Title: Needed
Chapter 21
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Sailor Moon belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Modified: March 20, 2009.
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Two weeks had passed since the attack by the lich and the golems. In that span of time, almost everything changed within Hogwarts. Not physically, but emotionally – spiritually. Days after the attack, almost everyone was on edge over what might happen next. It's not every day that you find your school being attacked twice – one from a lich, the other by golems. People were wary of voicing out their fear, afraid that by vocalizing their thoughts it may come true.
Fortunately, it was not long until their fear dampened. A week after the attack, students could be seen out on the fields, enjoying the spring weather. The Aurors had all but left, and the injured Professors and students were mostly healed. Everything had returned to normal – well, almost everything.
"""""""
Draco watched Serenity from the second floor of Hogwarts. She was outside, as usual in these lazy afternoons, and was left to her own devices. It had become a ritual of sorts, since the Headmaster gave his students leave to roam outside the school's walls, deeming it safe.
Taking their Headmaster's words to heart, a number of students went outside to enjoy the fresh air, the now-blue sky, and the scenery.
However, Serenity chose to go outside not to enjoy the fresh air, the sky, or the scenery, but to dwell on a certain Defense Instructor. For the past two weeks, Serenity had been seen either outside or within Gryffindor Tower – both with the intention of brooding over Perrier Flamel.
Sighing to himself, the Slytherin Prince moved to walk away when he was faced with fierce emerald green eyes.
"Why if it isn't Scarhead," Draco drawled, folding his arms in front of him.
"Malfoy," Potter chose to ignore the jibe, he was not going to put up with the Slytherin's antics, "I need to talk to you."
Not wanting to miss out on this, Malfoy raised an elegant eyebrow and smirked.
"I thought you already were, but by all means... continue."
"Why haven't you approached her?" Potter went straight to the point, and watched as the Slytherin Prince's smirk fell, a face of indifference rising in place.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Potter," Malfoy's tone changing to what would resemble cold steel.
"I'm talking about Serenity."
Again, Potter bore witness to the subtle change of Malfoy's stance. For a brief moment, he saw Malfoy's posture freeze up before relaxing, putting up another brave front.
(Even a Malfoy can have a heart...) Potter mused to himself.
"And why would I associate with the likes of her?" Malfoy sneered, pushing back the thoughts and feelings that said otherwise.
At this, Potter's glare intensified and he took a step forward, noticing the small change in Malfoy's posture once again. Malfoy was instinctively reacting to him, he was defensive – unsure.
"Because I know," Potter enunciated, taking in Draco's expression and stance. How he minutely drew his shoulders back, his eyelids widening by a fraction, his mouth opening by just a bit before clamping back down.
"Ha! I don't know what you're talking about, Potter. I have no time for this foolishness," Malfoy smirked, and allowed his hands to fall to his sides, preparing to leave.
Before Malfoy could pass the Gryffindor, Harry quickly grabbed hold of Malfoy's arm and squeezed it. Surprised by the Gryffindor's actions, Malfoy turned to stare; a sharp retort prepared on his lips, but froze by the ferocity in Potter's eyes.
"I don't know what you're thinking, Malfoy. But I won't let you hurt her again. You may be a Slytherin, you may be a Malfoy, but none of that should matter when it comes to her."
Glowering, Malfoy pulled his arm out of Potter's grasp and took a step back.
"I know, Potter." Malfoy hissed, and with one last glare he pushed pass the Gryffindor and down the hallway.
Behind him, Potter stayed behind, watching the Slytherin walk away.
"You better..."
""""""""""""""
(That Potter, telling me what to do. Of course I know she needs me...) Draco scathingly thought as he passed through the hallway, seething.
It was one thing to talk to Draco Malfoy and offer suggestions, but it was another when your rival comes up, and threatens you about your love interest. One of things that Draco Malfoy truly didn't like is being told what to do.
(She needs me... but can I really just walk up to her?) Draco mused, and stopped when he reached the outdoors.
The Slytherin was simply a few feet away from Serenity. Her huddled form still in that same exact spot that he had been watching her from. Her crystalline blue eyes staring at nothing in particular, directed towards the Forbidden Forest. Her arms encircling her legs, her chin settled on top of her robe-covered knees. It was the exact stance she held when they had first met, and she was just as melancholy as before.
(I know that you need me, but could I really...?)
He simply stood there watching... Although, his expression was one of indifference, his heart surely told him otherwise.
"You know Dray, if you keep on being like this – you might as well be a Hufflepuff," a feminine voice commented, slightly startling him from his musing.
Composing himself, Draco slowly turned his head to the side, and saw Pansy Parkinson casually filing her nails as she stood beside him. Behind him were Millicent Bulstrode and Daphne Greengrass, the two Slytherin females that she was often seen with.
"What do you want, Pans?" Draco drawled, already tired of having her around.
It wasn't that he minded her presence. On the contrary, Pansy has always been a great confidant and supporter of his ever since he can remember. She was a wonderful friend, but sometimes she got to him in a way that no other could.
"To tell you to go over there, and comfort that Gryffindor. Quite frankly, I am tired of watching you pine after her. It does not become you, to be so... sentimental and weak."
Draco felt himself growing angry at her words.
Noticing Draco's expression, Pansy rose a delicate eyebrow up in response and smirked.
"Now, now Draco-dearest. Don't say that that is not true. It has been like this for over a week. I already know how you feel for the girl, so don't bother trying to hide it from me."
Sighing to himself, Draco turned back around and continued to watch Serenity.
"What do you want me to do, Pans?"
"You're insufferable," Pansy sighed, exasperated, and put her nail file away.
With determination flashing across her blue eyes, Pansy stalked up to Draco and forced him to look at her.
"Look here, Draco Lucius Malfoy. You are a bloody Slytherin – the Prince at that! I will not have you stand here, pining after some Gryffindor. So if you want her, Malfoy, then go over there and do it! Snog her, comfort her, I bloody well don't care, just do it!"
Draco blinked, shocked by Pansy's forceful attitude. To be truthful, he had not seen her so incensed since she was 10 years old, and was adamant about wanting to attend the same school as he was. Now here she was, frustrated to no end about his... "Hufflepuff" attitude.
"Have you taken into account the repercussions this may cause?" Draco softly asked.
"Draco-dear, after spending one whole day fighting off golems with the other Houses, dealing with members in our own house should be nothing," Pansy smiled sweetly, but he definitely knew that she was anything but sweet – she was a Parkinson.
Draco didn't say anything. What could he say? He wasn't there to witness or join in the fight; he missed out on it. Hell, he missed out on the lich fight, as well! Instead of commenting on it, he simply fixed up his Slytherin mask and lifted another elegant eyebrow and eyed Pansy at his side.
"Don't give me that look, I already know I won," Pansy gave another sigh, and lightly pushed the Slytherin forward, "Get your act together, and be with her."
"I'll have you know, I was heading there myself." Draco retorted he would not let Pansy get the last word out of this; he wouldn't!
"Of course, Draco-darling," Pansy responded back, her voice sugary-sweet and obviously filled with nothing but sarcasm.
Pursing his lips together, he sneered before heading off towards his next destination – to Serenity.
Behind him, Pansy smirked in satisfaction by herself before Millicent and Daphne came up behind her. Both of which were eying the Slytherin with simple curiosity.
"How long have you known?" Millicent bluntly inquired.
"Shortly after the Hols," Daphne replied, even though she knew that Millicent did not direct the question at her.
"A few days after the Gryffindor/Slytherin match," Pansy answered lazily, still watching Draco and was now seeing him sit beside the Gryffindor.
A small frown made its way to her lips, before she sighed again and turned around, mumbling, "...I just knew it, he's turned into a bloody 'puff."
Hearing her comment, Daphne grinned while Millicent smirked. The two Slytherin girls looked at one another, before turning around and following after their friend. It would not do to leave Pansy Parkinson to herself, who knows what they would miss out on? After all, she was one of the best people to be around when it comes to finding out other people's secrets.
""""""""""""
Serenity stared halfheartedly at the Forbidden Forest. Her thoughts and emotions were a jumbled mess. For two weeks she had been at a loss on what to do. She knew she should not be reacting like this, but she was. She lost one of the ties that held her to her old life – she lost a mentor, a friend, a confidant. Who would she turn to, when she felt lost and afraid? Whom would she rely on to listen to her about her uncertainties and her past? Who would comfort her now that Artemis was gone?
With another sigh, Serenity squeezed her legs tighter to herself and buried her head between her knees, shutting her eyes in the process. It was no use; she would just hold these feelings to herself.
As she continued with her musings, she missed a certain Slytherin sit right beside her. She also missed it when said Slytherin inched closer a few minutes later.
Lost she was in her thoughts, that by the time it grew dark she was startled to find a warm cloak drape its ways across her arms.
Looking to her side, she was a bit surprised to find the stoic figure of a certain Slytherin Prince. Draco Malfoy was right beside her, and certain warmth began to seep into the recess of her heart.
She had almost forgotten about him, about the friends she made in this school.
Reflecting back on her two weeks, guilt began to ebb its way into her heart, replacing the warmth she felt from Draco's presence. How could she have forgotten about him, when she just had their relationship fixed?
"I'm the worst..." Serenity mumbled, guilt dancing in her crystalline blue eyes.
At her words, the Slytherin blinked, not comprehending what she was trying to say. The worst? How was that possible? He had been the one who didn't have the guts to approach her in the first place.
"First I get Artemis killed, then I ignore all my friends, and now... I almost forget about you," Serenity whispered aloud.
Draco smiled softly after her confession, before languidly getting up to his feet. The air had gotten colder, night had fallen, and the idea of returning inside to the castle where dinner would be waiting for them was enticing.
"Draco?" Serenity looked up, a bit confused by the Slytherin's antics. Not one word had fallen from his lips since her confession.
Looking back at the Gryffindor, Draco allowed his smile to stretch just a little bit wider. Her blue eyes were filled with worry, apprehension, and confusion all rolled into one. Her head was tilted to the side, just a bit, adding to the adorable image she portrayed as she sat on the grass, his cloak draped across her shoulders.
Not wanting to worry her anymore, he made his way to her side.
"The worst, Serenity, is my father – a power-hungry, muggle-hating maniac. The worst is You-Know-Who, a psychotic man who would do anything to kill everyone and anything who dares stand in his way."
Draco paused for a bit and knelt down, continuing to stare straight into her eyes – the smile finally leaving his lips as concern, worry, and apprehension flashed across his face.
"You were simply in your rights to grieve for your loss. Anyone would have done the same. But I – I did not have the same thoughts. I just watched you – wanting to comfort you, but I didn't think – didn't believe I could or had the right to. As a Slytherin, and their leader, I didn't think I should approach you. Even when I knew it didn't matter, I couldn't bring myself to do anything more than be a bystander. You needed me to be here for you, but I was afraid. It's not you who is the worst, but myself," Draco confessed, by now his head was bent down, his locks of hair hanging down his face.
Silence remained between them. Seconds passed, before it dragged on to minutes. And just when Draco thought that their relationship had surely ended, he felt a hand settle on his knee. Looking up, he saw the soft smile of Serenity's face in his field of vision.
"But you're here now," Serenity murmured.
Draco nodded in response, "I almost wasn't – it took Potter and Pansy to get me to come here."
Serenity lightly chuckled as she imagined Draco being bullied by Harry. It was usually Draco who began anything between himself and Harry Potter. So having the tables turned must have been a sight to see.
"I'm glad that I came," Draco whispered, catching sight of her bright smile. Merlin, it has been awhile since she smiled like that.
His words froze her, before she recalled just why she was even out here in the cold.
"You're allowed to grieve, Serenity. But don't forget to live. Don't forget about those that are right here, waiting for you," Draco continued, and reached out to tilt her chin up.
At that instant, Draco closed the gap between them and gave her a chaste kiss.
"I'm here; I will always be here, waiting for you," Draco said huskily, his gray eyes staring straight at her half-lidded blue eyes.
"Promise?" Serenity whispered.
Draco smirked lightly, capturing her lips before replying, "Promise."
His words helped ease a small portion of her heart, but it was not enough – not for her. And so, despite his reassurance, she merely smiled before burying her head into his arms.
(Words alone are not enough, not anymore...)
Sensing this, Draco held her, trying to reaffirm his words. Promising things that transcended the simple promise that they shared.
"Artemis...Professor Flamel, he told me that he would be there for me..." Serenity revealed, a sob escaping her throat. Draco tightened his grip around the girl, pulling her close to his chest.
"Now that he's gone, I don't know what to do – before, all I had to do was go to him. He would tell me where my priorities lied."
"And do you know your priorities?"
Serenity stayed silent for a moment, before answering with a small nod. At this, Draco began rubbing her back, coaxing her to tell him.
"To...protect..." Serenity mumbled, but trailed off, recalling who she was with and what she was about to say.
(Should I tell him my purpose? My reason for being here?)
"Protect?" Draco froze at these words, wondering just what it was – who she was supposed to protect.
(Not yet, not yet...it's too soon.)
"Protect those that I love," Serenity finished, clutching tightly to Draco's robes.
Draco relaxed, albeit with much coaxing from the back of his mind and he continued with his ministrations.
"So long as you remember him, remember your purpose, and remember those that are here for you, you should be fine."
Serenity lightly chuckled through her broken sobs and looked up, noticing the questioning look in his eyes.
"You're such a sap," Serenity chuckled in answer, and witnessed the look of mock outrage on Draco's face.
"I am not!"
"You are – you're turning into a Hufflepuff," Serenity continued.
Draco simply sniffed in disdain, causing the Gryffindor to laugh even more. Looking right at her, he couldn't help but softly smile and hold her even closer to his person. Even if she laughed at him, so long as she laughed, everything would eventually be fine – right?
"Draco?"
"Hmm?"
"Thank you..."
Draco held her tighter for another few minutes before letting go. Getting up, he stretched and looked up at the night sky. The light of the stars, the waning moon, and the velvet sky.
Taking a deep breath of fresh air, he forced himself to turn away and returned to Serenity. She had been watching him, and it comforted him a bit that she was no longer forlorn.
Smirking he closed the distance between them, and bent down, extending his hand for her to take.
"We better get inside; we wouldn't want your friends worrying about you, would we?"
With a small shake of her head, Serenity lightly smiled and grabbed his hand, noticing how warm it was despite being out in the cold after all these hours. And with a small pull, Draco pulled her up and held her close to his side. Without another word, Draco led the way, never allowing her to stray far from his side, and never once letting go of her hand.
As they approached the castle, Serenity looked behind at the site they had just left and reflected back to all that happened.
She knew Artemis would not be coming back, and it pained her. She did not want to forget him, and all that he had done for her. But what Draco had told her was true – so long as she remembered, she would be fine. Artemis had taught her the same.
Everything takes time.
Looking back at Draco, she smiled – this time of gratitude, of warmth, of tenderness. She was grateful for his comforting presence. Although he had been hesitant of approaching her for the past two weeks, the fact of the matter is – he came. Yes, he had to be pressured, but as she thought about it, it made sense. She might have reacted the same way.
He had to be strong for his Slytherins. By approaching her, he was endangering his Slytherins for associating himself with Gryffindors – the bitter rivals of the Slytherin House. And by allowing himself to entertain her with his presence, with his attention, with his affection, he was endangering not only himself and his followers, but her as well. His and his followers' reputation and hers. Moreover, if anyone held any ill will towards him they could easily target her in the process. Being the Slytherin Prince and having to hold himself in check had been difficult. And approaching her had been a difficult choice to make, but one that she was grateful for.
She never knew how much she needed him, until now.
Squeezing his hand, she drew closer to him and leaned her head against his side.
"I may not be Artemis or Potter – I am not a Saint by any means, nor am I the type to rush head-on into things. But I am a Malfoy," Draco stated, not daring to look at Serenity as he said these words, "No, I am Draco Malfoy. I am not my father; I have no intention of killing others for the sake of power or wealth. However, I do intend on being there for you."
"You already said that, Draco," Serenity lightly blushed, and blushed even harder when Draco stopped their walk at the entrance way of the castle. He turned to face her and wrapped his arms around her.
"And I will continue saying it as long as you need it – as long as you need me."
"Draco..."
Draco smirked, before detaching himself from her, grabbing her hand in the process. As they drew closer to the Great Hall, Serenity began to furrow her brows in confusion. Why wasn't Draco letting go? He couldn't possibly mean...
Sensing her bemusement, Draco smirked and squeezed her hand in confirmation.
"I meant what I said, Serenity – I promised, did I not?"
Startled by his words, Serenity stopped and looked up to twinkling gray eyes and a smirking face.
"You can't be serious! What about the Slytherins, what will they think? What will the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs...Ravenclaws – what will everyone say? Have you thought what this will mean?" Serenity began to spout out, worry, apprehension, confusion, and fear mingling with her emotions.
"That's how much I am willing to risk for you."
"What about...your family? You can't possibly defy them, they're family..." Serenity whispered out.
"I already did," Draco responded and cupped Serenity's cheek, stroking it ever so softly, "The day that I realized just how much I needed you back, even if it meant that you may not have forgiven me."
"I can't believe that you're doing this..."
Draco simply chuckled in response and stepped forward, Serenity by her side.
Together the two – Slytherin and Gryffindor – strode together and opened the doors of the Great Hall.
Knowing, but not caring that they would cause more commotion for the whole of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry.
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The days following that event had not been easy. Upon entering the Great Hall, shouts of protest, confusion, and plain calamity ensued. It was one thing to have worked together with other Houses, but it was another to pursue a relationship – especially if it was between a Slytherin and a Gryffindor.
Luckily enough, the Gryffindors had been easier to placate. It helped smooth things over when the Gryffindors noticed that the Golden Trio was accepting the relationship.
However, the Slytherins were not as easy. Due to Draco Malfoy's actions, the Slytherin House had been split into two factions – one in support of Draco, and the other whom did not approve of him. The ones that did not enjoy Malfoy's choice had left him in favor of their newly chosen leader – a seventh year Slytherin and Chaser, Charles Warrington. Malfoy had expected that he would be shunned, but he did not expect to have House support in his choice of partner. Unexpectedly, a little more than half of the Slytherin House had sided with him and he had been inwardly pleased by this turn of events.
Before long, almost the whole week had passed and it was now Sunday, March 21.
"Are you sure? Paris is not that far, but it's not that close, either," Draco said, standing nearby as always.
"I'm sure. The Headmaster and the Professors are actually supportive of my decision to go there. Besides it's only for two days, it's not like I'm permanently moving there," Serenity flashed Draco a grin, before returning her attention on the gold plated award in front of her.
Her alabaster hand reached forward, tracing the outline of the award from outside the glass case. Her eyes focused on the sheen of dark gold against mahogany, her eyes darting left-to-right, reading the engraved letters carved against the gold plate:
Special Award for Service to the School
Perrier Artemus Flamel
"I want to properly say my good-bye to him. Even though we hosted a memorial service for him, I – I wasn't ready," Serenity continued, "Now I am."
"Then allow me to accompany you."
This startled her if her sudden reaction to his words were any indication. Serenity whipped her head around and stared at Draco in astonishment, she had not predicted him to offer to accompany her to another country.
"Don't look so surprised," Draco smirked. He found her changing expressions to be quite amusing.
"Do you expect me to let you go to Paris by yourself? You would be lost within the first five minutes of your arrival," Draco continued.
"I will not!"
"Hmm, nevertheless, it is better to take preventive measures, instead of waiting for the results to happen," Draco concluded, and suppressed another smirk from appearing when he saw Serenity's face twist in a grimace.
"Fine, but only because I want to see your face when you admit that you got us lost!"
"We'll see," Draco drawled.
""""""""""""
The rest of the year was spent in relative peace. Classes were now held in their usual classrooms, detentions were given, and everything was back in working order. The differences that anyone could see were the eyes of the students; they had grown older, more mature over the span of one event. There was also the fact that the Slytherin House was divided, and DADA was shared amongst the staff members who had time on their hands. Professor Snape was seen quite frequently, having been known for wanting that position for years. Something that the other students found intriguing yet disheartening whenever they strode through the door, only to find him waiting there for them.
Nevertheless, the rest of the school year was normal, or as normal as it can get in Hogwarts. Before long, OWLS and NEWTS were taken, while the other years took their exams or mock exams – depending on their year standing.
Until finally, summer began.
""""""""
Paris, France – the capital city situated on the River Seine. A principal city rich with palaces, abbeys, and cathedrals. An influential site for fashion, businesses, museums, and the arts.
Despite being in the City of the Lights, one lone girl and her escort ignored everything else but one area – Saint Jacques Tower.
The Gothic tower stood tall at 52 meters with a statue of Saint James placed on top of the tower, and a statue of Pascal at the base.
Whilst approaching the formidable edifice, Serenity caught sight of an elderly man standing beside a woman. And as they arrived, the couple smiled warmly at the two of them, beckoning them to come closer.
"You two must be Serenity Moon and Draco Malfoy," the woman greeted, a slight French accent could be detected, but otherwise flawless.
"Oui, nous sommes. Pouvons-nous demander à qui nous parlons?" Draco interjected, greeting the couple with a polite smile in return.
Amused by Draco's fluidity of the language, the couple simply glanced at one another before shooting the younger boy an amused smile, their blue eyes twinkling under the mid-afternoon sun.
"Je fais des excuses. Mon nom est Pernelle et c'est mon mari Nicholas Flamel." Pernelle apologized, and introduced herself and her husband.
"Nicholas Flamel – the alchemist?" Serenity interrupted. Even though she did not know what they were saying, she heard the names clearly enough to understand who they were.
"Yes, and we have been sent here by your Headmaster Dumbledore to guide you to our nephew's grave site." Pernelle kindly addressed the young girl, and in response, Serenity smiled back, glad to know that they would not spend the afternoon trying to find the tombstone of Perrier Artemus Flamel.
"Please, follow us," Nicholas spoke up, his tone accented like his wife's but mixed with other cultures as well.
And Draco followed suit with Serenity by his side, the four entering the tall, earthen tower. As the two followed the elderly couple, they noticed a number of muggles simply standing outside the stone edifice.
"Why are they not coming inside like we are?" Serenity asked aloud, while Draco smirked in response.
"They aren't allowed inside – this place is not open to the public."
"That is correct, Mr. Malfoy," Nicholas nodded, though he did not turn to address them as he pressed forward, "This tower was simply all that was left of an ancient church. The rest was destroyed during the French Revolution."
"If it is not open to the public, then why..."
"Why is that you are permitted inside?" Pernelle prompted, and at Serenity's nod, the woman smiled widely, "Because our nephew has spoken much of you during his stay at your school. It is only right to let you see where he now lies."
"Thank you..."
Before long, the four made it to a wide enclosure with nothing around it save for a tombstone. Hesitantly, Serenity stepped forward and bowed low before the grave, before kneeling in front of it.
In front of her was the tombstone with words engraved into it:
Perrier Artemus Flamel
1973 – 1997
Order of Merlin - 3rd class
Respected & loved
by those who knew him
(Oh Artemis, this tombstone doesn't even do you justice.)
"He was so much more than this..." Serenity whispered aloud.
"He was a confidant, he was a hero, he was a savior, but most of all, he was... a friend." Serenity remarked, sending out a lone tear.
The elderly couple allowed the teenager to grieve in silence, retracing their steps as they left the site. In their stead, they left Draco Malfoy who stayed behind.
"The memorial service, the Minister's and the Headmaster's speech...nothing matters. All that will be left is... this," Serenity emphasized by brandishing her hand toward the tombstone, "All that is left is a tombstone, mangy words, and memories."
"And out of it all, memories are all that you have left to remember him by," Draco spoke up, approaching behind her and encircling her with his warm arms.
"Yes..."
"Isn't it enough?"
"No."
"But it will have to do, won't it?"
"…"
"All we can do is move forward."
Serenity looked up and saw a soft, sad smile on Draco's lips as he waited for her answer.
"Yes, it is."
(Artemis, I won't forget you. Thank you for all that you have done.)
"Ready to go?"
"Yes."
(But right now, I need to keep moving forward – one step at a time.)
To be continued...
""""""""""""""""
I know I stopped in a cheesy scene. Year 6 has drawn to a close, and summer has begun.
Translation for those who care. I apologize, if I haven't translated it correctly – I tried my best.
Oui, nous sommes. Pouvons-nous demander à qui nous parlons?
Yes, we are. May we ask whom we are speaking to?
Je fais des excuses. Mon nom est Pernelle et c'est mon mari Nicholas Flamel.
I apologize. My name is Pernelle and this is my husband Nicholas Flamel.