Hello, again!
I know that this may seem a bit rushing, but it' how it ultimately went in accordance to the canon book. Also, in regards to Hermione currently, she'll accept more along the lines of both learning something new and being there for her friend. Going to need a bit in order to properly put down what comes next, so I kept things relatively short in comparison this time.
Bold and Italicized is in a different language to the main language.
Don't own Harry Potter or Naruto.
The Light Lady has sung, and a traitor is done.
In no time at all, Defense Against the Dark Arts had become most people's favorite class. Only Draco Malfoy and his gang of Slytherins had anything bad to say about Professor Lupin. However, they were usually silenced pretty quickly by Naruto's intimidating presense.
They just never seem to learn. Harry chuckled to himself. And that's not the worse Naruto could do to them.
But no one else cared about their opinion on Professor Lupin. His next few lessons were just as interesting as the first. After boggarts, they studied Red Caps, nasty little goblinlike creatures that lurked wherever there had been bloodshed: in the dungeons of castles and the potholes of deserted battlefields, waiting to bludgeon those who had gotten lost. From Red Caps they moved on to kappas, creepy water-dwellers that looked like scaly monkeys, with webbed hands itching to strangle unwitting waders in their ponds.
Harry only wished he was as happy with some of his other classes. Worst of all was Potions. Snape was in a particularly vindictive mood these days, and no one was in any doubt why. The story of the boggart assuming Snape's shape, and the way that Neville had dressed it in his grandmother's clothes, had traveled through the school like wildfire. Snape didn't seem to find it funny. His eyes flashed menacingly at the very mention of Professor Lupin's name, and he would've bullied Neville worse than ever if it weren't for Naruto interfering every time he tried.
Harry was also starting to prefer the time he trained under Naruto's watch over the hours he spent in Professor Trelawney's stifling tower room, deciphering lopsided shapes and symbols trying to ignore the way Professor Trelawney's enormous eyes filled with tears every time she looked at him. He had to agree with Naruto about Professor Trelawney, even though she was treated with respect bordering on reverence by many of the class. Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown had taken to haunting Professor Trelawney's tower room at lunchtimes, and always returned with annoyingly superior looks on their faces, as though they knew things the others didn't. They had almost started using hushed voices whenever they spoke to Harry, as though he were on his deathbed, before remembering Naruto and stuck to normal voices. Something that Harry was eternally grateful for.
Something that most of the class was grateful for was that after the action-packed first class, Naruto had taken Hagrid aside and got him to understand that he needs to be careful with what he brings into class.
"Hagrid-san, we aren't the rule, only the exception. You need to think in terms of what they can handle instead of you."
Hagrid understood what Naruto was telling him, so he's toned his later lessons down, focusing on creatures such as bowtruckles and kneazles. That only got a few complaints in comparison to what it could've been.
At the start of October, however, Harry had a two other things to occupy him, things so enjoyable it more than made up for his unsatisfactory classes. The Quidditch season was approaching, and Oliver Wood, Captain of the Gryffindor team, called a meeting one Thursday evening to discuss tactics for the new season.
There were seven people on a Quidditch team: three Chasers, whose job it was to score goals by putting the Quaffle (a red, soccer-sized ball) through one of the fifty-foot-high hoops at each end of the field; two Beaters who were equipped with heavy bats to repel the Bludgers (two heavy black balls that zoomed around trying to attack the players); a Keeper, who defended the goal posts, and the Seeker, who had the hardest job of all, that of catching the Golden Snitch, a tiny, winged, walnut-sized ball, whose capture ended the game and earned the Seeker's team an extra one hundred and fifty points.
Alongside that, Naruto said that he was ready to start working on actual jutsu, as well as upgrading him to Tree Walking. He may not be able to use it for all that long yet, but he knew that he was coming closer to his mother. But it also led to Naruto calling him Jade in private, saying that his eyes could be seen as jade. Harry understood what he was saying, but remembered the ride on the train when he heard a woman cry out 'Jade!' and think that there might be more to it.
But more on that later, Oliver about to start. Harry told himself during his team meeting.
Oliver Wood was a burly seventeen-year-old, now in his seventh and final year at Hogwarts. There was a quiet sort of desperation in his voice as he addressed his six fellow team members in the chilly locer rooms on the edge of the darkening Quidditch field.
"This is our last chance – my last chance – to win the Quidditch Cup," he told them, stridng up and down in front of them. "I'll be leaving at the end of this year. I'll never get another shot at it.'
'Gryffindor hasn't won for seven years now. Okay so we've had the worst luck in the world – injuries – then the tournament getting called off last year..." Wood swallowed, as though the memory still brought a lump to his throat. "But we also know we've got the best-ruddy-team-in-the-school," he said, punching a fist into his other hand, the old manic glint back in his eye.
"We've got three superb Chasers."
Wood pointed at Alicia Spinnet, Angelina Johnson, and Katie Bell.
"We've got two unbeatable Beaters."
"Stop it, Oliver, you're embarrassing us," said Fred and George Weasley together, pretending to blush.
"And we've got a Seeker who has never failed to win us a match!" Wood rumbled, glaring at Harry with a kind of furious pride. "And me." he added as an afterthought.
"We think you're very good too, Oliver," said George.
"Spanking good Keeper," said Fred.
"The point is," Wood went on, resuming his pacing, "the Quidditch Cup should have had our name on it these last two years. Ever since Harry joined the team, I've thought the thing was in the bag. But we haven't got it, and this year's the last chance we'll get to finally see our name on the thing..."
Wood spoke so dejectedly that even Fred and George looked sympathetic.
"Oliver, this year's our year," said Fred.
"We'll do it, Oliver!" said Angelina.
"Definitely," said Harry.
Full of determination, the team started training sessions, three evening a week. The weather was getting colder and wetter, the nights darker, but no amount of mud, wind, or rain could tarnish Harry's wonderful vision of finally winning the huge, silver Quidditch Cup. Although he couldn't say quite the same for Naruto.
Harry returned to the Gryffindor tower one evening after training, cold and stiff but pleased with the way practice had gone, to find Naruto outside of the common room speaking to Luna and Ginny.
What's with them? Harry wondered, moving closer.
"It's official," Naruto said to the two. "you two and Hermione are allowed to join us for shinobi training. Just need to tell her as well."
"Yeah, it was rather surprising that Hermione would even be interested in your culture, considering that you're basically super-assassins." said Ginny.
"Are you two sure that it's just Harry that just has a connection to your world?" asked Luna, somehow confusing both Ginny and Naruto. "How goes the search for Pettigrew?"
Naruto sighed. "Not good. I know he's here somewhere, but he somehow manages to escape my sight. I am beginning to think that traitorous rat might be hiding under someone else's heart in Gryffindor."
Harry's eyes widened. Naruto thinks a traitor is hiding out in Gryffindor? But why?
"And I can't Jade her-" Naruto started before noticing Harry's presense. After a little bit, he slumped a bit before saying "Harry, get on out here. It's time you knew."
Harry tentatively came out into the open. "Naruto?"
"Ginny, get behind her." said Naruto, preparing for the inevitable outcome. "You'll most likely need to be there for this."
Now Harry was greatly confused. Naruto told Ginny to 'get behind her,' and yet she stood behind him. "What exactly is going on, Naruto?"
"Harry, remember when I told that their would be something that you would have trouble accepting?" asked Naruto. At Harry's nod, he continued. "You're not actually Harry Potter."
What is he talking about?! Harry was stunned by the blond's audacity in that statement.
Naruto then finished his statement. "You're real name is Jade Yuhi-Potter, daughter of Kurenai Yuhi, and James and Lily Potter. Hinata ordered me to go ahead and tell you."
Naruto, to further prove his words, placed his hands on Harry's shoulders and concentrated. A plume of smoke later, and Harry felt different. He heard Ginny take a sharp breath, looked at himself, and did the same.
"This is the real you, Jade." said Naruto, resigned. "I did tell you that it would be hard to accept, when you've lived your life as a boy. It was kept hidden by Dumbledore out of desperation, fearing that the lack of a Potter scion would doom everything. But know this, if their was an easier way for this, then I would've gladly taken it."
After Naruto reapplied the illusion keeping Harry as a boy, Luna said "You don't have to believe just yet, but we are here for you when you are ready."
Not knowing what to think, Harry just nodded minutely. His whole life was pretty much nothing but a lie? He was just happy that he didn't have to worry about his friends being a lie as well.
Too bad Weasel isn't quite who yo- thought Naruto before realizing something. Wait a minute. On occasion, Weasel's heart confusing, with scenes that shouldn't be in their. Almost like...
"Well, I got to be going back to Ravenclaw Tower." said Luna before walking off. "Take care, guys."
"You too, Luna." said Naruto before turning to go into the Gryffindor common room to confirm his suspicions. He, Ginny, and Harry walked in to hear Hermione say "Harry's upposed to stay in school-"
"Talking about Black?" asked Naruto for clarification.
"Yeah," said Hermione. "Ron here wants Harry to go to Hogsmeade with u-Are you alright, Harry?" She noticed how Harry was acting and grew concerned for her friend.
"He learned something that is right now up to him to tell you." said Naruto. "For the record, you're authorized to join us in training. And as for Black-" he turned to Ron and stared properly for a moment, then continued, "-give me the rat, Weasel."
"What?" asked Ron, confused with the demand.
"The rat." stated Naruto. "Either hand it over, or I'll do it myself."
When it was clear that Ron wasn't about to listen to Naruto, the blond grabbed the ginger's bag and pulled out his pet rat Scabbers. Focusing some of his power in his hand, he threw it at the fireplace, turning it green.
"Bones!" he shouted before throwing the rat into the flames. "Heads up!"
Ron attempted to charged him for what he did, but Naruto kept him back simple enough. Hermione was more concerned with Harry, but still was shocked by Naruto's actions. She was even further shocked when a woman's head appeared in the flames.
"Where did you find him Naruto?" asked Amelia.
Naruto pointed to Ron. "Weasel's pet rat. With him in custody, Black goes free."
"As agreed." said Amelia. "I have him being interrogated for anything connected to both Black and beyond as we speak. Come morning Black's innocence should be public."
"Unless someone interferes. Night." said Naruto before Amelia's head left the fire.
"Send Jade to bed." piped up Void Heart.
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Any particular rea-" he started to say, until he felt a familiar pressure starting to bear down on him. "Never mind. I'm on it."
"Harry." said Naruto, getting the boy's attention. "Head to sleep. It'll at least help you figure out what to do."
Knowing nothing better to do, Harry complied and went up into the dorm to sleep and think everything over, leaving Naruto with a fuming Ron and an irritated Hermione that was running rather low on patience. Ginny quickly sent Ron on his way, not wanting to have to deal with her brother's attitude at that time.
"Okay, would someone please tell me just what is going on right now?!" cried Hermione. "First, Harry comes in as though he just heard his parents died, then you for some reason send Ronald's rat over to the Director of the DMLE, and now you just up and send Harry to bed as though your his guardian or something!?"
"And until at least his godfather is available, I basically am." said Naruto, a bit of a growl in his words. "I was stuck telling him something he wasn't quite ready to accept, and the rat framed Black. Anything else can wait until morning, when the truth is revealed."
As he curled up in his corner of the common room, Naruto said to Hermione, who was now looking a bit stunned and hurt from his words, "Sorry, but it honestly isn't my story to tell. Once Harry's ready, he'll tell you. Also, you're welcome to join training tomorrow morning." and went to sleep, tailed curled in front of him.
Even Hermione couldn't help but think that it was kind of cute to look at, but none of them except Void Heart knew just what the future held with Harry beginning to learn the truth about himself.
Wh...where am I...? thought Harry as he opened his eyes in an environment that he never saw before. But he did remember it from what Naruto told him. Is this Konoha?
Somehow, it appeared as though Harry had woke up in Konoha, but it was clear that something wasn't quite right. The entire place was on fire, but not being destroyed. What was worse, was that it was colder than anything Harry had ever felt before. He shivered, wondering what was going on.
"H-h-hello?" called Harry, wanting at least someone to be there to help him understand. However, he was startled by how his voice sounded, and looked down at his body. What he saw was just like earlier that day, but his clothes were like what he saw on his mother when Naruto temporarily transformed into her. "Wh..."
"Why are you so afraid?" a familiar voice says, catching Harry's attention in front of himself. Seemingly coming from the fire itself, a silhouette of an armored winged warrior walked towards him.
"Who are you? What's going on?" asked Harry, demanding answers. I'm most certainly not going to trust this guy until I get some answers.
"And yet you trusted me when I told you how to heal Naruto." the man tells him with a raised eyebrow.
Harry remembered that moment, when Madam Pomfrey had tried and failed to heal Naruto, and yet at a simple prompting in his head he succeeded where she failed. When the man mentioned it, he also recognized how the man sounded, but he still had one question.
"The fire will only burn like it should," said the man as he appeared right in front of him. "When you yourself fan the flames."
Right after the man finished, Harry woke up. A quick investigation showed that he was back in his original body and in his bed in the Gryffindor dorm. He was idly surprised when he learned that it was already the allotted time for heading out to train with Naruto.
As he prepared, he reflected on his strange dream, if he could call it that. Who was the man? Why was the flames so cold? And above all else, just what was the man talking about? But then he thought about the day before, when Naruto told him that he was actually a girl.
Maybe...maybe I shouldn't be concerned with my gender just yet. Thought Harry. Naruto did say that he would help either way.
He didn't quite expect Hermione to also be there, alongside Naruto and Ginny, when he came down into the common room, but it helped alleviate his nerves. One of his closest friends would be there to help.
"You still willing to help me get through this?" asked Harry for confirmation. At Naruto's nod, he continued. "I might not be ready to start living as Jade, but that shouldn't stop me from both training and life itself."
Naruto smiled, happy that Harry was at least willing to accept the possibility in time.
"Although," said Harry. "I think I'll be asking Professor McGonagall if I can do something about getting myself both out of Divination, and out of my current dorm room. I don't think it'll be long before things become really awkward for me in there."
Naruto and Ginny chuckled, understanding Harry's words. Hermione, until they made it to the training site where Luna was waiting, was confused about most of what Harry was talking about. Naruto barely made it in time to keep her quiet when she learned the truth about Harry from the boy's own lips.
Hoped you liked the little bit I put in for Harry's, or rather Jade's, increasing connection to Naruto while trying to keep it realistic. Let's be honest, Harry can get mad at times, but one of the only times that he actually stayed mad was at Dumbledore in Year Five. Otherwise, he either didn't stay mad for long, or wasn't the only person mad.
Until next time. Please let me know what you think.