****Disclaimer: ~runs for Megami*Silence~ Get me a friggin' box! Er...I don't own anything anymore...
****Author's Note: Arigatou minna-chan! You are all so sweet!! I'm so happy ~sobs~ I didn't think anyone would like it...~sniffsniff~
Oi! Well, looks like the war's on between votes for either Sirius or Snape...
Blue Frost: Ami and Remus! Girl, you just read my mind ^-^ But you don't think Snape and Usa would work? Eh? Do I smell a challenge? Uh oh...and it's all driving me nuts about the secret thing too...hehehehe
sapphirekisses: yes, Draco is annoying...but annoying people can worm their way into people's hearts though...^-^ and Hotaru *does* live with our fav little clutz, Usagi, ne?
Silver Moon Goddess: I'm still deciding as well...but perhaps she'll get to know all of them a little better, ne?
Heerosgurl: Oliver and Minako...hmmm...I suppose that would work ^-^ you're right, she needs to catch a break
Firefly-chan: hmm...too cruel...he can be, ne? Pissed me off something awful with that "no difference" comment he made to Hermione in GoF...*but* I do think people tend to look down on him too much...and Sirius/Usa fics are a little over done...hmmm...decisions...
Wingnut: Athena doesn't like dogs??? Aww....I love my big black dog...hehehe, and I used to be quite a Mamo/Usa supporter once upon a time...
Wingwriter1: aww...arigatou!
Starfury3000: arigatou for liking...but I still think Sirius and Usa are overdone...but I'm still not sure yet
Lanc: hey! You're cool!
Arigatou! To all the reviewers that I did not include...but I think I have come to a decision, (even though it'll probably piss a lot of people off ~smiles sheepishly~) although I'll still have our Usa experiment a little, so nothing is final yet.
****
That morning at breakfast, Hotaru did sit with her fellow Slytherins, despite what she usually did, sit with the Gryffindors. She didn't mind it so much now, since Draco had not bombarded her with questions that morning, since she had given him the information that had been passed out to Harry, Ron and Hermione. Draco had also bought her several confections, her mother had taken the box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, but there was more where that came from. It was like Draco was trying to buy her off, but Hotaru didn't mind, especially since her self-proclaimed rival avoided her now. The violet-eyed girl glanced towards Pansy Parkinson, who had a sulky look on her face.
"Hey Hotaru", Draco began, noticing that she had a gaze locked on the Gryffindor table, but he successfully gained her attention.
"Hmm?"
"Wanna watch our Quidditch practice today?" He asked, Hotaru studied the blond Slytherin for a few moments before nodding quietly. Just then mumbles of disapproval rose up as Harry made his way over to their table, he ignored everyone except Hotaru.
"Would you like to sit with us? I noticed you didn't seem to like where you are sitting". Draco stood up and pushed Harry back a bit.
"You're trying to steal her away from me, aren't you Potter? Well, I won't let you have her". Hotaru felt her cheeks flush, and stood herself, separating both boys from each other.
"It's alright, I'm fine Harry, but thanks". Draco smirked in triumph, but Hotaru shot him another classic deadly glare, "I'm nobody's girl, I'll decide when I belong to someone". The smirk disappeared, and Harry allowed himself to smile towards Hotaru before returning to his own seat. Draco and Hotaru sat back down, the blond Slytherin continued to glance at the violet-eyed girl repeatedly during the rest of the meal, as though he were considering several things.
****
As the day went on, it gave Usagi plenty of time to worry herself half to death about her evening lesson. Even during her lesson with Professor Flitwick, Usagi tended to lose concentration and blow up several objects by mistake. She had made sure to apologize several times, but the dwarf professor always laughed it off.
Things between Hotaru and Draco seemed to be a little different since her foster daughter began opening up, if only just a little, to the blond Slytherin. It seemed the violet-eyed girl didn't mind sitting with her own house during the meals of the day, and did take the time to talk to Draco, as Usagi had noticed while trying not to glance elsewhere.
Harry had warmed up considerably to Usagi, very happy to have had her invitation to stay with her over the summer holidays, although she wasn't sure what kind of life she would be going back to, once her duties as Headmistress was to finish.
Dumbledore had sent a letter via owl post, just to check up on things. He had mentioned The Order of the Phoenix had re-established itself and things were quiet as far as Voldemort was concerned for the time being.
Usagi also replayed the previous day over in her head, remembering her new acquaintances, and how she was looking forward to seeing the both of them again. Little did Snape know, that he would be assisting Lupin again, only through the princess this time.
She had spent some time down in the kitchens, Dobby had many things to talk about during her visit and had even introduced his fellow employee, Winky to her, who had told her own tragic story to the princess. After her visit, Hermione had approached her, and Usagi readily agreed to join S.P.E.W., she even sported one of the badges on her robes. The other senshi also joined, although it took quite a bit of persuasion on Usagi's part.
After the evening meal, Usagi went back to the Slytherin Common room to collect Hotaru's potions supplies, including the pewter cauldron, so she would *be prepared* as Snape had put it.
While walking down to the dungeons, she was once again met with Sir Cadogan, who recited a few sonnets that caused the princess' cheeks to heat. He was definitely a charmer. 'Too bad he's only a picture', she had thought amusingly to herself, 'Makoto would just adore him'.
Once again Snape was in his office, busy as usual, and did not look up when the princess entered the room. She quietly sat herself on one side of the desk and set the supplies down, folding her hands in her lap as she waited for the Potions Master to begin the lesson. Snape seated himself across from her, and looked at her as though she were a student making trouble.
"Not saying anything? That's unusual for you..." He commented dryly, but Usagi only made a face at him instead of verbally retaliating. He then noticed the S.P.E.W. badge on her robes and smirked. Usagi noticed, but again chose not to make a comment, she wished to avoid arguments, since they always involved her getting furious. Snape stood up and pushed some dry ingredients in front of Usagi, she felt her face drain of color. 'Oh no', she thought to herself, 'I'm still a terrible cook...' After unsuccessful lessons from Makoto, Usagi was still a hazard in the kitchen.
"Be warned, I might blow something up", she said, quite a serious look crossed her features. Snape smirked again in amusement at hearing this, he rose an eyebrow.
"Indeed? I'm not surprised...do you know what this is?" He asked, motioning towards dark-tinged leaves. Usagi bit her lower lip and made a stab of a guess.
"Looks like some kind of herb..."
"You should know...it is Japanese, it's called Fume, and was recently discovered for properties that can take a person's voice away for a short period of time". Snape sneered when Usagi made another face.
"How am I not surprised you'd pick something like this...and I suppose it's going to be tested on me too, right?" She didn't have to wait for his answer, and he knew it too, which is why the sneer amplified itself.
"If you don't make it right, the solution will have no effect on you, so if you're still blabbering after you drink it, we'll both know you failed to do it right." This was a challenge...and Usagi knew it. She would try, even though it meant losing her voice for a while, but she was determined to learn how to properly brew a potion anyways.
"Alright, where do we start?" Standing up herself, she removed her robes and set them on the chair, shivering after a shock of cold air touched her bare skin from the little fabric that was on the top portion of her gown. Snape rose an eyebrow at her, she noticed, "what?" She asked, but received no answer. Usagi sighed.
****
After a half an hour, the potion was finally ready to be tested. The evil goblet sat before her, just waiting to have its contents consumed. Usagi eyed it as though it were pure poison. Snape had his arms crossed over his chest and waited impatiently for the princess to get the courage to try her own potion.
"What are you waiting for?" He asked, "if it wasn't done right, you have nothing to worry about", he added silkily. Usagi gave him a quick glare.
"I know..." She stated quietly, then reached for the goblet of hot liquid, and closed her eyes tightly as she gulped it down. She shuddered as the taste was absolutely horrible, not unlike her own cooking, and set the empty goblet down. She stood still for a few moments to let the burning sensation cool from her throat. "Can you hear anything?" She asked, but realized that no noise came from her mouth, Snape had a look of disappointment quickly cross his face, but then smirked.
"It seems you did it right after all..." He commented, walking around the desk to stand near the princess, he was enjoying himself a lot right at that moment. Usagi moved her mouth to make nasty comments, but again, nothing came out. She brought her hand to her throat, and bit her lower lip to stop herself from bursting into tears.
Suddenly, the sad expression turned into that of joy when she realized that she had succeeded. She looked up at Snape and smiled triumphantly. He donned a sour look on his face when she did this. "It'll last for twenty-four hours, I would suggest deciding on what methods you will use for communication, since you now cannot annoy anyone with your useless jabbering." Usagi didn't take this as an insult, she just smirked and collected Hotaru's supplies, and waved as she left the room.
****
Usagi had no problem what-so-ever communicating the next day, instead, she used body language to speak, and wrote messages on pieces of parchment to answer questions, keeping the explanation of why she had the voice-loss on her at all times.
After breakfast, Usagi decided to go to the library, to study up for her lessons considering she knew absolutely nothing about potions. Ami was in there, reading quietly as usual, Luna and Artemis were there sitting on her desk, they too spent their days with Hogwart's new librarian.
Ami looked up when the princess entered.
"Good morning", she greeted, Usagi quickly showed her the parchment with her voice-loss explanation written on it, Ami nodded. Usagi took the quill sitting on Ami's desk and quickly scribbled what she wanted to say on some spare parchment.
'I need whatever potions books you can find', it said. Ami stood and went over to various shelves, taking books from them. Usagi shook her head not being able to believe that Ami had read nearly all of the books inside of the library. 'She's like Hermione', Usagi thought amused to herself.
"These are the basic books", Ami informed, setting a couple of texts in front of Usagi, "if you read through them", Ami rose an eyebrow indicating her doubt, "then you should know enough to follow along easily in your lessons." Usagi picked up the books, smiled towards Ami and found herself a seat at one of the tables. Various students that were in there looked curiously her way, but Usagi had to give all of her attention to reading, if she would learn anything.
She spent nearly two hours in the library, before she had to leave for her Charms lesson with Professor Flitwick. She signed the books out and waved goodbye to Ami as she hurried to the classroom where she had her lesson. She showed the parchment to the Charms teacher, who gave a small chuckle.
"I suppose we'll have to cancel today's lesson", he said, Usagi sighed and nodded her head. She waved and went on her way.
****
That afternoon Usagi decided she would be near Hotaru, just for once, during the Care of Magical Creatures class that the Slytherins had with the Gryffindors. Harry, Ron and Hermione were overly thrilled to have the Headmistress stay for their lesson. Hotaru stood near Usagi as well, although not on purpose. It seemed Harry had developed a crush on the violet-eyed girl as well, and was now competing more than ever with his rival for the affections of the senshi of Saturn. Hotaru was beside herself with the decision, she had never had a boyfriend before, and didn't know whether she necessarily wanted one.
Today's lesson involved learning how to create ink from the Drake bird's feathers, Hotaru had made a jar full of dark violet ink, while she made a bottle of soft pink for Usagi, who loved it.
Half-way through the class Usagi's attention had drifted off, her eyes wandered around, but when a shadow moving quickly through the forest caught her attention, she headed towards the pathway that led inside the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid noticed and called for her to stop, but something was drawing her to keep going.
Just before entering, Usagi turned and motioned for everyone to follow. Excited chatter quietly arose as the students followed close behind the Headmistress, while a nervous Hagrid followed in the rear. It wasn't long before they reached a clearing and the princess stopped walking. The students eyed her in question, the Gryffindors gathering closely together, as well as the Slytherins doing the same. Usagi looked towards Hotaru and smiled, then began waving her arms in the air and mouthing the word 'sing'. Hotaru understood, and began humming the tune that was most familiar to her, the star locket tune.
"What are you doing?" Draco asked, appalled at the thought of singing, Hotaru smiled and stopped humming to explain.
"Mother is summoning unicorns..." Recognition crossed Hagrid's face at hearing this.
"Unicorns are 'tracted tah pure 'earts..." Then he himself began humming a song, which was rather loud, and rather annoying, but soon other students joined in and the forest was buzzing with a mixture of odd music.
Usagi glanced towards one side of a wall of trees, and within moments she saw a flash of white in the form of a shadow that she had seen before. Many students gasped as a grand white unicorn emerged in the clearing, it's ivory horn glowing brightly from the sun. It cautiously approached Usagi, and lay its massive horn upon her shoulder.
'Greetings, your Highness', it spoke, but not aloud, through whispers in Usagi's mind, 'speak with your heart, not with your voice', it continued when Usagi forgot her predicament and tried to force out a greeting of her own.
'You know who I am?' She sent back through thought, the unicorn gave a little nicker.
'All of the creatures of the forest know who you are, Serenity, Princess of the Moon'. The unicorn backed away, and whinnied, this caused more unicorns to emerge from the forest walls, and slowly approach other students, one even having to hold its head high to touch Hagrid with its horn. Then the leader returned its horn to Usagi's shoulder. 'We can speak to only those with a pure heart...'
'Why did you want to speak to me?' Usagi asked, still wondering why the unicorn had led her into the forest.
'We wished to meet you...your power is very strong, so I could sense you'.
'But how could you?'
'I am a decedent from a nearly extinct breed, I am a Moon Unicorn, not unlike Helios, the Pegasus of dreams'. The unicorn lifted its head slightly to ruffle its white bangs, Usagi brushed the bangs back to see a mark in the shape of a crescent moon on it's forehead, though the angle was that of when the moon was in the sky. 'I myself am only over a few hundred years old, but my grandparents were in your service when the Kingdom still ruled all'.
'I do not remember all the details of my past'.
'You shall, now that you are in the magical world, soon you shall know a lifetime's worth of memories, as you learned new things at the ice catacombs.' Usagi backed away at hearing this for a moment, then remembered awaking in the ice imprisonment, and what she had learned then. Usagi brushed the unicorn's flank and smiled.
'I will...I understand, do you know why I'm here?' Again the unicorn gave a nicker in response.
'Yes, to protect Harry Potter...and you will, Voldemort now knows you're here...' At this, Usagi completely backed off, she glanced around her to make sure no one was paying attention, the students were giggling and petting the other unicorns. Taking a calming breath, Usagi allowed the moon unicorn to place its horn back on her shoulder.
'How did he find out?' Usagi asked.
'Through one of his Death Eaters...the father of a student...Malfoy'. Usagi felt herself grow cold, she looked towards the Slytherin boy who was busy trying to talk to Hotaru.
'His son...'
'Yes, his son does not know what trouble he has begun, you will be faced soon with what you have come to Hogwarts to accomplish, but do not let anyone know what I have told you, as it may cause you more trouble than help.' Usagi nodded, she understood, and knew what the unicorn had said was true.
'I understand', was her reply.
'Then I shall leave you now, good luck, Majesty'. The unicorn backed away and gave a bow before neighing and leaping back through the trees. The other unicorns followed suit and left the students. Some began whining in disappointment, but Hagrid was more than happy.
"Thank ye fer tha'!" He thanked Usagi, as the group made their way out of the forest, "quite a treat!"
She replied with a nod, smiling cheerfully as Harry bounded up to her and began telling her of how he was able to talk to a unicorn, excited that all the forest creatures thought highly of him.
"It said that I was lucky to have you watch over me", Usagi patted Harry on the back, and grinned.
****
That night Usagi had to hurry to make it to her lesson on time, she had taken a longer time at dinner, considering she had all the strawberry cheesecake she could eat. She had her supplies in hand, plus the extra potions books that she had taken out from the library with her as well. Finally reaching Snape's office, she let herself in, he was busy as usual, but took the time to look up at her and smirk.
"Not saying much tonight?" He commented, Usagi made a face, which she had tended to use a lot lately, Snape motioned for her to set up her supplies, she did so. "We're going to be making a simple shrinking solution, something quite basic..." Usagi took one of the books she had in her arms and opened up to a page with various shrinking solutions listed on it, she showed Snape what she had found, he took on a sour look on his face. Snape announced which one she would be learning, and Usagi quickly got to work.
A little under an hour later, the potion had been successfully tested, Usagi put down the dropper she had used and looked up at Snape.
"So? How did I do?" She asked, grabbing her throat when she realized that she indeed had her voice back. "It wore off!" She squealed in delight, Snape crossed his arms over his chest.
"Too bad".
****
Three weeks had passed quickly, it had approached the day of the first full moon, and Usagi had gathered all the needed ingredients for the Wolfsbane potion in her room. She had taken each ingredient one-by-one out of Snape's supplies during each lesson, careful not to have been noticed.
Usagi decided to skip dinner and take a small supply of food from the kitchens with her, making excuses and leaving when no one was watching out the front entrance where the Womping Willow lie. She was careful not to get too close to the tree, as to not be bashed by its vengeful branches. She rose a hand and concentrated, her crescent mark began glowing brightly as the tree ceased to move.
"Tsukino Usagi!" She heard quite loudly, suddenly making her stop in her tracks. The princess cautiously glanced around, and sighed when she noticed it was only Luna.
"What? I'm in a hurry!" Usagi whined.
"Where are you going?" Her guardian cat was sure to not have her charge leave off without protection.
"To help a friend", she said, giving Luna a dirty look.
"Well, I'm going with you", they were interrupted by the sound of a deeper meow not far off. An orange burly cat was approaching them, hissing towards Luna a few times.
"That's Hermione's cat", Usagi mentioned, petting Crookshanks when she began purring and rubbing against Usagi's robes. "Well? Are you coming?" She shot at Luna, and prodded the knot at the base of the Womping Willow to open the door to the tunnel that lead to the Shrieking Shack. Luna followed a distance behind Crookshanks before the door automatically shut tightly behind them.
Soon they reached the doorway to the house, and Usagi let herself in by throwing herself into the door in order to open it. Lupin was inside, staying close to the fire, his skin very pale, he looked happy at the sight of Usagi, though.
"Greetings Usagi", he said, "did you bring the potion?"
"I brought the ingredients, I can brew it here...where's Sirius?" She asked, not seeing the ex-con anywhere. As soon as she asked, a large black dog made its way into the room, and sniffed Usagi's robes. Luna meowed quite loudly, and backed up when the dog proceeded to growl at her. Then the dog backed up itself and transformed back into a man, Usagi yelped in surprise at this.
"Hey!" Sirius greeted, grinning wolfishly, "who's the cat?" He asked, motioning towards Luna.
"Oh, this is Luna, she's my cat", she turned towards Luna, "you can talk here, it's alright". Luna waited a few moments, but cleared her throat and caused Sirius' grin to widen when she spoke.
"You would take care to watch your conduct around me", she snapped.
"Woah...you sound like McGonnagall..." Sirius commented, laughing at his own comment.
"Well, I better get started", Usagi said, noticing Lupin's worsening condition. She pulled out all of the ingredients, plus Hotaru's cauldron, beginning to mix everything together. Sirius and Lupin watched her silently as she did this, not wanting to disturb her. Once everything was mixed, she placed the cauldron on a hook above the fire to let it brew, "it won't take long", she said, glancing worriedly towards Lupin. He smiled weakly at her.
Within a few minutes, Usagi had removed her robes, and used them to take the cauldron from the fireplace, and pour some of it's contents into a goblet. She picked it up and blew some of the steam, placing the goblet into Lupin's trembling hands.
"It'll be dark soon", Sirius commented, "you better leave before Remus transforms". They watched as Lupin finally drank down all of the potion, color began returning to his face.
"Nonsense", Usagi said, "I can stay the night".
"No, you can't, you're not an animagus, it's not safe for you..." Usagi's eyes began sparkling mischievously.
"I'll be fine". And as if to prove her point, she closed her eyes, the crescent mark began glowing brightly on her forehead. Sirius backed up and looked towards Luna.
"What's happening?" He half-shouted.
"She's transforming to her Lunarian state", Luna said quietly, waiting for the process to finish.
"Her what?"
Usagi's back rippled strangely, soon the purpose of having a backless gown became clear as wings sprouted from her shoulder-blades and spread out wide, the length of the ivory wings ran the same length as her body. Folding the wings, the crescent mark ceased to glow and Usagi opened her eyes, grinning as she did so.
"See?" Usagi said happily.
"You're an animagus?" Sirius asked, unbelieving.
"Sort of", she shot Luna a look to keep her guardian cat from telling more than she should. Everyone's attention then turned to Lupin, as he was taking his werewolf state. Sirius hurriedly transformed back into the black dog, and used his teeth to tug on Usagi's dress, causing her to back up.
Werewolf-Lupin growled, at first, but soon calmed and wagged his tail when he faced Usagi, she let out a sigh of relief, and patted him on the head. She then headed to the bag of food she had brought, both canines woofed happily at this, and everyone in the room shared what food was there. Usagi had also brought a block of wizard's chocolate, she showed it to Sirius, who was now Padfoot.
"This is for the morning, no doubt Remus will probably need some". She smiled when Padfoot woofed in response. The princess made herself comfortable by seating herself on the bed, Werewolf-Lupin rested his head on Usagi's lap, while Padfoot lay at the foot of the bed. Usagi stroked Lupin's fur soothingly, while he drifted off to sleep. Luna and Crookshanks curled up by the fire, though careful to keep a distance from each other.
Usagi ruffled her wings a bit, and took a deep, calming breath. She closed her eyes, and thought about how she had the wings appear every full moon. It was a nuisance, and she had had the problem for a few years now. Paying them no more attention, Usagi soon drifted off to a dreamless slumber herself, trying not to trouble herself with thoughts of the previous weeks.
****
The next morning came all too soon for the princess, as light began to filter into the room from the doorway. She first noticed the absence of her wings, then noticed that she had no feeling in her left leg. Glancing down, she realized that where a werewolf once was, Remus Lupin had his head on her lap, and was still sleeping. Usagi allowed herself a giggle at the sight.
"Good morning", a voice greeted, as Sirius walked into the room, a couple of goblets in hand. "I melted the chocolate into liquid", he mentioned, handing one of the goblets to Usagi, who took it appreciatively. As soon as she took a sip, a warm feeling shot through her body, she began giggling again.
Lupin stirred a short time later, feeling quite embarrassed that he had awaken with his head on Usagi's lap, but she didn't mind at all, she was quite thrilled that she had helped. Sirius had given his friend the other goblet of melted wizard's chocolate and Lupin had taken it quite readily.
Usagi got off the bed, and pulled her robes back over her gown, which was now quite wrinkled.
"So I will see you both again tonight?" She asked, before opening the door.
"It isn't necessary..." Lupin began, but Usagi interrupted him.
"I want to help, and I enjoy visiting, so I won't take no for an answer", she smiled gaily as both Sirius and Lupin nodded their heads. She then gathered her supplies and headed back through the tunnel, Luna and Crookshanks following closely behind.
****
It went the same every night during that week. Usagi would rush from the castle to be at the Shrieking Shack before nightfall every eve, and stay the night. Upon the last night she had been late, though...
~Flashback~
Usagi tore through Hogwarts, nightfall had already begun, and she had not made it to the Shrieking Shack yet. She had been kept late with a more difficult potions lesson that had required more time, she could've sworn that Snape had done that on purpose, but why, she'd never know.
Nearing outside, she would've made it out quietly, but Peeves the Poltergeist decided to pick on her that evening.
"Ooo...where is the Headmistress going?" He called out to no one in particular.
"Shut up Peeves!" Usagi hissed. Finally she reached outside, and felt her back begin to tingle. Stopping in her tracks, she quickly removed her robes, shivering a little from the cold night air. Her crescent mark glowed brightly, and the wings only took a few moments to exit, stretching out.
After the transformation, Usagi picked up her robes and continued on her way, listening to Peeves call out in a sing song voice.
"Ooo...Beautiful angel in the halls!" Continuously, eventually his voice fading.
She was just about to enter the doorway, when the hair on the back of her neck suddenly stood, she turned her head sideways, to see if she could see anyone watching her, but didn't see anything, so she continued on her way.
~End Flashback~
The last morning that she had with Lupin and Sirius, she had invited the both of them to come watch the first Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin, although both would have to be kept hidden from prying eyes, Usagi decided that they could come up to her office after the game and she would invite up her senshi as well as Harry, Ron and Hermione to visit. No one would know...
Reaching the dungeons, Usagi felt herself in a happy mood at what she had accomplished lately, especially happy that she had helped a friend successfully, but her mood was suddenly changed as she received a cold glare coming from her Tutor.
"What?" She asked, trying to hide the worry in her voice.
"So you've been secretly seeing the Werewolf, hmm?" Snape didn't waste time getting to the point, his voice was just as icy and dangerously low. He was obviously angry. Usagi, however, decided to attempt at playing innocent.
"What are you talking about?" She asked, her voice squeaked, however.
"You also stole supplies from me as well..."
~Flashback~
Snape was busy on his late night prowl to catch unsuspecting students as usual, when a familiar and annoying voice caught his attention.
"Oooo...beautiful..." Peeves called out, bouncing along the hallway. Snape glared at him, but the poltergeist didn't seem to care, "beware, Professor, she might bewitch you!" He sang out.
"What are you babbling about?" Snape shouted.
"Headmistress is going to make herself a ghost, so she can be with meeeeeee......she's with the Womping Willowwwwww..." Peeves chose that time to make his exit, causing Snape to grow highly suspicious. He rushed through the hallway leading to the front of the castle where the Womping Willow was. He had made it just in time to catch a glimpse of long tresses of silver-gold hair blowing in the soft breeze, and huge angel wings spread out, as the Headmistress prodded the knot at the base of the Womping Willow.
Snape watched without blinking, he moved closer, but hid in the shadows as to not attract her attention, but failed as she turned her head to look. Fortunately for him, however she continued on her way. He had been holding his breath the whole time, but as soon as she left his sight, he allowed himself to breathe again. It was hard to believe that such a creature could be the most annoying brat in all of Hogwarts.
~End Flashback~
Usagi was getting quite frightened at this point, she seemed to be easily intimidated by the Potions Master, despite her higher ranking over him. His harsh words continued to cut her deeper.
"...I should've known, you plead for me to teach you how to brew potions, and yet you end up making every one perfectly...without error...that alone should've told me you only used me to get the ingredients..."
"I did them all perfectly?!?" Usagi interrupted, not believing her ears. She had actually completed each lesson without one mistake...she was good at something? At hearing this Usagi began to laugh happily, she forgot her fear at that moment and approached Snape, who had a look of disbelief on his face as well.
"You mean to tell me that you had absolutely no knowledge of potion making..." Usagi nodded, and continued to laugh, "...then why did you steal supplies from me?" Usagi forced herself to cease her bout of laughter and took a few deep breaths before speaking.
"Just to help...that's all...I didn't mean to upset anyone." Snape didn't approve of this answer, and prodded for more.
"Why would you want to *just help*?" He growled.
"Because I've always been like that...and besides, what were you doing spying on me?" She suddenly changed the subject, placing her hands on her hips. Snape bristled at this and sneered.
"I was not *spying*, I had been on the night watch for disobedient students when that pathetic excuse of a Poltergeist decided to annoy me, babbling about you". Usagi nodded her head in understanding.
"Oh...well I'm sorry I had to secretly take..."
"You mean, *steal*..."
"Whatever...but there's no way you would've let me take it if I had asked".
"Shouldn't you have thought of why I would say no?" Snape again decided to begin glaring at the Headmistress, who shrugged her shoulders.
"I did, and it's not fair." Again Snape caught himself wondering how a brat of a child existed within the body of a full-grown woman.
"Well, I want what you took replaced...I suggest you think about how you're going to do that." Snape un-rooted himself from that spot for the first time since Usagi had entered, and moved around his desk, to pick up a piece of parchment with a list of missing ingredients on it. He began to recite what was written, but Usagi snatched the parchment from him and pocketed it in her robes.
"I already know what needs replacing, and I assure you I have full intentions of replacing everything...so can we begin the lesson now?" Snape took several moments to answer, as he was angry, but at the same time, believed for no particular reason at all, every word that she had said.
"Fine", he barked, hating how he couldn't say no to this woman.
****
The Weasley twins managed to book the Quidditch Pitch for practice more than any other team during the weeks before the season was to begin. Minako had been the decided Keeper for their team, as well as she was currently seeing Oliver Wood on the side.
That particular Saturday, the Hufflepuff team were invited to scrimmage with the Gryffindor team. Wood had often shown up during practices, he himself was going to be trying out for the national team, and helped out with the teams at Hogwarts, just to take his mind off of his own worries.
Ron, Hermione, Hotaru and Neville waited on the ground and watched silently. Everyone took their positions in the air as Wood threw the Quaffle up, into play. Further above the action, Makoto and Harry remained dormant, trying to catch a glimpse of the golden snitch, they didn't consider each other rivals, however, during practices. Makoto gave Harry a sudden smile.
"Hey, Harry, Madam Tsukino told me that we're going to be able to meet your Godfather, she's told me a lot about him, you must feel lucky". Harry delayed his answer, trying to decide whether he did consider himself lucky, considering he didn't have his parents.
"I don't know..." He mumbled. Makoto rose an eyebrow.
"How don't you know? I wish I had had a guardian to confide in when I needed it, but I live alone, and have for a while...it gets lonely". Harry looked up and studied Makoto's face for the first time, he returned her smile.
"I'm sorry".
"Oh, I don't feel bad about it of course, it helps to have friends that stick by you no matter what". Makoto was referring to herself and the other senshi, but Harry immediately thought of Ron and Hermione when she made the comment.
"I know..." He answered with. Suddenly their thoughts were interrupted when a glint of gold raced into view, instinctively both seekers dove for the snitch. Makoto had caught it not too much later, ending the game. Everyone returned to the ground, out of breath, and enjoying themselves.
"Nice move there, Kino", Wood commented, joining everyone, he then patted Harry on the back. "Better watch yourself there Potter, you've got a new rival". This comment didn't bother Harry, though, he only smiled towards Makoto, who put an arm around his shoulders.
"You're pretty good", she commented.
"You're both good!" Ron cut in as he slapped his best friend on the shoulder, with a big grin on his face. He then looked up at Makoto, his grin widening. "Hey! You two have the same eyes", he said. Makoto and Harry both became puzzled, but then looked at each other and both took notice that they each possessed emerald green eyes.
"Woah, Ron you're right!" Harry exclaimed, smiling.
"That's bloody cool...both seekers!" Ron added, the group then decided to head inside, their practice done and their stomachs growling.
****
AN: Gomen, gomen, gomen! I am soooo sorry that I didn't get this out sooner, like I promised, but I've got a busy, busy life!! Work is keeping me up long hours, and is making me sooo tired...~sigh~ never to sleep in again ~sobs~
Big arigatou to Megami*Silence (the unicorn thing was her idea), and I will *try* to get the next chapter out soon...I already have it planned out...and I can already tell you, if you are die-hard shippers, you're gonna bloody hate me ^-^
I know this chapter sucks, but I wanted to get it out before any of you killed me...hehehehe...and by the way, I still was not expecting reviews like I received, arigatou so much!! Romance starting in the next chapter, promise!!
****Author's Note: Arigatou minna-chan! You are all so sweet!! I'm so happy ~sobs~ I didn't think anyone would like it...~sniffsniff~
Oi! Well, looks like the war's on between votes for either Sirius or Snape...
Blue Frost: Ami and Remus! Girl, you just read my mind ^-^ But you don't think Snape and Usa would work? Eh? Do I smell a challenge? Uh oh...and it's all driving me nuts about the secret thing too...hehehehe
sapphirekisses: yes, Draco is annoying...but annoying people can worm their way into people's hearts though...^-^ and Hotaru *does* live with our fav little clutz, Usagi, ne?
Silver Moon Goddess: I'm still deciding as well...but perhaps she'll get to know all of them a little better, ne?
Heerosgurl: Oliver and Minako...hmmm...I suppose that would work ^-^ you're right, she needs to catch a break
Firefly-chan: hmm...too cruel...he can be, ne? Pissed me off something awful with that "no difference" comment he made to Hermione in GoF...*but* I do think people tend to look down on him too much...and Sirius/Usa fics are a little over done...hmmm...decisions...
Wingnut: Athena doesn't like dogs??? Aww....I love my big black dog...hehehe, and I used to be quite a Mamo/Usa supporter once upon a time...
Wingwriter1: aww...arigatou!
Starfury3000: arigatou for liking...but I still think Sirius and Usa are overdone...but I'm still not sure yet
Lanc: hey! You're cool!
Arigatou! To all the reviewers that I did not include...but I think I have come to a decision, (even though it'll probably piss a lot of people off ~smiles sheepishly~) although I'll still have our Usa experiment a little, so nothing is final yet.
****
That morning at breakfast, Hotaru did sit with her fellow Slytherins, despite what she usually did, sit with the Gryffindors. She didn't mind it so much now, since Draco had not bombarded her with questions that morning, since she had given him the information that had been passed out to Harry, Ron and Hermione. Draco had also bought her several confections, her mother had taken the box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, but there was more where that came from. It was like Draco was trying to buy her off, but Hotaru didn't mind, especially since her self-proclaimed rival avoided her now. The violet-eyed girl glanced towards Pansy Parkinson, who had a sulky look on her face.
"Hey Hotaru", Draco began, noticing that she had a gaze locked on the Gryffindor table, but he successfully gained her attention.
"Hmm?"
"Wanna watch our Quidditch practice today?" He asked, Hotaru studied the blond Slytherin for a few moments before nodding quietly. Just then mumbles of disapproval rose up as Harry made his way over to their table, he ignored everyone except Hotaru.
"Would you like to sit with us? I noticed you didn't seem to like where you are sitting". Draco stood up and pushed Harry back a bit.
"You're trying to steal her away from me, aren't you Potter? Well, I won't let you have her". Hotaru felt her cheeks flush, and stood herself, separating both boys from each other.
"It's alright, I'm fine Harry, but thanks". Draco smirked in triumph, but Hotaru shot him another classic deadly glare, "I'm nobody's girl, I'll decide when I belong to someone". The smirk disappeared, and Harry allowed himself to smile towards Hotaru before returning to his own seat. Draco and Hotaru sat back down, the blond Slytherin continued to glance at the violet-eyed girl repeatedly during the rest of the meal, as though he were considering several things.
****
As the day went on, it gave Usagi plenty of time to worry herself half to death about her evening lesson. Even during her lesson with Professor Flitwick, Usagi tended to lose concentration and blow up several objects by mistake. She had made sure to apologize several times, but the dwarf professor always laughed it off.
Things between Hotaru and Draco seemed to be a little different since her foster daughter began opening up, if only just a little, to the blond Slytherin. It seemed the violet-eyed girl didn't mind sitting with her own house during the meals of the day, and did take the time to talk to Draco, as Usagi had noticed while trying not to glance elsewhere.
Harry had warmed up considerably to Usagi, very happy to have had her invitation to stay with her over the summer holidays, although she wasn't sure what kind of life she would be going back to, once her duties as Headmistress was to finish.
Dumbledore had sent a letter via owl post, just to check up on things. He had mentioned The Order of the Phoenix had re-established itself and things were quiet as far as Voldemort was concerned for the time being.
Usagi also replayed the previous day over in her head, remembering her new acquaintances, and how she was looking forward to seeing the both of them again. Little did Snape know, that he would be assisting Lupin again, only through the princess this time.
She had spent some time down in the kitchens, Dobby had many things to talk about during her visit and had even introduced his fellow employee, Winky to her, who had told her own tragic story to the princess. After her visit, Hermione had approached her, and Usagi readily agreed to join S.P.E.W., she even sported one of the badges on her robes. The other senshi also joined, although it took quite a bit of persuasion on Usagi's part.
After the evening meal, Usagi went back to the Slytherin Common room to collect Hotaru's potions supplies, including the pewter cauldron, so she would *be prepared* as Snape had put it.
While walking down to the dungeons, she was once again met with Sir Cadogan, who recited a few sonnets that caused the princess' cheeks to heat. He was definitely a charmer. 'Too bad he's only a picture', she had thought amusingly to herself, 'Makoto would just adore him'.
Once again Snape was in his office, busy as usual, and did not look up when the princess entered the room. She quietly sat herself on one side of the desk and set the supplies down, folding her hands in her lap as she waited for the Potions Master to begin the lesson. Snape seated himself across from her, and looked at her as though she were a student making trouble.
"Not saying anything? That's unusual for you..." He commented dryly, but Usagi only made a face at him instead of verbally retaliating. He then noticed the S.P.E.W. badge on her robes and smirked. Usagi noticed, but again chose not to make a comment, she wished to avoid arguments, since they always involved her getting furious. Snape stood up and pushed some dry ingredients in front of Usagi, she felt her face drain of color. 'Oh no', she thought to herself, 'I'm still a terrible cook...' After unsuccessful lessons from Makoto, Usagi was still a hazard in the kitchen.
"Be warned, I might blow something up", she said, quite a serious look crossed her features. Snape smirked again in amusement at hearing this, he rose an eyebrow.
"Indeed? I'm not surprised...do you know what this is?" He asked, motioning towards dark-tinged leaves. Usagi bit her lower lip and made a stab of a guess.
"Looks like some kind of herb..."
"You should know...it is Japanese, it's called Fume, and was recently discovered for properties that can take a person's voice away for a short period of time". Snape sneered when Usagi made another face.
"How am I not surprised you'd pick something like this...and I suppose it's going to be tested on me too, right?" She didn't have to wait for his answer, and he knew it too, which is why the sneer amplified itself.
"If you don't make it right, the solution will have no effect on you, so if you're still blabbering after you drink it, we'll both know you failed to do it right." This was a challenge...and Usagi knew it. She would try, even though it meant losing her voice for a while, but she was determined to learn how to properly brew a potion anyways.
"Alright, where do we start?" Standing up herself, she removed her robes and set them on the chair, shivering after a shock of cold air touched her bare skin from the little fabric that was on the top portion of her gown. Snape rose an eyebrow at her, she noticed, "what?" She asked, but received no answer. Usagi sighed.
****
After a half an hour, the potion was finally ready to be tested. The evil goblet sat before her, just waiting to have its contents consumed. Usagi eyed it as though it were pure poison. Snape had his arms crossed over his chest and waited impatiently for the princess to get the courage to try her own potion.
"What are you waiting for?" He asked, "if it wasn't done right, you have nothing to worry about", he added silkily. Usagi gave him a quick glare.
"I know..." She stated quietly, then reached for the goblet of hot liquid, and closed her eyes tightly as she gulped it down. She shuddered as the taste was absolutely horrible, not unlike her own cooking, and set the empty goblet down. She stood still for a few moments to let the burning sensation cool from her throat. "Can you hear anything?" She asked, but realized that no noise came from her mouth, Snape had a look of disappointment quickly cross his face, but then smirked.
"It seems you did it right after all..." He commented, walking around the desk to stand near the princess, he was enjoying himself a lot right at that moment. Usagi moved her mouth to make nasty comments, but again, nothing came out. She brought her hand to her throat, and bit her lower lip to stop herself from bursting into tears.
Suddenly, the sad expression turned into that of joy when she realized that she had succeeded. She looked up at Snape and smiled triumphantly. He donned a sour look on his face when she did this. "It'll last for twenty-four hours, I would suggest deciding on what methods you will use for communication, since you now cannot annoy anyone with your useless jabbering." Usagi didn't take this as an insult, she just smirked and collected Hotaru's supplies, and waved as she left the room.
****
Usagi had no problem what-so-ever communicating the next day, instead, she used body language to speak, and wrote messages on pieces of parchment to answer questions, keeping the explanation of why she had the voice-loss on her at all times.
After breakfast, Usagi decided to go to the library, to study up for her lessons considering she knew absolutely nothing about potions. Ami was in there, reading quietly as usual, Luna and Artemis were there sitting on her desk, they too spent their days with Hogwart's new librarian.
Ami looked up when the princess entered.
"Good morning", she greeted, Usagi quickly showed her the parchment with her voice-loss explanation written on it, Ami nodded. Usagi took the quill sitting on Ami's desk and quickly scribbled what she wanted to say on some spare parchment.
'I need whatever potions books you can find', it said. Ami stood and went over to various shelves, taking books from them. Usagi shook her head not being able to believe that Ami had read nearly all of the books inside of the library. 'She's like Hermione', Usagi thought amused to herself.
"These are the basic books", Ami informed, setting a couple of texts in front of Usagi, "if you read through them", Ami rose an eyebrow indicating her doubt, "then you should know enough to follow along easily in your lessons." Usagi picked up the books, smiled towards Ami and found herself a seat at one of the tables. Various students that were in there looked curiously her way, but Usagi had to give all of her attention to reading, if she would learn anything.
She spent nearly two hours in the library, before she had to leave for her Charms lesson with Professor Flitwick. She signed the books out and waved goodbye to Ami as she hurried to the classroom where she had her lesson. She showed the parchment to the Charms teacher, who gave a small chuckle.
"I suppose we'll have to cancel today's lesson", he said, Usagi sighed and nodded her head. She waved and went on her way.
****
That afternoon Usagi decided she would be near Hotaru, just for once, during the Care of Magical Creatures class that the Slytherins had with the Gryffindors. Harry, Ron and Hermione were overly thrilled to have the Headmistress stay for their lesson. Hotaru stood near Usagi as well, although not on purpose. It seemed Harry had developed a crush on the violet-eyed girl as well, and was now competing more than ever with his rival for the affections of the senshi of Saturn. Hotaru was beside herself with the decision, she had never had a boyfriend before, and didn't know whether she necessarily wanted one.
Today's lesson involved learning how to create ink from the Drake bird's feathers, Hotaru had made a jar full of dark violet ink, while she made a bottle of soft pink for Usagi, who loved it.
Half-way through the class Usagi's attention had drifted off, her eyes wandered around, but when a shadow moving quickly through the forest caught her attention, she headed towards the pathway that led inside the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid noticed and called for her to stop, but something was drawing her to keep going.
Just before entering, Usagi turned and motioned for everyone to follow. Excited chatter quietly arose as the students followed close behind the Headmistress, while a nervous Hagrid followed in the rear. It wasn't long before they reached a clearing and the princess stopped walking. The students eyed her in question, the Gryffindors gathering closely together, as well as the Slytherins doing the same. Usagi looked towards Hotaru and smiled, then began waving her arms in the air and mouthing the word 'sing'. Hotaru understood, and began humming the tune that was most familiar to her, the star locket tune.
"What are you doing?" Draco asked, appalled at the thought of singing, Hotaru smiled and stopped humming to explain.
"Mother is summoning unicorns..." Recognition crossed Hagrid's face at hearing this.
"Unicorns are 'tracted tah pure 'earts..." Then he himself began humming a song, which was rather loud, and rather annoying, but soon other students joined in and the forest was buzzing with a mixture of odd music.
Usagi glanced towards one side of a wall of trees, and within moments she saw a flash of white in the form of a shadow that she had seen before. Many students gasped as a grand white unicorn emerged in the clearing, it's ivory horn glowing brightly from the sun. It cautiously approached Usagi, and lay its massive horn upon her shoulder.
'Greetings, your Highness', it spoke, but not aloud, through whispers in Usagi's mind, 'speak with your heart, not with your voice', it continued when Usagi forgot her predicament and tried to force out a greeting of her own.
'You know who I am?' She sent back through thought, the unicorn gave a little nicker.
'All of the creatures of the forest know who you are, Serenity, Princess of the Moon'. The unicorn backed away, and whinnied, this caused more unicorns to emerge from the forest walls, and slowly approach other students, one even having to hold its head high to touch Hagrid with its horn. Then the leader returned its horn to Usagi's shoulder. 'We can speak to only those with a pure heart...'
'Why did you want to speak to me?' Usagi asked, still wondering why the unicorn had led her into the forest.
'We wished to meet you...your power is very strong, so I could sense you'.
'But how could you?'
'I am a decedent from a nearly extinct breed, I am a Moon Unicorn, not unlike Helios, the Pegasus of dreams'. The unicorn lifted its head slightly to ruffle its white bangs, Usagi brushed the bangs back to see a mark in the shape of a crescent moon on it's forehead, though the angle was that of when the moon was in the sky. 'I myself am only over a few hundred years old, but my grandparents were in your service when the Kingdom still ruled all'.
'I do not remember all the details of my past'.
'You shall, now that you are in the magical world, soon you shall know a lifetime's worth of memories, as you learned new things at the ice catacombs.' Usagi backed away at hearing this for a moment, then remembered awaking in the ice imprisonment, and what she had learned then. Usagi brushed the unicorn's flank and smiled.
'I will...I understand, do you know why I'm here?' Again the unicorn gave a nicker in response.
'Yes, to protect Harry Potter...and you will, Voldemort now knows you're here...' At this, Usagi completely backed off, she glanced around her to make sure no one was paying attention, the students were giggling and petting the other unicorns. Taking a calming breath, Usagi allowed the moon unicorn to place its horn back on her shoulder.
'How did he find out?' Usagi asked.
'Through one of his Death Eaters...the father of a student...Malfoy'. Usagi felt herself grow cold, she looked towards the Slytherin boy who was busy trying to talk to Hotaru.
'His son...'
'Yes, his son does not know what trouble he has begun, you will be faced soon with what you have come to Hogwarts to accomplish, but do not let anyone know what I have told you, as it may cause you more trouble than help.' Usagi nodded, she understood, and knew what the unicorn had said was true.
'I understand', was her reply.
'Then I shall leave you now, good luck, Majesty'. The unicorn backed away and gave a bow before neighing and leaping back through the trees. The other unicorns followed suit and left the students. Some began whining in disappointment, but Hagrid was more than happy.
"Thank ye fer tha'!" He thanked Usagi, as the group made their way out of the forest, "quite a treat!"
She replied with a nod, smiling cheerfully as Harry bounded up to her and began telling her of how he was able to talk to a unicorn, excited that all the forest creatures thought highly of him.
"It said that I was lucky to have you watch over me", Usagi patted Harry on the back, and grinned.
****
That night Usagi had to hurry to make it to her lesson on time, she had taken a longer time at dinner, considering she had all the strawberry cheesecake she could eat. She had her supplies in hand, plus the extra potions books that she had taken out from the library with her as well. Finally reaching Snape's office, she let herself in, he was busy as usual, but took the time to look up at her and smirk.
"Not saying much tonight?" He commented, Usagi made a face, which she had tended to use a lot lately, Snape motioned for her to set up her supplies, she did so. "We're going to be making a simple shrinking solution, something quite basic..." Usagi took one of the books she had in her arms and opened up to a page with various shrinking solutions listed on it, she showed Snape what she had found, he took on a sour look on his face. Snape announced which one she would be learning, and Usagi quickly got to work.
A little under an hour later, the potion had been successfully tested, Usagi put down the dropper she had used and looked up at Snape.
"So? How did I do?" She asked, grabbing her throat when she realized that she indeed had her voice back. "It wore off!" She squealed in delight, Snape crossed his arms over his chest.
"Too bad".
****
Three weeks had passed quickly, it had approached the day of the first full moon, and Usagi had gathered all the needed ingredients for the Wolfsbane potion in her room. She had taken each ingredient one-by-one out of Snape's supplies during each lesson, careful not to have been noticed.
Usagi decided to skip dinner and take a small supply of food from the kitchens with her, making excuses and leaving when no one was watching out the front entrance where the Womping Willow lie. She was careful not to get too close to the tree, as to not be bashed by its vengeful branches. She rose a hand and concentrated, her crescent mark began glowing brightly as the tree ceased to move.
"Tsukino Usagi!" She heard quite loudly, suddenly making her stop in her tracks. The princess cautiously glanced around, and sighed when she noticed it was only Luna.
"What? I'm in a hurry!" Usagi whined.
"Where are you going?" Her guardian cat was sure to not have her charge leave off without protection.
"To help a friend", she said, giving Luna a dirty look.
"Well, I'm going with you", they were interrupted by the sound of a deeper meow not far off. An orange burly cat was approaching them, hissing towards Luna a few times.
"That's Hermione's cat", Usagi mentioned, petting Crookshanks when she began purring and rubbing against Usagi's robes. "Well? Are you coming?" She shot at Luna, and prodded the knot at the base of the Womping Willow to open the door to the tunnel that lead to the Shrieking Shack. Luna followed a distance behind Crookshanks before the door automatically shut tightly behind them.
Soon they reached the doorway to the house, and Usagi let herself in by throwing herself into the door in order to open it. Lupin was inside, staying close to the fire, his skin very pale, he looked happy at the sight of Usagi, though.
"Greetings Usagi", he said, "did you bring the potion?"
"I brought the ingredients, I can brew it here...where's Sirius?" She asked, not seeing the ex-con anywhere. As soon as she asked, a large black dog made its way into the room, and sniffed Usagi's robes. Luna meowed quite loudly, and backed up when the dog proceeded to growl at her. Then the dog backed up itself and transformed back into a man, Usagi yelped in surprise at this.
"Hey!" Sirius greeted, grinning wolfishly, "who's the cat?" He asked, motioning towards Luna.
"Oh, this is Luna, she's my cat", she turned towards Luna, "you can talk here, it's alright". Luna waited a few moments, but cleared her throat and caused Sirius' grin to widen when she spoke.
"You would take care to watch your conduct around me", she snapped.
"Woah...you sound like McGonnagall..." Sirius commented, laughing at his own comment.
"Well, I better get started", Usagi said, noticing Lupin's worsening condition. She pulled out all of the ingredients, plus Hotaru's cauldron, beginning to mix everything together. Sirius and Lupin watched her silently as she did this, not wanting to disturb her. Once everything was mixed, she placed the cauldron on a hook above the fire to let it brew, "it won't take long", she said, glancing worriedly towards Lupin. He smiled weakly at her.
Within a few minutes, Usagi had removed her robes, and used them to take the cauldron from the fireplace, and pour some of it's contents into a goblet. She picked it up and blew some of the steam, placing the goblet into Lupin's trembling hands.
"It'll be dark soon", Sirius commented, "you better leave before Remus transforms". They watched as Lupin finally drank down all of the potion, color began returning to his face.
"Nonsense", Usagi said, "I can stay the night".
"No, you can't, you're not an animagus, it's not safe for you..." Usagi's eyes began sparkling mischievously.
"I'll be fine". And as if to prove her point, she closed her eyes, the crescent mark began glowing brightly on her forehead. Sirius backed up and looked towards Luna.
"What's happening?" He half-shouted.
"She's transforming to her Lunarian state", Luna said quietly, waiting for the process to finish.
"Her what?"
Usagi's back rippled strangely, soon the purpose of having a backless gown became clear as wings sprouted from her shoulder-blades and spread out wide, the length of the ivory wings ran the same length as her body. Folding the wings, the crescent mark ceased to glow and Usagi opened her eyes, grinning as she did so.
"See?" Usagi said happily.
"You're an animagus?" Sirius asked, unbelieving.
"Sort of", she shot Luna a look to keep her guardian cat from telling more than she should. Everyone's attention then turned to Lupin, as he was taking his werewolf state. Sirius hurriedly transformed back into the black dog, and used his teeth to tug on Usagi's dress, causing her to back up.
Werewolf-Lupin growled, at first, but soon calmed and wagged his tail when he faced Usagi, she let out a sigh of relief, and patted him on the head. She then headed to the bag of food she had brought, both canines woofed happily at this, and everyone in the room shared what food was there. Usagi had also brought a block of wizard's chocolate, she showed it to Sirius, who was now Padfoot.
"This is for the morning, no doubt Remus will probably need some". She smiled when Padfoot woofed in response. The princess made herself comfortable by seating herself on the bed, Werewolf-Lupin rested his head on Usagi's lap, while Padfoot lay at the foot of the bed. Usagi stroked Lupin's fur soothingly, while he drifted off to sleep. Luna and Crookshanks curled up by the fire, though careful to keep a distance from each other.
Usagi ruffled her wings a bit, and took a deep, calming breath. She closed her eyes, and thought about how she had the wings appear every full moon. It was a nuisance, and she had had the problem for a few years now. Paying them no more attention, Usagi soon drifted off to a dreamless slumber herself, trying not to trouble herself with thoughts of the previous weeks.
****
The next morning came all too soon for the princess, as light began to filter into the room from the doorway. She first noticed the absence of her wings, then noticed that she had no feeling in her left leg. Glancing down, she realized that where a werewolf once was, Remus Lupin had his head on her lap, and was still sleeping. Usagi allowed herself a giggle at the sight.
"Good morning", a voice greeted, as Sirius walked into the room, a couple of goblets in hand. "I melted the chocolate into liquid", he mentioned, handing one of the goblets to Usagi, who took it appreciatively. As soon as she took a sip, a warm feeling shot through her body, she began giggling again.
Lupin stirred a short time later, feeling quite embarrassed that he had awaken with his head on Usagi's lap, but she didn't mind at all, she was quite thrilled that she had helped. Sirius had given his friend the other goblet of melted wizard's chocolate and Lupin had taken it quite readily.
Usagi got off the bed, and pulled her robes back over her gown, which was now quite wrinkled.
"So I will see you both again tonight?" She asked, before opening the door.
"It isn't necessary..." Lupin began, but Usagi interrupted him.
"I want to help, and I enjoy visiting, so I won't take no for an answer", she smiled gaily as both Sirius and Lupin nodded their heads. She then gathered her supplies and headed back through the tunnel, Luna and Crookshanks following closely behind.
****
It went the same every night during that week. Usagi would rush from the castle to be at the Shrieking Shack before nightfall every eve, and stay the night. Upon the last night she had been late, though...
~Flashback~
Usagi tore through Hogwarts, nightfall had already begun, and she had not made it to the Shrieking Shack yet. She had been kept late with a more difficult potions lesson that had required more time, she could've sworn that Snape had done that on purpose, but why, she'd never know.
Nearing outside, she would've made it out quietly, but Peeves the Poltergeist decided to pick on her that evening.
"Ooo...where is the Headmistress going?" He called out to no one in particular.
"Shut up Peeves!" Usagi hissed. Finally she reached outside, and felt her back begin to tingle. Stopping in her tracks, she quickly removed her robes, shivering a little from the cold night air. Her crescent mark glowed brightly, and the wings only took a few moments to exit, stretching out.
After the transformation, Usagi picked up her robes and continued on her way, listening to Peeves call out in a sing song voice.
"Ooo...Beautiful angel in the halls!" Continuously, eventually his voice fading.
She was just about to enter the doorway, when the hair on the back of her neck suddenly stood, she turned her head sideways, to see if she could see anyone watching her, but didn't see anything, so she continued on her way.
~End Flashback~
The last morning that she had with Lupin and Sirius, she had invited the both of them to come watch the first Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin, although both would have to be kept hidden from prying eyes, Usagi decided that they could come up to her office after the game and she would invite up her senshi as well as Harry, Ron and Hermione to visit. No one would know...
Reaching the dungeons, Usagi felt herself in a happy mood at what she had accomplished lately, especially happy that she had helped a friend successfully, but her mood was suddenly changed as she received a cold glare coming from her Tutor.
"What?" She asked, trying to hide the worry in her voice.
"So you've been secretly seeing the Werewolf, hmm?" Snape didn't waste time getting to the point, his voice was just as icy and dangerously low. He was obviously angry. Usagi, however, decided to attempt at playing innocent.
"What are you talking about?" She asked, her voice squeaked, however.
"You also stole supplies from me as well..."
~Flashback~
Snape was busy on his late night prowl to catch unsuspecting students as usual, when a familiar and annoying voice caught his attention.
"Oooo...beautiful..." Peeves called out, bouncing along the hallway. Snape glared at him, but the poltergeist didn't seem to care, "beware, Professor, she might bewitch you!" He sang out.
"What are you babbling about?" Snape shouted.
"Headmistress is going to make herself a ghost, so she can be with meeeeeee......she's with the Womping Willowwwwww..." Peeves chose that time to make his exit, causing Snape to grow highly suspicious. He rushed through the hallway leading to the front of the castle where the Womping Willow was. He had made it just in time to catch a glimpse of long tresses of silver-gold hair blowing in the soft breeze, and huge angel wings spread out, as the Headmistress prodded the knot at the base of the Womping Willow.
Snape watched without blinking, he moved closer, but hid in the shadows as to not attract her attention, but failed as she turned her head to look. Fortunately for him, however she continued on her way. He had been holding his breath the whole time, but as soon as she left his sight, he allowed himself to breathe again. It was hard to believe that such a creature could be the most annoying brat in all of Hogwarts.
~End Flashback~
Usagi was getting quite frightened at this point, she seemed to be easily intimidated by the Potions Master, despite her higher ranking over him. His harsh words continued to cut her deeper.
"...I should've known, you plead for me to teach you how to brew potions, and yet you end up making every one perfectly...without error...that alone should've told me you only used me to get the ingredients..."
"I did them all perfectly?!?" Usagi interrupted, not believing her ears. She had actually completed each lesson without one mistake...she was good at something? At hearing this Usagi began to laugh happily, she forgot her fear at that moment and approached Snape, who had a look of disbelief on his face as well.
"You mean to tell me that you had absolutely no knowledge of potion making..." Usagi nodded, and continued to laugh, "...then why did you steal supplies from me?" Usagi forced herself to cease her bout of laughter and took a few deep breaths before speaking.
"Just to help...that's all...I didn't mean to upset anyone." Snape didn't approve of this answer, and prodded for more.
"Why would you want to *just help*?" He growled.
"Because I've always been like that...and besides, what were you doing spying on me?" She suddenly changed the subject, placing her hands on her hips. Snape bristled at this and sneered.
"I was not *spying*, I had been on the night watch for disobedient students when that pathetic excuse of a Poltergeist decided to annoy me, babbling about you". Usagi nodded her head in understanding.
"Oh...well I'm sorry I had to secretly take..."
"You mean, *steal*..."
"Whatever...but there's no way you would've let me take it if I had asked".
"Shouldn't you have thought of why I would say no?" Snape again decided to begin glaring at the Headmistress, who shrugged her shoulders.
"I did, and it's not fair." Again Snape caught himself wondering how a brat of a child existed within the body of a full-grown woman.
"Well, I want what you took replaced...I suggest you think about how you're going to do that." Snape un-rooted himself from that spot for the first time since Usagi had entered, and moved around his desk, to pick up a piece of parchment with a list of missing ingredients on it. He began to recite what was written, but Usagi snatched the parchment from him and pocketed it in her robes.
"I already know what needs replacing, and I assure you I have full intentions of replacing everything...so can we begin the lesson now?" Snape took several moments to answer, as he was angry, but at the same time, believed for no particular reason at all, every word that she had said.
"Fine", he barked, hating how he couldn't say no to this woman.
****
The Weasley twins managed to book the Quidditch Pitch for practice more than any other team during the weeks before the season was to begin. Minako had been the decided Keeper for their team, as well as she was currently seeing Oliver Wood on the side.
That particular Saturday, the Hufflepuff team were invited to scrimmage with the Gryffindor team. Wood had often shown up during practices, he himself was going to be trying out for the national team, and helped out with the teams at Hogwarts, just to take his mind off of his own worries.
Ron, Hermione, Hotaru and Neville waited on the ground and watched silently. Everyone took their positions in the air as Wood threw the Quaffle up, into play. Further above the action, Makoto and Harry remained dormant, trying to catch a glimpse of the golden snitch, they didn't consider each other rivals, however, during practices. Makoto gave Harry a sudden smile.
"Hey, Harry, Madam Tsukino told me that we're going to be able to meet your Godfather, she's told me a lot about him, you must feel lucky". Harry delayed his answer, trying to decide whether he did consider himself lucky, considering he didn't have his parents.
"I don't know..." He mumbled. Makoto rose an eyebrow.
"How don't you know? I wish I had had a guardian to confide in when I needed it, but I live alone, and have for a while...it gets lonely". Harry looked up and studied Makoto's face for the first time, he returned her smile.
"I'm sorry".
"Oh, I don't feel bad about it of course, it helps to have friends that stick by you no matter what". Makoto was referring to herself and the other senshi, but Harry immediately thought of Ron and Hermione when she made the comment.
"I know..." He answered with. Suddenly their thoughts were interrupted when a glint of gold raced into view, instinctively both seekers dove for the snitch. Makoto had caught it not too much later, ending the game. Everyone returned to the ground, out of breath, and enjoying themselves.
"Nice move there, Kino", Wood commented, joining everyone, he then patted Harry on the back. "Better watch yourself there Potter, you've got a new rival". This comment didn't bother Harry, though, he only smiled towards Makoto, who put an arm around his shoulders.
"You're pretty good", she commented.
"You're both good!" Ron cut in as he slapped his best friend on the shoulder, with a big grin on his face. He then looked up at Makoto, his grin widening. "Hey! You two have the same eyes", he said. Makoto and Harry both became puzzled, but then looked at each other and both took notice that they each possessed emerald green eyes.
"Woah, Ron you're right!" Harry exclaimed, smiling.
"That's bloody cool...both seekers!" Ron added, the group then decided to head inside, their practice done and their stomachs growling.
****
AN: Gomen, gomen, gomen! I am soooo sorry that I didn't get this out sooner, like I promised, but I've got a busy, busy life!! Work is keeping me up long hours, and is making me sooo tired...~sigh~ never to sleep in again ~sobs~
Big arigatou to Megami*Silence (the unicorn thing was her idea), and I will *try* to get the next chapter out soon...I already have it planned out...and I can already tell you, if you are die-hard shippers, you're gonna bloody hate me ^-^
I know this chapter sucks, but I wanted to get it out before any of you killed me...hehehehe...and by the way, I still was not expecting reviews like I received, arigatou so much!! Romance starting in the next chapter, promise!!