I do not own Harry Potter or Naruto

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Hearing that this was his cousin, Naruto had to look at him to be sure this was real. Having been disappointed before in many things due to his past, he was still as happy as he could be. He had a family! Even though it was one person, he had a family! But then as he shook the other teen's hand. Something made him remember his unwilling guest within him. Blue eyes going sad, the blonde releases his newfound relative's hand and just stands there as he looks at the youth with something akin to fear that was noticed by wizard and shinobi alike.

"Uh nice to meet you?" Nervous being an understatement as now he guards himself. It is then that a white owl flies in through the open window. Hooting softly, the gentle bird lands upon a shelf that was empty. Her wise gaze looking at the people in the room, the owl eyes the blonde boy before her. Being her master's friend and familiar for a long time the owl could sense the bond between the two boys. To her if he was Master's family. He's hers to. Flying to the blonde, she lands on his shoulder and starts nuzzling him with affection. With happiness, she gives a hoot of pleasure as he rubs her feathers gently.

A little smile as the bird gives him affection, he is startled as the other boy speaks. "I think she likes you."

"Really? What...what's her name?"

"Her name is Hedwig; she was a gift of sorts from a friend." Harry replied. Watching the owl dote on Naruto, he felt a little more trust coming forth. Because despite everything, she knew who was good and bad out of just plain instinct. It's well... Harry told him later on she never seriously attacked Professor Snape for example. She knew he was good. She just didn't like him, so she often scolded instead.

About to say something else, they are interrupted as his sensei and the other two men return. Having left the two boys alone with Shizune. The woman politely stepped away and into the neighboring kitchen for a moment. Closing the door behind her, they heard another one open, and they knew she left. Both listened now as the gravity defying shinobi spoke up. "Well now I shall leave you two to get to know one another, There is food in the kitchen and Harry, I shall see you bright and early tomorrow."

A sigh of annoyance, the dark-haired youth is now laughing as his cousin makes a smart-ass remark. "So, lunchtime, eh Kakashi-sensei?"

"Naruto-kun, you wound me." The shinobi stated with a mopey expression as he vanishes in leaves. The other two men and Shizune still there, the woman smiles and nods farewell, the two older wizards discussing the charms and what they needed. The blonde in the meantime, looks at the other boy with an uncertain expression. The wizard teen feeling the same as neither boy has any real experience, with family. It takes the owl once more with a hoot of "talk already, don't just stand there," from which the boys admittedly laugh to ease the tension once more. The owl flies off to perch on the windowsill and watch what is going on in the village at the same time maintaining a vigil on her master and family.

"You are a shinobi, right?"

Nodding his head, Naruto does what will become a familiar pose to Harry in the following years. Legs spread and a peace sign given, "I am Konoha's number one surprising shinobi and one day I will be Hokage!"

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A warm smile on his face, Harry listens as his cousin regales him with stories of his adventures. Each one he senses more exaggerated than the previous one. He still listens with pleasure as for the first time in his life, he has someone who isn't calling him a freak, the boy who lived, or any insane title they come up with. To Naruto, he is simply Harry and that he will never regret.

Nodding his head and asking questions as the blonde talks, he finds that the Headmaster and Professor Snape had stopped to listen out of the corner of his eye. A twinkling as Albus listens, Naruto finds himself with an audience, and even starts acting out the adventures, his voice loud and a little boisterous. Harry finds himself thinking of Fred and George Weasley. The twins he believes would have a blast with him, especially as the blonde starts going about the pranks, he's done to pass the time. After a while, Albus and Snape leave to rest as it was well into the night.

Harry, watching as they leave, he turns back to his cousin. To his confusion though, he finds the loud boisterous blonde going quiet. A sad look appearing on his features, wizard teen finds himself asked a simple question. One that he himself has trouble answering.

"Do you know…. anything about your parents?"

"Not really. I just know what my godfather and Remus told me." he said reluctantly. "They died when I was 1. My father and them were friends in school, and well they both told me of their adventures and their pranking. And how my dad met my mom."

Eyes lighting up, "Really? Pranking?" The blonde chirps excitedly. "Like what kinds!"

"I don't know many, Remus could tell you more. Maybe I should invite him here?" Looking up, green eyes met eager blues. ""But do you really want to know?"

Nodding his head, the blonde listens as Harry tells the stories of the Marauders he knows about. Finding the map to show Naruto, the blonde is awe of what it could do. But he becomes thoughtful at the implications of what it could do. His eyes glistening with amusement. For the next couple of hours, the questions like before going back and forth. This time the blonde asking, he grins with each question that he answers. Somehow Harry knows that Naruto is looking for ideas and judging by his smile.

He apparently has a few still though, he becomes thoughtful as he looks at him.

"Hey Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"You should show that to Baa-chan."

""Why?

"It could help us a lot here if we had a version of it security wise." Listening to what his cousin states, Harry realizes that Naruto was right. It might further get the council to allow him to stay.

"All right. Remind me in the morning okay. Now what about your parents?" The wizard teen asks. His own curiosity apparent, he regrets as his cousin takes on a new look of sadness. One that is completely different from before and one he knows far too well.

"I... I don't know anything. I just found out today who my parents were." He replies. "Hell, I just found out the pervy sage was my godfather! Nobody told me anything…."

"I know how you feel." Harry said quietly. "I was told they died in a car crash, and I didn't even know I had magic ability till I was 11." He said softly. Starting to speak of his childhood, what happened that night and of his raising by the Dursleys. Harry gets a look of understanding from the blonde who listened and then smiled. Especially when it came to the subject of going to Hogwarts and meeting his friends there.

His cousin was crying…

Wondering what he had said or done, the blonde just looks at him with an expression that Harry knew. Often having seen it in the mirror. Both looking at one another, there at the moment there was an agreement. Neither one of them will ever feel that kind of pain again, and that was a promise.

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Next Day

Having gone to bed late, because both had talked about their lives. Naruto and Harry both trudged into the kitchen with tired expressions. Grumbling about how early it was to train, as Kakashi had come earlier. They were startled to find that both Snape and Dumbledore were up as well.

A breakfast of eggs, bacon and some fruit for them, Albus had spoken up for which both listened. The grandfatherly air about him, the two knew it was serious at his expression. "Harry, Naruto, I have requested that Mr. Hatake allow you to return early from lessons."

"Yes headmaster/Thanks Jiji!" Both say in unison. The latter poking the blonde in the arm, to be respectful. The elderly man giving a little chuckle as they make faces at one another in response. "It's all right Harry I don't mind. But to answer your question next question as to why..." Watching Naruto open and close his mouth sheepishly. "We need you both to protect the house you and Mr. Potter."

"Charms?" A clueless expression on Naruto's face. Harry explains the whole thing to Naruto about the wards. How they will protect them and only allow those that they want to cross. Still puzzled, as he can't picture that happening. The dark-haired boy just smiles. "Don't worry about it. Headmaster and the professor know what they are doing. "And since Naruto will be protected as well, we have decided there will be a secret keeper. I believe his friend Mr. Ichiraku has agreed to it according to Mr. Hatake. Since he is as Ms. Senju said a civilian, people would not think to ask him. And when we spoke this morning as Severus, and I were walking with Mr. Hatake. We explained who and what type of person we needed. He recommended the man."

Lighting up, the blonde turned to his cousin as they ate. Snape remaining silent as he remembers what the silvery haired shinobi told him. How Mr. Ichiraku and his daughter Ayame had looked out for Naruto while growing up. Not able to do much to help him with most of the villagers when they abused him or even tried to kill him for some reason or other. Both were the ones who often bandaged him up and got him to his home. They also made sure he had at least one meal a day. Even if it was just ramen.

Finishing up their breakfast, both boys get ready for lessons from their respective teachers. After seeing what clothes his cousin had on though, the first thing the blonde would do was go clothes shopping. Explaining why he insists on it to his cousin, he simply states that Kakashi is ALWAYS late. Even if back at Hogwarts he was somewhat on time. Here according to Naruto no matter what time, he said add about 2 hours.

So, listening to his cousin, he grabbed what money he was able to get from Gringotts to exchange before they left and went shopping.

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As the boys had left a couple of hours ago, Snape mused as he and Dumbledore were escorted to the Hokage office. Seeing the blonde woman at her desk, he stepped to the side as she and Albus discussed the charms. He couldn't but wonder, as because he was not used to sleeping much because of his...activities. The Slytherin head, found himself listening to the two boys' talks talking late last night. A frown appeared on his lips as he hears of Harry's childhood. That foolish brat was abused. He was locked in a cupboard. Thinking at this, he looked to Dumbledore as well as Tsunade. Making a mental note that when he gets back to talk to Mrs. Figg. He knew the squib was the one looking out for the boy as he was told. For which it was the reason to make sure he was protected, as Dumbledore had promised him. But finding this out? It leaves him in thought.

The woman having insisted they call her by name. She knocks on the wall to bring him back from his thoughts, the three were than heading back to the house at a slow easy pace.

As the older wizard and blonde spoke with one another with him following. Snape saw the people of the village. Many of them civilians with the occasional shinobi or eastern wizard thrown in. They all stopped seemed...well seemed normal. Muggles and wizards, albeit eastern ones, were just chatting and doing their daily things. Some pausing to look at himself and Albus, their eyes showed mild distrust. But overall, many just shrugged and went on with their lives. It was...interesting.

It was at the time he nearly ran into Albus and Tsunade who had paused to talk with three teenagers. Two of them departing, the third one a dark-haired girl with her hair in two buns on top of her head. She nodded as if accepting something and then took off in the direction the woman pointed. On her back a bag filled with what could only be scrolls, the girl eventually jumped and began running on the rooftops till she disappeared.

Wondering what that was about the three kept walking and eventually found themselves back at the house about 20 minutes later. To the side of the house, they could see what appeared to be Harry, Naruto and the girl from earlier. Leaning against the wall with a book in hand, was a long white-haired man. Older than him by the looks of it the man was just watching as they talked with mild amusement.

The girl saying something obviously to the two boys, she takes off running as she is gone to do something moments later. Naruto patting Harry on the back as they both turned around and spotted them.

"Hey Baa-chan! The Pervy Sage is back!"

Watching as a tick emerges at the name. The blonde woman picks up a rock and smashes it with her hand in irritation. "WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT THAT GAKI!" Before he could respond though, the foxy shinobi got smacked upside the back of his head. "Get it right I am the SUPER PERVERT SAGE!"

Laughter coming from the other two teens spilling forth, the adults who knew Harry best are admittedly surprised. The wizarding teen had lit up in more ways than one. His eyes, even his skin was flushed compared to the good times he had at Hogwarts. If anything, it was freer. Before it seemed quieter, not as free as it was now. It was like Lily's Snape thought. Even when outside of quidditch he had never seen Harry Potter this relaxed. It...it was strange. Knowing how after the charms are set, he has to go. He almost finds himself wanting to talk to the brat. But the fact that Voldemort will be demanding an update on what is happening. He must simply do his job and avoid talking to the boy at all costs….

"It is time Severus."

Nodding his head in acceptance, the potions teacher enters the house to get what they need. Others from this council, men and women alike he finds his eyes drifting to the one with an eye covered. Knowing darkness as he one among them. This man exudes it by miles. Much like Voldemort but different, he didn't like it. Putting his guard up, he returns to their small group, an older man with a young woman beside him. Both dressed like cooks, he figures the elder will be the secret keeper that Tsunade talks about. The gravity defying hairs shinobi beside them and the one who is introduced as TenTen. He watches in amusement along with the others though, as the book is yanked by Tsunade who threatens to send him flying if she sees it again.

The man hastily putting it away as fear enters his eyes. Just shaking his head at the whole scene, he sets about setting up the stones. Each one meant to be in a particular place of the land, he gets to work.

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Watching what is going on Naruto admits he is curious. Wondering as they place stones, he is confused as to why they would need him. What are these stones going to do? Painting certain symbols in some kind of weird goo on the rocks, he continues to watch. Shortly and much to his amazement whisper something, and a weird light from their wands (Harry showed him his earlier.) hits the rock causing it to glow for a moment.

"Woaah, how did you do that JiJi?"

About to get smacked by his Baa-chan for calling the older man that, the elderly man stays her hand and gives a smile of amusement. "You shall see young Naruto. Your and Harry's part is coming soon."

The blonde wanting to ask more, he hesitates as the man went back to do even more work. Finally, after about 25 minutes. The two wizards got everything done and prepared. Both boys having been watching along with Jiriaya and Tsunade, he gestures to them to approach. The dark hired man approaching with a potion bottle, he holds out a knife.

"Now Naruto, Harry we need a little bit of your blood."

Taking the knife with ease as the dark-haired man was beside him. The blonde shinobi pricks his finger and allows the older man to put that amount he needs in it. Harry doing it next albeit reluctantly, does the same. Although mentally as his watches his cousin's face seems to not like doing it. Making a note to himself, they watch as the blood of both mixes with aide of the dark-haired man. Watching as stirs it with a spoon that looks silver, the council that he honestly hates with a passion seems to be muttering, probably getting ready to deny him his cousin. Which he will not allow in his mind.

Back to watching both men walk around and as they work. A little of the mixture of blood was placed on each stone around the house and part of the land. When about to come to a full circle, they gesture for all to step back as they place the last drop. Stepping back themselves, the two start with the spells. Each one spoken causing the rocks they and all can see begin to glow, it is then as the last one lights up a single word is spoken.

Fidelius

With that word, everyone shinobi, wizard, and civilian alike see as a shimmering shield emerge. Rising up and above the house, it merges on top and vanishes. Even the rocks that had begun it all have disappeared. The council looking on, they laugh as this seemed a waste of their time. Prepared to say no, it is with a hand Tsunade holds up that they are stopped.

Gesturing for him and Harry to walk up to the house. Naruto feels what could only be a tickle of something on every part of his body. Harry not showing any reaction, they both turned around, noticing how the other man whispers something to both the ramen chef and his daughter. A little grin Albus gestures for Jiraiya to walk up now. The council watching as he is attempting to do so, the Sannin finds himself unable to just walk up. The council watching, some even protesting that he was acting. They tried and found themselves unable to go through.

"To test its strength if you will Tsunade." The woman moving forward, she forms a full powered chakra fist and aims to punch through. All though they can see her throwing punches, all they see are the constant shimmers...not to mention the pain. Timed with each hit, the blonde feels like something is pounding at his head. Looking towards his cousin, the youth was also wincing with pain as he held his hand to his own. Watching as he moves his hair up, the youth is surprised at a familiar marking on his head. One that makes him snap his gaze to the toad sage for an explanation.

Definitely talking to both him and his cousin he is relieved as the pain stops all of a sudden. Looking up towards the elder man he gestures for them to come forward. Having them stop right at a certain point beside her to step back, she whips out a scroll from the bag on her back. Activating it, all the kunai seem to go through the barrier, but as they hit, they simply fall.

Interest in the barrier, as Tenten starts picking up her toys as she sees, Naruto listens as Tsunade and the council speaks to the old man.

"How come none of us could get through?"

"At the moment it is simple. It is because neither Harry nor Naruto have allowed you in. It is keyed to their blood. Being related both boys can see and walk through freely. it is the way the wards work, that unless they let you in or tell you of the address themselves. No one will be able to break through, without as you have seen yourself. Using an immense amount of power to even make it shimmer. There is also one other way for it to be found. But that is already taken care of."

Watching as Snape says something to Jiraiya the older man crosses to show what he means much to the councils' gaze.

"As you can see, if told by the person who cast or of the blood, they can indeed approach the home. The other way at this moment, will be with a spell, that my colleague will teach Harry to use to key you in."

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Listening and asking questions of this now safe home, even by her standards. The leader of Konoha finds herself thinking. Knowing of a few places that can actually use this in the village, she also knows should the clans find out. There would be a heavy demand for it. Especially if it was known to other villages, even now the Council was discussing the merit if the shields.

That would be a problem.

Deep in thought, she notices as a certain blonde approaches Jiriaya. Harry following as he runs up with something in his hand. The boys talking about it with him. The toad sage nods his head in agreement. Reaching to a shoulder of both, he can see the pleased expressions of both. Harry now approaching her, the teen holds the paper to her. his wand out as she takes it, he speaks a weird phrase. "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good." Watching as lines appear around it a map emerges of a building. Names and rooms lighting up. She looks up as the boy explains. This is a map, my dad did with his friends at school. This is a map of every room, place and person there."

"Really."

"You can ask the headmaster...just don't show it to Professor Snape please. He won't like it and leave it at that. But Naruto thought maybe a map of Konoha would help you."

Giving it back, Tsunade agrees with what is said. Turning to address her favorite teenager, she ends up stomping over to break up a fight. With two flicks to each forehead, she glares at them both of which immediately calm down. "What is it about this time?" Jiraiya approaching and explain quietly, she makes sighing comments while the wizards watch as Naruto talks to Harry who had approached.

"Just so you know that wasn't her full power, she used on me." Jiraiya states as he rubs the spot.

Snorting, she watches as Naruto makes a comment that would even have her laughing. "He should know, Baa-chan sends him clear across the village at least twice a day."

Amazement in their eyes, she finds herself answering questions from all three wizards. Shaking her head as she gestures for them to finish talking and get to teaching young Harry so she can get keyed in by the boy. Because by her understanding she could look after it when Naruto is on a mission and young Harry is at school. She is startled as a young boy speaks with TenTen who nods her head before saying goodbye and taking off. Now that it was getting to dinner time as they have been here a while. She sees as both boys approach her. Whispering her ear, she smiles as she now knows the address once again. The council still talking as they begin to walk away; she knows Danzo is angry and she has a feeling as to why. A grin as she applauds the boys who have both looked at her with mild annoyance.

"Pushy ain't he." Harry comments and is startled as all shinobi say in unison. "You have no idea."

A panic in his eyes as he makes gestures to his forehead. She already knows of what the blonde wants to ask. And also, what he wants to know about his cousin as he lefts the black-haired youth's hair up much to his annoyance. Sighing, she already has a feeling that Albus already knows as he approaches the two. The dark-haired older man following he gives sense of sorrow for a second. Continuing on she can see the confusion on the newcomers faces as she groans, and as Jiraiya looks to her with a serious expression. She knows it is time for the wizards from the west to learn about the Kyuubi and what it means to be a Jinchuuriki .