The Kunoichi and The Potion Master

Chapter 4

Naruko observed the grounds from her window perch in silence. Her figure still and unmoving; despite her new position as assistant she still took her guard duties seriously, rotating between herself and various clones that she had henged and spread around the school.

She sighed, it was times like these that she found herself missing the fox and the growling insults. Anything was better than the oppressive quiet. Suddenly a rustle of fabric and the scent of herbs made itself known making her lips twitch slightly in amusement before a silky voice spoke from behind her.

''Miss Uzumaki, if you are trying to set an example for the students on proper behaviour sitting on windowsills in the middle of the hallway is not the way to go about it.''

''Good evening to you to Severus.'' she murmured, climbing down from her seat with the lithe grace of a cat.

Severus scowled, '' I haven't given you leave to use my name, Uzumaki.''

Naruko gave a small smirk, ''I know but it has such a nice ring to it, I just couldn't resist.''

''Well then restrain yourself in the future!'' he snapped irritably before striding away down the darkened hallway.

Naruko felt her lips curve into a grin as she quickly caught up with the potions master and ignoring the sneer he cast her way began to engage him in random conversation.

...

Severus Snape came to a halt in front of his chambers, flicking a glance toward the blonde that continued to follow him, her blue eyes glinting mischievously.

''Not that I don't find your incessant prattle interesting but don't you have somewhere to be?'' he growled lowly, dark brows set into his famous scowl.

''No, why am I bothering you?'' she questioned with a quick smile.

He gritted in teeth in annoyance,'' Yes , now why don't you go find someone else to pester ?''

Naruko pretending to consider the thought before grinning at the sullen man.

''I don't think it will. You see, I would very much like to be your friend Severus.''

''Oh and pray tell what is so interesting about my company Uzumaki?'' he sneered mockingly.

Naruko let her smile slip and ever do slightly dropped her mask, ''Because we are more similar than you like to think .'' she stated with a humourless smile before turning away from the potions master.

''Good night, Severus.'' she called as she vanished down a corner.

Severus watched her go in silence, mind still reeling with the sudden mercurial shift in personality from his new assistant. That night as the resident potions master went to sleep his dreams were riddled with blue eyes ravished by loss and haunted by the mistakes of the past. Eyes that were similar to the ones that stared back at him every morning from the mirror.

Just who are you Naruko Uzumaki...

...

(The next day)

Naruko now regretted showing her hand at breakfast that morning as she felt the dark man's eyes boring holes into her as she sipped her tea. It was amusing in the beginning but as the meal progressed it became annoying.

''Is there something on my face Professor Snape?'' she murmured, blue eyes meeting onyx pools of frustration.

''Why the sudden honorific, I thought you enjoyed annoying me?'' he shot back, smothering the unbalanced feeling from her sudden change behind his usual sneer.

''I do but something tells me that you wouldn't appreciate the public displays of affection.'' she replied with a chuckle.

''And miss the chance of destroying the sanity of the budding youth? I think you underestimate me Uzumaki.'' he drawled idly twisting his fork with long pale fingers.

Naruko stared at him in shock, ''Did you just make a joke?''

"Nonsense, as most of the faculty and student body will tell you I lack a sense of humour. And I shall have to injure you if you insist otherwise.''

Naruko felt a bubble of laughter erupt from her throat, causing more than a few students to stare at the staff table.

Dumbledore merely watched the proceedings while giving a quiet chuckle, at the couples bickering and ignoring the other teachers inquiring looks, heartily tucked into his bacon and eggs.

A/N:

Okay for the sake of the story Naruko will have delved deeper into the sealing arts and was taught alot more sealing techniques when she was travelling with Jiraya. She will also have her healing abilities but not to the extent as cannon as Kyuubi isn't boosting it any more and is no longer within the seal. As for why she is so good at potions its because as a ninja they have to be precise in their movement s and wielding knives are simple. As for the knowledge, she's had plenty of practice with information gathering, studying etc. during her period of solitude.

Severus Snape: 29 years old

Naruko Uzumaki: 21 years old

R and R!