Chapter 2: Temptations, Teacups and Tiaras
As Tomoyo and the others removed their shoes at the front entrance, they were quickly overcome by the tantalizing scent of food wafting from the kitchen. Their mouths watered as Nanako and Akira cooked an assortment of pasta dishes for dinner. With the housemaids now charged with preparing meals and maintaining the general upkeep of the house, Tomoyo and Sakura were now free to focus on their study. After dinner, and after committing two hours to study each night, everyone descended to the training room for practice.
That evening after an hour into training, Trunks and Harry were slumped against a metal bench, each perspiring from their rigorous training drills. After taking a deep swig of water from a drink bottle, Trunks turned to Harry with a meaningful gaze.
Sensing his stare, Harry inclined his head, in the midst of mopping his head with a towel. 'What's up?'
'I just wanted your opinion on something,' Trunks started, taking another sip from his bottle, his eyes narrowed. 'With each enemy that shows, there is a reoccurring trend: a "hero" from the same realm also appears. Why do you suppose that is?'
Harry raised his eyebrows. 'It is strange, I guess,' he said, puzzled. 'You'd think that the enemy would be quite strict on the conditions of bringing these opponents from other worlds.'
'That's what I thought,' Trunks replied, nodding slowly. 'What I had noticed the second time 'round, was that the heroes left through a separate portal.'
'They arrived as separately to the enemy, as well. Maybe...maybe someone is helping us?' Harry muttered, realisation dawning on him. 'Dumbledore did say something about aid during these times. Maybe someone with the same or a similar ability to the enemy.'
'Dumbledore?' Trunks said pensively, trying to recall who this was. He had had it explained to him several times by Hermione and Ron, 'He seems to know a lot about what's happening. You don't suppose he could be involved somehow?'
Harry looked at him thoughtfully, 'In the back of my mind, I assumed Dumbledore might have been sending the others, like how he sent us to Japan. But it doesn't seem quite like that either. Unless he's holding back from telling us something.'
Harry had always thought Dumbledore had all the answers. Indeed, the elderly headmaster seemed to really know everything, being a great source of wisdom and guidance to both himself and Sakura throughout the years. But now there was so much amiss, Harry really was not sure of anything or even Dumbledore. Dumbledore was often strangely allusive, and even more so now.
'And you guys said something about some Var…durmart?' Trunks sputtered awkwardly, 'He's the one we're fighting against? Some evil wizard?'
'Voldemort.' Harry corrected,
'Right,' Trunks began, wearily, 'It's hard to remember 'cause the others keep telling me not to say his name.'
Trunks briefly recalled the moment he, along with Chibiusa, had the entire story explained to them. Hermione had scrawled the wizard's name on a slip of paper and handed it to him shakily. Trunks, who instantly read it aloud, was swiftly ambushed with frantic hand movements and over-dramatic shushing noises by a petrified Hermione, Ron and Sakura. He couldn't remember the odd nicknames they used to address Voldemort, so he ended up consistently referring to him as "What's-His-Name" and "That-Guy".
'Well, he's had a vendetta against us for a long time. But the more I think about it, the more I'm sure that this is not Voldemort's way. Sending these minions to kill us. Ridiculous ones at that. I'm not sure he even has inter-dimensional powers.'
Trunks furrowed his brow. It seemed even with all these weeks in Tomoeda, they were no further at defeating this enemy, let alone properly identifying him.
Harry caught Trunks' expression and sighed.
'Seems like all of this has been on your mind too. Have you spoken to Syaoran? Well, since you share a room and all.'
Trunks scowled as he shook his head slowly. 'I'd rather not talk to him.'
'I understand,' Harry said, and he meant it. Even after attending the same school for weeks, Trunks had spoken with Syaoran the least out of the others. Harry threw the towel about his shoulders and got to his feet. 'I'll talk to Hermione then.'
'Thanks,' Trunks said as he stood to return to his training.
Chibiusa grinned as she and Sakura sparred, using their respective abilities to attack and defend against one another. She had found this more effective than even the Chamber of Diamond Hearts, as she had someone to debrief with after the session. She was also impressed by Sakura's general athletic ability, as she seemed more in tune with her body and powers.
Chibiusa jumped high as she dodged a torrent of water erupting from Sakura's Watery card. She spun and quickly released a 'Pink Sugar Heart Attack!' which sliced through the water and seared a line of heart-shaped marks into the cement floor, with a few beams deflected as Sakura summoned The Shield Card.
Sakura landed squarely on her feet and held out her arms in a 'time out' manner. They giggled as they walked over to sit at the base of the wall to cool off. Chibiusa's cat guardian, Diana, had padded over to join them.
'I saw your sparring, Small Lady! You're much improved!' she mewed happily.
'Really?' Chibiusa beamed.
'It's been a while since you've used your powers in battle. Elios would be delighted.'
Chibiusa's expression softened as she looked shyly down at her feet, 'You think so?'
Diana nodded, but then averted her gaze suddenly. A glint of golden fur and wings caught her eye.
'Hey Sak—Oh no! You're here, too?' Kero squeaked, his arms folded as he glowered at Diana.
'Well, if you excuse me.' Before anyone could act further, Diana had bounded out of the training room chasing a retreating Kero. Though, not before scampering between the legs of Hermione and Draco who had been immersed in wizard duelling. Both of them tripped and fell over in an awkward heap, limbs flailing and wands flying. Ron scurried over to help a bewildered Hermione, deliberately shoving a disgruntled, expletive-spewing Draco out of the way. The others giggled in amusement.
Once Sakura and Chibiusa had overcome their laughter, Sakura turned to Chibiusa with a glowing look. She remembered what Diana had said.
'Chibiusa, forgive me,' she began, looking eager, 'but I can't help but think that Pegasus – Elios – is someone dear to you?'
Chibiusa looked surprised at first, but blushed and nodded slowly. 'Then you'd be right,' she replied, smiling, 'I've loved him for many years.'
'Wow,' Sakura said distractedly as she turned to regard Syaoran, who dodged an attack spell from Ron, who seemed to be becoming more skilled. 'That is very romantic.'
'What about you and Syaoran?' Chibiusa ventured, detecting the tone of Sakura's conversation. 'You seem really happy.'
Sakura stuck her tongue out and giggled. 'I guess we've been "together" for about three years. But most of that time was long distance.' She smiled sadly. 'We're still learning about each other.'
'Ah yes, I know all about long distance,' Chibiusa sighed thoughtfully, placing her chin into her hands. 'Do you know what you two will do?'
'I don't know,' Sakura also sighed, now playing absently with a strand of hair. She frowned then gave Chibiusa a hopeful look. 'But I hope we'll share as long and meaningful a relationship as you and Elios.'
Chibiusa smiled kindly. 'I'm sure you will.'
Syaoran was the last to leave the training room that night. He was on his usual rounds to ensure that the training equipment was in good repair. Once he was certain, he flicked off the light and shut the door quietly behind him. He started down the hallway, and regarded Chibiusa who was walking in the opposite direction, having returned from having a shower. Her hair was tied back in a knot and she looked refreshed. He stared at 'the knot' edgily, still wondering if hair could actually be such an obnoxious shade of pink…
She cocked her head, noticing him. Their eyes met briefly. Syaoran suddenly felt a jolt of electricity surge down his spine. He felt it instantly — the blood crept to his cheeks. Looking similarly baffled, her face also went red.
Syaoran frantically spun on the ball of his foot and bolted in the opposite direction. For a flashing moment, he had been attracted to Chibiusa, almost drawn to her like opposite magnetic ends. Retreating to his room, he slammed the door and locked it. He leaned bodily against the door, his mind racing, his heart still hammering in his chest.
He suddenly thought with horror, did he like Chibiusa? What about Sakura?
Like a tell-tale heart, the silver engagement ring throbbed ominously under his bed.
Back when he had bought it, knowing that he wanted to propose, he was sure that Sakura was the one. But what was it that had just happened? He was sure he had felt something.
Syaoran ran a hand through his hair, panting as he despairingly looked up to the ceiling. Perhaps Ron was right; he and Sakura had spent most of their time apart, and they were only just starting to be properly together, in person, like a real couple. Maybe it was normal to be attracted to someone else. Even if that were so, Syaoran couldn't shake the unbearable feeling of guilt that had nestled like a barb in his chest. How could he possibly propose to her now?
'I'm sorry, Sakura,' he worded inaudibly into the dark.
He suddenly heard the rapping of knuckles on the opposite side of the door.
'Syaoran,' Ron said in a casual tone, 'everyone's meeting in the living room to read our Owls and letters before bed. There's quite a few piled up now.'
Syaoran heaved a groan and opened the door to follow Ron into the living room, where everyone lounged around leisurely.
Pig twittered frantically close to the ceiling as Errol-Number-Two sat limply beside Hermione.
Harry groomed a snow-white owl with a gentle gaze. Syaoran looked at him curiously.
'Sirius sent a letter with Hedwig,' Harry explained and pulled the parchment from her clawed foot. Harry had sent Hedwig to live with Sirius at his place, to ensure that he had an alternative means of contacting others. However, this letter was signed by Dumbledore.
'Dear Harry and company,
'Thank you for keeping us well-informed. The manner of these battles seem highly peculiar, as we continue to investigate the reasons behind these odd occurrences.
'However, from what we can ascertain, the enemy possesses the ability to summon entities from other realms, as you have witnessed. It is also certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the authority of these assaults has a relationship, of a former and current nature, to You-Know-Who.'
Harry looked up from the letter to consider everyone's faces, drawn with weary, shifting glances.
'We endeavour to expose their identity. In the meantime however, please continue your training, for it is vital to refine the skills to fight. We will be in contact in due time.
Regards,
Albus Dumbledore.'
Harry placed down the letter and looked at Hermione. 'That was the shortest letter from Dumbledore yet.'
Hermione took this as a prompt to speak. 'Harry and Trunks have pointed out that for every battle, there is also an ally, a hero, summoned, but this is always done through a different portal.' She stroked her chin thoughtfully. 'It appears that someone is attempting to aid us. Not only that, but these allies may not even exist in the same timeline.' She turned to regard Trunks.
Trunks gulped and spoke, 'At the ice skating rink... those people – Yamcha and such – they were friends of my family. But they didn't recognise me, and they seemed a lot younger.'
Everyone looked surprised.
'Bloody hell,' Ron muttered, eyes round like dinner plates as he swatted at Pig around his head. 'Inter-dimensional time travel? It's like in Muggle movies.'
'All we can think of,' Hermione continued hastily, 'is that there must be another force, or individual, with a similar ability to the enemy, who is sending these allies to aid us. I've looked into these abilities, but I can't find anything in wizarding history about it.'
Chibiusa cleared her throat. 'Maybe I can look into this. In my realm, my friend, Setsuna, Sailor Pluto, guards the Gates of Time. Perhaps she has crossed paths with that kind of person.'
'That would be great,' breathed Syaoran suddenly, standing and regarding Chibiusa with awe. 'We need as many leads as we can get.'
Chibiusa glanced at him with surprise. They noticed each other's gaze and looked away quickly
Sakura looked confused. She had been kneeling beside Tomoyo, observing them all speak, catching a glimpse of Syaoran, Chibiusa and their reddened faces.
'I'll get back to everyone on this,' Chibiusa finished, looking at her hands that were now buried in her lap.
'In other news,' Ron interjected, eye-balling a letter in his hands, 'another Owl from Mum.'
'Another Owl?' Harry said with amusement, setting Hedwig to perch on the couch arm. Syaoran chuckled.
Ron grimaced as he started ripping open the letter. 'She sends one practically every day. You know. To make sure I'm still alive and such.'
'Sirius sends me one about every week. Last week he asked me if my scar was all right now and he told me about Buckbeak.' He leaned to whisper to Ron and Hermione. 'I'm hoping he comes out of hiding by the end of this year.'
'That'd be wonderful!' Hermione said as she stroked her hair.
Syaoran sighed, scanning the letter from his mother. 'My mother wants to know about the enemy.'
'Her guess is as good as ours,' Draco snorted as he reclined in his seat, inspecting his nails.
Meiling leaned over and placed a hand on his left arm. Draco immediately winced and tore his arm away.
'Are you all right?' Meiling asked, looking hurt. 'Oh, haven't your parents tried to contact you?'
Draco cringed as he held his forearm, and forced a weak laugh. 'Uh…well, uh… they just said hello.'
Suddenly the telephone rang.
Sakura slowly rose to her feet and left the room to take the call.
Draco seemed to take this as a cue to leave himself. 'I'm off.' He seemed uncomfortable as Meiling followed.
'I'll call it a night,' Chibiusa muttered as she also left. 'Good night, everyone.'
Syaoran nodded, dittoing her as he stood, 'Yeah, and it's been a long day. Better get some sleep.'
'Already ahead of you.' Trunks grumbled, passing him as he headed towards the staircase.
Hermione, Tomoyo, Ron and Harry were left.
'Hold on,' Ron said suddenly, 'I missed this one. There's a note...from Ginny?'
He scanned the neatly scrawled note.
'Blimey! Ginny says she's just made Quidditch captain! Oh, and Dean Thomas has taken my spot on the team. Heh, I reckon those two...' His eyes darted briefly and then he looked up with glee. 'She's put together a great team, and they'll win for sure. How good is that?' He winked at Hermione and then turned to Harry. 'Good news, isn't it? Looks like they'll be fine without us.'
Harry folded his arms, looking gloomy. Hedwig ruffled her feathers as though mirroring his mood.
'Do you reckon the rumours are true?' Ron continued, attempting to engage Harry in conversation. 'Mum reckons they're dating.'
'Shut up!' Harry snapped suddenly, looking crossly over at Ron. Hedwig flitted from her perch and sat beside Pig and Errol-Number-Two.
'What's up with you?' Ron asked, looking surprised. 'It's not like you've just broke up. It's been what—an entire year?'
Hermione gave him discerning look, 'Ron—'
'You prattle on like an idiot,' Harry replied heatedly, rising to his feet with his fists clenched. 'I don't want to hear anything about her.'
Ron also rose to his feet. 'She's my sister, I can ruddy well talk about Ginny any time I want.'
'If you want to talk about it, do it when I'm not in the room!' Harry snapped and stormed out.
Harry didn't bother putting on his shoes as he opened and slammed the door behind him. The night air was cool, but did not alleviate the heat in his face.
He recalled that in his sixth year, when the rumours had started spreading, he had tried his best to deny them. But they had become a frequent thing, almost like a sentient being that had encroached every bit of his confidence until he had finally confronted Ginny. To his surprise, Ginny had never begged for his forgiveness or even denied the rumours, but had only yelled at him over her disappointment and broke off their relationship. They had not spoken since then. What lingered in his mind about that day was his unrelenting doubt. Maybe he was the biggest idiot in history, and maybe he had been wrong. But what Ron's letter had cemented to him was that he and Ginny were not going to get back together.
He had to move forward, he insisted to himself, now feeling the coolness of the footpath seep through his socks and into his bones as he passed through the front gate.
'Harry!' a gentle voice chimed.
Harry slowed his walk and cocked his head around.
Tomoyo stood behind him, looking concerned.
'Hey,' Harry greeted quietly. 'Are you all right to walk for a bit?'
Tomoyo nodded wordlessly and met his stride. They walked side by side in silence for a while.
At last she spoke, 'Are you okay?'
'It's...hard to talk about it,' Harry replied, rubbing the back of his arm. 'I guess I just kind of miss Hogwarts...and playing Quidditch.'
'Oh, I've read up on the rules of that game,' Tomoyo said conversationally. 'It seems like an amazing experience.'
'It is,' Harry sighed, turning to face the front as they passed under a lamp, his lenses illuminated by the yellow light. They stopped suddenly. 'You're just in the zone the whole time, your heart rushing, the air streaming all around you. All of your senses come alive.'
'Sakura said that you're an exceptional Seeker,' Tomoyo said softly. 'I'm sure that no matter what, your legacy will not be forgotten. You will always be a namesake at Hogwarts.'
Harry chuckled slightly and kicked slightly at the ground, aware of the grit under his dirtied socks. 'I suppose so. There'd surely be local Quidditch teams. I know Japan's got the Toyohashi Tengu. They're an interesting team. Ron's always said…' he trailed off not wanting to direct the conversation back to Ron again. 'Well, er—Sakura's never taken you to a game?'
Tomoyo nodded, her hair dancing in the night breeze. 'The opportunity never really came up. When Sakura returned from Hogwarts, she rarely spoke of her time there, or the wizarding world, in fact.'
Her countenance was sad, contemplative.
'Perhaps, then ... we could go together?' Harry said, trying to be encouraging.
He saw a light glitter behind her eyes as she smiled and clasped her hands together. 'Oh, that would be wonderful!'
His heart flopped uncomfortably in his chest. 'We'll make it happen then,' he replied.
Tomoyo felt a strange prickle in her chest as she met Harry's eyes. His gaze was steady, and seemed to hold hers for a little too long.
His green eyes reminded her of Sakura. The familiarity was comforting. She felt warm when she was around him and she always thought it was because of this. But no, this feeling was different. She had never felt the discomforting tightness in her chest.
Tomoyo had been confused about his behaviour towards her recently, how he had avoided her, only speaking to her when necessary or out of politeness. But now it made sense. He was scared. She was like his guardian angel, a treasured friend that comforted him, providing solace in his time of need. Perhaps they were a mutual support for one another as well. He was her guardian angel too. It wasn't easy confiding in someone, opening one's heart, exposing vulnerabilities, lending an ear and extending a hand to what was essentially a stranger; yet, they had done so. And it came naturally.
'It's getting late. Let's go back, shall we?' she ventured, touching his arm lightly.
Harry seemed to jolt at her touch. This both delighted and terrified her. 'Sure.' he said.
Sakura placed the phone back on the receiver. Her father had called to ask about school and the general household. He would be visiting in the coming days.
She walked back into the living room to find that everyone had left. Sighing, she took her original seat on a floral zabuton on the floor, and leaned her face into her hands.
It had only been brief, but she had sensed it. A subtle spark of energy passing between Chibiusa and Syaoran. The sudden redness in their faces. She wanted to deny it to herself but it was obvious. They were attracted to each other. But why? She wondered. And when?
Sakura brought her knees towards her chin and buried her face in her arms, breathing heavily. She suddenly recalled the time she had first seen Trunks. She had felt attracted to him, with his kind face and friendly demeanour. But it passed quickly.
'You have no right to feel this way,' she said to herself suddenly, lifting her head and looking blurrily into the ceiling light. 'You thought Trunks was cute, right?'
But she couldn't brush off the painful feeling, like a steel trap had ensnared her heart.
Her thoughts drifted to Draco, and how she had foolishly gone on a date with him years ago to spite Syaoran. She had felt nothing romantically for Draco then or now, but it nonetheless hurt Syaoran deeply. She had only felt guilty then, but now she truly understood his pain. She stared blankly, the analogue Hello Kitty wall clock ticking away like anti-climactic background music to her musings. It's time for bed, she thought. Yet, she couldn't will herself to move.
'Did I really see it? Do you actually like her, Syaoran?'
After Harry and Tomoyo had left the room, Ron remained standing, his jaw rigid with anger. Hermione had tutted and gently coaxed him down to the training room so that he could let off some steam. After half an hour of practising counter curses, Hermione tried to start a conversation.
'Ron, I'm worried,' she started levelly. 'Harry hasn't been himself recently.'
'Tell me about it,' Ron replied tartly as he tapped his wand impatiently. 'He's a short fuse.'
Speak for yourself, Hermione thought glumly. 'No, I mean...I don't think he's quite over –'
'That's his own problem,' Ron cut her off. 'I'm tired. I'm going to bed.' He stalked heatedly out of the room.
Hermione rolled her eyes. Even though they'd been together for a few years, and Ron had shown capacity for kindness and drive, he was still privy to being lazy and self-serving. She wondered, almost despairingly, if he would ever grow up. If only he were more receptive to other people's feelings rather than caught up in his own. If only he weren't so quick to give up and give into his emotions.
'Draco,' Meiling said as she glanced up at his face.
They lay comfortably on his bed on top of the covers, his arm wrapped loosely around the incline of her waist. She enjoyed the familiar feeling of his warmth against her body. She liked that they would lay like this, not speaking much. But lately, she had felt a niggling pressure in the back of her head. If there was a word for it, she wanted to know what they were… what this was.
'Mm?' Draco replied sleepily, unconsciously touching her cheek with his free hand.
'What would you call us?' she said carefully. This made him open his eyes. 'I mean, we've sort of "hung out" for a bit, and I'm wondering...are we –'
Draco cut her off, pulling her face into a deep, lingering kiss.
She felt delirium, warm and heady, overcome her as her fingers threaded through his hair, drawing him closer. She was lost to the kiss.
Unable to sleep, Hermione ventured into the living room with a book, hoping it would draw her into at least a light slumber. She found Syaoran seated there on the floor, peering down at what she recognised as Dumbledore's letter. He looked up suddenly.
'Oh, hey,' he greeted her, setting the letter down at his feet. 'Couldn't sleep either?'
'No, my mind is too busy,' she replied, sitting across from him on a couch. 'I was thinking. What Dumbledore said, about the enemy having a "former and current" relationship with You-Know-Who. I was thinking about Peter Pettigrew.'
Syaoran looked confused. Hermione explained to him briefly about how Pettigrew had been friends with Harry's family, and had betrayed them, and how he had lived for many years as Ron's pet rat.
Syaoran looked slightly revolted. 'Ugh, poor Ron. Okay, so we're supposing it's his supporter?'
'Well it makes sense,' Hermione whispered animatedly, 'Pettigrew escaped to reunite with You-Know-Who. We haven't heard from him in years but now this—'
'Do you think Pettigrew is the one behind the attacks? After all, Vol—You-Know-Who is dead. At least he should have been.'
'Well he managed to somehow worm his way into Hogwarts by possessing Sakura. There's no evidence Pettigrew was involved that time.' Hermione frowned, seeming now perplexed by her own theory.
'But maybe since the time Sakura defeated You-Know-Who,' Syaoran crossed his arms, 'maybe Pettigrew caught up with him then? Or is he acting on his own?'
Hermione shook her head slowly, 'That's not quite it. It has to be someone much more powerful. Especially with that dimension aspect.'
Syaoran nodded slowly. 'Maybe Pettigrew has allies helping him?'
'Right,' Hermione replied. 'I've been trying to get in contact with Remus Lupin. Hopefully he'll have some clue.'
'The old DADA Professor? Great, I'm not sure I can do much more,' Syaoran said, looking deflated. 'Maybe Chiba's lead will help.' Inadvertently, at mentioning Chibiusa, his face tinged pink.
Hermione didn't see the blush as she yawned at the precise moment. 'You two never really got on,' she mumbled, removing her hand from her mouth. 'But it's good to see that you're talking more.'
'I guess she's not so bad,' Syaoran said dismissively, shaking his head slightly as the blush faded.
Hermione rubbed an eye as another yawn took hold. 'I think I'm ready to sleep. Goodnight, Syaoran.'
'Night, Hermione.'
Ron quickly retreated to his room just as Hermione passed by. He had seen her talking alone with Syaoran in the living room though he hadn't heard a word. Yet, he was sure had seen the slightest blush on Syaoran's face. The two had seemed closer lately, the way they instructed the training sessions, almost in sync with one another.
Ron didn't like the looks of this one bit.
It was late September, fast-approaching Hermione's birthday. Everyone was chatting excitedly.
'Oh, no!' Sakura shrieked. 'It was Tomoyo's birthday a few weeks ago!' She turned to Tomoyo and clasped her hands. 'I'm so sorry, Tomoyo!'
Tomoyo giggled softly and waved it off. 'The circumstances being what they are, I'm not surprised.'
'I'm sorry!' Sakura stammered again, looking devastated. 'I'll make it up to you! How about...I plan a party?'
Everyone looked up with interest.
'Oh?' Hermione said, looking excited. 'That would be lovely. Why don't we have a joint one, Tomoyo?'
'Sounds delightful,' Tomoyo replied happily, and then looked somewhat sinister as she formed a steeple with her fingers. 'Although, because you did forget, I get to choose what the theme is, and what everyone will wear.'
Everyone gulped audibly.
During the week they had hastily put together invitations and handed these out to Takashi, Chiharu and the others. The party was to be held in Tomoyo and Sakura's home, based on the themes of fancy-dress, and Alice in Wonderland. Naturally, Sakura fretted what Tomoyo had planned; the girl was crafty.
Harry felt guilty that he had not gotten Tomoyo a present. Not only had he not known it was her birthday, but he hadn't the slightest idea what to get for a girl from a wealthy family. She seemed to have everything. This was especially evident in the hour before the party, as she gleefully revealed the flamboyantly decorated home, lined with glistening streamers, stars and moons suspended from the ceiling. The couches had been replaced by large, stuffed fabric mushrooms, while a long clothed table that bore a spread of sweets and food. He had noted the little sugar cookies with 'Eat me' written in baby blue icing on them, adding to the magic of the theme.
Tomoyo had adorned herself in the aptly chosen Mad Hatter costume, her top hat, jacket-style bodice and long pleated skirt an intense lime green trimmed with pink. She gleefully filmed the others as she presented each elaborate costume. She had fashioned a blue and white Alice costume for Sakura, complete with an extra flouncey petticoat; a large purple cat costume for Draco; a red waistcoat, grey pageboy pants and rabbit ears for Chibiusa as the White Rabbit; blue suits and caps for Syaoran and Trunks as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum; Harry in a muted green suit as the Caterpillar; Ron in a rose-red suit with a white heart as the Knave of Hearts; Hermione in a sweeping white gown embellished with pearls as the White Queen; and Meiling, who was well suited in a red and black gown for the Queen of Hearts.
'What's with all the frills?' Kero remarked with a dark chuckle, gliding lazily around them, admiring Tomoyo's crafty work.
'Tomoyo…' Sakura moaned. She blushed profusely in the puffy blue and white ensemble, embarrassed and feeling very childlike as she pulled at the ribbon in her hair.
Tomoyo giggled evilly, her camera an extension of her face. 'My, you all look so cute!'
Chibiusa blanched as she felt the fluffy tail stitched into the back of her pants. She wondered if Tomoyo had a sick sense of humour, making her the White Rabbit.
Trunks and Syaoran were confused by their oddly coupled costumes, edging away from each other.
Draco was livid in his cat costume, feverishly adjusting the cat head that turned lopsided.
Ron chuckled darkly, having been relieved that at least his costume had a semblance of normal attire. 'Hah! The Cheshire Cat suits your sly grin, Rat.'
'Even so, Weasel,' Draco replied, disgruntled, 'the look doesn't much help your cause. Also Daidouji said that there'd be no alcohol.'
Ron sighed, aggravated. 'But we'll need the hard stuff to get through the night in these get-ups.'
Draco nodded and turned his head to observe the others. He looked annoyed as he noticed an elegantly dressed Hermione smiling pleasantly, bashfully fiddling with her necklace.
'Closest to real royalty the Mudblood is ever going to be,' Draco muttered to himself bitterly.
Hermione looked up as an ecstatic Meiling mirthfully glided towards her.
'Daidouji is amazing! She chooses costumes so well!' Meiling remarked, passing a weary eye over Chibiusa who was clearly agitated at her markedly less-feminine attire.
Kero whizzed towards Meiling with a bemused look, a takoyaki snack dangling in his right paw.
'What—you're the Queen of Hearts? But this isn't even your birthday.'
Meiling ignored him, crossing her arms indignantly, 'Shouldn't you be leaving some food for the actual guests?'
Kero pulled a face at her before swallowing the takoyaki and flying off elsewhere.
Syaoran stumbled over to where Ron and Draco were, noticing their mutual frustration.
'You think anyone will notice if I just hide out upstairs all night?'
'Too late now,' Harry said gloomily, pointing at the clock on the wall. 'Everyone will be here any minute.'
It was no sooner than he had spoken when the buzz of the gate intercom sounded.
'They're here,' he said tonelessly.
Soon their home was full of people, chatter and music. Takashi, Sumi and Fondu arrived, each dressed in a white t-shirt with an Ace card stapled to the front. They were on Ron like a pack of rabid dogs, slovenly howling with laughter.
'The birthday girl's outdone herself,' Takashi laughed, slapping Ron on the back.
'Daidouji's always been a bit of an eccentric,' Fondu said, giving a low whistle as his eyes scanned the room. 'Like the Mad Hatter, mad indeed.'
'It's her birthday, too,' Ron said tersely, throwing a look towards Hermione, who was complimented and praised by a passing Chiharu, Naoko and Rika, who were dressed as fairies.
'Trouble in the world of Weasley?' Sumi ventured, grinning.
'Ask her,' Ron snapped, glaring at Hermione as she was now chatting animatedly with Syaoran.
Sakura hovered at the entrance until she was sure everyone had arrived. She then ambled slowly into the main room to see everyone enjoying the decorations and food.
She absently played with the ribbon in her hair as she scanned the faces. She saw Chibiusa in one corner, eating a handful of candy. She then saw Syaoran in the other corner moving towards Hermione's turned back. But then there were the quick glances he stole in Chibiusa's direction. Chibiusa seemed determined to not meet his gaze.
She sighed sadly and decided to move over to Tomoyo, Meiling and Draco. Perhaps they would like to talk.
'Thank you, Tomoyo,' Meiling was saying, swishing around in her dress. 'This is the best costume.'
'I was quite selective about the characters,' Tomoyo said, giggling.
Draco frowned. 'May I take this off?' he muttered irately to Meiling as he pulled at the cat costume tail. 'I am feeling a bout of unpleasant chaffing.'
Meiling laughed as Sakura approached. 'Hey guys!'
'Sakura,' Tomoyo greeted her, 'everyone seems to be here. Thank you for keeping an eye on the door.'
Inconveniently enough, their butler, Oki, was away for the weekend.
'No problem,' Sakura said and looked over at the others. 'I like your costumes, Meiling. Draco.'
Draco stopped pulling at the costume tail and blushed slightly. 'You look good, yourself.'
Meiling looked a bit annoyed at this, and Draco waved his arms reassuringly. 'But you're a queen,' he amended, regarding Meiling with a seductive gaze.
Meiling smirked wickedly and clung to his arm. 'Oh look, everyone's starting to dance.'
Sakura looked out into the crowd, her gaze distant.
Meiling noticed and then nudged Draco. 'Ask her to dance,' she whispered.
'What?' Draco snapped, then saw the sad look on Sakura's face. Getting an encouraging look from Meiling, he stepped before her. 'Sakura, let's dance.'
Sakura's eyes shifted consciously to Meiling. 'Oh, Meiling?'
Meiling shook her head and smirked. 'Go for it.'
Sakura and Draco stepped out onto the floor and tried dancing to the strange cacophony that was called music. They didn't touch.
'I meant it,' Draco said with a genuine tone as he looked at Sakura meaningfully. 'You do look nice.'
'Thank you, I meant it too,' Sakura replied, taken aback but smiling. 'How are you finding everything?'
'Oh, it's a bit tacky, but I commend Daidouji for the effort,' he replied dryly, but with a touch of humour.
Sakura grinned weakly. 'I meant, in general. School. Living here.'
Draco sighed and looked tired. He seemed to wrestle with his thoughts before he responded.
'It's a lot to take on. I'm sorry if I have been abrupt. You're about the only person I can stand in this place — besides her.' He eyed Meiling. 'But the real question is: how are you?'
Sakura was surprised. 'Fine. Fine.' She glimpsed over at Syaoran and Hermione.
'That was very kind of you,' Tomoyo said observantly, her camera poised towards Sakura and Draco as they danced.
'Yeah, well, she seemed a bit down,' Meiling said, throwing her arms behind her head. 'Besides, there's no real competition for Draco. I'm amazing.'
'That you are,' Tomoyo agreed, giggling. 'Although...I do wonder what is concerning Sakura. She's been sad.'
'Well, if it's Syaoran, I'm going to raise hell,' Meiling said determinedly.
'Oh?' Tomoyo said inquisitively.
Meiling nodded resolutely. 'If I had to give him up, for him only to give her up, that is just ridiculous.'
'I'm sure they are all right,' Tomoyo said reassuringly.
'Having fun, birthday girl?' Syaoran asked as he approached Hermione.
'Yeah, this is fantastic,' Hermione said, taking a sip of punch. 'This music is pretty catchy. Do you think people will dance?'
'We could make a start,' Syaoran said, offering her his arm gingerly.
Hermione laughed and took his arm as he led her into the middle of the floor. The music was a fluting melody, accented by thrumming drums in the background and what sounded like crickets chirping. It felt like they were a myriad of bugs dancing amongst grass and toadstools.
Syaoran and Hermione started dancing clumsily in time with the music. This gradually compelled others to take to the floor, moving awkwardly to the strange music.
Hermione noticed that as they danced, Syaoran was looking vaguely over at Chibiusa, who was chatting with Harry over a bowl of sweets.
'You seem distracted,' she said mildly. 'Is something bothering you?'
'Hermione, you're smart,' Syaoran said unsteadily, seeming about to broach an awkward topic. 'I need your advice.'
'Of course,' Hermione said openly.
'Do you think...people's feelings change over time?' he asked shyly, his dance movements now obviously out of time to the music. 'I mean, at least, is it normal to be attracted to others?'
Hermione snorted and laughed.
'Oh, Syaoran!' She composed herself, not wanting to seem belittling. 'Is that what's concerning you?'
'Yeah,' Syaoran muttered, looking haunted. The music changed to a more slow-paced one. He clumsily offered his hand to her, and she brought it to her shoulder.
They swayed slowly for a while.
'Well, let me assure you, that's perfectly normal,' Hermione went on reassuringly. 'We're always going to find other people attractive—it's simple biology. It's not so much the attraction we feel, but the actions we take, that are most important.'
'Thanks, Hermione,' Syaoran said, looking visibly relieved. He then turned to notice that Sakura and Draco were dancing together and talking candidly. 'Hope it's ok, but I need to talk to Sakura.'
'No problem,' she replied, smiling as she watched him intervene in Sakura and Draco's dance.
Ron idly noticed that Takashi was giving Trunks a pep talk about something. He brushed the thought aside and returned to watching Syaoran and Hermione.
'Li and Granger are good dancers,' Sumi said observantly, munching on a sugar cookie.
Ron felt annoyed as his pulse quickened. 'Not really,' he grumbled.
'Be careful,' Takashi quipped, smirking at Sumi, 'you might shrink if you eat the whole thing.' He implied this, keeping true to the theme of Alice in Wonderland.
'Heh, I wouldn't mind, as long as I don't shrink in the place that counts,' Sumi countered suggestively, devouring the whole cookie with pure delight.
Fondu and Takashi guffawed.
Ron made a huffing noise. Syaoran and Hermione were now awfully close. 'I'm going over there.'
'All right, good luck,' Fondu chuckled.
Right at that moment, Syaoran left to walk over to where Sakura and Draco were dancing.
'Hermie,' Ron said playfully as he approached his girlfriend.
Hermione didn't reply, seeming distracted as she took a thoughtless sip of her punch, spilling a bit on her white dress. He followed her gaze and saw that she was staring at Syaoran, who was dancing slowly with Sakura on the floor.
'Hermione?' he pressed, which seemed to awake her from her reverie.
Her gaze shifted over to Ron. 'Oh — hi. Enjoying yourself?'
'Suppose,' he replied, pulling at his necktie. 'Do you want to dance?'
'Oh, no thanks, I'm a bit flustered,' she said absently, smiling faintly.
Ron felt a cold rush through his belly. Did she like Syaoran?
'Sakura,' Syaoran said suddenly from over her shoulder.
Draco scowled at him. 'What do you want, Li?'
'Get off it, Malfoy. I need a word with my girlfriend,' Syaoran replied curtly. 'Sakura?'
Sakura smiled hesitantly between them. 'Oh, thank you for the dance, Draco.' She turned to Syaoran. 'You wanted to talk?'
Syaoran exchanged a glare with Draco and led Sakura up the stairs and into the dark hallway. They stood at the centre of the hallway, which was dimly lit by strobe lights along the wall. Sakura could almost make out the heavy thrum of Syaoran's heart, even over the sound of the music downstairs.
'Nice bow, Sakura,' he said suddenly, gently tugging at the ribbon in her hair, 'It's cute.'
Syaoran grinned. Sakura's cheeks brightened, but she didn't smile.
'I just want to say something,' he said quietly, the grin fading. 'I'm sorry if I've been acting strange. I've been ... distracted.'
Sakura nodded silently, letting those words sink in. 'I have been worried,' she finally said, staring hard at the bowtie about his neck as a lump formed in her throat.
'A lot's been happening,' he whispered, and brought his hands to her face so that she was now looking into his eyes. 'A lot of things. A lot of terrifying things. It's been hard to have a private moment. It's been hard trying to act normally in the face of an approaching threat. But even so, you deserve better than that. More than that.' He pressed his lips to her forehead. 'What I said back then, years ago ... hasn't changed.'
Sakura's eyes widened, brimming with tears. 'Syaoran ...'
He brushed his lips softly against hers and pulled away, still cupping her face with his hands. 'I love you. I love you.'
Sakura drew him into a kiss, which tasted of salty tears.
Chibiusa had been tempted many times to relieve her head of those fluffy bunny ears. But a more considerate part of her did not want to cause offence to Tomoyo. Not only because it wasTomoyo's birthday, but also because she was actually letting her live in their house.
Chibiusa had been exchanging cat-and-mouse glances with Syaoran for about a week now. When she had previously considered him (and his weird obsession with her hair colour) with annoyance, she now considered that he was perhaps not so bad. He had acknowledged her contributions to their discussion, and hey, he was certainly not bad looking. But she still felt that burning loyalty to Elios, and that twinge of guilt when she had an earlier conversation with Sakura about Syaoran. She had to admit that since she had landed in Tomoeda, she had being going through the whole spectrum of emotions.
She snorted into her punch when she saw Trunks shifting at the corner of her eye. She turned to look at him more fully. He was changing his weight restlessly from one foot to the other, while Takashi whispered something in his ear. He then appeared to take a deep breath and started to make a beeline towards her, a determined look on his face. In his blue suit and cap, he appeared purely frightening.
She felt a jolt of terror and quickly ran into the thick of the dancing crowd, hoping she could be lost. But it was impossible not to be seen with her annoying rabbit ears flailing over the throng.
'Hey,' someone said to her side. She turned to see Sumi, a boy she noticed was very pretty. In fact, at first glance, she had mistaken him for a girl. She smirked for a moment, appreciating the Ace of Spades card stapled to his white t-shirt. 'Would you like to dance?'
'Sure,' she said, and moved him slightly so that he was standing in front of her, shielding her from Trunks' view. 'There you go. Perfect.'
'Avoiding someone?' Sumi inquired, his eyes round with curiosity as they danced.
'You have no idea,' she replied with a groan. 'We don't talk much, right? Tell me about yourself.'
'Well...I have two eyes, a nose, and a mouth,' Sumi replied with a straight face.
This made Chibiusa laugh. 'That's great,' she replied in a sarcastic tone. 'What else?'
'I have impeccable taste in fashion,' he continued, bobbing his head for a moment to the music then looking her squarely in the eye. 'And I can say right now that you are rocking that tomboy look.'
Chibiusa chuckled. 'Thanks, Tomoyo's,' she said to which he nodded knowingly. She had been doubtful about her appearance the whole night but was reassured by his compliment.
He continued, 'I also have an impeccable taste in men,' he nodded towards Trunks, who was now moving dangerously close to them, his eyes wide with hope. 'Briefs is pretty good looking, don't you think?'
'Ugh!' Chibiusa said with disgust and quickly moved away from Sumi, who she suspected was trying to set her up with Trunks. 'Nevermind. I'm gone.' She turned to leave.
Sumi waved after her excitedly, a large bubbly grin on his face, 'Ah! Then you agree!'
She groaned heavily, not daring to look back.
'GURAIBENU!' someone yelled from the middle of the dance floor.
They turned suddenly to see Sanrio Kamenosuke gallivanting at the centre of the crowd, dressed in a sweeping red cape, britches and a golden crown.
Tomoyo instinctively reeled back in horror, bumping into the table and toppling over a bowl of sweets. Meiling grabbed her by the shoulders to stop her fall.
Sanrio stopped before them and made an awkward bow. 'My queen,' he said in a nasal voice. 'Your gracious presence leaves me asphyxiated, as to compel me to lean upon the miraculous invention of thy inhaler.' He peered through his thick glasses, suddenly realising that he had not said this to Tomoyo, but Meiling. 'YOU'RE the Queen of Hearts?'
Meiling placed her hands on her hips haughtily. 'And how is that so hard to believe?'
Sanrio spun to regard Tomoyo, who was still leaning her back on the table, looking frightened.
'Oh, alas, my queen is a Mad Hatter...no matter...I have a backup.' He immediately dived out of the room and re-entered moments later dressed in a gigantic blue foam teacup costume, spinning violently towards Tomoyo, his lips puckered.
'Nothing would flatter me more than to be your teacup, to have the honour of Daidouji-sama's lips sip—' He was cut off abruptly by Harry's hand pressed to his lips.
Sanrio recoiled briskly like a vampire to sunlight, his foam teacup frame bumping into other guests who grimaced and grumbled agitatedly.
'Behold, my rival!' he proclaimed, his finger pointed accusingly at Harry. 'I challenge thee to a duel...TO THE DEATH!'
Tomoyo groaned and clapped her hands over her face.
Harry crossed his arms, looking bemused. 'Who invited you?'
'It was forwarded to me via email!' Sanrio wheezed back. 'I have a right to stand in the shadow of my dearest Daidouji-sama.'
'Sakura!' Tomoyo called to her friend, who walked over. 'How did Kamenosuke get inside?'
'I'm sorry, I don't know,' Sakura replied as she approached holding hands with Syaoran, who looked bewildered at the sight of Sanrio.
Takashi ambled over with Sumi and Fondu, who positioned themselves on either side of Sanrio and grabbed his arms. He tried to fight back, but this was made difficult by the bulk of his costume.
'Unhand me, you cretins!' he exclaimed with a whine. 'Wait! I bear a gift!'
'Oh?' Harry asked, eyebrow raised. 'What is it?'
Sanrio was released briefly to hand Tomoyo a package. 'A beautiful crown for a beautiful queen.' He faltered slightly, hand still outstretched, 'Well…you were supposed to be—I mean I hypothesized—'
Tomoyo took it feebly, looking sick. 'I guess...thank you?' She looked at the vibrant blue packaging – the same colour as Sanrio's hair — and passed it to Sakura.
Sanrio looked crestfallen at her reaction. He pushed Sumi and Fondu away weakly. 'Very well, then...I will make my departure...'
'Wait,' Sakura said, now holding the gift awkwardly. 'You can stay. After all, a gift is such a thoughtful gesture.'
Sanrio looked animatedly relieved and started twirling with his arms in the air. 'Oh gracious Daidouji-sama's friend, I thank thee!'
Harry grimaced and turned to Tomoyo. 'Do you want to move away?'
Tomoyo nodded frantically and they went to stand on the opposite side of the room as Sanrio continued to rotate maniacally in the centre of the dance floor, making people drop their glasses or scream in surprise and horror.
Suddenly Sanrio bumped roughly into Naoko, which made her silver tiara topple to the ground.
'Excuse me!' Naoko snapped.
Sanrio attempted to battle the girth of his costume to retrieve the tiara, resulting in them both knocking heads. Gingerly rubbing his head, he returned it to her. 'My apologies,' he said through his nose.
'It's no problem,' she replied tartly. She frowned slightly. 'You know that you should leave Tomoyo alone. It's her birthday!'
'I cannot!' he sighed, looking forlorn with a hand placed dramatically on his chest. 'She has captured my heart.'
Naoko rolled her eyes. 'At least try and enjoy yourself. Let loose.' She hesitantly took his clammy hands and moved them back and forth in a stiff gesture, imitating dancing.
Sanrio's eyebrows shot above his glasses frames in surprise. He clasped her hands in kind and started flinging them about wildly. 'WE SHALL DANCE!'
Naoko immediately regretted her decision.
Harry touched Tomoyo's arm idly and pointed towards the back garden. 'Let's head out there for a bit.'
Tomoyo was visibly grateful as they pushed past the crowd and slipped outside. The small globes, which were placed strategically throughout the garden, gave it an ethereal quality. The tiny pale flowers smattered across the hedges appeared to glow like stars in the night.
Harry turned to her. He observed that even in the top hat, she had a calm, quiet grace about her. He really liked that. 'I wasn't sure what to get you for your birthday,' he said, looking embarrassed.
'Oh, now that you mention it,' Tomoyo said slyly, as she produced a notebook and pen from behind her back. 'I did want your autograph. I've actually been meaning to ask for a while.'
This unsettled him slightly, reminding him of Colin Creevey. He blushed slightly, took the pen and notebook and scribbled his signature on a blank page. He handed it back to her. 'Uh, actually, I was thinking of something more magic.'
He drew out his wand and waved it in a complicated flourish. Red light shot out from its tip and went fizzing into the atmosphere. From above the house, fireworks suddenly erupted, emitting echoed crackles as they exploded and faded, to be immediately replaced by brighter and more colourful explosion of light.
'Happy birthday,' he said, grinning lopsidedly.
Tomoyo let out a gasp and laughed melodically as their forms were illuminated by the fireworks. 'Oh, Harry!' she cried, her hand now resting gently in the crook of his arm. 'This is amazing. Thank you.'
They were shortly joined by the other party guests, their fancy costumes and regal attire appearing surreal under the flickering glow of the fireworks.
'This has been a most memorable birthday,' Hermione said as she stood beside Tomoyo.
'Oh, can we get a photo?' Tomoyo asked, now gripping Hermione's arm.
Trunks brought out a camera, Tomoyo had left laying about. 'Ok, you two, say cheese!'
Tomoyo and Hermione smiled broadly into the camera.
Harry brushed the place on his arm where Tomoyo had touched him.
The following school day, everyone could not stop talking about Tomoyo and Hermione's birthday party.
Draco had arrived late for school that day wearing his black wizarding robes brazenly over his uniform. Everyone gawped at him as he stalked down the corridor, his robe flapping like a livid shadow behind him.
Takashi had told them that he had seen Draco hanging out with the Gochikku-kei at the far end of the oval. They were an eclectic group of social stragglers who dressed in dark attire and listened to gothic music.
'Well, at least he's found friends,' Harry muttered to Ron, who smirked. 'So much for Purebloods.'
Syaoran's eyes darted over to Meiling who looked overtly disappointed that Draco was associating with 'weirdos'. He scoffed.
'Wouldn't be the first or last time Malfoy's proven himself to be a total hypocrite.'
Draco admittedly enjoyed himself, as Mitsu and the others admired his wizarding robes.
'Durako,' said Hachi, looking longingly at his clothes, 'where did you get those?'
'From an exclusive boutique in Diagon Alley,' Draco replied lazily. He did not have to pretend around them, they did not know anything of what he spoke of. 'Quite expensive.'
'Cool!' they all sighed adoringly. Except perhaps the gangly-looking Edward, who looked slightly miffed about something as he took a drawn out swig of his cigarette.
'Are you into cosplay?' Kane asked inquisitively. 'I think you'd make a great Edward Elric.'
Draco eyed him, not understanding. He cleared his throat. 'Oh, I've dabbled a bit, but I much prefer to dress like this all the time,' he replied, lying.
They gave him admiring looks.
'You should come to Harajuku one weekend,' Mitsu said happily, clapping her hands together. 'I think you'd really like the shops there.'
Draco grinned absently. He continued this routine each lunch time, and occasionally during class, when he felt like skipping.
The weather was beautiful, enticing the students to cluster about the grass under the sun during lunch. As the time passed, warm days were fleeting and it wouldn't be long before the mild autumn would give way to a cool winter. Sakura and the girls sat outside under a tree, eating their bento lunches as they discussed the upcoming Okinawa trip in October. Okinawa was a common location for student holidays, and offered many opportunities for exercise and fun.
'The thing I look forward to most of all is the beach,' Chiharu said, sighing wistfully. 'It'll be warm there at least.'
'I'm just excited about the campfire stories,' Naoko chimed in, her eyes glinting. 'I've picked up a few online recently that I have to test on the boys.'
'It'll be great,' Sakura agreed, munching happily on ebifurai. 'I think Harry and others will especially enjoy it. They don't have the best beaches in England.'
'We do have that British "pallor",' Hermione joked.
'I'll be able to test my new camera,' Tomoyo said happily. 'It comes with a new lens.'
Meiling looked thoughtful, her arms folded. 'Four days off of school, hm? It'll just be nice to get out of class. I can't stand language class.'
'But your Japanese has improved phenomenally,' Tomoyo complimented her. 'You're practically fluent already.'
'Oh, thanks,' Meiling replied shyly, then looked thoughtful. 'I suppose it will be a great opportunity to buy swimwear. There was this one mokini I'm dying to find…' Meiling looked starry-eyed, lost in a daze.
'Mokini?' Hermione whispered confusedly, exchanging similarly confused looks with Chibiusa.
Sakura beamed, 'I simply can't wait to go swimming!'
Rika nodded, finishing the last of her onigiri, 'Oh yes, Sakura! You're quite good!'
'Sakura is a natural in the water,' Chiharu added, explaining to Hermione and Chibiusa.
'It's been a while since we've seen the ocean…' sighed Tomoyo.
'Hurray, Okinawa!' Naoko and Chiharu cheered happily, hands raised.
They all giggled and resumed eating their lunch.
