Author's Note: Hey, it's Arakni! This is a story based off the world of Harry Potter, which actually meshes in with said world. This is the adventure of a boy who goes to the Japanese school for wizardry.

Disclaimer: We don't own any of these characters. That's right. Nada, zip, zilch… You get the idea.

Warning: YAOI. Must I say any more?

Prologue

There was nothing different about that night. It was warm, dark, and nearly silent, save for the muted sounds of late-night drivers on the roads.

But there was something in the air, a sense of gaiety floating around. It was infectious, inducing good dreams in the sleepers and positive thoughts in those still awake.

One being didn't seem affected, however. On the sidewalk of one sleeping street sat a dog, a german shepherd. His body was poised stiffly and un-canine-like. Around one of his emerald eyes was a black marking of an almost perfect circle. He seemed to be closely watching the other side of the street.

For awhile, nothing happened. And then, suddenly, a burst of fire and smoke crackled into life directly across from the dog. The smoke cleared, revealing in its place a tall, black-haired man with dark eyes. He wore a blue robe that brushed the ground as he strode across to where the german shepherd sat- or, had been sitting. In its place sat another man. "Must you do that every time we go somewhere, Roy?" this latter man asked, green eyes twinkling.

A smile flitted across Roy's lips. "It's my trademark. How would you know it was me if I didn't announce myself with a bang?" Then his coal eyes sobered. "Are you sure this is a good idea, Hakkai? Leaving this kid here, in the middle of nowhere…"

"It's the best idea we have," Hakkai sighed. He reached up, quietly adjusting his monocle. "What else can we do? This is his only living family."

"An uncle who's only… what, seventeen years old? That's not safe-"

"Do you have another idea, Roy? I'll gladly listen if you do."

"…No."

"I didn't think so." Hakkai was quiet for a moment, staring up at the sky. Then, he asked that night's most popular question, "So, Voldemort is really gone?"

"Yeah." Rubbing his forehead, Roy continued, "Albus contacted me earlier."

"And Orochimaru?"

"No sign of him. That's why this kid needs to go into hiding."

"Iruka is bringing him, then?"

Roy nodded. "He should be here any minute."

As if on cue, a long-haired brunet, cradling a basket in his arms, strolled up beside him.

"Ah, Iruka, finally." Roy clasped the newest arrival's hand in a friendly greeting. "How is he doing?"

"He's fine; he fell asleep on the way." Iruka chuckled. "The broom ride didn't bother him in the slightest." Then he turned to Roy. "But how are you? This must have been a stressful first year as headmaster."

"Unfortunately," the headmaster sighed.

"Excuse me, gentlemen, I don't mean to interrupt…," Hakkai began, "but I believe it is time to attend to the matter at hand." He gestured towards Iruka's basket.

"Oh, right. Of course." Hesitantly, Roy picked up the basket, peering at the baby inside. "Good luck, little guy." Pushing open the gate to the nearest house, he strode up to the door. The basket was placed gently upon the doorstep, along with a sealed letter.

"Will he be alright, living here?" Iruka asked nervously.

"This is the only place he has left to go." Hakkai gave both men a soft smile, before stepping back out into the street. In an instant, a german shepherd was disappearing around the corner.

Roy clapped Iruka on the shoulder. "He'll be as fine as he'll ever be able to be." There was a flash of smoke and fire, and he was gone as well.

Iruka stood there a moment longer, staring at the little basket in front of the door. Before he turned away, he offered a smile to the baby.

"Good luck… Naruto."