Here's CHAPTER 7!
(KD) Keating's Disciple
"Talking"
'Thinking'
(Setting, Place)
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Sailor Moon or Harry Potter; they belong to Takeuchi Naoko and J.K. Rowling.
MEMORIES OF YOU
CHAPTER 7: My Moon Angel
"Well, Harry … I guess it's just you and me here … and …and MY MINI CARROUSEL CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE! I'll get you to your room later, okay, Harry? Right now … I'm going to have another slice of my over yummy cake … hehehe," Ron chuckled as he waved his wand and got himself another slice of the cake.
Harry didn't respond and just continued snoring on the table.
( 6:48 PM
8th floor, Hayward Gallery
12th Tottenham Court Road, London )
Hermione and Ginny had just come out of the elevator and were now headed to Mrs. Lori Sanders's office.
Hermione's heart was beating rather loudly, worry painted on her face. She gripped Harry's black journal more tightly to her chest, silently telling herself her new mantra. 'Selene, Goddess of the Moon, make this work … please. Please, make this work …'
"Mione," spoke Ginny suddenly, touching Hermione's arm, "You look edgy. Are you okay?"
Hermione smiled and then sighed. "I … I am fine, Ginny. Perhaps, the tension that I've been trying to control back at home is now surfacing. I don't need to feel guilty right now … I really don't. I'm doing this for Harry and Serenity … but somehow … I still can't help it … I still feel bad …" the muggle witch admitted.
Ginny squeezed Hermione's arm gently and smiled. "Be strong, Mione. Believe in Harry and Serena's love. We've come this far, we need to finish it," she heartened.
"Thanks, Ginny," beamed Hermione, "Come on …"
With few more steps, Hermione and Ginny reached the door of Mrs. Lori Sanders's office. The muggle witch took a deep breath and knocked.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Come in!" somebody said inside the office.
Hermione and Ginny entered the door and found themselves in a beautiful pastel-colored room, with many pictures and paintings on the wall.
A pretty, young woman with eyeglasses and short black hair approached them and smiled. "Hi, I'm Vivian Murray. I'm Mrs. Sanders's secretary. You must be Ms. Hermione Granger. Mrs. Sanders and Ms. Moon are waiting for you inside," said the woman, motioning towards a brown door with a golden knob.
"Um, hello," replied Hermione, "Yes, I'm Hermione Granger and my friend here, Ginny Weasley. Is it okay if we come in now, Ms. Murray?"
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Granger, Ms. Weasley. Please, call me 'Vi'. Ms. Murray is too formal. Come, let me accompany you to Mrs. Lori's office …" Vivian smiled, ushering the two girls towards the door.
"Thank you very much, Vi. Call us by our first names too," told the muggle witch as they followed the secretary.
"Okay, Hermione … Ginny," responded Vivian. She faced the door and knocked softly. She opened the door and guided the girls inside.
"Mrs. Lori, Ms. Moon, your guests are—"
"Girls!" Serenity suddenly squealed, running towards the girls and crushing them in a short brief hug. The lady artist turned to Vivian and smiled brightly, "Thanks so much, Vi!"
"You're welcome, Serenity," the young secretary replied smilingly. She turned to the two girls and addressed them, "Hermione, Ginny … I'll leave you two now."
Hermione and Ginny thanked Vivian and faced Serenity again.
"Hermione, Ginny, it's so nice to see you again!" the lady artist said happily. Then she noticed that the girls were alone and no signs of their male friend. "Um … Hermione … where is Mr. Potter?"
Hermione smiled awkwardly and answered, "Serenity, umm … well … you see—"
"Serenity, dear," Mrs. Lori Sanders abruptly said, standing up behind her immaculate table and walking towards them. "Are these two lovely girls the guests we're expecting?" she inquired smilingly.
"Oh yes, Lori," responded Serenity, "These two girls are my two new friends—Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley," she introduced.
"A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Granger … Ms. Weasley. I'm Lori Sanders, Executive Administrator of Hayward Gallery and an Associate Curator of the British Museum," Lori said, shaking the girls' hands gently.
Hermione and Ginny greeted the gallery administrator smilingly. They were both amazed by the woman's beauty, poise, and friendly warmth.
Mrs. Sanders, who seemed to be in her late 50's, was dressed in a stylish salmon business suit. Her beautiful dark brown hair, with some streaks of gray, was perfectly set in a neat bun.
Lori directed the girls towards an elegant long couch. "Girls, please take a seat," she said.
"Thank you, Mrs. Sanders," replied Ginny and Hermione.
The two girls sat comfortably at the long couch. Serenity joined them, sitting beside Ginny.
"Excuse me, girls. I just need to do something at my desk. Serenity, you take care of them, okay? I will join you again later," Lori announced them.
"Uh, sure, Mrs. Sanders," Ginny spoke softly, smiling at the woman.
Lori left the three girls at the couch and went back to her desk. Pressing the button of the speaker, she asked Vivian to bring some tea, biscuits and sandwiches inside.
( Back to the Couch, with this seating arrangement: Hermione, Ginny, and Serenity )
"Hermione," Serenity spoke again, "Where is Mr. Potter? I thought he was coming …"
The muggle witch swallowed the lump in her throat, thoughts running in her head. 'Ugghh! I hate to lie … I don't want to lie to you, Ser … but I need to do this …'
Hermione began to speak, "Ser … Harry was supposed to be coming with us … unfortunately something happened when we were about to leave. Well … you see—"
"Serenity," Ginny butted in, "What Mione was trying to say is that something happened to my brother, Ron. He had an accident in some place, when he was looking around Camden Town and hurt his butt really bad. When we got home, Ron had a high fever, and I was the one who's supposed to stay with him. And Mione and Harry were the ones supposed to go here. When they were leaving, Ron started to have some convulsions and I panicked … we all panicked … and Harry decided to stay at home and watch over Ron because, among us … Harry was the only one who knew how to prepare this special medicine for high fever and convulsions … and to relieve the pain. Actually he was truly excited to meet you, but since he couldn't leave my brother in that condition … so …"
"So, Harry just sent me and Ginny to come here instead," said Hermione, continuing Ginny's story. "Harry truly wanted to meet you, Serenity, and I was even telling him we could cancel our appointment with you. But he said that you might really need to take a look of his works, so you could decide immediately and do other preparations for your exhibit. He didn't want to cause any delay, and I mentioned to him that you we're really excited about this collaboration. He didn't want to disappoint you, so he just gave us his notebook and told us to give it to you, and check his works …" the muggle witch explained, handing Serenity Harry's black journal.
The Lunarian princess stared at the black notebook with a weird silver lock, shaped like two snakes, which were uncoiled at that time. Slowly she took it from Hermione's hands. Once the journal touched her fingertips, she felt this unknown sensation drawing her to read whatever that notebook contained. She seemed to be in a trance and was about to lift the cover open when—
"Serenity," called Ginny, touching the silver-haired girl's right arm, "Ser … you, alright? Mione and I were talking to you … and you seemed to have spaced out."
"Um, excuse me, Serenity," interrupted Vivian, carrying a tray of tea, biscuits, and sandwiches. "Mrs. Sanders asked me to bring some tea to you," she said placing the tray gently on the table near the couch.
"Thanks so much, Vi," Serenity said to the secretary. Vivian smiled back and then left the three girls.
The lady artist then turned to Ginny and squeezed her hand tenderly. "I … Haha! You said, I spaced out? Sorry about that … I just seemed to be spacing out often these past few weeks … perhaps too much tension because of the exhibit. Anyway, I'm okay … so don't worry. What were you two saying again?" she questioned, glancing at Hermione.
Hermione stared at the Serenity's face curiously for few moments, then spoke, "Well— Ginny and I were telling you that Harry wanted you to check his writings first and then, perhaps he could meet you so you could tell him your thoughts about his works … and if you want to push through with the plan of using them with your paintings."
"Ah, oh yes, yes," told Serenity, handing Hermione and Ginny their teas, "I'll check his works, then I will meet him. But … are you sure it's okay if I start reading his writings?"
The girls sipped their teas and recognized that it was not jasmine green tea.
"Yes, it's okay, Serenity. That was what Harry told us. You could check his works first, then he will meet you," Hermione verified with a smile.
"This is not your favorite tea, Ser, is it? This tastes like cinnamon," noted Ginny.
Serenity turned to Ginny and replied, "Yes, that's not green tea. That's Lori's favorite, cinnamon tea." She then turned to the brown-haired girl. "Hermione, are you really sure … because I truly want to read Mr. Potter's works and—"
"Serenity," Hermione spoke, "Yes, it's okay. You may read Harry's works; you have his permission, so there's no problem," she assured the artist.
'Please read them so you could remember us soon, Serenity … so you could remember Harry …' Hermione thought secretly.
"Um, Ser, excuse me …" Ginny said, "Where is your restroom?"
"Oh, the restroom. You see that door over there, at the right? That's the restroom," answered the artist.
"Okay, thanks … um … please, excuse me for awhile," said Ginny, standing up from the couch.
"Me too, Ser," told Hermione. "Nature calls … Haha!" she giggled softly.
"Oh sure, sure! No problem, girls. Go ahead …" Serenity said smilingly.
The two girls left Serenity at the couch and went to the restroom.
The lady artist took a sip of her tea and set her eyes again on the black notebook on her lap. She opened it on the first page and began reading its content—
For you, my Moon Angel—
Chariot in the sky, the one I await
a gift for a beggar like me,
stars line the way, in heaven she drifts
descending light for eyes to see.
I welcome the kind passion in her eyes
as I come out from my lonely abyss,
bringing her face near my shadowed soul
accepting her moonlight kiss.
I tell her I have nothing to give
that my life is dripping with pain,
she kisses me more and whispers in my ear
"Loving you is something I cannot refrain."
Homeless in this world, I tread alone
my burden I hope would end soon,
and every night, I look up at the sky
waiting to be kissed by the moon.
Serenity Moon instantly fell in love with the words of this enigmatic writer. Tears slowly formed in her eyes as her fingers outlined the neat cursive on the page. 'Harry Potter …' she mused, 'whoever you are … your words touched my heart. It feels like … like you have written this poem just for me."
"Serenity … I was just wondering … wasn't Mr. Potter supposed to be here?" Mrs. Sanders suddenly said. Then she noticed the tears on the girl's face. "Serenity, sweetie, you okay? What's the matter? Why are you crying?"
The Lunarian princess wiped her tears and smiled, then hugged the kind woman whom she treated like a mother. "Oh, Lori … I really want Mr. Potter's writings in my exhibit. They're perfect for my works … I don't know … but … but … his words match the story I want to convey to the people. His words are just touching … beautiful … so sincere," Serenity shared.
Lori stroke Serenity's hair lovingly and smiled. She had never seen this young girl that happy ever since she had met her. Truly, there must have been something unique in the writing's of this Mr. Potter that greatly touched the silver-haired artist.
"Serenity dear," Lori spoke, letting go of the girl from the embrace, "I want you to read the writings of this Mr. Potter and coordinate with him regarding your plans with your exhibit. It seemed like you fell in love with his works, dear … so please … review his works as soon as possible. The event is just in two weeks, we still need to make the necessary modifications."
"Oh, Lori!" exclaimed Serenity, hugging Mrs. Sanders again, "Thank you very much! I'm just so happy … thank you for considering this proposal. This is great …"
Lori and Serenity didn't notice that Ginny and Hermione had finished using the restroom, and were now rushing towards them.
"Ser, oh my!" Hermione said, her voice laced with worry, "Serenity, you okay? You were fine when we left you … did something happen?"
Serenity released Mrs. Sanders from her arms. She walked up to Hermione and then hugged her with her right arm, her left arm still holding the black notebook firmly to her chest. "I'm okay, Hermione … I'm okay …"
"Then why are you crying?" again the muggle witch asked.
Serenity disentangled herself from the brown-haired girl and stared tenderly at her face. "Hermione, can I call you Mione?"
"Of course, Ser, I really like that," smiled Hermione, looking at the artist's reaction. "Ser, now tell me … why were you crying?"
"Serenity, is there something wrong?" Ginny inquired softly, walking closer to her two friends.
"No Ginny, nothing's wrong," Serenity beamed, pure joy washing over her gorgeous face.
"Mione, Ginny … I have decided … I want to meet Mr. Harry Potter tomorrow. I want to speak with him about his works. I had read one of his poems and … I fell in love with it right away! I really wish for his works to be in my exhibit, his words are simply wonderful. Please tell him, there is nothing else I desire but to meet him. Please, please …"
Ginny and Hermione stared at Serenity and then at Mrs. Sanders. Mrs. Sanders smiled and nodded at the girls.
Hermione gazed at the blue-eyed painter and smiled. "Serenity, I'm very glad to hear that you like Harry's work. I will inform him your decision and he will meet you tomorrow, okay? You will finally meet him …"
"Oh thank you, Mione!" Serenity cried out, hugging the muggle witch again. Then she hugged Ginny and thanked her as well. "Ginny, thank you so much—for bringing your friend's compilation to me. This is going to be great! I'm very glad …"
Ginny was just overwhelmed to see Serenity that happy. "Serenity …" she said softly, releasing herself from the hug. She cupped the artist's face with her hands and said, "I'm very glad to see you again. I'm glad to see you this happy."
Serenity smiled at the red-haired girl and kissed her softly on the cheek. "Thank you, Ginny," Then she kissed Hermione on the cheek too. "Mione, thanks so much, for helping me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"Oh! You're welcome, Ser," Hermione said with a small laugh, "So, what time would you like to meet Harry tomorrow?"
"Mione, Harry has work tomorrow, right?" Ginny told her muggle friend, "He's going to be working at the library …"
"Ginny, is Mr. Potter working at the public library?" inquired Serenity.
"Yes, I think so. He told us he accepted this part-time job. So what about meeting him?" asked the red head.
"Hmm, well … do you think it's okay if I meet him after his work? The library is just besides the gallery. Is it okay if I meet him here in the office? Mione, what do you think?" the lady artist asked.
Hermione smiled widely at Serenity. "That would be great, Ser! I will tell Harry to come here and meet you after his work. Ooohh , I know he would be very happy to see you!" the brown-haired girl concurred.
"Well, girls," Lori suddenly interrupted, "It seems like everything is set. We hope to meet Mr. Potter tomorrow and talk about further plans concerning the exhibit. I'm very happy for you, Serenity … I know this will make your show more exciting and interesting. Oh dear, I really can't wait! Now we really have to think about your dress!"
Mrs. Sanders then turned to Ginny and Hermione. "Ms. Granger, Ms. Weasley … you two will be going with us at the opening night of Serenity's exhibit."
Ginny smiled and responded to the kind woman, "Actually, Mrs. Sanders, Serenity had already invited us. So …"
"Really?" Lori smiled at the red-haired girl, and then gazed at Serenity. Serenity nodded smilingly.
"Yes, I had invited them, Lori. But I haven't given them the invitations yet. I was planning to give them their invitations this evening," explained Serenity.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that you've already invited these girls, Serenity. I know they will love your show," Lori said, starting to walk towards her desk. "Girls, just wait for a second … I will give you your invitations," she said, going to her desk.
After few seconds, Lori returned to the girls, holding five invitations. The invitations had dark blue coating with silver and gold designs and a silhouette of a crescent moon. The title 'Moon Chronicles' was also embossed in a mixture of silver and gold ink on the cover.
"Girls, I was just wondering why Mr. Potter wasn't here. Did something happen to him?" asked Mrs. Sanders.
"No, Mrs. Sanders … actually something happened to Ginny's brother and Harry decided to stay at home because he's the only one who knew the medicine for the convulsions and stuff," Hermione explained to the gallery administrator.
"That's right, Mrs. Sanders. Harry knew how important this is for Serenity that he didn't want to cancel the meeting, and instead had sent Hermione and me to give you his works," added Ginny.
Lori smiled at the girls. "Well, if that's the case … I'm giving you four invitations: one for each of you, one for Mr. Potter, and one for Ginny's brother … is that, right?" she asked.
"That's right, Ma'am," replied Hermione, taking the four invitations. "Thanks so much for these. Oh, I can't wait to see the show!" the brown-haired girl giggled.
"Me, too! I'm excited about the show!" Ginny said smilingly. Then she turned to Lori and addressed her, "Umm … thank you very much, Mrs. Sanders, for the invitation. But I think Mione and I need to leave now. I'm a little worried about my brother at home …"
"Oh, that's okay, dear," said Lori with a soft smile, "We understand. Um, just wait for awhile, okay? I just need to talk to someone," she told the girls, going to her desk again.
Lori pressed another button in her speaker and talked to the chauffer. Then she went back to the three girls with a big smile on her face. "Ms. Granger, Ms. Weasley … I just talked to my chauffer, Alfred, and I asked him to bring you home."
"Oh, Mrs. Sanders," spoke Hermione, "There's no need to do that. Ginny and I can go home ourselves."
"Please, girls," insisted Serenity, "It's the least we could do for coming here and bringing me the copy of Mr. Potter's works. Besides, Ginny could get home quickly and see her brother. Alfred knows a lot of short cut."
"Oh Mrs. Sanders, Serenity, thank you," replied Ginny softly. She hugged Lori gently, surprising the kind woman a little. But then, Lori returned the hug and laughed.
"My dear … you're very much welcome," she said, patting Ginny's back softly. "Now, you two better go."
Lori then faced the lady artist and said, "Serenity, sweetie … why don't you walk your friends outside. Alfred is already waiting for them at the entrance."
"Of course, Lori," replied Serenity, "Girls, come on. I'll walk you to the car."
Before leaving, Ginny and Hermione thanked Lori again and assured her that they would be back tomorrow, together with Harry. Lori told them that she would be looking forward to meeting the writer who made Serenity very happy.
( Outside the Gallery, by the entrance )
"Bye, girls! See you tomorrow! Please don't forget Mr. Potter, okay?" Serenity said, holding the car door.
"Okay, Serenity, thanks again! See you tomorrow!" Hermione replied smilingly.
"Bye, Ser!" Ginny waved inside the car.
"Bye, take care!" said the Lunarian princess, before finally closing the car.
( Inside the Car )
"Uh … excuse me, miss. Where are we headed to?" Alfred asked Hermione.
"Oh, hi! 57 Wandsworth Road, please," the muggle witch replied.
"Okay, just relax, ladies. I'll take you to your home," said the old, friendly chauffer with a warm smile.
At the entrance of the gallery, Serenity Moon watched the car drove away. She smiled, and then cast her eyes on the black notebook that until now she was holding. Again, she studied the cover and the two odd silver snake designs on it. She held it firmly to her chest and sighed.
Somehow, it seemed like she didn't want to let go of the black notebook. She felt like something very dear to her had been returned safely to her arms.
She just couldn't wait to meet the man who wrote that poem for the Moon Angel—Harry Potter.
"Moon Angel. Hmmm … I wonder if he was referring to the Goddess of the Moon, Selene … or somebody else …" the lady artist whispered to herself, going back inside the building.
Author's Notes:
Oh, the juiciest part of the story comes in CHAPTER 8!
