The Kunoichi and The Potion Master

Chapter 6

Disclaimer:

Please note that this story will take place in the third year of Harry Potter. I don't own any of Naruto or Harry potter characters.

Chapter 6:

Remus Lupin couldn't help but stare at the mysterious blonde especially after the meeting with young Harry Potter. He noticed how tentative she seemed as if she had not been around others for a long time and how hesitant she was with the students, almost as if she was afraid that she would hurt them or something. The most interesting aspect was how she managed to draw Snape out of his brooding shell, by engaging him in conversation or subtle bickering; he had even noticed how the two seemed to lean toward each other as if they were surrounded in their own private world, the slight lingering of a hand passing a jug, it was intriguing to say the least.

Another trait of the blonde that baffled him was her scent, it was faintly coppery as if she had recently bled with a faint hint of steel and herbs. Lately however it seemed as if a dark cloud hovered over the two, her smiles were less frequent and never seemed to reach her eyes while Snape brooded and cast what almost seemed like regret filled glances in the blondes direction.

…

Lupin wasn't alone in his observations, Albus Dumbledore watched the two with concerned eyes devoid of their usual twinkle. He had the other heads of houses complaining all week about the renewed viciousness of the Potions Master and the Shinobi's unusual silence was unsettling. It was clear that something had happened between the two and he intended to rectify it.

…

Severus stalked toward the Headmaster's office with a dark scowl in place, the Gryffindor's had just destroyed four cauldrons while brewing a simply dizziness draught for merlin's sake! And what was worse was the fact the Naruko wasn't even speaking to him unless he asked her a direct question.

''Sugar quills.'' he growled at the grinning gargoyle before striding up the rotating stairs and entered the office, not even bothering to knock.

Dumbledore was seated behind his desk, a thoughtful frown on his face as he stroked the phoenix that was perched on his shoulder.

''Headmaster you sent for me?'' he intoned, face blank as the penetrating dull, blue eyes of Dumbledore met his.

''Take a seat Severus, Lemon drop?''

Severus stared at the bowl of muggle candies with barely concealed disgust as he sat in a high back chair., ''No thank you.''

''Pity. '' Dumbledore hummed before fixing the man with a sharp look, his usual grandfatherly demeanour vanishing and making Severus stiffen.

''Severus, is there anything you wish to tell me? Something weighing on your mind perhaps?'' he continued, peering at the ex-death eater over his half-moon glasses.

Severus resisted the urge to sneer ,''No.''

Dumbledore raised a brow, ''And yet there is a distinct aura around you and I have received more complaints about a certain Potions master in the past days than in your entire teaching career.''

''I am fine Headmaster.'' he gritted out, hands clenching into the fabric of the chair.

''Well if that is the case perhaps you might be aware of what is troubling your dear assistant, she hasn't been exactly herself these past few days as im sure you've noticed.'' Dumbledore continued, patiently.

''No I don't because the woman wont bloody well speak to me you annoying old codger!'' he snapped, jerking out of the chair to pace the maroon carpet.

''What happened Severus?You were both so amicable the other day.''

Severus stopped his agitated pacing and ran fingers through his raven hair, hair that appeared greasy but was actually as soft as silk, '' We got into a argument about Potters spawn and I ..said some things that I shouldn't have. Now I don't even know how to apologise when Naruko wont even look or speak to me.'' he sighed tiredly.

Dumbledore 'hmm' quietly and shooing Fawkes from his perch laced his fingers together. ''The one thing I know is that she wont settle for anything but the truth. There's a room in the castle that prevents the occupants from leaving unless they are in harmony with another, I will arrange for her to meet you there and hopefully it will sort itself out. ''

Severus eyed the smiling Headmaster with suspicion, ''And why are you so eager to help us, what's in it for you Albus?''

Dumbledore smiled widely, ''Why must you insist on me having ulterior motives for everything dear boy? I merely want to see you both happy.''

Severus eyed him distrustfully for a moment before nodding and leaving the office with a swirl of black robes.

Dumbledore chuckled quietly, ''A the joys of young love.''

''You're interfering again old man.'' a voice piped out from the corner of the room.

''Well the youth of today are so stubborn, sometimes they need a bit of a push in the right direction, eh Minato?'' he replied, turning to cast a wink at the smiling portrait of the blonde man.

'Minato Namikaze laughed as he sat in his throne like chair, Hokage hat laying on his lap. ''If she's anything like her mother than I think they are going to need more than a push.''

Dumbledore laughed merrily before popping a lemon drop in his mouth with a satisfied smile.

''Yes Kushina was a bit of fire cracker wasn't she?''

Minato winced and gave a wistful sigh, ''Part of her charm that.''

''So when are you going to let me introduce you to Naruko?'' Dumbledore asked with a small smile.

''Not yet...I , I need more time.'' he murmured before abruptly leaving his portrait.

Dumbledore merely gave the empty frame a sad smile before continuing to suck on his favorite candy , deep in thought.

A/N:

That's it for this chapter. Minato's portrait was commissioned in his honorwhen Dumbledore heard of his death through correspondents with the third and the reason why Naruko hasn't noticed it is because its partially hidden by the rooms shadows and notice-me-not spell cast on it by Dumbledore. R and R.