****Disclaimer: If I owned them, I'd be rich...unfortunately I'm just a poor little bum who lives in a cardboard box...J.K.Rowling owns Harry Potter, and Naoko Takeuchi owns Sailor Moon.
****Author's Note: This was definitely one of those spontaneous combustion moments, where you just get one of those wild ideas and go for it...I've seen both movies, and have read all four books, (is awaiting for the fifth one...) Neways, my imouto, Megami*Silence, is my muse and is my idol, I worship the ground she stands on...~snorts~ neways, I like comments, considering I've never written one of these before...and before anybody says it is, this is *not*, I repeat NOT a Mary Sue, this is basically an a/u for the fifth book (so it's their fifth year), and Sailor Moon is set in the future (all the gals are adults).
****
Ami Mizuno finished the last page of her book and slid her spectacles from their perch on her nose. Setting them down, she took a moment to rub her tired eyes. Glancing out the library window, she noticed that it was now mid-morning, and she would have to get herself some breakfast before going to work. Smoothing her dark blue hair back, Ami rose from her seat and took the book she had been reading back to it's shelf. Recently she had been diving into myth novels about wizards and witches and things of the magical nature...she seemed to draw easily to books of the sort considering her colorful past.
Heading outside, she took a few moments to look around before choosing her direction to head for a small diner not far from the library. Ami was a surgeon for the Hospital in Berlin, Germany. She had been there for a few years now, deciding to pursue the career that she had abandoned so many years before, when she made the choice to not go.
Suddenly a large object flew by in front of her and rammed right into the library wall. Ami gasped loudly and rushed to see what had crashed. A large brown owl lay limp on the ground, an envelope in it's claws. Ami slipped the envelope into her fingers and read the address.
Mirko Reinold
Marcobrunnerstr.865AG7
Wiesbaden Deutchland
Considering this was right near where Ami was right at that particular moment, she lifted the injured owl into her arms and headed in the direction of the small complex of houses near by. Turning the envelope around in curiosity, she noticed a peculiar seal of wax with a crest she had never seen before. Paying no more attention, she reached the house with the matching sur name on the mailbox and knocked on the door. A well-dressed middle-aged woman answered with a bright smile on her face.
"Guntach!" She greeted, Ami smiled in return and held out the letter, the woman let out a gleeful noise, but noticed the injured owl.
"De owl iz injured! I vill let it rest here for a few dayz, before it goez back to Durmstrang...do you attend there?" She asked Ami curiously, gingerly taking the unconscious owl from the blue-haired woman's arms.
"Nien..." Ami answered in perfect German, "what is Durmstrang?" The middle-aged mother rose her eyebrow.
"Ze zchool...my boy attendz..." at that moment, the puzzled look disappeared from the woman's face when another owl swooped low and dropped another letter, the woman caught it, then handed it to Ami. "Zis iz a letter for you?" She asked, Ami would have said the negative, but her name was scribbled in kanji on a small piece of paper.
"Ja..." She opened the folded piece of paper and noticed it was from Usagi, Ami glanced upwards at the departing owl flying away and felt very confused at the moment. She bid a quick farewell to the middle-aged woman and continued to head for the diner where she had planned to go before her detour.
Finding herself a seat, she slowly read the short letter written from her long-time friend.
Ami,
I realize it's been a while since we've seen each other, but I need you to come home as soon as possible. I can't explain right now, since you may think me crazy, but I need you here now, let me know when you plan to arrive.
Usagi
The short note startled her, but considering the oddity of the letter, and the fact that it was delivered by an owl made her start to worry, then a pang of fear struck her...the Negaverse was back...
****
One week previous...
Usagi Tsukino sat at her apartment window, watching the night sky and sipping a cup of tea, Luna slept soundly on the sofa near by. In the next room she could hear Hotaru moving around playing quietly with her toys. Hotaru was the age of four and had been living with Usagi since infancy. After the defeat of Chaos, Hotaru had once again been reborn a baby instead of returning the same age of sixteen. This time the Outer senshi did not take little Hotaru, instead Usagi had offered and had soon after moved into her own apartment.
Usagi's life had changed quite a bit since the end of her days as Sailor Moon, she didn't miss the fighting, but she did miss her life as a young, innocent teenager who was full of love and happiness But things had changed and all the senshi had begun their own lives and separated from each other. Usagi would be quite lonely if it weren't for the responsibilities she had with Hotaru, she had a job during the day that only made her enough money to pay the bills and have Hotaru in daycare while she was at work.
Mamoru had also parted his ways, but a more painful memory was attached to him, Usagi tried to keep her one-time true love in the depths of her mind, but she was constantly reminded of him, no matter how hard she tried to forget. She could still remember the shock and horror she had experienced when she had found out the truth...ever since then, she had vowed to never give her heart to another again.
Shaking her head, Usagi rose from her seated position and headed for the kitchen to refill her empty tea cup, and checked in on her young foster daughter. A noise coming from the living room in which she had just left startled her, she quickly headed towards it and gasped in shock at the sight that greeted her.
"Greetings, Usagi", spoke a deep, rich voice in clear English, but Usagi understood it.
"Albus..." she smiled in return towards her wizard friend, "can I offer you some tea?" She spoke clearly, but didn't wait for an answer as she hurried to get another cup.
The appearance of a wizard coming through her fireplace did not frighten Usagi, she had met Albus Dumbledore a few years previous and had kept this secret from anyone else. Picking up the second tea cup, Usagi carefully headed back to the living room, trying her hardest not to pull a classic klutz move. Hotaru had bounded out of her play room excitedly, but froze at the entrance of the next room, not recognizing Dumbledore, who had now seated himself on the sofa next to Luna, who did not stir.
"Curious muggle furniture...I rather fancy it", the elderly wizard commented with an amused smile playing his lips. He stopped to brush some of the floo powder off of his long robes and long white beard, he took the tea cup appreciatively from Usagi's hands and waited until she had kneeled on the floor across from him. "That Hotaru? She's grown quite a bit since I last saw her..." The wizard commented, studying the small violet-eyed girl. Usagi motioned for her foster daughter to come to her, the young girl obeyed and gave a small bow towards Dumbledore.
"Konnichiwa", she greeted shyly. "Pleased to meet you..." she continued in choppy English.
"I'm trying to teach her, but since it took me forever to learn English, I'm not exactly the most qualified person." Usagi laughed at the end of her comment and waited for Dumbledore to state the reason for his visit.
As if reading the princess' mind, the elderly wizard's smile faded for a moment.
"I've come to ask a favor of you, since you still owe me one", his eyes twinkled mischievously for a second, before he continued. "I know this is short notice, but I'm going to have to leave my duties as the Headmaster of Hogwarts for a while, and I need you to fill in for me". Usagi had not been expecting this kind of request, and could not find any words to reply with, Dumbledore chuckled at this response, causing Hotaru to laugh at her foster mother as well.
"You're serious?" Usagi questioned, insisting silently to herself that she had just hallucinated those last few moments.
"Quite".
"But...but, I'm not Headmaster material...I mean, I can't even teach, let alone be the Headmistress..."
"On the contrary, Usagi, I have full faith in you...one of my students will need a lot of looking after, and I immediately thought you would be the most qualified to fill my position." The elderly wizard smiled merrily awaiting the princess' answer.
"I...I...you're absolutely sure that you want me?" Usagi's crystalline blue eyes flashed in disbelief, but she felt a pang of excitement tug at her. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was probably the most prestigious place of learning in the whole magical world, and she did owe Dumbledore a favor... "I would be honored!" She answered at last. Dumbledore clapped his hands together in merriment.
"Excellent! I will allow you a few weeks to get prepared, then I will come back for you". A large brown owl landed outside of the window and hooted impatiently. Usagi opened the window and let the owl in who buzzed around the room excitedly. "Send me notice by owl post, when you are ready", Dumbledore finalized, then rose from his seat, patted Hotaru affectionately and left with a burst of green flames through her fireplace. Suddenly Usagi felt overwhelmed and bounded into the next room to write a letter to Ami and tied it to the owl's leg, letting it back out of the window to make its delivery, she also made short notes for Rei Hino, Minako Aino and Makoto Kino to be delivered once the owl made its return.
****
Ami walked to where they were unloading the baggage from the airplane. She lifted both suitcases, then headed towards the Tokyo Airport entrance to find Usagi. Sure enough, she soon spotted the short odango-haired blond jumping up and down to peer over the busy bustle of heads moving by. She smiled brightly when she spotted Ami and rushed through the people to meet her blue-haired companion.
"Konnichiwa!" She squealed in excitement. Ami hugged Usagi tightly before they made a mad rush to catch a taxi cab.
Once they arrived at Usagi's apartment, all of Ami's questions seem to spill out all at once, which naturally made the princess' head spin.
"Slow down", Usagi pleaded, "let's have something to drink before I begin." They headed into the kitchen where Ami deposited her bags, and where for the first time she spotted Hotaru in about four years. Hotaru had already prepared tea and smiled shyly towards the blue-haired woman.
"How old are you?" Ami asked in question, remembering that Hotaru was only and infant when she last saw her.
"About fifteen now...I think", Hotaru answered, her voice still the meek quiet it had always been.
"She was still four years old a few days ago, but aged over night." Usagi explained, taking a tea cup from Hotaru's hands and gulping the hot liquid down.
"Now, what exactly is the problem?" Ami finally questioned, her curiosity never ceasing to leave her.
"You've got a new job, if you're willing to put the doctor one on hold for a year". Usagi said, smiling brightly.
"What kind of job?"
"As a librarian..." Ami's eyes widened in shock, she had been thinking it crazy to come straight back to Japan without investigating first, and now she conformed her recent thoughts.
"You're serious?" Ami asked in disbelief.
"Of course...but at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry". This answer caused Ami to believe she herself was going crazy. The sound of the doorbell interrupted the odd conversation, and Usagi went to answer it. Rei, Minako along with Artemis and Makoto were outside waiting to be let in. Each of them took their turn welcoming back Ami and gawking at Hotaru before all settling in the living room. "Before I begin..." Usagi started, "I'll have to ask you to give me the benefit of the doubt..."
****
Eternal Sailor Moon stood by herself, her blond locks being whipped across her face by the nipping wind that was blowing violently. Hot, salt tears fell down her cheeks, but she made absolutely no sound, the silence being deafening. Before her the cauldron lay, where the darkness and the light of the galaxy came together to form the stars. She knew her choices, Sailor Cosmos, the mysterious ghost had appeared before her, and spoke of the consequences, but she knew not of what to choose. Either destroy it, or let it remain. If destroyed, nothing would ever come back again, no one would be reborn. But if she left it, there would always be evil to fight, wars to win, battles that blood would be spilled upon. Eternal Sailor Moon took a hesitant step forward, stopping to reason with her contradicting thoughts.
'All I ever wanted was to be a normal teenager'. She thought wistfully, 'all I ever wished for'. She took a moment to shut her eyes, and cleared her mind, before she threw herself into the cauldron.
Cold. Cold was all she felt, her eyes slowly opened, and it took several moments before her vision cleared. She went to yell out, but nothing came from her throat, except a few small noises. Her throat was extremely dry. Eternal Sailor Moon let out a long, slow breath, and watched as it formed fog, she rose her eyebrows when she noticed the fog condensing in front of her.
"N...nani?" She questioned, finally her voice starting to return to her. She reached a sore, and bruised arm forward, her tattered fuku did little to guard her from the cold, nippy air. Softly, she ran her fingers down what appeared to be a small ice wall in front of her. Her heart began to beat faster as she reached around her, noticing she was trapped in a coffin-like ice encasement. She began to beat on the ice to see if she could break herself free, but it did her no aid, as tears sprung from her eyes. She stopped her futile attempts, to wipe the now crystalized tears from her pale, bruised face. Wistfully, she regarded her poor looking reflection in the ice wall. Gathering what little energy she had, Eternal Sailor Moon shut her eyes, and cleared her thoughts, placing her hands on the ice, she willed herself to step through it. It worked, as she stepped outside of her imprisonment.
Opening her eyes, Eternal Sailor Moon inspected her surroundings. Again, she felt a pang of fear, when all she saw was more ice, and a layer of fog covering the area.
"Where am I?!?" She yelled out, hoping to get a response, but only receiving an echo in response. "Somebody answer me!" She again tried, but like before, all she heard was herself. "Is any body there?" She asked, her voice more quiet this time.
"Of course there is", came the reply. Eternal Sailor Moon looked around frantically. Now she was confused, that was definitely another's voice, but she couldn't see anyone. Now she believed her mind to be playing tricks on her.
"Then show yourself". She said, just incase her mind wasn't fooling her. She watched, unbelieving as a shadow formed in the fog, slowly coming towards her. She would've readied some sort of attack, but her energy was totally spent, and she was tired of fighting. Her eyes widened as she made out the figure better, this shadow was in the form of a white-haired man with long silk robes. "Who are you!?!" She asked, panicking, afraid to move, for the fear of losing her sanity.
"My name is Albus Dumbledore." The elderly man replied.
"But how?" Eternal Sailor Moon squeaked. "How did you get here?" She clutched her chest, as a pang of pain raced through her.
"Power down, and I will tell you". Eternal Sailor Moon complied, pulling on the brooch, returning to her civilian self, in a high school fuku. "Your mother's spirit summoned me here..." Suddenly Usagi couldn't understand what the other was saying, not having her powers to make her understand any more. Dumbledore noticed this and pulled out a wand from his robes, "translato..." he murmured, and suddenly, Usagi could understand English perfectly. "As I was saying, your mother has asked me to help you decide what fate you will chose for yourself...as you know, you may remain as you are, or chose to remove the burden from your guardians, and become immortal." Usagi remained quiet for several moments, before Dumbledore took her arm and led her through the ice prison. She could see the faces of her senshi in some of them, and felt confusion once again take over as the elderly wizard stopped them in front of Mamoru's. "It is time you knew the truth..."
****
A half an hour later, the Inner Senshi sat quietly around the coffee table, looking at nothing in particular, having just digested quite a story from their princess. Usagi glanced nervously towards Hotaru, who gave a small encouraging smile in return.
"I say let's do it!" Makoto finally broke the silence with a large grin plastered on her face, "I mean, if Usagi feels she owes a lot to this Dumbledore guy, then so do we, right?" She looked around at the other three senshi, who slowly nodded in return. "When do we leave?" Usagi's face lit up and she called for the owl that had delivered her messages.
"I have to contact Albus, then we'll have to go to Diagon Alley for supplies". As if on cue, the large brown owl hooted excitedly while Usagi tied a note to its leg and let it fly out of the open window.
A few days later the owl had returned and had a note attached along with a small pouch of floo powder.
Usagi,
Come to Diagon Ally on Saturday afternoon, I will have Hagrid waiting for you.
Albus
Usagi inspected the small pouch before announcing the arrangements to the senshi who had made a crowd in her small apartment. Excitement was electric throughout the room as everyone listened intently to the princess' description of how unique this particular small pouch was.
****
Harry Potter sat on his bed surrounded in parchment and books for his summer homework. Life was quiet on Privet Drive in the smallest bedroom of the Dursley's. Harry didn't mind spending his days quietly in his room, though. He spent his time writing to his friends and waiting for replies while imagining what new things would come his way in his fifth year at Hogwarts. His fourth year had been a colorful one, although all his years at the wizarding school were full of adventures, towards the end of the previous year proved to be quite life-changing.
He still felt guilty for the death of Cedric Diggory, despite the fact that Cedric's parents did not blame him. If only he hadn't told Cedric to go on with him...
Shaking the painful memory from mind, Harry picked up the most recent letter from his godfather, Sirius Black, and re-read it over again. Sirius was staying with Remus Lupin for the time being, under Dumbledore's instructions, and kept in constant contact with Harry to make sure his godson was alright and unharmed.
With the new rise of Lord Voldemort, Harry was now under the spotlight more than he had been before, although the students at Hogwarts had made effort to not treat him any differently, after the end of the Triwizard Tournament, everyone had become more cautious around him, which Harry didn't like at all.
His best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger were as supportive as ever now, and constantly reminded him that Dumbledore would look after him. Ron had invited to have Harry stay at the Burrow for the remainder of the summer, and Uncle Vernon hadn't refused (keeping in memory of what happened the last summer when Dudley's tongue had swelled from Fred and George's Ton-Tongue Toffee). During the next morning, Harry would be leaving via the fireplace, Mr Weasley would be coming to get him. Suddenly having a rather large yawn, Harry quickly packed away all of his school supplies in his trunk, gave Hedwig some food, and placed the small pouch of floo powder (courtesy of Ron's owl, Pigwidgeon delivering it noisily one night), and fell fast asleep.
The next morning Harry dragged his trunk along with Hedwig in her cage downstairs to the living room, where Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia cowered in one corner of the room.
"Well, goodbye", Harry said cheerfully, but received no answer. Dudley made his way into the room with a piece of apple sticking out of his mouth (Dudley had still been on his diet, and showed very little progress), but immediately left the room clutching his rear end. Harry suppressed a laugh at the sight, and as if on cue, they heard a rather annoyed voice coming from the hole in the wall of what was the electric fireplace once.
Arthur Weasley emerged from the fireplace, his hair and clothes covered in soot.
"Hello Harry!" He greeted, brushing some of the powder from himself. "Hello", he called out towards the Dursley's, who still remained stiff in their spot. "Well, off we go then...incendio!" Flames erupted in the fireplace, "got your floo powder, Harry?" Harry pulled the small pouch out of his pocket, and took some between his fingertips. He threw it into the fire and watched as the flames turned an emerald green.
"The Burrow!" He called as he positioned himself along with his things in the emerald flames, and felt himself being transported away from Privet Drive.
"Harry!" Ron called out excitedly to his best friend and rushed towards Harry as though they hadn't seen each other for years. "Glad you're here!"
"Me too Ron!" Harry called back. Hedwig hooted in annoyance, her usually white feathers were now a pale gray.
"There's so much I want to tell you...c'mon..." Ron dragged Harry along as he talked a mile a minute updating Harry of all the news regarding Fred and George's new joke product line, thanks to the money Harry had given them from winning the Triwizard Tournament.
****
After what seemed like ages, Saturday afternoon had finally arrived, and the senshi crowded around the fire place while Usagi prepared the floo powder to be used. She had asked Luna and Artemis to stay behind, after they had insisted several times that they go.
"Just incase something shows up", Usagi persisted, finally the guardian cats gave in.
"Fine, but we will be going with you to Hogwarts..." Luna finalized.
"Alright, before we go, I'm going to use the ginzuishou to make everybody good at speaking English...it worked for me..." Usagi took a moment, and the crescent moon insignia appeared on her forehead, glowing brightly. Everyone could feel themselves being touched by the magic and suddenly all of the senshi could understand all English.
"Ok, you go one at a time, and once the flames turn green, step in the middle of them, and say clearly, 'Diagon Alley'", Usagi instructed, using English for everything now. Hotaru moved forwards first, Usagi tossed a small amount of floo powder into the flames, as orange turned to emerald green. Hotaru hesitantly stepped into the fire, smiling as the flames seem to be a rather pleasant feeling rather then a burning sensation.
"Diagon Alley!" She said, trying best not to let her Japanese accent make her voice unclear, with a burst of flames, the youngest senshi disappeared from view. The others, except for Usagi, gasped in shock. The princess only smiled brightly and requested for the next one to go.
***
Usagi felt herself being catapulted through the fireplace, and landed with a thud on the other side. She looked up and noticed ash-covered faces looking down at her. On each senshi's forehead, their planet's insignia glowed faintly.
"That was fun!" The princess laughed merrily, and stood up, brushing soot from her clothes, she felt her own forehead grow hot and fingered her own crescent mark, "these will be a permanent mark, while we're in the wizarding world", she explained. The senshi glanced around and noticed how very out of place they appeared, while they were in muggle clothing, the people moving around them were dressed in long robes of every sort of color. Suddenly a rather large figure moved towards them, Usagi knew right away who it was, although the others around her became alarmed. "Hagrid!" She called, the figure made his way towards them, and gave a small bow of his rather large head.
"Greetings! Me name be Rebeus 'agrid, Dumbledore sent me to fetch yeh." Hagrid smiled cheerfully, receiving the same from only the princess. Hagrid noticed this and bowed his head again towards Usagi. "Ye must be the new 'eadmistress..." The half-giant gathered, and was satisfied with his assumption when Usagi nodded in the affirmative. "Great, then...we'll be off to Gringotts now..." The senshi obediently followed behind Hagrid towards a particularly large building, inside where several desks with goblins hobbling about their business. "Dumbledore said ye can get all ye need", Hagrid informed Usagi as he approached the largest of the desks, with a particularly nasty looking goblin favoring a large eagle feather pen. Hagrid pulled a small golden key out of one of the many of his pockets and followed another goblin out of the room.
"Where is he going?" Rei asked, watching as the large man waddled out of sight.
"Getting us some money for supplies", Usagi explained simply. Within a few minutes, Hagrid had returned, handed Usagi a rather large bag of gold galleons, silver sickles and bronze knuts, Usagi nearly dropped the bag from the shock of the heavy weight. Makoto noticed and took the heavy bag from the princess. "Where now, Hagrid?" Usagi asked curiously, rubbing her arms after straining them.
"Off to Madam Malkin's I suppose..." Hagrid mumbled, and led the group towards a shop that sold robes for all occasions. Inside they were greeted by a cheerful seamstress who was busy with a few younger children at the moment. Hagrid handed Usagi a letter containing a list for school supplies, "fer the young 'un..." Hagrid stated, nodding towards Hotaru. He left the senshi alone in the shop, as the senshi were soon waited on by Madam Malkin.
****
A few hours later the senshi, now dressed in appropriate attire along with Hagrid were busy munching on some food (Usagi eating around the same amount that Hagrid was) in a small pub named 'The Three Broomsticks', the senshi had lost their intimidation from Hagrid, as Minako was asking him many questions.
"Dumbledore made me a teacher..."
"What do you teach?" Minako asked, listening in on every word.
"Care of Magical Creatures..." the bubbly blonde continued to ask more questions, Hotaru was eyeing people around her nervously, and tugged on Usagi's sleeve.
"Why is everyone staring at you?" Hotaru asked. Usagi glanced around, still smiling, she too noticed that most of the eyes in the pub were indeed focused on her. While the other senshi were dressed in robes of dark colors (AN: the senshi are dressed in their own colors, i.e., Rei-red, Minako-orange, etc.), Usagi herself was dressed in all white. She seemed to stand out, not just the white cloak, but also the fact that her beauty had only increased, and was unmatchable.
"Don't know", Usagi lied, encouraging Hotaru to finish her meal.
After leaving the Three Broomsticks, they stopped at Flourish and Blotts for Hotaru's school books, then heading over to Ollivander's for their wands.
Hagrid again waited outside, while the senshi went inside, Ollivander was behind his desk, and smiled mischievously towards them. Usagi set some galleons on the table and brought Hotaru forward.
"We're going to need some wands..." She said, but was interrupted when Ollivander suddenly had an outburst.
"You are Hogwarts' new Headmistress!" He cried out. Usagi rose an eyebrow.
"Uh...yes, I am...how did you know?"
"Everyone knows! I've been waiting to meet you...it is an honor", Ollivander bowed, then headed back towards shelves full of wand boxes. He bent down and dug out a particularly old box. "This one should be yours", he mumbled, handing the box to Usagi, "no charge, was bought for you already...eleven inches, ebony, moon root, two unicorn hairs..." Usagi hesitantly took the box and opened it, inside was a long, slender, black wand which she took into her hands. Immediately silver light emitted from the end and swirled around her. "Was custom made...by your mother's request..." Usagi looked up towards Ollivander.
"But she lived a long time ago..."
"We've been in business since 382 b.c., she ruled only a thousand years ago..." This made sense, so the princess did not press any further, "now, for everyone else, we'll have to test each one..."
****
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were busy eating various flavors of ice cream after they exited the parlor. Together again, they too were out to purchase school supplies, Mrs Weasley had taken Ginny off to get her what second-hand things she could find (considering how poor the family was). Harry had treated his friends too several sweets, his parents having left a small fortune in Gringotts. Ron looked across the street and elbowed Harry in the ribs.
"Look...there's Hagrid! And woah....who are those women?" The three companions watched quietly as Hagrid led a group of women down the street towards Magical Menagerie which sold animals. "Should we follow?" Ron asked, suddenly getting excited, eyeing the silvery-blond woman with the white robes, "she looks like a veela..." He mumbled, seeing a resemblance between the woman and the Beauxbaton Champion from the Triwizard Tournament, Fleur Delacour.
"That's got to be the new Headmistress", Hermione pointed out, "The Daily Prophet had an article that mentioned she would be extremely beautiful, but she's not a veela, apparently Dumbledore has to take care of things that have caused him to take a temporary leave from being Headmaster."
"Speaking of which...what ever did you do with Rita Skeeter?" Harry asked, remembering how Hermione had captured the rogue reporter while in her animagus state as a beetle. Hermione sniggered in response, she started walking across the street, the boys following on heel.
****
Inside the Magical Menagerie, Hotaru looked around for an animal that might suit her. After several minutes of shaking her head 'no', she finally made her decision and approached her foster mother.
"Couldn't I just use Luna?" She questioned, Usagi's face broke into an embarrassed grin.
"Why didn't I think of that?" She said, patting Hotaru on the back, "you're getting too smart", the princess added. The senshi left the store and was greeted with three new faces. Usagi recognized one of them on the spot from the scar. "The Boy Who Lived!" She squealed in delight and hugged Harry tightly, who was in shock at the moment.
"Bin' tellin' 'arry, Ron and Hermione 'bout all of yeh", Hagrid explained cheerfully. Hotaru backed away shyly, trying to hide behind her foster mother, but Usagi noticed and pulled her out too meet the three young Hogwarts students.
"Hotaru's going to be in your year", Usagi said cheerfully.
"Is she your daughter?" Hermione asked, shying a bit when Hotaru's expression grew colder.
"Adopted anyway", Usagi answered.
"What's your name?" Ron asked, curious to know whether she was related to Fleur or not.
"Usagi Tsukino", the princess replied, but Hagrid intervened.
"That's Madam Tsukino to yeh", Hagrid clarified sternly to Ron, Hermione and Harry. "I be gettin' these ladies back now, ye be on yer way", Hagrid shooed them off, and led the senshi back towards their entrance to the fireplace.
"What do you think?" Ron asked his companions.
"I like her", Harry replied with a smile.
****
The Great Hall was full of noisy chatter, as second to seventh year students were busy catching up on what they had done over the summer. Within a few minutes most of the staff table was also filled up and the Great Hall doors had closed, the sorting would begin soon. One of the teachers who was tight-lipped and had her gray hair tied back in a tight knot, Professor Minerva McGonagall stood and clicked her spoon on her goblet, almost immediately the hall quieted.
"Before the sorting ritual begins, I would like to introduce the new staff members and our new transfer student from Japan...I would also like to remind you that Professor Dumbledore will be away for most of the year, so he has asked a highly qualified witch to fill in..." One of the Great Hall doors creaked open as the senshi made their way through, Usagi in the lead with Hotaru following by her side. The male students were making noises somewhat to the effect of cat calls, Usagi, feeling rather excited, lifted her head to notice the roof seemed to be enchanted to look like it was open to the night sky, and candles floated in midair to illuminate the hall. She didn't notice her foot catching onto the bottom of her white robes, sending her into a dive to the floor.
"Ow..." She murmured as Rei and Hotaru rushed to help her up, suddenly Usagi broke into all smiles and began laughing hysterically, this caused a reaction with the students and laughter broke out spontaneously. Usagi brushed her arms off and continued the way to the ends of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables, approaching Professor McGonagall who asked if the princess was alright. "Just fine...I tend to do that a lot". She insisted, once again pulling Hotaru front and center. "This one needs to be sorted", Usagi clarified, Hotaru felt less nervous as Professor McGonagall smiled warmly at her, placing an old ratty witch's hat on her head.
"Hm....a transfer student..." Hotaru could hear the hat talking to her very softly. "The daughter of the Headmistress...interesting...I see a lot of courage there...and very smart...but your loyalty belongs to your princess which would make you good in Hufflepuff...but I see a darkness in you...a dangerous power if not controlled...Slytherin will help you there...so you go to SLYTHERIN!" The last word could be heard by everyone in the hall, cheers erupted from the Slytherin table as Hotaru was directed to seat herself accordingly.
"Well...shall I show you to your seats?" Professor McGonagall asked politely, directing Usagi to the center seat beside her own, Rei seated where every Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was placed every year, Ami sat in between Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout. Minako and Makoto sat next to each other beside Hagrid at the end of the table. After the senshi were seated, Professor McGonagall walked quickly to the doors of the Great Hall to let in the first years to be sorted properly into the houses.
After the hat's usual speech and the sorting was finished, Professor McGonagall again called for attention to allow Usagi to introduce herself and the senshi properly. Usagi sat up, careful not to make another embarrassing move.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts", she began, careful to remember what she had preplanned, "I am sure you will all miss Professor Dumbledore, but I promise you I will try my best to fill his shoes...I am Madam Tsukino, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts is Madam Hino, your new librarian who will be replacing Madam Pince, will be Madam Mizuno...and as well I've assigned two supervisors over you students incase you need assistance of some sort, Minako Aino and Makoto Kino..." The students murmured softly repeating what they had just heard, making sure to memorize the names. "I would like to remind you all that the forest on the grounds if off limits...also, no magic should be used in between classes in the corridors...Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term, anyone interested should contact Madam Hooch...that is all for now", with a wide grin Usagi rose her hands just as she had pictured herself doing, and the tables suddenly were filled with all sorts of delicious food. The princess sat down in her chair and dug into her food with great anticipation.
****
"She looks nice", Neville Longbottom commented to Harry, being somewhat of a failure at magic, Neville was hoping to get on the new Headmistress' good side.
"Oh she is", Hermione intervened, glancing towards the staff table, her jaw suddenly dropped, as she pulled on Ron's sleeve. "She eats more than you do", she commented, the others looked towards their new Headmistress as well and began to snigger in amusement.
"What is she using to eat with?" Ron asked, a look of puzzlement crossing his face. Hermione strained to see what the object of interest was, but smiled noticing right away what they were once she recognized them.
"Chopsticks...Asian muggles use them to eat with instead of forks", Hermione answered. Just then Professor McGonagall had seemed to have the same question on her mind, as she leaned over to inquire. Usagi smiled and pulled another set from her robes and handed them over to the Professor, giving short instructions on how to use them. Once the instructions were given, Usagi looked down at the Gryffindor table and winked at Hermione, who waved in response. Taking it as an invitation, Usagi rose from her seat and made her way around the table, walking over to the Gryffindor table.
"Enjoying the food?" She asked, looking between Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville, she smiled brightly at the latter, "I am, it's incredible..." as if to prove her point, she took a sample from Hermione's plate.
"Madam Tsukino...did you go to Hogwarts as a student?" Neville timidly asked, Usagi looked at him for a moment before smiling again.
"No, actually I spent all my time in muggle schools", she said matter-of-fact. Neville's face broke into a wide grin.
"Does that mean you're not really good at magic too?" This comment received a scolding hiss from Hermione, but Usagi only laughed.
"Most things I can do, but some subjects I would probably know less then the first year students", laughter erupted from the others as well at this comment, Usagi's eyes wandered towards the Slytherin table where Hotaru seemed to be sitting alone, "excuse me", she softly said and headed towards the other house table. She approached Hotaru, who was seated in between first and second years. "What are you doing sitting here?" Usagi asked her foster daughter curiously, who had a sad expression on her face.
"I don't know", was the answer. Usagi grabbed Hotaru's hands and pulled her from her seat, moving down towards the fifth year students. One blond in particular caught her eye, she tapped his shoulder to get his attention.
Draco Malfoy was busy talking about the upcoming Quidditch season when he felt his shoulder being tapped, looking up, he noticed the new Headmistress looking quite upset at the moment.
"Please remember that Hotaru is quite new here, I would like it if she is treated like she has been here all five years..." Usagi motioned for Crabbe (one of the larger boys seated next to Draco) to move down a seat, he reluctantly complied, as Usagi forced Hotaru to take his spot. Draco's cheeks gained color as anger arose.
"Mudbloods' don't belong in Slytherin..." he growled quietly, but Usagi had heard him, she narrowed her eyes.
"I do not want to hear that kind of language used here!" She cried out angrily, causing students that were sitting near by to turn their attention to the Headmistress. "What is your name, young man?" She demanded.
"Draco Malfoy, and you shouldn't..." Draco was about to issue a threat, but Usagi interrupted him quite quickly.
"Malfoy...I've heard that name before, and I don't care how special you think you are, to me you are just the same as any other student at this school!" She barked out, her usually pale face now flushed. "I won't take points this time, but if I ever hear that word come out of your mouth again, you will be punished appropriately, am I understood?" Draco, now stunned, nodded his head silently, not being able to place words to what he now felt, obviously he would have problems getting away with trouble, this Headmistress would prove to be a problem. Hotaru's face was whiter then ever, she glanced towards Draco and rose her eyebrows, then turned her attention back to her foster mother, who continued to speak. "Also, I will most assure you that Hotaru is 'pure-blooded', as you would word it, and is quite gifted in magic". With this said, Usagi chose this particular moment to make her return to her seat.
As she was walking back towards the staff table, she glanced along at the teachers, noticing that one in particular with long black hair and a hooked nose had seen the scene with Draco, and was making it obvious that he was not impressed.
Professor Severus Snape glared with his dark obsidian eyes at the new Headmistress, as head of the Slytherin house, he tended to favor his own house, especially Draco Malfoy. He hadn't been happy when Dumbledore announced he'd be leaving someone else in his place for the year, and had become even more unhappy when he had watched the new Headmistress walk into the Great Hall. 'Pitiful', he thought to himself, remembering how she had tripped, and how she had laughed in content after doing so. Next to him sat the new D.A.D.A. teacher, who was probably just as unqualified as the previous teachers. The fact that Madam Tsukino seemed to be foolish, along with her new staff members made the situation that much more bothersome to the Potions Master.
Usagi tried to avoid eye contact with the professor as best as she could, it almost seemed as though he was trying to bore holes into her very soul, and this frightened her a bit. Obviously she would make the choice to avoid him as much as possible.
Once making it back to the staff table, she chose to go around the opposite side of the black-haired teacher, and stopped when she reached Professor Flitwick.
"Professor, if I might have a word with you after the feast..." Usagi quietly requested, Professor Flitwick nodded in agreement, Usagi moved back into her seat just as the deserts were being sent up from the kitchens below.
****
After the feast was over, students rushed for their own common rooms, the Prefects leading the way ready to give the new passwords to the paintings at the entrance. Ami had already gone for the library to dive into books that she had never heard of before, Rei was feeling rushed, not knowing what materials she would begin with for her first time teaching, Minako and Makoto had both gone along with some seventh-year Ravenclaws of whom they became interested in during the feast. Usagi had followed along with the four Gryffindor's that she had been chatting with earlier after Hotaru had insisted she would be fine on her own (Luna and Artemis were already in the Slytherin Common room, they being treated as regular wizard's pets...).
"That was Snape..." Ron informed, as Usagi told them about the cold glare the professor had sent her, "he's like that with just about everyone...except other Slytherin's..." he continued, making it obvious he did not like the Potions Master either. "He hates Harry the most, though", Ron continued. Usagi gave Harry a questioning look, but Harry didn't have the opportunity to speak for himself as Neville cut in.
"And me, I can never do anything right, and he let's me know it all the time", Neville sated, clearly upset at the fact. Usagi patted him reassuringly on his back.
"I know how you feel...I was never good at anything...and was told so as well", she smiled warmly. "I know you're in opposite houses", Usagi began suddenly, "but Hotaru's going to have a hard time fitting in...I don't suppose you could..."
"Of course we'll make friends with her!" Hermione intervened suddenly, "I can show her around the school grounds tomorrow, we've got Transfiguration with the Slytherins first thing in the morning." The boys groaned at hearing this.
"We've got a trip to Hogsmeade coming up in a few weeks..." Ron interjected, "why don't you come along with us, Madam Tsukino?" He asked, giving a half smile of hope. Harry suddenly had an idea, and added before the princess could answer.
"I'd like it if you met my godfather,Sirius...I think he'd like you..." Harry suggested, remembering that regardless of the danger, Sirius always made an effort to see Harry, not to mention that he was currently staying with Lupin, so he was more likely to agree to meet with them now. Usagi had blushed at the last part of Harry's comment, and nodded.
"I'd like that", she answered not needing to give it any thought whatsoever. "I think all of you should get to your Common room now, though", this made the others aware of the sudden emptiness of the hallways. They gave their goodnights and rushed off towards the Gryffindor Common room.
Usagi smiled to herself, she had done a fair job in her eyes, and the maturing that she had gone through over the last few years really showed now, she seemed to be a natural at being a mentor.
Heading for her own room, Usagi's level of excitement seemed to rise again, the next day would be her first full day of being Headmistress at Hogwarts, things were going to get interesting...
****Author's Note: This was definitely one of those spontaneous combustion moments, where you just get one of those wild ideas and go for it...I've seen both movies, and have read all four books, (is awaiting for the fifth one...) Neways, my imouto, Megami*Silence, is my muse and is my idol, I worship the ground she stands on...~snorts~ neways, I like comments, considering I've never written one of these before...and before anybody says it is, this is *not*, I repeat NOT a Mary Sue, this is basically an a/u for the fifth book (so it's their fifth year), and Sailor Moon is set in the future (all the gals are adults).
****
Ami Mizuno finished the last page of her book and slid her spectacles from their perch on her nose. Setting them down, she took a moment to rub her tired eyes. Glancing out the library window, she noticed that it was now mid-morning, and she would have to get herself some breakfast before going to work. Smoothing her dark blue hair back, Ami rose from her seat and took the book she had been reading back to it's shelf. Recently she had been diving into myth novels about wizards and witches and things of the magical nature...she seemed to draw easily to books of the sort considering her colorful past.
Heading outside, she took a few moments to look around before choosing her direction to head for a small diner not far from the library. Ami was a surgeon for the Hospital in Berlin, Germany. She had been there for a few years now, deciding to pursue the career that she had abandoned so many years before, when she made the choice to not go.
Suddenly a large object flew by in front of her and rammed right into the library wall. Ami gasped loudly and rushed to see what had crashed. A large brown owl lay limp on the ground, an envelope in it's claws. Ami slipped the envelope into her fingers and read the address.
Mirko Reinold
Marcobrunnerstr.865AG7
Wiesbaden Deutchland
Considering this was right near where Ami was right at that particular moment, she lifted the injured owl into her arms and headed in the direction of the small complex of houses near by. Turning the envelope around in curiosity, she noticed a peculiar seal of wax with a crest she had never seen before. Paying no more attention, she reached the house with the matching sur name on the mailbox and knocked on the door. A well-dressed middle-aged woman answered with a bright smile on her face.
"Guntach!" She greeted, Ami smiled in return and held out the letter, the woman let out a gleeful noise, but noticed the injured owl.
"De owl iz injured! I vill let it rest here for a few dayz, before it goez back to Durmstrang...do you attend there?" She asked Ami curiously, gingerly taking the unconscious owl from the blue-haired woman's arms.
"Nien..." Ami answered in perfect German, "what is Durmstrang?" The middle-aged mother rose her eyebrow.
"Ze zchool...my boy attendz..." at that moment, the puzzled look disappeared from the woman's face when another owl swooped low and dropped another letter, the woman caught it, then handed it to Ami. "Zis iz a letter for you?" She asked, Ami would have said the negative, but her name was scribbled in kanji on a small piece of paper.
"Ja..." She opened the folded piece of paper and noticed it was from Usagi, Ami glanced upwards at the departing owl flying away and felt very confused at the moment. She bid a quick farewell to the middle-aged woman and continued to head for the diner where she had planned to go before her detour.
Finding herself a seat, she slowly read the short letter written from her long-time friend.
Ami,
I realize it's been a while since we've seen each other, but I need you to come home as soon as possible. I can't explain right now, since you may think me crazy, but I need you here now, let me know when you plan to arrive.
Usagi
The short note startled her, but considering the oddity of the letter, and the fact that it was delivered by an owl made her start to worry, then a pang of fear struck her...the Negaverse was back...
****
One week previous...
Usagi Tsukino sat at her apartment window, watching the night sky and sipping a cup of tea, Luna slept soundly on the sofa near by. In the next room she could hear Hotaru moving around playing quietly with her toys. Hotaru was the age of four and had been living with Usagi since infancy. After the defeat of Chaos, Hotaru had once again been reborn a baby instead of returning the same age of sixteen. This time the Outer senshi did not take little Hotaru, instead Usagi had offered and had soon after moved into her own apartment.
Usagi's life had changed quite a bit since the end of her days as Sailor Moon, she didn't miss the fighting, but she did miss her life as a young, innocent teenager who was full of love and happiness But things had changed and all the senshi had begun their own lives and separated from each other. Usagi would be quite lonely if it weren't for the responsibilities she had with Hotaru, she had a job during the day that only made her enough money to pay the bills and have Hotaru in daycare while she was at work.
Mamoru had also parted his ways, but a more painful memory was attached to him, Usagi tried to keep her one-time true love in the depths of her mind, but she was constantly reminded of him, no matter how hard she tried to forget. She could still remember the shock and horror she had experienced when she had found out the truth...ever since then, she had vowed to never give her heart to another again.
Shaking her head, Usagi rose from her seated position and headed for the kitchen to refill her empty tea cup, and checked in on her young foster daughter. A noise coming from the living room in which she had just left startled her, she quickly headed towards it and gasped in shock at the sight that greeted her.
"Greetings, Usagi", spoke a deep, rich voice in clear English, but Usagi understood it.
"Albus..." she smiled in return towards her wizard friend, "can I offer you some tea?" She spoke clearly, but didn't wait for an answer as she hurried to get another cup.
The appearance of a wizard coming through her fireplace did not frighten Usagi, she had met Albus Dumbledore a few years previous and had kept this secret from anyone else. Picking up the second tea cup, Usagi carefully headed back to the living room, trying her hardest not to pull a classic klutz move. Hotaru had bounded out of her play room excitedly, but froze at the entrance of the next room, not recognizing Dumbledore, who had now seated himself on the sofa next to Luna, who did not stir.
"Curious muggle furniture...I rather fancy it", the elderly wizard commented with an amused smile playing his lips. He stopped to brush some of the floo powder off of his long robes and long white beard, he took the tea cup appreciatively from Usagi's hands and waited until she had kneeled on the floor across from him. "That Hotaru? She's grown quite a bit since I last saw her..." The wizard commented, studying the small violet-eyed girl. Usagi motioned for her foster daughter to come to her, the young girl obeyed and gave a small bow towards Dumbledore.
"Konnichiwa", she greeted shyly. "Pleased to meet you..." she continued in choppy English.
"I'm trying to teach her, but since it took me forever to learn English, I'm not exactly the most qualified person." Usagi laughed at the end of her comment and waited for Dumbledore to state the reason for his visit.
As if reading the princess' mind, the elderly wizard's smile faded for a moment.
"I've come to ask a favor of you, since you still owe me one", his eyes twinkled mischievously for a second, before he continued. "I know this is short notice, but I'm going to have to leave my duties as the Headmaster of Hogwarts for a while, and I need you to fill in for me". Usagi had not been expecting this kind of request, and could not find any words to reply with, Dumbledore chuckled at this response, causing Hotaru to laugh at her foster mother as well.
"You're serious?" Usagi questioned, insisting silently to herself that she had just hallucinated those last few moments.
"Quite".
"But...but, I'm not Headmaster material...I mean, I can't even teach, let alone be the Headmistress..."
"On the contrary, Usagi, I have full faith in you...one of my students will need a lot of looking after, and I immediately thought you would be the most qualified to fill my position." The elderly wizard smiled merrily awaiting the princess' answer.
"I...I...you're absolutely sure that you want me?" Usagi's crystalline blue eyes flashed in disbelief, but she felt a pang of excitement tug at her. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was probably the most prestigious place of learning in the whole magical world, and she did owe Dumbledore a favor... "I would be honored!" She answered at last. Dumbledore clapped his hands together in merriment.
"Excellent! I will allow you a few weeks to get prepared, then I will come back for you". A large brown owl landed outside of the window and hooted impatiently. Usagi opened the window and let the owl in who buzzed around the room excitedly. "Send me notice by owl post, when you are ready", Dumbledore finalized, then rose from his seat, patted Hotaru affectionately and left with a burst of green flames through her fireplace. Suddenly Usagi felt overwhelmed and bounded into the next room to write a letter to Ami and tied it to the owl's leg, letting it back out of the window to make its delivery, she also made short notes for Rei Hino, Minako Aino and Makoto Kino to be delivered once the owl made its return.
****
Ami walked to where they were unloading the baggage from the airplane. She lifted both suitcases, then headed towards the Tokyo Airport entrance to find Usagi. Sure enough, she soon spotted the short odango-haired blond jumping up and down to peer over the busy bustle of heads moving by. She smiled brightly when she spotted Ami and rushed through the people to meet her blue-haired companion.
"Konnichiwa!" She squealed in excitement. Ami hugged Usagi tightly before they made a mad rush to catch a taxi cab.
Once they arrived at Usagi's apartment, all of Ami's questions seem to spill out all at once, which naturally made the princess' head spin.
"Slow down", Usagi pleaded, "let's have something to drink before I begin." They headed into the kitchen where Ami deposited her bags, and where for the first time she spotted Hotaru in about four years. Hotaru had already prepared tea and smiled shyly towards the blue-haired woman.
"How old are you?" Ami asked in question, remembering that Hotaru was only and infant when she last saw her.
"About fifteen now...I think", Hotaru answered, her voice still the meek quiet it had always been.
"She was still four years old a few days ago, but aged over night." Usagi explained, taking a tea cup from Hotaru's hands and gulping the hot liquid down.
"Now, what exactly is the problem?" Ami finally questioned, her curiosity never ceasing to leave her.
"You've got a new job, if you're willing to put the doctor one on hold for a year". Usagi said, smiling brightly.
"What kind of job?"
"As a librarian..." Ami's eyes widened in shock, she had been thinking it crazy to come straight back to Japan without investigating first, and now she conformed her recent thoughts.
"You're serious?" Ami asked in disbelief.
"Of course...but at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry". This answer caused Ami to believe she herself was going crazy. The sound of the doorbell interrupted the odd conversation, and Usagi went to answer it. Rei, Minako along with Artemis and Makoto were outside waiting to be let in. Each of them took their turn welcoming back Ami and gawking at Hotaru before all settling in the living room. "Before I begin..." Usagi started, "I'll have to ask you to give me the benefit of the doubt..."
****
Eternal Sailor Moon stood by herself, her blond locks being whipped across her face by the nipping wind that was blowing violently. Hot, salt tears fell down her cheeks, but she made absolutely no sound, the silence being deafening. Before her the cauldron lay, where the darkness and the light of the galaxy came together to form the stars. She knew her choices, Sailor Cosmos, the mysterious ghost had appeared before her, and spoke of the consequences, but she knew not of what to choose. Either destroy it, or let it remain. If destroyed, nothing would ever come back again, no one would be reborn. But if she left it, there would always be evil to fight, wars to win, battles that blood would be spilled upon. Eternal Sailor Moon took a hesitant step forward, stopping to reason with her contradicting thoughts.
'All I ever wanted was to be a normal teenager'. She thought wistfully, 'all I ever wished for'. She took a moment to shut her eyes, and cleared her mind, before she threw herself into the cauldron.
Cold. Cold was all she felt, her eyes slowly opened, and it took several moments before her vision cleared. She went to yell out, but nothing came from her throat, except a few small noises. Her throat was extremely dry. Eternal Sailor Moon let out a long, slow breath, and watched as it formed fog, she rose her eyebrows when she noticed the fog condensing in front of her.
"N...nani?" She questioned, finally her voice starting to return to her. She reached a sore, and bruised arm forward, her tattered fuku did little to guard her from the cold, nippy air. Softly, she ran her fingers down what appeared to be a small ice wall in front of her. Her heart began to beat faster as she reached around her, noticing she was trapped in a coffin-like ice encasement. She began to beat on the ice to see if she could break herself free, but it did her no aid, as tears sprung from her eyes. She stopped her futile attempts, to wipe the now crystalized tears from her pale, bruised face. Wistfully, she regarded her poor looking reflection in the ice wall. Gathering what little energy she had, Eternal Sailor Moon shut her eyes, and cleared her thoughts, placing her hands on the ice, she willed herself to step through it. It worked, as she stepped outside of her imprisonment.
Opening her eyes, Eternal Sailor Moon inspected her surroundings. Again, she felt a pang of fear, when all she saw was more ice, and a layer of fog covering the area.
"Where am I?!?" She yelled out, hoping to get a response, but only receiving an echo in response. "Somebody answer me!" She again tried, but like before, all she heard was herself. "Is any body there?" She asked, her voice more quiet this time.
"Of course there is", came the reply. Eternal Sailor Moon looked around frantically. Now she was confused, that was definitely another's voice, but she couldn't see anyone. Now she believed her mind to be playing tricks on her.
"Then show yourself". She said, just incase her mind wasn't fooling her. She watched, unbelieving as a shadow formed in the fog, slowly coming towards her. She would've readied some sort of attack, but her energy was totally spent, and she was tired of fighting. Her eyes widened as she made out the figure better, this shadow was in the form of a white-haired man with long silk robes. "Who are you!?!" She asked, panicking, afraid to move, for the fear of losing her sanity.
"My name is Albus Dumbledore." The elderly man replied.
"But how?" Eternal Sailor Moon squeaked. "How did you get here?" She clutched her chest, as a pang of pain raced through her.
"Power down, and I will tell you". Eternal Sailor Moon complied, pulling on the brooch, returning to her civilian self, in a high school fuku. "Your mother's spirit summoned me here..." Suddenly Usagi couldn't understand what the other was saying, not having her powers to make her understand any more. Dumbledore noticed this and pulled out a wand from his robes, "translato..." he murmured, and suddenly, Usagi could understand English perfectly. "As I was saying, your mother has asked me to help you decide what fate you will chose for yourself...as you know, you may remain as you are, or chose to remove the burden from your guardians, and become immortal." Usagi remained quiet for several moments, before Dumbledore took her arm and led her through the ice prison. She could see the faces of her senshi in some of them, and felt confusion once again take over as the elderly wizard stopped them in front of Mamoru's. "It is time you knew the truth..."
****
A half an hour later, the Inner Senshi sat quietly around the coffee table, looking at nothing in particular, having just digested quite a story from their princess. Usagi glanced nervously towards Hotaru, who gave a small encouraging smile in return.
"I say let's do it!" Makoto finally broke the silence with a large grin plastered on her face, "I mean, if Usagi feels she owes a lot to this Dumbledore guy, then so do we, right?" She looked around at the other three senshi, who slowly nodded in return. "When do we leave?" Usagi's face lit up and she called for the owl that had delivered her messages.
"I have to contact Albus, then we'll have to go to Diagon Alley for supplies". As if on cue, the large brown owl hooted excitedly while Usagi tied a note to its leg and let it fly out of the open window.
A few days later the owl had returned and had a note attached along with a small pouch of floo powder.
Usagi,
Come to Diagon Ally on Saturday afternoon, I will have Hagrid waiting for you.
Albus
Usagi inspected the small pouch before announcing the arrangements to the senshi who had made a crowd in her small apartment. Excitement was electric throughout the room as everyone listened intently to the princess' description of how unique this particular small pouch was.
****
Harry Potter sat on his bed surrounded in parchment and books for his summer homework. Life was quiet on Privet Drive in the smallest bedroom of the Dursley's. Harry didn't mind spending his days quietly in his room, though. He spent his time writing to his friends and waiting for replies while imagining what new things would come his way in his fifth year at Hogwarts. His fourth year had been a colorful one, although all his years at the wizarding school were full of adventures, towards the end of the previous year proved to be quite life-changing.
He still felt guilty for the death of Cedric Diggory, despite the fact that Cedric's parents did not blame him. If only he hadn't told Cedric to go on with him...
Shaking the painful memory from mind, Harry picked up the most recent letter from his godfather, Sirius Black, and re-read it over again. Sirius was staying with Remus Lupin for the time being, under Dumbledore's instructions, and kept in constant contact with Harry to make sure his godson was alright and unharmed.
With the new rise of Lord Voldemort, Harry was now under the spotlight more than he had been before, although the students at Hogwarts had made effort to not treat him any differently, after the end of the Triwizard Tournament, everyone had become more cautious around him, which Harry didn't like at all.
His best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger were as supportive as ever now, and constantly reminded him that Dumbledore would look after him. Ron had invited to have Harry stay at the Burrow for the remainder of the summer, and Uncle Vernon hadn't refused (keeping in memory of what happened the last summer when Dudley's tongue had swelled from Fred and George's Ton-Tongue Toffee). During the next morning, Harry would be leaving via the fireplace, Mr Weasley would be coming to get him. Suddenly having a rather large yawn, Harry quickly packed away all of his school supplies in his trunk, gave Hedwig some food, and placed the small pouch of floo powder (courtesy of Ron's owl, Pigwidgeon delivering it noisily one night), and fell fast asleep.
The next morning Harry dragged his trunk along with Hedwig in her cage downstairs to the living room, where Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia cowered in one corner of the room.
"Well, goodbye", Harry said cheerfully, but received no answer. Dudley made his way into the room with a piece of apple sticking out of his mouth (Dudley had still been on his diet, and showed very little progress), but immediately left the room clutching his rear end. Harry suppressed a laugh at the sight, and as if on cue, they heard a rather annoyed voice coming from the hole in the wall of what was the electric fireplace once.
Arthur Weasley emerged from the fireplace, his hair and clothes covered in soot.
"Hello Harry!" He greeted, brushing some of the powder from himself. "Hello", he called out towards the Dursley's, who still remained stiff in their spot. "Well, off we go then...incendio!" Flames erupted in the fireplace, "got your floo powder, Harry?" Harry pulled the small pouch out of his pocket, and took some between his fingertips. He threw it into the fire and watched as the flames turned an emerald green.
"The Burrow!" He called as he positioned himself along with his things in the emerald flames, and felt himself being transported away from Privet Drive.
"Harry!" Ron called out excitedly to his best friend and rushed towards Harry as though they hadn't seen each other for years. "Glad you're here!"
"Me too Ron!" Harry called back. Hedwig hooted in annoyance, her usually white feathers were now a pale gray.
"There's so much I want to tell you...c'mon..." Ron dragged Harry along as he talked a mile a minute updating Harry of all the news regarding Fred and George's new joke product line, thanks to the money Harry had given them from winning the Triwizard Tournament.
****
After what seemed like ages, Saturday afternoon had finally arrived, and the senshi crowded around the fire place while Usagi prepared the floo powder to be used. She had asked Luna and Artemis to stay behind, after they had insisted several times that they go.
"Just incase something shows up", Usagi persisted, finally the guardian cats gave in.
"Fine, but we will be going with you to Hogwarts..." Luna finalized.
"Alright, before we go, I'm going to use the ginzuishou to make everybody good at speaking English...it worked for me..." Usagi took a moment, and the crescent moon insignia appeared on her forehead, glowing brightly. Everyone could feel themselves being touched by the magic and suddenly all of the senshi could understand all English.
"Ok, you go one at a time, and once the flames turn green, step in the middle of them, and say clearly, 'Diagon Alley'", Usagi instructed, using English for everything now. Hotaru moved forwards first, Usagi tossed a small amount of floo powder into the flames, as orange turned to emerald green. Hotaru hesitantly stepped into the fire, smiling as the flames seem to be a rather pleasant feeling rather then a burning sensation.
"Diagon Alley!" She said, trying best not to let her Japanese accent make her voice unclear, with a burst of flames, the youngest senshi disappeared from view. The others, except for Usagi, gasped in shock. The princess only smiled brightly and requested for the next one to go.
***
Usagi felt herself being catapulted through the fireplace, and landed with a thud on the other side. She looked up and noticed ash-covered faces looking down at her. On each senshi's forehead, their planet's insignia glowed faintly.
"That was fun!" The princess laughed merrily, and stood up, brushing soot from her clothes, she felt her own forehead grow hot and fingered her own crescent mark, "these will be a permanent mark, while we're in the wizarding world", she explained. The senshi glanced around and noticed how very out of place they appeared, while they were in muggle clothing, the people moving around them were dressed in long robes of every sort of color. Suddenly a rather large figure moved towards them, Usagi knew right away who it was, although the others around her became alarmed. "Hagrid!" She called, the figure made his way towards them, and gave a small bow of his rather large head.
"Greetings! Me name be Rebeus 'agrid, Dumbledore sent me to fetch yeh." Hagrid smiled cheerfully, receiving the same from only the princess. Hagrid noticed this and bowed his head again towards Usagi. "Ye must be the new 'eadmistress..." The half-giant gathered, and was satisfied with his assumption when Usagi nodded in the affirmative. "Great, then...we'll be off to Gringotts now..." The senshi obediently followed behind Hagrid towards a particularly large building, inside where several desks with goblins hobbling about their business. "Dumbledore said ye can get all ye need", Hagrid informed Usagi as he approached the largest of the desks, with a particularly nasty looking goblin favoring a large eagle feather pen. Hagrid pulled a small golden key out of one of the many of his pockets and followed another goblin out of the room.
"Where is he going?" Rei asked, watching as the large man waddled out of sight.
"Getting us some money for supplies", Usagi explained simply. Within a few minutes, Hagrid had returned, handed Usagi a rather large bag of gold galleons, silver sickles and bronze knuts, Usagi nearly dropped the bag from the shock of the heavy weight. Makoto noticed and took the heavy bag from the princess. "Where now, Hagrid?" Usagi asked curiously, rubbing her arms after straining them.
"Off to Madam Malkin's I suppose..." Hagrid mumbled, and led the group towards a shop that sold robes for all occasions. Inside they were greeted by a cheerful seamstress who was busy with a few younger children at the moment. Hagrid handed Usagi a letter containing a list for school supplies, "fer the young 'un..." Hagrid stated, nodding towards Hotaru. He left the senshi alone in the shop, as the senshi were soon waited on by Madam Malkin.
****
A few hours later the senshi, now dressed in appropriate attire along with Hagrid were busy munching on some food (Usagi eating around the same amount that Hagrid was) in a small pub named 'The Three Broomsticks', the senshi had lost their intimidation from Hagrid, as Minako was asking him many questions.
"Dumbledore made me a teacher..."
"What do you teach?" Minako asked, listening in on every word.
"Care of Magical Creatures..." the bubbly blonde continued to ask more questions, Hotaru was eyeing people around her nervously, and tugged on Usagi's sleeve.
"Why is everyone staring at you?" Hotaru asked. Usagi glanced around, still smiling, she too noticed that most of the eyes in the pub were indeed focused on her. While the other senshi were dressed in robes of dark colors (AN: the senshi are dressed in their own colors, i.e., Rei-red, Minako-orange, etc.), Usagi herself was dressed in all white. She seemed to stand out, not just the white cloak, but also the fact that her beauty had only increased, and was unmatchable.
"Don't know", Usagi lied, encouraging Hotaru to finish her meal.
After leaving the Three Broomsticks, they stopped at Flourish and Blotts for Hotaru's school books, then heading over to Ollivander's for their wands.
Hagrid again waited outside, while the senshi went inside, Ollivander was behind his desk, and smiled mischievously towards them. Usagi set some galleons on the table and brought Hotaru forward.
"We're going to need some wands..." She said, but was interrupted when Ollivander suddenly had an outburst.
"You are Hogwarts' new Headmistress!" He cried out. Usagi rose an eyebrow.
"Uh...yes, I am...how did you know?"
"Everyone knows! I've been waiting to meet you...it is an honor", Ollivander bowed, then headed back towards shelves full of wand boxes. He bent down and dug out a particularly old box. "This one should be yours", he mumbled, handing the box to Usagi, "no charge, was bought for you already...eleven inches, ebony, moon root, two unicorn hairs..." Usagi hesitantly took the box and opened it, inside was a long, slender, black wand which she took into her hands. Immediately silver light emitted from the end and swirled around her. "Was custom made...by your mother's request..." Usagi looked up towards Ollivander.
"But she lived a long time ago..."
"We've been in business since 382 b.c., she ruled only a thousand years ago..." This made sense, so the princess did not press any further, "now, for everyone else, we'll have to test each one..."
****
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were busy eating various flavors of ice cream after they exited the parlor. Together again, they too were out to purchase school supplies, Mrs Weasley had taken Ginny off to get her what second-hand things she could find (considering how poor the family was). Harry had treated his friends too several sweets, his parents having left a small fortune in Gringotts. Ron looked across the street and elbowed Harry in the ribs.
"Look...there's Hagrid! And woah....who are those women?" The three companions watched quietly as Hagrid led a group of women down the street towards Magical Menagerie which sold animals. "Should we follow?" Ron asked, suddenly getting excited, eyeing the silvery-blond woman with the white robes, "she looks like a veela..." He mumbled, seeing a resemblance between the woman and the Beauxbaton Champion from the Triwizard Tournament, Fleur Delacour.
"That's got to be the new Headmistress", Hermione pointed out, "The Daily Prophet had an article that mentioned she would be extremely beautiful, but she's not a veela, apparently Dumbledore has to take care of things that have caused him to take a temporary leave from being Headmaster."
"Speaking of which...what ever did you do with Rita Skeeter?" Harry asked, remembering how Hermione had captured the rogue reporter while in her animagus state as a beetle. Hermione sniggered in response, she started walking across the street, the boys following on heel.
****
Inside the Magical Menagerie, Hotaru looked around for an animal that might suit her. After several minutes of shaking her head 'no', she finally made her decision and approached her foster mother.
"Couldn't I just use Luna?" She questioned, Usagi's face broke into an embarrassed grin.
"Why didn't I think of that?" She said, patting Hotaru on the back, "you're getting too smart", the princess added. The senshi left the store and was greeted with three new faces. Usagi recognized one of them on the spot from the scar. "The Boy Who Lived!" She squealed in delight and hugged Harry tightly, who was in shock at the moment.
"Bin' tellin' 'arry, Ron and Hermione 'bout all of yeh", Hagrid explained cheerfully. Hotaru backed away shyly, trying to hide behind her foster mother, but Usagi noticed and pulled her out too meet the three young Hogwarts students.
"Hotaru's going to be in your year", Usagi said cheerfully.
"Is she your daughter?" Hermione asked, shying a bit when Hotaru's expression grew colder.
"Adopted anyway", Usagi answered.
"What's your name?" Ron asked, curious to know whether she was related to Fleur or not.
"Usagi Tsukino", the princess replied, but Hagrid intervened.
"That's Madam Tsukino to yeh", Hagrid clarified sternly to Ron, Hermione and Harry. "I be gettin' these ladies back now, ye be on yer way", Hagrid shooed them off, and led the senshi back towards their entrance to the fireplace.
"What do you think?" Ron asked his companions.
"I like her", Harry replied with a smile.
****
The Great Hall was full of noisy chatter, as second to seventh year students were busy catching up on what they had done over the summer. Within a few minutes most of the staff table was also filled up and the Great Hall doors had closed, the sorting would begin soon. One of the teachers who was tight-lipped and had her gray hair tied back in a tight knot, Professor Minerva McGonagall stood and clicked her spoon on her goblet, almost immediately the hall quieted.
"Before the sorting ritual begins, I would like to introduce the new staff members and our new transfer student from Japan...I would also like to remind you that Professor Dumbledore will be away for most of the year, so he has asked a highly qualified witch to fill in..." One of the Great Hall doors creaked open as the senshi made their way through, Usagi in the lead with Hotaru following by her side. The male students were making noises somewhat to the effect of cat calls, Usagi, feeling rather excited, lifted her head to notice the roof seemed to be enchanted to look like it was open to the night sky, and candles floated in midair to illuminate the hall. She didn't notice her foot catching onto the bottom of her white robes, sending her into a dive to the floor.
"Ow..." She murmured as Rei and Hotaru rushed to help her up, suddenly Usagi broke into all smiles and began laughing hysterically, this caused a reaction with the students and laughter broke out spontaneously. Usagi brushed her arms off and continued the way to the ends of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables, approaching Professor McGonagall who asked if the princess was alright. "Just fine...I tend to do that a lot". She insisted, once again pulling Hotaru front and center. "This one needs to be sorted", Usagi clarified, Hotaru felt less nervous as Professor McGonagall smiled warmly at her, placing an old ratty witch's hat on her head.
"Hm....a transfer student..." Hotaru could hear the hat talking to her very softly. "The daughter of the Headmistress...interesting...I see a lot of courage there...and very smart...but your loyalty belongs to your princess which would make you good in Hufflepuff...but I see a darkness in you...a dangerous power if not controlled...Slytherin will help you there...so you go to SLYTHERIN!" The last word could be heard by everyone in the hall, cheers erupted from the Slytherin table as Hotaru was directed to seat herself accordingly.
"Well...shall I show you to your seats?" Professor McGonagall asked politely, directing Usagi to the center seat beside her own, Rei seated where every Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was placed every year, Ami sat in between Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout. Minako and Makoto sat next to each other beside Hagrid at the end of the table. After the senshi were seated, Professor McGonagall walked quickly to the doors of the Great Hall to let in the first years to be sorted properly into the houses.
After the hat's usual speech and the sorting was finished, Professor McGonagall again called for attention to allow Usagi to introduce herself and the senshi properly. Usagi sat up, careful not to make another embarrassing move.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts", she began, careful to remember what she had preplanned, "I am sure you will all miss Professor Dumbledore, but I promise you I will try my best to fill his shoes...I am Madam Tsukino, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts is Madam Hino, your new librarian who will be replacing Madam Pince, will be Madam Mizuno...and as well I've assigned two supervisors over you students incase you need assistance of some sort, Minako Aino and Makoto Kino..." The students murmured softly repeating what they had just heard, making sure to memorize the names. "I would like to remind you all that the forest on the grounds if off limits...also, no magic should be used in between classes in the corridors...Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term, anyone interested should contact Madam Hooch...that is all for now", with a wide grin Usagi rose her hands just as she had pictured herself doing, and the tables suddenly were filled with all sorts of delicious food. The princess sat down in her chair and dug into her food with great anticipation.
****
"She looks nice", Neville Longbottom commented to Harry, being somewhat of a failure at magic, Neville was hoping to get on the new Headmistress' good side.
"Oh she is", Hermione intervened, glancing towards the staff table, her jaw suddenly dropped, as she pulled on Ron's sleeve. "She eats more than you do", she commented, the others looked towards their new Headmistress as well and began to snigger in amusement.
"What is she using to eat with?" Ron asked, a look of puzzlement crossing his face. Hermione strained to see what the object of interest was, but smiled noticing right away what they were once she recognized them.
"Chopsticks...Asian muggles use them to eat with instead of forks", Hermione answered. Just then Professor McGonagall had seemed to have the same question on her mind, as she leaned over to inquire. Usagi smiled and pulled another set from her robes and handed them over to the Professor, giving short instructions on how to use them. Once the instructions were given, Usagi looked down at the Gryffindor table and winked at Hermione, who waved in response. Taking it as an invitation, Usagi rose from her seat and made her way around the table, walking over to the Gryffindor table.
"Enjoying the food?" She asked, looking between Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville, she smiled brightly at the latter, "I am, it's incredible..." as if to prove her point, she took a sample from Hermione's plate.
"Madam Tsukino...did you go to Hogwarts as a student?" Neville timidly asked, Usagi looked at him for a moment before smiling again.
"No, actually I spent all my time in muggle schools", she said matter-of-fact. Neville's face broke into a wide grin.
"Does that mean you're not really good at magic too?" This comment received a scolding hiss from Hermione, but Usagi only laughed.
"Most things I can do, but some subjects I would probably know less then the first year students", laughter erupted from the others as well at this comment, Usagi's eyes wandered towards the Slytherin table where Hotaru seemed to be sitting alone, "excuse me", she softly said and headed towards the other house table. She approached Hotaru, who was seated in between first and second years. "What are you doing sitting here?" Usagi asked her foster daughter curiously, who had a sad expression on her face.
"I don't know", was the answer. Usagi grabbed Hotaru's hands and pulled her from her seat, moving down towards the fifth year students. One blond in particular caught her eye, she tapped his shoulder to get his attention.
Draco Malfoy was busy talking about the upcoming Quidditch season when he felt his shoulder being tapped, looking up, he noticed the new Headmistress looking quite upset at the moment.
"Please remember that Hotaru is quite new here, I would like it if she is treated like she has been here all five years..." Usagi motioned for Crabbe (one of the larger boys seated next to Draco) to move down a seat, he reluctantly complied, as Usagi forced Hotaru to take his spot. Draco's cheeks gained color as anger arose.
"Mudbloods' don't belong in Slytherin..." he growled quietly, but Usagi had heard him, she narrowed her eyes.
"I do not want to hear that kind of language used here!" She cried out angrily, causing students that were sitting near by to turn their attention to the Headmistress. "What is your name, young man?" She demanded.
"Draco Malfoy, and you shouldn't..." Draco was about to issue a threat, but Usagi interrupted him quite quickly.
"Malfoy...I've heard that name before, and I don't care how special you think you are, to me you are just the same as any other student at this school!" She barked out, her usually pale face now flushed. "I won't take points this time, but if I ever hear that word come out of your mouth again, you will be punished appropriately, am I understood?" Draco, now stunned, nodded his head silently, not being able to place words to what he now felt, obviously he would have problems getting away with trouble, this Headmistress would prove to be a problem. Hotaru's face was whiter then ever, she glanced towards Draco and rose her eyebrows, then turned her attention back to her foster mother, who continued to speak. "Also, I will most assure you that Hotaru is 'pure-blooded', as you would word it, and is quite gifted in magic". With this said, Usagi chose this particular moment to make her return to her seat.
As she was walking back towards the staff table, she glanced along at the teachers, noticing that one in particular with long black hair and a hooked nose had seen the scene with Draco, and was making it obvious that he was not impressed.
Professor Severus Snape glared with his dark obsidian eyes at the new Headmistress, as head of the Slytherin house, he tended to favor his own house, especially Draco Malfoy. He hadn't been happy when Dumbledore announced he'd be leaving someone else in his place for the year, and had become even more unhappy when he had watched the new Headmistress walk into the Great Hall. 'Pitiful', he thought to himself, remembering how she had tripped, and how she had laughed in content after doing so. Next to him sat the new D.A.D.A. teacher, who was probably just as unqualified as the previous teachers. The fact that Madam Tsukino seemed to be foolish, along with her new staff members made the situation that much more bothersome to the Potions Master.
Usagi tried to avoid eye contact with the professor as best as she could, it almost seemed as though he was trying to bore holes into her very soul, and this frightened her a bit. Obviously she would make the choice to avoid him as much as possible.
Once making it back to the staff table, she chose to go around the opposite side of the black-haired teacher, and stopped when she reached Professor Flitwick.
"Professor, if I might have a word with you after the feast..." Usagi quietly requested, Professor Flitwick nodded in agreement, Usagi moved back into her seat just as the deserts were being sent up from the kitchens below.
****
After the feast was over, students rushed for their own common rooms, the Prefects leading the way ready to give the new passwords to the paintings at the entrance. Ami had already gone for the library to dive into books that she had never heard of before, Rei was feeling rushed, not knowing what materials she would begin with for her first time teaching, Minako and Makoto had both gone along with some seventh-year Ravenclaws of whom they became interested in during the feast. Usagi had followed along with the four Gryffindor's that she had been chatting with earlier after Hotaru had insisted she would be fine on her own (Luna and Artemis were already in the Slytherin Common room, they being treated as regular wizard's pets...).
"That was Snape..." Ron informed, as Usagi told them about the cold glare the professor had sent her, "he's like that with just about everyone...except other Slytherin's..." he continued, making it obvious he did not like the Potions Master either. "He hates Harry the most, though", Ron continued. Usagi gave Harry a questioning look, but Harry didn't have the opportunity to speak for himself as Neville cut in.
"And me, I can never do anything right, and he let's me know it all the time", Neville sated, clearly upset at the fact. Usagi patted him reassuringly on his back.
"I know how you feel...I was never good at anything...and was told so as well", she smiled warmly. "I know you're in opposite houses", Usagi began suddenly, "but Hotaru's going to have a hard time fitting in...I don't suppose you could..."
"Of course we'll make friends with her!" Hermione intervened suddenly, "I can show her around the school grounds tomorrow, we've got Transfiguration with the Slytherins first thing in the morning." The boys groaned at hearing this.
"We've got a trip to Hogsmeade coming up in a few weeks..." Ron interjected, "why don't you come along with us, Madam Tsukino?" He asked, giving a half smile of hope. Harry suddenly had an idea, and added before the princess could answer.
"I'd like it if you met my godfather,Sirius...I think he'd like you..." Harry suggested, remembering that regardless of the danger, Sirius always made an effort to see Harry, not to mention that he was currently staying with Lupin, so he was more likely to agree to meet with them now. Usagi had blushed at the last part of Harry's comment, and nodded.
"I'd like that", she answered not needing to give it any thought whatsoever. "I think all of you should get to your Common room now, though", this made the others aware of the sudden emptiness of the hallways. They gave their goodnights and rushed off towards the Gryffindor Common room.
Usagi smiled to herself, she had done a fair job in her eyes, and the maturing that she had gone through over the last few years really showed now, she seemed to be a natural at being a mentor.
Heading for her own room, Usagi's level of excitement seemed to rise again, the next day would be her first full day of being Headmistress at Hogwarts, things were going to get interesting...