (yeah! Does happy dance), bad news, my muse is being temperamental, though who my muse for this story actually is, I'm not sure, could be why they're being temperamental.
Anyway, I've got some of those lovely ideas to run by you lovely folks. First off, I've got five shinobi showing up at Christmas time, I was wondering if you wanted anyone to stay besides Shika. They are Hinata, TenTen, Ino, and Choji. The only option for staying is TenTen as the others will be revealed why they're not available to stay when they appear.
Second question, I'm planning on having Kyu do a corporeal appearance. Now the question I have is whether you would like to see him remain corporeal, or not? If yes, he will still be connected to Naruto, who will still have access to his chakra and a mental link, but will have a body of his own.
Oh and for anyone who didn't know, the oneshot I promised last chapter is up, titled Happy Birthday, Naruto!
Alrighty then, on with the show.
"Blah" Kyuubi
"Blah" Japanese
Chapter 11: The Truth Hurts
In the following weeks, Neji had no chance to talk with his boyfriend alone. It seemed that any time he tried, something, or someone, would interrupt them. It felt like fate was set against him. No, he wouldn't think that way, he'd given up on fate having control over him years ago. Wasn't that the whole reason he was with Naruto anyway? He controlled his destiny, not fate or his damned uncle. However, as time passed, he was growing more frustrated and desperate, especially with Kiba and Shino now on his back about talking to their captain.
As the first Quidditch match of the season drew nigh, he thought he saw his chance. He could possibly convince Kankuro and Gaara that they could handle watching their charges, and with the whole school present it seemed his case could be validated.
"Hey, Gaara," he cornered the redhead the morning of the match, "would it be possible for you and Kankuro to handle things? I need to talk with Naruto."
However, it appeared the Kazekage didn't see his logic, "No."
"What?" the brunette questioned in disbelief. "It should be easy enough. The entire school will be present, no one's going to attack."
"I disagree," Gaara crossed his arms over his chest, his voice brooking no argument. "Dumbledore has stated that it would be the opportune time for someone to try something and make it look like an accident. I need Naruto on this, as well as you. You may take him off for your private talk later."
"Yes, sir," Neji sighed in defeat. This was not his day, week, month, take your pick.
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As the players made their way to the changing rooms, the shinobi headed out. Gaara and Naruto waited near the lockers, while the others found strategic places to sit in the stands. When he was sure they were alone, the Kazekage turned to look at the blonde. Feeling his gaze, Naruto met his stare curiously.
"What Gaara?" he asked.
"I need to talk with you," the redhead said quietly.
"About?"
"Neji," he answered, leaning against the wall.
"What about him?" the blonde blushed slightly just thinking of the brunette.
"I want you to be careful," Gaara sighed. "He wants to talk to you. I can tell you have deep feelings for him, in fact you always have, but I'm not sure what his intentions are. I can sense that what he has to tell you is not pleasant."
"Gaara," Naruto smiled slightly, "I trust you, you know that. But I think you're wrong. Neji would never do something to hurt me."
"You can't be sure of that," the Kazekage shook his head. "I know you, I cannot say the same of your lieutenant. He made me nervous earlier when he asked for a private word with you. I gave him a lame excuse about needing both of you here today, but in truth I just wanted to talk with you beforehand. If he hurts you Naruto…"
"I'm a big boy, Gaara," the blonde smirked, "I think I can look after myself."
"Naruto," Gaara closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "I know you think that. But you wear your heart on your sleeve. I would hate to see the Hyuuga drop you like that Uchiha brat did."
"Aww, Gaara," Naruto chuckled, "I didn't realize you still felt that way about me."
"I don't," jade eyes rolled in annoyance. "I just don't want to see you hurt. That was the main reason we never were."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," the ANBU shook his head. "But trust me on this one, okay? Neji would never intentionally do something to hurt me, unlike Sasuke. And if he does, I'll let you kill him, okay?"
"Promise?" the Kazekage let out a small chuckle.
"No, you can't kill my lieutenant," blue eyes danced in amusement at the sound, having not heard it in more than a year. "But you can make him live to regret it. But seeing as how I don't think he will, you'll probably be seriously disappointed."
"Fair enough," the redhead nodded, his emotionless mask once again in place.
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Harry sat in the changing room, not paying attention to Angelina's pre-game pep talk. His mind was on the transfer students. He knew something was off about them, but he couldn't put his finger on precisely what. He agreed with Hermione, not that he would ever tell her that he saw her point of view, but Ron wasn't at all bothered by them.
He thought back to what had triggered his new level of apprehension around them. It had been the last DA meeting. He had decided to pair them up in different groups as none of them seemed to be able to land a spell on one another. But that hadn't turned out very well. No one seemed to be able to hit them, as they kept dodging at the last possible moment. The closest anyone had come was when Hermione was paired up with Sakura. The pinkette had had to jump out of the way of the oncoming spell, which made her hair flutter as it passed within an inch of her.
The really weird thing, however, was the fact that none of the transfer students had fired any spells back. It was as if they were hesitant to even try. They seemed to be focusing only on dodging the spells fired at them. At least when they were paired up together, they appeared to at least attempt the given spells.
He wondered if he could get Hermione to teach him some nonverbal spells. Maybe that way they wouldn't know what was coming until it was too late. but that was wrong of him, wasn't it? He didn't actually want to attack them, did he? No, he decided, he didn't want to attack them, he just wanted them to put up more of an effort in his lessons. He smiled at the irony of it all, he now realized what his teachers must feel every time someone turned in a half-assed homework assignment.
"It's time," said Angelina in a hushed voice, looking at her watch, and effectively breaking Harry's chain of thought. "C'mon everyone… good luck."
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Up in the stands, the shinobi were watching as the students piled in. They had paired off and were now stationed at the four corners of the stadium.
Naruto watched in fascination as the teams filed onto the field. He had never seen anything as splendid as the seven-man teams in matching uniforms. True, he'd been to full out ANBU meetings before, but this was much different. For one, the excitement of the crowd was similar to that of the Chunin exams, and he couldn't help but be affected by it; another was the fact that, while ANBU all had the same uniforms, they were dull, not the vibrant shades displayed on the players before him.
He almost laughed out loud when they were commanded to mount their brooms, but it quickly turned to shock as the fourteen of them rose into the air.
"They're flying!" he hissed to Gaara, who was watching Harry continuously.
"I noticed," the redhead replied stoically.
"What if something happens while they're up there?" the blonde shook his head. "We won't be able to reach any of them in time to help them."
"We each have our ways, Naruto," the Kazekage sighed. "Kankuro can stop Ron's fall with his puppeteering, Shino has his bugs, and I have my sand. Every one of our charges is well watched and protected."
"Where's your sand, then?" Naruto asked, eyeing his friend suspiciously, noticing the lack of his usual sand-filled gourd.
"Here," Gaara pulled a small brown scroll out of his pocket and showed it to the ANBU.
Naruto let it drop after that and settled in to watch the breathtaking display before him. He didn't understand the point of the game, but it was fast paced and worth watching none-the-less. How it ended Naruto wasn't entirely sure, but he knew it had to do with Harry catching the fluttering gold ball.
What happened after that made him jump the railing and run onto the pitch, followed closely by Gaara, Harry had been knocked off his broom by one of the black balls sent his way by the fat kid, Goyle. They never made it to the boy who lived, however, because of the crowd. Not wanting to reveal themselves, they could only watch as Harry and George got into a fist fight with Malfoy, though they were both silently cheering them on.
"I've never seen behavior like this—" Madam Hooch was saying, "back up to the castle, both of you, and straight to your Head of House's office! Go! Now!"
Harry and George turned on their heels and marched off the pitch, both panting, neither saying a word to each other. Shino discreetly disentangled himself from the crowd and began following them in the shadows. Naruto made a move to do the same but Gaara stopped him with a hand on his arm.
"You stay and speak with Neji," the redhead said quietly. "I did promise him he could talk with you later. I shall follow him."
The Kyuubi vessel nodded as the former Shukaku vessel took off after Shino. He waited for a moment and then went in search of his boyfriend, silently fuming about the injustice of it all.
He found Neji in the entrance hall, apparently waiting for him. As soon as he reached him, Naruto started into a rant about his feelings of the match and the fight afterward.
"That's so not fair," he threw his hands up. "Harry had a right to defend his family. Malfoy was clearly in the wrong…"
"Naruto," Neji said quietly, trying to cut him off.
"But no, Harry's the one that got in trouble for it," the blonde continued, not having heard his boyfriend, or choosing to ignore him. "I would've done the same thing if someone had insulted my mother, and I've never had the pleasure of meeting her. But, then again, I probably would've gone off after someone said something about people I consider family. Imagine if someone had insulted Iruka-sensei, I would rasengan their ass straight to hell, which I happen to know the way to…."
"Naruto!" the Byakugan user shouted, finally catching his captain's attention. He then went on in a quieter tone, "We need to talk, but not here."
"Alright," Naruto nodded. "Lead the way."
Neji led him to a deserted classroom. He made sure it was actually empty, having use of the Byakugan came in handy at times, and then turned to his boyfriend. Naruto stood beside the door, his head cocked slightly to the side and a curious look on his whiskered face. The brunette had to close his eyes against the adorable picture he made, or he'd never be able to get through what he was about to do.
"Neji?" Naruto took a step forward. "What's wrong? Gaara told me you wanted to talk to me. I'm sorry I went off like that. I know we haven't had that much time together recently, but with one thing and another, it just wasn't possible. Please talk to me, Nej."
He finally reached the Hyuuga and wrapped his arms around his waist, laying his head on his should. Automatically, Neji's arms circled around him, returning the embrace.
"You know that I am a member of the Hyuuga branch family," the brunette began, causing Naruto to pull back slightly.
"If this is about that damn seal, I'll remove it myself," the blonde scowled. "And if I can't, Tsunade or Jiraiya could, I know they could."
"It's not," Neji sighed, reluctantly letting his boyfriend go. "But it is about my family. My uncle, the head of the clan, has plans for me. Since we have been here, I had completely forgotten about them. Being with you," he paused and took a deep breath before continuing, "it's made me happier than I have been since my father died. But I'm afraid it has to end. I can not continue, knowing what is in store for me. I am sorry."
He turned away from the blonde and moved toward the door. Before he had gone two paces, Naruto grabbed his arm and turned him back around.
"Neji," the blonde shook his head, "you're confusing me. If this has to do with that destiny crap again, I'll kick your ass."
"It's not about destiny, not this time," he looked away, ashamed of the tears pooling in his pale eyes. "I cannot fight my uncle."
"What are his big plans for you?" the demon vessel demanded, his voice shaking slightly. "Even if I wasn't your boyfriend, I am your captain, and I have a right to know."
"He has arranged my marriage, Naruto," Neji bowed his head. "As soon as I return from this mission I will be required to fulfill my duty to my clan. The only reason I am not already married is the fact that I am an ANBU on your squad. I will be forced to resign my ANBU position and take up my position as head of the clan."
"Head of the clan?" Naruto's brow furrowed in confusion. "Isn't Hinata the rightful heir? Why would he pass her over for you? True, she's shy as hell and timid, but she'll make a great leader. And even if he did pass her over, wouldn't he rather Hannabi be the head of the clan over a branch member?"
"He's not passing her over," the brunette sighed. "I am to marry her. As her husband, he is assured of his control over me and my ability. I am the Hyuuga prodigy. He wants the Kekkei Genkai to be strengthened. He believes that any child I sire will have my ability, and with Hinata as my wife, the child would be guaranteed the Byakugan."
"That's utter bullshit," Naruto swore. "Hiashi can't make that decision, not even as head of the clan. It's illegal."
"No, it's not," Neji shook his head. "Clan marriages are common, especially among the Hyuuga and Uchiha clans. No one has ever fought either Head for the sake of one member's feelings. It is something I have to live with."
"No, you don't," the blonde growled. "You don't get it. There is a law, written by the Fourth, stating that all marriages have to be consensual, especially between two shinobi (1). He can't force you to marry her if you don't want to. However, if you just give up, then yeah, he wins and you marry Hinata, cause she sure as hell isn't going to argue with her father."
"How do you know about this law?" the prodigy shook his head. "I have never heard of it before."
"I've wanted to be Hokage since I was seven," Naruto chuckled. "Anyway, Pervy Sage mentioned it once, and I went and looked it up. The Fourth made that law to stop the inbreeding of the Uchiha and Hyuuga clans, it weakens the line, not necessarily the Kekkei Genkai, but the bloodline itself. If it keeps up, there will be no Byakugan or Sharingan left. As it is the Sharingan is nearly wiped out. Many a good Kekkei Genkai has died out. I know of two that are gone, wiped out by a team I was on, one you were a part of. Yeah, the bonedance was creepy, but it's completely gone. And the crystal ice mirrors of Haku, he was the last of his line and he died protecting Zabuza."
"It doesn't matter," Neji protested. "You don't know my uncle, he will push the issue."
"He can't Neji, get that through your thick skull," the blonde sighed. "When you do, come find me. Until then, leave me alone."
Without another word, Naruto turned and left the room. Neji watched him go, but did nothing to stop him. He couldn't. No matter what Naruto said, the fact remained that he was destined to marry his cousin when the mission ended, Hiashi would see to it.
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As Harry left McGonagall's office, he sighed, he'd never had such a bad day in his life. He'd just been banned from Quidditch, the one thing that made his life bearable. He sighed again as he rounded a corner, making his way toward Gryffindor tower. But before he'd gotten far, a hand shot out and dragged him into an unused classroom.
Harry found himself pinned against a wall, staring into the pale eyes of his attacker. His breath quickened drastically as he recognized the pointed, pale face of Draco Malfoy. He'd been fixed up, undoubtedly by Madam Pomfrey. But the thing that gave Harry pause was the fact that there seemed to be no maliciousness in Malfoy's eyes or expression.
"Potter," he said quietly, "I'm not going to attack you, but if I let you go will you promise to hear me out?"
Harry nodded, not sure what to make of the Slytherin's strange behavior. Draco released him and moved to sit on one of the desks, eyeing the Gryffindor critically.
"First, I'd like to apologize, I should never have said that about your mother, or Weasley's, but we both know I'm a sore loser," Malfoy shook his head.
"Whoa, hold the phone," Harry held up his hand. "Did you just apologize to me? We've been at each other's throats since the day we met. You've never apologized before, why start now?"
"I've had a change of heart," the blonde shrugged. "Anyway, the main reason I pulled you in here was to send a message to Granger. Tell her, they aren't coming, they've had a lead on a bijuu. And if you could, tell her to meet me here in half an hour, I'll explain more then. You and Weasley are welcome to come along, tell her I said it was okay."
"And why would she be willing to meet with you?" the brunette asked in confusion. "All you've ever done to her is insult her."
"She'll come," Malfoy nodded confidently. "Especially if you tell her what I just said. Her curiosity is insatiable when it comes to the Hidden Ninja Communities."
"You know about the Hidden Ninja Community?" Harry asked dubiously.
"I'll explain once you get Granger and Weasley, I don't want to have to repeat myself," Malfoy's eyes hardened.
"Fine," the brunette threw up his hands in surrender. "Don't go anywhere, I'll be back shortly."
He left the room and made his way up to Gryffindor tower. He managed to slip up to his dormitory without being noticed and grabbed his Invisibility Cloak, he didn't want people to get suspicious if he returned to the room Draco was currently hiding in. He returned to the common room, donned in the cloak, and spotted Hermione sitting in her favorite chair next to the fire. He made his way over, being careful not to run into anyone, and knelt down beside her.
"Hermione," he whispered. "Don't make a scene, I'm under the Invisibility Cloak."
She nodded almost imperceptibly and continued with her homework.
"Malfoy sent a message," he continued quietly, making sure no one was paying them any attention. "He said they aren't coming, and something about a bijuu."
"He told you that?" she muttered, pretending to grab something from her bag which was right beside Harry.
"Yeah, he also said Ron and I could come along, he wants to meet with you in half an hour," Harry replied.
"Alright, I'll find Ron and meet you there," she scowled down at her parchment. "Where exactly is there?"
"The unused classroom a floor down," he reached out and placed his hand on her knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I don't know what this is about, but I trust you, Hermione."
She smiled vaguely and nodded, "Thank you, Harry."
With another squeeze, he pushed to his feet and headed back out the portrait hole. He passed Naruto right outside, but the blonde was distracted and didn't seem to care that the portrait had swung open of its own violation, as he was muttering to himself about 'damn Hyuugas and their fucking pride' and something about interfering foxes too, but Harry wasn't too sure about that comment. He shook his head and headed back to where Malfoy was waiting.
As he slipped inside the room, he found himself with a wand pointed at his chest. He froze, not knowing what Malfoy was playing at, forgetting completely about him being invisible. Malfoy's pale eyes darted around the point where his face was and that's when Harry remembered he was still under the Invisibility Cloak.
"Whoever you are, you will leave at once," the Slytherin said, his voice calm and deadly serious. "I have business here, approved by the High Inquisitor, and will brook no interference."
"I see how it is," Harry snapped, removing the cloak from his head. "You were just playing me for a fool. I should never have trusted you. You're just going to get Ron, Hermione, and me in trouble with Umbridge. You're despicable."
"Harry," Malfoy lowered his wand and grabbed the Gryffindor before he could make a retreat. "I didn't realize it was you. How could I, you're invisible. I came up with that to keep others out. I know Umbridge would back me if asked. My father's position, or should I say money, ensures that the Ministry will do anything to keep me happy. I didn't lie to you, and I'm not here to make a fool out of any of you."
He tugged on Harry's arm, causing the brunette to stumble over the cloak and crash into Malfoy's chest. On instinct the blonde's arms circled around him to steady them both.
"Are we interrupting something?" Hermione's amused voice came from the doorway.
Harry turned his head and noticed his best friends standing there. Ron's mouth was hanging open incredulously, while Hermione bit her lip, trying to refrain from laughing. Harry quickly pulled away from Malfoy and blushed furiously. It was bad enough that he'd had to kiss the git, thanks to Gaara, but now, what must his friends be thinking?
"If you're through trying to make a pass at my friend, Malfoy," Hermione smirked, "I'd like to discuss the information you've received."
Both Harry and Ron gaped at the witch. Did she just make a joke with Malfoy?
"Oh, close your mouths, boys," Hermione rolled her eyes and took a seat at the nearest desk. "So, Malfoy, what did your father have to say?"
"Before we get to that," the Slytherin slid into the desk across from her, "I believe we owe your friends an explanation."
"You're probably right," the witch sighed. "Go ahead, it's you're choice."
Ron finally found his voice, "Please, just tell me you're not snogging Malfoy. I can handle anything, as long as you're not his girlfriend."
"No," Hermione and Malfoy said simultaneously, sharing a knowing look.
"I'm not his type," Hermione giggled, which caused the blonde to shoot her a pointed look.
"Have a seat and I shall explain," Malfoy waved sanctimoniously to the two seats beside Hermione. Once they were seated, he continued, "A few weeks ago, my father was given a task by the Dark Lord, to seek the aid of a certain group from the Hidden Ninja Communities; an organization known as Akatsuki. I sought out Granger's help because I didn't know enough about the Ninja to know about this group, and she had the only scroll the school had on the subject."
"So what is this Akatsuki thing?" Harry asked, looking expectantly at Malfoy. "And why does Voldemort want their help?"
"It's a group of S-class criminals," Hermione answered. "You know what I said about that specific classification. And that should answer your second question as well."
"Well, it doesn't matter," Malfoy shook his head. "They aren't coming. My father said that while he was there he heard one of them tell the leader about a lead they got on a bijuu, and they all set out to catch it."
"That's a pretty fortunate coincidence," Harry scowled. "But what's a bijuu anyway?"
"It's a tailed demon," it was, amazingly enough, Ron who answered, causing the other three to look at him curiously.
"How did you know that?" Malfoy asked incredulously. "I didn't even know that."
"Bill heard about them when he first started working in Egypt," Ron scratched his head. "One of the guys he was working with had to deal with one in Japan, a nine-tailed fox, I believe. But you'd remember something like that too if Fred and George kept telling you that if you didn't do what they said they'd make you into a jinchuuriki."
"And that is?" Hermione looked at him expectantly.
"A human sacrifice, that's what it translates to anyway," the redhead shook his head. "But it's basically a host for the bijuu. They only stopped when Mum found out about it."
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Outside the door, Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari loitered, eavesdropping with ease learned over the years.
"That's not good," Temari bit her lip. "I knew that Malfoy's dad was going to the Akatsuki…"
"You did?" Kankuro looked at her aghast.
"Yeah, Sakura and I overheard the first conversation he had with Hermione," she waved her hand dismissively. "Sakura said she had a plan. But what's this about a bijuu?"
"Naruto," Gaara said quietly. "It's the only possibility. Kyuubi's the only one I know of that they haven't captured yet."
"We're gonna have to warn him," the brunette shook his head.
"Possibly," Gaara's look was contemplative. "It could be one of Tsunade's leads. But if they figure out he's here…" he let the sentence hang.
"We're in deep shit," Kankuro finished for him.
"We've got to tell him," the kunoichi shook her head. "Our cover could be blown if they show up here."
"Ya think, Temari?" the puppeteer rolled his eyes. "I would personally be less worried about cover, and more worried about saving my own ass at that point."
Temari smacked him over the head, "If our cover is blown, our honor's on the line, as well as our asses. Think about it?"
"If it comes to the Akatsuki, our honor to this mission doesn't matter," the Kazekage sighed. "We are not to risk our lives to salvage our honor at that point. Our honor to our own world and our companions means more than a scrapped mission for an old fool."
The blonde nodded in resignation, "True."
"So do we tell the runt or not?" Kankuro asked.
"I shall talk with him about it myself," the redhead nodded to the other two.
"Hai!" the two ANBU said together.
1. This is a law I came up with for another Neji fic I've been playing with for awhile, but as it fit the context of this story, I put it in, though it did change a bit, cause it originally had to be both parties against the marriage, but now if one doesn't want it than it'll be obsovled.