Summary: They were mysterious and reclusive. They were beautiful, but hidden in the shadows. Yet they were extremely powerful, and perhaps the last chance for the survival of Hogwarts.
The Secret Language
By Sachinyoko
xXx
"Lady, would you like me to--" The young woman shook her head at the question, her short locks of hair swayed with the motion. She brought her finger up to her lips delicately, a silent gesture for the speaker to be quiet. The large intimidating being bowed with its top half, that of a human; from the end of his waist, the creature's body extended into the form of a palomino horse.
"They will be here soon, Firenze," the female spoke, her eyes trained onto the darkness of the forest. The moonlight barely penetrated the thick foliage of the trees around them, but the little bit of light illuminated her pale skin in an ethereal glow, and caught her eyes, making them shimmer like two jewels in the night.
At her side stood the creature she referred to as Firenze. The half horse, half man, also known as a centaur, glanced around with some impatience. Otherwise, though, his blue eyes appeared placid and calm. His white locks of hair rested carelessly against his shoulders, partially blocking the view off his face, and reflecting the moonlight back vibrantly.
On her opposing side stood another centaur, his annoyance more blatant in his hooves that stomped restlessly against the earth. His black hair fell even longer than Firenze's white mane, and he frowned as the lady looked at him, a smile gently touching her face. "Are you bored, Bane?"
"Frustrated," he grunted, turning his gaze the other way. She giggled a pretty, melodic sound that resounded all around them. Both centaurs tensed as another form dropped from a tree limb above them, landing crouched in front of the young woman. Rising, amusement shown in her glowing violet eyes as she looked between the two centaurs flanked at her friend's sides.
"Sorry to keep you waiting Ami." As she declared her apology, another bundle came down from the tree, this one much smaller. The shadow landed on the newcomer's shoulder and stretched out its limbs, revealing itself as a phoenix. The woman, identified as Ami, reached her hand out and delicately stroked the bright plumage of the bird before she smiled.
"No, you're actually the first to arrive." The other girl rolled her eyes at this, flipping locks of her dark hair over her shoulder. Turning to the phoenix, she muttered something gently under her breath. With a soft noise, the bird stretched its wings and flew, disappearing immediately in the dark forest.
"Not true. I've been here for a while," The four turned as a small girl stepped from the shadows, her hand caressing the muzzle of a dark horse. Well, it actually did not much resemble a horse. Its whole body appeared skeletal, with leathery bat-type wings folded at its sides, and its eyes shone pure white, blank and unseeing. The shorter girl standing at its side kept her hand placed on the creature's nose, and her other arm curled around its neck. She looked to be holding onto the horse-like being for protection, or perhaps comfort.
"Good evening, Hotaru. I haven't seen you around." Ami said pleasantly. "Have you, Rei?" She turned to the other girl, who shook her head as a negative response, her eyes never leaving the black horse at the girl's, Hotaru's, side.
"A pack of Thestrals were attacked in the South. I've been helping." Hotaru replied quietly, her indigo eyes traveling over Rei's almost identical shade. "Makoto is coming now."
"Hey everyone," After the words left the smaller girl's lips, the brunette appeared into the small clearing. Her deep green eyes crinkled into a smile as she looked around at them, wavy brunette hair lying over her shoulders. Though usually pulled up into a ponytail, the brown locks were partially hiding a small, silver creature curled on her shoulders, around the back of her neck.
"How cute," Rei commented, as the tiny reptilian creature poked its head out of its hiding place to observe the new people. The sound of her voice startled it, and it retreated back against Makoto's neck.
"She's just a baby. I wanted her to get out some; she's been cooped up with her mother. Her name is Kaida. I got to name her, can you tell?" Makoto smiled enthusiastically. Ami and Rei returned the expression.
"Is she a Swedish Short-Snout or an Antipodean Opaleye?" Ami asked, smiling as the baby dragon stuck her head out warily again.
"The latter," the brunette replied. She then turned her head and whispered something to the dragon. The silvery creature seemed to relax as she spoke, and Makoto then turned back to the group, "I thought I was late but it looks as though we're still missing some people."
"No, just one," they all turned once again to greet the newcomers, two women who appeared behind Hotaru. She looked up and smiled at them, her face lit up with emotion for the first time that night. Her arms left the Thestral at her side to hug each of them.
"Hello Haruka, Michiru," Ami greeted. The woman on the left nodded back; her teal colored hair hung to her shoulders, wet with moisture. The other woman's hair, short and sandy blonde, was also visibly wet.
"Of course, it's just like her to be late," Rei said shortly, looking slightly exasperated. Makoto chuckled at this, and the others also smiled.
"Now Rei, that's not very nice. At least make fun of me while I'm here," the voice that sounded around them echoed with laughter, and they all turned to the final person to show up. Her blue eyes were shining happily as she observed the whole group of them. "Everyone, it's so wonderful to see you all together again."
"Meatball Head," Rei mocked, but her face spread into a smile as she hugged her best friend. Indeed, her blonde hair sported two buns on either side of her head, with streamers pouring down from them. "It's been too long, Usagi."
"Yes, I'm sorry. Things have been quite hectic, and Chibiusa has started her training with Helios and the unicorns. She couldn't make it tonight, sorry Hotaru," Usagi turned to the black haired girl with an apologetic smile, but Hotaru shook her head, brushing the apology off.
"Oh," Makoto gasped as Kaida, the baby dragon, burrowed fiercely against her neck, hiding once more in her wavy hair. The two centaurs beside Ami looked nervous, their hooves stamping lightly on the ground. Even the Thestral aside Hotaru became agitated, throwing its head from side to side, until the girl placed her hand on its muzzle and muttered something. The source of this sudden tension stood at Usagi's side, and subconsciously the group glanced at the full moon.
"Usagi, I didn't know you were bringing," Rei paused, hesitating. She'd already taken a few steps back from her friend and the fierce creature beside her, whose glowing eyes were fixated on her. "I didn't know he was coming with you."
"It's alright," Usagi said as she kneeled next to the four legged beast. The slight hurt apparent in her expression showed that it wasn't as alright as she claimed, but she said nothing. The werewolf growled until she lightly touched the top of his head and smiled. "Fenrir, could you please wait for me at the south end of the forest?"
Fenrir reluctantly complied, turning and dashing off into the trees. After a moment's silence, a howl echoed throughout the whole forest, which made the placid look on the blonde's face pucker into a frown. Replacing it with a light smile, she turned back to the group and said, "I'm sorry, I should've known you'd be uncomfortable. I just didn't want to travel alone. Now, Ami has called us all here, right?"
"Yes," Ami replied, and the tension over them eased at her soft tone. Her blue eyes traveled around the clearing, observing, but also looking tentative. Finally, she took in a relaxing breath and said, "As you know, Voldemort has planned an attack against Hogwarts. Spies in his ranks have reported this to the Order of the Phoenix." Rei scowled at the name, but Ami continued speaking, "I called everyone here because Dumbledore has contacted me through Firenze. He knows of our existence, and he has requested our help to protect Hogwarts."
After the brief instance of shock, the hot-tempered Rei reacted first. Clucking her tongue with disgust, she snapped, "I cannot believe he has the gall. After how the wizarding world has treated us, what makes him think we'll do anything to help them? Besides, phoenixes aren't meant to fight."
"I've already broken the werewolves ties with Voldemort. There is no possible way I could ask them to now fight against him. They've lost so much already, and the wizarding world has been just as unkind to them. If not, more so," Usagi said softly, her voice thick with emotion. Even as she said this, her eyes watered, and she looked above her to the full moon.
Hotaru spoke next, her tone of voice sounding oddly harsh, "Wizards do nothing but exploit Thestrals for their own trivial use and gain. I see no reason why I should implore them to fight for them as well."
"Merpeople do not meddle with the affairs of humans or wizards. They prefer to stay neutral, and I could not ask them such a thing." Michiru said softly. At her side, Haruka nodded her assent to the statement.
"As with Hotaru, wizards hunt down dragons for their hides and whatever else. They don't deserve the help of the dragons. I wouldn't even consider asking them." Makoto almost sneered, but she stopped herself. Kaida shivered with fear on her shoulder, and she reached her hand up to place on the dragon's head to comfort her. Ami held up her hand to stop their comments, her face anxious.
"Yes, I knew you would respond that way. You understand that centaurs do not associate with wizards either and I would not want them to fight. I asked you because Hogwarts is filled with innocent children. They should not have to die.
"Dumbledore is a good man, I believe that. Please, he has asked to meet with everyone tomorrow along with several members of his Order. At least listen to what he has to say. If we ignore and shun them, then we become the same as the people who did that to us," Ami bowed her head, her voice full of passion. Firenze placed a hand against her shoulder, and she reached her own slender hand up to rest against his, smiling appreciatively at him.
"I will go, and hear what he has to say," Usagi agreed first, though her gaze was far off through the trees, where another howl reverberated around them. Another tentative silence followed her statement, before Rei sighed and agreed as well. Hotaru followed, before Michiru and Haruka. They all turned to Makoto, who still sported a deep frown. Feeling she was defeated, however, her expression crumpled into resignation.
"Fine, I'll go. But I am not going to change my mind." The green eyed girl spoke the last part with fierce determination. Ami nodded, before she smiled wholeheartedly at each of them.
"Thank you all. We should meet here tomorrow before dusk, and we will go up to the castle when it gets dark. There were no specifications, but I think we should go alone, meaning no accompanying friends." She added the last part with apprehension, glancing surreptitiously at Usagi.
"I have to go, Fenrir is getting restless. Goodbye everyone, I'll see you tomorrow." Usagi walked around the clearing, giving each person a hug before she ran into the forest, her speed inhuman. The group of them stood for a while, talking to each other, until slowly everyone dispersed, leaving only Ami and the two centaurs, Bane and Firenze.
"Are you sure this is for the best, Lady Ami?" Firenze asked softly once Rei finally disappeared from the darkness of the Forbidden Forest. Ami kept her blue eyes aimed straight ahead, full of worry and fear. Softly, she shook her head no.
"I am not sure. I do know that I have seen the destruction of Hogwarts in my dreams, and they are rarely wrong. If we don't help the wizarding world, everything will be lost. I just don't know what of ours will be lost if we do help." Ami suddenly looked exhausted. Bane helped her onto Firenze's back, and she dozed off with her head nested in his white hair while they headed back toward their home.
xXx
"Hotaru!" The two young girls embraced, the one with cotton candy pink hair laughing happily. She had only just landed with Helios, now reverted back to his human form, and had immediately jumped down to greet her best friend. Usagi also came with them, and she now smiled as she watched the two chat, Hotaru looking much happier in the presence of the other girl.
"I'm not last today," the blonde observed, smiling over at Ami.
"Yes, you've actually beat Rei here. She'll be devastated." Makoto joked. Her green eyes twinkled as she smiled, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder. The dragon from the previous night was now missing. Michiru and Haruka also stood off to the side, speaking quietly with each other. Usagi smiled as she noticed their hands entwined, and their close proximity to each other.
"I don't think devastated is quite the word. More like, stunned beyond all belief," Rei dropped down from the tree above the group, grinning mischievously. Usagi huffed, as though offended, and the two had a mock glaring contest for a moment while the others looked on, amused.
"It's time for us to go," Ami announced quietly, and they all silenced. The whole atmosphere around them shifted to solemn as they walked out of the forest. Without conferring on the matter, they had all worn hooded cloaks with the exception of Chibiusa and Helios, and they simultaneously pulled the hoods tight over their heads as they ascended the stone staircase to the Hogwarts castle.
Ami, in the lead, reached her pale hand up to knock on the large door. Almost instantaneously, the door pulled inward and a man appeared in the entrance. His dark eyes looked over the strange group, nearly all wearing cloaks with hoods covering their faces. Still he looked as though he had expected them, for he pushed the door open further and beckoned them inside. "I am Severus Snape, and Dumbledore asked me to escort you to his office."
"Thank you, Severus." Ami said, nodding her head. The man known as Severus didn't reply, just turned and walked across the stone Entrance Hall, leaving them to follow. Rei muttered something about his rudeness to Usagi, who giggled softly before she motioned for her to be quiet. No one said anything else as they navigated the many halls of the large castle. Finally, Severus came to a halt in front of a stone gargoyle.
As they filed up the spiral staircase, Ami felt her anxiousness hit her full force. Her stomach did somersaults inside her, and she entered the room at the top of the stairs visibly tense, if it weren't for the cloak she wore.
Immediately she located the familiar form of Albus Dumbledore seated at his desk. On the left side of him stood a man that looked roughly the same age as Severus, only he had fair hair to Severus's dark, and his eyes were much kinder. On his right side stood a man with messy red hair, who looked very exhausted. Severus walked over and stood to the side of the desk.
"A werewolf," the softly spoken words would never have been heard if the room weren't silent. Usagi, the speaker, pulled her hood down, letting her twin streamers of hair spill down her back from where she'd tucked them away. Her blue eyes were wide and transfixed on the man to Dumbledore's left. The man in question looked somewhat abashed as he stared back, but Albus Dumbledore smiled.
"Yes, I thought that you would recognize that. You must be Usagi. I am Albus Dumbledore, and this is Remus Lupin. You've met Severus, already, and the man to my right is Arthur Weasley. I am honored to welcome you all here to Hogwarts." The elderly man stood, his blue eyes twinkling animatedly over his half moon spectacles while he held out his arms in an open, hospitable fashion. The werewolf identified as Remus Lupin glanced at Albus, his confusion blatant in his expression.
"I am Ami," the girl pulled her hood down, revealing her short blue hair and kind eyes. Turning, she glanced at the group assembled behind her expectantly. Though some more reluctant than others, they all lowered their hoods as well. "The blonde is Usagi, as you said. Beside her is her daughter, Chibiusa, then Helios and Hotaru. Then there's Michiru, Haruka, Makoto, and Rei."
Ami trailed off, as the raven haired girl had disappeared from her previous spot. Her blue eyes finally located her, standing next to a perch that sat off to the side of the office. A phoenix sat there, the obvious reason Rei had walked over in the first place. Her hand reached over to brush against its head as she smiled, whispering to the bird softly. Albus looked on this spectacle, staying silent, his eyes still twinkling.
"I believe you called us here for a reason," Makoto said, her voice rather snappish. Albus turned back to her, nodding his head. Rei didn't rejoin them, and didn't seem to be listening when the elderly man started talking. She stayed where she stood; apparently more interested in her conversation with Fawkes the phoenix.
"Yes, well as I've told Ami already, there is a planned attack on Hogwarts by Voldemort's forces."
"Why don't you just close the school and evacuate. If you know he's going to attack, it makes no sense to keep the children here." This time, it was Haruka who spoke. Her arms were crossed over her chest as she glared, but her expression changed back to indifferent as Michiru placed a gentle hand on her arm.
"We plan to move the children to safety once the attack commences, but this is an opportunity to weaken Voldemort's forces considerably. With the way this war is shaping up, it could be a deciding factor on who wins and who loses." Albus paused, his expression serious, "I know that the wizarding world has not been kind to you in the past. I'm not asking any favors. But please understand that if Voldemort wins this war, it means destruction and death for everyone, including you."
"I will." Everyone turned, surprised, to the raven haired girl that stood aside. Her violet eyes flickered like flames as she looked at Albus, her lips curved into a smile at the shock her friends showed her. They figured if anyone would be hard to convince, it would be Rei. "Fawkes told me much of you, Albus Dumbledore. Any wizard who can earn the respect and companionship of a phoenix has my respect as well."
"I will speak to the Merpeople, then." Michiru conceded. Her aqua eyes captured Albus's in a confident gaze as she went on, "But I will say now, it is up to them whether they assist you. I will not make them fight."
"Fair enough," Albus replied pleasantly, nodding.
"I have to decline." They turned toward Usagi, yet again surprised. Rei accepted this offer easily and Usagi just as quickly declined? Things did seem to be quite backwards. "You understand that I can't even approach Fenrir with such a proposal." The blonde glanced at Remus; he had flinched at the name. "I think it's fair to say I've done my part with making the werewolves neutral, and I will not risk anyone else being killed at the hands of Voldemort."
"I decline as well," Makoto said, drawing the attention from the pigtailed blonde. Her green eyes glistened with inner anger as she continued, "Wizards do nothing but disrespect and kill dragons. They do not deserve their assistance. I will consider fighting with you myself, but only in support to my friends."
"As you know, I've already spoken with the centaurs." Ami said, sending an anxious glance at the mixed group. "We agree your intentions are just, and the cause is common for us all. We've decided to help defend Hogwarts and the forest where we live."
"I will ask the Unicorns," Chibiusa spoke up, looking up at Helios anxiously. He only smiled, nodding his head to show his consent. Chibiusa turned back to the old wizard, smiling brightly. "I'm sure they will help."
"Then I will help as well," Hotaru announced quietly, smiling slightly as Chibiusa beamed at her, "I will have to travel to confer with other Thestrals, but I'm sure they will be more than willing. Voldemort sought out their allegiance, and when they refused he attacked their homes. They will want revenge, I'm sure."
"I want to thank you all, on behalf of myself, the Order, and wizards everywhere fighting Voldemort." Albus walked around his desk and bowed to the assembled females, plus Helios. "I hope you all reconsider to help, if you've declined, but I would understand if you didn't. Know that you are all welcome here at Hogwarts at any time."
After a few moments, they began to file out. Rei stopped and asked Albus if she could come again to visit Fawkes. "He's very intelligent, and he knows a lot. I'd like to talk with him again."
"Of course. You are welcome any time," Albus smiled. Rei nodded before she too turned to leave. Only the blonde remained in the room, the one called Usagi, and her eyes that had been on Remus nearly the whole time finally moved to Albus.
"I'd like to speak with Remus Lupin for a moment, if that's okay." She didn't specify who it should've been okay with, but Albus nodded his consent. Remus, though he looked uneasy, followed the blonde to stand outside of the office. The others had already descended the staircase and waited in the hall for her. "Remus Lupin. Fenrir told me of you once. He's the one who bit you, right?"
"Yes," Remus answered. He seen no reason not to answer the question, but his face was set in a pronounced frown. He'd heard rumor of a female who traveled with the werewolves, but he thought it to be a lie. Could this petite blonde really be the one they spoke of?
A soft smile lit up her face, and for some reason, Remus found that her happiness affected him. Her hand reached out and touched his arm, and he nearly jumped back. A warm sensation spread from the end of her fingertips all the way through his body, until the exhaustion he had felt from the full moon started to dissipate. Finally, she spoke again. "Fenrir has changed. He's much kinder now."
"I find that hard to believe." Remus breathed, still in total shock. Usagi finally retracted her hand, and though his exhaustion didn't return, he felt unusually cold at the loss of contact. Why did she have such an effect on him? She giggled, drawing his attention back to her.
"It's because you're a werewolf. And no, I can't read your thoughts, but your expression is pretty obvious," laughing again, she waved goodbye and walked down the stairs without another word.
xXx
Remus walked back into Dumbledore's office, closing the door softly behind him. He still looked visibly shaken, but he eased down into one of the chairs regardless and listened attentively to the conversation.
"If we had the dragons on our side, it would be an almost guaranteed victory. Someone should try to convince that girl to join the fight," Severus commented from his position to the left side of the room, leaning against the wall. He looked bothered by the whole ordeal, and glared absently at the portraits on the walls. The glare was justified, because they kept wandering between each other's frames and talking animatedly about the strange girls that had visited the office; so uncivilized for previous Hogwarts headmasters.
"We cannot force any of them to do anything," Albus said from a separate corner of the room. Pressing the tip of his wand against his temple, he extracted a thin strand of silver and placed into the basin full of the silver liquid known as Pensieve. An image of the group of girls swirled in the substance before it turned back to its original silver. "When they were children, they were scorned for their strange abilities and viewed as dark witches. It's no surprise that they're reluctant to help us. Perhaps I should ask Hagrid to talk with her. He is most avid of dragons."
"I could ask Charlie," Arthur spoke suddenly. He of course referred to his second oldest son who worked with dragons, and whose team provided the dragons for the Triwizard Tournament. "He's more her age, and I'm sure he'd be interested in meeting her." He paused, smiling fondly. "A girl who can talk with dragons; he'll be absolutely batty."
"Yes, perhaps you're right," Albus agreed, chuckling. "If he's not busy with the Order, you should invite him here. Then there's also Usagi and the werewolves. She doesn't even want to ask. I'm sure she feels somewhat the same as Makoto with the dragons. Werewolves have never been treated kindly by wizards."
"Perhaps Remus could make himself useful," Snape sneered from his place against the wall and turned his attention toward Albus, who extracted another memory to place into his Pensieve.
"I could try," Remus said slowly, his face warped into a frown. They conceded to end the meeting, each going their separate ways, but none forgetting the strange girls as they settled into sleep that night.
Xx Chapter Fin xX
I am just sitting in front of my computer giggling insanely. At one point I looked and the word count was 1700, then suddenly I checked again and it was over 4000. I decided this would be a suitable stopping point. I know what you're thinking. Okay, you may be thinking. Where the heck are Minako, Setsuna, and Mamoru? All in due time, all in due time.
So I will be writing a story with all the senshi equally major characters. I'm really excited. By the way, I'd put the senshi in their early to mid twenties, except Michiru and Haruka closer to thirty, and Hotaru and Chibiusa are fifteen. I called them small because they're both short. :) Also, to note, I got a lot of helpful information for this story on Wikipedia, such as the types of dragons. If you ever need Harry Potter reference, I recommend that site.
I've promised to complete Forbidden Dreams within the next three months. It is a promise. I will do it if it kills me, which I doubt it will. The next chapter is almost ready. But please review this; I need to know if I should continue. The first chapter is such and easy point to stop and drop a story.
Anyway, the pairings I'm considering so far are Ami/Severus (I don't like Severus all that much but I do like a challenge) or possibly Ami/Firenze; Makoto/Charlie (this one is almost definite if I do continue); Hotaru/Harry or Hotaru/Draco (I'm not sure. I don't think Harry and Hotaru would go well together, but I can't really see her with Draco either? Any other suggestions?); Chibiusa/Harry or Chibiusa/Helios (The second one is so tempting); Usagi/Remus (This one is pretty definite too. Yes I will explain Mamoru later. Geez.)
So, should I go on? Hmm. I'll decide depending on the response. After all, I'm going to busy trying to work on other stories, so if there's really no enthusiasm I'd just be wasting my time. I'll stop blathering now. x3
♥SachiNyoko♥