Disclaimer you know the drill. And if you see anything that you recognize from anywhere on this site you know I don't own that either. Also as a future note if you see references from other anime/ manga… I don't own.

Time for new A/N's! Surprise…There are none! No, wait thanks to Jostanos for the interesting PM's/ reviews, Almighty Pyro, SakuraLisel, and many others for the reviews and encouragement! You guys-like I said so many times, I've lost count...You guys all rock!

LAST TIME: Harry miraculously survived his nasty detentions with Umbridge, and Haku and Zabuza returned from their mission, Sasuke's in Oroichimaru's hands, more happened, but what will happen now?

*Ego comes in pointing at the last time sign* HOLD UP! You can't just do that!

Me: Yes, I can I am the narrator. Now, on to chapter …18!

Hope you enjoy!

It was Saturday.

Haku snuggled even closer if that was possible, but Zabuza was ready to wake up. He shifted in the bed and gently settled Haku down however that backfired as Haku started to wake her-self.

Zabuza pursed his lips in the darkness as the curtains covered them from view. She was beautiful even in the darkness.

"Can't we just stay a little longer," Haku whispered softly as she sounded sleepy.

Zabuza went down lying under an arm staring at the girl who was now his girlfriend as the school seemed to be so keen on. "We could, but I would think you would want to leave and go out." He stressed the last word with a smirk curving.

Haku stared opening as her face was complete shock. She then gasped softly still looking at the other. "Out…as ...out."

Zabuza's smirk threatens to completely show and he had to inwardly bit his cheek from laughing out right. Goodness, who knew she would have that reaction?

"Yeah, Haku that's what I said."

Haku bolted up right and dashed out of the boy's dorm so fast, Zabuza was left blinking before his eyes twinkled with amusement making them look like endless sand. Such an unexpected, but hilarious reaction! Zabuza chuckled and dressed out of the damn uniform now dressed in just Kirigakure pants with straps around his body and headed towards the showers with his small bag.

Good thing, Haku returned the bag that kept his clothes otherwise he would have to retrieve it himself. He undressed putting a pair of jeans and a gray polo shirt on the small rack on the wall.

Meanwhile with Haku, she was deciding on which kimono dress to wear. After all, the revealing red satin kimono she wore during the mission wasn't going to cut it. She didn't know what to wear! Of course, she did have several other dresses with the money that Zabuza told her to spend on clothing, but... Perhaps the light gray white sleeveless kimono and black heels?

Satisfied with that, she putted away the clothing and sealed it unaware that Zabuza was wearing gray as well. She headed towards the shower and upon entering decided that she would wear her hair down with curls towards the ends.

Since he was now dressed, looking in the mirror he discarded his bandages and/ or mask and decided he needed to do a few more touches before heading out towards the common room.

A date, a date! It was so hard to believe. It was like a dream came true! Enough of fantasying, Haku told herself as she stepped out the shower wrapped in a towel.

Dressing in the dress, Haku threw some hair back curled up the ends before stepping aside.

Zabuza stood in the common room waiting for Haku to step out the girl's dorm. He didn't have to wait long though.

Haku nearly staggered. Zabuza was so flawless; Haku couldn't find any fault to place him under or with. Without even noticing her eyes shimmered in adoration, breathless. Was something wrong with her?

Zabuza swallowed a lump. His mouth felt dry, he tried to from words that should have come naturally to him, but just couldn't and he didn't- no it's not that he didn't he just thought it was ridiculous. But, was it really?

His legs moved on there on it seemed because the next thing he knew he was standing beside Haku, his arm intertwined with hers.

"Let's go, woman." It was casually said as if he was trying to hide his true statement. Haku smiled not minding at all and nodded enthusiastically.

Harry was the first to wake up unaware that his sister and Zabuza were gone. He lay in bed for a little while grateful that it was Saturday. Taking his hands from under his covers he examined his hand that previously held a wound. He needed to thank her for what she did, but he wasn't going to do that with staying in the bed all day. He pulled back his curtains, got out of bed and dressed.

Harry then grabbed his school bag and headed out of the dorm towards the common rom. sitting in his favorite chair near the empty fire place, he wondered how he was going to tell Sirius. Then after staring at the fire place he finally just decided to start writing.

Dear snuffles,

I hope everything's going well. The first week of school was terrible, I'm really glad it's the weekend.

Harry decided right then and there to keep the hints subtle enough that only Sirius would understand.

We got a new DADA teacher named, Umbridge. She's as nice as your mom. I and sister got into a row, but don't worry we resolved the issue. It's funny how we are so different, but anyways I'm writing to you because of that thing that happened last summer happened again last night when I was in detention with Umbridge.

We miss our biggest friend, hoping that we'll see him again. Write back soon.

Harry

Well that was it. Harry reread the letter several times and couldn't find any fault that an outsider would figure out the actual contents. So, with that he tied it up and headed out towards the portrait hole.

"I wouldn't head that way," Harry looked up to see the Headless Nick. He warned of Peeves and Harry turned in the opposite direction. That dang poltergeist was so predictable.

It was so bright out, such a beautiful day. And, best of all quidditch practice was this afternoon. Finally, he-

Harry looked down to see Mrs. Norris the caretaker's house cat.

"What it's Saturday? I'm not doing anything wrong!" he called after her as she passed him.

The owlery was brightly lit with the windows reflecting –beaming brightly from the sun's rays. It blinded Harry's sight momentarily before he could see some owls coming back from hunting or just being restless. He craned his neck looking for his snowy white owl Hedwig.

"There you are," he said finally spotting her. "Get down here; I've got a letter for you." With a stretch of her wings she soared down onto his shoulders.

"I know this says Snuffles," he began clasping the tie around her. "But, it's actually it's for Sirius." He whispered loud enough for her to hear.

After seeing Hedwig off, Harry looked off towards the Forbidden Forest watching as the trees swayed lightly from the breeze. Then he saw ...one of the wing skeleton horses. His hearted was beating rapidly as his was breathing in and out however, he jumped as the owlery doors opened and quickly swung around only to see Cho Chang.

"Nice day," he found himself saying with butterflies dancing in his stomach.

"Yeah, perfect day for quidditch. "Cho answered back coolly as she tied the parcel around a barn owl. "Has Gryffindor got a keeper yet?"

"Yeah," Harry answered. "It's Ron Weasley my friend."

"The Tornado- hater?" Cho questioned coolly. "Is he any good?"

Harry didn't know that, but Ron was his friend. "Yeah thank so. I didn't see the tryouts, I was in detention."

She looked up from the owl and said lowly. "That's woman's foul. To put you in detention just because- Just because you told her- Harry could hear the quiver in her voice. It was still affecting her after all she was Diggory's girlfriend. "You were really brave to stick up for her like that."

Harry was about to say something, but then the doors opened for a third time and Filch came stomping over. It was nothing good being accused of something he didn't know anything about.

However, thanks to Cho helping him Harry was cleared and after thanking her they left the Owlery together before going their separate ways.

Harry knew he shouldn't be ecstatic, but it was his first time talking to a girl without his friends and doing it without embarrassing himself!

"Morning," he greeted his two friends brightly.

"You seem elated, "Hermione said smiling as she helped herself to breakfast.

Harry followed suit with a smile of his own.

"Yeah, Quidditch later," he quickly answered, but he didn't miss Hermione's frown.

"Sure is," Ron said obvious to the lie. "Listen you think you can come out with me early? To m… you know practice."

"Um…."He looked between his two friends. "Look Mione- Ron who usually obvious narrowed his eyes.

"Don't tell me you're going to do homework with Mione, and do those Spew clinging's?!"

Silence reigned. "Ron you went over-Hermione, Harry noted covered up her hurt and turned from them and began to eat.

As they were having breakfast the usual post came in along with the Daily Prophet. Harry chooses to ignore it that's till Hermione read the headline that had him snatching the paper from her grasped.

"Why, I think it Lucius Mafloy," Harry hissed out lowly sounding furious. "He did recognize him at the platform…"

"What?!-

"Shh…. "Hermione and Harry motioned at the same time. "Not so loud."

"Don't take it to heart, Harry, "Hermione reassured as he read the paper. "It's just rubbish. It only means that he needs to be more careful and stay put for a while longer."

Harry nodded and something else caught his eye. "Look you guys," he managed to let them finally see the ministries news. It was an order member trying to break in one of the ministries locked / guarded doors.

After eating, Hermione quickly stood up and Harry sighed. "Listen Ron I'll come and meet you in two hours ok? Just um…" He looked around. "Try on your own for now."

"And, what can I do on my own?"

Harry shrugged, "ask one of your brothers, but I'm going to go check on Mione. You really hurt her feelings," and he left leaving Ron to think.

"What? I didn't do anything."

One day Ron was going to say something and no pleading or his friendship with him would save him.

XXX…. Somewhere…

Zabuza and Haku entered the fun house or arcade center, Kart Ranch (I have no clue if this is even in England, but I know it is in America) just after a few hours of bird watching and scenery admiring. He was mildly surprised that he chose something Haku enjoyed. Although this place was mostly for families to come out with their kids, it seemed that neither mind as they played several times on the basketball game, bowling, and shooting games something that Haku did because she knew Zabuza would like the gun since they didn't have that in the Nations, but only in the cities like *Hercules City*.

"Mommy I want that teddy bear," a kid said gesturing towards the price stand were a white panda bear sat inside a poster with many other known prizes beside it.

"Ah, sorry we just sold that to the couple over there," The clerk pointed over towards Zabuza and Haku who was holding the same panda bear.

Before the kid could protest however, Haku walked over towards them with a smile holding out the panda bear. "Here you go."

The mother looked between Haku and her date. "Are you sure, miss? I –

"It's fine."

"Thank you so much. Lancer, what do you say to the nice girl?" The mother asked looking down at her son.

The boy grinned toothily, "Thanks miss."

"You're welcome," and turned around to leave the family, but the clerk called them back." Go on choose a prize. It's the least I can do for the consideration and kindness that you showed to mother and her son. So, just choose –

"It wouldn't be right," Haku said with a shake of her head.

Wait here," the woman said handling Haku her tickets. "Lancer is a good boy and he wouldn't feel right until he returned the kind gesture."

The woman was unrelenting and Haku nodded taking the tickets as the clerk smiled. It was rare to see this happening now days some parents were so up-tight and always wanted their kid to get the best prize. Like that family the Dursley's that caused nothing but trouble that day just to give their enormous pig son a prize in which was won by a smaller kid and or the prize that the pig boy got because he beat up the guy that wanted to impress his girlfriend. Safe to say though that family was band from ever attending the ranch.

"The tigress," Haku answered and the clerk gladly handed her the prize.

"That was interesting, "Haku answered as the wind blew gently.

"Let's go to the movies, "Zabuza said taking her hand. "I'm sure there's something out that you would love to see."

Haku giggled teasingly. "Are you sure you just don't want me to be scared, Zabuza?"

Zabuza chuckled. Hey, he couldn't deny that in a way. He did hear that girls loved those movies were they could just jump all over their date.

"Or, we can go see a comedy romance," Zabuza nearly choked. If there's one thing he didn't want to see was a movie about stupid love stalkers a.k.a. Vampires stalking girls and they forget the real world and go with the vampire that's stalking them. Seriously, who in the hell want to be stalked like that?! (No offense to those who like Twilight! I am just not one of those people even though I like the tracks from Perri).

"There's a movie out we can relate to it seems, "Haku said sounding highly amused. They finally- after walking as if they were just going around the corner reached the movie theater. It was different from the theaters, but not so much. Entering they got the tickets to see Ranma the true story and Scary Movie V which both lasted two hours.

Haku giggled as she still clutch the tigress from the arcade. "That was hilarious."

Zabuza chuckled as well placing an arm around Haku bringing her closer. "It was a comedic horror. I'm still wondering how in the world did the idiots not see that coming." Although, it wasn't the usual retort as he said it with amusement lacing in his voice.

"I never expected a movie from our country to be here, "Haku commented after a while of walking closely against Zabuza.

"Its shame the curse spring grounds are closed off, "Zabuza commented. "It would be nice to train there." Really, if Haku didn't know any better she would have said he just wanted to check out those curse springs to see if it was true or not.

Hogwarts...

"Hey, you want to start that now?" Harry asked after he found Hermione.

Hermione huffed. "I guess, but I can't believe that dufus! He's an insensitive jerk that only cares for him-self!"

Harry winced slightly to the snappish remark. "Mione come on, how bout we work on those hats, huh?"

Hermione huffed once more before digging her bag taking out the strings and her sewing kit. "Yeah, guess so. It'll probably help anyway."

But, no it didn't help. Along the way, Harry who was still working on his first hat watched as Hermione fiddled with the strings and needle then winced as she stuck herself.

Stopping what he was doing he sat on his knees and grabbed her hand before she could inspect the damage done. "It isn't necessary, Harry, it's just a small cut. It'll stop bleeding in no time," Harry snorted his eyes half –lidded looking away from her.

"Don't give me that, Mione if you were still furious than you should have said so. I wouldn't have suggested doing the hats."

He dug in his robes and took out a piece of small linen before bringing her hand closer towards him.

"What? " Hermione realizing stuttered. "Are you doing? I can just use a spell!" She looked frantically around trying to un-hand his grip.

"Look weren't you the one who said; don't be using magic for everything. And, besides you're always there for me when I'm injured. So, just let me do this and we can do the homework."

"But- but- but- That's different!" Hermione shrieked indignantly. "I used those spells because you had major and/ or it was immediate injures and it- Hermione blushed brightly.

Note: make sure Harry doesn't do this again!

Harry really knew that the method of licking her wound wasn't the way to heal it, but for some reason something just told him to do it. It was freaky how he mimicked the dog demon from that show Dudley likes to watch.

Awkwardly Harry wrapped the linen around Hermione's finger and without making contact went over towards his bag. "Uh…"

"Thanks," Hermione whispered as she stared at her wrapped finger. "You um... You should go help Ron. I can do the rest of the hats until you guys come back."

"Uh…ye…You sure, Mione? I still have thirty minutes before-" Kami, how awkward can this get? "Hm... yeah, ok. I'll see you later, ok?" Harry left towards the boys dorm overjoyed- more like relieved that no one entered the common room.

He stepped out silently as an awkward air surrounded the room.

Harry found Ron at the court just hanging on his broom. "Hey, you ready!" he called out towards the red-head freckled teen.

"Bout time," Ron answered flying towards him. "I've been practicing my flying for the last two hours!"

Harry shrugged and got on his broom. "Well, then let's start now."

They came back and finished in time for lunch before heading out towards the Quidditch field were the real training was going to take place. However, the practice game was anything, but spectacular. Well, if you count the jeering Slytherin's who were quaffing at Ron's performance.

"Sorry!"

"Get back in position! She's fine!" Angelina ordered. "But, do be careful. Don't knock her off her broom, I have Bludgers for that!"

Katie's nose was bleeding. George gave her something to stop it and they continued the practice match. "Ok," called Angelina. "Fred, George, go and get your bats and a Bludger; Ron go to the goal post, Harry release the snitch when I say so. We're going to aim for Ron's goal."

They flew off obeying their captain. "He's making a right pig's ear out of himself, "George commented as he unhooks the balls.

"He's just nervous, "Harry defended. As the game restarted and continued the Slytherin's were cheering, "Gryffindor's are losers, and Gryffindor's are losers."

The practice game was interrupted once more by Angelina's whistle.

XXX… Somewhere…

Zabuza pushed Haku who held on to the chained handle bars. She swinged as he pushed higher and higher; laughter leaving her being as she was enjoying herself.

Zabuza pushed again and Haku held loosely this time letting go of the swing she sailed forward only to land directly on top of Zabuza.

She couldn't help but laugh softly that was fun and it seemed Zabuza didn't mind either way. "Oh, that's funny, huh?"

Before Haku could blink Zabuza flipped them and she found herself giggling madly. It wasn't just because of the tickling or that this was new, but because they were opening up to each other. Being, silly, being a normal couple not taking missions, no jobs, nothing just them under the clear darken sky that glistered with the moonlight.

"I give, Zab- I give," she panted in-between fits of laughter. Zabuza stopped looking smug. Oh, no. This wasn't over! Haku still was panting and when Zabuza took to playing with her hair she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

Zabuza blinked several times as he couldn't believe Haku caught him off guard. He smirked, so Haku wanted to play didn't she?

The grass below them was comforting almost like a blanket as they were the only ones still in the park.

Zabuza kissed Haku's cheeks when she turned to the side trying to muffle her laughter from his baffled/ shock expression from moments ago.

The game was kiss-kiss. Clothing was unbuttoned or tousled as both tried to outdo the other, but in the end it was clear that neither won, each panted as their eyes met.

Zabuza had to admit this day would have never happened if they were back in their routine and it would have been a challenge for them both as nether wouldn't have the courage to ask the other and believe it or not the perverted scarecrow, Kakashi would have had to intervene.

This was different from all those years before, it wasn't like taking a woman –companion for the night to the bar and getting wasted. This was what it; it felt like to have a partner, a companion who was irreplaceable, and a loved one.

He could see it in her emerald eyes. That's probably what compelled him to lean in and take her lips, but deep down that wasn't truly it, it was- it was her and only her. Haku's hands fits in spiky locks as the kiss deepened before pulling away.

Zabuza's left hand caressed her cheek; words were locked in his throat.

Hogwarts …..

"How was practice?" Hermione asked as they entered the common room.

"It was- Harry started.

"Lousy, "Ron finished off sounding hollow. Hermione's anger that she held vanished.

"Well," she said consoling. "It was only your first time. It will take time-"

"Who said it was me who was lousy?" Ron snapped.

"I didn't say-

"You thought I was lousy for being rubbish?"

"No, I didn't! " Hermione said snapping at him. Goodness, why did she think he needed consoling! He was as insensitive as ever and a jerk!

"I'm going to get started on some homework, "Ron grumbled angrily, stomping over towards the boy's dorms.

"Was he lousy?" Hermione asked turning to face Harry scrutinizing.

"Well," Harry muttered. "He could have played better, but like you said it was his first time."

They began their homework, but neither Ron nor Harry was into it. Sunday unlike, Haku and Zabuza who enjoyed another outing buried themselves into their homework.

"We should do some more homework doing the week," Harry commented as he rubbed his temples. Kami, it felt like someone banged his head with a sledge hammer.

Ron groaned. "Can't we just ask Hermione?"

Harry glanced at her seeing the linen that he tied yesterday and several needles going up to sew some elf socks. "No," he answered his friend quickly. She was talking to Ginny while doing the sewing. "You know she won't let us."

Around eleven as the skies were darkening beautifully, Zabuza and Haku returned just as many students entered the common room. Hermione walked over to her two friends yawning.

"Look you have the name wrong," She said pointing towards Ron's essay. "It's Ganymede. Not-

"Oh, thanks for that, "Ron growled with a snarl, scratching out the word Galois. "Wish you would have come criticize earlier, look leave me alone, alright? I'm working-

"Look-

"No, I said – Ron turned facing her, but she pointed towards the window.

"Mione, I told you no-

"You should listen to her," Ron glared at Haku and turned towards the stupid window just as Harry was blinking at his sister.

"It's Hermes," Ron breathed. "That means… He trailed off gritting his teeth. "It's from Percy!" He dropped his school supplies, opened the window, and retracted the letter from the owl's leg. The owl departing as quickly as it came.

"Wonder what does he need to tell me?" Ron said sitting back in a chair opening the letter.

The scroll read:

To Ronald Weasley, Gryffindor house, Hogwarts.

With encouragement from his friends Ron opened the letter.

Dear Ron,

It was fine on first that his brother congratulated him, but to tell him to severe ties with Harry!

"That loon!" Ron shrieked crumbling up the letter than proceeding to throw it in the fire place, but Haku's hand s stopped him; taking the letter from his grasped. Don't trust Dumbledore and severe ties with Harry. The latter she could understand however, breaking up friends required much work than asking and those to- Haku glanced at the two boys were the best of friends.

"It seems that family troubles are conflicting dangerously."

Ron bristled and snatched the letter surprisingly and tore it into pieces before throwing it in the fire place like he first intended. "Yeah, well it doesn't apply to us, but the biggest of gits."

He sat back down still bristling. "Let's get these done before dawn," he said to Harry as he picked up his abandoned parchment.

"Give them here," Hermione said abruptly

"What?" Ron questioned looking at the bushy haired girl.

"The essays, I'll look over them," she said outstretching her hands.

Harry and Ron thanked her as they handed her their respective homework's.

Harry noted that Haku and Zabuza disappeared some time ago and yet, he still didn't thank her. However, Harry's thought soon drifted back to Ron's letter.

XXX…

Snape was tired, but he couldn't sleep. He got up from under his bed and sat up. Nothing was out of place, no one was here to interrupt his beauty sleep and most- His wards went off signaling that people were here, but he wasn't surprise to see the two shinobi.

It wasn't his business to pry. They could leave without permission and do as they pleased. OH, how he wished he could do that as well.

"We have a letter that is highly interesting," Haku said pulling from her sleeve the exact replica of the letter Ron received.

Snape raised a brow and took the letter. "My word, this is ... "His shoulders slumped before a hand rose and he ran it through is hair. "This is nothing to particular. Percy Weasley has always had a falling out with his family and he never did like Dumbledore, but I am quite shock that he would ask his younger brother to sever ties with his only friend."

"In the shinobi world, "Zabuza started as if he was lecturing. " A ninja or kunoichi will go to extreme lengths to protect their family and clans secrets. Take for instance Haku's clan."

Snape remembered Haku saying; 'because of our kekkei genkai we were forced to go into hiding or as suffer persecutions and become mercenaries. My mother was of that clan and she hid it well from father to live a normal life however…

Snape nodded in understanding. "Thank you for bringing the replica I'll save it for now. It might come in handy later."

Haku smiled gracefully while Zabuza nodded and they were gone.

XX… Common room…

Harry was ecstatic to see Sirius even if it was as a head. "I was spotted by a first year girl and Haku," he frowned a little at that.

"Haku saw you?" Harry asked.

Sirius nodded hastily. "Yeah, and she did the same as the first year, so no need to worry, but I'm amazed that she did with a letter occupying her sight."

Harry was awed that was nearly impossible to do that unless... "What she has eyes on the back of her head?" Ron blurted out disbelieving.

"It does seem like she can do the impossible," Hermione commented, but then shrugged it off just as quickly and looked at Sirius like a scolding mother.

"Oh, no, "Sirius said shaking his head. "You're not about to go Molly on me."

That got a laugh from Harry and a snicker from Ron.

"Look this is the only way I could respond to your letter Harry."

"You wrote to Sirius!" Hermione accused. "And, you didn't tell us!"

"I forgot," Harry shrugged sheepishly. "And, besides it wasn't suspicious." Events from the morning and that awkward afternoon with Hermione- a tinge dusted his cheeks slightly and he rubbed his nose to hide it.

Lucky no one noticed. "No it wasn't, "Sirius said smiling. "But, about your scar-

Ron and Hermione protested, but Harry ignored them. "Yeah, I guess you're right. That could be it; I mean he was just probably angry you know…

After talking about Voldemort and his scar, Sirius interrupted Hermione on her tirade about Kreacher. "So, what is Umbridge like? Learning how to destroy half-breeds?"

"No, "Harry grumbled. "She's not teaching anything!"

"Figures, "Sirius mumbled. "From our sources she's as they come, but be careful Harry."

Harry made an angry face. "Yeah, well what's the ministry think...? We're creating an army?"

"Exactly," Sirius said nodding. "Fudge is going to do anything if it means keeping Dumbledore in check." Hermione and the others looked furious. Such a ludicrous was of thinking!

After finding out Sirius didn't know anything about Hagrid's whereabouts they called it a night. "You're not like your father, Harry. James would have taken the risk."

"Look-

"I best better be going. I think I hear Kreacher…Bye." With pop he was gone.

Harry and his friends departed soon after not knowing what else to do.

"Mmmm... Most interesting report we'll be sending. Don't you think, Zabuza?"

The dark common room greeted the two shinobi as they steeped out from the shadows.

Zabuza grunted, "Indeed."

Meanwhile in Konoha Tsunade was just getting ready to drink form her sake bottle when a flap of silver/white wings caught her attention, "Ah, good Riri." She allowed the falcon to relax on her shoulders. "Go rest, I have a package for you to bring back to your mistress."

N' cut! Oh, what will happen next? Oh, Haku and Zabuza went on their first two dates! Now, we all know were Riri went, but next time we might just get a look into how Sasuke's fairing with the snake- pedo. Maybe, so stay tune!

Hercules City – is from DBZ, and Dudley show is indeed Inuyasha. Curse springs is from Ranma 1/2 and the movie was just supposed to be retelling of his life-basically.

Until next time, I'm out!