Since Naruto left, there were only two people working for real and with Kakashi as sensei giving them farm missions where they always end up covered in dirt and sweat, at this rate they will be more farmers than ninjas. Where was Naruto? Was he being trained daily to become stronger? Those were the Uchiha's questions, one day he would know, who knows.
Kakashi received a letter yesterday and he looked pretty calm after reading it, you could almost hear joy in the man's tone and Sasuke wanted to know what the letter said, he was curious to know where and how Naruto was since today they asked the man he only answered with an "he's fine" and that had been horrible, he never found the opportunity to read the letter and instead could only watch as he kept it in one of the pockets of his vest...
Severas Snape disgusted him in the early years…
Some of them kept a certain innocence and cried, were scared and laughed for no reason, the second year was the same and Snape sincerely preferred to be scathing with everyone than try to understand the children at school.
But when she heard that one of her Slytherins was hit by a Gryffindor she jumped to the defensive -that boy must be expelled immediately! Why is a punishment even being considered? - Professor McGonagall gave the man a narrowed look, but she couldn't deny that Naruto had committed a serious fault, at least Weasley hadn't succeeded in his mission so they could pass him by lowering points to the house and Potter for always being immersed in this ended up in the same boat as the two, then there was Naruto, he had hit a student from another house and not just any house... the house led by the professor with the highest preference of all.
-We think so because we believe that he does not deserve expulsion considering the circumstances - Snape crossed his arms and almost mocked what Dumbledore had said, he had always thought that the man had a favoritism towards Gryffindor.
- Can you tell me what these unique 'circumstances' are? - Snape didn't know much about what had happened, he only heard that Pansy Parkinson was beaten by a Gryffindor and no one else had mentioned that.
- Mudblood - no one expected that insult to come from such a wise man and they gasped indignantly about it - Mrs. Parkinson told Mrs. Granger that was the trigger for the fight.
"How outrageous," Lockhart said, nodding his head and looking at Professor Sprout, who almost rolled her eyes and looked at Dumbledore.
-Then you're just going to let the incident go without doing anything - Snape swears and Dumbledore shakes his head.
-I never said that, I just think an expulsion is excessive when the solution is quite simple, Miss Gryffindor will be given an extensive punishment and the loss of 80 points for her house - Snape stepped back a little, eighty points seemed a fair price for that - well, we have to think of an appropriate punishment... Mmh? How about you, Severus? - The man snorted, but thought better of it, he liked to torment the first and second years and... the proud Gryffindors disliked it.
But this was being too easy, Dumbledore was seemingly handing him a girl on a silver platter for the professor to punish, maybe… nevermind that fact, teasing Gryffindor is his hobby so he assumes he'll give homework to whichever girl that normally would do it with magic -it's okay if she's not late past six in the morning to the potions classroom- Snape walked through the halls that night before stopping and remembering that he hadn't asked who the girl was but honestly they were all the same to him.
-Albus we need to talk - McGonagall had hoped that everyone would have left so she could start this conversation - it's about Mrs. Naruto -
-I thought everything had already been resolved regarding that young lady - the teacher denies it and narrows her eyes a little, not seeming to want to bring up what had been on her mind for a year now.
-It has nothing to do with today's attack, at least not entirely, I've been worried since last year that the young Uzumaki girl might develop... An obscurus - Dumbledore doesn't look at the teacher and instead closes his eyes for a few seconds.
-Mrs. Uzumaki won't do it, she uses magic freely now and is learning to control it –
-Albus, you know the pressure that child will be under in the future, she is a child soldier , one that I have seen trying to slowly open up, to relax, but her past haunts her and her future as well , she could even have already developed one, they are not always visible... not unless they are corrupted - Dumbledore turns around and looks at the professor.
-Minerva, I don't minimize your concern, but... I think it will be fine, the young Uzumaki loves magic and does not repress it, have you ever seen him repress his magic for anything other than enchantments? -
- Yes -Minerva answers seriously -Ms. Naruto has a large magic core inside her, last year it was a little smaller than mine, but now this year I think she has surpassed me, in an explosion , you know well that feelings strengthen magic -
-I know, young Uzumaki is a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve, shows her feelings strongly and... she has had magical outbursts when she was younger, but what child hasn't had one or another outburst? The... leader of where Mrs. Uzumaki lives said that she once made a lamp explode - Dumbledore preferred to explain it to the Hokage first before asking if Naruto has had outbursts of that style and the only one that was told to him was that one.
-I'll just... keep an eye on how things are here and in exchange I want you to... tell me how the situation is in the hidden land.
-Minerva… I haven't been back since I picked up Mrs. Uzumaki… the leader barely let me take her last year without giving me much information, they won't tell me anything, even if I ask a lot, the only one who would answer would be Mrs. Uzumaki –
- How come Ms. Naruto has returned to Hogwarts for this year? - Albus didn't seem very willing to give that information, but Minerva narrowed her eyes and didn't back down.
-I gave her an apparition point on a card that takes her to the train station- Minerva's gaze softened and she even worried about Albus.
-Oh my Merlin, that must be exhausting, putting the right magic and… wait, you're not using your magic for this, are you? -The gaze narrowed again.
-Well... during the first year I took her to Diagon Alley the first time and I left her a card that would take her to the train and another one to return home at the end of the first year, but... well, the cards saved the locations, but now Naruto uses his own magic to use it -... Silence was what followed after the words of that director.
-excuse me -McGonagall could only think of all the bad things that could come out of a sophomore using a transfer at will.
-The young Uzumaki lady is fine, she automatically learned how to use it by watching me do it, it's not certain but... there's not much else I can do to improve this situation - the teacher sighed, there were many things wrong with this, first of all Naruto was a witch who was using Apparition without a license, second she could end up seriously injured if she failed or worse and third... twelve was still a very young age for McGonagall to use Apparition... but she was already making the decision to put Naruto in the two-week course to get a license, there would be problems there too, normally only seniors can take that class as an optional class to get a license when they are already seventeen, she doubted they would even accept that someone so young learned that... for the moment Dumbledore can hide very well since Naruto only has authorization to do it at the train station and many people do Apparition there so maybe that's why no one has noticed.
The morning cold flooded Snape that day, no annoying brats screaming and yelling, no Uzumaki jumping from one side to the other or the Weasley twins without their jokes, now he just had to go to the potions classroom to meet his temporary assistant, but he really wasn't in a hurry, normally children tend to be sleepy and not very punctual, another thing that Snape hated about the first years, when he opened the door he saw nothing but a lock of blonde hair and he closed the door too abruptly for the girl with a moustache to not notice that Snape had arrived.
I didn't need to open the door, she had done it for him and looked at him with her bright and confused eyes - I'm late! I was supposed to be here at six and you arrived almost at seven, did you have a problem? - Snape took a deep breath before instinctively wanting to push the blonde with a whiskers.
-I need you to wash the cauldrons and prepare certain spices for class… mmh -Snape was no longer sure about leaving these tasks to the blonde, she could end up leaving the cauldrons poorly washed and making the potions a mess and the spices could end up poorly chopped.
-So just wash the cauldrons and prepare spices, right? - Naruto bounced a little before the man just nodded and handed her the paper, she skipped to the storage room… Snape felt nervous when the silence lasted more than a few minutes and he thought that the blonde must have already broken something or… maybe she didn't even know what ingredients to look for.
-So likely- Snape sighed and walked over to the warehouse and saw the blonde sitting on the floor with different bottles around her and holding two in her hands that were too similar.
-This... No, it could also be this ttebayo - the girl murmured, looking at the two bottles that had green contents before trying to bring it to her nose to smell it.
-Don't do that, do you want to get poisoned? - Naruto jumped, almost dropping the bottles, and looked at Snape.
- Huh? W-well I-I… I-I don't know the difference and I thought I could smell them - Naruto pouted and Snape just pointed to the correct one.
-This is it.- Naruto smiled as he saw the bottle and knew where there was more.
While cleaning the cauldrons Naruto occasionally glanced at Snape who was organizing papers and at that moment maybe…. Snape didn't look like a bad teacher - How did you know that was the right one? - Naruto asks drying the cauldron before moving on to the next one.
-experience- Naruto pouted again and fingered one of the jars as he approached.
-There must be more to it than just experience , maybe a technique or something - Snape looks at the poison vial that the second year student almost inhaled by mistake and the vial is Wiggenweld the antidote to the sleeping pill.
-Over time you notice the differences, I don't know if someone like you will ever do it - Naruto frowns in concentration as he looks at the cauldron he is cleaning before looking back at the jars left on the table with too much attention…
- Didn't the Nargle steal you? - Luna asks when she finds Naruto on a tree branch, a notebook on his legs and a pencil in one hand.
-oh, no I just like to draw from up here ttebayo -Naruto tried to locate the kneazle, but it was difficult, it seemed like it only came out at night or something like that- do you need something? -Luna nodded.
- Have you seen a marshmallow necklace? - Naruto raises an eyebrow and thinks.
-I don't think I saw anything with that description, I'm sorry, but... can I help you search? - The first-year girl nodded vigorously when Naruto threw himself off the branch, making a perfect turn and then accumulating Chakra under his feet and following the girl through the corridors looking for her marshmallow necklace.
-I searched and this time the nargle didn't give me back my things- Luna mentions while searching under the tables, in the drawers and then on the table, something strange since normally they search from above first, Naruto happened to look at the ceiling and froze when he saw so many colorful clothes and the necklace tied in a corner, everything was there to say "Luna Lovegood is crazy" Naruto shuddered and took his wand and quickly removed the clothes from the ceiling, hoping the girl wouldn't notice while he did it.
When he finished it was just in time since Luna had looked at Naruto and her surprised face was priceless to Naruto -oh, you found all my things, that's it... Thanks - Naruto smiles and thinks a little about "the nargle" and... he has the feeling that that creature doesn't really exist.
-Hey Luna -Naruto calls the girl's attention- Do you want to be with me for a while? You know I like to draw the landscape and right now I have free time before my potions class -Luna nodded, but first Naruto accompanied her to where the Ravenclaw house was and entered with her, the riddle was strange and then the barrels Luna told her to be careful and waited in the common room while she went to put her things away.
-Oh Naruto -Anthony seeing the blonde sitting in his common room runs looking nervous- What are you doing here? You weren't supposed to be able to come in... I'm not saying this because you're bad at guessing games! Actually, you're pretty good -Naruto lets out a laugh.
-Okay Anthony, I'm accompanying a friend - the boy raises an eyebrow when Luna leaves the first year girls' room and walks up to Naruto - Ready? - Luna nods using her marshmallow necklace - Well Anthony, see you later -
Naruto sat down on the grass after taking off his shoes, Luna followed suit sitting next to him, Naruto handed her a sheet of paper and a pencil, in a comfortable silence they drew. Naruto found a little bird on a tree branch and decided that he would draw it, his hands were running cleanly over the sketch when he noticed Luna looking at him.
-Really... are we friends? - Naruto froze. Had he made a mistake by saying that in front of Anthony? But when he saw Luna again, all doubt was replaced by a feeling similar to affection when the girl gave him a small smile.
-I think we are, right? We usually spend time together "looking for your things" I like you Lu~ - the girl made herself more comfortable while the two of them stayed gently feeling the soft wind of that morning and drawing, Naruto was proud of the pigeon drawn in his notebook before feeling how he deflated when he saw the beautiful colors of the bird and his black and white sketch….
And with that came October, the cold stalked too soon for some who suffered from being too cold and sickly.
Instead Naruto was just walking through the halls when he saw the youngest Weasley, "Ginny!" The younger girl flinches as Naruto stands in front of her and Naruto gives her a raised eyebrow in return when he sees her pale face and dark circles under her eyes, "Are you okay? You don't look too good ttebayo," Ginny looks restless looking from side to side avoiding eye contact with the blonde.
-I am- his voice came out hoarse and he quickly said goodbye, Naruto thought about telling Percy thinking that Ginny might have a cold and he could also get her a Pepperus option which according to everyone is something that is taken for a cold among wizards, but when he finds Percy and explains what he saw, the older boy only tells Naruto that he had already given medicine to Ginny so Naruto left him at that moment….
On the night of October 9th Naruto was taking a walk or so he wanted people to think when he left a chicken leg on the ground, excitement filled her when she expected to see the big kitten... kneazle and when she was about to leave some sounds of branches and leaves left her frozen and she slowly turned around only to meet red eyes that no longer looked at her with such distrust, she gasped when the big kitten approached looking fatter than before and ate the chicken prey in front of Naruto, she squirmed on her feet watching the creature's tufted tail wag gently at her movements... it really was cute, the kneazle finished eating and looked at Naruto who had now crouched down and stood on his hind legs blinking cutely at the creature.
They hate you... they fear you... you shouldn't , Naruto repeated to himself over and over again, but his eyes grew teary and he slowly and very gently reached out his hand towards the kneazle, the creature narrowed its red eyes and went so slow that Naruto almost lost his breath when the large kitten rested its soft chin on Naruto's hand and purred.
At that moment something that had been stuck in Naruto's chest broke and he began to let out a giggle at first that quickly turned into a bunch of high-pitched giggles and look at the creature - Naruto! - The bubble of the environment only burst the kneazle jumped and ran towards the forest and Naruto raised his head in confusion when he saw Hagrid looking at him with concern - I told you that it is dangerous to wander near the forest you know that yourself! - The girl shook her head a little and smiled.
"Today was a great day," the half-giant stopped his scolding when he saw the girl smile brightly and wave goodbye to Hagrid before giving the warning "I'll be back!" and running off to the castle.
The next morning he didn't expect to find Draco in the library, to Naruto it seemed like ages since he'd last seen the boy sitting there just tapping his fingers impatiently against the table. "You took too long, half-blood." Naruto pouted and stood on his tiptoes, a new action he'd started doing when Hermione was getting bigger than her and she really hated it .
- How was I supposed to know you'd be here today! - Naruto shrieks and is shushed by Draco as the boy points to the seat in front of him, the whiskered girl raised an eyebrow in confusion and looked at the book in front of her - Today... are we watching the Medieval European Wizards' Assembly? - That was in History of Magic and Naruto still avoided eye contact with the teacher and even listening to him sometimes.
-We're not leaving here until you finish your essay- Naruto gasped this... this... was a trap! She tried to run away, but felt a tug and ended up in her seat.
-It's too long... we're supposed to hand it in by November, don't you expect me to finish it all in one morning? - Apparently Draco had taken out his wand and opened the page where the assembly began and Naruto gulped deeply noticing that it was more or less thirty to four pages full of text without images, this was the bane of his existence -D-Draco can we start tomorrow? - Draco raised an eyebrow, not being intimidated by the blonde who was squirming in her seat before sighing.
-Tomorrow and just because... Today is your birthday - Naruto stopped squirming and his head flew up to Draco's face, who was searching for something in the pockets of his robes, before he handed him a ringed notebook covered in blue and had a red bow wrapped around it - It's not special or anything, I didn't remember it was your birthday until... - Draco froze before Naruto's bright gaze as he grabbed the notebook as if it were one of the best gifts he had ever received in his life.
She gently fingered the sheets feeling that they were sturdy paper and almost like parchment - it's great ttebayo thanks! - she exclaims loudly - why do you always end up giving me things? - Naruto lets out a laugh - your birthday is on June 5th right? Too bad it's over now, I'll give you a gift next year too! - the blonde walked around the table and approached Draco her eyes were too close to Draco's who was still sitting that he only breathed shakily at the bright blue so close and those blushing cheeks and even at that moment he wondered if those marks on his cheeks were natural...
Draco pushed Naruto back, the girl let out a shriek and stumbled back, but the smile didn't leave her face instead it grew in amusement - so... same time tomorrow? - Draco couldn't deny it anymore and you know what? It doesn't matter, Naruto Uzumaki was cute so what? There was nothing else behind that and... he liked the blond, there was no turning back now the arrogant boy now considered Naruto as his friend.
- Same time tomorrow - Draco smiles in a kinder way than he did before, but Naruto didn't even notice that fact and just turned on his heels clutching the notebook to his chest realizing it was time for breakfast, saying goodbye, the smile on Draco's face never disappeared, he stood there like a fool staring at the book in front of him for minutes, some Ravenclaws passing by whispered that "Draco Malfoy had lost his mind" ...
-And when is your birthday Naruto? -Ron asks suddenly realizing the fact that he didn't know when it was and he felt like a terrible friend just like all the Gryffindors sitting in the great hall.
That made Naruto think about the fact of how Draco Malfoy knew it was his birthday? -Whiskers When is it? - Fred asks with interest, George did too and had stopped his conversation with Jordan and everyone was waiting for his answer, but Naruto didn't understand the interest of the people, today was his twelveth birthday, normally today was a day full of pain and joy combined, the defeat of the kyubi and the death of the fourth hokage, the villagers always attacked her and she was always alone after the death of mouse, turtle coincidentally was always busy that day and now she thought she knew why he always was, she always received a happy birthday card from the third hokage and... Iruka sensei gave her a t-shirt once but... the rest were also cards and once even the hokage and Iruka gave her the same card with the same basic message and the same colors, it was a funny coincidence... But that day Naruto didn't see the joke, it was so sad that two of the people Naruto cared about gave her a printed card without any special message directed towards her.
Naruto looked at the notebook before opening it releasing the ribbon again to find a card, but there was nothing printed on it, but the message… was something unique and it made Naruto laugh "you've been in a horrible world for twelve years… Congratulations I guess" there wasn't the classic cake instead there was a letter that stuck its tongue out at him -it was twelve years ago exactly- Ron didn't catch on right away, but Harry and the others did, Harry took Naruto by the arms and turned her around slightly so the girl could look at him, not noticing or ignoring the shiver Naruto gave when the boy touched her without warning, there are times when Naruto hated having this problem and this was one of those times.
- Today! Today is your birthday! -Harry exclaims so loudly that other tables look towards "the birthday boy" and many are paralyzed when they see the blonde and… a massive panic began among all those who considered themselves friends and "what last minute gift could they give their blonde friend" began. -Why didn't you say so before? -Naruto let out a giggle when he saw that the boy was almost pouting at him.
-Oh come on... I never asked and in the same way, I never celebrate it - Harry looked at Ron, Ron looked at Hermione, Hermione looked at Harry making a triangle planning something to give to the blonde, while the twins and Jordan looked at each other also thinking about a gift, Neville, Seamus and Dean seemed prepared for that too.
That day no matter where Naruto went he was receiving gifts, ranging from chocolates to bracelets, Percy embarrassed and amused Naruto with a poem he himself had written about life and rules, oh my god it was so embarrassing, but Naruto appreciated the gift.
Luna gave him a marshmallow necklace and Colin and his friends gave him a yoyo, Colin photographed Naruto a lot that day… too much even.
Naruto was swimming between anxiety and happiness, Draco was fine, he was calm and didn't say much but the rest seemed crazy and there were even people like Justin who scolded her for not telling him before.
- Where are we going? - Naruto felt like she had lived this before when Fred and George dragged her to the Gryffindor tower and carried her to the fourth years' room.
-It didn't take us much to convince Professor Minerva to accept- George says and Fred looks at Naruto and gives him a smile.
- you must be one of his favorites Naruto - when they opened the door Naruto was greeted by a cake of considerable size on a collection of nightstands glued together to make a large table, the cake said "To the best with a whiskers, happy birthday!" in cursive, Naruto had never had a cake, much less blown out candles on his birthday - is something wrong? - Fred asks seeing how Naruto freezes, Lee Jordan who looks from the bed, looks at the twins and then at Naruto, but a laugh stopped any thought and Naruto pulls herself up to look up and smile at the three boys who were now the ones who paralyzed at the light that Naruto emitted.
- Thank you very much! - she exclaims and approaches the cake.
-Well do you know what to do? - George asks really doubting if Naruto knew what was coming Naruto waved his hand roughly -Well you have to make a wish and blow out the candles, we don't really sing that awkward muggle song but if you want - Naruto knew what song she was referring to and shook her head as quickly as she could, she wouldn't know what to do with herself, the three boys laughed and waited as Naruto blew out all twelve candles she was satisfied, today was being a great day, when the last candle lit again Naruto raised an eyebrow and blew on it again in vain, once.. twice… three times before he noticed the laughter and raised his head and understood and smiled mockingly.
- Magic to light the candle? - Naruto raises an eyebrow and now the remaining three were laughing openly.
-It's a classic -Lee Jordan exclaims, wiping away a tear of laughter -Even muggles have those joke candles that always light up-
-My father still wonders if some wizard is the one who enchants them for them or if they discovered a way to do it without the need for it - Fred says grabbing the candle before dipping it in water, but even when he took it out of the water it lit again and he dipped it again this time successfully extinguishing it -Although they are not as good as ours-…
That afternoon they spent eating too much cake, joking and playing, in the end they ended up with a hyperactive Naruto running around because of the excess sugar and when finally everything was over, she ended up (who knows how) in the great dining room sitting, but resting her head against the table sleeping.
When he woke up he felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Hermione raising an eyebrow at him. "Are you ready for dinner?" She raised an eyebrow when she saw all the Gryffindors sitting down and Fred and George staggering to get there, with Jordan following a little behind.
-oh dinner? -Naruto said in the middle of wanting to sleep or run and looked at the now served food and really -I'm not hungry thanks- Naruto stretched and intended to walk to the room and sleep, but was stopped when Harry grabbed her arm, she didn't have the energy to shudder under his touch.
-Wait, where are you going? - she asks in confusion and Naruto raises an eyebrow.
-Go to sleep -Harry shakes his head and motions for Hermione and Ron to come -Is something wrong?- Naruto asks, but gets no answers instead the four of them went to Gryffindor tower and when they enter the common room Naruto sees three wrapped presents.
- Happy Birthday! - they said in unison, she looked between her friends and the presents before a smile appeared on her exhausted face and she looked at the three presents before taking one and unwrapping it, no one expected her to do it with such care as she did and she looked at what was undoubtedly a gift from Ron, she marveled at the chess board and when she lifted the top she saw the pieces.
-Well you wanted one to play with at home, it's not magic or anything! So you're not breaking any rules by using it - Ron says and waits for an answer from Naruto, but the girl only managed to smile and look at Ron who could only lower his head a little at that look.
The second one, because of the perfect way it was wrapped, must have been Hermione's. It was a box and when she opened it she found a photo album. She opened it and looked at the first page finding photos that Colin had undoubtedly taken from far and near. There was one where the three of them were sitting on the marble bench in the courtyard, eating and laughing at something someone had said. The photo moved and at the last movement Naruto realized that Colin was taking a photo of them. There was another one of Harry and Ron playing chess in the common room and Hermione was sitting in front of the fireplace and Naruto was upside down, his back on the seat. This one must have been recent. "Well we can fill this one up. I've always been a bit of a fan of albums of anything and I thought we could do one together." Naruto jumped a little at the idea before becoming delighted. He could have pictures of his friends at home.
The last one was from Harry who watched nervously as Naruto delicately opened the wrapping and looked at the colorful box in front of her. "H-how did you know about me?" Harry let out a laugh.
-Oh was it a secret? Everyone knows you like to draw, I had bought this for you at the beginning of the year, but... I didn't know when to give it to you so I asked Ron to ask when your birthday was and -Harry finished without really having done so. Naruto clung to his gifts, it seemed like Draco and Harry had connected in some way.
- Are you happy? - Ron asked seriously waiting for Naruto's answer, she raised an eyebrow in amusement.
- this has been my best birthday ttebayo! -….
Naruto's happiness didn't end that night, the next morning a package arrived for her from Konoha and... it was a real gift, not a simple card... that wasn't entirely true, she had read a classic card from the hokage that said happy birthday, but this time Iruka had written a full letter for her telling her when he missed her in the village and that warmed Naruto's little heart.
She looked at the package with interest and suspicion before taking the card that was on top.
Happy birthday Naruto, I'm sorry if it's late, the hokage just said leave it there and I'll send it, you know weird things, I hope you like it"
Kakashi Hatake-
Naruto opened the package and saw the blue fingerless leather gloves neatly arranged -wow- Neville exclaimed upon seeing the gloves, Naruto almost never received anything but letters so this was a pleasant surprise especially for the Gryffindors to see the blonde put on the gloves and feel the leather on her skin, looking so happy but Harry knew that Naruto's joy did not come from what the gift was but from the gift itself, she was like him, she never received anything and now she was at the top discovering what affection was and what came with it...
- What are you doing? - Ron stops at the entrance of the room seeing Seamus next to Naruto on the floor a jug of blackberry juice next to him.
Harry, who had been checking his Quidditch magazine on his bed, shrugged. "Bet on who can last the longest, drinking blackberry juice." Now that Ron was getting a good look at him, they were both squirming too much.
Naruto took another glass before clenching his fists as if to stop himself from tightening his bladder, though Seamus wasn't any better. "This is the third pitcher," Dean said, watching as they poured themselves more juice. "I bet Naruto could last longer, you know."
Ron watched as Naruto squirmed before pushing himself forward causing the way he sits to press on his bladder for her, "Just give in Seamus!" she squeals and the boy finally decides to clench his tight bladder refusing to give Naruto the win, they had bet the dessert for the entire week and he wasn't about to let Naruto have it, those puppy dog eyes didn't defeat him when she asked for his desserts, she wasn't going to defeat him in this bet now.
-I'm betting on Seamus- Dean said and Ron raises an eyebrow at that- look Naruto is drinking two glasses every two minutes while Seamus is only drinking one, it's obvious who's drinking more- Harry nods going back to the magazine.
Neville, who was also watching everything from his bed, just mumbles something that sounds a lot like "as long as they don't pee on the floor."
Another hour passed, Ron had fed him namely while both Seamus and Naruto were on the floor now finishing their fourth jug, both lying on their backs and crossing their legs tightly.
Fifteen more minutes and Naruto was staring at the door leading to the bathroom and then back at the floor, trying to keep his gaze fixed on a stain, in his mind he could almost hear a voice echoing saying " what a stupid bet "
When Seamus suddenly stands up, he doesn't run... he walks slowly and stops a few times before reaching the bathroom door, Naruto raises his arms - I win! - she exclaims before realizing that her bladder is almost screaming.
Getting up just as slowly he goes to the bathroom, this was a horrible experience, Naruto would never repeat this bet… maybe for desserts, but if that's not the case he never will!...
-I beg you Naruto -Harry almost wanted to kneel down when the girl made a face and refused, Hermione shook her head and smiled a little at the girl who refused to get out of the blankets, while Ron also insisted, it was after a day of quidditch training, she ran to the Gryffindor tower so she didn't stay for the invitation, she still had a strong smell of shampoo and wet hair, it was Halloween and Naruto this time wanted to enjoy some sweets, play and laugh with his friends, but now Harry was inviting her to a party... Full of ghosts -I know you don't like them, b-but it won't be that bad, come with us okay? -Naruto wanted to pout... but he didn't want to refuse either, damn dilemmas! Harry looked at him with those green eyes that looked a lot like Naruto's secret technique, puppy eyes -Naruto -
-Leave it to me Harry- Hermione suddenly says and Harry raises an eyebrow as he approaches Naruto and slowly takes Naruto's hand in his own - you have to be brave to find something better- were those sudden words for the two boys, but Naruto gasped indignantly.
-Hermione chan –
-yes Naruto –
-I hate that you use my words against me- the long-haired girl let out an amused laugh at that, moving away from Naruto, that meant "it's okay"
-How about I take your hand? -Harry says extending it to Naruto who blinks several times -I will never let go of you, no matter what -the girl with the whiskers laughs and takes her friend's hand before nodding, Ron looks victorious, this was a great achievement, getting Naruto to go to a party full of ghosts was definitely the pinnacle…
While Harry was regretting learning that skeletons would be dancing at the party for them in the great hall, Naruto mentally thanked himself a little for not seeing that and instead walked to Harry's side. Taking his hand, it was warm and somehow made her feel safe, but she squeezed his hand when Nick appeared in front of them in the dungeons, looking at Naruto in surprise. "Young Uzumaki, what a nice surprise to see you at my celebration!" Nick says, but steps back when he notices how the girl bristles and Harry takes a step to hide her behind him.
She kept feeling Harry's hand, avoiding the real world as much as she could, avoiding seeing the dancing white ghosts and the rumblings that called themselves music.
-Let's get out of here -Ron says, the ghost party wasn't great.
-But we haven't been together long, Harry says, adjusting Naruto's hand. He also wanted to leave, but he couldn't.
When Harry was about to move Naruto didn't move and when he was about to ask him what was wrong he saw Mirle in front of the blue-eyed girl, Naruto's face was pale and his eyes became teary (although he wasn't able to shed a tear) he was shaking uncontrollably clinging to Harry - ah!, Mirle space - Hermione stands in front of Naruto causing the ghost to step back to avoid being pierced.
- I know, nobody loves me! I'm Mirle the crybaby, the ugly one full of pimples! - the ghost sobbed as he was about to walk away, but Naruto snapped out of his fear when the ghost had started to talk and now… Naruto felt a little bad for the ghost who was clearly once a student.
When they finally got out of that "party" Naruto had relaxed, but still kept his hand in Harry's when the boy suddenly stopped, she had to do so too - is something wrong? - she spoke for the first time since they had gone down to the dungeons, the rest stopped with that.
- Are you okay? - Ron asks in confusion as he watches the boy with disheveled hair look around as he holds Naruto close to him, the girl startles as he tightens his grip.
-shut up for a moment, it's... that voice - Naruto raised an eyebrow at that and paid close attention but all he heard were inconclusive sounds that he always thought were people talking somewhere else you know because of his enhanced hearing -listen! - he says but Hermione and Ron look confused, while Naruto clings a little to what Harry says and closes his eyes focusing everything on his ears when he hears a "sah" that ends with a kind of snake-like cough or that's how Naruto would describe it, his blood ran cold and he looked at Harry narrowing his eyes -he's going to kill someone! -Harry suddenly shouts and drags Naruto with him without even realizing it up the stairs Naruto Tomo will go ahead half following Harry and run faster than him to drag him and when they turned the corner still nothing
Ron and Hermione breathed heavily as they ran through the corridors wondering what Harry had seen.
- Look! - Hermione exclaims when they see something shiny, they approached more slowly between nervousness and fear, when they saw a wall painted at a very considerable height, Naruto swallowed deeply at the smell of blood and everyone read.
THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED, FEAR ENEMIES OF THE HEIR
- The chamber of what? - Naruto raises an eyebrow at that, he didn't know what the heck it was or where it was, the marauder's map didn't have anything with that name - The cat! - Naruto squeals and points with his free hand, everyone who was more shocked by what was written lowered their heads and saw the cat seemed paralyzed hanging there.
When Harry walks to get a little closer he almost slips on the water and ends up almost on top of Naruto, everyone understood what kind of cat it was, it was Mrs. Norris, the janitor's cat. "We should go," Ron mentions, but Naruto frowns.
-We can't just leave her hanging there Ron- Naruto says and Harry nods.
-I'm serious, we'll be in trouble if someone comes and... Naruto? - he saw the girl look too surprised and knew almost immediately that this was bad.
-Someone is coming and they are very close… no! Too many people, the party is over! -Naruto exclaims at the end and Hermione suggests running away, but -it's late! -now everyone could hear the footsteps.
Everyone's chatter died down when they saw the quartet standing next to the large red letters painted on the wall and the hanging cat.
Draco raised an eyebrow at what was written and saw Harry Potter next to the Weasley and Granger, but then he saw the blonde who looked between looking at the cat and trying to help her and looking at everyone, she looked scared as if... she was afraid of being blamed and hated , even though most of them were looking at Potter, since everyone knew that maybe it was more likely that Naruto was in a bad moment and had run into them.
- What's going on here? - Filch's voice tormented the boys who were no doubt already in trouble, people moved aside when the man passed by and saw the cat - Mrs. Norris! - the man shouted his hands were between grabbing his cat and searching around before nailing themselves on two people, Potter and Uzumaki, the boy who lived and the girl who always gave him a headache had killed his cat - You! You killed my cat! I... I will kill you and! - Naruto backed up next to Harry.
- Argus! - Naruto didn't know whether to feel safe or more nervous when Dumbledore arrived and looked between the children, the janitor, the wall and the cat, before pulling her away - come with me Argus - the man looked with rage and resentment at the four who were gathered - and you too Potter, Weasley, Granger and Uzumaki - Naruto swallowed deeply not really knowing what to do, Harry ended up dragging her to Lockhart's office but when they were leaving the crowd Naruto looked around to see Ginny, the girl didn't even return his gaze, she was still pale and hid her hands behind her after that he could feel the gaze of Professor McGonagall and Snape on his back, he still hadn't said anything.
The absolute silence that there was when they had entered the office and Dumbledore had left the cat on the desk had been too much for Naruto - we didn't do anything! When we arrived, i-it was already like this - she exclaims loudly, Argus frowns at her, his eyes were full of tears.
- How could it not have been? I've seen you walking through the halls with ease and Potter must have been your accomplice! - Naruto wanted to scream again, but Albus stopped them both and approached Naruto, placing a hand on his shaking shoulder.
-They weren't Argus, your cat was petrified and no second year student could have done that - at that moment everything in Naruto relaxed, Albus didn't believe that Naruto or his friends were guilty.
Naruto heard the term squib and honestly didn't know what it was, he raised an eyebrow at Harry who shrugged, he didn't know either.
- Why did you come up here? - Snape asks and Naruto was thinking about telling him that they had heard something, but Harry pulled his hand slightly knowing that it wasn't a good idea.
-We were tired-Hermione says.
-And they were going to bed... Without dinner? - Minerva asked looking at Naruto who squirmed at that, the teacher knew how Naruto was with food, she was rigorous, at eight in the morning she was already in the dining room. At noon she was the first to arrive and precisely Naruto had dinner at seven at night, that's why she was surprised not to see her in the dining room that night, just when there were sweets and a big party.
- We weren't hungry! - Ron exclaims loudly, but his stomach growls, Naruto was bad at lying, but Ron was worse.
-I see that Mr. Potter and company are not telling the whole truth and -Snape wanted to continue, punish and take advantage and help his house win, but Naruto interrupted him.
- The nargle! - Naruto suddenly exclaims and everyone raises an eyebrow at whatever that is - Luna asked me to pick up her socks on that floor that the nargle had stolen, but she didn't want anyone to know so I told my friends that if they would come with me without saying anything else and when we were looking for the colored socks we found the cat and the blood on the wall - everything seemed very sensible except that there was no nargle.
Mrs. McGonagall would have laughed if there wasn't such tension in the air. "What's a nargle?" Snape asks, crossing his arms.
-I don't know ttebayo, I just know that he steals clothes - at that moment Snape was between anger and surrender.
Dumbledore looked at the three children and gave a small smile to the blonde which he hid when he cleared his throat. "Innocent until proven guilty, Severus." Snape looked furious at that as did Filch.
- They have petrified my cat! - she screamed, her eyes bulging. - I demand that those responsible be punished!
"We can cure her, Argus," said Dumbledore, steeling himself with patience. "Mrs. Sprout has recently obtained some mandrakes. Once they have grown, I will make an option to revive Mrs. Norris."
"I'll do it myself," Lockhart said. "I think I've prepared it a hundred times, I could do it in my sleep."
"Excuse me," said Snape coldly, "but I believe that I am the Potions teacher at this school."
Naruto shifted a little at the awkward atmosphere again. "You may go," Dumbledore said after a while. The four sighed in relief and left quickly without running, but they really wanted to leave that place now.
-Don't you think I should have told you what I heard? -Harry spoke when they were already quite far away, Naruto was also confused by that fact, she had also heard strange things, although no one else knew that fact.
-Hearing voices that no one else can is not a good sign, not even in the wizarding world - Ron mentions as they now walked more slowly.
- You believe me, right? - At that moment, the three of them nodded and... Naruto was thinking of telling them that he had heard something, but he refrained and preferred to keep it to himself this time.
"Of course," Ron replied quickly. "But... you have to admit it does seem odd..."
"Yes, I know it sounds strange," Harry admitted. "The whole thing is very strange. What was that writing on the wall? The vault has been opened. What does it mean?"
'It sounds a bit familiar,' said Ron slowly. 'I think someone once told me a story about there being a secret chamber at Hogwarts - maybe it was Bill.'
- And what the hell is a squib? - To Harry's surprise, Ron stifled a chuckle.
"Well, it's not really that funny... but Filch is like that..." he said.
- A squib is someone born into a wizarding family, but who has no magical powers. Quite the opposite, to wizards born to muggle families, except that squibs are very rare cases. If Filch is trying to learn magic through a Quick Charm course, he must be a squib. That explains a lot of things, like why he hates students so much. - Ron smirked - He's a bitter person.
-Envying something you're supposed to be born with... it's really not fun Ron - Naruto says giving him a frown, the freckled boy squirms under Naruto's gaze.
-Oh, I'm sorry- he says and Naruto's frown disappears, the boy sees Harry and Naruto's hands still intertwined and laughs -When do you plan to let go?- Harry and Naruto looked in unison at their joined hands and then looked into each other's eyes, green against blue as they both laughed, not letting go, not realizing that this would become a strange habit.
The sound of a clock came from somewhere. "It's midnight," Harry said. "We'd better get to sleep before Snape finds us and wants to accuse us of something else." Naruto walked forward, dragging Harry with her…
-No -Draco exclaims, having a clear "I've been through this before" moment.
- come on Draco, it'll be great, you need to train for the matches and so do I, "also something to distract me from the walking worry that Ginny is being these days" - the girl was acting weird, that was saying an understatement, Ginny almost looked paranoid, for a moment Naruto felt like she was the youngest Weasley who lived in a shinobi village, she was always reading and honestly Naruto didn't know what to do anymore, at first they thought it was because of Mrs. Norris, since Ginny was a cat lover but it wasn't like that, no matter if someone tried to cheer her up, she would still immerse herself in the book and ignore everyone.
It took Naruto five days to convince Draco to get up three times a week to train with her at six in the morning, a fair price in her opinion.
The first time they ran together Draco didn't get very far and after a few sit-ups Draco gave up and said "bah! I'm going to have breakfast", despite that he kept his word and on Wednesday he got up early again, although he continued to complain for the rest of the week…
One night Naruto went out for a "walk" and slowly approached the forest, hoping that the big cat… kneazle would appear, but five… ten… fifteen minutes passed and the kneazle didn't come out of the forest, instead Naruto raised an eyebrow in confusion and hid behind a tree in the forest when he saw Hagrid arrive, it was normal at this point for Hagrid to come, scold her and let her return to the dormitory but… this time it wasn't like that, Naruto hadn't seen his four-legged friend and whiskered companion.
When Hagrid left Naruto sighed in relief and tried to leave the forest, but she stepped on something red and a strong smell of blood began to emanate . She looked at the forest and then the castle, then the forest again, before pulling on her bravery and reasoning to run deeper into the forest following the trail of blood.
Naruto froze at the image that would undoubtedly haunt her days from now on, in front of her was the large kitten lying on the ground surrounded by a huge pool of blood, there were bugs buzzing around and the girl gasped covering her mouth in horror, her heart skipped a beat and her eyes watered, nothing was good when Naruto touched it, she always attracted bad things and this was clear proof of that, she slowly approached the moonlight was the only thing that lit her way now and when she was in front of the kneazle she knelt down and touched the stiff fur full of dried blood, it was no longer soft or warm like the first time she caressed it but Naruto only felt the pressure on his intense chest and he didn't let anything else escape, she dug with her hands a deep hole in the ground big enough and lifted the kneazle but immediately a high pitched moan tormented her ears, it wasn't the large kitten, instead underneath it there was a very small kitten that squealed strongly, had the color pattern of the big kitten and still had its eyes closed and there was dried blood stuck to its fur.
The girl understood why the kneazle was always chubby even though it couldn't hunt, it wasn't a male but a female and it was pregnant, she left the animal in the newly dug hole and buried it covering it properly to prevent other animals from digging it up and looked at the now orphaned kitten still screaming in search of its kneazle mother and Naruto felt horrible, she couldn't leave the animal out here, they could eat it but... everything she touched hurt it so she hesitated a few seconds before picking up the animal that strangely didn't writhe under her grip, Naruto gently held it against his chest still smelling its chest and hummed slowly as he petted the creature, he looked around now feeling in real danger by staying here and began to walk back to the edge of the forest, the kneazle cub stopped screaming and let itself be carried by Naruto who was still devastated by the loss of... that creature.
When she got to the bedroom she walked very slowly to her bed and pulled out Hermione's now empty gift box from her trunk and placed a small pillow that fit almost perfectly on it and set the little kneazle there and sighed as she grabbed what she assumed was for the big kitten and squished it in her hands properly before bringing it properly in the palm of her hand to the little kneazle who licked her ticklingly, when she was done she set the box under her bed and made sure the animal stayed warm and cozy as she stripped off her own clothes and put on her pajama top, her chest burned at the memory of the kneazle lying on the floor covered in lifeless blood, she clung to the stuffed bunny before closing her eyes completely she was exhausted and tomorrow she would surely figure out what to do with the baby under her bed….
The next morning she woke up at six, there was no meeting with Draco today but instead there was a constant squealing under her bed and when she heard Seamus let out a whimper at that she knew she had to get up, she bent down to look under the bed and saw the son of a kitten... big kitten crawling into the box, she reached out and pulled out the box and then the kneazle, it was still very small and had its eyes closed and ears plugged but no doubt its vocal cords were working.
She took him to the boys' bathroom and removed his clothes before filling a bucket with water and using a damp cloth to clean the blood from the magical creature's fur. The kitten let her do it without much complaint. She came out in a robe and left the young kneazle on a towel on the bed.
She got dressed, buttoning her shirt and pants poorly, putting her tie in her shirt pocket before putting on the other layers, it was noticeable that she wasn't really used to doing it herself, she carried the kitten in a pocket of her robes making sure it was okay before leaving Gryffindor tower and walking to the library.
It was empty but still warm because of the fireplace lit with magic, that fire didn't burn even if you put your hand in it.
He searched for his favorite book and looked for the kneazle page, but was startled when someone placed a hand on his shoulder and he let out a shriek looking at the intruder. "Cedric!" The older boy in the middle of Naruto's shriek covered his mouth in amusement and made a sign for silence, this was a library. "What are you doing here so early?" The boy shrugged indifferently amused by the pout Naruto was making when he sat down next to him.
-To know something, why else would one need to go to a library? - Cedric did know why, but he preferred to see that little face turned in confusion, he saw the buttons poorly arranged and without the tie tied around his neck, he avoided laughing, he knew that if he did Naruto would frown at him, pout and withdraw like a scolded but proud puppy -And you, what are you doing here so early Naruto? - Cedric extended his hand and pointed towards the tie that was stored in a bundle under Naruto's jacket, she understood and handed it to him before carefully taking off her robes leaving it on the table making sure that the little kneazle was okay before taking off his jacket leaving him with only the shirt and poorly buttoned and the pants, Cedric unbuttoned the shirt humming.
-I'm looking for a specific creature- the boy stops dead when he sees the bandage around Naruto's chest and just shrugs his shoulders muttering "I expected it" before buttoning it properly and continuing with the tie placing it around his neck.
- What creature? - Cedric asks concentrating when Naruto shook himself and held her back from getting up.
-A kneazle - the girl answers quickly when Cedric finishes helping her with her tie.
-mmh I've heard about that, I'm studying the care of magical creatures and - Naruto just squealed in the middle of putting his jacket back on.
- There's a class like that and I never knew about it! - Naruto hadn't skipped any classes, how was that possible? Cedric laughed as he ruffled Naruto's now exposed hair.
-You can select it as an optional class for your third year if you want- she was happy while thinking about that even though she wasn't sure how next year will be- Well I can help you if you want to know what you want, but first I will solve your doubt about the kneazle, well they are like huge cats but they are usually aggressive and solitary, a competent magician can take care of them but without a doubt for a second year student it is prohibited- Naruto froze in his tracks- Of course you can have one if it is a half kneazle cat coming from a kneazle and a normal cat, they are usually smarter and roar- Naruto put on his robe still in concern when he felt the creature writhe in the large pocket.
-oh... thanks -Naruto smiled a little, Cedric just wanted to help her, it wasn't his fault that Naruto had a baby kneazle in his pocket.
-Now - Cedric took out his wand and Naruto saw how the books fell in front of her softly - let's start to choose your elective subjects, you can choose two of them and they will be the ones you study from third to fifth year, so you have to choose them correctly, I know that one of them will surely be caring for magical creatures, but there are others for you... -
Cedric started and Naruto almost completely ruled out muggle studies, but he thought maybe it would be useful since where he lived there were no trains and objects that there were here, even so, he ruled it out along with arithmancy, Naruto wasn't good enough with numbers for that, so only divination remained, but honestly that didn't really catch Naruto's attention either.
She rested her head on the table and looked at Cedric with a pout - can't I just have more hours a week of caring for magical creatures? - the boy shook his head and Naruto sighed - then I guess I'll stick with divination ttebayo - the older boy hummed and looked at the girl lying on the table her eyes blinked a few times in boredom and her lip stuck out from time to time in a cute pout - Cedric? -
-Mmmh, yes, Naruto? -The girl swayed back and forth in her seat, looking with some seriousness.
- What is the Chamber of Secrets or where is it? I've been all over the castle and I've never seen anything like it - the older boy remained silent, looking Naruto in the eyes.
-She's been missing for a long time, it must have been a bad joke from someone Naruto, there's nothing to worry about, the teachers will do something if she ever really opens up -…
Naruto began to take care of his new little friend, he had to be careful, he didn't want anyone to know and have him taken away, although it was difficult and when the kneazle started to walk he decided to leave him in the box and train him to prevent him from leaving at any moment and being found.
- Draco! - Naruto exclaims as they finish their last lap of the morning, the Slytherin boy breathes heavily and rests his hands on his knees - you're sweating! - Naruto exclaims, this was the first time the boy finished full laps.
-Y-you're wrong - Draco raises a hand still breathing heavily and points at Naruto - I-I sh-shine - the boy finally raises his head, only to see Naruto laugh at his words and gave a small smile to accompany it.
They both sat next to each other on a stone bench in the garden, resting, the silence was comfortable, they had already finished their work for the history of magic, so for the first time Naruto really had free time instead of wasted time -you're great Draco- the boy who was concentrating on nothing, looks so elated at the sudden compliment that a blush blooms on his cheeks, but he hides it as best he can by turning his head away.
- Why are you saying that all of a sudden?! - Draco lets out a shriek, but swallows deeply pretending that never happened.
-Well, you... you're more of the type to show off what you've got, your blood and your wealth, but... you never seemed to strive to be better without anyone giving you something great to be. Today you were great, because I've seen you improve little by little and you pushed yourself to get that ! - Draco didn't think he looked great at this moment, his hair was coming loose from the gel he had put on this morning, it was soaked in sweat and he was breathing heavily and it got worse with the compliment since now his cheeks were red, he must have looked horrible with his pale skin but still, for Naruto Draco today was great and the boy couldn't help the corners of his lips from raising and the blush wanting to float again, but instead he got up walking away as fast as he could. -Is something wrong? - Naruto asks a little unprepared at her friend's sudden eagerness.
- Bath! - Naruto blinked a couple of times - I-I need to take a bath before breakfast - the girl with a whiskers understood and stood up.
-Oh, okay, bye, see you in the history of magic class - the girl jumped, waving goodbye before running to the Gryffindor tower.
Harry wasn't surprised to see Naruto on the bed with his shirt stuck in one of his attempts at "if it's buttoned up I won't have to button it myself" his belly button was visible as he shook himself, he saw Dean from his own bed resting his head on the support at the end looking at Naruto with amusement, the boy with glasses stood up and approached Dean - aren't you going to help her? - Harry asks pointing to the lump that was now on the floor.
- Of course! The moment she admits she's stuck - Dean watched the girl writhe, Neville grimaced when Naruto hit his head against one of the bed legs
Minutes passed, the girl kept pulling and pulling until she finally stopped agitated - I'm stuck! - She squeals, jerks again this time to try to take off her shirt and lets out a little scream when a hand on her forehead took the button and unbuttoned it, her face came out as if it had never been stuck before to the boy's satisfaction, the girl was breathing heavily and her cheeks were flushed - oh ... thanks - the boy re-buttoned the now well-placed shirt, before Naruto sat up properly, Seamus for a moment saw a possum by the way Naruto leaned against him and that the bed covered her, Dean finished placing Naruto's tie and she finished the rest.
Ron dropped to his knees in front of Naruto, who shifted uncomfortably at his friend's pout, clutching his History of Magic homework closer to his chest. "Please, just take a look, okay?" Naruto loosened his grip on his papers a little, but Hermione wouldn't let him. She grabbed Naruto by the shoulders and pulled him behind her.
- You had plenty of time to do it Ron! Now don't ask Naruto for his homework! - The boy sighed deflatingly and Naruto almost gave in, but no doubt the girl in front of her would scold her.
When Hermione asks about the Chamber of Secrets Naruto almost wants to roll his eyes and instead pouts "and I'm the one who's too direct" he mumbles holding Neville's head up high when his elbow slips.
Professor Binns hesitated to answer and even dropped the question and continued with the lesson, but that hadn't stopped the stubborn girl, the poor guy gave a ghostly sigh and looked back at Mrs. Granger.
"Let's see," said Professor Binns slowly, "yes, I think that could be argued." He looked at Hermione as if he had never properly seen a student before. "However, the legend you ask me about is such an exaggerated, I would even say absurd, hoax..."
The entire class was now hanging on Professor Binns' words; he looked at his students and saw that all faces were turned towards him, Naruto was also curious and looked with the same intensity as everyone else.
"Very well," he said slowly. "Let us see... the Chamber of Secrets... You all know, of course, that Hogwarts was founded about a thousand years ago (we do not know the exact date for sure) by the four greatest wizards of the time. The four houses of the school are named after them: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin. The four of them built this castle together, away from the prying eyes of Muggles, for that was a time when people were afraid of magic, and wizards and witches were persecuted." He paused, looked at the class with misty eyes, and continued. "For some years the founders worked together in harmony, seeking out young men who showed signs of an aptitude for magic and bringing them to the castle to be educated. But then disagreements arose between them and a rift arose between Slytherin and the others." Slytherin wanted to be more selective about the students admitted to Hogwarts. He believed that the teaching of magic should be reserved for wizarding families. He disliked having students from Muggle families, because he did not consider them trustworthy. One day a serious dispute arose between Slytherin and Gryffindor about this, and Slytherin left the school. Professor Binns stopped again and pursed his mouth, like a wrinkled old tortoise. "This is what the reliable historical sources tell us," he said, "but these simple facts are hidden behind the fantastic legend of the Chamber of Secrets. Legend tells us that Slytherin had built a hidden chamber in the castle, of which the other founders knew nothing. Slytherin, according to legend, sealed the Chamber of Secrets so that no one could open it until his true heir arrived at the school. Only the heir could open the Chamber of Secrets, unleash the horror within, and use it to rid the school of all who have no right to learn magic.
When he finished telling the story, there was silence, but it was not the usual, soporific silence of Professor Binns's lectures. There was an uneasy feeling in the air, and everyone was still looking at him, waiting for him to continue. Professor Binns looked slightly annoyed.
-But that's absurd, if that were the case, anyone could be the heir- Naruto murmured too loudly, the people around her looked at her and the atmosphere slowly grew more heated with the following words- If something bad were to happen, I doubt the teachers would let us be in danger, right? - She continued murmuring out loud to herself and people began to talk agreeing with the blonde, the teacher was impressed with the girl who was always reclined in her seat, he knew that her presence made her uncomfortable but today she had her head held high but her eyes wandered distractedly or very much in her own head.
Draco blinks several times, looks into Naruto's eyes, blushes and turns his head away, repeats this procedure for a few minutes until he finally breaks - w-what? - The girl was sitting next to him in the library, she had pushed her chair very close to Draco's and looked at the boy with eyes that analyzed him while for Draco they seemed to want to enchant him.
- You're the Heir of Slytherin? - All of Draco's confusion was mixed with disbelief and inside he felt hurt... although maybe he should have felt flattered, but... again he felt hurt.
-Look at me and tell me, do I look like the heir of Slytherin? - Naruto looked him up and down, from his hair to what he could see because of the table before he stopped squinting and shook his head to give the pale blonde a bright look.
-No, you're just Draco - the boy growled and rolled his eyes mumbling when the girl let out a high-pitched laugh but he didn't realize that she didn't dislike being "just Draco", she had always been Malfoy and the boy liked being that, people used to look at him with eyes of greatness every time they said his last name, but... maybe at the end of the day he realizes that they don't look at him but at what's behind, being just Draco was fine... if it was Naruto who said it with loving eyes and a sweet smile.
Colin kept finding things in the Gryffindor common room and all of his first year classmates supported that they were always finding Naruto's stuff.
At first, he and his classmates tried to return it to her at all costs, but finding Naruto was honestly difficult, she could be anywhere, hanging from a tree branch, playing with a friend from another house or simply disappearing from the plane visible to the world.
Over time the sighs had become too loud every time they found a new collection of notebooks on the coffee table, but the only thing that encouraged them to pick them up was Naruto giving them a big, overly bright smile - they should stop trying to get it back at him, right Fred? - Colin jumps at the sudden voice and turns around only to see the twins who loved to joke around with their year.
-Yeah, just leave them here, Percy will organize them and Ron will pick them up if Whiskers happens to forget- Fred explains before simply walking away with his brother.
From that day on they stopped looking for Naruto to return his notebook... sometimes it was done by one or two Gryffindors from his year who had not yet realized that it was pointless to do that, the notebooks were not lost and Naruto would return for them sooner or later...
Naruto took Harry's hand when Hermione mentioned that in the girls' bathroom was Crying Mirle, she wasn't supposed to see ghosts again for another ten to fifteen years, that was what she had promised herself when they returned from that horrible celebration on Halloween.
But here she was following her friends into that girls' bathroom, Naruto stood in the doorway refusing to let go of Harry or proceed any further, she knew where the ghost was, in the stall at the back and she really didn't want to find out if her fourth sense was right or not, it was too late the ghost came out of the stall and looked at Naruto who squirmed as a hundred screams tormented her ears at the same time as she felt herself being dragged away without really being dragged -what's she doing here! She doesn't even like me, I'm... old enough to notice! - the ghost exclaims as she sees Naruto and Harry steps in front of her.
-Myrtle… Naruto is afraid of everyone in general, if that makes you feel better - Ron mentions and the ghost opened her mouth and gasped, sounding more like a sob.
- Fear me, what have I done to him? Nothing! There's no reason for it and surprisingly Peeves seems to leave his whiskered friend alone but not me! - Harry held his breath noticing the paleness on Naruto's face, he will never take her near a ghost again.
-We just wanted to know what you know about what happened on Halloween night since a cat was petrified - Hermione asked, the ghost answered that he didn't know anything.
Naruto heard the footsteps... but he was paralyzed by Myrtle so he couldn't say anything when Percy entered the bathroom - Ron! - at that moment they received the reprimand of their lives, but by the time Naruto finished he came to, it was too late and Percy was dragging Ron by the ear.
-That's so silly, Draco is not the heir of Slytherin - Naruto whispers in the common room sitting next to Ron.
-Look at him Naruto, his entire family has always belonged to Slytherin and he bragged about it, his father is evil - Naruto frowns without seeing where Harry is really going.
-Just because his family was in Slytherin doesn't make Draco the heir of Slytherin ever -Harry frowns now, wondering if the Malfoy had finally managed to brainwash his friend
-Maybe they had the key - Ron doesn't finish his thought, he hates seeing Naruto angry and it's worse if the anger is directed at him.
-It's not necessarily necessary to be in Slytherin, the person can be a wizard from another house and still be the heir, Salazar thought about the purity of blood and although Draco fits the description... I know him, he's arrogant and sometimes rude, but... he's not a bad boy - Naruto crosses his arms hoping that someone else will digest bad things about his friend.
-I distrust him, you should too Naruto -Harry is not willing to back down either, Hermione and Ron look at each other, watching as the atmosphere between them cools and explodes.
- Then I shouldn't trust you either! I hear voices! - Naruto exclaims loudly and the rest who were in the common room stay silent and look at the blonde.
- You know it wasn't me! - Naruto shrugs.
-I don't know maybe, I'm just being careful since part of the blood in your veins is from a magical family- Naruto growls and Harry stands up standing in front of her.
- Maybe you are too! Naruto, after all you don't know where you come from - Hermione and Ron stand up, Ron takes Naruto's arm and pulls her back so that she goes back and Hermione takes Harry's, both were hurt, Naruto didn't like the tone with which Harry was referring to Draco, he had hurt her when he mentioned not knowing her origin and Harry... Naruto's distrust .
-Guys, stop, don't fight now -Hermione says now getting in between them.
-Yes, we must be united in this - Naruto narrows his eyes and looks directly into the emerald green eyes of his friend and it seemed that neither of them was willing to back down and apologize, Naruto finally looked away and remembered that he had a baby kneazle to feed.
-I'm tired, I'm going to bed- Naruto says and releases Ron's hold- good night Ron, Hermione chan- she says goodbye to both of them before jumping to the rest of her Gryffindor classmates, saying goodbye, not as cheerful as usual but she did it anyway, giving Harry one last look before leaving.
He pulled the little one out from under his bed when he made sure that Dean and Seamus were still in the common room and Neville was snoring in his bed, he wasn't so little anymore, his violet eyes were looking directly at Naruto while his tail swayed gently from side to side, he took off his clothes before putting on his nightshirt and removing the bandages around his chest, he laid down on the bed after giving his little friend some dinner and petted the kneazle under his chin making him give a kind of purr enjoying the caresses, before getting up again and leaving the little one under the bed in that comfortable box that had gained a couple of small blankets...