A crimson glow covered his eyes. Itachi Uchiha knew it was the end. The pain of death tormented his body, every cell screaming defeat. He saw his younger brother, Sasuke, his hatred and thirst for revenge, but in Itachi's eyes there was only calmness, and... hope. Hope that his sacrifice would not be in vain, that the future of the village would be protected.
But instead of falling into eternal darkness, Itachi felt something else. An unknown force, powerful and unfathomable, was tearing him apart and immediately reassembling him. The world around him turned a kaleidoscope of bright colors and then fell into absolute silence.
He opened his eyes. Not the tired eyes of a warrior who had seen so much pain, but the small, clear eyes of a baby. He was lying in a cradle, warmly wrapped in a blanket, and a strange woman with a soft smile was leaning over him.
"Welcome to our world, Itachi," came a melodious voice.
Itachi?
Had... had he been... reborn?
When he opened his eyes again, an unfamiliar face appeared before him, radiating tenderness and care. It was a woman with long, black hair gathered into a tight knot. Her eyes, dark and deep, looked at him with warmth, in them he vaguely recognized features that reminded him of his own clan.
"Our little Itachi," the woman whispered, and her voice was full of love.
"Our boy."
Slowly, day by day, Itachi began to realize that he had been reborn. He was an infant, a child. And he was surrounded by a world unlike the one he knew.
The woman who called herself Mikoto Uchiha appeared to be his mother, and the man with a stern look similar to his own, Fugaku Uchiha, his father. They lived in a large old house full of mysterious objects.
Itachi tried to act like a normal child, but a cauldron of memory was simmering inside him. He remembered his past life, his skills. But he realized that now he was weak, vulnerable, and would have to adapt to a new reality.
Years passed. Itachi grew up surrounded by care and attention. His parents, though strict, loved him with all their hearts. He watched them use strange wands to create magic and was mesmerized by their ability to control the elements.
Itachi was an intelligent and inquisitive boy. He was a quick learner and excelled at everything he took on. He read books and studied the history and culture of his new world. He was eager to understand magic, but was slow to show his interest. He realized that any display of unusualness could raise questions.
While playing in the garden, Itachi accidentally tripped but didn't fall, instead he slowly hovered in the air for a moment before sinking back down to the ground. He was as surprised as his parents, who were watching from the window.
"It happens," Fugaku muttered, trying not to show his surprise. He knew that children often showed magic in this way, especially when their emotions took over.
Itachi, on the other hand, began to observe his emotions more closely. He realized that they were the catalyst for these outbursts. He had to learn to control them for more than just his own safety.
At the same time, the tuberculosis that Itachi had inherited from his past life was not receding.
The coughing kept him down, especially at night. Mikoto and Fugaku, concerned about his son's condition, bought special potions for him, which helped, but only temporarily. Itachi tried not to show his weakness, he remembered the pain he had caused those around him when he was sick in the past.
At the age of eight, another turning point occurred.
Sitting in his room, he was going through old books when he felt a burning sensation in his eyes. A sharp pain shot through him and the world around him went dark. When his vision returned, he saw everything in a new light. His irises were bright scarlet, and two tomoes flaunted on them.
Sharingan! Itachi couldn't believe it. Had his power been reborn with him?
He was startled and immediately suppressed the awakening of his power, returning his eyes to their former color. This became his secret.
He continued to grow, outwardly remaining an ordinary boy, but within him lurked secrets and powers he had yet to uncover. He studied magic by watching his parents and trained in secrecy using his skills from his past life.
Itachi realized that life had given him a second chance, and he had no intention of missing it.
The eleventh year of Itachi's life began with a surprise. On the day of his birth, when he woke up with the first rays of sunlight, he noticed a parchment tied with a purple ribbon on the windowsill. On the envelope, written in elegant script, was Itachi Uchiha, Uchiha Manor, Scotland.
Itachi's heart beat faster. He already knew what the letter was. An invitation to Hogwarts.
He quietly got out of bed and went downstairs, where he found his parents at breakfast. They smiled at him and Mikoto, without waiting for him to say a word, said with a beaming smile:
"Happy Birthday, Itachi!"
Fugaku nodded, and his eyes glowed with pride for the first time in a long time.
Mikoto and Fugaku told him about Hogwarts, its history, the four faculties, the mysteries and wonders. They talked, but there was a note of worry in their voices. They had led a reclusive lifestyle, after all, and sending Itachi out into the big, noisy world of the school was not easy for them.
"We've set aside all the necessary shopping for your birthday, Itachi," Fugaku said.
"Tomorrow we'll go to Slant Lane."
All night Itachi couldn't sleep. He went over everything he knew about Hogwarts in his mind, wondering what lay ahead.
He tried to keep his Sharingan under control, but sometimes it flared up, giving away his excitement.
The next morning, after a quick breakfast, they apparated.
Slant Lane. It was exactly as Itachi had envisioned it from the books. Cauldron stalls, mountains of books, wand stores and owl cages all mottled with colors and smells. Itachi walked beside his parents, looking around carefully. He tried not to show his amazement, but there was a real storm raging inside him.
The first thing they did was stop by Madame Malkin's mantle store.
Then they went to Books and Scrolls, where Itachi was picking out textbooks for Hogwarts. He stopped in front of a shelf of books on Defense Against the Dark Arts. He picked up one of them and ran his fingers over the cover.
"Interested?" - Mikoto asked, noticing his gaze.
"Just studying," Itachi replied. He knew that defense against the dark arts was an important part of learning, especially for him.
They had purchased cauldrons, potion ingredients, quills and ink, and it was finally time to visit Ollivander's Shop.
Itachi stopped in front of the door.
Inside they were greeted by Ollivander, a tall, skinny old man with silver eyes. He looked at Itachi with interest, as if he could see right through him.
"Uchiha," he spoke in a quiet voice,
"Very interesting. It's been a long time since there's been a wizard from that family recently, as far as I can remember. So, uh... Let's give it a try."
He started going through the boxes of wands, looking for one that he thought would fit Itachi. One by one, the wands bounced off of Itachi, creating strange effects: then an icy wind flew, then a bright light flashed.
Finally, Ollivander stopped, holding out a long, dark wand to him.
"Hawthorn, unicorn hair, ten inches, somewhat flexible," he said.
Itachi took the wand in his hand. As soon as his fingers closed around it, he felt a warmth and strength coursing through his entire body. He looked at Ollivander, and he nodded with a slight smile.
"Yes, that's her. Very interesting," muttered the old man.
"Hawthorn is a rather difficult material and not everyone can do it, and unicorn hair has the truest magic, but is not as powerful as dragon hair or a phoenix feather. I'm sure this wand will help you achieve great things, young Uchiha, but only in your hands. It will take your character and your will."
They left Ollivander's Shop with a sense of accomplishment.
Itachi clutched his wand, feeling its magic pulsing in his hand. He knew he had a difficult path ahead of him, but he was ready.
His parents looked at him with pride. They realized that their son had entered a new stage of life, and they were ready to support him in everything.
September 1st
A day that Itachi looked forward to with excitement, but also with a dose of anxiety. Waking up early in the morning, he quickly dressed and went downstairs where his parents were already waiting for him. The atmosphere in the house was filled with anticipation and sadness at the same time.
After a hearty breakfast, Mikoto and Fugaku escorted Itachi to the fireplace. They apparated to a small inn near London's King's Cross Station. It was a way to avoid unnecessary eyes, as their family still preferred to stay in the shadows.
Fugaku checked the time on his pocket watch and nodded
"It's time, Itachi."
They stepped out onto the bustling street and headed towards the train station. Itachi watched the hustle and bustle carefully, absorbing every sound and movement. He couldn't help but compare this world to the one he had left in his previous life - both full of people, but so different.
Upon reaching the correct platform, Mikoto and Fugaku stood at the pillar between platforms nine and ten.
"Now listen carefully, Itachi," Mikoto said.
"To get to Platform Nine and Three Quarters, you need to go through this column. Don't be afraid, just go straight ahead."
Fugaku added
"And don't forget about us. Write to us often. And take care of yourself."
Itachi nodded, trying not to show his excitement. He hugged each of his parents, feeling their warmth one last time before heading out into the new world. He knew they were worried, but he also knew they were proud of him.
With his suitcase in one hand, Itachi took a deep breath and took a determined step towards the pillar. For a moment he felt a slight tingling sensation, and then... he found himself on Platform Nine and Three Quarters.
Itachi looked around. The platform was full of wizards of all ages. Noise and noise like any train station, but this one was special - magical artifacts flashed everywhere, suitcases flew by themselves, and owls' whoops came from the cages. He had never seen so many wizards in one place.
The red steam train, the Hogwarts Express, puffed and let out puffs of steam, ready to depart.
Itachi walked down the platform, trying not to draw attention to himself. He found a vacant compartment and placed his luggage.
Itachi took a seat by the window and began to survey the platform through the glass.
He saw a boy with bright red hair hugging a woman and then running towards the train. Other children passed by, some quiet and shy, others boisterous and scraggly. He began to notice small manifestations of magic around him - suitcases that flew without anyone's help, or a scarf that randomly changed color.
Soon a whistle sounded, and the train touched down. Itachi stared out the window as the platform was left behind.
He was on his way to Hogwarts, the place where he was to study, grow, and learn magic. He clutched his wand in his hand feeling its power pulsing through him. He was ready for new challenges, ready for adventure, ready for a new stage in his life.
The ride on the Hogwarts Express passed in relative silence for Itachi. He spent most of the time watching the scenery float by outside the window.
Finally, the train slowed down and came to a stop. Voices could be heard in the carriages, students hurriedly gathering their belongings, anticipating their arrival at Hogwarts. Itachi picked up his suitcase, getting ready to leave.
When he stepped onto the platform, he immediately felt the cool, moist air. It was as bustling as King's Cross Station, but the atmosphere was different, more magical, more mysterious. The platform was lit by flickering lanterns, and at the far end could be seen a narrow path leading somewhere into the darkness.
The students crowded up ahead, and Itachi, following them, slowly made his way forward. He took his time, trying not to stand out from the crowd. He watched carefully, trying to memorize every detail.
Itachi noticed a large figure that stood out from the rest of the crowd. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a thick, dark beard and long hair that was hidden under a large, shaggy hood. His face looked good-natured, despite his imposing appearance. He held a large lamp in his hands, which illuminated his face and the path in front of him.
"Freshmen, over here!" - came his loud, good-natured voice.
"All freshmen, follow me!"
The crowd of students began to move towards him. Itachi, keeping slightly behind, followed everyone else. They walked down a narrow path that soon led them to the shore of a large, dark lake. On the other shore, towering over the water surface, a majestic castle could be seen. It was Hogwarts.
Small boats were waiting for them at the shore of the lake. A man with a beard helped the freshmen get into them, and soon they set off from the shore. Itachi sat in the boat with three other students, not knowing anyone. They were focused on what was to come, and only occasionally exchanged quiet phrases.
They silently looked at the castle that was gradually approaching them, growing larger by the minute. Its towers and spires rose majestically above the lake, and its windows glowed with a warm light, as if inviting them in. Itachi could feel the excitement building up inside him. This castle was not only a place where he was to learn, but also a new world full of mystery and possibilities.
The boats docked at the shore, and the freshmen, one by one, came ashore. A man with a beard, who introduced himself as Hagrid, said
"Follow me, freshmen! Distribution will begin soon!"
The freshmen, without any hesitation, lined up again and followed Hagrid as if mesmerized by his imposing appearance. Itachi tried to keep his eyes on the castle, trying to memorize every detail of it.
After passing through the massive oak doors, the freshmen found themselves in a spacious hallway. It was an impressive place with high ceilings and stone walls decorated with torches that cast bizarre shadows. The massive doors leading to the Great Hall could be seen up ahead, but they were closed for now.
A tall, thin woman stood in the center of the hallway and stepped forward. Her face was stern, but her eyes read wisdom and kindness. She was dressed in a dark robe and wore a pointed hat.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said in her clear, confident voice.
"I am Professor McGonagall, vice-principal. Before you join your fellow students in the Great Hall, you will have to go through a placement ceremony. It will determine which of the four faculties you will study in."
She paused, letting her words sink into the minds of the freshmen. Itachi listened intently, trying to memorize every word she said.
"There are four faculties at Hogwarts, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Clawton, and Puffendui."
"Your placement will determine who you will study, live, and compete with. Throughout the school year, faculties will compete for points. Points are awarded for academic success, for following the rules, and for being honorable. But points will also be taken off for infractions, misconduct, and inappropriate behavior. The faculty with the most points by the end of the year wins the Hogwarts cup."
Professor McGonagall looked around the hallway, as if checking to see if everyone understood her words. Itachi realized that this was a system to encourage both success and discipline.
"I will leave you alone for a while. Please remain quiet and orderly. When I return, we will continue."
With those words, Professor McGonagall turned and headed for the Great Hall doors, disappearing behind them. After she left, a silence hung in the hallway, which was immediately broken by a quiet whisper.
Itachi turned his attention to the small group of freshmen in the front rows. A boy with a pale face and blond hair, wearing a robe of expensive fabric, was haughtily saying something to a boy with black, disheveled hair and round glasses.
"They say it's true, don't they?" - uttered the boy with the blond hair. His voice was loud and harsh, and his words reached Itachi, who was standing a little further away.
"Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts."
A whisper drifted through the hallway. Itachi noticed many of the children begin to look over and point their fingers at the boy with black hair. Even those who hadn't shown interest before began to look in his direction.
Itachi inwardly tensed up. Harry Potter. He knew the name.
He'd heard many stories about this boy - how he'd managed to survive a confrontation with a dark wizard as a baby, how he'd defeated him with no magical training.
The blond-haired boy continued with arrogance, "I'm Draco Malfoy. And I think you and I are going to be good friends."
Itachi involuntarily frowned slightly. Draco Malfoy. He knew that last name. He had read about the Malfoys in the history books of the magical world, studying their connections and influence. They were an ancient and influential family, known for their connections. They were wealthy, ambitious, and always seeking power. His analysis immediately gave him a complete picture of the family, and their place in this world.
At that moment, the doors to the Great Hall opened, and Professor McGonagall appeared in the doorway.
"Please follow me," she said, inviting the freshmen to enter.
The freshmen, revitalized, began to move towards the doors in a crowd. Itachi, trying to keep up, followed them, analyzing the information he had received.
The freshmen, led by Professor McGonagall, entered the Great Hall.
The high walls, decorated with tapestries, went upward, losing themselves in the semi-darkness of the vaulted ceiling, which was so high that it seemed endless. Thousands of candles floated in the air, illuminating the room with a soft, warm light and creating a sense of magic.
Along the walls were four long tables where students in robes of different colors sat, creating a bright palette against the stone walls. At the far end of the hall, on a dais, stood another table, the teacher's table.
Professor McGonagall led the freshmen to the very beginning of the hall, where there was a small wooden chair and an old, tattered hat next to it. The freshmen settled on the floor in front of them, and the silence in the hall was replaced by quiet whispers.
McGonagall looked at all the freshmen and raised her hand. Immediately there was complete silence.
"The distribution ceremony will now begin," she said in her clear voice
"But before we begin, the principal would like to say a few words."
With those words she stepped aside and a man with a long white beard and a good-natured look stepped onto a small platform next to the teachers' table. It was Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School.
His voice was calm, yet filled with power and wisdom.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," he said
" And a special welcome to you freshmen. I hope this year will be full of discovery and adventure for you."
Applause erupted in the hall, which quickly subsided when the principal continued.
"Before we begin the placement ceremony, I would like to remind you of a few important rules that you must abide by. First, as always, it is forbidden to go into the Forbidden Forest. Secondly, the corridor on the third floor that leads to the right is also off-limits to anyone who doesn't wish to die a painful death."
A quiet whisper drifted through the hall. Itachi listened intently to the headmaster's every word.
Dumbledore smiled, as if seeing the students' reactions.
"Now that everyone has been warned, I suggest we get down to the most enjoyable part of our evening - the assignments."
He nodded to Professor McGonagall and she stepped forward, holding a parchment in her hands.
"When I call your names, you will take turns coming up and sitting in this chair. A Distributing Hat will be placed on your head, which will determine which faculty you are most suited for" she said, and her voice echoed in the hall.
Professor McGonagall began to read the names from a long scroll. The freshmen, one by one, walked over to a chair, sat on it, and put on the old, tattered Distributing Hat. The hall would freeze in anticipation, and the hat, after a brief moment of deliberation, would call out the name of the faculty: "GRYFFINDOR!", 'SLYTHERIN!', 'CLAWTON!', 'PUFFENDUI!'. Every time a faculty name was called, his table exploded with applause and shouts of cheers.
Itachi watched, analyzing how the hat makes decisions.
It sees not only abilities, but also personalities and desires. He mentally prepared himself for what awaited him when his turn came.
Finally, it was his turn as well.
"Uchiha, Itachi," Professor McGonagall said, and there was silence in the hall. Itachi calmly walked over to a chair, sat down in it, and put on his hat.
For a moment, everything around him seemed to disappear. The voice of the hat sounded in his head: Hmm... Interesting...
You're not like the others, young Uchiha. You are strong, determined, and your courage knows no bounds. You could have made it in Gryffindor, there's no doubt about that.
Itachi remained silent, giving the hat a chance to analyze him.
But you have a mind and a hunger for knowledge, like the Clawmen. Your mind is sharp, and you can see things that others can't. And of course, you are not lacking in cunning and ambition. You have all the qualities of a Slytherin. You could accomplish a lot if you wanted to.
But let's not forget your loyalty and hard work, young Uchiha. Puffendui wouldn't be a bad choice either. All of these qualities can coexist harmoniously in you, but I feel... that there's more to it than that...
Itachi tensed involuntarily. The hat saw more than he realized. It sensed his past, his desire for power, his need to control the situation.
Yes... I see... You seek power, but not for the sake of power itself. You're willing to do whatever it takes to protect what you hold dear, and you're not afraid to make tough decisions. You realize that the world is far from perfect, and you're willing to do whatever it takes to get justice, even if it means going against the tide. You're not lacking in ambition and cunning. So where, where will you prove yourself best?
There was a tense silence in the Great Hall. Usually the Allocating Hat didn't spend so much time choosing a faculty for a first-year student. The upperclassmen began to whisper and glance around, and even Dumbledore stopped smiling for a moment. Itachi realized that, against his wishes, he had attracted unwanted attention.
Itachi tried to remain calm, not giving off the slightest emotion. He realized that this delay would only make it harder for him to go unnoticed, but he couldn't influence his choice of hat.
Finally, after a seemingly endless pause, the hat loudly proclaimed: "SLIZERIN!"
Applause erupted at the Slytherin table, but there was still a sense of tension in the room. Itachi calmly removed his hat and headed towards his new faculty. He noticed that many of the students were looking at him with curiosity, and even a few of the teachers exchanged glances.
Itachi took a seat at the Slytherin table and looked at the other Slytherins.
He realized that he wouldn't be able to just get lost in the crowd now, and that he would have to be even more careful.
All the freshmen were now assigned, and there was an air of excitement and anticipation in the Great Hall. Itachi sat at his desk, listening intently to the speeches of the headmen and teachers, and planning his next actions, realizing that he needed to rethink his strategy of behavior.
After the Distributing Hat had finished its work, there was a stir in the Great Hall. Dumbledore rose from his seat and said with a broad smile
"Now that everyone has been distributed, let us enjoy our traditional feast!"
In the same instant, countless dishes appeared on the tables. The flavors wafted around the hall, making the stomachs of all the students rumble with hunger. Itachi was no exception, though his interest in food was driven more by necessity than hunger.
He watched as the other students piled on the food, laughing and talking. He, on the other hand, studied his tablemates quietly, trying to remember as much information about each of them as possible. It was noticeable that the Slytherins were more reserved in their emotions than students from other faculties.
Itachi ate leisurely, trying not to draw too much attention to himself. He tasted different dishes, marveling at the variety and flavor of magical cuisine.
The feast lasted for quite some time. During this time, Itachi was able to study his neighbors a bit. Among the Slytherins, he noticed several boys who, judging by their manners, were from noble families. There was also an older boy who was watching him with great curiosity - he was probably the head boy.
Finally, when everyone had had enough to eat, Dumbledore stood up and there was silence.
"Now the headmen will take you to your lounges where you can rest after a long day" he said and all the students started to get up from their seats.
Itachi followed the other Slytherins who were following their headman. They left the Great Hall and headed down the spiral staircase.
With each step, it was getting cooler and the atmosphere around them was changing. Muffled sounds, stone walls, and torches casting eerie shadows all created a sense of mystery.
They stopped in front of a painting, and the Headmaster spoke some sort of password, after which the wall slid open, revealing the entrance to the Slytherin sitting room.
Beyond the passageway, the Slytherin living room awaited them. It was a spacious room with shades of green and silver. Soft armchairs and sofas, a fireplace with a fire burning in it all created an atmosphere of coziness and tranquility. But the most impressive thing in this living room was the window. A large, full-wall window, it looked out directly into the lake at the bottom of which Slytherin was located.
Itachi walked over to the window and froze. Behind the glass there was life - flocks of fish swimming by, algae rippling in the water, and occasionally other aquatic life could be seen. The light from the fireplace created bizarre shadows in the water, making the view even more mesmerizing.
The headman spoke up: "Welcome to the Slytherin drawing room. Your belongings have already been laid out in your bedrooms. A new day awaits you tomorrow, so I suggest you all get a good night's rest."
Itachi, like the other freshmen, followed to the dormitory. It was spacious, with several beds, each with a chest of his belongings by it. He quickly changed into his pajamas, sorted out his things, and got ready for bed.
Taking out a small vial of pale green liquid from his chest, and a small vial with a couple capsules in it. He drank the liquid and swallowed the capsules, trying not to attract too much attention. They were potions and medicines that helped him deal with his tuberculosis.
He knew there were many challenges and discoveries ahead of him.
P.s
I completely changed the first chapter, it used to be just a sneak peek, I wanted to get to the main events and quality plot twist faster, but apparently many people don't like the speed of the action at the beginning and miss out on a wonderful fanfic... which just makes me sad.
