A/N: Several things to mention… 1) *bows* sorry to have been MIA for the last month! Let's just say I've not had any luck with electronics recently ^^;; lol 2) I hope this super-long chapter makes up for it. 3) Little refresher on Japanese terms at the bottom of the chapter… well, everyone might already know them but it's nice to have a reference sometimes. I know I appreciate them! :D 4) New poll! Love interest for Hermione? 5) I can't wait for them to become shinobi. It's going to be so much fun!

This first part is a little weird, so please bear with me… Hermione is dreaming. She's in the "theater" and her encounter with Death is playing, but in between she interjects her thoughts/comments… Oh you'll see.

Key:

'Words.' (Thoughts)

'Words.' More words all in Italics "speaking yet in italics…" (Hermione's dream thoughts/comments)

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o ( Itachi's necklace… oh no, wait. My bad. That's the divider between what's on the theater screen and Hermione in said theater XD lol)

"Speaking" Death talking

"Speaking" Normal person speaking

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Death is Only the Beginning!
Chapter Five: Hello Hermione

Word Count: 6500-ish (this thing is a monster Oo;; lol)

Beta: Not beta-ed yet, though I do have one finally! :D (If they haven't forgotten me ^^;; lol)

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

'Oh, not this again...' Hermione thought with a dejected sigh as she took a seat in the empty theater.

She already knew what the showing was, word for word, yet for some reason her subconscious felt it necessary for her to relive it every night.

'More likely Death is pulling the strings and has me view our encounter in my dreams nightly for the sole purpose of driving me to accept his "deal" sooner rather than later...' That was actually a very good possibility.

That, or it was an attempt to assassinate what was left of her sanity. Could go either way...

Not that she could do anything about it. Not even Occlumency helped, she had tried! All she could do was sit back, relax, and suffer through it night after night with as much dignity as she could muster.

And interject a smartass comment here and there to make things less... redundant.

'Though I'm running out of material...' She thought with a sigh. "Lights, camera... action!" She cried sarcastically. "Seriously, roll the bloody film so we can get this over with."

The projector's engine fired up and soon the reel started to spin...

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Why hello there, Hermione Granger..." a dark voice echoed in the darkness.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

'What kind of greeting is that anyway? Seriously, the only thing "creepy" about that is it brings to mind a perverted stalker.'

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"I know this is a lame question and extremely unoriginal, if not downright cliche, but am I dead?" Hermione inquired.

"I believe you already know the answer to that." Came the reply in the surrounding darkness.

"Yes, but it is only natural that I would want confirmation rather than to make a fool of myself." The young woman shrugged and crossed her arms.

"Very well..." The voice sighed. "Congratulations! Your attempt to protect your bestfriend failed and you are now dead."

"You don't have to be such a dick about it."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

'I call them like I see them.'

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Oooh, your tongue has become awfully sharp in your old age. What happened to your blind obedience to authority figures?"

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

'Like he's one to talk about age. I'll bet the only reason we were in total darkness is because Death doesn't want to show his face.' It was probably turning to dust... or fossilized.

The consequence of the enshrouded encounter meant she was stuck watching a black theater screen every night. It made the experience even more irritating, that was for certain. The only visible thing being the colorful "captions" at the bottom, which seemed to be there to break up the monotony.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"It died." Hermione deadpanned. "I'm sure you were graced with my "Obedience" quite a few years ago... around Fourth or Fifth Year if I'm not mistaken."

"Ah, the Death Eater in disguise and then the Um-bitch incident, am I correct?"

'The list goes on and on...' Hermione thought as she laughed aloud. "Something like that, though you forgot the utter corruption within the ministry... among other things.." She countered. "I'm not sure exactly when my "Blind Obedience" passed on, but by the time I got to Healer training it was long gone."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

'Bastard is lucky I only gave him a condensed version.' Though if she had known then what she knew now, she should have tortured him a little with a complete list of all her grievances.

Deity or not, Death deserved a bit of hardship for what he and Fate had done to them.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Ah yes, you completed a ten year course in five. Impressive."

"Time-turner." Hermione rolled her eyes... not that anyone could tell in the darkness.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

However the action WAS added in the captions on the screen strangely enough. There were some things Hermione didn't bother to question. Sure she liked having all the answers, but sometimes the headaches that came along with the knowledge just weren't worth it.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Look I'm flattered, really, but why in the hell would Death care about something trivial like the life of a mortal?"

"Curiosity?" Death countered, but when it was obvious that Hermione wasn't buying it he sighed.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

'Who was he fooling? The guy is pants at trying to BS people.'

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Fine. Fate had a vested interest in Harry and, by association, YOU. When Fate and I agreed on this pet project, she told me about you both."

"Pet project?"

"Yeah, we're sending you and Harry to a world without magic while keeping your memories and abilities intact. We thought it would be amusing. We only get a chance to have some fun once every millenium -or ten- so we must make the best of it."

"So sending a Witch and a Wizard to a world where their kind are mere myths is the best you could come up with?"

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

'They make me think of the Cosmic Troublemakers from the Nina Bangs books I used to read.' Not that anyone really knew about her addiction to the steamy novels. 'The Troublemakers were practically Gods who used to do things on a grand scale, yet they decided to meddle in individual affairs and found it more amusing...'

Extremely entertaining couple those Cosmic Troublemakers made, for sure.

'Only Death and Fate aren't fictional characters, and they ARE deities...'

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Not the most impressive, I know, but we have our limitations..." Death paused.

Did she smell bullshit?

"Speaking of which, you are not really connected to me beyond being friends with the..." A dark chuckle filled the seemingly endless space. "...so-called "Master of Death." This is a bit of a setback, but not an incapacitating problem."

"How so?"

"Well we are still going to do it, I just have to offer you something in return."

"Which will bind me to you and prevent any problems from arising in your precious plans."

"My, my... You truly are the brightest Witch of your age." Death chuckled.

"Flattery won't help you get your way with me..."

"Ah, but offering something that can help you save lives will."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Everyone has their achilles heel." Hermione sighed. "And who could blame me if saving lives is mine? Harry's not one to talk, at least I heal a person afterwards rather than jump headfirst into the raging battle..."

Oh wait.

She had done that a time or two as well... and she could blame every instance on Harry. It all stemmed from the man's Hero Complex, because the only reason SHE had participated was to cover HARRY'S arse...

And Ron's. Not to mention Neville and Luna...

"I do NOT have a bloody Hero Complex! I'm just an amazingly awesome friend, that's all."

So she hoped.

One of them had to keep a level head and think things through, and since it was only her and Harry in this new world... The strategist had to be her.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Go on."

"Fearless as ever I see. You might have an ability Ravenclaws would covet, but you're a Gryffindor to the core."

"What does my power of Index have to do with anything?"

"It is an ability thought to have died ages ago." Death hummed, seemingly nonchalant about the whole thing.

Silence reigned throughout the darkness. Several minutes passed without a word from either being. Death was tempted to check and see that the girl hadn't passed out from shock.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"I might be young to him, but did Death really have to think of me as a mere girl?" Hermione huffed. "Besides, I was busy thinking. I, like most human beings, tend to get quiet when contemplating certain aspects of one's existence..."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"I thought you said there was no connection. You mean to tell me that you gave me the power..."

"Not me." Death cut in. "Fate. She has already connected to you, so all that remains is a... relation between you and me."

"You sound like a pervert."

"I have to get my rocks off somehow. Not getting any from... Nevermind."

"Whatever." She really didn't want to know. "So... you said that Fate was only interested in me for my association with Harry, so why would she grant me a power which had been lost?"

"The moment you became friends with Harry Potter, your destiny changed. Fate herself wanted Harry to have the tools to do her bidding, and what better way to make sure he had information at his fingertips than to have his best friend be a walking, talking well of information?"

Hermione knew the question was rhetorical, but she was tempted to say something. Nevertheless, she held her tongue.

Barely.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"The better way would have been to make HARRY the walking, talking encyclopedia... Alas, the guy used to act like he was allergic to books thanks to Ron -who apparently had bibliophobia- and so... I was the next best thing."

Actually, except for things pertaining to work and improving himself for the job Harry -to their dying day- had developed a somewhat unconscious fear when it came to text.

'Probably thanks to those horrid pigs he called relatives.'

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"I want to know something... why would you hide such a talent? You had been given the gift to remember everything you've heard or read from the time you hit your magical maturity, yet you "played dumb" and didn't tell anyone about it until AFTER the war."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Played dumb? As if." Hermione huffed. "And there is more to it than just remembering everything one has heard or read." She rolled her eyes.

Though out of everything she'd learned once she let the "cat out of the bag" about her ability, there was one thing of which she was certain… She SHOULD have taken her secret to the grave!

Seriously, people could be monsters.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Sometimes it is best to hide one's true ability."

"Oh?"

"It is better to be underestimated, for it allows more opportunities to open to you. When a person isn't on guard because they perceive something as harmless, that is a great advantage. People also tend to speak more freely around someone when they believe it won't come back to harm them."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Hermione shook her head at the black screen before her. Had she really thought that generalized comment would fool anyone, let alone Death? Sure she believed the words she had spoken, more so now than ever, but they weren't her reasoning on the matter…

'How annoying.' She was becoming irritated, and all she wanted to do was munch on junk food. "The least my dream could do would be to provide me with popcorn and candy. Chocolate preferably.'" The items appeared in an instant and Hermione smiled. 'If I'm going to suffer through this, might as well enjoy myself.' Sure, she knew it wasn't real...

But the lovely thing about dreams was the fact the brain sent out signals to make it seem real for the time being!

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"You'll make a great ninja."

"Pardon?"

"Nothing..." Death chuckled. "Though considering what happened after you told people of your power, your decision to conceal it was wise."

"It felt like "Open Season" and I was the prey! There were Purebloods coming out of the bloody woodwork trying to woo me, and even a kidnapping attempt!" Hermione complained quite loudly and Death sighed.

"Is that why your personality has become so harsh and your tongue sharp?"

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Can Death say "Duh"? Seriously, a deity should know better than to ask silly questions." Hermione laughed lightly.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"The best defense is a good offense."

"True. But do try and have some fun in the next life."

"So..." Hermione trailed off and it was obvious she was trying to change the subject. "Fate gave me the power of Index, huh?" It was a welcomed change, seeing as there were certain things neither party really wanted to discuss.

"Yup."

"You've gotta be joking..."

"Nope."

"So the theory going around about Muggleborns being descended from outcast Squibs?"

"Doesn't matter where you are going."

"That sounds ominous."

"I do try." Death chuckled. "But seriously, I don't have a lot of time to fool around. So let's get down to business, shall we?

My offer is simple, yet complicated..."

"It's either one or the other, else it chances becoming an oxymoron."

"Would it kill you to lighten up a little bit?" The dark voice sounded irked, but then he laughed. "Oh wait, nevermind."

"Oh, hardy har har har… Smartass."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

'Again, I call them like I see them.'

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Again, I do try."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Smartass."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"So what's the deal?"

"There are several people - well, they cannot even be labeled Humans anymore really - that play at being immortal in the world you shall be placed in..."

"Sorry, "Vanquisher of Immortals" is more up Harry's alley."

"True, but only because he had the means to do so."

"I'm a Healer, not a Killer."

"Woman! Would you let me finish?"

"Go on." Hermione conceded with a long suffering sigh, as if the task of hearing Death out was a great burden that would bore her to tears.

"No wonder you got together with Ron. Only an emotionally challenged idiot could..."

"Finish that sentence and the cosmos will be looking for your replacement."

"And you claim not to be a killer."

"I'm not against injuring someone to the point they will never be able to harm another."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"I still stand by the statement." It was the only reason she was even contemplating becoming a shinobi.

Well, that and it would be the best way to disguise her magic. A civilian doctor using "healing powers and potions" would look highly suspicious after all, and the last thing she wanted was to be mistaken for an enemy ninja...

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"So violent." If it weren't for the darkness, Hermione was sure one could see the deity sweatdrop. "What happened to the sweet, innocent..." Death paused as if he realized what he was saying was a load of crap. "Oh right, you knocked the shit out of Malfoy in Third Year. Hmmm... You always have had a bit of a temper."

"I was wondering how long it would take you to realize as much. If Fate truly did inform you about me, then you would know that I've always been a bit of a "Know-it-all" who cannot stand incompetence and will swiftly tell someone about their shortcomings." Hermione stated as she remembered her first real encounter with the males of the "Golden Trio."

Ron's reaction to her "advice" after Charms was actually the catalyst for her friendship with them after all. The redhead didn't take well to having his faults pointed out, and was always quite loud when he verbally complained about... well, anything and everything really.

"Yet your bedside manner is commendable." Death's voice brought Hermione out of her thoughts.

"Only when they STAY in bed like they are supposed to." She had stuck quite a few patients to the pristine hospital beds in her time, and even knocked some out for good measure.

"Only because you care."

"Your point? If you're trying to paint a pretty picture with me as the kind, caring, helpless young maiden centerpiece then you are barking up the wrong tree."

"Whether you admit it or not, you and Harry have a lot in common. The fact that you both died in your attempt to save the other is proof." Death commented. "Now... can I explain my offer? It would be advantageous to you."

One could practically hear a cricket chirp in the background.

"Good. It's simple in the fact that I am offering you a Summoning Contract with what are known as "Devil Dogs," and the power necessary to command them."

"There's a catch."

"More than one." Death chuckled and she knew there was a smirk on the prat's face. Though Hermione couldn't SEE it, she could hear it in the smug bastard's voice. "First off, to control the "Hellhounds" one must be able to see souls. I will grant you the ability..."

"More like curse."

"Heh, can't pull one over on you I see." Death chuckled. "Yes, it is a curse. You will be able to see the souls of both the living and the dead, as well as whether or not more than one spirit inhabits a body. In the world you shall be going it will give you an advantage."

"I don't see how."

"You will in time."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Yep, the time I realized you sent me to a world inhabited by shinobi and riddled with DEMONS... also called Tailed Beasts." THAT had been an interesting shocker.

Apparently people were forbidden to speak of the event... Yeah, that worked about as well as a guarded secret at Hogwarts. Needless to say Hermione had learned of the tragedy lickidy split without any effort whatsoever on her part.

'Thank you, idiots, who believe a baby incapable of understanding anything.'

Though Hermione was a...unique case, children in general were a lot more intelligent than most people gave them credit for and it irked the Witch to no end when adults thought otherwise.

'Works in my favor though.' Hermione mentally shrugged. 'Nice to know this world is filled with monsters even bigger and badder than Fluffy...' She thought with no little amount of sarcasm...

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"What of the people who play at being immortal?"

"You will know them when you see them. They have chained themselves to the world of the living... it is most unseemly."

"The reason you can't do it yourself would be...?"

"I cannot go to the mortal realm without assistance, or specific circumstances." Death grumbled.

"Makes sense. So..."

"Would you stop with the twenty questions?"

"I've only asked two."

"So far. If given the chance, I'm sure you would try and pick my brain for the rest of eternity."

"And?"

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Well there had been no use in denying it. Twas the truth... perhaps he will allow me to do so one day..." Wishful thinking, yes, but a girl can dream!

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Anyway... The "Hellhounds" will do my bidding, I just need a mortal to Summon them. They can rip a soul from it's container and send it my way, no need to get your hands dirty." Death hummed. "Since I would be cursing you -for lack of a better term- and you will be working for me, I'm willing to sweeten the deal. I'm a nice guy like that..."

"I get the feeling that's not the reason."

"You're right. Truth is I think all this will make things more amusing." Death said in a sing-song tone that worried Hermione slightly.

"With all due respect, I'll have to think about it..."

"But you haven't even heard me out!" If Hermione didn't know any better, she would say that Death had actually whined... Like a bloody child.

She had to be imagining things. There was no way that Death, a freaking deity, would lower themselves to such childish protests.

"Right..." Hermione trailed off, unsure of what to say.

"Exactly." Well, someone sounded smug. "Now I am willing to grant you a little ditty I like to call Blood Antidote..."

"You've created this ability and have never tried it before, am I right?"

"Yup."

"So I'd be your guinea pig?"

"Right again."

"Judging from the name it most likely has to do with my blood becoming an antidote to any poison..."

"There are stipulations. I can't stand Mary-Sues, so you will have to endure some... side effects."

"Such as?"

"First of all, your blood will only become an antidote to any poisons you come into contact with. You must ingest, inhale, or inject said toxins. Oh, and depending on how strong they are you will experience some... discomfort."

"If you are trying to make this sound appealing, you are failing miserably."

"But it is the pain, or rather when the discomfort lets up, that will alert you as to when your blood has become immune and can therefore be used to help others."

"Used to help others? Such as... drink it? What, am I to make a bunch of vampires or something? I thought you were against immortals."

"You misunderstand my intentions. One CAN ingest the blood, yes, but it would be more efficient to just inject it. In fact, merely puncturing yourself with a senbon...er, needle and stabbing your "patient" would do the trick."

"Sounds unsanitary."

"Yet extremely convenient in a combat situation."

That bloody cricket was back.

"You're sending us to a world that's in the midst of a war, aren't you?" Hermione deadpanned.

Sure she and Harry had been through a war... Hell, they had even been key players and managed to win the bloody thing for the Light side. But that didn't mean they wished to partake in another one, and they damn sure didn't want to be center stage of a conflict once again!

Even if she had become rather antsy since the fighting stopped...

"More like constantly struggling to keep balance via battle and bloodshed." Death laughed and Hermione groaned. "So, you want to accept..."

"I need to think about it."

"Seriously?"

"Sounds like there are more cons than pros honestly."

"Fine." Death sighed. "Just having offered should be enough for a while, but you will accept sooner or later. Remember, there will come a time when you will wish to ask a favor of me..."

"I doubt..."

"Oh, you will. Everyone does." Death stated, his tone full of confidence. "When you make your wish, I will ask for only one thing in return..."

"For me to accept."

"Precisely."

"A world of war, huh?"

"More or less. You'll understand better when you get there."

"Lovely."

"Are you willing to reconsider your decision? My "gifts" will be quite useful." Death tempted.

"I still want to think your deal over."

Death sighed. "Very well." The deity's voice seemed to come from behind her all of the sudden and Hermione gasped. "Have fun!"

"Wha..." And before she could finish her world went completely blank.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o

And so did the theater screen.

"Because that's when the bastard thrust me into a newborn's body without remorse."

Death should have felt a little bit sorry for her. After all, Hermione had learned quite quickly that re-teaching one's body how to do things was a pain in the arse... much like the deity who had caused the situation in the first place.

People didn't realize all the things they took for granted as adults, that's for sure! Like being able to use the loo. Or taking a bath without assistance. Heck! One didn't realize how just being able to lift their head without difficulty was a blessing.

'I will never look at life the same way again.' The woman sighed and looked around the empty theater. "Show's over, isn't it time for me to w..."

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Baby Girl! Time to get up! You don't want to miss playtime now, do you?" Her mother's voice called from down the hall and the child groaned.

'And if I DO?'

Playtime? Seriously? What did she think Hermione was, a socialite or something? Then again she wasn't Hermione anymore, so perhaps she should try and change certain aspects of her personality?

'Yeah... that's not going to happen. I like who I was.'

Though she had never been a fool. She realized it was essential to... alter some things to fit in better within her new environment, but luckily the majority of shinobi had some type of quirk to them! One could easily overlook some of her behavior as just her being "eccentric" or something.

When she got older and could actually BECOME a ninja that is.

Until then? She was stuck playing stupid. Or as "dumb" as a prodigy gets at any rate. Though from the looks her parents gave her from time to time…

'I'm not a normal child and they understand that.' It was sad but true.

Sometimes she wished she COULD be a normal child for them, for at least a few years give them the daughter they had always wanted, but it was impossible for her. Even in her past life she had never really played or socialized… Truth is, she didn't know HOW to act like a kid.

Beyond that, thanks to her accidental magic, she had been forced to work on her chakra a lot sooner than she had intended just so they would think she were practicing a jutsu or something when her magic flared.

'They know I will become a ninja.' And most civilians were wary, if not downright frightened, of shinobi

Her parents were no exception. Sure, they both smiled and tried not to treat her any differently, but it was there in their eyes...in their thoughts.

'I'm glad my Legimency is only good enough to read surface thoughts right now.' That, and put some emphasis on her suggestions…

Hermione wanted to improve her ability, of course, but… she wasn't so sure she wanted to know what her parents were thinking. In fact, it would probably be best to test her powers on people other than her folks. Less pain for her that way…

"Come my little Blossom, your...er, friends are sure to be waiting for you." Her mother called happily, but the woman's hesitation was obvious. "Do you need help getting dressed?"

'She knows I don't.' Hermione thought with a sigh before an idea popped into her head. 'Maybe this once…'

Just this once she would try and act like a child… It was worth a shot anyway. Perhaps she could finally make her mother smile?

"Hai, I could use a hand picking something to wear." Hermione replied and heard something fall to the ground. "Mother?!" She cried and ran to see what was wrong.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Hermione walked to the park with Mebuki, the woman she called Mother, though the girl was not one bit pleased with the older female.

'She fainted. I concede to acting more like a child, for her sake, and she bloody passes out!' Oh yeah, Hermione was ticked. 'Can't I do anything right?' Actually, there was one thing she COULD do for her parents.

Tell them to have another kid. She was done playing "baby girl" for them, ESPECIALLY when their reaction was to faint!

"Mother…" Hermione sighed.

"Y...yes my Baby Girl?" The Witch cringed slightly when she heard the stutter in the woman's voice.

"Have another child."

"What?!" Mebuki looked at her daughter in disbelief, her body suddenly freezing up which caused her to stop in her tracks.

They were far enough away from the park, and no one was close by, so Hermione felt comfortable talking to the woman so openly. The young Witch could tell from the woman's body language she was in a state of shock, if not downright disbelief, so perhaps her mother's mind will chalk their conversation up be being a daydream…with a little help from Hermione's magic of course.

With a slight push Hermione was sure the lady would believe her "baby clock" was going off or something.

"You should have another baby."

"But darling…"

"I'm not what you wanted."

"That's not…"

"I am going to be a ninja, you wanted a normal -civilian- child. Have another one." Hermione smiled brightly. "Do not worry, I won't cause any trouble. If fact, I can help!" She exclaimed happily. 'I could entertain a sibling with genjutsu, and it would help me with my chakra control and development.' A win-win for both parties for certain.

"I think Mommy needs to sit down." Her mother laughed nervously. "I could have sworn you just told me to have another child and even gave reasons why…" She shook her head, clearly dazed from both shock and the Witch's power.

"You're gonna give me a little brother or sister?" Hermione asked happily, adding to the illusion that the woman's mind was playing tricks on her.

"Um… I… well…" Mebuki stuttered and the girl could tell the woman was questioning her own sanity.

"I'll be a good big sis! I promise!"

"Er… well, we shall see." Her mother smiled, the first genuinely happy smile Hermione had seen in awhile.

'Good.' At least she had been able to do SOMETHING for the woman.

Hermione didn't like the fact her abilities were very limited at this point. Retraining was a pain, even more so when her parents were constantly watching. She couldn't heal the mind like she used to, so suggesting the best course of action to rectify one's situation was the best she could do at this point.

Yes, a sibling would be a blessing. 'Maybe then I will finally be able to train.'

She could only hope!

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

The mother and daughter duo had finally managed to make it to the park.

'Ah well, might as well make the most of it.'

It had taken quite a bit longer than Hermione would have preferred, but all things considered she wasn't overly surprised. Mebuki had needed a few minutes come to terms with the "daydream." The woman was sure she had imagined the whole thing. After all, there was no way a child could have spoken to an adult in such a manner.

And seeing as Hermione's new mother knew nothing about her past life, the only conclusion Mebuki could come to was that she had imagined the whole thing and it was probably a sign from God that she should talk to her husband about another addition to the family.

Hermione's mother had gone over to the benches to chat with the other parents as soon as they had arrived, and that was fine by her. It wasn't like the young Witch needed supervision. She preferred to be left alone for the most part, and she was certain her parents had realized as much… well, kind of. They still watched over her because it was their "duty," which was another reason she thought a sibling would do the family some good as a whole.

They needed to fawn over someone else. Heck, she might even be allowed to go places on her own once the baby comes!

'I can only hope.' Because if SHE had a choice of destination, it would probably be one of the training grounds, NOT the kiddie park.

Though going to the park wasn't all bad.

Sure she was expected to interact with the other children and play "nice" with the ignorant brats, but the older kids made it worthwhile. She could usually talk them into letting her read their scrolls. They thought she was looking at the pictures and found it cute, so the little Witch could get by with it.

Though heaven forbid they learn the truth. She could only imagine how they would react if they found out the "cute kid" was more intelligent than them and had already started practicing the moves in their scrolls during her free time...

Well, when she could escape from her parents or babysitters at any rate.

Yes, the park was a nice destination for the day. Mebuki was already dazed and confused so Hermione could probably get by with using a Bunshin, leaving the copy to "play" while she went to the training grounds. Or maybe...

'Oh! I could try and catch that troublemaker that's been running about playing pranks on all the kids.'

Well, not ALL the kids. Just the bullies really, who totally deserved it, but... well, she wanted to talk to the little mini-marauder in the making. He reminded her of Harry and she just wanted to get to know him.

Not like the other kids ever chatted with the blonde. In fact, they seemed to avoid the boy like the plague. It irritated Hermione to no end, because she had once been in his shoes during her last life, so maybe she could extend the hand of friendship whereas the other children were too immature to do so.

'Okay, so maybe there are some differences. If what I've gathered is correct, then the child... Naruto was it? He's the living prison of that Bijuu thing...'

Actually, that wasn't a bad idea! Her life had become quite boring and too predictable as of late, a chance to liven things up a bit sounded brilliant.

'Speak of the devil.' She saw a flash of blonde in the distance and a smirk appeared on her cute little face. 'Play time.'

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Naruto had been running like hell for a good twenty minutes or so. He was seriously winded, but it was nothing compared to the "training" his Onee-chan would give on a regular basis.

"That woman really is psycho." He muttered under his breath.

Though mentally stable or not, he loved the crazy snake woman! She and Ibiki made his life worth living…

Again.

He really needed to let them in on that little secret.

'But first I've got to find Hermione.'

And knowing his crazy luck, he'd find her when he least expected it.

"Well, I ditched those lose...whoa!" Naruto cried out when he suddenly found his world turned upside down. "What the…" He gasped when he realized he'd stumbled into a trap.

The rope around his ankle was a dead giveaway.

'Probably set up for someone else. There is no way those Dudley wannabes could have beat me here. They're too slow, and it's not like they're smart enough to calculate my best possible escape route and cut me off at the pass or anything.' He would just cut himself down and continue on home.

"My, my, my… what do we have here?" A distinctly female voice came from the shadows and Naruto turned to look at her.

She was a cutie, but that smile on her face kind of worried him. In fact, the grin reminded him of Sirius when he was up to mischief

"Would you look at that! The up and coming Marauder of Konoha. Up to mischief as always I see… Though I must admit, your pranks are rather impressive for someone so young."

"Look who's talking. Your manner of speech is rather advanced for someone so young." Naruto smirked and crossed his arms, all thoughts of cutting himself down forgotten for the moment. "Speaking of Marauders… Who do you think I am? Moony, Prongs or Padfoot?" He grinned.

"None of the above." The girl was wearing an equally big smile as she stood only a foot in front of him and looked into his blue eyes. "You're Mischief incarnate."

"Reincarnate to be precise." Naruto commented and the girl chuckled as she nodded in agreement. "You know, I had a feeling I would find you when I least expected it…"

"If I'm not mistaken, it was I who found YOU… or caught you. Whichever way you wish to view it." The little girl laughed lightly.

"Yeah, yeah…" Naruto pouted. "Now seriously, 'Mione, can you get me down? All the blood is rushing to my head."

"What? Are you still incapable of performing a simple cutting spell, Harry?"

"Nah, it's just that I'm more experienced at counterspells for pranks and I thought you would rather me fix your hair than waste the energy cutting myself down."

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with my hair!" Hermione huffed and glared at the blonde.

"Yeah… have you seen yourself in a mirror lately?"

"I know for a fact that it is straight, silky, and most definitely NOT a frizzy mess of bushy locks."

"Yeah but it's...er, light red." Harry tried to put it to her gently and not grimace, but for some reason Naruto's face tended to be more… open than Potter's had been.

"Har… er, Naruto rather. Light red is called pink." Hermione stated calmly, as if she were tutoring him once again.

"I know my colors." Naruto growled. "I was just trying to be subtle, but if it makes you feel better… Someone turned your hair PINK. Bloody "Oh My God, stand out like a sore thumb" cherry blossom PINK."

"My name is Sakura, by the way." Hermione hummed offhandedly. "And for your information… It is Death's prank, because I was bloody BORN with pink hair."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

It took all of five seconds before Naruto burst into laughter. He was laughing so hard in fact that he barely even noticed when Hermione cut him free… until he landed on his head. THAT was rather obvious and a knot on the head was extremely hard to ignore.

"Ouch!" Naruto cried and clutched his head.

Luckily, Naruto's skull was even harder than Harry's had been... and that was saying something!

"What was that for Hermi…"

"Sakura."

"What was that for, Sakura-chan?" Naruto whined as he rubbed the bump on his head.

"Guess." Sakura glared at him and Naruto laughed nervously.

"Oh come on, even you have to admit that's got to be the best prank ever… well, aside from us existing here in the first place." Naruto smiled brightly.

"You've changed."

"Had to." The answer was a bit colder than Hermione had expected.

"What with your track record so far, I can understand."

"Huh? How so?" Naruto looked confused and Hermione had to admit; Harry had been cute but Naruto was adorable!

"Parents being murdered, your head being marked in some form or fashion, not to mention being forced to share your body with another soul…"

"Heh, yeah. Next thing you know, we'll find out I'm part of some prophecy or something…"

"Don't jinx it." Sakura groaned.

"Well, what do you say we…"

"Shhhh… Someone's coming." Sakura sensed some chakra signatures nearby.

They were faint, like someone was trying to hide their presence, but noticeable to one who has trained themselves to recognize such things. It wouldn't do to be discovered doing things way beyond her years and training after all, so she had to keep constant vigilance…

'Merlin, I'm starting to sound like Moody.'

"There you are! Anko-chan and I have been looking everywhere for..." Ibiki paused when he noticed Sakura stood next to his little brother. "Well, well, well... nice find otouto. Your girlfriend is a cutie." The older male smiled.

"Girlfriend? Ewww." Both children responded simultaneously.

"As if I would date my brother." Sakura added and rolled her eyes.

"And the thought of kissing my sister is just… bleh!" Naruto agreed.

"Huh?" Ibiki looked stunned and confused.

For all he'd known, this was the first time these two had met. It wasn't like Naruto was often far from either him or Anko, and the snake summoner had never mentioned a pinkette before…

"So how long have you two known each other?" Anko asked in a suggestive tone as she hopped off a nearby rooftop.

Naruto looked at Sakura and grinned, which caused the girl to raise an eyebrow. A smile like that never boded well, especially coming from HIM…

"Longer than the two of you have been alive." Naruto stated with a serious look on his face as he addressed his "siblings."

"NANI?!"

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A/N: To everyone who has favorited, followed, and ESPECIALLY those who have reviewed… I love you! :D You all are amazing and I thank you for your time and patience. I hope to keep updating weekly, though my computer access is limited at the moment, so I apologize to all you wonderful people. Though I write this to entertain myself, I am happy to know that you find it amusing as well :D

For all you Sakura haters out there: I used to be one of you! Until Shippuden. Then she finally redeemed herself in my eyes and now I actually love the monstrously strong medic-nin. (I play healer characters, so… I have a soft spot of them ^^;; lol) Some of you probably saw the foreshadowing since Hermione was a Healer XD lol That, and I couldn't resist the hair :D

Also, Sakura's parents have always been civilians in my mind. I read manga, soooo… yeah. Anyway, disregard movie 6… lol (Found out about that when I was trying to figure out her mom's name XD lol)

Japanese Terms

Hai - yes

Otouto - little brother

Kami - God

Onee-chan - Big sister

Nani - What

Kitsune - fox demon