The Sisterhood
Ginny's mind lost itself as she watched the water run down her legs, across the bottom of the tub, and down the drain. It must have been four in the morning. Haruka woke her up very early this morning, even though they had all stayed up well past midnight. She said that it was time to prepare for the coronation. They weren't messing around.
Her mind, after resting on the injustice of a 'princess' being woke up before the rest of the bloody castle, wondered to what had transpired last night. They had somehow gotten off on the subject of dates for the ball, and it was revealed that Setsuna would be going with none other than Sirius Black, Harry's godfather. Hermione, after her initial shock, wanted to know how this had come to be. Setsuna proceeded to tell them all how she and 'Padfoot', as she had affectionately called him, had fallen in love. When she was younger, she had gotten word that she was to retrieve Lily, Harry's mum, just as she had come for Ginny. It seemed that Lily had gone through the same episode that Ginny had, only that it was kept hush-hush by Dumbledore. Setsuna went on to say that, as she had had no magical education outside of what she received from the Sisterhood, she decided to enroll at Hogwarts. There, because of her friendship with Lily, she fell right in with the Marauders. She and Sirius fell in love through a series of hilarious events, which she related to many guffaws of laughter (especially the one where Lily and James were caught snogging in a closet by McGonagall and she had trusted Setsuna and Sirius to keep an eye on them). But, her duties as Princess of Pluto soon called to her, and she left Hogwarts in her sixth year. She knew all about the betrayal by Pettigrew, but wasn't allowed to say anything till just recently. She also recounted that Peter had gotten on Lily's bad side fairly quickly, and she used every opportunity to 'accidentally' shock him. She and Sirius had kept in touch until the day that Lily and James died, and she found later that Sirius was in Azkaban. Setsuna, for all her strength, could not keep her voice from breaking when she mentioned the Potters' death, and Ginny could have sworn that she saw a tear run down the older woman's face when she mentioned the incarceration of her lover. She spoke with undeniable hatred of the Dursleys and promised to help Ginny should she and Harry ever launch a revenge mission. She was obviously relieved that Sirius had been pardoned and did not attempt to disguise her opinion of Fudge. None of the Sisterhood seemed to be particularly fond of the Minister. When Hermione asked if they were still in love, Setsuna blushed three different shades of red and Haruka made a snide remark about the broom closets still being put to good use.
And now, she thought as she turned off the water and wrapped a towel around herself, here they were. She walked back into the room to find all of the girls, including Hermione, were dressed and ready. Hermione had been outfitted a variation of the dresses that the Sisterhood wore on a regular basis. Her dress was the maroon color of Gryffindor, with gold accents. She looked up when Ginny entered the room and said, sheepishly,
"They insisted."
"Insisted nothing. That was force." Haruka mumbled.
Ginny smiled.
"Hermione, you are one of my best friends. I would like it if you would stand with me at my coronation. My brothers and Harry are, too, they just don't know it yet. It will make nobles out of all of you."
Hermione looked shocked.
"That's right." Ami said, while fixing her necklace, "You'll be Lady Hermione of the Court of Thunder."
"And you might as well begin acting the part." Rei said.
Hermione gaped, not being able to form words.
"No gratitude needed or desired. That's a great color for you, by the way. Ron'll think so, too." Ginny laughed and winked. Hermione smiled at her, tears in her eyes.
"Well, are you going to hang about in your towel all day? We have things to do." Haruka said. With that, they seized her. Rei dried her body and hair with a blast of warm air. Mina took to Ginny's hair, fixing it by pulling either side to the back and pinning it with an emerald barrette. Michiru picked out Ginny's dress, the usual emerald satin with spaghetti straps and Haruka helped her on with her cloak. They stepped back as Rei spritzed her with her perfume, "Tempest". Ginny took a deep breath and walked out the door, her sisters following. As she descended into the common room, she noticed something very peculiar. No one was there.
"Sets, what time is it?"
"5:05, why?"
"IT'S 5:00 IN THE MORNING?" Ginny cried.
"Yes. Keep it down. You'll wake up the whole house. You know Ron isn't a morning person." Hermione reprimanded.
"What are we doing at 5:00 in the bloody morning? I knew it was early, but this is ridiculous."
"I told you, we have things to do. Hurry up. We have to get out to the lake before anyone gets up." Haruka pushed past the rest of her sisters and took the lead, the rest following.
When they got outside, the sun was just making the sky a steel gray. The Giant Squid dived beneath the glassy water when they arrived at the lake. Michiru led Ginny over to the side closest to the Forbidden Forest and stepped away. They all looked at her expectantly, and she looked back.
"What am I supposed to be doing?"
"Listen." Serenity said.
"To what?" She asked.
"You'll hear it, if you listen." Hotaru told her.
Ginny closed her eyes and let her mind go blank, which was very hard, as she thought this was very stupid. All at once, she found herself in a void where thunder echoed. Her dress blew up around her ankles. As she stared into the darkness, a white presence came to her.
"Hello, Virginia."
She didn't know how she knew it, but she knew that this must be her predecessor, Lily Potter.
"Mrs. Potter?"
"Yes. But, please, call me Lily."
Ginny would have fainted, if she could have. The spirit's eyes, so much like Harry's, kept her motionless.
"Do you know why you are here?" she questioned softly.
Ginny shook her head and Lily laughed.
"You have the power, inside of you. You must latch onto it, now more than ever. Whether you believe it or not, you ~are~ the Princess of Jupiter. It's time to claim it. You know what you have to do."
Ginny nodded. She felt it was time to go. As she turned, Lily called to her. When Ginny turned, a man, almost identical to Harry, stood with his arms around Lily.
"Tell our son we love him." He said. "And tell Padfoot that we don't blame him."
Ginny smiled. She felt a tremendous force slam into her, and she found herself in her world again. She looked to the sky; the sun was beginning to cast orange and pink tendrils into the sky. She raised her hands and the sky above her darkened. The wind began to howl and lightening lit the clouds. The familiar electricity filled her veins as she rose into the sky to meet it. As if obeying an unseen force, she felt words pour out her mouth and echo into the heavens.
"I call upon the power of Jupiter. Bring to me the emerald spires of my home!"
She cast her hands toward the ground and a great emerald spear shot up from the ground, quickly forming itself into a palace-like structure.
As her feet touched the ground again, she looked to the women who had accompanied her. Her sisters had expressions of pride etched on every face. Hermione looked as if she would faint of shock. Ginny gave a lopsided smile and led the way back to the castle.
Breakfast had begun when they entered. Their cloaks billowed out behind them as they made their way quickly to their seats.
"They always have to make an entrance, don't they?" Sirius Black leaned to ask his godson as they breakfasted at the Gryffindor Table. He looked at the Weasleys, which included Bill and Charlie, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Fred and George, Percy and Ron. Percy wore a look of pride similar to that he wore upon being hired to the Ministry.
Harry grinned and nodded before going back to his eggs. The Sisterhood filed in and took their places. Muffins, fruit, and various other breakfast foods appeared on their plates. Ron noticed that Hermione was with them. He was pondering just how he could invoke another kiss from her when Dumbledore called the students attention.
"I believe that the Sisterhood has an announcement to make."
All the Sisters, sans Ginny who was pushed back into her seat by Haruka, stood. Setsuna spoke.
"We are pleased to announce the ascension of Our Sister the Lady Virginia Wesley of Jupiter."
Haruka took over.
"While recognized as the current ruler of the planet Jupiter, she will be crowned as Princess Regent. A ball will be held in her honor tomorrow evening, and another the evening of her coronation, commemorating her first public appearance as the Princess Regent."
"Her Grace's coronation will be held on the day following tomorrow in the Palace of Emerald that has been erected just outside the Forbidden Forest." Rei announced.
"At that point, we will also celebrate the appointing of her court." Serenity rang out, startling some.
"Albus Dumbledore, Sirius Black, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Fredrick Weasley, George Weasley, Percival Weasley, William Weasley, Charles Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Weasley will please meet us at the palace after the meal." Hotaru read off a list. With that, the entirety of the Sisterhood stood, their plates empty, and left the Great Hall.
"Not only do they make entrances, but they make one heck of an exit, too." Bill commented.
"Fredrick, humph." Fred sniffled.
"Well, I say we'd better do as they ask." Professor Dumbledore stood and put his napkin on his plate. All of the persons called filed out of the Great Hall as the Sisterhood had done.
When they stepped outside, Harry took a deep breath of the autumn air. The leaves were just beginning to turn, and the air was just beginning to chill. He followed the rest of the company down the path to the lake. A collective gasp was heard through the group as they caught sight of the majestic palace that rose above the trees of the forest and reflected into the lake.
"Is this Ginny's?" George asked in awe.
"Well, it belongs to the royalty of Jupiter. So, yes, it does belong to her." Professor Dumbledore answered.
"Wow." Ron breathed. He reached and caught Hermione's hand.
"Miss Granger, you seem to be the only one not awestruck." Dumbledore commented.
"This is nothing. You should have seen Ginny bring it up." Hermione said, not catching herself. Everyone looked at her.
"You snooze, you lose." Was her answer.
"What?" Ron asked.
"A Muggle saying." Harry answered.
As a tribute to how struck he was, Arthur didn't ask even one question.
They went around the lake, to the huge silver doors. A chilling voice cut the air.
"What is your business here?"
The men couldn't seem to find their tongues, so Molly and Hermione stepped up.
"We were called by the Sisterhood." Hermione called.
"My daughter, Ginny, is Lady Jupiter." Molly declared.
"You are worthy."
With that, the heavy doors pushed slowly open to reveal an interior just as impressive as the exterior. Emerald and silver glittered and winked from all sides. A fountain stood in plain view, with electricity jolting thorough the water. The sound of a harp was the only sound in the great place. A fairy-like woman in a long white dress greeted them with a bow.
"I am Aurora. Welcome to the Palace of the Princess of Jupiter. They have been expecting you."
At the questioning glance from Harry, Professor Dumbledore named the creature as Jupiter's equivalent to a House-elf. Hermione shivered. Professor Dumbledore assured her that the servants employed by the royals were always paid. Setsuna stepped into view with something very close to a smirk on her face.
"Ladies, follow Aurora. Gentlemen, follow me."
Harry took the lead as the company of men trailed Setsuna through the maze- like passages. They came to a set of French doors and she pushed them open to reveal a cavernous room. It was carpeted in green and the walls were a glittering white. Setsuna instructed them to come in, and form a line across the room.
"Excuse me, miss, but may I ask why we are here? I have quite a bit of work to do and I cannot afford to waste time." Percy asked, in his usual pompous manner.
"Well, you're here to be fitted."
"Be fitted for what?" George asked.
"Clothes."
"Yes, yes, they know that, Sets. But why do we need clothes?" Sirius addressed Setsuna.
"Well, you're going to stand with Virginia, aren't you?"
"What?" Charlie asked.
"At her coronation. You're going to stand with her and be appointed to her court."
Ron's eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"Appointed to her court?"
"Yes. You're going to be made noblemen."
The chatter that filled the room annoyed Setsuna. Rei came into the room.
"That's right. You're her family and friends. She's the Princess of Jupiter. It's natural."
"You need to dress and act (she gave a hard look at Fred and George) accordingly. At least for the week of the coronation."
Fred and George looked at her suspiciously.
"What's in it for us?" They asked simultaneously.
"I believe Virginia mentioned making you the Royal Jesters and funding your joke shop."
Fred and George put their heads together in a whispered conference. After many wild gestures on Fred's part and many furtive glances on George's part, they took their place in line again.
"Done deal." They answered, grinning.
Setsuna smiled. "Good."
Rei left the room and Hotaru came in with another man.
"Moony, old boy!" Sirius cried, clapping him on the back.
"Hello, (cough) Sirius. Don't do that. I'm not as young as I used to be." Remus chuckled.
"Hello, Remus." Setsuna said.
"Lady Setsuna, good to see you again."
"Professor Lupin." Ron addressed him.
"Please, Ron. Just Remus or Moony will be fine."
"Moony?" Fred asked.
"The Moony?" George echoed.
Remus chuckled and nodded. He jerked his head toward Sirius.
"And that old codger is Padfoot."
The twins looked at Sirius and Remus with awe. They bent to their knees and made a haling gesture.
"Masters!"
"You are our mentors!"
"Our inspiration!"
Remus and Sirius looked at each other before bursting out laughing. Then Sirius got an evil idea.
"Harry's father was the infamous Prongs."
The twins stopped their bowing and turned toward Harry. They bent and kissed the hem of his robes.
"Spawn of the Master Prankster." They said in stereo.
"Aww, come on guys. Don't do that." Harry said, blushing. George got up and pretended to wipe his eyes.
"I'm so glad we gave him that map."
Fred leaned on his brother. "We completed his destiny!" He pretended to cry on his brother's shoulder.
"The sooner you two quit fooling around, the sooner we can get this done. We have a lot more to do, you know." Rei snapped, reappearing in the room.
The look in her eyes startled the twins into submission. Setsuna chuckled as she began on the end closest to Sirius, measuring. Hotaru began on the other.
'Virginia is certainly going to have an interesting court.' She thought.
The measuring completed, Setsuna led her wards to a set of large glass doors. Entering, they found a huge, extravagant ballroom. Seeing them staring, Setsuna chuckled.
"If you think this is something, wait till you see the one we use for formal occasions."
They all looked at her, mouths hanging open.
"So," Haruka clapped her hands as she stepped into the room, "Who's planning to take Virginia to the ball?"
Harry looked around and timidly raised his hand.
"Okay. You do know that she and her date will have to share the first dance at ~both~ balls. Alone."
Harry's eyes grew wide. Remus, seeing this, turned to him.
"I'll dance the first dance with her, if you don't want to Harry."
Harry swallowed. Taking a moment to weigh his options, he steeled himself.
"No. I'll do it."
"Good man." Sirius congratulated him.
"Yes, yes. Gryffindor bravery." George commented.
"Can't be any worse than Voldemort, Harry." Dumbledore claimed.
Personally, Harry couldn't choose between the two…but at least he would be with Ginny.
"Well, can you dance, Harry Potter?"
"A little." He answered, sheepishly.
"Do you play Quidditch?"
Now here was something he could talk about. He nodded enthusiastically.
"Well, then, you can dance. You just don't know it yet. Michi, if you please." Haruka stood to face Harry.
Michiru brought out her violin and began to play a medium-paced waltz.
"Now then, Harry. You bow and I curtsey…that's right. Now, put you hand on my waist, and I'll put my hand in yours…no, like this. Now, we just follow the music. 1…2…3…….1…2…3. You're doing fine."
Setsuna snuck up behind the watching (and snickering, in the twins' case) males.
"Don't think you're going to get out of this. As future members of the Princess's court, you will have to lead a dance of your own. The second one I believe."
There was a collective groan.
"Good thing I already learned how to do this."
"No offence, love, but I doubt you've practiced much with the Dementors. You probably need a run-through, just in case."
Sirius chuckled.
"You'll think up any excuse to get into my arms."
Setsuna blushed, but looked back at him with a glint in her eye.
"Like you mind it."
He laughed again and led her out onto the floor.
Rei appeared behind George.
"I'll be teaching you."
George gulped. "Ummm…I was planning to take…"
"That doesn't matter. You'll be dancing this dance with me…the one we have to lead, I mean."
George resigned himself to his fate and let Rei take him out to the floor. After all, it might not be too bad.
Mina tapped Fred on the shoulder.
"Shall we?"
Fred grinned and followed his brother.
Hermione danced with Ron and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley danced together, with Ginny looking on.
"Not her shoulder, Ron. Dad, be careful. Mum's not as flexible as she once was."
Ami danced with Percy. They took a quick liking to each other.
Hotaru danced with Professor Dumbledore. It was quite a site.
After Harry got the hang of things, Haruka left him with Ginny and began instructing Bill. Michiru cast an enchantment on her violin and took Charlie to the floor.
Remus cut in on Sirius and danced with Setsuna. Taking his cue, Sirius in turn cut in on Harry and danced with Ginny.
Everyone had a wonderful time. So wonderful, in fact, that they took lunch in the Palace and did not go back to Hogwarts until dinner.
Ginny's mind lost itself as she watched the water run down her legs, across the bottom of the tub, and down the drain. It must have been four in the morning. Haruka woke her up very early this morning, even though they had all stayed up well past midnight. She said that it was time to prepare for the coronation. They weren't messing around.
Her mind, after resting on the injustice of a 'princess' being woke up before the rest of the bloody castle, wondered to what had transpired last night. They had somehow gotten off on the subject of dates for the ball, and it was revealed that Setsuna would be going with none other than Sirius Black, Harry's godfather. Hermione, after her initial shock, wanted to know how this had come to be. Setsuna proceeded to tell them all how she and 'Padfoot', as she had affectionately called him, had fallen in love. When she was younger, she had gotten word that she was to retrieve Lily, Harry's mum, just as she had come for Ginny. It seemed that Lily had gone through the same episode that Ginny had, only that it was kept hush-hush by Dumbledore. Setsuna went on to say that, as she had had no magical education outside of what she received from the Sisterhood, she decided to enroll at Hogwarts. There, because of her friendship with Lily, she fell right in with the Marauders. She and Sirius fell in love through a series of hilarious events, which she related to many guffaws of laughter (especially the one where Lily and James were caught snogging in a closet by McGonagall and she had trusted Setsuna and Sirius to keep an eye on them). But, her duties as Princess of Pluto soon called to her, and she left Hogwarts in her sixth year. She knew all about the betrayal by Pettigrew, but wasn't allowed to say anything till just recently. She also recounted that Peter had gotten on Lily's bad side fairly quickly, and she used every opportunity to 'accidentally' shock him. She and Sirius had kept in touch until the day that Lily and James died, and she found later that Sirius was in Azkaban. Setsuna, for all her strength, could not keep her voice from breaking when she mentioned the Potters' death, and Ginny could have sworn that she saw a tear run down the older woman's face when she mentioned the incarceration of her lover. She spoke with undeniable hatred of the Dursleys and promised to help Ginny should she and Harry ever launch a revenge mission. She was obviously relieved that Sirius had been pardoned and did not attempt to disguise her opinion of Fudge. None of the Sisterhood seemed to be particularly fond of the Minister. When Hermione asked if they were still in love, Setsuna blushed three different shades of red and Haruka made a snide remark about the broom closets still being put to good use.
And now, she thought as she turned off the water and wrapped a towel around herself, here they were. She walked back into the room to find all of the girls, including Hermione, were dressed and ready. Hermione had been outfitted a variation of the dresses that the Sisterhood wore on a regular basis. Her dress was the maroon color of Gryffindor, with gold accents. She looked up when Ginny entered the room and said, sheepishly,
"They insisted."
"Insisted nothing. That was force." Haruka mumbled.
Ginny smiled.
"Hermione, you are one of my best friends. I would like it if you would stand with me at my coronation. My brothers and Harry are, too, they just don't know it yet. It will make nobles out of all of you."
Hermione looked shocked.
"That's right." Ami said, while fixing her necklace, "You'll be Lady Hermione of the Court of Thunder."
"And you might as well begin acting the part." Rei said.
Hermione gaped, not being able to form words.
"No gratitude needed or desired. That's a great color for you, by the way. Ron'll think so, too." Ginny laughed and winked. Hermione smiled at her, tears in her eyes.
"Well, are you going to hang about in your towel all day? We have things to do." Haruka said. With that, they seized her. Rei dried her body and hair with a blast of warm air. Mina took to Ginny's hair, fixing it by pulling either side to the back and pinning it with an emerald barrette. Michiru picked out Ginny's dress, the usual emerald satin with spaghetti straps and Haruka helped her on with her cloak. They stepped back as Rei spritzed her with her perfume, "Tempest". Ginny took a deep breath and walked out the door, her sisters following. As she descended into the common room, she noticed something very peculiar. No one was there.
"Sets, what time is it?"
"5:05, why?"
"IT'S 5:00 IN THE MORNING?" Ginny cried.
"Yes. Keep it down. You'll wake up the whole house. You know Ron isn't a morning person." Hermione reprimanded.
"What are we doing at 5:00 in the bloody morning? I knew it was early, but this is ridiculous."
"I told you, we have things to do. Hurry up. We have to get out to the lake before anyone gets up." Haruka pushed past the rest of her sisters and took the lead, the rest following.
When they got outside, the sun was just making the sky a steel gray. The Giant Squid dived beneath the glassy water when they arrived at the lake. Michiru led Ginny over to the side closest to the Forbidden Forest and stepped away. They all looked at her expectantly, and she looked back.
"What am I supposed to be doing?"
"Listen." Serenity said.
"To what?" She asked.
"You'll hear it, if you listen." Hotaru told her.
Ginny closed her eyes and let her mind go blank, which was very hard, as she thought this was very stupid. All at once, she found herself in a void where thunder echoed. Her dress blew up around her ankles. As she stared into the darkness, a white presence came to her.
"Hello, Virginia."
She didn't know how she knew it, but she knew that this must be her predecessor, Lily Potter.
"Mrs. Potter?"
"Yes. But, please, call me Lily."
Ginny would have fainted, if she could have. The spirit's eyes, so much like Harry's, kept her motionless.
"Do you know why you are here?" she questioned softly.
Ginny shook her head and Lily laughed.
"You have the power, inside of you. You must latch onto it, now more than ever. Whether you believe it or not, you ~are~ the Princess of Jupiter. It's time to claim it. You know what you have to do."
Ginny nodded. She felt it was time to go. As she turned, Lily called to her. When Ginny turned, a man, almost identical to Harry, stood with his arms around Lily.
"Tell our son we love him." He said. "And tell Padfoot that we don't blame him."
Ginny smiled. She felt a tremendous force slam into her, and she found herself in her world again. She looked to the sky; the sun was beginning to cast orange and pink tendrils into the sky. She raised her hands and the sky above her darkened. The wind began to howl and lightening lit the clouds. The familiar electricity filled her veins as she rose into the sky to meet it. As if obeying an unseen force, she felt words pour out her mouth and echo into the heavens.
"I call upon the power of Jupiter. Bring to me the emerald spires of my home!"
She cast her hands toward the ground and a great emerald spear shot up from the ground, quickly forming itself into a palace-like structure.
As her feet touched the ground again, she looked to the women who had accompanied her. Her sisters had expressions of pride etched on every face. Hermione looked as if she would faint of shock. Ginny gave a lopsided smile and led the way back to the castle.
Breakfast had begun when they entered. Their cloaks billowed out behind them as they made their way quickly to their seats.
"They always have to make an entrance, don't they?" Sirius Black leaned to ask his godson as they breakfasted at the Gryffindor Table. He looked at the Weasleys, which included Bill and Charlie, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Fred and George, Percy and Ron. Percy wore a look of pride similar to that he wore upon being hired to the Ministry.
Harry grinned and nodded before going back to his eggs. The Sisterhood filed in and took their places. Muffins, fruit, and various other breakfast foods appeared on their plates. Ron noticed that Hermione was with them. He was pondering just how he could invoke another kiss from her when Dumbledore called the students attention.
"I believe that the Sisterhood has an announcement to make."
All the Sisters, sans Ginny who was pushed back into her seat by Haruka, stood. Setsuna spoke.
"We are pleased to announce the ascension of Our Sister the Lady Virginia Wesley of Jupiter."
Haruka took over.
"While recognized as the current ruler of the planet Jupiter, she will be crowned as Princess Regent. A ball will be held in her honor tomorrow evening, and another the evening of her coronation, commemorating her first public appearance as the Princess Regent."
"Her Grace's coronation will be held on the day following tomorrow in the Palace of Emerald that has been erected just outside the Forbidden Forest." Rei announced.
"At that point, we will also celebrate the appointing of her court." Serenity rang out, startling some.
"Albus Dumbledore, Sirius Black, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Fredrick Weasley, George Weasley, Percival Weasley, William Weasley, Charles Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Weasley will please meet us at the palace after the meal." Hotaru read off a list. With that, the entirety of the Sisterhood stood, their plates empty, and left the Great Hall.
"Not only do they make entrances, but they make one heck of an exit, too." Bill commented.
"Fredrick, humph." Fred sniffled.
"Well, I say we'd better do as they ask." Professor Dumbledore stood and put his napkin on his plate. All of the persons called filed out of the Great Hall as the Sisterhood had done.
When they stepped outside, Harry took a deep breath of the autumn air. The leaves were just beginning to turn, and the air was just beginning to chill. He followed the rest of the company down the path to the lake. A collective gasp was heard through the group as they caught sight of the majestic palace that rose above the trees of the forest and reflected into the lake.
"Is this Ginny's?" George asked in awe.
"Well, it belongs to the royalty of Jupiter. So, yes, it does belong to her." Professor Dumbledore answered.
"Wow." Ron breathed. He reached and caught Hermione's hand.
"Miss Granger, you seem to be the only one not awestruck." Dumbledore commented.
"This is nothing. You should have seen Ginny bring it up." Hermione said, not catching herself. Everyone looked at her.
"You snooze, you lose." Was her answer.
"What?" Ron asked.
"A Muggle saying." Harry answered.
As a tribute to how struck he was, Arthur didn't ask even one question.
They went around the lake, to the huge silver doors. A chilling voice cut the air.
"What is your business here?"
The men couldn't seem to find their tongues, so Molly and Hermione stepped up.
"We were called by the Sisterhood." Hermione called.
"My daughter, Ginny, is Lady Jupiter." Molly declared.
"You are worthy."
With that, the heavy doors pushed slowly open to reveal an interior just as impressive as the exterior. Emerald and silver glittered and winked from all sides. A fountain stood in plain view, with electricity jolting thorough the water. The sound of a harp was the only sound in the great place. A fairy-like woman in a long white dress greeted them with a bow.
"I am Aurora. Welcome to the Palace of the Princess of Jupiter. They have been expecting you."
At the questioning glance from Harry, Professor Dumbledore named the creature as Jupiter's equivalent to a House-elf. Hermione shivered. Professor Dumbledore assured her that the servants employed by the royals were always paid. Setsuna stepped into view with something very close to a smirk on her face.
"Ladies, follow Aurora. Gentlemen, follow me."
Harry took the lead as the company of men trailed Setsuna through the maze- like passages. They came to a set of French doors and she pushed them open to reveal a cavernous room. It was carpeted in green and the walls were a glittering white. Setsuna instructed them to come in, and form a line across the room.
"Excuse me, miss, but may I ask why we are here? I have quite a bit of work to do and I cannot afford to waste time." Percy asked, in his usual pompous manner.
"Well, you're here to be fitted."
"Be fitted for what?" George asked.
"Clothes."
"Yes, yes, they know that, Sets. But why do we need clothes?" Sirius addressed Setsuna.
"Well, you're going to stand with Virginia, aren't you?"
"What?" Charlie asked.
"At her coronation. You're going to stand with her and be appointed to her court."
Ron's eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"Appointed to her court?"
"Yes. You're going to be made noblemen."
The chatter that filled the room annoyed Setsuna. Rei came into the room.
"That's right. You're her family and friends. She's the Princess of Jupiter. It's natural."
"You need to dress and act (she gave a hard look at Fred and George) accordingly. At least for the week of the coronation."
Fred and George looked at her suspiciously.
"What's in it for us?" They asked simultaneously.
"I believe Virginia mentioned making you the Royal Jesters and funding your joke shop."
Fred and George put their heads together in a whispered conference. After many wild gestures on Fred's part and many furtive glances on George's part, they took their place in line again.
"Done deal." They answered, grinning.
Setsuna smiled. "Good."
Rei left the room and Hotaru came in with another man.
"Moony, old boy!" Sirius cried, clapping him on the back.
"Hello, (cough) Sirius. Don't do that. I'm not as young as I used to be." Remus chuckled.
"Hello, Remus." Setsuna said.
"Lady Setsuna, good to see you again."
"Professor Lupin." Ron addressed him.
"Please, Ron. Just Remus or Moony will be fine."
"Moony?" Fred asked.
"The Moony?" George echoed.
Remus chuckled and nodded. He jerked his head toward Sirius.
"And that old codger is Padfoot."
The twins looked at Sirius and Remus with awe. They bent to their knees and made a haling gesture.
"Masters!"
"You are our mentors!"
"Our inspiration!"
Remus and Sirius looked at each other before bursting out laughing. Then Sirius got an evil idea.
"Harry's father was the infamous Prongs."
The twins stopped their bowing and turned toward Harry. They bent and kissed the hem of his robes.
"Spawn of the Master Prankster." They said in stereo.
"Aww, come on guys. Don't do that." Harry said, blushing. George got up and pretended to wipe his eyes.
"I'm so glad we gave him that map."
Fred leaned on his brother. "We completed his destiny!" He pretended to cry on his brother's shoulder.
"The sooner you two quit fooling around, the sooner we can get this done. We have a lot more to do, you know." Rei snapped, reappearing in the room.
The look in her eyes startled the twins into submission. Setsuna chuckled as she began on the end closest to Sirius, measuring. Hotaru began on the other.
'Virginia is certainly going to have an interesting court.' She thought.
The measuring completed, Setsuna led her wards to a set of large glass doors. Entering, they found a huge, extravagant ballroom. Seeing them staring, Setsuna chuckled.
"If you think this is something, wait till you see the one we use for formal occasions."
They all looked at her, mouths hanging open.
"So," Haruka clapped her hands as she stepped into the room, "Who's planning to take Virginia to the ball?"
Harry looked around and timidly raised his hand.
"Okay. You do know that she and her date will have to share the first dance at ~both~ balls. Alone."
Harry's eyes grew wide. Remus, seeing this, turned to him.
"I'll dance the first dance with her, if you don't want to Harry."
Harry swallowed. Taking a moment to weigh his options, he steeled himself.
"No. I'll do it."
"Good man." Sirius congratulated him.
"Yes, yes. Gryffindor bravery." George commented.
"Can't be any worse than Voldemort, Harry." Dumbledore claimed.
Personally, Harry couldn't choose between the two…but at least he would be with Ginny.
"Well, can you dance, Harry Potter?"
"A little." He answered, sheepishly.
"Do you play Quidditch?"
Now here was something he could talk about. He nodded enthusiastically.
"Well, then, you can dance. You just don't know it yet. Michi, if you please." Haruka stood to face Harry.
Michiru brought out her violin and began to play a medium-paced waltz.
"Now then, Harry. You bow and I curtsey…that's right. Now, put you hand on my waist, and I'll put my hand in yours…no, like this. Now, we just follow the music. 1…2…3…….1…2…3. You're doing fine."
Setsuna snuck up behind the watching (and snickering, in the twins' case) males.
"Don't think you're going to get out of this. As future members of the Princess's court, you will have to lead a dance of your own. The second one I believe."
There was a collective groan.
"Good thing I already learned how to do this."
"No offence, love, but I doubt you've practiced much with the Dementors. You probably need a run-through, just in case."
Sirius chuckled.
"You'll think up any excuse to get into my arms."
Setsuna blushed, but looked back at him with a glint in her eye.
"Like you mind it."
He laughed again and led her out onto the floor.
Rei appeared behind George.
"I'll be teaching you."
George gulped. "Ummm…I was planning to take…"
"That doesn't matter. You'll be dancing this dance with me…the one we have to lead, I mean."
George resigned himself to his fate and let Rei take him out to the floor. After all, it might not be too bad.
Mina tapped Fred on the shoulder.
"Shall we?"
Fred grinned and followed his brother.
Hermione danced with Ron and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley danced together, with Ginny looking on.
"Not her shoulder, Ron. Dad, be careful. Mum's not as flexible as she once was."
Ami danced with Percy. They took a quick liking to each other.
Hotaru danced with Professor Dumbledore. It was quite a site.
After Harry got the hang of things, Haruka left him with Ginny and began instructing Bill. Michiru cast an enchantment on her violin and took Charlie to the floor.
Remus cut in on Sirius and danced with Setsuna. Taking his cue, Sirius in turn cut in on Harry and danced with Ginny.
Everyone had a wonderful time. So wonderful, in fact, that they took lunch in the Palace and did not go back to Hogwarts until dinner.
