She walked down the stairs and then onto the grass. Her tennis shoe sunk into a puddle with a sploosh at the bottom. There must have been a downpour after they got in from calling home.
She turned her attention to Itachi.
He hadn't turned around, the cold air capturing most of the noise.
Whew.
He instead walked through the opening in the bushes to get to the main path down to the shore.
Sakura quickly cast a drying spell and another charm upon her feet to quiet her steps. Then she took off after Itachi, keeping her actions as sneaky as possible. She ducked around the bushes, keeping her body low, and slowly made her way forward. She peaked around another bush.
There.
Itachi sat on the grass, staring out into the lake. His eyes were more solemn than she'd ever seen and more tired.
She ducked back behind the bush, feeling horrible.
She hugged her body, trying to keep warm. Regardless of how much she wanted to return to the warm castle, she continued forward. He needed a friend. No doubt his world had just exploded underneath him. He probably had cared for his betrothed if she believed in all those old muggle paperbacks, bare-chested man historical fictions. Now their relationship was in tatters.
Sakura looked around, no one but Itachi. Well. It was safe to turn into a Bunny.
She was smaller than a human in a moment, her nose testing the air. It smelled beautiful; she could only liken it to putting in contacts. The world was crisper. The scent of grass and rain separate, even dirt distinct and refreshing. She should have tried being outside before. But she'd been scared of being picked up by a kid in the muggle world and too scared of someone noticing her in the magical one. Well, she didn't have to worry right now.
She scurried under the bushes and branches and attempted to jump through to get to Itachi on the other side.
Instead, well, her hips got caught. She squeaked and wiggled frantically, freed herself with a pull, and found herself rolling face-first upon the grass. Ouch. She straightened and shook herself, freezing as she found Itachi's eyes upon her. His face was expressionless.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, Bunny."
That tone did not sound pleased to see her.
She sprung upon the squishy grass to his side. Her fur was all wet now and probably dirty. Nothing worse than a white-furred creature covered in mud. She came to his side and dipped her head in apology.
"I've no book."
She curled up on her feet and leaned upon him. She propped a head on his thigh, daring to glance at him.
It caused a reflex, at least, and he began stroking her head with his hand.
"I'm sorry I assumed who you were."
She was very sorry he found out the way he did.
"You're just so clumsy, just like Izumi."
Sakura blinked, so Izumi wasn't as graceful as she'd first appeared. Was tripping over her own feet a typical occurrence for her?
"So, who are you then? If not, Izumi? A seventh year? Who in the world would curl up in bed with a stranger?" His eyes narrowed during his examination.
She could feel the warmth on her cheeks. Who let an animagus in their bed without verifying their identity? That was a better question. Half of the school's female population would warm the spot beside Itachi if given a choice.
She remained still, eyeing him just as much as he was her.
Itachi sighed. "I guess I should have known. Shouldn't I? Shuka, Izumi's father, would have a fit if he knew she'd read Madara's book. I just assumed she was trying to sneak it. He's enough authority and spies on the school board to get any information he wants. He and Madara had a fight at least thirty years ago. Every time they see each other, they go at it. Shuka would have punished Izumi for even looking at the book, let alone reading it."
What! Sakura's ears shot up, and she sneezed. All because you didn't like the author? The book had been good thus far.
Itachi continued, "Izumi was always sneaking things behind her father's back when we were kids…" his voice trailed off. "Behind mine as well."
"She wasn't cheating on me," Itachi clarified, "she wasn't being sincere either."
Sakura's ears drooped back down as Itachi filled her in.
His fingers found the tips of her left ear, the spot always hard to scratch.
She gave a purr.
He absently began talking, "Their disagreement had to do with the Dark Arts. With Madara, you cannot separate the man from the magic. He'd be nothing without it. It doesn't make him a bad person. But he can be much to take in one sitting, especially if you only see him during holidays or parties. My family lives in the same household as him. You grow accustomed, eventually. My mother adores him, and she's the apple of his eye. It makes things more bearable."
And then his hand was gone, leaving an itchy ear in his wake. He should have remembered to scratch the right one!
"Speaking of Madara, he's sent a reply to your questions." Itachi pulled the other letter from his breast pocket.
Sakura sprung to her feet, energy renewed. Madara has sent a reply!
As he broke the scarlet wax seal, it sucked the surrounding light towards it, black and glittery, almost like space with stars.
It was only then Sakura noticed the ring on Itachi's hand, for it flared the same color of scarlet as the seal. What magic was this?
Sakura's tongue tasted the air. Was magic supposed to taste like licorice?
Itachi didn't seem the least unnerved by it and unraveled the parchment.
Sakura physically restrained herself from jumping upon Itachi's chest to get a closer look immediately.
He turned the letter towards her and they both read it together.
The same handwriting she'd been reading in the book was now before her. But it wasn't quite what she expected.
Itachi,
You've no idea the excitement I had at having received your letter. Your new interest delights me like nothing has in the last fifty years. I dreamed of you prior to your very birth and the power you'll one day wield. The Lady of the Moon will anoint you with favor. You should not fear diving further, for she will light your way.
As to your questions - I'll see you Saturday. Some things are better discussed in person.
With Love, Madara
As a note, your father shared the contents of your writings with him. I doubted the arrangement from the start. Your suggestion of the land near the windmill in exchange for breaking the contract was well thought. You'll make quite the diplomatic leader.
To be honest, I never liked her anyways. A bit mousy and light crazy if you asked me, but the poor thing being raised by Shuka probably had little choice in that regard. Good riddance. I am ecstatic that he'll never be a part of the main branch. I look forward to not writing him a Yule invitation.
Concerning the fact you wish to carve your own path, I want to remind you that you can have anyone in this current political climate. Even the Hyuga's understand our prowess in war and would break their current betrothal to Namikaze to gain our favor. So, if you are too embarrassed to go to Fugaku with your heart's desire or ashamed of breaking an ongoing betrothal, send the name to me. Your request will not be denied; I will not allow it.
"Tch. He couldn't just answer, could he?"
Madara had written more about Itachi's betrothal than about her questions! How weird to think Itachi's great-uncle was a matchmaking mother. Hopefully, Itachi wasn't interested in Hinata; she couldn't imagine anyone with Naruto other than the Hyuga heiress.
"I guess we'll need to figure out a way to get you into the room when he visits," Itachi sighed. "What a mess; I'm not sure I can fool him into thinking I want to learn more about the Dark Arts. He'll know immediately."
She pawed at his stomach. Why was Itachi so disinterested? Magic was magic. Why wouldn't he want to learn all about it?
But Itachi didn't hear her questions. Instead, he returned to petting her head with a back brush, causing her to lean away from his hand.
He was unperturbed, and his gaze returned to the rippling waters of the lake. The squishing of grass drew their attention, and both looked up to see Sasuke approaching.
"Itachi," Sasuke greeted.
Itachi smiled softly, "Sasuke."
Sasuke then froze, eyes stuck on the rabbit at Itachi's side. "Is that Bunny?"
"Yes," Itachi's smile twisted down slightly, "This is my familiar."
Sasuke kneeled. "The pictures didn't do it justice. It's much bigger in person."
Hey! Meanie.
"How many grams do you think it weighs?"
She just so happened to be the most giant rabbit breed in the world. What did you expect, a half-stone handful? She could fill a bucket; thank you, please.
"I don't know, but I think she gets larger every time I see her," Itachi answered.
Now Itachi was just being a jerk. She back-thumped him with her hind foot, and Sasuke laughed. He casted a quick spell upon the ground and then crashed beside his brother with a, almost on her paw. So she was forced into Itachi's lap.
"She's skittish," Sasuke commented.
Skittish? She'd almost been squished!
"At first. Once you get to know her, she's rather demanding."
Sasuke reached to pet her ear, and Sakura shifted, letting him grab her right ear instead of her left. There, that was the spot.
Sasuke laughed at the noise coming from her throat. "Mom is going to die from happiness."
"I'll be releasing her back into the wild. She's not coming home for winter break."
Sasuke raised a brow and looked at his brother. "Sure."
Itachi poked his brother's forehead. "She'll be returning to her bunny friends."
"I think she's found her friend." Sasuke then straightened his back. "Speaking of which, I'd love to stay and chat, but Naruto and I are looking for our friend. Did you happen to see someone else on the grounds, Itachi? Naruto and I are looking for Sakura; she's in Ravenclaw. We were going to watch the Quidditch game together and then study for a test. She's the best in our year at transfiguration, and I saw her leave through the front gate."
Uh-oh. Shit, how could she have forgotten about the fact Naruto and Sasuke had practically demanded she attend the match?
Sakura's eyes flicked to Itachi.
But Itachi's face was as still as ever, and he pointed out towards the Care of Magical Creature's class, "I thought I saw someone walking towards the game keeper's cabin."
Really? She hadn't seen anyone. Dodged a bullet there. Thank you, random stranger.
Once Sasuke and Naruto left for the game hut, he turned back to her. She hopped down but hovered, unsure of how to comfort him. Clearly, Sasuke didn't know about the broken engagement, not yet, anyway. She pressed the top of her head to his thigh.
"So Sakura, huh? Should I still expect that love letter?"
Her ears twitched. No! Oh no.
She raised her head slowly.
That smile was back, the evil one!
He lifted her head further, using the tips of his fingers on her chin. "Sakura Haruno, 4th year. The same Haruno that has, even with tutoring from Neji, been a blight upon the Ravenclaw Tower and on the bottom scoreboard in potions for every year she's been at this school. Lowest Ravenclaw score for the last five centuries, in fact… quite the achievement."
She gulped. Oh, dear. This was not a good thing to be known for. Quick, think. She sneezed.
His cheeks dimpled. "To believe this entire time, I've had the bane of Neji's existence in my presence and not noticed."
She wasn't a bane!
"Perhaps I should have known. The signs were all there."
What was that supposed to mean? Her tail flicked.
"But a fourth year… Professor Hatake is pretty strict. You're not allowed to study dark magic. What would happen if he were to find out what you've been up to? Detention, perhaps?"
She let out a scream and ran for the bushes. Time to get out of here! He must be feeling better if he were teasing her. She barreled through the brambles and ran up the stairs to the main gate. Once inside, she found an empty classroom to change back into. She heaved a sigh of relief, hand upon her chest. Professor Hatake had let her dark arts interest slide because she returned the book. The man wouldn't be happy if Itachi told him she had still expected to read from his copy.
She would avoid dinner tonight, grab something from the kitchens and play ill in her dormitory. Then, Itachi might forget the whole ordeal. But first, she needed to find Naruto before the two boys spent all day looking for her.
And at first, her plan seemed to work. Itachi didn't even glance at her, chatting with his quidditch team as they had breakfast the following day.
And then the world fell to pieces that afternoon. Sakura went to tutoring. She laid out everything and began prepping ingredients. She tied back her hair, ready to beg for Neji to return to teaching her.
Shisui's threat that Professor Hatake might drink her potion and accidentally die weighed heavily on her mind. Half of her didn't expect Neji to show up after last week. However, he did come. When she turned to greet Neji, another person stepped into the room behind him.
Itachi smirked, black eyes almost glinting red in the torchlight.
"Sakura, I've chatted with some other prefects about how we might improve your grade. Itachi had a brilliant idea of switching up tutors and seeing if that might help - maybe you need a different teaching style. He's offered to take on the role and is one of the top potion students in his year."
Neji turned to Itachi then, and Itachi's smirk was gone, his face in a soft smile like one would have in greeting a stranger. "It's nice to meet you, Ms. Haruno. You've probably seen me around the Tower. I'm a 6th-year prefect. I hope to help you improve your grade."
Neji gave a long look at Itachi. "Best of luck. You'll need it." And then he was gone.
Hey! What did that mean? Need it!
The door shut.
Itachi's smile morphed into something evil at Neji's departure.
Who would have thought the world would end so quietly? So terribly.
So wickedly.