The Deer Champion

"No."

"Shika-"

"Sorry, I meant hell no."

The 2 generational groups didn't know how long they had been in their common area this morning but they were already entertained. The younger had gone almost immediately to their own rooms the night before, while the elder went to talk to the headmaster.

What was discussed was what was being told to them now, hence the current argument.

"I already finished my education."

"Yes, I know, but-"

"You can't make me actually do work for a place I don’t even go to."

As soon as it had left Shikaku's mouth about how the younger were going to attend classes, it devolved into this. In other news, the other 2 families hadn't been this amused in years; it was basically a battle between a rock (Shikamaru) and a hard place (Shikaku).

"You only have to physically go to class but outside of that you can do whatever."

"That still involves me going physically to class. I graduated academy, I didn’t sign up for an extra version."

"They have tests at the end of the year that if you do well on, you'll never have to get any more magic education ever again."

They hadn't even gotten to the part of how Ino and Chouji were allowed in class even though they didn't have magic. Because there was no doubt in anyone's mind that if Shikamaru is being forced to go to class, she's dragging the rest of team 10 with her.

"Why can't I take them now?"

"Because they are only held at the end of the year."

Shikamaru narrowed her eyes at her father to try and detect any lies. "I'm not doing the work."

Shikaku gave a lazy smirk, "My only request was you physically go to classes and take the end of the year exams. Other than that, they can figure it out."

There was a stare down between the two Nara. "Ino and Chouji are going with me."

Shikaku's eyes brightened in amusement and achievement because this meant Shikamaru was going.

And Shikaku had been honest, he didn't care what Shikamaru did or even achieved grade wise throughout the rest of the school year as long as she physically went to class and took the exams. He didn't care about some Wizarding school grades; he just wanted a certificate or something similar declaring Shikamaru completely done with her magic education.

Mainly to cover his bases and make any nay-sayers shut up on how he played favorites (of course he did, this was his daughter, his fawn, but when it came to education, he was even stricter than others).

Now no one could claim that Shikamaru was uneducated in any shape or form.

That and Shikaku knew if he didn't force his daughter to do something while they were stuck with the wizards, she would either sleep the whole time, or go stir crazy from the inability to leave the grounds. Ino and Chouji would also go stir crazy but Shikamaru was a chuunin now and thus knew more freedom in leaving the village.

"I want it on record I hate this and it is beyond troublesome."

Everyone else snorted at Shikamaru's declaration; there was never any doubt that she would hate it.

"I assumed you didn't want to be sorted so you have classes with 4th year Gryffindor" Inoichi finally spoke up, now that the Nara weren't going head-to-head.

Shikamaru gave him a very clear look in that he wasn't subtle at all in putting her with her half-brother. "How are Ino and Chouji going? They don't have magic."

"They can do any practical that doesn't involve wands or magic, like potions. They are required to go to every class but aren't expected to do work in classes they can't participate in."

Shikaku didn't even consider letting his daughter know that apparently, they expected her to do work for every class; they were lucky she was even physically going, anything more and it was their problem.

Ino kept glancing between the elders as if trying to figure something out while Chouji almost cheerfully commented, "It’s just like in the academy isn't it Shika?"

Shikamaru sent Chouji such a disgusted look at his comment that it made the others crack up.

After their hilarity died down though, they got down to actual business.

"I already told you what was expected, these wizards can do nothing more than give you detention and if they even try you are within your right to leave. We will be going to a shopping district soon to buy some supplies that is needed for the courses. It's hard and cruel to assume that Chouji and Ino know up 4th year magic so they are given much more leeway. We might be letting the wizards underestimate us, but don't actually lower your guard.

Shikamaru, I want you to try and do the tournament with only wizards magic but if you need to use all your skills don’t hesitate. As far as these wizards are concerned, we are another school that is supporting only 3 students along with some of the school leaders for this tournament. You will all be expected to do shinobi training at least every other day when you don't have classes, at minimum but you can ask for more.

This is an S Ranked mission now which means not giving away any information to anyone. Am I understood?"

The younger trio had straightened their backs at the very start and gave curt nods. This wasn't their dad or even clan head, this was the jounin commander.

Shikaku took a moment to make eye contact with each of the kids so they realized the severity of what they were now doing. It was all fun and games in some respect, like going to magic classes, but they were still expected to behave in a way that didn't insult their village.

Shikaku was glad to note the steel that entered Shikamaru's eye; ever since she became chuunin she took training even more seriously and was quickly becoming a dangerous shinobi. Chouji met his eyes determinedly, not even fidgeting in this moment. Ino looked calm and collected and squarely met his eyes but glanced at Shikamaru for a split second with the slightest tilt of the head. Shikaku gave an as small nod; Ino could still work on fixing his relationship with Shikamaru during this mission.

All the shinobi stood tall and straight in the silence that engulfed the room. It would be nice to be with family for so long and on something that wasn't really life or death. But they couldn't slack off in any regard and they could never forget that they were technically in hostile territory

Another moment passed before the adults relaxed just a margin which allowed for the kids to relax. "We can grab breakfast before we go, and should be in the Hall for their breakfast," Chouza finally admitted as he started making his way out of the room.

Chouji brightened slightly and hurried after his own father to make food while the others waited. Ino and Inoichi were having a silent mental conversation while Shikamaru was looking around for a board or something; she could transform it into a shogi board as they waited.

Letting out a little "aha" when she did find a board, she was amused to see her dad already sitting at the low table ready to play against her. Wasting no time, she transfigured the board into a shogi board before taking out senbons and transfigured them into individual pieces.

Shikaku ran a critical eye over the transfiguration and was pleased that there was almost no indication that these didn't start as a shogi board and pieces.

And just like that, the two Nara started to play.

By the time the Nara had finished their game, everyone else had eaten. They quickly accepted their own food and ate at a quick but neat pace.

It wasn't long until they were done and the group as a whole was heading for the Great Hall.

Due to how early they had woken up and done anything, it was only the start of kids entering the Great Hall for breakfast.

Throwing a slight scowl at Inoichi, Shikamaru made her way to the Gryffindor table with Chouji and Ino following, where they easily sat in what was becoming a habit formation of Shikamaru in the middle. Shikamaru wasted no time though in pooling her arms and laying her head down to nap; just because she had to be here didn't mean she had to be awake and this day was already troublesome enough.

Chouji and Ino shared amused glances over Shikamaru's head and started to quietly converse in their native language; no need for any eavesdroppers to know what they were talking about.

When Harry finally came down with Hermione and Ron, he was and wasn't surprised to see the foreigners sitting at their table. And oh look, Shikamaru was already asleep.

The Golden Trio sat across from Team 10 and Ron couldn't help but look in awe as Shikamaru successfully napped in the Great Hall. Hermione threw Shikamaru a judgmental look but quickly backtracked when Ino made eye contact and smiled. It wasn't a smirk, it wasn't even a bad smile, but there was something threatening in it that Hermione recognized instinctively.

Chouji gave a warm smile to all of them. "So, do you guys have plans today?" Ino finally asked as soon as they had settled.

"Uh not really, why?" Harry responded

"Well, we'll be gone for a couple of hours but figured maybe you could show us around when we got back?" Ino pressed on.

"Sure, we'll show you around," Ron quickly accepted before he became focused on his breakfast.

That did remind Harry though and his mouth went instantly dry. He had wanted to ask if Shikamaru was the youngest Evans but she was asleep so clearly, he could ask lat-Harry startled when he had glanced at the girl and saw a half-lidded eye regarding him. "Go ahead and ask," came Shikamaru's muffled voice from within her arms.

Her two friends seemed to instantly know what she meant and both glanced at Harry before making eye contact with each other.

Harry had never felt this nervous before, not even on any of his adventures. Those involved adrenaline and some luck and a fight. But here it was a simple question that could change his whole perspective depending on the answer.

He swallowed once, glanced over at Hermione who was giving him an encouraging smile and Ron who held a thumbs up. Taking in a deep breath, he made eye contact with the lone half-lidded eye and asked the question that had been burning in his mind, "Are you the youngest Evans?"

Shikamaru seemed to regard him and for a heart sinking moment Harry thought she would deny it. But she slowly raised her head and leaned it against one of her palms, as she was now looking at him with both eyes, still both half-lidded.

The scrutiny felt very heavy to Harry but he maintained eye contact; he wanted to know, no he had to know.

"I am."

With those two words, Harry's world seemed to break apart and sharpen in at the same time. Before Harry could gather any thoughts though, he heard Shikamaru's lazy drawl, "I can tell you more as you show us around."

Harry's gaze sharpened and seemed to be the one now regarding her. But Shikamaru was completely unbothered by his gaze and returned the eye contact easily. He bit his lip for a second before declaring, "Alright."

"Good because we're leaving now." Ino basically chirped as he stood up.

For a moment it looked like Ino was going to repeat the previous day and grab Shikamaru but his hand did nothing more than twitch. Shikamaru narrowed her eyes at the blonde as she started to stand up on her own.

Chouji called out a goodbye though as Ino herded the two towards the entrance where the 3 adults and Snape were waiting.

Shikamaru might be biased but she was only slightly impressed with Diagon Alley. The others, besides her dad and her, were suitably impressed. But Shikamaru had gone to one of the closer Wizarding alleys before to pick up her supplies so it wasn't as mind blowing. Though it certainly seemed dirtier in some regards mostly because of the setting.

Severus mainly kept his face blank; he didn't want to provoke the shinobi and he cursed Albus in his mind for suggesting him for this trip. It was the most logical choice, but Severus easily knew how lethal shinobi were and didn't ever want to see it directed at himself.

"We'll pick up a wand first and then go get supplies from there," Severus commented almost dully but kept his voice in a way that made it a suggestion rather than a demand.

He also was probably the logical choice because he clearly knew that among the 6 of them, only 1 of them was able to cast magic.

"I will wait outside." Anything to not be in a closed cramped space with shinobi and volatile reactions.

When the shinobi entered the shop, they felt something wash over them. Luckily for the shop itself, it wasn't malicious, only curious.

"Ah, I didn’t think I would ever give a wand to a shinobi," an old voice commented from behind the counter.

He hadn't even attempted to hide himself like usual and each person had already cataloged that he was there. "Yes, but wizards become very strange when you do magic without a wand." Shikaku pointed out lazily.

"That they do. I feel there is only one of you, but you have no need for a wand young one."

Shikamaru would never admit this but she was the slightest bit unnerved when the old man's gaze seemed to pierce through her very soul. She gave a shrug and commented, "But they don't know that."

The old man let out a bark of laughter. "I won't sell you a wand young one, but I can sell you the wood without a core so it appears to be like a wand. For you and for your friends if they also need it." the man offered as he walked around the desk and gestured for them to follow him.

They didn't go very far in the store before they were stopped in the doorway of what looked like a workshop. "The young one can magically find a wood but the others will pick whatever feels right." the aging wizard explained.

The shinobi nodded and hung back as Shikamaru walked into the room, still in a lazy slouch with her hands in her pocket. "Now, let out your magic freely and let it choose the wood for you." He instructed.

She nodded and took out her hands to make an o sign with her thumb and fingers and closed her eyes; more commonly referred to as her serious thinking pose.

Everyone could easily feel when something started to spread and fill the room; it was slightly heavy but not suffocating.

"Elm and Hickory, huh.." the man muttered to himself as he went forward and picked up the two woods.

"Normally wand wood is only one but seeing as you have no core to add, I can get away with combining these woods. Do you know what they symbolize young one?" The man asked as Shikamaru reigned in her magic and he showed her the two woods. She gave a slight shake of her head, she might know some like oak, but didn't have reason to know really any other tree.

"Both represent an inner strength, and specialize in protection. Hickory shows that you are very stubborn and resolute, a wand from only hickory is a symbol of unbending will. Elm shows you as an impartial observer and arbitrator but also helps with connecting with nature spirits."

The man held up each wood as he talked and explained their meaning while pointing to a third. “I saw you also hesitate on Rosewood which is full of dark magic.  Dark, not evil.  It reflects matters of the heart and it remembers what it is like to thrive despite hardship as it is a desert plant.”

“It hasn’t been done before but let me see if I can combine 3 woods instead of 2 but I’m not guaranteeing anything.  Usually, wizards just connect with 1 wood, maybe 2 but it’s rare.  I’ve never quite seen a wizard connect with 3 different wood.  Keep in mind, it is only because you won’t have a wand core that I’m even attempting this.” He explained further.

Shikamaru was slightly shocked at all the meanings and that he was going to attempt to do 3 woods when before he only offered 2.

Still, she did appreciate the meanings of inner strength, and in some way each meaning represented her. Though she might not need it, she could see herself at least becoming a partner with this wand.

"You have a very firm grasp on your magic, pick out the woods for your friends."

Shikamaru looked at the man slightly startled; didn’t he say they could choose themselves? She looked at the other males in the room and Chouji gave her an encouraging smile while Ino made a 'go on' motion.

Shikamaru took her stance again but this time consciously reached out to connect to Ino first. Almost immediately it chose a wood and she pointed in the direction without opening her eyes, "Bubinga, how interesting."

It actually took Shikamaru longer to find one for Chouji. A couple of them sparked but nothing really grasped her attention like before. Finally, she chose the one that had the biggest spark and pointed in the direction while opening her eyes "I see that your friend was very hard to choose for but you settled on Alder though Holly was a strong contender."

The elderly wizard turned to regard the other two young shinobi. "Bubinga is known to bring about positive changes, especially in matters related to emotions.  It also stands for passion, courage, and charisma.”

Shikamaru internally startled at the definition for the wood she chose for Ino but very consciously didn’t make eye contact with the young blonde; she didn’t quite know if the meaning was foreshadowing something more.

"Alder is a wood known to be gentle in appearance but possesses a legendary strength.  It is associated with battle and survival, protection, and motivation.  Holly on the other hand stands for protection and peace and is known to endure the changing of the seasons.  It is a symbol of a warrior when the warrior is spiritually aware and true of heart."

And yeah, that fit Chouji but it wasn't a full definition which explained why it was hard for her to choose.

“If you had magic, I would have combined the woods like I am doing for the young one, but as you don’t, I’m afraid I will only be using Alder wood.”  The elderly man explained as he gathered the separate woods.

"Give me a few hours and then come back. As these are not true wands, I will have them done by the time you're ready to leave for Hogwarts." the elderly man stated while he started to shoo the shinobi out of his shop

"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander." Inoichi commented as they were leaving.

The wizard gave a sharp bark of laughter before commenting, "Always happy to give others headaches." and then the door closed.

Shikaku snorted and Chouza smiled in amusement.

It was a slightly awkward air around the younger generation following the wood choosing and meaning. Before it could get too awkward though, Ino declared that even if he won't wear the fashion of wizards, they should check some of it out.

Grabbing both his teammates, Ino started dragging them away while shouting over his shoulder for the adults to pick up the boring stuff like potion supplies.

This was said in their native language so they got some odd looks from passing by wizards.

"Your son is off to terrorize the poor wizard populace." Shikaku couldn't help but comment to Inoichi in English as they started making their own way to a store.

"Who Ino terrorizes is completely up to him, I have no say in the matter." Inoichi snarked back also in English.

"Shouldn't we have mentioned they need formal wear?" Chouza couldn't help but point out.

Shikaku gave him a panicked look, as he wasn’t ready to 1. Go shopping with Ino and 2. See his fawn actually dress up. "I told Ino earlier," Inoichi stated off hand as they entered the potions shop.

Chouza sent Shikaku an amused look at the declaration as the Nara didn't know how to process that his daughter might dress up.  He was barely coming to terms with her growing into dating age, he wasn’t ready for something like this.