Daphne: "For those of you who don't know who Sophia Heath is...let me
clarify. She is one of Lily and James Potter's best friends from
school...at least, she was Lily's friend! I believe that this is all I
wanted to tell you, so enjoy!
Oh, one quick little announcement, for those of you who haven't heard...J.K. Rowling, the woman who wrote the wonderful Harry Potter books...is pregnant! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is true! And I just want to say Congratulations to her!
~*~*~*~
Hogwarts-Sakura Style
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 9.
"Oy, Harry? Have you seen Ginny around?" Ron called, his voice echoing in the empty Gryffindor common room.
"Erm.no. Why?" Harry answered, looking up from his Potion's homework. It was now early December, and the teachers were piling on the homework to make up for the long Holiday coming up. Supper was going to be soon, but he wanted to get this done as soon as possible.
"Well, Hermione said that Ginny kept asking her what colors she looked best in, this morning, and then Hermione overheard her talking with Rika about how she had never ridden in an muggle aireopane (whatever that is), before, and that she was eager to do so. Don't you find that the least bit suspicious? I mean, Ginny has hardly ever even *heard* of aireopanes before." Ron exclaimed. Harry grinned.
"It's 'airplane', Ron, and I am sure that there is nothing to worry about!" Harry soothed, looking back down at his homework. Ron sighed, and collapsed in a chair near Harry. For a while, both boys were silent, lost in their own thoughts. Then-
"Harry?! Ron! We are going to be late for supper!" Hermione called, as she raced through the portrait hole. Both boys grinned at each other and then got up and followed her out of the common room and down to the Great Hall. When they got there, they saw that Ginny was missing, which was not unusual for her, nowadays. Harry also noticed that Sakura's older brother, Touya was back again, this time, alone. He was waiting impatiently by the head- table, his muggle coat still on.
"I wonder what he is doing here." Hermione whispered, as they took their seats. Suddenly, there was a soft cry, and Harry turned to see his friend, the house-elf Dobby, running into the room with a soft bundle in his arms. It took Harry a moment to register that the bundle was actually a small baby!
"Dobby is sorry for being late, Mr. Dumbledore sir. He is bringing baby Rose, just as Sir commanded." Dobby squeaked out, handing the baby over to Dumbledore. The baby ceased to cry, and the Professor smiled down at it, before handing it to Touya.
"She will be safer with you, for the time being. Now, I want you to write if anything seems wrong, and you must promise to check in twice a day. That goes for everyone else as well." Dumbledore commanded. Touya nodded silently, unaware of the strange stares that he was getting from the students in the room.
"...sure you packed everything?" Came Tomoyo's voice, echoing off the walls of the outer hall. All the students and teachers turned to see Tomoyo, Rika, Sakura, Ginny, Syaoran, Eriol, Neville, Meiling, and Draco entering the room. They were all dressed in warm muggle clothes, and they all lugged large pieces of baggage behind them. Even Ginny had her fair share of luggage.
"Yes, Tomoyo, we packed everything!" Rika moaned as they continued up past the tables to where Touya stood.
"Oh! We get to take Rosie with us!" Sakura cried, looking at the baby. This caused Ron to jolt out of his chair in alarm.
"WHAT?! Your leaving? Where? Ginny, what do you think you are doing?!" Ron shouted, his voice echoing in the otherwise silent room. Ginny turned around in surprise and then smiled nonchalantly
"I am going on a vacation with Sakura and everyone. They invited me, and mum said I could go. I get to go to a ball, Ron! And we are going to have a slipover, and we might even go to China!" Ginny squealed, her voice excited. Ron, Hermione, and Harry sat in shock, unable to say a word.
"I get to ride in an airplane, and then in a limo, and I get to experience real muggle living!" Ginny finished.
"And what is he doing?" Ron asked, getting over his initial shock and noticing Draco.
"Oh, he is coming with us. Neville is too!" Sakura added in a cheerful voice. She seemed to think that nothing was wrong with this picture; Ron, Harry, Hermione and most of the other people in the room did not agree with her, but what could they do?
"Now, do you have the train and plane tickets? And Tomoyo, have you called to have the limo pick us up, yet?" Touya asked. They all nodded.
"Good. Now, where is Nakuru?" Touya asked, looking around. Suddenly, she appeared in the doorway, her arms full of baggage.
"Here I am! Let's go! I want to see my kawaii Japan again!" Nakuru squealed, causing the others to grin.
"Goodbye, Professor! We will keep in contact! Goodbye, Bella!" Sakura called. Rika gave a secret wave to Severus Snape, who returned it slightly. As the group was passing by, Ginny managed to slip a 'good bye' note to Harry, before she was ushered out of the hall by Touya. Nakuru had taken over the baby, and was now cooing over it as they disappeared from sight. Ron, however, was not happy to see them leave.
"Professor! Why didn't anyone tell me! She is my sister, after all! And that *Malfoy* thing is going with them? What were you thinking?" Ron cried, voicing many of their questions. Dumbledore smiled.
"Everything is under control, Mr. Weasley. We didn't tell you, because we knew that it would upset you. Mr. Malfoy is going because he was asked to go along and watch over the girls, just in case something happened." Dumbledore explained.
"But why are they going in the first place?" Ron asked weakly. Dumbledore shrugged.
"That I cannot answer, Mr. Weasley. You see, about a month ago, Sakura received a letter-" He began to tell them how Sakura had come up to his office, begging him to let her go home over the winter holidays, with her friends. He had agreed, knowing how much she wanted to go. He failed to mention to the students, though, that Syaoran had accompanied her on her visit, and that they were visiting both her home, and his.
~*~*~*~
*What really happened when Sakura got the letter*
*Flashback*
Sakura was swinging in the 'enchanted garden' on weekday afternoon, when Goldenrod came flying through the owl windows, and dropped a letter near her. Sakura petted the beautiful bird, and then went over to look at her letter. She was stunned to see that it had the Li's crest on it. Quickly, she opened it and read the following:
//Dear Ms. Kinomoto Sakura:
Sakura dear, I would not be surprised if you are shocked to receive this. I am writing on a matter of some urgency. It has come to the Elders attention that you and Syaoran have reunited at school, and have become even closer, despite your obvious problems. Now, I do not want to startle you with this information, but I must tell you, for I do not want you entering into it, unaware of the consequences.
The elders have decided to ask you to attend a ball on the thirtieth of December, that will be held in your honor. There, they intend to ask you if you are planning on becoming Syaoran's betrothed. I know this will come as a shock, and I apologize. You must already know that Syaoran is required to marry by or on his eighteenth birthday, in order to become the Li Clan leader, and that the elders must approve of his bride. They have approved of you, and now, it is your decision whether or not you want to go through with it.
This is your choice, Sakura, and you must make it on your own. You must not feel pressured into doing this, you must do it completely on your own free will. I will tell you that Syaoran has no idea I am writing this to you. He is going to be receiving a letter from the Elders, and I am sure that he will confront you about it eventually.
Now, you may bring as many friends with you as you like, as I am sure that you do not wish to come alone, and I insist that you bring your father as well, for I am sure that he will have a say in this.
Now, I must close, but in doing so, I will admit that I am looking forward to seeing you, Sakura, and I know that you will make the right choice for you.
Sincerely,
Li Yelan//
For a moment, Sakura stared at the letter in shock, unable to say a word. They wanted her to marry Syaoran?! They had actually approved of her? But what about Syaoran, did he want this? Did she?
"Hoe." Sakura whispered, reading the letter again, slower this time. Suddenly, she felt a warm green aura behind her, and she felt a rush of dread fill her.
"You're mad." She whispered, not daring to look at Syaoran. He growled.
"They had no right to do this." He hissed, causing her heart to sink. Perhaps he didn't love her, in the same way she did him! Maybe it had all been a mistake...
"I am sure they thought it for the best. Besides, you can forbid it. They cannot disobey you." She said in a voice much harsher than she had intended. Though she couldn't see it, his face fell and pain filled his eyes at her smarting words.
"I could...I suppose. But you are still coming to the ball, aren't you?" He asked. She sighed as her heart broke to pieces.
"I was invited, wasn't I? It would be rude to refuse." She muttered, looking down at the letter in her limp hands. He frowned and looked down at the letter he had received from the elders. Pain was filling his chest and he worked to keep himself together. She didn't want him. It was clear in how she had already virtually said 'no' to the marriage proposal.
"I will write my mother and tell her." He said, turning away. Tears flooded Sakura's vision and she couldn't stop a whimper from leaving her lips. He turned in shock, to see tears streaming down her face, which she was hiding in her hands. Guilt filled him. How could the elders have done this?! How could they bring this on someone as pure and innocent as Sakura? They were too young to be even *thinking* about marriage, and here they were, practically *in* an arranged a marriage!
"Sakura...oh, Sakura, please don't cry." He whispered, walking over to her and pulling her into his arms. She sobbed and buried her head in his chest. Both letters fell to the floor, as Syaoran's hands rubbed her back, and Sakura's arms found their way around his waist. Then he asked a question that he never thought he would get the courage to ask.
"Do you want this?" He asked hesitantly. Sakura froze, and his heart nearly stopped beating from the suspense. Slowly, she nodded her head, as tears coursed down her cheeks. Every happy emotion that could enter his heart, did. He felt laughter bubbling up into his chest and he smiled, just like a little boy.
"Then why don't we just tell them. We both want it, and we won't be able to live in peace away from each other, we both know that." He murmured, covering her lips with his in a passion-filled kiss that left her legs weak and her energy gone. When he pulled away, she nuzzled against him, smiling softly.
"Oh, Syao-kun." She sighed, causing him to chuckle.
"I love you, my Ying-fa. More than you will ever know." He whispered.
"And I love you, Xiaolang. So much." She breathed, kissing him once more, before they went off to tell Dumbledore about the impending trip. They failed to mention, though, the true reason that they were going back. Instead, they had made up the excuse that she just wanted to visit some of her old friends and family.
*End Flashback*
~*~*~*~
"Wow! I have never been to an airport before!" Ginny exclaimed, looking around the huge building. Her companions grinned. Tomoyo held up her camera and trained it on the red-haired girl.
"So, what do you think?" Tomoyo questioned. Ginny put on a thoughtful face, and then looked straight into the camera.
"I love it!" She giggled, spinning around. Tomoyo laughed and then pointed her camera at Draco.
"And what about you, 'muggle hater'?" She teased. His face turned serious and he looked around. Then he nodded.
"Muggles are more...intelligent than I thought. I admit that I was wrong. Perhaps they *are* worth something. And besides, they can't help their ignorance." He added. Everyone agreed.
*Flight seven-ninety-eight from London, England to Tokyo, Japan, now boarding first-class passengers at gate A-12!* A voice came over the intercom.
"That's us!" Tomoyo squealed, as she rushed towards the gate. The other's followed. Ginny, Neville and Draco looked around in wonder as they walked down the long tunnel towards the plane.
"Wow!" Neville breathed, as they entered into the plane. A pretty flight attendant greeted them, and then showed them to their seats. There were six rows of two seats on each side of the wide isle. Sakura and Tomoyo were in the first seats on the left, while Syaoran and Eriol were on the first seats on the right. Ginny and Rika were in the seats behind Sakura and Tomoyo, while Draco and Neville seated themselves behind the first two boys. Meiling and Nakuru sat just behind Ginny and Rika, and Touya sat behind them, with Yukito, who they had met at the airport. Baby Rose was cuddled up in Nakuru's arms.
"Now what?" Draco asked. Syaoran snorted.
"You close your eyes and pray that we don't crash." He stated, causing Eriol to elbow him.
"Ignore him. The captain will announce some things, and then we will take off. When they turn off the 'fasten seat-belt' button, we will be free to walk around." Rika said. They all nodded and then watched as the flight attendant showed them how to work their seat-belts. Then they sat back as the plane pulled out of the gate, and onto the runway.
"WOW!!!" Ginny squealed, as they lifted off. She began to giggle and turned to look out the window eagerly.
"We are so high up! This is so brilliant!" She cried, causing her friends to laugh.
"It is rather fun." Draco said hesitantly, looking out his own window at the world below. Neville, who had been clutching his arm-rest in a death- grip, gradually let go and looked out the window as well.
~*~*~*~
"That was good." Ginny commented five hours later, as the movie they had been watching ended. It had been 'Goonies'. It was past midnight, and they were all getting tired.
"I think that we should turn in. It is going to be a long day tomorrow, what with showing them around Japan and all." Rika sighed, leaning back in her seat and closing her eyes. Meiling, Neville, Sakura and Draco were already asleep. Eriol yawned and rested his head on the headrest of his chair, while Tomoyo rested her head on Sakura's shoulder.
Syaoran watched as his Cherry Blossom's eyes fluttered open, and met his eyes. She shot him an exhausted smile, and then closed her eyes again. Syaoran waited until he knew that she was asleep again, and then allowed himself to fall into a light sleep. Ginny looked around and smiled when she saw that all her companions had fallen to sleep. Tiredly, she pulled 'The Secret Garden' out of the backpack that Sakura had lent her to use, and read a little bit.
"Life is certainly getting interesting." She mumbled, as she looked up from her book for a moment. A few months ago, she had had no friends, and was known to everyone as the 'youngest Weasley', or 'Ron's little sister'. But now, she was just Ginny. Only Ginny. And she had even been able to carry out a decent conversation with *the* Harry Potter, one-on-one. Yes, life was certainly changing, and for her at least, it was getting better.
~*~*~*~
"I can't believe it! I can't believe that she just up and left without any warning!" Ron exclaimed, as he, Harry and Hermione climbed through the portrait hole after the feast. After Ginny and the rest of the group had left, the Great Hall had returned to normal, except for when Rudy Kanudeson yelled something about a 'slut taking her man'. For some reason, Harry had remained silent the whole rest of supper, though. His friends tried in vain to get him caught up in the conversation, but he had always drifted off, ignoring their attempts; Now was no different.
"Harry? Are you alright?" Hermione asked gently, trying to include him again. Harry kept staring off into space, a funny look on his face. He had read Ginny's note earlier, and that was when he had started to act so withdrawn. He had hardly spoken a word since dinner.
"Oy! Harry!" Ron shouted, waving his hand in front of Harry's face. Harry jumped and turned with an annoyed scowl on his face.
"What?!" He snapped. Ron reeled back, and Hermione looked vexed.
"You have been out all night! What is wrong with you?" She hissed. He glared and the his face fell as he sighed.
"I don't really know. But-don't you get the feeling there was something they weren't telling us? I mean, first, the 'Mortal Angels' hide in your house for half the summer, then Ginny starts acting as though we are not here, then there's Neville, who is becoming so confident that he is actually conversing openly with *Draco Malfoy*; and Malfoy isn't much better. On top of all this, there is the fact that Sakura knew something about the Li Clan before she even came to this school. Even Syaoran Li is starting to act half-way decent!" Harry exclaimed. Hermione looked thoughtful, while Ron tried to piece together what Harry had just said.
"You may be right, Harry, but what would Sakura have to hide? Or any of them for that matter? I think that Malfoy is just trying to get in good with them, because they are new and don't know about his reputation. Ginny trusts everyone, you know that. And Neville-well, he is just growing up. Perhaps he has realized that he is braver than he thought he was." Hermione argued.
"Yah, but that doesn't explain why Ginny and Neville never come into the Gryffindor tower any more. Neville's bed is always empty, and his things have been moved, same with Ginny's room. I know that Ginny is staying near her new 'friends', but what about Neville? Where does he sleep every night?" Ron countered. Harry sighed.
"The same place that Eriol and Meiling sleep. I overheard them talking in the hallway one day. Apparently, they were moved there so they could be closer to Sakura, Rika, and Tomoyo. Do you remember what Dumbledore said that first night, about the 'Mortal Angels' knowing Meiling and Syaoran? Well, I think that they may have known Eriol too. Meiling seemed pretty chummy to him that night, although we have never seen her speaking with him before." Harry pointed out. Hermione nodded.
"Maybe we should write 'Snuffles' about this. He might know something." Ron suggested. Both of his friends agreed with this and they immediately sat down to compose a letter.
//Dear Snuffles:
How are you? We are all fine here. Hermione and Ron send their greetings, and I am sure that if Ginny were here, she would too.
Which leads me up to the purpose of this letter. Lately, Ginny has been acting very strange. You must know by now that the 'Mortal Angels' have been going to Hogwarts this year, and that Ginny befriended them. We have noticed several changes ever since she has. Ginny has started to ignore us, and spends all her time with her new friends. Also, Eriol Hiiragizawa, Neville Longbottom, Meiling Li, and Draco Malfoy have begun to hang around them as well. They all seem to be hiding something, though what it is I can't figure out. Syaoran Li (you have heard me mention him in a few of my other letters), has also started to turn up around them, though he hasn't seemed to change much. In fact, it almost seems as though he is looking for an opportunity to kill someone (Well, not really, but he seems close!)
Do you have any idea what could be going on here? If so, please tell us. We are genuinely worried about Ginny, and if she is in any danger, we want to know.
Anyway, I hope that you are well, and that Buckbeak isn't giving you any trouble. By the way, have you spoken to Professor Lupin lately? Perhaps he would know something.
Your impatient godson,
Harry//
When the letter was finished, Harry, Ron and Hermione took a quick trip up to the owlrey and posted the letter with a school owl. They were just about to leave when they heard voices coming up the stairs.
"...do you think it wise to allow them to go unattended?"
"Dumbledore made them take some communicators so that they could check in every day. He is taking no chances."
Harry, Ron and Hermione looked at each other. They knew those voices! They belonged to Professor Figg and Professor McGonagle. Cautiously, the trio crept down the owlrey stairs, listening to the conversation.
"But that won't stop Voldemort from trying! He is already after poor Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy, and with them there, Voldemort could easily make a clean sweep of killing them all off." Professor Figg argued.
"Yes, but I cannot understand why Dumbledore is making such a fuss about the others. Mr. Longbottom and Mr. Malfoy are understandable, but why would You-know-who want the rest of them?" McGonagle pondered.
"He wants Ginny because he knows that if he gets her, Harry will try to save her. Basically, Voldemort wants Ginny as bate. And with the 'Mortal Angels' in his clutches too, he knows that the Wizerding World will do everything to keep them safe. With Syaoran being the future ruler of Hong Kong, and Meiling being his cousin, that will just add more to the ransom. With all those kids here, we are practically screaming 'hostage situation'!" Professor Figg explained, slipping a bit into the American lingo.
"Well, I am sure that with all the precautions that we have taken, Miss Kinomoto and the others will be just fine. Besides, they will be in Japan with their families, so they should be quite safe."
"Oh! Albus didn't tell you, did he? They are also taking a week's trip to China, to visit Syaoran's family. It seems that Sakura and Tomoyo know his family quite well, and they wanted to visit while they got the chance." Professor Figg said, as they began to walk away from the listening trio.
"They will be even safer there." McGonagle added, her voice fading away. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stared at each other in shock. They then hurried back to the common room, which was empty, and collapsed onto some of the chairs.
"I can't believe it! Why would Voldemort be after Neville and Malfoy? I mean, isn't Malfoy one of his followers, now?" Harry asked in shock. Ron shrugged helplessly, while Hermione buried her head in her hands.
"Perhaps we should think it over and talk about it tomorrow. I'm exhausted." She whispered, getting up and walking up the stairs to her dormitory. Ron and Harry nodded, following her example. But none of them fell asleep for some time after they had shut the hangings on their beds.
~*~*~*~
"We are almost there!" Rika crowed, looking out the window. It was quite early the next morning, but all of them were up and ready to start the day. Jet-lag had not yet set in, although those who had flown before had warned the others.
"Wow! Look at how big it is!" Neville exclaimed, still quite shocked at the size of muggle buildings. The plane landed smoothly, and it taxied up to the gate without a hitch. Sakura and her friends gathered up their baggage and quickly exited the plane.
"Otou-san!!!" Sakura shrieked, spotting her father in the crowd. She rushed forward and glomped the man, much to the amusement of Ginny, Neville and Draco. Just behind Fujitaka stood Daidouji Sonomi, who was beaming at the whole group.
"Mother!" Tomoyo cried, rushing up to hug her mother tightly. Since Fujitaka still had to go to work every day, and Touya no longer lived with him, they had decided that Sakura, Rika, and the others would stay at Tomoyo's home until they had to leave to China.
Now, it must be known that when Fujitaka and Touya found out about the *real* reason for the trip to China, they had had mixed reactions. Touya had immediately gone into a frenzy, breaking things, as he swore to kill the 'Chinese Gaki' the moment he got his hands on him. Fujitaka had been hesitant, but in the end had agreed, because he knew just how deep Sakura's love ran for Syaoran. Tomoyo, Rika, and Eriol were the only other people informed of the impending betrothal, and all of them supported it.
"Come on! We have so much to show you!" Tomoyo squealed, her eyes sparkling. She grabbed Ginny's hand and dragged her through the airport, her friends laughing behind them.
~*~*~*~
Oh, one quick little announcement, for those of you who haven't heard...J.K. Rowling, the woman who wrote the wonderful Harry Potter books...is pregnant! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is true! And I just want to say Congratulations to her!
~*~*~*~
Hogwarts-Sakura Style
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 9.
"Oy, Harry? Have you seen Ginny around?" Ron called, his voice echoing in the empty Gryffindor common room.
"Erm.no. Why?" Harry answered, looking up from his Potion's homework. It was now early December, and the teachers were piling on the homework to make up for the long Holiday coming up. Supper was going to be soon, but he wanted to get this done as soon as possible.
"Well, Hermione said that Ginny kept asking her what colors she looked best in, this morning, and then Hermione overheard her talking with Rika about how she had never ridden in an muggle aireopane (whatever that is), before, and that she was eager to do so. Don't you find that the least bit suspicious? I mean, Ginny has hardly ever even *heard* of aireopanes before." Ron exclaimed. Harry grinned.
"It's 'airplane', Ron, and I am sure that there is nothing to worry about!" Harry soothed, looking back down at his homework. Ron sighed, and collapsed in a chair near Harry. For a while, both boys were silent, lost in their own thoughts. Then-
"Harry?! Ron! We are going to be late for supper!" Hermione called, as she raced through the portrait hole. Both boys grinned at each other and then got up and followed her out of the common room and down to the Great Hall. When they got there, they saw that Ginny was missing, which was not unusual for her, nowadays. Harry also noticed that Sakura's older brother, Touya was back again, this time, alone. He was waiting impatiently by the head- table, his muggle coat still on.
"I wonder what he is doing here." Hermione whispered, as they took their seats. Suddenly, there was a soft cry, and Harry turned to see his friend, the house-elf Dobby, running into the room with a soft bundle in his arms. It took Harry a moment to register that the bundle was actually a small baby!
"Dobby is sorry for being late, Mr. Dumbledore sir. He is bringing baby Rose, just as Sir commanded." Dobby squeaked out, handing the baby over to Dumbledore. The baby ceased to cry, and the Professor smiled down at it, before handing it to Touya.
"She will be safer with you, for the time being. Now, I want you to write if anything seems wrong, and you must promise to check in twice a day. That goes for everyone else as well." Dumbledore commanded. Touya nodded silently, unaware of the strange stares that he was getting from the students in the room.
"...sure you packed everything?" Came Tomoyo's voice, echoing off the walls of the outer hall. All the students and teachers turned to see Tomoyo, Rika, Sakura, Ginny, Syaoran, Eriol, Neville, Meiling, and Draco entering the room. They were all dressed in warm muggle clothes, and they all lugged large pieces of baggage behind them. Even Ginny had her fair share of luggage.
"Yes, Tomoyo, we packed everything!" Rika moaned as they continued up past the tables to where Touya stood.
"Oh! We get to take Rosie with us!" Sakura cried, looking at the baby. This caused Ron to jolt out of his chair in alarm.
"WHAT?! Your leaving? Where? Ginny, what do you think you are doing?!" Ron shouted, his voice echoing in the otherwise silent room. Ginny turned around in surprise and then smiled nonchalantly
"I am going on a vacation with Sakura and everyone. They invited me, and mum said I could go. I get to go to a ball, Ron! And we are going to have a slipover, and we might even go to China!" Ginny squealed, her voice excited. Ron, Hermione, and Harry sat in shock, unable to say a word.
"I get to ride in an airplane, and then in a limo, and I get to experience real muggle living!" Ginny finished.
"And what is he doing?" Ron asked, getting over his initial shock and noticing Draco.
"Oh, he is coming with us. Neville is too!" Sakura added in a cheerful voice. She seemed to think that nothing was wrong with this picture; Ron, Harry, Hermione and most of the other people in the room did not agree with her, but what could they do?
"Now, do you have the train and plane tickets? And Tomoyo, have you called to have the limo pick us up, yet?" Touya asked. They all nodded.
"Good. Now, where is Nakuru?" Touya asked, looking around. Suddenly, she appeared in the doorway, her arms full of baggage.
"Here I am! Let's go! I want to see my kawaii Japan again!" Nakuru squealed, causing the others to grin.
"Goodbye, Professor! We will keep in contact! Goodbye, Bella!" Sakura called. Rika gave a secret wave to Severus Snape, who returned it slightly. As the group was passing by, Ginny managed to slip a 'good bye' note to Harry, before she was ushered out of the hall by Touya. Nakuru had taken over the baby, and was now cooing over it as they disappeared from sight. Ron, however, was not happy to see them leave.
"Professor! Why didn't anyone tell me! She is my sister, after all! And that *Malfoy* thing is going with them? What were you thinking?" Ron cried, voicing many of their questions. Dumbledore smiled.
"Everything is under control, Mr. Weasley. We didn't tell you, because we knew that it would upset you. Mr. Malfoy is going because he was asked to go along and watch over the girls, just in case something happened." Dumbledore explained.
"But why are they going in the first place?" Ron asked weakly. Dumbledore shrugged.
"That I cannot answer, Mr. Weasley. You see, about a month ago, Sakura received a letter-" He began to tell them how Sakura had come up to his office, begging him to let her go home over the winter holidays, with her friends. He had agreed, knowing how much she wanted to go. He failed to mention to the students, though, that Syaoran had accompanied her on her visit, and that they were visiting both her home, and his.
~*~*~*~
*What really happened when Sakura got the letter*
*Flashback*
Sakura was swinging in the 'enchanted garden' on weekday afternoon, when Goldenrod came flying through the owl windows, and dropped a letter near her. Sakura petted the beautiful bird, and then went over to look at her letter. She was stunned to see that it had the Li's crest on it. Quickly, she opened it and read the following:
//Dear Ms. Kinomoto Sakura:
Sakura dear, I would not be surprised if you are shocked to receive this. I am writing on a matter of some urgency. It has come to the Elders attention that you and Syaoran have reunited at school, and have become even closer, despite your obvious problems. Now, I do not want to startle you with this information, but I must tell you, for I do not want you entering into it, unaware of the consequences.
The elders have decided to ask you to attend a ball on the thirtieth of December, that will be held in your honor. There, they intend to ask you if you are planning on becoming Syaoran's betrothed. I know this will come as a shock, and I apologize. You must already know that Syaoran is required to marry by or on his eighteenth birthday, in order to become the Li Clan leader, and that the elders must approve of his bride. They have approved of you, and now, it is your decision whether or not you want to go through with it.
This is your choice, Sakura, and you must make it on your own. You must not feel pressured into doing this, you must do it completely on your own free will. I will tell you that Syaoran has no idea I am writing this to you. He is going to be receiving a letter from the Elders, and I am sure that he will confront you about it eventually.
Now, you may bring as many friends with you as you like, as I am sure that you do not wish to come alone, and I insist that you bring your father as well, for I am sure that he will have a say in this.
Now, I must close, but in doing so, I will admit that I am looking forward to seeing you, Sakura, and I know that you will make the right choice for you.
Sincerely,
Li Yelan//
For a moment, Sakura stared at the letter in shock, unable to say a word. They wanted her to marry Syaoran?! They had actually approved of her? But what about Syaoran, did he want this? Did she?
"Hoe." Sakura whispered, reading the letter again, slower this time. Suddenly, she felt a warm green aura behind her, and she felt a rush of dread fill her.
"You're mad." She whispered, not daring to look at Syaoran. He growled.
"They had no right to do this." He hissed, causing her heart to sink. Perhaps he didn't love her, in the same way she did him! Maybe it had all been a mistake...
"I am sure they thought it for the best. Besides, you can forbid it. They cannot disobey you." She said in a voice much harsher than she had intended. Though she couldn't see it, his face fell and pain filled his eyes at her smarting words.
"I could...I suppose. But you are still coming to the ball, aren't you?" He asked. She sighed as her heart broke to pieces.
"I was invited, wasn't I? It would be rude to refuse." She muttered, looking down at the letter in her limp hands. He frowned and looked down at the letter he had received from the elders. Pain was filling his chest and he worked to keep himself together. She didn't want him. It was clear in how she had already virtually said 'no' to the marriage proposal.
"I will write my mother and tell her." He said, turning away. Tears flooded Sakura's vision and she couldn't stop a whimper from leaving her lips. He turned in shock, to see tears streaming down her face, which she was hiding in her hands. Guilt filled him. How could the elders have done this?! How could they bring this on someone as pure and innocent as Sakura? They were too young to be even *thinking* about marriage, and here they were, practically *in* an arranged a marriage!
"Sakura...oh, Sakura, please don't cry." He whispered, walking over to her and pulling her into his arms. She sobbed and buried her head in his chest. Both letters fell to the floor, as Syaoran's hands rubbed her back, and Sakura's arms found their way around his waist. Then he asked a question that he never thought he would get the courage to ask.
"Do you want this?" He asked hesitantly. Sakura froze, and his heart nearly stopped beating from the suspense. Slowly, she nodded her head, as tears coursed down her cheeks. Every happy emotion that could enter his heart, did. He felt laughter bubbling up into his chest and he smiled, just like a little boy.
"Then why don't we just tell them. We both want it, and we won't be able to live in peace away from each other, we both know that." He murmured, covering her lips with his in a passion-filled kiss that left her legs weak and her energy gone. When he pulled away, she nuzzled against him, smiling softly.
"Oh, Syao-kun." She sighed, causing him to chuckle.
"I love you, my Ying-fa. More than you will ever know." He whispered.
"And I love you, Xiaolang. So much." She breathed, kissing him once more, before they went off to tell Dumbledore about the impending trip. They failed to mention, though, the true reason that they were going back. Instead, they had made up the excuse that she just wanted to visit some of her old friends and family.
*End Flashback*
~*~*~*~
"Wow! I have never been to an airport before!" Ginny exclaimed, looking around the huge building. Her companions grinned. Tomoyo held up her camera and trained it on the red-haired girl.
"So, what do you think?" Tomoyo questioned. Ginny put on a thoughtful face, and then looked straight into the camera.
"I love it!" She giggled, spinning around. Tomoyo laughed and then pointed her camera at Draco.
"And what about you, 'muggle hater'?" She teased. His face turned serious and he looked around. Then he nodded.
"Muggles are more...intelligent than I thought. I admit that I was wrong. Perhaps they *are* worth something. And besides, they can't help their ignorance." He added. Everyone agreed.
*Flight seven-ninety-eight from London, England to Tokyo, Japan, now boarding first-class passengers at gate A-12!* A voice came over the intercom.
"That's us!" Tomoyo squealed, as she rushed towards the gate. The other's followed. Ginny, Neville and Draco looked around in wonder as they walked down the long tunnel towards the plane.
"Wow!" Neville breathed, as they entered into the plane. A pretty flight attendant greeted them, and then showed them to their seats. There were six rows of two seats on each side of the wide isle. Sakura and Tomoyo were in the first seats on the left, while Syaoran and Eriol were on the first seats on the right. Ginny and Rika were in the seats behind Sakura and Tomoyo, while Draco and Neville seated themselves behind the first two boys. Meiling and Nakuru sat just behind Ginny and Rika, and Touya sat behind them, with Yukito, who they had met at the airport. Baby Rose was cuddled up in Nakuru's arms.
"Now what?" Draco asked. Syaoran snorted.
"You close your eyes and pray that we don't crash." He stated, causing Eriol to elbow him.
"Ignore him. The captain will announce some things, and then we will take off. When they turn off the 'fasten seat-belt' button, we will be free to walk around." Rika said. They all nodded and then watched as the flight attendant showed them how to work their seat-belts. Then they sat back as the plane pulled out of the gate, and onto the runway.
"WOW!!!" Ginny squealed, as they lifted off. She began to giggle and turned to look out the window eagerly.
"We are so high up! This is so brilliant!" She cried, causing her friends to laugh.
"It is rather fun." Draco said hesitantly, looking out his own window at the world below. Neville, who had been clutching his arm-rest in a death- grip, gradually let go and looked out the window as well.
~*~*~*~
"That was good." Ginny commented five hours later, as the movie they had been watching ended. It had been 'Goonies'. It was past midnight, and they were all getting tired.
"I think that we should turn in. It is going to be a long day tomorrow, what with showing them around Japan and all." Rika sighed, leaning back in her seat and closing her eyes. Meiling, Neville, Sakura and Draco were already asleep. Eriol yawned and rested his head on the headrest of his chair, while Tomoyo rested her head on Sakura's shoulder.
Syaoran watched as his Cherry Blossom's eyes fluttered open, and met his eyes. She shot him an exhausted smile, and then closed her eyes again. Syaoran waited until he knew that she was asleep again, and then allowed himself to fall into a light sleep. Ginny looked around and smiled when she saw that all her companions had fallen to sleep. Tiredly, she pulled 'The Secret Garden' out of the backpack that Sakura had lent her to use, and read a little bit.
"Life is certainly getting interesting." She mumbled, as she looked up from her book for a moment. A few months ago, she had had no friends, and was known to everyone as the 'youngest Weasley', or 'Ron's little sister'. But now, she was just Ginny. Only Ginny. And she had even been able to carry out a decent conversation with *the* Harry Potter, one-on-one. Yes, life was certainly changing, and for her at least, it was getting better.
~*~*~*~
"I can't believe it! I can't believe that she just up and left without any warning!" Ron exclaimed, as he, Harry and Hermione climbed through the portrait hole after the feast. After Ginny and the rest of the group had left, the Great Hall had returned to normal, except for when Rudy Kanudeson yelled something about a 'slut taking her man'. For some reason, Harry had remained silent the whole rest of supper, though. His friends tried in vain to get him caught up in the conversation, but he had always drifted off, ignoring their attempts; Now was no different.
"Harry? Are you alright?" Hermione asked gently, trying to include him again. Harry kept staring off into space, a funny look on his face. He had read Ginny's note earlier, and that was when he had started to act so withdrawn. He had hardly spoken a word since dinner.
"Oy! Harry!" Ron shouted, waving his hand in front of Harry's face. Harry jumped and turned with an annoyed scowl on his face.
"What?!" He snapped. Ron reeled back, and Hermione looked vexed.
"You have been out all night! What is wrong with you?" She hissed. He glared and the his face fell as he sighed.
"I don't really know. But-don't you get the feeling there was something they weren't telling us? I mean, first, the 'Mortal Angels' hide in your house for half the summer, then Ginny starts acting as though we are not here, then there's Neville, who is becoming so confident that he is actually conversing openly with *Draco Malfoy*; and Malfoy isn't much better. On top of all this, there is the fact that Sakura knew something about the Li Clan before she even came to this school. Even Syaoran Li is starting to act half-way decent!" Harry exclaimed. Hermione looked thoughtful, while Ron tried to piece together what Harry had just said.
"You may be right, Harry, but what would Sakura have to hide? Or any of them for that matter? I think that Malfoy is just trying to get in good with them, because they are new and don't know about his reputation. Ginny trusts everyone, you know that. And Neville-well, he is just growing up. Perhaps he has realized that he is braver than he thought he was." Hermione argued.
"Yah, but that doesn't explain why Ginny and Neville never come into the Gryffindor tower any more. Neville's bed is always empty, and his things have been moved, same with Ginny's room. I know that Ginny is staying near her new 'friends', but what about Neville? Where does he sleep every night?" Ron countered. Harry sighed.
"The same place that Eriol and Meiling sleep. I overheard them talking in the hallway one day. Apparently, they were moved there so they could be closer to Sakura, Rika, and Tomoyo. Do you remember what Dumbledore said that first night, about the 'Mortal Angels' knowing Meiling and Syaoran? Well, I think that they may have known Eriol too. Meiling seemed pretty chummy to him that night, although we have never seen her speaking with him before." Harry pointed out. Hermione nodded.
"Maybe we should write 'Snuffles' about this. He might know something." Ron suggested. Both of his friends agreed with this and they immediately sat down to compose a letter.
//Dear Snuffles:
How are you? We are all fine here. Hermione and Ron send their greetings, and I am sure that if Ginny were here, she would too.
Which leads me up to the purpose of this letter. Lately, Ginny has been acting very strange. You must know by now that the 'Mortal Angels' have been going to Hogwarts this year, and that Ginny befriended them. We have noticed several changes ever since she has. Ginny has started to ignore us, and spends all her time with her new friends. Also, Eriol Hiiragizawa, Neville Longbottom, Meiling Li, and Draco Malfoy have begun to hang around them as well. They all seem to be hiding something, though what it is I can't figure out. Syaoran Li (you have heard me mention him in a few of my other letters), has also started to turn up around them, though he hasn't seemed to change much. In fact, it almost seems as though he is looking for an opportunity to kill someone (Well, not really, but he seems close!)
Do you have any idea what could be going on here? If so, please tell us. We are genuinely worried about Ginny, and if she is in any danger, we want to know.
Anyway, I hope that you are well, and that Buckbeak isn't giving you any trouble. By the way, have you spoken to Professor Lupin lately? Perhaps he would know something.
Your impatient godson,
Harry//
When the letter was finished, Harry, Ron and Hermione took a quick trip up to the owlrey and posted the letter with a school owl. They were just about to leave when they heard voices coming up the stairs.
"...do you think it wise to allow them to go unattended?"
"Dumbledore made them take some communicators so that they could check in every day. He is taking no chances."
Harry, Ron and Hermione looked at each other. They knew those voices! They belonged to Professor Figg and Professor McGonagle. Cautiously, the trio crept down the owlrey stairs, listening to the conversation.
"But that won't stop Voldemort from trying! He is already after poor Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy, and with them there, Voldemort could easily make a clean sweep of killing them all off." Professor Figg argued.
"Yes, but I cannot understand why Dumbledore is making such a fuss about the others. Mr. Longbottom and Mr. Malfoy are understandable, but why would You-know-who want the rest of them?" McGonagle pondered.
"He wants Ginny because he knows that if he gets her, Harry will try to save her. Basically, Voldemort wants Ginny as bate. And with the 'Mortal Angels' in his clutches too, he knows that the Wizerding World will do everything to keep them safe. With Syaoran being the future ruler of Hong Kong, and Meiling being his cousin, that will just add more to the ransom. With all those kids here, we are practically screaming 'hostage situation'!" Professor Figg explained, slipping a bit into the American lingo.
"Well, I am sure that with all the precautions that we have taken, Miss Kinomoto and the others will be just fine. Besides, they will be in Japan with their families, so they should be quite safe."
"Oh! Albus didn't tell you, did he? They are also taking a week's trip to China, to visit Syaoran's family. It seems that Sakura and Tomoyo know his family quite well, and they wanted to visit while they got the chance." Professor Figg said, as they began to walk away from the listening trio.
"They will be even safer there." McGonagle added, her voice fading away. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stared at each other in shock. They then hurried back to the common room, which was empty, and collapsed onto some of the chairs.
"I can't believe it! Why would Voldemort be after Neville and Malfoy? I mean, isn't Malfoy one of his followers, now?" Harry asked in shock. Ron shrugged helplessly, while Hermione buried her head in her hands.
"Perhaps we should think it over and talk about it tomorrow. I'm exhausted." She whispered, getting up and walking up the stairs to her dormitory. Ron and Harry nodded, following her example. But none of them fell asleep for some time after they had shut the hangings on their beds.
~*~*~*~
"We are almost there!" Rika crowed, looking out the window. It was quite early the next morning, but all of them were up and ready to start the day. Jet-lag had not yet set in, although those who had flown before had warned the others.
"Wow! Look at how big it is!" Neville exclaimed, still quite shocked at the size of muggle buildings. The plane landed smoothly, and it taxied up to the gate without a hitch. Sakura and her friends gathered up their baggage and quickly exited the plane.
"Otou-san!!!" Sakura shrieked, spotting her father in the crowd. She rushed forward and glomped the man, much to the amusement of Ginny, Neville and Draco. Just behind Fujitaka stood Daidouji Sonomi, who was beaming at the whole group.
"Mother!" Tomoyo cried, rushing up to hug her mother tightly. Since Fujitaka still had to go to work every day, and Touya no longer lived with him, they had decided that Sakura, Rika, and the others would stay at Tomoyo's home until they had to leave to China.
Now, it must be known that when Fujitaka and Touya found out about the *real* reason for the trip to China, they had had mixed reactions. Touya had immediately gone into a frenzy, breaking things, as he swore to kill the 'Chinese Gaki' the moment he got his hands on him. Fujitaka had been hesitant, but in the end had agreed, because he knew just how deep Sakura's love ran for Syaoran. Tomoyo, Rika, and Eriol were the only other people informed of the impending betrothal, and all of them supported it.
"Come on! We have so much to show you!" Tomoyo squealed, her eyes sparkling. She grabbed Ginny's hand and dragged her through the airport, her friends laughing behind them.
~*~*~*~
