Welp, I'm not giving any excuses here for taking so long to get out this chapter aside from the fact that I have been incredibly busy with school lately and have also tried to cut back on my computer time for a couple weeks. Therefore, I haven't been writing.
Silversickle17- yes, you are an 'annoying twit'. Um, do you know who has the fifth, sixth & seventh books? I wanna read more of them! FIN-GER-PRINTS! FIN-GER-PRINTS! FIN-GER-PRINTS! Hahaha I got a strike and you didn't!
The Kuro no Tenshi- wow, I got that many out that quickly? And I'm sorry this one was a while…
Firefly-chan- she was just really annoyed with her… and you'll find out why it was Ezma instead of Lee.
Hyper Princess- Kay! I'll e-mail ya! Thanks, and maybe she isn't in trouble…
Calico_103- I'm not planning on making her a Peter Pettigrew. I hated that rat sooo much, I couldn't create another version of him. Sorry this took so long.
OoklatheMok- Mao sounds like a lot of fun, but when I tried it with some of my school friends, this one person kept ruining it… actually, it was like three of them, because they just weren't paying attention. Jerks… Sailor Moon bits are coming back now for a good reason that I was toying with earlier, and now it's been decided. You'll find out this chapter. Thanks for the mermaid thing… I don't think I can fix it right now, but if I get to it I will. You see, I went to three online dictionaries, and two of them said mermaid and the other sirena. So I went with the majority.
Tenshi-chan- thanks!
ImaginarilyMentalPunk- thanks! If I need them, I'll let you know.
Crazygurl70- thanks! Hehe
Sailor Capricorn- either way, that's a good thing! For me, least ways. It really would've been, but oh twell… hehehe I could just see him pinned to the ceiling. Sending the pixies after him… hehehe. And thanks for reading some of my other fics.
Cindra- thank you, and yeah, it is hard… harder still when everyone is screaming at you to get more out, hehehe… I'll try!
Little one- it's okay, and thanks!
Day dream- I think there should be a mouse made for cats… that looks like a mouse. And thanks!
Bunni V- dunno, wanna start counting? One… one… one… yep, one. Hehehe oh wait, that was two! Yeah, it was short, but I can only write as much as I feel is necessary for the chapter. If you want loooong chapters, go to The Princess and the Pauper. Those are long chapters.
DevilsDarling- 13, 14 in May, eighth grade… I've decided I really don't want a boyfriend. I hardly have time to spend with my friends as it is! If you knew it, why'd you do that to the poor demons? Tut tut tuttyness!
MarsMoonStar- thanks! It's okay, it's okay. What you do makes you you! Hehehe that was dumb…
Lili- probably because there's hardly any SM in it at this point? Oh, I should make an announcement about that… and thanks!
Usagipegasus- nope, it isn't! and thanks!
Roninchica- hehe dirty looks librarian! Hehee… kay, it's not that funny. Yep, I included more, I can try to do something with Snape, and you'll find out why it was Ezma. And I'm glad you're glad hehehe I haven't used that one in a while ::checks off phrase on list::
True Locket- I'm sorry this took so long! Truly I am.
Lilyusagi-chan- thanks! I'll try to work in more of that… I'll work in a description of him. I know a lot of people want either Usa/Draco or Usa/Harry, but I DON'T! hehehee ::glances around nervously:: people are gunna think I'm really crazy, screaming at the computer…
Siren- it was more a thing of where he was waiting to make sure everyone got back, but he also wouldn't let Usagi have the rock. Thanks, and I'm sorry this took so long!
Jessica Black- thanks, and I DO say so.
Crescendo- thanks, and don't bash yourself! It's not fun.
Sailorartemis2000- yes, Ezma. I'll get to romance later, but I must warn you that I cannot stand a super long one, so it might be a bit later… end-of-the-year later…
Es- thanks, I will!
Daisy- thanks, don't die, and I'm sorry this took so long!
LadyD- thanks! I'm glad you're not getting too confused, then. Well, I hope you enjoy the books!
*** *** *** ***
Usagi wondered just what she would say as she marched through the halls of the castle behind Dumbledore and McGonagall. She still had no clue what to say when they stepped off the moving staircase and into Dumbledore's office.
"Have a seat, Miss Tsukino," Dumbledore said, gesturing to the overstuffed chair in front of his desk. Usagi flopped onto it while he sat himself gently in the chair behind his desk. Professor McGonagall assumed a standing position beside the desk.
Before Dumbledore could say anything, Usagi exploded with, "Why on Earth did you make Ezma my most precious thing?"
Dumbledore looked shocked, but McGonagall answered. "We assumed that she meant quite a lot to you when we saw her always with you. We also heard about the Santa escapade."
Usagi rolled her eyes and said, "She's eleven and believes in Santa still. I wasn't going to be the one to break the truth to her. And any ways, she follows me around, not with my consent. Kelly or Fred or George or Lee would've been a much better choice."
"Well, then," McGonagall huffed. "It's not like it will change everything that we assumed you cared for the girl."
"Yes, it will," Usagi said scathingly.
"Now, I would like to know where you got that spell," Dumbledore said, quietly interrupting the argument occurring between the professor and student.
"I made it, with Kelly," Usagi said in an equally quiet tone.
"I must ask you, have you made any other spells and used them?"
"Yes," Usagi said, and recounted the remarkably huge amount of times she'd used some of the spells she had made with Kelly's assistance.
At the end of her account, Dumbledore remained silent for a moment, seeming to remember something. Then, he began to speak once more. "I have had some suspicions that something was different about you, Usagi." Usagi's heart stopped beating. Did he know that she was the princess of the Moon? Did he know that she was Sailor Moon? "My suspicions increased after Professor Flitwick told me of the magnificent display in Charms in your third year. But they were confirmed when you crossed the age line. One of the Japanese students is a fire-reader, and I had her do a fire reading to find out just how you did it. The only thing she could come up with, however, was a name. The name was that of a rather famous witch who lived about two generations ago. She was one of the last known spell-makers, and also seemed to possess several other remarkable powers."
"What does that have to do with me?" Usagi queried, knowing perfectly well that he was talking about her first mother.
"I believe that you are also a spell-maker, as is Miss Schussler."
"Me? A spell-maker? But I can't do half the things they can!" Usagi exclaimed a bit shrilly, attempting to explain just why this was impossible.
"I think that you could. Minerva, could you please fetch Kelly Schussler up here?"
"Yes, Headmaster," McGonagall said, briskly exiting the room.
There was an uncomfortable moment, and then Usagi decided to see how much the headmaster knew. "Just how much do you know about my moth- about this witch?" She silently cursed herself for nearly giving away the truth. No matter how much she trusted this old man, it was definitely not the time to tell him.
"Her name was Serenity. I believe, although few others do, that she was the reincarnation of the legendary Queen of the Moon. It would certainly explain a few of her more remarkable talents. Her friend, Celeste, was also a spell-maker, and they worked together, much like you and Miss Schussler. But I do believe they actually knew what they were doing. Celeste was the reincarnation of the Queen of the Earth, and they had been best friends in their former life. I know both had a son and daughter each, as well as a number of guardians to protect them in that first life. That is mostly all I know, give or take a few details."
At that moment, McGonagall escorted a very confused looking Kelly into the office.
Usagi drew in a deep breath, then glanced at the Transfiguration professor. "Headmaster, could I talk to you and Kelly alone?"
"Yes," Dumbledore said, looking at the deputy headmistress. She left without a word.
"He thinks that we are spell-makers," Usagi said to Kelly to briefly explain the situation.
"That's excellent!" Kelly said excitedly.
"But I know something we are," Usagi said decidedly. "I am Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom. Harry Potter is Prince Damien, my twin brother. Lee Jordan is Prince Endymion of the Earth, and you, Kelly, are his twin sister, Princess Celeste. We were all named after our parents. I am also Sailor Moon, the senshi of the Moon Kingdom, but it feels wrong, like I'm not supposed to be. But I do know that I have two sets of parents, technically three if you want to get into specifics. My father died before the Moon Kingdom was attacked; my mother was reincarnated into the Serenity you know of, professor. Kelly, your father also died before the kingdom was attacked, and your mother was reincarnated into the Celeste Dumbledore mentioned to me earlier. They were the last known spell-makers before us. We inherited their powers."
Dumbledore's eyes glinted mischievously, and then he said, "I was wondering when you would tell me this. But I must warn you two to be careful with your powers, and come to me every time you find something new. You never know who could try to use you, and you never know when you could come in useful."
Kelly was silent a moment, then said, "So basically, I'm a reincarnation of some princess, so I get a bunch of powers? Sounds good to me!"
Dumbledore turned serious for a rare moment and said slowly, "I want you both to be very cautious and tell no one of your powers. Except for Mister Potter and Mister Jordan. I want them to come see me, so I can know what they are able to do."
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
"Usagi! We need to talk to you!" Rei called as Usagi walked into the Gryffindor Tower. Luna and Artemis were at her feet, and Minako, Makoto, Ami and Mamoru were clustered behind her.
"All right," Usagi said. "Where to?"
"Just follow us," Minako said. They wound through the castle a bit and ended up in front of a painting of a lady standing in front of a gate with a large staff in hand.
"Kitty stalks by moonlight," Luna said to it. Usagi was slightly surprised that the cat was talking in front of these people, but supposed that it was safe.
"Kitty is hungry," the lady in the painting replied.
"Kitty craves catnip," Luna ammended, and the lady stepped aside, leaving the gates open for them to pass through.
They entered a fairly dark room with several couches and chairs situated around a large table. Professor Meiou was seated in one of these chairs, and gestured for them all to have a seat.
She jumped right into an explanation without a moment's hesitation. "We are also Sailor Senshi. I am Sailor Pluto, senshi of time. Rei is Sailor Mars, senshi of fire, Ami is Sailor Mercury, senshi of water. Minako is Sailor Venus, senshi of love, and Makoto is Sailor Jupiter, senshi of nature. Mamoru is Tuxedo Mask, the helper of the senshi. We all are guardians of our planet and the royal family of the Moon."
"Right?" Usagi asked, unsure of what to say. "So why did you all wait so long to tell me? I'm assuming Minako's cat, Artemis, is able to talk as well. And it couldn't have taken all that long to find Luna."
"I assumed it would be best if we waited until there was a lull in the Quad-wizard activities to talk to you. Mamoru already knew, so obviously it was no added surprise for him. But this one thing we haven't talked about yet: we need to find the princess of the Moon," Luna said briskly.
"That's easy! I am," Usagi said, clamping her hand over her mouth once she realized it had slipped out. She slowly lowered it, knowing that the time was right. "And I don't think that I am supposed to be Sailor Moon. All the Princess Serenity stuff, I'm all right with. But it's just not comfortable being Sailor Moon, and I think it should be."
"We'll worry about that in a moment. I think you should know more about your past and future, first," Luna explained patiently. "Long ago on the Moon, there was a great kingdom. The queen of that kingdom died in a great battle, but managed to send her daughter, the Earth Prince, and the senshi to the future. As you-"
"That's not right," Usagi said snappishly. "My mother managed to send me and my twin as well as the twins from the Earth to the future, as did she with herself and her best friend."
"How can you know that?" Mamoru said. "I have no twin."
"You think that you are the Earth Prince?" Usagi asked, trying not to laugh. He nodded. "Sorry to burst your bubble, Mamo-baka, but you aren't. That would be Lee Jordan. My best friend, Kelly, is the Princess, and my twin would be Harry Potter. If you all came here to tell me some cooked-up story, sorry. But I know the truth."
The headmistress of Ziklag spoke up. "She is telling the truth. We should listen to what she has to say."
Usagi related all that she knew of the Moon Kingdom and her mother, omitting the existence of the secret room. "And I really don't think I am supposed to be Sailor Moon. My mother left me no notes mentioning her, and she would have if it were my destiny to be her." With this, Usagi took the transformation brooch out of her pocket and laid it gently on the table. "I suggest you find the right person," she said gently, before leaving the room.
She left an empty hole of silence, in which they all stared at the brooch, comprehending all she had said. "Well, at least she knows what she is talking about. When I looked into the future many years ago, this is not at all what happened. She wasn't even here. She wasn't this mature, either. She failed all her classes and was, well, to put it gently, a crybaby." After Setsuna said this, the other senshi and Mamoru left, leaving the cats with the senshi of time. "I would suggest that you still inform her of everything we know, and then adjust your stories so that they match the truth. We don't want to live a lie our whole time of existence."
Luna and Artemis nodded, then went off to find Usagi and tell her their legend of the Moon.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
"Usagi?" This time it was Lee and Kelly.
"What?" Usagi said, this time rather impatiently. She just wanted to go sit near the fire and read.
"Can we talk to you about… you know," Kelly said.
"Fine. OI! HARRY! GET OVER HERE!" Usagi shouted at her twin, who was losing wonderfully to Ron in a chess match, Hermione looking on. She watched as he said something to his two friends and then made his way across the common room. "They want to talk in the room," Usagi said, indicating Lee and Kelly. "Let's go!"
She was running off down the hall before anyone could react. Harry and Lee had to show Kelly where 'the room' was, so they went a bit slower. When at last they arrived in the main area, they found Usagi bouncing impatiently in one of the chairs. "Come on, come on, come on! I want to get this over with!"
As soon as the other three were seated, Usagi jumped right into her story for the third time, explaining all about the Moon Kingdom and the room. Harry would fill in details in necessary places, seeing as how Usagi wasn't too concentrated on making sure they understood the story.
"So, I'm a Princess? And my mother was Celeste? And your mother was Serenity? They are two of the most famous witches ever!" Kelly was in shock. Lee had already known the key parts of the story, but he was looking uncomfortable and a bit excited at the same time.
"So, if you are the Moon Princess, and I'm the Earth Prince, that means we're going to be married, doesn't it?" he asked slyly.
In response, Usagi smacked him upside the head and said, "I am fourteen years old, and there is no way I'm going to be thinking about marriage at this age. But yes."
"Hey, I want to try that thing you told me about to find my room!" Kelly cried, interrupting their interchange.
"I'll help you, sister-to-be," Harry said as the other two ignored her.
"Oh, dear," Luna sighed from her place on the bottom step. "This lot is going to be much harder to deal with than I expected."
Harry and Kelly had begun arguing about something that had popped up, because they were unable to decide to whom it should belong. They didn't know which one of them had done it. Lee and Usagi were still bickering about being married and dating policies. And somehow, a huge amount of books and clothes had begun flying around the room. The princesses and princes were causing a royal amount of chaos.
She slowly backed away from the scene of havoc before any really heavy books started flying around. Uh-oh. One just nearly hit her head. She turned and ran.
*** *** *** ***
Sorry that this took so long (again). Oh, and Luna had followed them to the room to talk to them all about the Moon Kingdom and stuff, but I'm just going to say this: she didn't.
I know this chapter was pretty boring, too, but necessary. I think I'll whip through the rest of book four after I finish my homework so I can get to book five: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
R&R!