The welcome feast went smoothly as it traditionally did, with only two notable events. The first being the announcement of Professor Uzumaki, his occupation as a shinobi, and his class that would be available as a elective for all students. The second, perhaps predictably so, was the formal return of Harry Potter to the Wizarding World after 11 years absence.

"That is Potter Harry?" Uzumaki asked Snape, gesturing with his head to the Gryffindor table as the welcome feast began.

"It would appear so," Snape muttered, his thoughts torn between remembering Lily and James, one fondly, the other with bitterness.

"He look scrawny," Uzumaki stated, an emotion in his voice, but one Snape could not identify.

"Indeed," Snape muttered after a moment, looking over the young Potter once more.

Perhaps feeling their gaze, the young Potter turned towards them, and for a moment Snape and Harry held, uncomfortably, eye contact. And then Uzumaki smiled and waved at Harry, causing the eleven year old to produce a shy smile in return, before turning back to converse with a neighboring red head.

"He good kid," Uzumaki stated with a smile before turning back to his bowl of rice.

At the beginning of the feast Snape, after seeing Naruto pick at the western food that appeared in front of him, had called a kitchen elf, and had Naruto explain the food from his homeland that he enjoyed. Shortly after the kitchen elf disappeared, Naruto's favorite food appeared before him, creating a beaming smile on the young shinobi's face.

"Why," Uzumaki started a little slowly, "does Harry-kun have a lightening bolt scar?"

Snape started the explanation that was known throughout the Wizarding World, but Uzumaki cut him off with a shake of his head.

"I know the story," Uzumaki explained. "But why it look like a lightening bolt?"

Snape blinked at the interesting question. One he concluded, after a moment of consideration, he did not know the answer to.

"You wizards," Uzumaki said with a smile, "lack curiosity."

Despite himself, Snape couldn't help a small smile to appear on his face.

This Uzumaki was interesting, and would sure to make this year interesting as well. Snape forward himself looking forward to it.