The Kunoichi and The Potion Master

Chapter 8

Severus could only watch in panic as the cauldron exploded, the backlash knocking over nearby cauldrons, thier elixirs spilling onto the blonde as she threw the boy to the floor in an effort to protect him from the bioling liquird and debris.

" Everyone out! Granger,Malfoy get the injuredto the hospital wing!" He barked and with a sweep of his wand cleared the debris covering his apperentice and Longbottom.

Quickly he lifted the blonde off the wide eyed student and cradling her in his arms rushed toward the infirmary, trying hard to ignore the crimson wetness that was rapidly staining his dak robes as the blonde began to struggle.

***
Loneliness...'Demon!' ' Monster!'

Betrayal...'Sasuke!'

Pain...' What do you know about bonds? You've been alone from the start!'

Sorrow... ' jiraya is dead.'

Fire...
Screaming...
Blood..

Despair...' I'm all alone now'

Naruko watched her memories flash by rapidly as liquid fire licked up her spine and she was forced to watch her friend die again and again, she opened her mouth and screamed. She struggled and clawed at her eyes to stop the images that tore through her mind.

An iron vrip prevented her from tearig out her eyes,forcing a pained goan from her thobing throat. Distantly she heard voices speak and faint scent of herbs made her relax despite the pain that tore sobs from her .

Make it stop! No more, I dont want to see anymore...

" ...ruko.."

"Naruko!"

Pained blue opened and stared into opal orbs that seemed to calm and at the same time intensify the pain making her whimper, her chakra swirling violently and lashing out in reponse.

Despite the shouts , shatttering of glass and stone the dark eyes never left hers, thier weight more penetrating then before.

"Drink." They commanded as if from a great distnance and with shuddering compliance she swallowed a bitter liquid and embraced the darkness that followed, its familarity and warmth that drewa pale face framed with silken black hair to mind, more effective then the potion in relieving the pain.

Severus watched her pained and pale face finally relax as the potion took effect; something tugged at him when he had seen her in pain, feelings he hadnt had since Lily's death. Gently he tucked a loose strand of golden hair away from her face before rising and heading toward the Headmasters office; the old coot had some explainig to do.

***
Albus Dumbledore was idly sitting in his office, a cup of warm tea at his elbow when the potions master stalked in. The solemn expression making him instantly alert.

" What has happened Severus?"

Severus paused and cast in unreadble look in his direction, " There has been a potions accident."

Albus relaxed, " Neville Longbottom i presume?"

" As always. Said accident however involved an incorreclty brewed Draught of despair."

Albus winced," And how is the boy? "

" It wasnt Longbottom that was affected but Naruko." Seeing the expression of fear on the headmasters nomally calm face ade him elaborate even as he filed his reaction away.

" I have already given the antidote but im afraid the damage has been done, the ward i placed her in is in need of seious repair."

Albus leaned heavily upon his arms, feeling all of his 97 years and seein the set expression on his old friends face he knew this meeting was far from over.

" What is going on Albus? Who is she really?"

Albus sighed, " Take seat Severus, this is a long and sad tale."