The whiskered blonde couldn't help but laugh as she watched Fred and George mock Harry's new recognition.
Naruto watched as Harry sighed as he walked up the stairs to the common room, blinking a few times as he saw Fred and George - Make way for the heir of Slytherin! Here comes the evil wizard - Naruto couldn't help but gasp in a giggle, maybe the others couldn't take things in the same mood, maybe Naruto shouldn't be laughing, but he couldn't help it, the atmosphere was cold around Harry because of the way he was treated, but with that kind of thing
- Don't laugh Naruto! This isn't a funny business - Percy steps forward looking disapprovingly at his younger brothers.
-Get out of the way Percy - Fred said -Harry is in a hurry -
"Yes, he goes to the Chamber of Secrets to have tea with his fanged servant," said George, laughing.
At that moment Naruto burst out laughing, getting up from the couch and walking over to the twins and Harry -I see you're on this side Fred, George, every day you're getting more towards the dark side- the twins act offended.
-You offend us, whiskers - Fred says, putting a hand where his heart was.
-I thought you knew us well enough to know we were already on the dark side- George said causing Naruto to giggle.
-Well then- Naruto looks at Harry- I'll escort you too sir- Harry growls in a little annoyance, but a certain part of him was relieved that the twins took it as a joke that people thought he was the heir of Slytherin.
Naruto was in the library with Draco… doing his potions homework and let me tell you, even a deaf person could hear the whispers of the people who thought Harry was the heir.
-Wow, that's impressive -Draco rolls his eyes -A little more attention for Potter -Naruto sighs... it wasn't a good day for Draco to decide he wanted to be annoying.
"Harry is not the heir, ttebayo," she says quietly to avoid being scolded, when Draco just shrugs, narrowing his gaze before getting up to grab another nearby book.
- Who knows? Maybe she is… after all, it's not that strange that she can basically speak a dead language… - Naruto clenches his fists when he hears a murmur behind her, they said that Harry had tried to kill her… that was nothing new, the rumors came and mutated, it started from what had happened at the dueling club to Harry trying to murder her in her sleep - although I would be a little surprised if Potter was the heir after all he always hangs out with that one - Naruto suddenly stands up scraping the seat, his inkwell spills onto the table.
" Malfoy hangs out with you out of… pity or maybe because he likes to watch Potter squirm at the way you always hang out with him to study… but let me tell you, Malfoy won't listen to you, you're not enough. "
She feels the books on the shelves shake as she walks towards Draco.
Everyone freezes as the books fall and the sound of the palm of the hand bounces against Draco Malfoy's cheek - don't you dare refer to Hermione that way and much less speak badly of Harry! - Draco can't say anything at that exact moment he is paralyzed and his cheek hurts a lot, but when the paralyzed state goes away and anger fills his being, he raises his head and looks at Naruto about to yell a threat to tell his father when he sees her collect her things.
- Where are you going? - was all Draco's mouth could utter, the anger leaving him now only feeling a horrible pain.
Naruto slams his books on the table before giving Draco a look full of sadness and anger - I don't want to be with someone who puts my friends down like that, I can't be with someone who... who - then that anger faded - only hangs out with me to annoy Harry - just to leave sadness
Then he leaves… Draco feels so deflated, he had found the peace he wanted so much… no more annoying blondes… no more strange feelings… but he didn't feel any better, instead that library that Draco thought was enchanted to always produce warmth couldn't be any colder now…
Draco waited a prudent amount of time and hadn't even dared to visit the infirmary wing because he didn't want to explain that Uzumaki had slapped him... of course there were rumors, but they were all in favor of Naruto finally getting tired of being abused by Draco Malfoy.
The Slytherin boy knew he wasn't the only one Uzumaki studied with, but it was horrible to see her smiling and laughing while Cedric Diggori taught her with patience and a smile.
Or how she now sat with Harry Potter in potions class, not caring that those rumors had damaged the reputation of the boy who lived and could affect her own reputation as wanted and loved by most houses.
Draco should be happy that Snape lowered Gryffindor's points more or maybe that whiskered face full of disappointment and anger towards him... but that look and that sadness only made Draco's own chest hurt... he admitted a while ago that he considered Uzumaki... someone close , he couldn't believe that he felt that way about someone, who according to what he was taught was inferior to him, but now he was honestly thinking that Uzumaki was incredible at many things.
He doesn't see things from the same angle as everyone else, he doesn't follow social norms and he doesn't give false compliments.
He was tough and powerful… and deep down Draco could admit that he had a big smile that could cheer anyone up.
So he finally gives in… he doesn't want Uzumaki to hate him, he wants his study partner back, he wants his annoying potions classmate back and… he wants his friend back.
Draco had pride... he didn't think he could apologize when he was only sorry for having hurt Uzumaki in some way, his apology wouldn't be entirely sincere if he only did it for that... but what's so good about Granger? He knew that the slip of blaming Harry for being the heir should have already been forgiven and somehow he had to show him that he wasn't with him, for simply wanting to annoy him... at least not now, Draco had asked him during the last week of school before the holidays, his last chance to talk to Uzumaki and fix things.
Then he started following Hermione Granger.
The girl had breakfast with all the Gryffindors and went to class normally, after lunch something changed and Granger stopped carrying that book and walked to one of the marble benches, sitting down... then Uzumaki arrived.
Uzumaki gives him a bright smile as they talk about random topics… then Uzumaki starts teaching Granger Japanese, Draco knew Uzumaki was teaching Granger Japanese, but he never expected to see it.
The girl listened calmly and corrected the blond, laughed with him when Uzumaki was being funny and… above all, she was genuine .
Granger was smart and even though it hurts her pride to say it... a talented witch and brave for asking about the Chamber of Secrets that day.
Now he had to figure out how to tell Uzumaki… That he doesn't hang out with him, just out of pity or because he likes to make Harry Potter squirm… Well maybe he does enjoy it a little… but now he also enjoys his company …
Naruto was hanging around Hogwarts, unlike… His previous study partner , Cedric was older and busy studying to help Naruto every day, so he decided that he deserved a break from studying, at least for the last week of school.
Then she hears those whispers again, she startled looks around expecting to see Harry, but instead she saw no one.
She walks worriedly following the sound, goes up the stairs to a darker hallway and sees Harry -Harry- she whispers, but the boy doesn't listen and keeps walking when he trips - careful! - Naruto exclaims as he sees his friend fall.
Then she freezes and recoils as the "ghost" feeling comes over her and she raises her head…. Mr. Nicholas' ghost had just been petrified.
-n-Naruto -she hears Harry's nervous stutter and now looks at the ground, only to throw herself forward and end up on her knees.
- Justin! - she exclaims now not knowing what to do, should she run and call a teacher? Should she stay and wait for someone to pass by?
-Naruto will be fine. We can tell... Professor McGonagall! She'll believe me and I have you as an alibi and-he had gotten down on his knees and had tried to get Naruto to look him in the eyes, putting his hands on his shoulders
Naruto's inner doubts were interrupted when Peeves appeared in front of Harry, Naruto shuddered violently, but was more focused on seeing Justin.
- ATTACK! ATTACK! ANOTHER ATTACK! NO MORTAL OR GHOST IS SAFE! SAVE YOURSELF! ATTACK! UZUMAKI IS BEING ATTACKED! -the sounds of one door after another, all of them opened as the students began to surround them.
Harry felt himself being pushed as Hannah Abbott approached Naruto and people pushed her away from him, Naruto was still in a slight shock… as people asked him if he was okay and some said to take her to the infirmary.
When Naruto came out of the shock the students were being moved, but there were people who were making sure Naruto was there and then he realized that Harry was no longer in the center of the corner - Harry didn't attack anyone! - Hannah who was still at his side tried to take his hand, but she backed away, there were some Gryffindors including Seamus.
Hannah who was really worried about Justin looked into Naruto's eyes -Harry Potter... he's controlling him! - Naruto takes a deep breath when once again people scream out of fear and worry.
-silence - Professor McGonagall had returned… well Naruto hadn't noticed her the first time he was there - I'm going to have to ask you young Naruto to accompany me… the rest of you, return to your house common rooms and don't come out until further notice! - she exclaims the announcement and Naruto follows Professor McGonagall as she responds with a final "I'm fine" to everyone and followed his head of house.
When they were away from the gossiping mouths, Naruto spoke - Harry didn't do it, I'm not being controlled ttebayo! Mr. Nicholas was already like this when we arrived - she explains and Professor McGonagall stops her.
-I don't think Mr. Potter would have done it-
Naruto sighs in relief before thinking again... - Me neither! - Professor McGonagall softens her gaze.
-I don't think it was you either - then Naruto relaxes - I need you to stay away from Mr. Potter for now.
- Why? - Naruto is tempted to say.
- Haven't you heard all the rumors surrounding you and Mr. Potter? Well, most of them are about Mr. Potter trying to find a way to kill you since you don't know where you come from - Naruto hisses at that.
-B-but I can't leave Harry alone! - Professor McGonagall gives her a small smile.
-Sometimes it's best to let calm come, you're not necessarily leaving Mr. Potter alone, you'll be helping him, but from another point of view, do you understand? -
- From another point of view? - Naruto said to herself… how could she help if not by being there with Harry?
Then for the first time in the almost two years he had been at Hogwarts he looked straight into the face of a ghost… frowning, looking imposing…
Well… look, look… neither
Look imposing... well, he looked as imposing as a ruffled but paralyzed kitten.
Peeves was the ghost who always loved to piss off the students with his pranks and jokes in bad taste, he had left Naruto without ever bothering her.
-Uzumaki looks angry, very angry -Peeves mentions moving in the air getting just a little closer, Naruto raises his shoulders and startles, she hated the feeling of being near them, it was as if she herself was dead , they were cold on her skin and the worst of all was that she heard a scream, it could be a moan, pain or help -but she still can't do anything~ - the ghost sang.
-t-you… dd-did you say Aah! - She steps back as Peeves approaches again, she hits the stone wall as she shivers, her lips moving into a grimace, but she continues - w-what hh-ha - Naruto gulps realizing he's sounding like his sweet but very shy academy classmate Hinata, he takes a deep breath and rubs his fingers against the fabric of her robes - Harry had attacked me - She shakes her head in denial - but Harry didn't do anything to me, he didn't do anything to anyone -
Naruto hoped that would be enough, if it wasn't he would need a change of pants, he had never faced a ghost not even in Hogwarts... or Konoha, but his inner plea was never heard and Peeves shakes his arms - Uzumaki is under a spell saying those words! - that makes the blonde herself shake her arms and exclaim.
- I'm not under any spell or... potion, ttebayo! –Naruto puffs out his cheeks, but feels that he won't last much longer in front of Peeves without turning pale and fainting -you don't have any proof to prove that-
-The simple fact that you are here and talking to me is absolute proof that you are under the influence of something, the real Uzumaki would never come to talk to me… or any ghost in general, so boo! -The ghost sticks out his tongue and walks away.
- H-hey…! W-wait… -
Naruto felt his lower lip jut out and deflate, he had come here to clear things up, so that Peeves wouldn't keep saying in the corridors that Harry had hurt him, but now... He had made everything worse! Now people will believe that she was being controlled by Harry.
She walks slowly through the corridors, but a voice stopped her - the young Naruto looks depressed - she jumps a little, but turns her head a little and sees a painting that she recognizes and has talked to her many times.
- How could it not be if it was attacked! - another painting replies in retaliation.
-I think a nice dress would cheer her up- the woman on the swing says, Naruto had always thought that her dress was very pompous and blue, it amused him to think that instead of legs, underneath the fabric it was actually a marshmallow.
-You would just like to see the young girl in a dress - the first woman answers with a sigh.
-And with long hair… can't you imagine that hair impregnated with magic in long, beautiful strips? -The woman lets out a sigh at the end when the other women give her a look -Yes, I know you don't-
That makes Naruto let out a giggle – look at her, she's smiling! –
- That's much better, Miss Naruto looks much better with a smile on her face! –
The paintings were different from the ghosts and... -ladies in paintings - Naruto interrupts whatever they had just started whispering -you guys... When did you get trapped in the painting? - Naruto turns his head in confusion.
The women in the paintings look at each other for a bit before laughing, Naruto tenses and lowers his head feeling embarrassed.
-Oh darling -
-you're adorable -
-But you don't have to worry, we're not trapped-
- Then why are they in a painting? –
-Well, one day we called a painter and he painted us on a canvas, it's not very complicated dear - Naruto turns his head, maybe it's not complicated for others, but for Naruto it wasn't easy to understand.
-It's more complicated than that - a man comments from the other side - but the answer would be that they made a portrait of us and part of our magic is in it, in addition to some spells that the painter performed -
-That's great- Naruto mentions happily, but realizes that he doesn't know why certain people when... they stop living become ghosts and others don't -Is... it the same with ghosts? Before they die, do they cast a spell to come back as ghosts? -
-I can answer that for you, pumpkin - Naruto jumps when he feels that ghostly presence, he turns bristling at the being who in response has a sad look -maybe you have never felt it, you are still too young for that-
Naruto tried to recognize the ghost and in no time he did, he was called the "Fat Friar" also known as the ghost of Hufflepuff, he had brown hair and Harry had once mentioned that he looked like a monk, but Naruto didn't know exactly what a monk actually was. "What...?" Naruto felt that pressure that made her shudder and leave her question, but she decides to finish with at least something. "Do you mean?"
-Well, there may be many reasons why a wizard or witch decides to stay in this world and not leave, but there is one main one - the ghost does not approach or move abruptly, it is warm and kind - What does fear mean to you? - the question echoed in Naruto's head.
-It paralyzes you, fear is not good – that surprised the friendly ghost.
-Believe me, if you, my dear, were no longer afraid you would be... somewhere else - that makes Naruto swallow deeply, she was confused, fear was bad, she was taught that since she was little, if you're afraid you paralyze, you think too fast and it's easier to make mistakes -I think you only see one side of everything, it's true that when you don't control your fear you paralyze or you are more prone to make mistakes, but when you know you're afraid, you are more likely to take a deep breath and try to see things from another perspective - the ghost moves slightly - fear itself, is the value you have for your life and, or maybe for others, you worry about letting live, about your heart stopping beating -
-So… if I'm afraid of dying, I'll become a ghost?! - Naruto lets out a shriek and presses his hands to his cheeks.
The ghost laughs, but denies it. "No, feeling scared before dying is normal. Who isn't afraid of death? Even if you see a wizard who claims not to be afraid, you might very well be afraid of the death of a loved one, which would make you… a serious ghost who would choose to stay."
-You… you chose to stay? –the ghost smiles softly.
-Yeah… -
-I see- then Naruto thinks of something else- can… muggles also become ghosts?
-No, but some animals do - that makes Naruto frown in confusion.
-But at home… there are many ghosts and I know… that they are all people who don't have magic -the ghost thinks about that- I hear… their screams, cries and curses, they are stronger on a specific day, but every year that passes there are fewer ghosts, but still… it's scary-
-They are… just regrets, right?
-Mostly, but I've seen a white shadow or two sometimes, oh! And when I was little I saw a complete ghost once –
-Well, I told you it wasn't possible... but sometimes Muggles can be very stubborn and feel as much pain as we do, so much fear of dying, that they leave a trace of their pain when they leave, although it's the first time I heard of a Muggle becoming a ghost -
- "Maybe… because of the Chakra" - Naruto squirms a little, stretching his arms before realizing that he had let his guard down and immediately tensed up, causing him to jump when the bell rang - I-it's lunch time! - She turns on her heels, but… stops and for the first time gives a small smile and looks into the eyes… of a ghost - Thank you - She takes a step before realizing - Ah! Thank you too! - She mentions to the paintings before running down the path…
-Hey Naruto -Harry greets with a smile when he sees Naruto with Hannah Abbot, the blonde gives him a look and turns her head quickly, both of them pass by Harry quickly.
-Naruto… am I ignoring you? - Ron says and receives an elbow in the arm from Hermione.
-Maybe... I was in a hurry... -Harry knows that's not the case, that Naruto... a friend who he never thought would ignore him like that was doing it... But he decided to believe Hermione, to believe that stupid excuse.
-Naruto -Harry approaches when she sees Naruto walking around the yard, she looks at him and then turns her head a little more and backs up and changes direction, once may be a coincidence, but twice...
-Whiskers, is he still ignoring you? - Fred mentions as he pulls at one of the strawberries he had served himself for breakfast.
-… he does -Harry says looking around, he knew people were looking at him and every time he looked back at them, the others would look away and whisper -Naruto… he doesn't even talk to me in the room-
-That sounds terrible, a whole heir and a whiskered blonde ignores you... how disrespectful! -Harry sighs at that.
...- Do you think Naruto believes that I am the heir in some way? - he asks his two friends as they walk to the potions classroom, going down the stairs.
- No! - they both answered in unison.
-I already told you that she might be busy trying to study-Hermione expands on the false excuse.
-oh planning a prank on you- Ron says and if it was the first time Naruto ignored him, that excuse would be credible enough for Harry.
Harry doesn't even raise a hand to greet his friend when he passes her in the empty hallway, he knew she was here, he'd heard the way she hummed, she looked so... normal, unlike what Harry was feeling - oh Harry! - Naruto greets cheerfully approaching a couple of steps, the boy was surprised, but that hadn't stopped him from frowning angrily and not stopping - wait! can you give this to Ron? -
Harry finally turns around and sees the liquid in a bottle, but doesn't pay much attention and says, "You've been ignoring me." Naruto raises an eyebrow and turns his head looking like a confused kitten.
- Yes? Ron didn't say anything to you? -Harry blinks. -Tell him what? -Naruto turns around as if he heard something and a few seconds later Harry hears footsteps. -Ah! Take it to him! -He leaves the little bottle in Harry's hands and turns around, walking away as fast as he can.
- Why didn't you tell me anything?! - Harry exclaims watching his "friend" eat dinner, leaving the little bottle on the table, Ron swallows deeply and Hermione looks confused at the two.
-It was better this way -Ron says and confuses Harry -Naruto had told me that he made the decision that it was better for him not to be near you while everyone thought you were trying to kill him or control him, he is waiting -
-let everything calm down- Harry sighs in relief, Naruto wasn't really ignoring him...
- Will they be okay? - Naruto asks as he walks with his friends, they had just signed up to stay during the winter break, she wanted to stay, she couldn't bear to think that they might attack her friends, she had kept a certain distance from Harry and made sure that there was no one in the hallways before walking with them.
Ron and Harry look at each other before glancing at Hermione who sighs and gives Naruto a smile -we'll be fine Naruto…. We'll be busy- Ron honestly felt like garbage for not telling Naruto the truth about the All-Purpose Potion and interrogating Draco Malfoy to find out if he was the one who opened the Chamber of Secrets.
-mmh…. Stay safe…. ah! Write me if anything bad happens, I'll be right back -Harry also had a conscience and had just reconciled with her…. it was hard to look her in the eyes, but at the end of the day if they managed to prove that Draco was guilty, Harry couldn't wait for the moment when his innocence was proven…
-Uzumaki - Naruto stops unconsciously upon recognizing the voice, but almost immediately feels sadness invade her and continues moving forward, the scarf around her neck protects her a little from Draco being able to see her face... wanting to get to the train as soon as possible. -Uzumaki - Draco repeated and Naruto wanted to break down and turn around. -Listen to me - Naruto closes his eyes squeezing them and shakes his head seeing the carriages with those horses... which he now knew were Thestrals -….. please - the voice sounded softer... like he had felt it the last few months, Naruto finally gives up and turns around only to be greeted by something soft... Like cotton? On his nose, she takes a step back and sees what the Slytherin had levitated in front of her.
She sees a small stuffed lion, its bright orange mane and unrealistic but adorable face, stretching out a paw and shaking it in front of her in greeting.
I blink a few times in confusion "y-you know it's hard to keep doing that can you carry him?" Naruto looks at Draco before frowning, he takes the little lion and approaches Draco with an overly harsh look.
- Don't try to use me! -she exclaims extending the cute and soft lion towards Draco - don't bribe me -
Draco felt hurt at that and had to look away as he watched Naruto try to grab the lion in his arms… he had thought that Uzumaki seemed a lot like a person who liked soft and fluffy things and so decided to buy a toy and what better for a Gryffindor than a lion -I don't want to use you… - he murmurs not wanting Naruto to really hear, but sadly for the Slytherin, she did and raised a confused eyebrow, Draco takes a breath and speaks -you are talented and… great company - Draco's cheeks blush, the scarf manages to hide it as he lowers his head, looking like a little turtle trying to hide -… my intentions had never been to make Potter squirm because you're… with me - Naruto's frown was unraveling a bit by this point -although… it was a joy to know what made him squirm - then Naruto wanted to roll his eyes and frowned again but this time with less anger than before.
-You wanted to... take Hermione down -Naruto says... still hurt -and you blamed my friend for being the one who's hurting people.
-… belittle -Draco corrects Naruto, something that only makes him look at the little lion in his hands -come on… Potter didn't blame me for being the heir of Slytherin? -Naruto had no comments on that -then the feeling is mutual -Draco rolls his eyes -and… about Granger… -then the Slytherin boy wrinkles his nose and swallows heavily to get the words out -I don't think… she's a bad witch… she's smart -Naruto quickly raises his head and his eyes shine at that, it sounded so sincere.
- Really? - Naruto asks in Japanese and a small smile appears on his face.
Draco's heart warms at the sight of that smile that… this time is directed at him -…. Seriously –
- You promise? - Naruto keeps the lion between his left arm, but raises his right hand sticking out his pinky finger, laughing when Draco lets out a growl, but raises his hand and joins their pinkies.
-So... are we okay? - Naruto looks into Draco's eyes... he can see nothing but hope in those eyes - okay?... you don't want the Slytherin monster to petrify you because of this heir - Naruto is a little surprised at the joking tone... it wasn't a good joke... but at least Draco tried and his attempt made Naruto laugh.
-lo-… wait, the Slytherin monster…? What is it? -this one- Naruto finishes before looking hopefully at Draco now advancing towards the boy - what is the creature!? - she asks and Draco raises an eyebrow in confusion…. he wasn't sure what the creature was either, Naruto was asked another question - Why did you attack Harry with a snake in the duel? -
-W-well -Draco didn't want to damage what he just got -Professor Snape suggested it and I thought it wouldn't be so bad... I mean there were teachers and a lot of people obviously -Draco rolls his eyes at the memory of what Lockhart did with the snake and that he almost attacked Uzumaki because of that teacher -and the creature... I'm not sure? Most likely it was related to Salazar Slytherin -
Then Naruto thinks deeply about everything he knows so far.
" Speaking Parseltongue is not the same as speaking other languages and idioms… it's not right" Neville explains to Naruto "there are very few people who can speak that language and… according to what I heard from the rumors… Salazar Slytherin spoke Parseltongue "
Plus, it's all about snakes then...
Naruto's eyes widen in surprise… he had to find out and… then the Thestrals moved and the carriage had started to move – ah! – she squeals before running towards the carriage climbing on it and then when she's on top she turns around and looks at Draco – bye Draco… I'm sorry for slapping you… you were being an idiot though, see you after the holidays! thanks for saying that – she mumbles at the end and waves goodbye – merry christmas!, ah! I'll send you my present on christmas eve! –
Draco was paralyzed… Everything had taken too many turns… but he had succeeded, he had obtained Uzumaki's forgiveness and… they were friends again…