Always Late
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is owned by Naoko Takeuchi and Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. I do not own the characters or anything, but the plot belongs to me. Please don't copy my story, I've put a lot of work into this story and I don't necessarily want to see it duplicated elsewhere, it's depressing to me.
Note: This story started out as a one-shot for Sailor Ronin Usa-chan's Mentor thing she had going on her site, but it's quickly turned into a multi-chapter story. Anyway, I don't really have many comments to make except that I don't generally read stories in the Sailor Moon, Harry Potter genre so I don't really know the cliché's and whatnot so please don't accuse me of writing a cliché story or whatever because I'm uninformed about the trends that run around that section.
Thoughts
are 'italicized'
Dream Sequences are 'italicized'
(thoughts in dreams aren't)
olloollo Change of scene, time,
etc…
Prologue
"Mou… this is hard, Haruka-san." Usagi whined as she sat at the table balancing a pencil between her upper lip and her nose.
"You leave for school in three days, koneko-chan. You're going to have to be able to speak perfect English or you'll fail out of all of your classes." Haruka said sternly as she sat across the table from the bubbly blond.
"Demo…" She whined as she flopped her head forward onto the open book that lay in front of her on the table. She had received a letter the previous year saying that she had been accepted to a big school in England for the following year.
Usagi had been confused since she had never applied to that particular school, but once she opened her letter, she had received the shock of a lifetime. She had learned of the existence of real witches and wizards and not only that… she had learned that she had the talent to attend the most prestigious wizarding school in all of Europe, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The letter had been written in her native tongue of Japanese, but had specifically said that she had one year to learn English well enough to attend the school. Unlike most witches, who were discovered when they were 10 or 11 years of age, Usagi was 15 and entering the first year.
"Koneko-chan, do you want to fail out during your first week of school?" Haruka asked as she raised an eyebrow in Usagi's direction.
"But it's too hard." She whined as she picked her head up off the book and leaned her head against one hand with her elbow propped up on the table.
"You've been working extremely hard this past year, you already know the language, you just need to get some confidence." Haruka said with a small smile in Usagi's direction. Whenever Usagi was around, she would speak in English solely so the girl could get some experience with using the language. Every time Usagi would speak in English, she would receive a cookie and ever time she spoke Japanese; she received a cookie with a hot pepper baked into the center. So naturally, she learned early on that when she was around Haruka, she had to speak English the entire time.
Haruka hadn't been her only teacher, though. Setsuna and Michiru would often help with the lessons. Michiru had very lovely penmanship so she had taught Usagi the English alphabet, both printed letters and cursive letters. Usagi had been amazed out how much easier it was to write in English than it had been to write in Japanese. She didn't have to memorize tons of kanji, just 26 different letters that were arranged in different ways to spell different words and phrases. Setsuna seemed to know just about every language there was due to her time spent at the Time Gate and the many different things she watched over. In result, she was there much of the time that Haruka did her long lessons and would test Usagi at random if she saw her on the streets after school.
She had left her middle school that year since she wouldn't need Muggle history or anything of the like once she was attending Hogwarts. Because of this, Usagi was able to spend more time on her English lessons as well as her potion practice. When Setsuna had discovered Usagi's acceptance into Hogwarts, she had gone into the wizarding world and found a wizard that was suitable at potions so she would be able to get some practice with that before she entered school. It was well known that Usagi was a very poor cook so Setsuna had taken the liberty of doing this to prepare Usagi for school.
Usagi's family had been thrilled when they had discovered that Usagi was going to the most famous Wizarding school in the world. Though they were Muggles, one of Ikuko's older sisters had been granted with the gift and had even attended Hogwarts in her youth. Now her sister worked at St. Mungos Hospital for Magical Maladies in the London as an assistant to one of the Healers. When Usagi was 6, she came to visit and brought candy like Berty Bott's Every Flavor Beans and Chocolate Frogs. Of course Usagi was too young to remember clearly the gifts and the magic on the Chocolate Frogs wore off after a few jumps. And Usagi wasn't able to distinguish that it was real magic at that time because children her age still believed in winged horses and princesses.
"I know, but what happens if I forget when I get to England?" Usagi questioned as her eyes filled with tears. "I don't want to fail! I want to learn how to make sweets appear out of nowhere!" Usagi said with a slight giggle. Haruka chuckled lightly at that and ruffled Usagi's already messy hair. She had been studying all day to prepare herself for her long-awaited arrival at Hogwarts. When Haruka had walked into the room earlier that day, the blond had been sound asleep in her book. Ikuko and Kenji had allowed Usagi to stay at their mansion so she could submerse herself into her studies without the distraction of friends and family. Of course she would return home on the weekends for a break from the constant work, and it was a nice break indeed. Usagi was able to play her favorite Sailor V video games and eat all the sweets she could eat as well as seeing her friends.
"You've worked too hard to fail out, Usagi-chan." Michiru said as the door cracked open and the aqua-haired girl walked in carrying a tray. She set a tray of sandwiches down on the edge of the table and turned toward the blond girl with a smile.
"Hai hai…" Usagi said doubtfully as she reached for a sandwich. She picked one up and took a large bite out of it before turning back to the book in front of her. She turned the page and her eyes scanned the English letters as she translated it in her head. They had used a portkey several months back to a place called Diagon Alley where she had gotten a field test of her newfound language skills.
When she first set foot into Diagon Alley, she was spellbound… Her eyes had scanned one strange shop after the next until they fell on a shop full of broomsticks. Aside from making sweets appear out of nowhere, the thing Usagi wanted most was to be able to fly. She had to buy spellbooks, a cauldron, and of course, her wand. It had been strange; not one wand in the entire store had been suitable for her. She had tested each and every wand in the entire store, but none had been right for her.
"What about my wand? I can't go to school if I don't have a wand." Usagi said with a frown as she flipped another page. She looked up at Haruka and Michiru miserably.
"Don't worry, koneko-chan. I'm sure we'll find you a suitable wand. Setsuna has just located a store in Tokyo that sells wands. We might be able to find the right wand for you there." Haruka said as she took one of the sandwiches and nibbled on it thoughtfully. "We're going to go there tomorrow, does that sound all right?"
"Hai!" Usagi said as a smile spread across her face. Usagi yawned loudly and rubbed her eyes. Usagi said as she glanced over at the clock on the wall. It read 12:00am. "Ah! No wonder I'm so tired!" Usagi said in surprise as she saw where the hands on the clock pointed. Haruka chuckled again and set her sandwich down on the edge of the tray.
"You'd better head to bed, koneko-chan." Haruka said with a small smiled as she reached for Usagi's book and closed it. "We're getting up early to head to that shop."
"All right, goodnight Haruka-san, Michiru-san." Usagi said as she stood and bowed in front of the two women with a smile on her face.
"Goodnight." Haruka and Michiru said in reply as they too, rose from their seats.
olloollo
"Try this one." An elderly wizard said as he handed Usagi her thirtieth wand. Usagi took the wand and gave it a little wave… nothing happened.
"I'm never going to find a wand." Usagi said as a frown crossed her lips. He took the wand back and pulled another that was a very dark wood and thrust it into her hand. She did the same, but nothing happened once again.
"Don't worry, Usagi-chan. You'll find a wand…" Michiru said with a small frown touching her lips. Haruka seemed to be thinking along the same lines and stood with her arms crossed over her chest.
"But we didn't find one at Ollivander's and they're the best wand makers around." Usagi said with the frown still intact on her lips. "I read it in one of those books I bought at Diagon Alley. If I couldn't find one there, what makes you think I'll be able to find one here?"
"I don't know for sure if you'll find a suitable one here, but you will have one before you begin school. That's a promise." Michiru said as she winked at the pouting blond.
The three of them had been at the store for a good three hours and the day was growing late. Each and every wand that had been handed to Usagi hadn't reacted at all. Usagi was beginning to think there had been some mistake because she didn't really have magic, and she'd spent the past year learning English for no reason. Of course Haruka and Michiru had reassured her until they were blue in the face that there had been no mistake, but Usagi couldn't help but feel a little depressed that she hadn't found her wand yet.
"This is our last wand, my child. It seems that your magic is quite finicky." The elderly wizard said as he handed the last wand that he had in the store over to Usagi. "I've never met a witch who wasn't able to find their perfect wand. Are you sure she has the gift of magic?"
"Of course she has it!" Haruka snapped in annoyance at the shop owner. They had spent the entire afternoon in the store reassuring her and here the owner was only serving to break her spirit further. "She has been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in England." She continued as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Oh?" The owner said as his eyes bugged out of his head. "She must really have the talent if she was accepted there! Its not often they accept student from halfway across the world!"
"Honto? Is it really elite?" Usagi asked as her eyes widened slightly. She, of course, didn't know much about the wizarding world because she had grown up in a Muggle household.
"It's the best wizarding school in the world!" The shop owner said excitedly as she plucked the wand from Usagi's hand. "I wish you the best of luck, miss! It looks as if none of the wands here are suitable for you. I would suggest going to Diagon Alley to Ollivander's in London. He makes the most spectacular wands."
"Erm… we've already tried there." Usagi said as a sweatdrop slid down her face. "I wonder what's wrong, though… I've tried hundreds of wands but I still haven't found mine." She said in disappointment as a frown spread across her face.
"Don't worry, koneko-chan. How would some ice cream make you feel? Would it help you cheer up any?" She questioned as she smiled down at the depressed blond. Usagi nodded her head as her lower lip quivered and the trio walked out of the store, empty handed.
olloollo
"Any success on the wand search?" Setsuna asked as Usagi, Michiru, and Haruka walked into the kitchen with several bags of sweets and a few new outfits for Usagi. Haruka had bought Usagi some really nice dress robes of pink silk with little white bunnies covering them with traditional Japanese prints surrounding them.
"Not yet, Setsuna-san…" Usagi said in disappointment as she set her bags on the floor beside the counter. Setsuna was stirring something in a pot that was on the stove that was most likely dinner.
"Don't worry, Hime-sama. I'm sure you'll find the perfect wand for you." Setsuna said as she winked in Usagi's direction. Usagi raised one delicate eyebrow at the strange wink that had been sent her way.
"Do you know something I don't, Setsuna-san?" Usagi questioned as she frowned at the taller woman. Setsuna was quite the mysterious one… Then again, she was the keeper of the Time Gate so she knew things that no one knew. She knew bits of the future as well as the distant future of the earth one thousand years from the present day.
"I was going to wait until the day you left so it would be a surprise, but I suppose you can receive it early." Setsuna said as a small smile played across her lips.
"You mean, you have a wand for me?" Usagi questioned skeptically as she looked suspiciously up at Setsuna.
"I have been searching for quite a while, but I think I've found a appropriate wand for you." Setsuna said as an all-knowing smile slid slowly across her lips. "It seems that the Phoenix feather, Dragon heartstring, and Unicorn hair aren't suitable for you. There are other things that can be used like Vela hair. Because you are the Princess of the Moon, you need a wand made from something magic that originated on the moon. Do you understand?"
"Something that originated on the moon? But…" Usagi paused as she thought to herself. "That's impossible, the kingdom on the moon was destroyed. There won't be anything magical left!" Usagi said as tears stung at the corners of her eyes.
"You forget, Hime-sama. There is one who has been to the moon and will still hold some of its power." Setsuna said with a smile. "Can you think of whom I'm speaking of?"
"Hmm…" Usagi said as she sat down on one of the stools and propped her head up on her hands. "Do I know this person?" Usagi questioned as she looked across the room at the dark-haired woman.
"Yes, he helped you a great deal… You also helped him…" Setsuna said with an air of mystery.
"Come on Setsuna-san!" Usagi whined as a pout stole across her lips. "I hate guessing games!" Setsuna laughed lightly at the childish antics of her princess. She would never change and that was a good thing. Usagi could make anyone smile without even trying.
"Think about it, Usagi-chan. Maybe it will come to you in your dreams." Setsuna said as she turned off the burner of the stove and began to pull out different bowls and spoons to server dinner.
olloollo
Usagi was walking through a glittering field that had chunks of crystal growing from the ground and sending rainbows of colors in all directions. Usagi glanced down at herself and found that she was wearing a glittering white dress with golden trimmings and her hair was in the familiar style that was the trademark of the White Moon Family. The sun shone down brightly and warmed her skin as she breathed in the fresh scent.
"Is this what Setsuna-san meant?" Usagi asked herself as she walked along the field. There were flowers littering the ground around her feet that sent their fragrance up as she passed them. She knew she was dreaming… there was no way that she couldn't be dreaming. Everything looked surreal and the colors were much too vibrant to be real. She had never seen colors so beautiful except in one special place. The place where a friend was said to live. "Eh? Elios?" She questioned out loud as a sudden thought struck her mind.
"Very good, Hime-sama." A masculine voice said. Usagi spun around and came face to face with a glowing white horse with large feathered wings and a glowing Golden Horn on his head. "I was wondering when you would find your way here. You have finally come for my gift, I see."
"Gift?" Usagi questioned as her eyes widened slightly.
"Of course. You are set to start your new school tomorrow am I correct? You cannot attend if you do not have a wand." Elios said as in a flash of golden feathers, he transformed into his human form. Usagi blushed slightly as she looked up into his golden eyes. He was really quite handsome if you could get past the huge horn that was on the top of his head. His eyes were entrancing… You could stare in them for hours and think that only a few moments had passed.
"That's right… I take the portkey out tomorrow don't I?" Usagi questioned as she shook her head to clear her thoughts. Elios laughed lightly and smiled at the seemingly clueless girl. Elios reached up to his head and plucked out a single strand of his silver hair and held it up in one hand. Usagi watched curiously as the strand stood straight up from its previous limp state. It was surrounded with a silver glow for a moment before it thickened and solidified. When the illumination dimmed, Elios held a wand that glittered in the light.
"A gift, my Lady." Elios said as he presented the wand to Usagi with a smile touching his lips.
Usagi took the gift and held it gently in her hands. It was made from a type of wood that she had never seen before. It was bright silver with a smoothing varnish that caught the light and shimmered slightly in the light.
"Sugoi… it's so beautiful…" Usagi breathed as she held it by the thicker part and admired the feel of it in her hand. She closed her eyes and reveled in the strange feeling that surrounded her. When she opened her eyes once again, silver sparks were floating around her that seemed to be coming from the wand she held in her hands.
"It seems that the wand has chosen you." Elios said with a smile at the blond. He wasn't expecting her to launch herself on him and wrap him in a tight hug.
"Arigato, Elios-san!" She cried in gratitude as she clutched her new wand in one hand and hugged him as tightly as she possibly could. Elios seemed surprised at first, but after a moment, hugged her back, although not as tightly as Usagi was hugging him.
"Good luck, hime-sama." Elios said as he took a step back from Usagi and transformed back into his Pegasus form.
olloollo
"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Ikuko asked as she hugged her daughter once more. They had taken the portkey out early that morning and had arrived a half an hour early for the train. Of course that was more than enough time for time to reach King's Cross to meet the Hogwarts Express.
"Hai, mama." Usagi said. She hugged her mother back and a single tear slid slowly down her cheek. Her mother, brother, father, and of course Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna had accompanied her to King's Cross. She had said goodbye to her other friends that morning before they left with the portkey. Of course her friends had given her gifts. A book called Hogwarts, A History 1 from Ami, a few good luck charms and scrolls from Rei, a huge plate of cookies and a few pies from Makoto, and a whole stack of new manga from Minako. They had all cried when Usagi departed. It just wouldn't be the same in Tokyo with Usagi not there. Of course Usagi promised she would write as often as she could even though the rest of the girls weren't familiar with Owl Post (nor was she, for that matter).
"Because we could go back now and you could start next year." Ikuko said as she wiped her tears away with one hand.
"It's all right, mama. I'll be home at Christmas and Easter." Usagi reassured her emotional mother.
"Take care, odango atama." Shingo said as he smiled slightly up at his sister. Of course he wouldn't admit it, but he was really going to miss his sister. He still found it extremely odd that his sister was accepted at a school in Europe, though. She had barely been passing middle school and here she was studying abroad. It just didn't make much sense to him, especially when he didn't show any sign of magical talent. To tell the truth… he was downright jealous of the clumsy blond.
"Luna, are you ready?" Usagi asked as the black cat rubbed up against her leg. Usagi hadn't seen Luna very much lately, but the cat had decided that since cats were allowed at Hogwarts, she was going to go along as well and keep an eye on her charge. Someone had to make sure the blond did her homework and studied for her tests. Besides, then Luna would be able to report back to the rest of the Senshi and make sure nothing out of the ordinary happened in Tokyo while the two of them were in Europe.
"Meow." Luna mewed softly as Usagi bent down to pick up the cat. Most of the animals Usagi said on platform 9 and three-quarters were in cages so she felt a little silly holding Luna in her arms. It didn't matter, though. It wasn't as if the feline was going to run away from her before she got onto the train. Luna was too much of a hawk to leave Usagi's side. She was likely to prevent Usagi from putting one toe out of line with her boring lectures on studying and following the rules. It's not as if Usagi always followed the rules, though. Many times Usagi had broken curfew because of different enemies that decided to attack late at night. She had also lied to her mother about why she was out so late. She couldn't tell her the truth that she was a super-heroine that fought evil every other night. Her mother would probably laugh in her face and tell her to be more serious and maybe she'd pass her classes.
"Goodbye, minna." Usagi said as she took a few steps toward the train. She turned around and waved goodbye to the six people who decided to see her off and took a deep breath before she turned back to face the train. "I won't see them again for months… I'm going to miss them…" She said as a single tear slid down her cheek. Never had she spent so much time from home… it was going to be hard for her to adjust. At least she had Luna with her to help her cope with the lack of her friends and family that always seemed to be around.
:Fin:
The prologue is roughly 4 pages long, sorry it seems a bit short, I do have quite a bit more of this story written so I will post it when I feel like I should add some more
grins Sorry, I couldn't help it! I LOVE Elios so I HAD to add him in beams
1 giggles Sorry, I had to throw that in there. I could see Ami-chan and Hermione getting along REALLY well since they're such good students . And since Hermione is always directing the boys to that particular book, I thought I'd make mention of it .
