A/N: So, there's something that I have been keeping to myself. I'm creative when it comes to the plot. I am not creative when it comes to chapter titles. Every so often, I have to pull inspiration from music. As such, some chapters are either lyrics or song titles as easter eggs. Just something to keep in mind.
RonaldM40196867: As far as more stories planned, I've got some one or two-shots that I'd like to do, but I'm trying my best to focus on just this one until I'm done. Least useful spell? Hmmm… Incendio, maybe? Probably because I'm biased toward Confringo. Both are fire-based spells, I only need one!
TheChamp123: I appreciate your honesty. Hopefully you were able to stick around, and enjoy this one!
LameReviewer: Hey, I appreciate your honest review, and all the way through chapter 16, so that tells me you gave it a fair shake! (At least I hope you did. Hope you see this too!)
Happy fan: Happy belated birthday. Not gonna lie, I tried really hard to get this out on Feb 5 because you said that was your birthday. Just wasn't in the cards. Pretty much after I posted chapter 16, I started on this one, then got hit with back-to-back Covid and Influenza. It was a great time, let me tell you.
Monster King: I plan to keep on keepin' on with it! Hope to keep you entertained for a while yet to come!
Killjoy3000: Hope this chapter makes you love it more.
More non-linear story telling this chapter! If you all are confused, I'll come back and put annotations on when and where things are taking place, just let me know!
Chapter 17: Don't Be Afraid
The thrum of blood pumping through his ears was accompanied by the screams and shouts of people under attack. The smell of smoke from fires that engulfed rows of magically enhanced tents filled the air. His breath came out in short pants as the adrenaline fueled his movements. A cackle accompanied by fearful shrieks of children caught his attention. A yellow glow erupted from his forearms and lower legs as he seemed to apparate in between a man wearing a mask in black robes that was standing over a group of four young children that seemed to have gotten separated from their parents. The older man in the mask had no time to react as a blue glowing fist hit him in the solar plexus, blasting him back as he was rendered unconscious.
"Uzumaki, here," Naruto said as he brought his left wrist that supported a thin bracelet on it to his mouth. "Sending another for holding, levy this one with unlawful detention and kidnapping on top of the base charges you have. I have four children as well. I will have my Patronus guide them back to the safe zone."
A metal ear cuff crackled like a muggle radio. "Understood, Uzumaki. We are prepared to receive."
Naruto quickly stepped up to the fallen man and cast an incarceration spell on him. He then pulled out a small metal disk from a pouch on his hip and set it upon the man's chest. He then pulled out his wand and tapped it with an intonation of "Portus." The bound man then disappeared. He then turned his attention to the four children. He created a Patronus, the nine-tailed fox stood at his knee height. "Don't be scared, this is Kurama," he gestured to the Patronus, having given it a name based on the legendary fox from his homeland. "He'll lead you to safety and keep you safe."
The children, still too scared to talk just rose to their feet and nodded. The Patronus then took off at a brisk walking pace, enough to have the children move a bit quickly, but not enough to outstrip them or cause the kids to exhaust themselves. He watched them go until they were within the relative safety of the tree line as they made their way to the safe zone.
Raising his wrist to his mouth again he spoke, "Uzumaki re-engaging," and received an acknowledgement again. He started to run again, looking to help more people. He was just about to leave the area but his ears picked up an ear-piercing scream and cry for help. His legs and arms ignited in a blaze of gold as he took off again wondering just how this day had come to this.
Vasilka had comforted Naruto for nearly an hour before he had cleared his head enough to produce a sample for her to run her test with. She had been more than happy to help him produce it, using her oral skills accompanied by her allure after Naruto let his mental shields slip just a bit. The testing that she had done on it had not taken long and confirmed what she had expected. Naruto was producing sperm cells, but none of the sperm were active. It was like they were all hit with a stunning spell. Additionally, it appeared that there was a slight magical barrier encasing each one that he produced.
"It is as I suspected," Vasilka informed. "Your sperm is being influenced by the curse. None of them are active, so they cannot do as our biology drives them to do and seek out eggs to fertilize. With the amount that you produce, this would not be too much of a problem as they would still have a chance to fertilize an egg. However, the barrier prevents that fully."
Naruto held his head in his hands. His fingers were threaded through his hair as he blew out a breath. "How?" he mumbled to himself.
"'You shall not know home'," Vasilka stated softly. "When you picture home. What do you see?"
The image of a house, him with Hermione, and her pregnant came to his mind. "Ah," the small sound escaped him involuntarily.
Vasilka reached out and rubbed his back in comfort. "I'm sorry, Naruto."
Naruto had always wanted kids as he grew up. He had desperately wanted siblings while growing up, but his birth had been a high risk one for his mother. After nearly dying, she and his dad had decided he would be enough for them. Kushina had then unintentionally placed a thought into his mind that he had to provide her with a whole bunch of grandchildren to spoil.
Anxiety spread deep within his gut as the thought of being unable to fulfil her desire started to destroy him from the inside out.
Daphne sat across a table from Hermione in Muggle London that was close to the brunette's parents' house. Two cups of tea and some biscuits were between them. Both were dressed in normal muggle clothes. Daphne was adorned in a white sleeveless button-up, a mid-thigh-length black skirt, and some sensible, black flats. Hermione was wearing a black camisole under a blue button-up shirt left fully unbuttoned, denim shorts that were mid-thigh-length as well, and new white sneakers.
"This is a charming little café, Hermione. You have beautiful taste," Daphne commented as she picked up her teacup and took a sip.
"Thank, you Daphne. I love coming here to people watch and read. It's so peaceful around here," Hermione smiled, taking a nibble off a biscuit. "Have you been having a good summer so far?"
Daphne smiled as she put her tea back down, "I have! The store is doing magnificently, even with less activity due to it being summer break."
"That's good! I'm happy for you! Did Naruto get around to visiting to make sure none of the donations were cursed like he said he would?"
"He did. Showed up just at the right time as well. Someone thought it was appropriate to empty out their old clothing, but leave the pixies that made their home in there."
"Oh, goodness! That must have been stressful," Hermione said finishing off the biscuit she had been eating.
"It was. I got flashbacks to second year," Daphne laughed.
Both women giggled and complained about Lockhart after that. Both had been smitten with his good looks, but had quickly become disillusioned with him not long after the incident they both remembered.
"So, what was it that you wanted to discuss with me?" Hermione questioned taking a sip of her tea. "Don't get me wrong! I'm having a wonderful time catching up before school starts back up, but with how busy you are, I figure most of your free time would be taken up."
Daphne's baby blue eyes locked with Hermione's chocolate ones, trying to convey what she wanted before vocalizing it. "It's about Naruto."
"What about him?"
"I wanted to let you know that I only have ten more dates with Cassius before our engagement is broken and I'm a free woman, so to speak," Daphne started, folding her hands in her lap. "I wanted to let you know that when I'm free, I plan to pursue Naruto romantically," she paused to let that sink in for the brunette, "and you as well."
Hermione's face lit up with a huge blush. She spluttered for a few moments, unsure how to respond to Daphne's declaration. "I-I… Err… Th-that's…"
Daphne leaned forward, propping her face on her delicate fist, a small pretty smile on her face. "Now, now, Hermione. I made my intentions very well-known last year, if you remember. Naruto has been a fantastic friend and business partner. I couldn't ask for a better man to be my romantic partner as well."
"I agree," Hermione said, blush still flaring on her face as she took another sip of tea. "He is the most amazing man I've ever met. It's no surprise you'd want to pursue him. But," she set her teacup down again, "why would you want to pursue me as well?"
Daphne smiled at Hermione, "Why wouldn't I want to pursue the most brilliant witch of our age?" Her smile deepened just as much as Hermione's blush did. "I know I didn't explicitly say it, but I'm bisexual. Hetero leaning but bisexual, nonetheless. You've already accepted Naruto for his proclivities, and announced your intention to stay as his girlfriend. I wouldn't want to break you two up on my quest to get what I desire. You're both dear friends to me. So, as a solution, I will date both of you, and you both can date me. We'll be a throuple."
"Throuple?" Hermione questioned confused, before it struck her. "Oh, like a couple, but with three people. Never heard it called that before."
"I just came up with it as far as I'm aware. Like it?"
Hermione was quiet for a bit. Her head was swimming with thoughts of her own self-discovery a couple of weeks ago while in the south of France. She took another sip of tea and addressed Daphne. "I have no problem with that, but it'll be up to Naruto as well. I can't speak for him."
The lilting laugh that Daphne released tinkled through the air. "We both know that he'll be thrilled. He wasn't very subtle about how much he liked seeing you and Ino experimenting with him."
Both giggled at that knowing it was true.
The scene Naruto arrived at simultaneously made his blood run like ice, and ignited his fury. A group of eight masked men were starting the inhuman action of raping three women. They were clearly a mother and her two daughters, the youngest looking to be around thirteen or fourteen. Three men had the mother, another three the older daughter, and two the youngest. The women's clothing had been forcefully ripped apart, and their wails of fear and despair had started to croak out as they hurt their vocal cords in their desperation.
Despite the fury boiling in his chest, Naruto reacted as quickly as he could. Four rapidly shot stunners impacted four of the assailants, two on the mother and one each on the daughters were blasted away, rag doll-ing through the air from the force, their pants all around their ankles as they had been preparing to act like mindless beasts driven by lust.
His next action was a stomp and pulse of magic "Statis Apparatum!" A temporary anti-apparition field was erected around the masked men.
The would-be rapists were slow to react, as they all had their pants undone and genitals were exposed, leaving no question as to what their intentions were. "Why can't I apparate?!" one shouted in fear and frustration as he attempted to draw his wand.
Naruto was quicker on the draw with four more stunners that punched through the hastily erected shields like they were wet tissue paper. The four remaining were sent flying just like the prior four had been. As the four landed harshly, the distinct sound of snapping bones was also heard. Quiet apart from the sobs of the near-rape victims settled on the small, forested clearing.
Naruto gave the three women a wide berth to make them more comfortable as he went to collect the eight men. He raised his communication bracelet up. "Uzumaki here. Eight more being sent your way. These ones should be levied with kidnapping, unlawful detainment, battery, and attempted rape."
The metal ear cuff buzzed the voice on the other end was nearly speechless, "Holy shit."
"Permission to dispose of the trash instead?" he asked as he finished casting the incarceration spell on them.
A moments' hesitation let him know that his current contact was sorely tempted, "Denied, Uzumaki. As much as I want to, we must leave this up to the British Aurors."
"Understood. Coming your way," as previous, he pulled out a handful of metal disks, placing them on the chests of all the men before incanting "Portus," eight times. When the eight men were dealt with he turned back to the three women, they were still silently sobbing. The mother had her arms wrapped around her two daughters, who were clinging to each other and their mother.
Naruto approached slowly, hands raised and palms facing them showing he was no threat. When he was about ten feet from the women, he spoke in a soft, calm, monotone voice. "It's okay, you're safe now. They can't hurt you anymore."
The older daughter seemed to find her composure first as she turned to him, a snarl on her face, her wand held shakily in her hand, but pointed directly on him, "Reste en arrière! Ne t'approche pas!"
Naruto didn't need to speak French to get the meaning she was trying to get across. He stepped back a few steps before crouching down trying to make himself as small and non-threatening as possible. "I know, I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner," he said looking her directly in the eyes, noticing for the first time that the three women were similar to Hermione and Daphne in that their auras were very light and he could see them perfectly. "Please, I want to help," he very slowly and deliberately conjured three oversized cloaks. "Take these. I know it's summer, but they will serve you better right now."
He watched the older daughter look from his face to the cloaks a couple of times. Her face hardened and her wand did not lower. "Zend zhem over zlowly."
Naruto nodded and wordlessly levitated the cloaks to the three women. Naruto then took a few more steps back in his crouched position before turning away to give the women some privacy to put them on, so they didn't have to keep clutching their tattered and ripped clothing shut to preserve their modesty. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki. I'm on special dispensation assisting with security here at the World Cup. I know that seems like a laughable claim now, but I assure you that it is true. I'm able to lead you back to the safe zone whenever you're ready. I swear to you on my honor I will not let anything else happen to you on our way back to the Aurors."
The sound of cloth and grass rustling was the only sound for the next minute, along with some whispered French that Naruto didn't understand. Eventually the sounds stopped, and the same voice called to him, "Ztand up and turn around zlowly."
Naruto did as he was instructed. He even kept his hand raised, palms facing the women. All three were draped in the cloaks, the fronts securely fastened closed. The oldest daughter wasn't the only one with her wand drawn and pointed at him, the mother was doing the same, but seemed to be uncomfortable doing so.
"You zaid you can get us to zafety, oui?"
"Yes, I will."
"Zhen you weel lead us."
"Of course. Can I get your names so I can let the Aurors know who I am escorting and to let them know not to attack. You can keep your wands on me the entire time."
The daughter gave a moment's hesitation before nodding. "My name ees Fleur Delacour, zees ees my maman, Apolline and baby seester Gabrielle."
"Fleur, Apolline, Gabrielle. I wish our meeting was under better circumstances, but it is a pleasure to meet you nonetheless," he watched as Fleur translated for Gabrielle who was just now starting to learn English. Apolline obviously understood, but she was still in minor shock. Naruto then turned his head to his left wrist where the communication bracelet was. "Uzumaki here. I am escorting Apolline Delacour and her daughters Fleur and Gabrielle back to the safe zone. They have had a rough night and are in a heightened emotional state, so I am agreeing to let them keep their wands drawn on me as I escort them back."
A beat of silence later and the familiar buzz came out of his ear cuff. "Acknowledged Uzumaki. Announce yourself before you breech the perimeter."
"Roger," Naruto acknowledged. He then nodded to the women. "Okay, let's get you ladies to the safe zone."
After the revelation of him being sterile had hit him, he left the Veela commune the next morning and trekked into a valley a few miles away and unleashed his fury. Naruto had cast every destructive spell that he had learned on the looming valley walls. Several times he had dislodged large boulders and shattered the faces, causing rockslides. He unleashed his anger, his hate, and all his sorrow for the entire day. When Jiraiya approached him, Naruto was barely clinging to consciousness. He was emotionally, physically, and magically exhausted as evidenced by the glow of his eyes being dim and his hair hanging limply, no longer gravity-defying.
Jiraiya had whisked Naruto away back to Magical Britain afterwards, having to return to the investigation into the Death Eater trials. He left Naruto to recover for a few days in the Leaky Cauldron. Being cooped up, he sent out some letters to all his friends letting them know he was back in the country for the rest of the summer. He had received replies from all of them a few days later. Seeing as he was at the Leaky Cauldron, he had gone out and purchased all his next year's materials. Like the year prior, he had spent the time getting out and about. The highlight of his time though was when his beautiful girlfriend Hermione had decided on visiting him. It had been a complete surprise, and he had been elated when she tackled him in a surprise hug and fiery kiss.
Naruto had whisked her away to his room, enacting all the privacy and silencing spells that he could and the two had proceeded to show just how much they had missed each other. Hours of passion and bodily fluid exchange had found the two cuddled up on the bed, Naruto cradling Hermione to his chest.
"You sure know how to surprise a guy, don't you?"
"I think it's just you that I know how to surprise."
"You're probably right. So, had a fun time in France with your folks? I mean, I know so, since your letters said so, but I'd rather hear it directly from you."
Hermione pressed herself closer to him, taking the time to bask in his warmth and unique scent. "It was a good time, but not as good as this right here."
"Oh? Guess none of those French guys could hold a candle to me after all?" he teased, planting a kiss to the top of her head.
"Heavens no. I did as you suggested, and it all felt wrong," she said softly. "Their hands felt wrong, their kisses were wrong, and the one guy I let take me to bed, I didn't even let finish because it felt so wrong. Don't make me do that again."
"Hey, hey," he cooed at her, seeing she was getting a bit emotional. "I won't ever ask you to do anything like that again. If I had known it would be that bad of an experience for you, I wouldn't have suggested it in the first place. I'm sorry. I just didn't want you to think that I expected this relationship to be unequal."
"I understand where you were coming from, but I can safely say after that horrible experience that you are the only man for me," she then placed a kiss on his bare chest over his heart. Just as he thought they would settle into a comfortable silence to bask in the afterglow, she dropped a bombshell on him. "Now, women on the other hand…"
Naruto's eyes snapped open in surprise. Sure, she had experimented a bit with Ino and him, and Penny as well, but she never really came out and said that she had any attraction to women. He thought she had just done that to please him or assert her claim over him as she was wont to do.
Hermione gazed up into his stunned cerulean eyes. "Didn't expect that did you?" A shake of his head was all he could muster. "I talked with Daphne, you know. Were you aware that she wants to date both of us at the same time?"
"She had mentioned something like that," Naruto relayed.
"I was stunned when she said that," she replied, idly tracing random shapes on his chest with her finger. "She said that when her obligations with these betrothal dates are concluded, after the first of the year, she's pursuing us. She wants us to be a throuple. A couple but with three instead of two," she clarified knowing he would have a similar reaction to her initial one as well.
"Makes sense," Naruto commented. "And you're okay with this?" he asked.
"Only if you are."
"Hermione, I'm a guy. Having you two as my girlfriends, my two best friends, that would be a dream come true. That way I could do everything in my power to make you both the happiest women in the world," he said pulling her nearly fully on top of him, causing her to laugh.
"She said you'd have that kind of reaction."
Giggles and snickers erupted between the two.
"So… women, huh? How'd that come about?"
Hermione propped her head up on her hand which she placed on top of his chest. "My last week in France I met this ridiculously beautiful woman…"
They had been walking for several minutes now, Naruto was in the lead, his hands still raised as he led the Delacour women to the safe zone. Naruto estimated they were probably two thirds to three quarters of the way there. He decided that it had been too quiet, and his eyes saw that they were the only magicals around, so he decided that he would try to initiate conversation with them.
"So, you ladies are obviously French. Do you attend Beauxbatons?" he queried.
"Oui, I em een my zeventh year," Fleur replied. "Gabrielle ees just ztarting 'er first year."
"I've always wanted to visit Beauxbatons. I heard that it is beautiful there."
"You 'eard correct. Zhe castle c'est magnifique," she spoke fondly.
"I'd say you should come visit Hogwarts, but if Beauxbatons is even half as magnificent, then you'd be disappointed," he chuckled.
"'Ogwarts? You do not zound British."
"I'm not. I studied magic in Mahoutokoro in Japan and Ilvermorny in the U.S. before I came to Hogwarts," he informed. "Going to be starting my fourth year this year."
"Fourth?!" the scandalized gasp escaped her. "'Ow are you allowed to cast magic? Zhe ministry here ees zhe zame as France, 'ow do you get past zhe trace?"
"That's easy! You have to use a wand made here for the trace to work if you're not a native Brit. I just don't do that and I'm like a ghost here," the grin in his voice could be heard even though he was still walking with his back toward the Delacour women.
"Mon Dieu," Fleur intoned, "Zhat ees good to know."
A comfortable silence passed for a handful of seconds.
"This is a random question, but do you know Hermione Granger?"
"'Ermione? Oui, I met 'er just a few weeks ago. Why do you wish to know?"
Naruto smiled, not that she could see it, "Hermione's my girlfriend." He heard Fleur stop walking and stopped himself. He glanced back at her over his shoulder, noticing the flush blossoming across her cheeks even in the dark. "She told me all about you."
"Err.. I em zorry."
"Don't be. We have a special relationship. C'mon, we're almost to the safe zone," he jerked his head in the direction they were heading. Naruto was correct. Just another minute of walking and they could see the lights of campfires and lanterns and tents emblazoned with the international medical symbol on them. "Let me announce us so we don't get attacked." He then pulled his left hand closer to his face. "Uzumaki here. I'm about to cross into the safe zone on the south border, approximately fifty meters from the eastern border. I am accompanied by Apolline Delacour and her two daughters. As previously advised, I have given them permission to follow me with their wands drawn on me for their peace of mind. Please do not fire upon us."
"Acknowledged, Uzumaki, you and the Delacours are free to enter."
Naruto turned to give them a smile and a nod as he stepped forward into the safe zone, followed shortly by the three women.
"Blimey, Harry! You got one hell of a tan!" Ron gawked as Harry entered the Burrow via the floo. "Looks like you had a good time in The Bahamas."
"It was an amazing time," Harry said, indeed sporting a tan much darker than he had ever done before.
"Hey! You're taller than me now!" Ron remarked again. It was true, Harry had grown a couple more inches in the time he was away.
The Bahamas with Sirius and Remus had been good to Harry. He was feeling healthier than he had ever been. He had packed on even more muscle and weight, Sirius even comparing him to his father back in the day, despite him having grown taller than his father had been. Having been out of the country and interacting with people that didn't know who he was, or his reputation had done wonders for his self-esteem. Who knew just talking with people normally without any pretense was so good for your sense of self?
"Harry! Good to see you!" Molly rushed up and embraced him in her customary mom hug.
"Good to see you as well, Mrs. Weasley," he said returning the hug just a fiercely as he was receiving it. "Where's everyone at? Can't just be you two here!"
"Dad, Fred, and George are out back, doing some chores. Ginny's upstairs with Hermione," Ron informed his best friend.
"Speaking of chores, aren't you supposed to be out there with your father and brothers?"
"I just came in to get some drinks for us all," Ron said, going back to the kitchen to get said drinks. "Come join us when you've got your stuff put in my room! We'll get done a lot quicker with a fifth pair of hands."
"Will do."
"Harry, you're our guest. You don't have to go help them with the chores," Molly said as she did every time Harry volunteered to help around the house.
Harry just smiled, "Guest? You're pretty much family, and family helps family."
The comment struck Molly and caused her to choke up a bit with emotion. "Oh, fine. Have it your way."
Harry gathered his trunk up and turned and started making his way up the familiar stairs to Ron's room. On his way, he glanced at the door to Ginny's room which he knew Hermione would be sharing with the youngest Weasley. Placing his trunk in Ron's room, he returned to the closed door and knocked.
"It's unlocked!" came Ginny's voice from inside.
Harry pushed the door open and stood in the door frame. The reaction was swift. Hermione threw her book down and jumped up, throwing her arms around his neck with a happy cheer of "Harry!" Ginny reacted similarly, encircling his waist in a hug as well.
"Looks like I'm not the only one that got some sun this year," Harry commented on Hermione's tan. It was lighter than his, but still noticeable.
Hermione smiled cheekily at him, "Laying on the beach will do that, won't it?"
"Geeze, you look real good tan," Ginny said as both she and Hermione disengaged from Harry. "When we go to Diagon Alley, I'm going to stick with you and make other girls jealous," she smirked.
Harry just laughed and agreed to it. "When's Naruto supposed to be here again? I had a question for him."
"Not until this evening," Hermione answered. "What kind of question? I may save you some time if I have the answer."
A shake of the head was his response, "It's a guy question, and I don't know if I would feel comfortable asking your dad or brothers, Ginny," he cut her off before she could begin.
The two young women just shared a look of confusion between them as Harry excused himself to go help the Weasley men in the back garden with the chores that still needed doing.
"Alright," Naruto said after escorting the Delacours to the med tent, "I'll leave you all in the capable hands of some of St. Mungo's finest. I'm going to make sure that the detainees are still detained."
"Do you 'ave to go?" Fleur asked. It was obvious that she felt a bit of trepidation still from the experience they had been through. She and her mother and sister were all sitting on a bed that had been brought in as part of the emergency response. Apolline was clinging to Gabrielle, and was barely paying attention to the conversation between her daughter and their savior.
"Yeah, I do," Naruto said with a reassuring smile. "I'm no help in here, unfortunately. I'm just a meathead fighter, no real skill in any of the healing arts beyond the very basics."
"I just- We would feel safer weeth you around."
"I know exactly how you feel, but I have to go make sure there's no one else in danger out there. I left Hermione with a few good witches and wizards, but I still need to make sure she's safe," he smiled reassuringly. "I'll bring her around to see you again when I do, okay?"
Fleur just nodded in agreement, signaling Naruto's departure from the med tent. He jogged over to the detention area quickly. Upon arriving, he was greeted by a familiar face. A young man, with medium-length black hair pulled into a high, spiky ponytail was looking over a report that had been passed off to him by another. He was dressed in robes of the ICW Security Commission, very formal and professional. His brows were knitted together in concentration.
"Shikamaru! What's the sit-rep?" he questioned as he stopped next to his old classmate turned ICW Security Coordinator.
"We've got thirty in custody at the moment," he turned walking toward another tent, this one was secured by wards and guards stationed around it. "How the hell you managed to send us twelve in such a short time span is still just outrageous."
"Any more reports of active combat going on?"
"No, it seems to be slowing down, if there's any left out there, they're staying very quiet."
"Alright, I'll be heading back out."
"Hold up. I want you to see this," he says as he walks into the detention tent. Shikamaru led him to a cage housing a few unconscious and unmasked men. He then turns to Naruto expecting him to be shocked too. The raised eyebrow and confused look he received caused him to let out a long-suffering sigh. "Are you kidding me, Naruto? What have you been doing the entire time you've been at Hogwarts?"
"Do you want the real answer?"
"No. How could you not know any of the more predominant families at the school?"
"I know some of the families!" the indignation did nothing to ease Shikamaru's ire.
"Do you recognize these three?"
"Am I supposed to?"
"I swear, as smart as you can be sometimes, you're still a dumbass," he then gestured to the three men. "Theodore Nott, Sr, Malice Crabbe, Gerald Goyle. These three are fathers of your classmates and Death Eaters who escaped punishment prior due to claiming being under the Imperius. This is huge. You apprehended these three. You sent them with the group of eight."
Naruto's eyes went from curious and surprised to ice cold in an instant. "Well, this time they won't be able to get out of it."
Shikamaru nodded in agreement. He gestured Naruto to follow him out of the tent again. They stopped and Shikamaru opened his mouth to say something when he was interrupted when a green jet of magic was loosed into the air and a giant floating emerald skull with a snake as its tongue appeared hovering high in the air over the campsite. Shikamaru turned to Naruto only to see a yellow flash as Naruto shot off faster than he had ever moved before.
The day after Naruto arrived at the Burrow was full of fun. After de-gnoming the garden, a chore Harry had done himself a couple of years ago, the group all decided to take a walk to the pond that was close enough nearby for them to go for a dip. Naruto introduced them all to an American tradition while swimming: chicken. A game that involved at least 2 pairs of partners, where one partner sat on the shoulders of the other and the two up on top would attempt to push the other over. It was a fun game. Hermione on Naruto's shoulders versus Ginny on Harry's. The two girls screamed and laughed in amusement, even going so far as trash-talking the other playfully.
The first round was Hermione's and Naruto's loss as Ginny's more athletic nature allowed her to get one over on the older witch. Round two and three were Hermione's win, much to Ginny's competitive nature's anger. Round four was Ginny's win with the redhead using underhanded tactics to dismount Hermione. It was decided that the fifth round was going to be the last. The clash was going even, Hermione now aware of Ginny's new tactic. Naruto shouted at his girlfriend to pull Ginny's top off, his own competitiveness coming to play as he wanted to go out on a win with Hermione. Hermione reacted before truly processing the command, grabbing the front of Ginny's bathing suit top and yanking. Ginny's shrill scream was accompanied by Hermione's a couple seconds later as Ginny employed the same tactic. Soon both teams toppled in a draw.
Ginny popped up, using both of her hands to cover her bare breasts. "That's a dirty trick! Give me my top back before the boys see!"
Hermione was less affected by being topless as she had been that way in France. She just stood next to Naruto and taunted Ginny with her bathing suit top. "They're just breasts, Ginny."
"Besides, yours are too small to effect anyone!" George shouted from the other side of the pond.
"We used to have to help you take a bath! It's nothing we haven't seen before!" Fred piled on. The three brothers then erupted in laughter.
"Hermione's rack is way better than yours anyhow!" Ron further egged on.
Ginny seethed at her brothers, face as red as her hair. She was saved further embarrassment by Hermione who walked over and offered to help tie her top back on.
"Aww, come on. Let them get some sun. It's not going to hurt 'em," the comment came from the most surprising person to Ginny: Harry. Her head whipped in his direction, seeing that the boy was subtly leering at her chest. After a couple moments of hesitation, Ginny lowered her arms, fully exposing her girls to Harry's gaze. She saw the corners of his mouth raise minutely in appreciation of what he was seeing.
After that, the four started discussing what their next activity was going to be. It only lasted about ten more minutes, but by the end, Ginny was much more comfortable being topless around the other three, despite two being boys. One who she had a huge crush on and the other whose reputation for being a womanizer was well established at this point. She was slightly jealous as she watched Hermione drape herself over Naruto during the conversation, desperately wishing she could do the same with Harry.
When they decided that they all would get out and that Quidditch would be their next activity, it was only while on dry land that the women put their tops back on. Coaxing the Weasley brothers into Quidditch wasn't hard at all. Ginny had copied Hermione in putting only her shorts and shoes on, but left her shirt off, just wearing the bikini top. She didn't copy Hermione holding onto Naruto's arm like he was going to fly off and disappear forever though. But she really wanted to do it to Harry.
It was dinner that night that Arthur announced that he had won tickets to the Quidditch World Cup, enough for the whole family to attend! He also had two more for Harry and Hermione. Arthur was apologetic to Naruto as he was the odd man out, since he had not received enough for him to be included. Naruto assured him that it was fine as he was going to be there anyway as he was requested to help with event security by the ICW who was going to be coordinating. He said that he wasn't really interested in Quidditch, but he would have time to hang out with them a bit.
Naruto appeared right under the Dark Mark as it set in the sky. His eyes saw the lingering magic of an apparition and a small house elf holding a wand. Before he could look around further, a battalion of Aurors apparated in and immediately started casting stunners in every direction they could. He quickly raised his shields, keeping any of the stunners from catching him. A surprised scream from behind him alerted him to more people.
"Hold your wands! ICW Security!" he yelled out, spells impacting his shields like machinegun fire.
The spells halted almost instantaneously. A quiet fell over the burned and smoldering remains of some unfortunate family's tent.
"Naruto!" a familiar voice had him spinning in place, remembering the voices he had heard on his arrival.
Sensing a welling of magic again, Naruto reacted on instinct. He performed a slide, appearing right in front of the group of his friends, causing Hermione to slam into his back as the others stopped short. A brilliant golden shield erupted that surrounded the group of teenagers as several more stunners and binding spells impacted it, causing Ginny to scream in fear and cling closer to Harry.
"I said hold your wands!" he roared. "They're all students, you jumpy fucks!"
He was interrupted again by more people arriving on the scene, these two were familiar to Naruto – Amelia Bones and Barty Crouch, Snr.
"Dawlish! Status," she barked at a man. One of the 'jumpy fucks'.
"Ma'am, when we arrived on scene, it was just him and this house elf," he said, indicating towards Naruto.
Amelia observed Naruto as he led his friends to the Aurors, taking in his unique attire of a black sleeveless button up that had the seams embroidered in white. His pants were black, loose fit and tucked into his boots. His forearms were adorned with the dual wand holsters that he had been known for the prior year at Hogwarts. Soot from the flittering ash in the air was smudged on the skin that she could see under the green glow of the dark mark hanging in the sky. Though his breathing was calm, a sheen of sweat was evident on him, the muggy unseasonably warm evening air also a factor.
"I don't remember asking for the Sekiseigumi," she stated bluntly, clearly referencing his fatigues. When he was finally close enough that the green light wasn't interfering with the glow of his blue eyes, she finally recognized him. "Mr. Uzumaki. What are you doing here?"
"Madame Bones. I'm on special dispensation by ICW Security," he stopped in front of her and Crouch whose eyes he noted were constantly darting to the house elf who was staring right back at the older man, clutching the wand she had in her hands tightly. "Your Aurors need more training," he felt Hermione's hand grip his tighter in nervousness.
"What makes you say that?"
"Hey! That's my wand!" Harry cried out indignantly, pointing at the wand that was gripped by the house elf.
All eyes turned to scrutinize the house elf who shrank under their gaze, but kept glancing meaningfully at Crouch.
Amelia stomped over and relieved the house elf of the wand. Pulling her wand out, she performed a spell to show what the last spell cast with it was. A smaller version of the dark mark appeared for just a few seconds before dissipating.
"Well, we know what wand was used to cast this spell," she then levitated it back over to Harry, who took it gratefully. "Who is your master?" she asked the elf.
"She's mine, Amelia," Crouch admitted. "I never imagined my own house elf could be so bold as to steal a wand and cast the dark mark."
"Wait, how do we not know he didn't cast the spell and give the wand to the house elf?" the voice of Dawlish asked from several feet away.
Amelia turned to look at the man as if he said the most moronic thing ever. "I don't think Harry bloody Potter would cast the dark mark, let alone know how to do so."
It was evident that Dawlish had been unaware as to who he was accusing as he turned away in embarrassment.
"What are you going to do about that then?" Naruto asked pointing to the spell still lingering.
"It will dissipate after thirty minutes, just have to wait it out," another of the Aurors stated.
Naruto looked at them strangely as he drew his Thunderbird wand and took aim, "Expecto Patronum!" The familiar sight of his kitsune Patronus erupted from his wand, running toward the giant skull in the sky. The Aurors watched on as the Patronus grew and cleanly punched through the mark, the brilliant white glow of the Patronus easily dissipated the green glow of the dark mark, and helped to dissipate the residual lingering magic, letting the brilliant full moon bathe the land in its glow. The Patronus then looked as if it was howling in victory before exploding into a shower of bright motes of magic that started to fall like the embers of a firework.
The gathered Ministry officials just stared at him in shock. He then casually pointed to the sky, "Why don't you just do that?"
Hermione and Daphne both looked at Naruto in concern as he rubbed the back of his neck with some form of anxiety. It was evident that he was trying to broach a topic that he was unsure how to bring up. They were at Madam Puddifoot's having an afternoon tea and some cake after Naruto had finished his assessment of the month of July's donations for Daphne. Hermione, wanting to spend more time with Naruto had volunteered to come along with him. She also may have wanted to see Daphne again since the last time they had seen each other was nearly a month ago at this point.
"Hey," Hermione soothed, reaching across the small table to grab his hand, "whatever it is that you want to tell us, you know you can trust us."
"She's right," Daphne said taking a small sip of tea. "If we're going to be a throuple in a handful of months, we have to be able to have hard discussions."
"I know, and I am going to tell you, I just don't know how to start," the sole male advised.
Both women shared a look of concern. It was uncharacteristic of him not to know how to say something that was on his mind. They gave him a few more moments to collect himself, which was the right move as he seemed to have steeled his resolve.
"Okay. Here it is… I can't have kids," he blurted out. "My curse… It doesn't allow any children to be conceived by my sperm."
The silence that followed the announcement weighed heavily on his mind. He glanced between the two women to see their reactions. Both were looking at him in surprise, not knowing how to react.
"I know that we haven't really had the whole 'kids discussion', but I figure that I needed to let you both know what you're signing up for if you still plan to be with me. If either of you wanted to be a mother, I don't think I'll be able to give you one for a long time, if ever," he advised, letting the words sink in. "I know you both have feelings for me, but I don't want you to throw your dreams away because I'm unable to provide a child for you, y'know?"
The silence stretched on for a few beats before Daphne broke it with a breathy sigh. "Oh, that's all? I thought you were going to say that you weren't going to be coming back next year or something like that. I was prepared to hex you into oblivion and take you hostage so I can get my turn with you after the new year like I've been looking forward to," she joked.
The look that crossed Naruto's face was incredulous. That was not the reaction that he could have ever predicted.
"Oh, don't give me that look. I think I've made it very well-known my intentions with you. If you think not having children is going to drive me away, you're sorely mistaken, love. Besides, do you know how much change my body would go through if we did have a kid? This work of art would never be the same," she said with a faux air of haughtiness about her. "We'll just be the eccentric aunts and uncle to everyone else's kids."
"That actually sounds like a blast," Hermione chimed in, drawing the other twos' eyes to her. "We can go on vacations whenever we want, spoil the heck out of Harry's, Ron's, and Tracey's kids when they have them. Sugar them up and return them to their parents when we babysit them. We can be bad influences like Sirius."
That caused Daphne and Hermione both to erupt into a fit of giggles. Naruto didn't catch what was said between the two women as he just stared at them in awe. He again kicked himself for ever doubting them. A warmth echoed out from his magical core and spread through his entire body, the sensation reacted with both Daphne's and Hermione's, causing them to turn and look at him with curious looks. He wasn't sure what that was, but he could worry about it later. He instead joined in the conversation about becoming eccentric aunts and uncle with his customary wide grin.
Harry glanced down at his wand, looking it over for any imperfections from the casting that the man had performed. He was seated with the Weasleys and his dormmates that had also attended like Seamus, Dean, and Lavendar around a campfire. Hushed whispers between Arthur, Bill, Charlie, and Percy were the only sounds that really broke the quiet.
He gazed around, taking everyone in. Ginny was using him as a pillow, having settled down next to him and lying her head on his shoulder and promptly falling asleep. Seamus and Dean were looking at Ron with a bit of envy as Lavendar had chosen to treat him with the same role of pillow that Ginny had him. The fact that Lavendar was probably the most developed girl out of their year in Gryffindor was the source of envy. Ron didn't know how to react to the pretty girl's actions, just allowing it to happen. Fred and George were counting their gambling winnings from Ludo Bagman. The only way they could have made their prediction more impressive was if they had gotten the score exactly right. Who could have foreseen Ireland winning the cup while Bulgaria got the snitch. It was a match for the ages.
He idly wondered where Naruto and Hermione had disappeared off to. Naruto had been the one to reunite them with the Weasleys in the safe zone, even getting them hot chocolate and conjuring all the blankets that they were using so they didn't have to sit on the dirt and grass. He had then disappeared for about half an hour, claiming that his superior needed him to fill out his report on the events that evening. Upon returning, he had asked Hermione to follow him for a surprise.
He really hoped that they weren't shagging. Not that he was against it, just that it didn't seem appropriate. He glanced back down at Ginny. She was a fun girl, liked him a lot, but had toned down her hero worship from a few years ago. His mind idly wandered to nebulous thoughts of a potential future.
Across the camp, Naruto led Hermione to the med tent that was erected. Hermione was still holding his hand, fingers interlaced as she walked next to him.
"What was the surprise you had for me?" she questioned.
"I ran into someone before I found you. I think you might know them," he answered vaguely.
Stepping into the tent, he led her to a couple of beds that had a curtain erected around both. Light from within the curtains showed that there were three figures within. She looked at him in confusion, wondering who it could possibly be.
"Knock, knock," he announced aloud, causing the shadow figures to turn toward his voice. "It's Naruto, I bring good news and a friend."
The voice that responded was familiar to Hermione's ears, "Please, come een, Naruto." He did as instructed and pulled Hermione in with him. "'Ermione! Quelle surprise!"
"Fleur, I didn't know that you were coming to the World Cup. Ravi de te voir aussi, Apolline, Gabrielle," she greeted the other two women who returned her greeting. "What happened? Are you all okay? Why are you in the med tent?"
"We were attacked. Eight beasts zhat pretend to be men tried to force zhemselves on us. Zhey would 'ave succeeded eef not for Naruto," she smiled gratefully at Naruto who acknowledged her gratitude with a soft smile. "Also, 'ow dare you deed not tell me zhat you were dating zuch a 'andsome and kind man? Especially after all zhat we deed."
Hermione blushed in embarrassment, "I'm sorry! I didn't know how to bring it up!"
Fleur just smiled at Hermione in amusement, "I em only teaseeng. Your boyfriend ees a good man," she looked at Naruto again. "Perhaps I can show 'im zee extent of my gratitude?"
"You don't have to thank me, Fleur. I am still sorry I didn't arrive sooner," he apologized again. "I want you both to know that the situation is under control, and we have detained thirty-six individuals. And I can personally guarantee they won't be getting off with a slap on the wrist. My godfather will be making sure of that."
He could see the tension leaving the three women's shoulders. "Zhat ees such a relief. Again, you 'ave my gratitude. Eef zhere es anyzhing…"
"Don't worry about it, honestly. I was born and raised to do this. Just wish Shikamaru had allowed me to take that trash out," he grumbled. He was not a bloodthirsty person, and he hated killing if it could be avoided. But sometimes, it was just easier to make sure there would never be potential for a next time. He felt Hermione brush her hand up and down his arm in comfort.
"Well zhen, eef you weel not accept my gratitude, I weel let my papa decide 'ow to reward you," she said stubbornly.
A sigh escaped his lips. "Okay, okay. If you're this insistent… Who is your father anyway?"
"My 'usband," Apolline answered the question, "ees zhe French Minister for Magic."
That stunned both Naruto as well as Hermione. Naruto did as he normally did and responded with grace and intelligence. "Oh. Neat."
Or not.
The next morning saw everyone returning to the campsite to pack up and head back to the Burrow. The return trip with the Portkey was just as early as it had been the day prior. The return was made with the addition of Naruto who hadn't been there for the initial trip. He had been let go from his special dispensation and the ICW was planning to present him with some awards in the final week before his return to Hogwarts. Evidently personally bringing in a third of the detainees was enough to get recognition on his name.
The weeks leading up to the ceremony saw the group of friends and the Weasleys preparing for the coming year. There was a weird addition to the list of supplies needed for the coming year, a dress for the girls, and dress robes for the boys. Molly had hinted at there being some special event happening, but she wasn't about to say what it was.
When they concluded, they returned to the Burrow and Ron and Harry both worked on finishing up their summer homework at the last minute as usual. Hermione was exasperated as they begged her for her help, but she was not interested in doing so as she was busy instead helping Naruto catch up in Arithmancy. She had been very persuasive in getting Naruto to sign up, and he was finishing the summer homework along with the other special assignments he was assigned by Professor Vector to prove his proficiency and to get him caught up in the subject.
While it was a good time staying with the Weasleys, Naruto was annoyed by one thing: Molly's resistance to letting Naruto and Hermione have alone time. It hadn't helped their case that they had been caught having sex. Twice. Naruto had been sure that Molly was going to have an aneurysm with how red her face had gotten on the second time. The first time she had caught them she had been embarrassed and had sat the two down for the talk. Which was more awkward than it needed to be since Molly was related to neither, so it felt so much worse. The second time, Molly had been furious at them and chewed them both a new one. Mostly because it was the very next day after she first caught them. At least that was Naruto's guess. Since then, she pretty much recruited the rest of the family to keep an eye on them. Despite both Hermione's proof of being on the potion, as well as Naruto being candid about his issue, she was unwilling to bend in her convictions. A trait that would be admirable in most situations if it hadn't been for both almost-adults becoming sexually frustrated as they couldn't even sneak out of bed at night to get some alone time. And they had one more week of that before they left for Hogwarts.
Naruto grumbled as he tugged at his collar, the slick charcoal three-piece suit was tailored to fit perfectly, but he just didn't like having his collar buttoned. His hand was slapped as Hermione straightened the matching tie and the collar of his burnt orange shirt that complimented his glowing cerulean eyes. His gaze roamed over Hermione and her dress that was a shade or two darker than his suit and fit her just as perfectly as his own suit.
"I swear, you can be so childish sometimes. What am I going to do with you?" she huffed out as she finished the manipulation of his tie and collar.
"Well, I'd bet we can find a secluded room to disappear into and you can think of something then," he suggested, lowering his voice even further to make the husky-gravelly voice rumble deep in his chest, and sending a shiver down her spine as it caressed her eardrums.
A blush spread down her neck to her exposed cleavage, "Naruto!" she hissed in embarrassment as she looked around at all the important people, hoping that none of them had heard him. "Please, this is a very important event. You're going to be recognized for your actions during the World Cup. This is recognition that you deserve!"
The blonde looked like he didn't agree, as a sour look spread on his face. "I was just doing what I was hired to do. Why do I need recognition for just doing what I'm supposed to do?"
Hermione was about to respond when a familiar voice called out, "Ah! Naruto! Hermione! There you are!"
Both turned to see Daphne walking over, her long, silver-blonde hair was pulled and styled in an intricate braided bun. The emerald-colored dress adorning her figure was almost sinful, with a long slit up her left leg that almost reached her hip. Her heels made her stand just a couple of inches taller, but now it felt like she towered over Hermione who had worn some sensible sandals, yet Naruto still towered over her by half a foot.
"Well, aren't you looking just ravishing this afternoon?" Naruto flirted blatantly eyeing her up and down as the two women shared a hug in greeting. Seemed like Hermione's being a hugger had rubbed off on the former ice queen.
"That dress is just amazing on you, Daph," Hermione complimented as they pulled apart.
"Oh please, you're both just as stunning. Love the matching outfits. Very cute," she referenced the matching colors. "I hope that you'll wear a suit for whatever event is planned this year. That suit makes me want to disappoint my father," she joked, but there was a measure of truth in her words as her eyes raked over his figure, and Hermione's in turn.
Naruto chuckled deeply, sending shivers up and down their spines. "Promise me you'll stay this way even after we get together."
"Can't stop, won't stop," she smirked, causing all three to erupt in laughter.
Their merriment died a quick death as another figure approached them, "So this is where you ran off to? Sullying your name talking to the mudblood and half-blood again?"
Naruto reflexively wrapped his left arm around Hermione in a comforting gesture at the bigoted name as he fixed his gaze on the shorter figure of Cassius Warrington. The sneering Slytherin male attempted to put his arm around Daphne, but sensing his intent, she pressed herself into Naruto's right side. She even reached up to grasp his hand as he slung it around her shoulders just like he did with Hermione. The anger that bloomed on his face as veins in his neck bulged while a flush rose across his face was visible to them.
"Warrington," Daphne sneered. "I was asked by my father to make an appearance with you in exchange for me to not have to go on any dates with you next month. I did so. Now you may leave me be for the rest of the afternoon and evening. I much rather prefer my intendeds' company to yours."
The fact she boldly declared it so publicly seemed to trigger his anger more as he flushed a color closer to purple now. "Now you see here, you slag," he hissed out, mildly shocking the trio, "you will submit yourself to me as your station demands. I am your betrothed, and I will be respected! I will not allow you to sully your name further. When I take over as the head of your father's company, all I will need is for you to spread your legs for me and give me an heir and as many other children as I want. You'll be nothing more than a broodmare that I will whore out to close deals if needs be! You. Are. MY. PROPERTY!" he finished his tirade and raised his hand to strike her.
He didn't get far as a nicely polished shoe collided with his chest, just below his sternum, driving the air from his lungs and dropping him to the ground on his back. The purple quickly left his face as his lungs struggled to perform properly as his diaphragm struggled to work again. His eyes were wide, showing that he had never had this happen and his primal instinct to fear death was firing wildly in his head.
"Yeah, just stay down, Warrington," Naruto stated, lowering his foot back to the ground. "You've gone too far this time. I know you're bigoted, and you can call me whatever you want, I've been called worse by better. But when you bring your shitty personality to bear against my precious people, that's when I got a problem."
He squeezed both the ladies on his arms in reassuring half hugs before releasing them and stepping forward to stand over the struggling older man. He was aware of the attention that had been drawn by the outburst and his actions, and as usual, he could not care less about it.
"In case you forgot, Warrington, I'm a special guest here at this event. I'm not the only one receiving awards and recognition, but I'm pretty sure I'm the only one that is receiving them from all three different governing bodies that are presenting the awards today. Do you know what I did to earn them?" he crouched down as Warrington was now breathing heavily, still gasping a bit, but seeming to have regained his ability to suck in a breath when his body said to do so. "I arrested and detained on my own, twelve of the thirty-six Death Eaters that attacked the World Cup. I assisted in the safe guidance of over a hundred innocent people to safety during the mass confusion and terror that those same Death Eaters caused. I saved the French Minister for Magic's family from attempted sexual assault by those same Death Eaters. While you did what?" he shrugged in askance, but the fact the question was rhetorical was apparent. "It's no secret your family has been attempting to curry favor with those purebloods that support those regressive beliefs. I would bet money that your daddy dearest also participated in the mayhem to prove himself, while you cheered them on. This is my one and only warning. Choose your next steps carefully. You cross me while on the wrong side, I will treat you just the same as I did those Death Eaters."
Naruto stood up, glancing around. His glowing eyes locked with a familiar pair, receiving a nod from their owner, Artemis Greengrass. He returned his attention to Hermione and Daphne.
"I gotta stop talkin' so much," he said as he stepped up and slid his arms around the two. "Let's hit up a food table. I could use a drink and some snacks. I can feel myself starting to get hangry."
"Hangry?" Daphne asked, unfamiliar with the term.
"Muggle word for hungry and angry," Hermione supplied helpfully.
"So that's what that's called!" the taller witch said in awe. "That's clever! Yes, let's! I can feel myself also getting hangry."
Shortly after the trio attacked a refreshment table and Naruto calmed down a bit, the award ceremony started. The pomp and circumstance of the event still rankled Naruto's ire. Watching people that he knew in passing and some that he was very familiar with receiving special pats on the back for doing what they were supposed to do was annoying. When it was finally his turn, he walked up on stage to the cheers of Hermione and Daphne right up front as well as the enthusiastic cheer of Gabrielle Delacour at the back of the gathered witches and wizards. He was presented with three awards. One he was amused to receive as Cornelius Fudge had to be the one to present it to him. It was an Order of Merlin, First Class, Magical Britain's highest magical award. Evidently that's what personally taking down Death Eaters - and a full third of those detained at that - earned you. Dumbledore was there in his capacity as the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW. From the ICW he received a Commendation of Meritorious Courage. It was akin to the Order of Merlin, but not as prestigious. The medal itself was cooler than the Order of Merlin badge in his opinion. Finally, from Frederique Delacour, he was presented with a full French citizenship. This allowed him to freely enter and exit France at his leisure as well as a cash reward of fifty thousand galleons. He hadn't been expecting that from the man, especially not having had the chance to meet him prior to the ceremony.
The ceremony wrapped up shortly after. After agreeing to speak further with Frederique after he gathered his family, Naruto joined his girlfriend and best friend. Before he could do more than thank them for their support, he was interrupted by yet another familiar voice. What was it with people interrupting him so much?
"My baby boy!" he was summarily engulfed in a ferocious hug from the short redhead that was his mother. The edges of his vision started to darken as his mother's hug persisted in both strength and duration right around his windpipe.
End Chapter 17
A/N: Finally got this one out! Back-to-back illnesses sucks so hard. I am aware I have probably lost a lot of people from my last chapter, and that's okay if people didn't like it or the subject matter within. Everyone has opinions and it's okay to disagree. Maybe some of those prior would give this chapter a fair shake as well. Oh! As mentioned up top, keep an eye out for those hidden easter eggs in chapter titles! Not every one has a song reference, but there's been a few! Til the next time!