The next day, Albus prepared to speak with Hiruzen. "Are you sure she won't need more money? What I gave her won't even last a week," Albus shook his head. "The currency from the Hidden Lands is worth almost ten times as much as it is here, and don't worry, I'll exchange the money in one of the safest places," Albus finished as Hiruzen filled Naruto's frog wallet with a bit more money. He still couldn't believe how valuable his money was in this world.

"What's a Muggle?" she wondered aloud as she walked to the office the day after sharing the news. "Nah, it doesn't matter. I can ask Albus Ojii-chan later." When she entered the office, she saw the two elderly men talking. "My wallet!" She pointed and rushed over to the Hokage, stuffing it into her jacket pocket.

"Naruto, remember what you say when you arrive," she seemed to recall and nodded. "Good morning!" She smiled brightly as Albus returned the smile. "Are we going?" She jumped with excitement, and Hiruzen sighed, muttering, "Naruto," as Albus nodded.

"We'll be back before nightfall, Hokage-sama," Albus said before approaching Naruto and extending his hand for her to take. She hesitated for a moment before taking it. "Goodbye, Hokage Jii-chan," she bid farewell, still not understanding how they were going to leave, perhaps by using a Bunshin or...

A strong gust of wind blew, and Naruto felt like she was being sucked in. She tightened her grip on Albus' hand and closed her eyes tightly.

The Hokage stared into nothingness as they simply disappeared. He was glad he had summoned the ANBU, as he was sure they would have been alarmed...

When Naruto opened her eyes, they were no longer in the same place, and she felt her heart in her stomach. She let go and muttered, "That was so... weird." Albus chuckled at Naruto.

"When we're in Konoha, we normally speak Japanese, but when we're outside of it, we'll speak English," he explained.

"I feel like my heart's in my stomach," she blurted out. She said it in English!

"Well, let's go find Hagrid," she nodded, walking beside Albus and looking around. It was quiet, and the walls were rocky. They walked until they reached a dead-end wall. Naruto raised an eyebrow as the old man pulled out his "wand" and tapped the bricks in a specific order. The bricks started moving, revealing a path. Naruto was amazed as she suddenly found herself facing a huge, bearded man with long hair. She did what she normally did when she was scared and her grandfather was nearby: she hid behind Albus, who gave his friend a smile.

"Hagrid, right on time, even though the letter I sent you should have taken a while," the big man just laughed. Naruto suddenly noticed that it wasn't just that guy; there was a boy about her age next to him. By her standards, the boy looked like an ordinary civilian, wearing round glasses and staring at her intently, making Naruto want to hide even more.

"Let me introduce you, Naruto," Albus pushed Naruto to stand in front of him, and she froze. "I-I'm Naruto Uzumaki," she stammered. Her voice trembled every time Hagrid moved, and the man noticed her fear, making him feel somewhat uncomfortable. He tried to give her a smile.

"That's Rubeus Hagrid, a pleasure to meet you, Naruto," he said before looking at the boy beside him. "Well, I... I'm Harry... Harry Potter," the boy said, giving Naruto a smile that she returned with even more enthusiasm.

"Well, Naruto, here you go," Naruto froze before reaching for her wallet in her pocket.

"Good, on the second page is what you need, but remember, you have to go change your money at Gringotts first," she didn't feel ready to be left alone with people her grandfather hadn't known. "When it's time to go home, use this." He handed her a card, but it was blank. "You can use it to get to the station, and... I think Hagrid can explain better," he said, and the big guy nodded.

"Don't worry, you're in good hands," Albus murmured. Naruto felt that breeze again as Dumbledore disappeared. "Well, it seems our first stop is Gringotts." When the two of them started walking, Naruto hurriedly walked next to the boy, who gave her a smile.

"Wow," Naruto exclaimed as she saw the streets.

"Welcome to Diagon Alley," Naruto didn't mind the masculine pronoun. She really didn't care much about gender, so she didn't correct anyone as she grew up. "Did you just discover you had magic recently too?" Harry asked, and Naruto let out a small laugh.

"Just yesterday," she gave a simple answer. Harry noticed that Naruto had a rather unique appearance. Her blond hair was shiny, and everything about her, from her blue eyes to her clothes, seemed vibrant. If it weren't for the fear of being disrespectful, he would have asked about the marks on her rosy cheeks.

The desire to explore filled Naruto even more as they approached what was undoubtedly Gringotts, judging by the sign. "Hey, Hagrid-san, can you change the money for me? I want to look around a bit outside," she took out her frog-shaped wallet, and Hagrid couldn't help but chuckle at the cuteness, taking the wallet.

"Don't wander too far; it could be dangerous," Harry seemed to want Naruto to accompany them, but she just smiled at him as they entered.

And when the door closed, Naruto dashed outside to look around. Things were floating, and there were clothes she had never seen before. She found it amusing that some people wore pointy hats. People smiled at her, while others gave her curious looks. She immediately noticed that no one gave her a mean look, or very few did, which was something she wasn't used to. She marveled at every little thing, flitting from one side to the other.

"Mudblood!" Naruto suddenly jumped at the loud voice of a boy and the falling of some objects. She approached the source only to see a boy on the ground who appeared to be about her age. "Get out of here," he sneered at Naruto, then looked her up and down. "And what are you looking at?" he said to Naruto before focusing more on her appearance. "Oh, another half-blood, almost as disgusting as this Mudblood."

Naruto moved closer to the boy on the ground and knelt down. "Are you okay?" she asked. The boy had dark brown hair and gave Naruto a once-over before responding.

"Hey, how dare you ignore me!" Naruto looked at the bully before standing up and brushing the dust off her pants with a rough motion. "Seriously, you..." The boy moved closer, but before he could touch Naruto, she stepped aside and extended her leg, causing him to fall face-first into the ground.

"You're mean," Naruto said, sticking her tongue out. "And there's more than just a trip." Naruto narrowed her eyes, making only slits visible between her golden eyelashes and her blue eyes. She looked intimidating enough for the boy to pick himself up with enough dignity to run after his bravery.

"Wow," Naruto heard the boy mutter, and she turned around, giving him a smile.

"I'm Naruto, Uzumaki Naruto," she introduced herself, extending a hand to help him up.

"I'm Justin Finch-Fletchley. It was amazing how you moved to dodge that guy," the boy said as Naruto helped him collect the books that the other boy had knocked over. Naruto watched them with curiosity.

"Are you going to Hogwarts too?" Justin asked as Naruto handed him the books. She nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, I'm going to buy what I need today," she replied, tapping the place where she kept her letter.

The boy laughed at Naruto's excitement. "Do you come with your parents? Oh, you're a half-blood, right? So, which of your parents has magic? Or is one of them from another species?" When Justin asked about Naruto's parents, she froze.

"I never met my parents, sorry," she tried to smile, but the boy looked somewhat embarrassed.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked without knowing," he apologized.

"It's okay, it's a normal question," Naruto nodded. Justin smiled at Naruto.

"Justin!" a female voice called for the boy, making him jump at the tone.

"Well, I have to go, but I guess I'll see you at Hogwarts?" Naruto gave him a thumbs-up, making the boy laugh. "Thanks again, Naruto, and that was amazing." He left, carrying his books, while Naruto stood on her tiptoes and waved goodbye.

"Ah, I have to get back to where Hagrid and Harry are," she rushed toward Gringotts, seeing the giant man and the boy in the distance.

"There you are," Hagrid said when he saw Naruto stop in front of them.

"Naruto, if you had seen it, everything was so cool, and..." Harry began to recount what he had seen in that place, but Naruto couldn't be left behind; she had also seen amazing things and met a good boy.

"So, what do your lists say?" Hagrid asked, and Naruto curiously took out the envelope and pulled out the second paper.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

First-year students will require:

Three sets of plain work robes (black)

One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear

One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)

Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.

COURSE BOOKS

All students should have a copy of each of the following:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand

1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)

1 set of glass or crystal phials

1 telescope

1 set of brass scales

Students may also bring if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS

ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK

Lucinda Thomsonicle Pocus

Assistant to the Director of the School

When Naruto finished reading, she wasn't very excited about having a pet; cats usually scratched her or got all puffy when they saw her, so for Naruto, it was a "no, thanks." But the rest of the things sounded interesting. Books weren't her strong suit, but she was curious. Although she hoped they'd let her bring her stuffed rabbit (this rabbit used to be a bear, but when Naruto was a baby, you know what happened, and the Hokage had it fixed, but it ended up looking more like a brown rabbit with black patches).

When Hagrid handed her a wallet full of coins, she was amazed. But even more so when they stood in front of a shop that, according to Hagrid, was Ollivander's wand shop, or simply Ollivander. The big man said he had things to do and left them in front of the store.

"And how did you find out you had magic?" Harry looked at Naruto when she asked.

"Everything had been really weird. I live with my aunt and uncle; my parents died when I was a baby." Harry made a face at the thought, and Naruto felt her breath catch. "And a letter arrived. They didn't let me read it until my birthday when Hagrid came and told me everything," she finished without going into much detail.

"My parents died on the day I was born. According to Hokage Jii-chan, they were protecting the village," Naruto said, making Harry's eyes widen in surprise.

"Mine... were killed by... someone I'm not supposed to name, and he was the one who—" Harry lifted his bangs, allowing Naruto to see the scar more clearly. "gave me this scar."

When they entered the store, they found it narrow and very old, full of drawers everywhere.

"Oh, hello," a person dressed in a peculiar way (according to Naruto) approached, looking surprised when his gaze landed on Harry. "What do my eyes see? Mr. Potter?" Naruto was surprised that this guy knew about her companion, but Harry nodded.

The man began to speak, reminiscing about how he remembered giving Harry's father his first wand, while giving Harry certain wands that caused some disasters. Eventually, they found the right one.

A wind and light surrounded Harry, like a serious embrace, as Naruto would describe it. "Oh," Naruto exclaimed, now eager to get her own wand.

"I recall every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every wand. It just so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather

is in your wand, gave one other feather—just one. It is curious that you should be destined for this wand when your brother, well, your brother gave you that scar." The man pointed to Harry's scar, making him wince.

The atmosphere grew tense for a moment, but Naruto interrupted, "It's my turn!" She didn't understand a single word the man had just said, and she was too excited to receive her wand.

"Of course, Mr...," Naruto smiled.

"Naruto Uzumaki," she said, raising her arm. The man looked at her carefully.

"Mr. Uzumaki," the man murmured and then climbed a ladder, rummaging through different boxes. Naruto stood on her tiptoes and leaned on the counter as best as she could to get a better view. When Ollivander brought another box and opened it in front of Naruto, she was fascinated. It had a reddish tone, and the tip turned red with orange tones that enchanted Naruto even more.

"I doubt the problem is the core. You must be a powerful wizard if the holly wand fled from you. So, I'm quite sure a spruce one is perfect for you." Naruto took the wand and felt it. It was a refreshing but strong breeze. Ollivander nodded as Naruto examined her new wand.

When they left the store, Naruto was still admiring her wand; to her, it was a beautiful marvel that sparkled. Harry just chuckled, thinking that if Naruto kept looking at her wand that way, it would run away. Hagrid brought a birthday gift for Harry, and Naruto observed it, smiling at her now-maybe friend.

Next on the agenda were the books, and carrying everything was quite cumbersome and tiring for Harry. He was surprised to see how Naruto, who was a head shorter than him, carried things as if they were no big deal, even offering to help him.

When they arrived at "Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions," they could finally take a break from carrying their things and left them inside on one of the chairs. Hagrid couldn't fit inside the store due to his size, so he bought three large ice creams. Obviously, Naruto was delighted to have sugar after looking at so many things.

Madam Malkin attended to the two children. Harry couldn't finish his ice cream, so he gave it to Naruto, who happily took it. While Madam Malkin measured Harry, Naruto suddenly exclaimed, "Ouch!" Something had hit her on the head. She turned around after managing to balance her ice cream (she had already finished the other one) and saw a boy with light blond hair and bluish-green eyes who had plump cheeks.

The boy didn't say anything and seemed to be looking at the melting ice cream. Naruto glanced at her ice cream and then back at the boy. She extended her hand towards him, asking, "Do you want some?" The boy froze.

"What? Of course not," Naruto shrugged nonchalantly, continuing to enjoy her ice cream. "Your clothes... they're quite flashy." She looked at her oversized sweater, a gift from Tortuga.

"Yes, they are. It's a great color for someone as cool as me, Naruto Uzumaki, believe it!" The boy raised an eyebrow.

"Are you a foreigner? Hmm, Japanese?" The boy mumbled to himself, but Naruto could hear him quite easily. "It's funny that you have the Uzumaki name; it's a legend."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock. She stood up, her hand still holding the ice cream, her clothes and face covered in a bit of ice cream, and she touched the boy's expensive-looking clothes.

"How, how..." The boy stepped back, almost making Naruto trip over.

"It's an old legend among those disgusting Muggles. Pathetic," Naruto blinked. Once again, she heard that word. Albus had said it before, then replaced it with "people," perhaps... were Muggles non-magical people? (Surprisingly, Naruto guessed correctly.) "All those Muggles taint pure blood; Muggle-borns are repulsive."

Naruto didn't understand half of what the boy said, but she remembered Justin's expression when those words had resonated. She knew it meant being rejected, and she hated it.

She stepped back. "The only one who's detestable here is you. Such thoughts could end up harming you." She turned around and sat back down, ignoring the gasp the boy let out.

"Draco," was all she heard, coming from a deep, haughty voice when the boy said, "I'm coming." Naruto felt his gaze piercing her back before he left the store.

Seeing Harry in a white button-up shirt, a gray V-neck sweater, black trousers, black shoes, gray socks, and a long robe that was put on afterward, making it almost reach his ankles, made Naruto burst into laughter. Madam Malkin mentioned something about houses and how they would later receive items to represent their house. Now it was Naruto's turn to be measured, and she briefly considered mentioning that she was a girl, but after seeing that she would have to wear a skirt, she changed her mind. She preferred this uniform.

When they left the shop with their packaged clothes, Naruto had to remind herself to ask Tortuga to label them. Harry and she talked all the way back, with Hagrid chiming in from time to time.

When they returned to the wall where they had entered, Naruto, who was carrying almost everything and could barely see, felt sad about saying goodbye to her new friend.

"Well, we're leaving you here. Remember that in two months, on August 31st, you'll receive an invitation to Hogwarts. I'm sure Dumbledore has something planned for you," she nodded.

"Goodbye, Hagrid-san, and Harry-kun." Harry was a bit confused about the "kun," but he let it pass.

"Goodbye, Naruto. I'm glad I got to know you," she managed to pull out the card from her pocket.

When she did, she wondered how it worked, but the answer came quickly when she was absorbed into that journey again.

She stumbled on her feet when she appeared in the Hokage's office, causing everything she was carrying to fall with her. "Ouch!" she exclaimed when she lifted her head and saw the Hokage looking at her. The orange sky indicated that it was almost evening.

"Hokage Jii-chan, it was incredible!" Naruto exclaimed, sitting down.

"I see you've seen many interesting things, Naruto," Tortuga mentioned, watching as Naruto admired her wand. She shook it a bit, pointing it at a box, and it wiggled a little before returning to marking Naruto's clothes.

She had bought a trunk, the same kind that all students had. Inside, some things had already been stored, like her books, but it was still too early to put more things away. "Yes!" Naruto sat on the bed. "I met a nice boy, well, two nice boys." She smiled as Tortuga finished marking her last piece of clothing.

When Naruto entered the academy cheerfully, humming a bit and sitting next to Chou

ji, he raised an eyebrow but gave her a smile.

"What?! What do you mean you're leaving?" Kiba asked. Naruto told him to lower his voice before nodding.

"Don't you want to be a ninja?" Shikamaru frowned.

"Of course, I'll be a ninja, believe it! But I also have to go to that place... I'm sorry, I can't give much information, but I'll be back for a while during the winter." Kiba muttered something about this place being boring or something.

The days passed, and Iruka was informed two weeks before Naruto's departure, giving him time to prepare some scrolls and books that Naruto would need to learn during her stay in that unknown place.

The teacher worried about his most rambunctious student, but knowing that the Hokage had approved this trip had eased his concerns a bit.

Naruto slurped her noodles as soon as Teuchi placed the plate in front of her. "It's going to be a shame that my best customer is leaving," she only laughed.

"Well, I'll be back for winter for a while," she said with her mouth full before swallowing.

Iruka was hosting a farewell dinner the day before Naruto left, and she would prepare her sleeping shirt tomorrow (she only sleeps in boxers and a t-shirt). Kiba kept saying that she would be even worse if she didn't stay, but the decision had been made, and Naruto and the Inuzuka were at odds because of it.

Thanks for read!