****Disclaimer: I finally got a new box but I had to use it to start a fire ~sobs~ oh yeah...don't own 'em
****Author's Note: VOTING POLLS OFFICIALLY CLOSED!
WARNING!! Die-hard shippers you're going to hate me ~sobs~ This fic is actually going to be taking a darker tone once the secrets that Usagi learned in the ice catacombs are revealed, so everything has its purpose...
The Sovereign of Selenity: hai, slow, but work has kept me busy...bad excuse I know ~smiles sheepishly~ and you're right about Draco and Hotaru...trust...my imouto was the one to decide that coupling from the start...hehehe...but I had to play around...and you'd oppose??!? ~sniff~ ok, I understand
Sailor Millenia: Mako's not related, it's just a crazy coincidence ^-^
Silver Moon Goddess: So very Usa-like to cuddle, ne?
Blue Frost: grrrrrr.??? Oo...I dunno how to take that ~-~...hehehehe, and Minako does have a suffocating personality....you're sooo right!! I can tell you're a Draco fan...hehehe, me too! And I like Sirius...with Usa...but I don't think it'll fit with what I've got planned (fic is going to get darker...)
Timbo Gurl: ahhhhhhh............you're sooooooo sweet!!!!!!! I wuve you! Uh...no..but seriously, I totally agree with everything you say!! You're so right! You didn't bore me, I've never received such an insightful review...awww...arigatou!! And you nailed everything right on the dot when you mentioned how each different pairing would work...hell, challenge? You bet, and I love it!
****
Minako walked down the hallway towards the room where the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team waited, arm in arm with her new love interest, Oliver Wood. She was dressed in the regal scarlet and gold Quidditch robes, noisily chatting with the young man next to her.
"So you made it?" Minako asked eagerly, as they discussed Wood's trials for the national team. The Irish boy smiled triumphantly.
"Put it this way Luv, I could be at the next World Cup". Minako replied with a squeal of delight, she attached herself to Wood as best as she could while they continued walking.
"Wow...maybe I could try for the Japanese team? Do they even have one...?"
"Oh sure they do, wizards all over the world know about Quidditch". Minako's light blue eyes sparkled happily.
"Ooo...! I could just imagine!" She gave another squeal of delight. Finally they approached the rest of the team, of which everyone was very nervous for their first game in two years. Wood was ready to dive into a victory speech, but Fred covered his mouth.
"Not another one", Katie Bell warned, shooting their former team mate a warning glance. Wood laughed in response, then turned to Minako to plant a kiss on her cheek.
"Can't stay long, Luv, I have to get going after the game". Minako puffed out her lower lip, but smiled as Wood left the area. The bubbly blond then gave Harry a tight hug.
"You're going to win for us, aren't you Harry?" She commented, ruffling his hair.
"I'll try", the younger boy replied, smiling shyly at the overly-confident senshi. Minako leaned in close to his ear.
"Usa told me I'd be giving out a make-over today". Harry rose his eyebrows.
"What's a *Make-over*?" He asked, but received no reply as they listened to Lee Jordan announce their names outside.
****
Usagi, Makoto, Rei and Ami all walked together while heading for the staff stands to watch the Quidditch game. Luna and Artemis trailed them, chatting quietly along the way.
"I found out that Harry has a small crush on Hotaru", Rei mentioned, smirking towards Usagi, who also smiled back.
"I've known about that for a while, but it seems her beauty has caught other attention as well", a chorus of giggles rang out from Rei and Makoto at this, Ami just smiled appreciatively. Usagi then threw her arms around the blue-haired woman dramatically. "Ami-chan! You spend too much time in books!" Ami brushed Usagi's hands off just as they reached their destination. All four sat together, Luna sitting upon Ami's lap, and Artemis upon Makoto's. Feeling quite brave, Usagi excused herself and stood, moving to a different seating position, beside Snape, who rose an eyebrow at her.
"What have you come to bother me for this time?" He wasted no time in getting Usagi heated up in anger, but she did not begin a retaliation.
"Is their a reversal potion for that Fume one? It seems Ami tends to be a little *too* quiet". Usagi moved closer to the Potions Master as Professor Sprout took a seat. The princess smiled innocently, as the question was meant for a joke.
"You're surprised? You talk enough for the both of you". Usagi snorted at this comment, and turned her attention towards the Quidditch pitch as the game was about to start.
Lee Jordan took his position by the magically advanced megaphone, ready to begin commentating.
"TODAY'S GAME...SLYTHERIN VERSUS GRYFFINDORRRRRR!!!" A roar of the crowd arose as both teams, one side green and silver, the other scarlet and gold, took flight and began circling around each other to warm up.
Professor McGonnagall shot Jordan a warning glance, as he tended to be a little too exuberant in his commentating.
Meanwhile, on the field, players took their positions, as Madam Hooch with the quaffle under her arm waltzed out to the middle of the field and took hold of the whistle.
"Ok, I want a nice, clean, game", she warned, before placing the whistle between her lips and throwing the quaffle up into the air.
Angelina Johnson was the first to take hold of the Quaffle, and immediately headed towards the Slytherin end to make a try at the first goal. However, one of the Slytherin Chasers "bumped" into her and took possession of the quaffle.
He raced quickly to the opposite end, and hurled the Quaffle towards the goal posts. Minako responded quickly, conditioned by years of professional volleyball, and spiked it hard, sending the quaffle towards the ground, where Angelina took re-possession of it.
"A BLOODY BRILLIANT SAVE BY GRYFFINDOR, MINAKO AINO!" Jordan happily called out, an eruption of cheers sounded from the Gryffindor section.
A bludger was hit by a Slytherin aimed for Angelina's head, but fellow teammate, Alicia Spinnet spotted the bludger and yelled out a warning, allowing the dark-skinned Chaser to move out of the way just in time. She threw the quaffle to Alicia, who scored shortly afterwards.
"ALICIA SPINNET SCORES! TAKE THAT YOU..." McGonnagall stopped Jordan just in time before he was able to spout out inappropriate words. "TEN POINTS FOR GRYFFINDOR!" It wasn't too long later that Angelina had reclaimed the quaffle and had scored another ten points, while on the other end, Minako was saving everything, and playing at an all-star rate.
Meanwhile, above, Harry and Draco were facing each other, trying to catch a glimpse of gold, ready to dive for the illusive snitch. Draco had been acting even more cold and hateful since Harry had made it obvious he would've liked to have had Hotaru as a girlfriend. Ever since the weekend at Hogsmeade, Draco became all the more possessive of the violet-eyed girl, and the Headmistress was allowing it.
"She's mine, Potter", Draco said darkly, cutting the silence from the elevation they were at. Harry shot a dirty look towards his rival.
"Really? Did you tell her that?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow, "I thought she said she didn't belong to anybody". Harry smirked in triumph, when Draco suddenly thought the game below them was more interesting than their conversation.
Finally one of the Slytherin Chasers made a goal after a bludger sent Minako dodging and abandoning her position for a few precious moments, Jordan made a few choice comments and the Slytherin crowd cheered.
Harry was going to make a comment, but a flash of gold caught his sight, and he closed his mouth. Knowing his Firebolt was faster than Draco's Nimbus 2001, he decided not to pretend to just be checking out the game, he decided just to go for the snitch.
Diving towards the ground, Draco soon noticed and followed, as predictable as Harry knew his rival was. The snitch was fast, and slipped out of Harry's reach several times regardless of how close he was.
****
"I do not think he's a troublemaker!" Usagi was currently defending herself, as a classic argument broke out between herself and the Potions Master, who's features were calm and cool as opposed to Usagi's red face.
"Yes you do, you like playing favorites with Potter".
"I do not!" They received several glares from the staff around them, mostly from Rei who was usually the one who argued with the princess.
"Could you two shut up?" She requested, not too politely of course. She received a dark glare from Snape.
"Could you mind your own business?" Snape shot out cooly. Rei narrowed her eyes, her upper lip curling.
"If you weren't a teacher, I'd knock you to tomorrow", she threatened, tightening her fist, mentally checking where she had put her charms. Just in case. But Snape snorted in response, finding this comment quite amusing.
"You would?" He challenged, but was cut off when Usagi made her way back into the conversation.
"Excuse me, Rei, but we were having a discussion here..." The princess crossed her arms over her chest. Rei narrowed her eyes at the Headmistress.
"I was defending you, *Odango Atama*"
"Don't call me that!"
"QUIET!" Lee Jordan shouted out, covering the mouthpiece with his hand, as to not have the argument broadcasted throughout the Quidditch Pitch. Several of the teachers clapped their hands in content as both Usagi and Rei fell silent, and were both quite embarrassed. But the argument ceased.
****
Both Draco and Harry had several opportunities to capture the snitch, but neither one succeeded, as the game carried on. Finally as the snitch buzzed around the Slytherin stands with the crowd 'oooing' and 'awwwwing', Harry nearly had his fingers around the tiny object.
"Harry, look out!" The Weasley twins called out as a bludger flew straight for his head. Harry had just enough time to duck out of the way, but Draco flew right into the flying bludger's path.
The crowd went silent for a split second as the bludger caused Draco to be knocked from his broom into the Slytherin crowd underneath him. His fall was broken by a fellow Slytherin. None other than fellow classmate, Hotaru Tsukino, who's head banged off the wood beneath her with a painful thump as Draco was thrown atop of her.
"Draco..." She growled out, as a purple flash sent the blond Slytherin flying six feet away into another bunch of students. Both Hotaru and Draco passed out.
****
"Draco!" Usagi shrieked, acting purely on adrenalin, she removed her robes and dove off the stands before anyone had time to stop her. Screams rang out, but turned into gasps as huge, white wings sprouted from the princess' back and began beating to bring Usagi back into the air.
She flew straight for Hotaru, students backed away as the body-length wings fluttered irritably, acting from the owner's emotions. Usagi kneeled, and brushed her hand across Hotaru's still hot forehead. She frowned, and glanced towards Draco who had been lowered to the floor as well.
Harry had caught the snitch after Draco was hit by the bludger, ending the game, but no noise was made in celebration, as all interest was on the strange purple flash that had come from the daughter of the Headmistress. Both Quidditch teams lowered to the ground, rushing towards the stands, where their Headmistress was now summoning stretchers for the injured students. Harry approached Usagi in concern.
"Is she going to be alright?" Harry asked, not looking towards his fallen rival at all. Usagi smiled comfortingly.
"Of course, she just bumped her head...why don't you get Ron, Hermione and the Japanese staff members up to my office, hm? I'll be up there as soon as I get these two to the Hospital Wing". The smile continued to play on Usagi's lips as she flapped her wings to raise slightly in the air. Just enough to raise above the student's heads, and get the stretchers over as well, and headed towards the school.
Harry did as he was told, and mounted his Firebolt to relay the message to those whom it concerned.
Madam Pomfry had screamed when she saw the wings on Usagi's back, but recovered quickly as to tend to her new patients.
****
Usagi headed towards her office, and gave the password to the gryphon guarding the entrance.
"Moonie likes chocolate"( AN: that's for Timbo Gurl ^-^), she called out, the gryphon then began revolving around, raising up a staircase entrance to the office. Usagi quickly climbed the stairs, and grinned at the sight that greeted her.
"Usagi!" Sirius called out happily, alerting the eyes of the other people in the office.
"How are they?" Ami asked, concern showing on her face.
"They'll both be fine...just will have headaches for a while, I suppose...great game though, wasn't it?" Usagi patted Harry on the back, this caused a little quiet laughter. "Where's Minako?" Usagi asked, noticing that one of her senshi was missing.
"Oh, she went to get her make-up case", Makoto replied casually, while holding the corner of her eyes on Sirius, a playful smirk on her lips. All the senshi in the room began laughing, Sirius glanced nervously towards Harry, as he and Hermione both began laughing as well. Sirius gulped, thinking he may have been given a death threat.
Within a short amount of time, Minako had returned, partially out of breath, lugging a large silver and orange case with her.
"Alright, I can't have all of you up here watching while I do this..." She said, giving everyone looks that meant 'get lost'. Usagi smiled, and clapped her hands together.
"In that case..." She took Ami's hand, and dragged the shy senshi towards Lupin, who seemed to be equally as shy. "Ami Mizuno, meet Remus Lupin". And the princess left it at that, leaving the two alone, Makoto then approached Usagi.
"I don't suppose you know how I can get a hold of some cooking ware?" Usagi smirked.
"Of course I do! Follow me...anybody else up for a snack?" Rei, Harry, Hermione and Ron readily agreed as the group left the office to head down to the kitchens.
"So what do you do?" Lupin began, color slightly rising in his cheeks at the thought of Usagi wanting to play some joke on him...which seemed to be in her nature.
"I'm a doctor...a *muggle* doctor, usually, but Usagi asked me to become the librarian for the year". Ami began, she eyed Sirius sympathetically as Minako pulled out a jar of what appeared to be skin cream. Lupin followed the blue-haired woman's gaze.
"She's not going to kill him, is she?" He asked, but received a delightful bout of giggling in return.
"Of course not, she's just going to try to reverse what effects unnatural aging had on him".
"Oh..." Was the reply. Several moments of uncomfortable silence followed, before Lupin began speaking again. "I don't suppose you play wizards' chess?" He asked. Ami's face brightened into a smile.
****
Hotaru lay in the hospital bed, staring angrily at the blank ceiling. No doubt her foster mother would be angry again, even though the outburst wasn't her fault. It was *his* fault. The violet-eyed girl then glanced towards the bed next to her, where Draco was stuffing his face with chocolate, seeming to be thinking to himself. He had a large white bandage tied around his head, with a patch of dark blood on the front of his forehead seeping through.
"I could be with my mother right now, if it wasn't for you", Hotaru suddenly burst out annoyed. Draco put down his chocolate and smirked.
"It wasn't my fault that thing hit me, I took it instead of Potter". That was true, Hotaru had to give him that much.
"Alright, but you still slammed into me".
"And you used that weird repelling charm on me...I'm surprised you didn't kill me". Draco said, and Hotaru knew now what she was capable of, her foster mother had told her about the hidden powers that were awakening.
"I could've". The violet-eyed girl said simply. Draco went pale at hearing this, ceasing to breath for several moments before color returned to his face.
"What else can you do special?" He asked, again too curious for his own good.
Hotaru pushed herself up on the bed, groaning as a wave of pain washed through her. She noticed that she was still in her school uniform, minus her Mary-Jane styled shoes, so the floor was quite cold when she rested her stocking feet upon it.
"I'll show you", she said, and waddled slowly towards Draco's bed, where she sat next to him. Draco pushed himself up and as far back as he could go out of fear, allowing Hotaru to stifle a giggle.
"What are you going to do to me?" He asked, his voice giving away his supposed bravery. Again Hotaru giggled.
"I'm not going to kill you...right now anyways." She reached for the blond's bandage, Draco flinched, but allowed her to remove it from his forehead. Then she placed the palm of her right hand over the wound and closed her eyes.
"What are you...?"
"Shhh...for a minute, I'm concentrating." As if to prove she was, Hotaru closed her eyes as tightly as she could, and focused her energy into her palm. The mark on her forehead began glowing for the second time that day, as warm energy flowed through her and proceeded to close the wound on Draco's forehead.
After the healing process finished, Hotaru's energy had severely depleted, causing her to collapse from exhaustion. Her head lay on Draco's chest, as he checked her pulse hoping that she had not died, and that he would not be blamed for her death.
"Hotaru!" He called out, her violet eyes fluttered open, as she turned her head slightly to look at Draco, causing her to blush when she realized she still was partially on top of him, although the blond Slytherin didn't seem to notice, as he was trying to read her expression. "I thought you killed yourself", he exclaimed truthfully.
"No", she answered softly, bringing a hand to her forehead, then lay it beside her head on Draco's chest. "I healed you". Draco made a noise of surprise, then reached his own hand to feel for evidence of his wound. A sinful smile curved at his lips when he realized that it was gone.
"Wow...so now you know how to use your abilities...can you teach me?" He asked, almost knowing the outcome of that question.
"You can't learn...you have to be born with it". Draco felt disappointed at hearing this, but nevertheless, never let it totally get him down.
"Ok then, will you be my girlfriend instead?" Hotaru didn't know how to answer that question, not only was it the most odd request she had ever heard, but he was so *blunt* about asking it. Several moments of silence was interrupted when Madam Pomfry entered the room.
"Hey you two lovebirds! I want you to rest, not to make mischief while you're alone...I should be taking points, but under the circumstances, I won't...providing, that you, Miss Tsukino, return to your own bed". Madam Pomfry watched like a hawk, placing her arms firmly on her hips.
Hotaru blushed terribly, but obeyed, allowing Draco to help her up, she waddled back to her own bed, and fell asleep almost instantly after her head hit the pillow.
****
"...That sounds like Usagi all right. She's always trying to help even if she ends up making matters worse". Ami and Lupin laughed.
"I suppose that's why Dumbledore thought she was best for the job".
"Probably...she said she owed him a favor, though...a wizards' boon?" Ami finally decided what move to make, then she moved her knight. "Check".
"A wizard's boon means that he would've done something *very* important for her, to cause her to be in debt to him", Lupin moved his bishop in front of his king. Ami smiled, and attacked the bishop.
"Check Mate". Lupin studied what he had done wrong for several moments, then looked up at Ami, who's eyes were sparkling in amusement, he smiled back.
"I couldn't imagine healing someone without magic..." Lupin began as he cleared off the chess board, to allow the pieces to reform.
"Magic is a faster cure, but muggles wouldn't understand it..."
"That's true". Both turned to face the door, when Minako reentered with Sirius following behind, taking the invisibility cloak (borrowed from Harry) off of him. He was still partially wet, and had a mask of white goo covering his face. Ami and Lupin laughed at the sight. Minako shot them a dirty look, as she directed Sirius to a seat.
"For your information, I needed the hot water to activate the mud for his face...and we had to go all the way down to the other side of the school to use a vacant bathroom." An awkward silence filled the room for a brief moment.
"You *bathed* him?" Ami asked in disbelief. Minako's face colored.
"No! I wasn't looking...besides, I have a boyfriend", she narrowed her eyes at Ami from the accusation, then returned to Sirius.
It took her a few minutes before all of the mud was removed off of Sirius' face. Minako smiled in triumph after seeing the results, but frowned again when she noticed the long matted hair trailing down his back.
"Alright, I would like to keep some of the hair, 'cause it's sexy...but I'm going to trim the back, and give you bangs, ok?" The bubbly blond placed her hands firmly on her hips. Sirius gulped as she then picked up a pair of large sharp scissors and brought them to his hair. Starting with the bangs, she cut them to his cheekbones, then cut the back of his hair up to his shoulder blades. Taking a small black ribbon, she pulled his hair back into a pony tail, tying it with the ribbon.
After finishing, Minako took a step back and admired her work. She looked towards Ami and Lupin.
"Well? What do you think?" Speechless was what she received, considering two sets of jaws just hit the floor. Voices could be heard near by as the rest of the group made their way back into the office. Everyone froze once they caught glimpse of Sirius.
"Wow..." Usagi squeaked out, her face spreading into a smile, this seemed to break the silence as everyone began making compliments all at once.
"You work your magic *good*", Rei complimented, Minako beamed. Makoto put down a platter full of food on the desk near by Sirius, she quietly whispered comments into Usagi's ear that made the princess roll her eyes.
"You always think they look like old boyfriends..." Usagi sourly commented. Makoto offered her food to everyone, who took it eagerly, Ron stuffing his face just as fast as Usagi.
"It was like pulling teeth to get the house elves to let me use the kitchen..." Makoto mentioned, Usagi nodded her head, "Usa-chan had to really use what little leadership skills that she has", Usagi playfully punched the taller girl in the arm for the comment.
"Makes good food, doesn't she?" Usagi broke in, offering more to the new and improved Sirius, who smiled appreciatively towards Makoto (who blushed in response).
"Very good..." Makoto's blush deepened, Harry than bombarded her with Quidditch stories, since her own game was going to be the next day.
Usagi stood off to the side, for a few moments by herself, and watched the scenes around her. She studied Makoto, Sirius and Harry together for a few moments, and thought that to any muggle eye, that particular three some would pass off as a family, with Makoto's emerald green eyes and Sirius' dark unruly hair. The princess pulled Minako off to the side.
"What's your diagnosis?" Usagi asked playfully, waiting until Minako mentally understood what Usagi was hinting at. The bubbly blond turned to the princess and smirked.
"Oh yes, leave it to me..." Minako walked along the shelves and pulled down the dusty old sorting hat and held it up. "Who wants to be sorted?" She called out playfully, "since we never were". Minako placed the hat on her head, listening to the messages being blurted out to her so only she could hear. Finally the hat made its decision.
"GRYFFINDOR!" It called out. No surprise there, but laughter filled the room, as Minako passed the hat to Makoto.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" Was called out, another 'no surprise'. Makoto then handed the hat to Ami, who placed it on her head.
"RAVENCLAW!" But that again was no surprise considering Ami's incredibly high I.Q. The blue-haired girl took the shabby hat off and smiled, she looked toward Lupin.
"What house were you in?" She asked curiously.
"I was in Gryffindor, Sirius, here was Hufflepuff". Lupin added, glancing towards Sirius, who was grinning after Makoto discovered to be in the same house. Ami then handed the hat to Rei, who eagerly placed it on her head. This time the hat had a longer time thinking about its decision, but finally gave an answer.
"GRYFFINDOR!" Rei's lips curled. The other senshi eyed her questioningly, wanting to know why it took so long for the hat to decide.
"I'm smart, loyal *and* brave...just the perfect woman..." The senshi laughed at this, then the hat was finally passed to Usagi, who paled at the sight of it.
"We already know I'll be in Gryffindor", Usagi said, backing away as Rei held the hat out to her.
"You're not brave, you're a crybaby!" Rei said, narrowing her eyes. Finally Usagi took the hat, and the answer wasn't needed to be thought out, the hat gave the decision immediately before the it completely touched her head.
"SLYTHERIN!" It called out. Silence cut through the room like a sharp knife, as all eyes rested on one person. Usagi suddenly felt feverish, she knew exactly why she would've been in Slytherin, she knew why and no one else did. Except Dumbledore, of course.
"I...I should go check on Hotaru..." Usagi mumbled, before turning to rush out of the room, silent tears flowing down her face. The others stared numbly after her.
****
Hotaru sat with the Gryffindors the next night, avoiding Draco as much as possible, since she had yet to answer the question he had asked her before she moved back to her own bed in the Hospital Wing. She didn't know what to think of the question. Her foster mother had come down to see her that same day, seemingly to be upset for some reason. Usagi always refused to tell her secrets.
While Usagi escorted Hotaru to her room that night, Hotaru had asked what she should've said after being questioned by Draco, but Usagi was off in her own world at that point, and had no advice to offer.
Usagi meanwhile had kept her distance from the senshi, since the Sorting Hat incident, she didn't know what kind of excuse to make up, since she didn't have the bravery to spill out her secret, thus another reason why she wasn't a Gryffindor. She feared rejection, and she already have had enough rejection to last her a life time.
Makoto was the only one that had spoken to Usagi out of all the senshi, the same night as the Quidditch game as well. The tall brunette had caught the princess by her room before she retired for the night.
~Flashback~
"Usagi! Usagi! What's wrong? Are you ok?" Makoto had called out, trying to catch her princess' attention. It had worked.
"I'm fine...just a little tired from the day".
"I'll bet...that wing display was impressive". Usagi colored from embarrassment, although all senshi understood quite quickly from the brief explanation. "By the way, did you like Sirius or something?" Makoto never wasted time getting to the point, her face was etched with worry, since she had developed an instant crush on Harry's godfather.
"Well...I'm not sure, why do you ask?"
"Because...he likes you". Usagi faltered. "I know you promised Harry to let him move in with you...but I *do* live alone..."
"You want him to stay with you?" Usagi asked, she felt relief flood inside of her, caring for Hotaru would be a handful, but to have Harry as well would be that much more.
"Well, yes", Makoto suddenly blushed, "I also asked Sirius if he'd like to stay with me as well...he was thrilled with the idea...but he did mention that he was attracted to you..." Makoto went quiet, studying Usagi's face trying to read her expressions.
"Don't they all..." Usagi allowed herself a sigh.
"Still thinking about Mamoru?" Makoto softly questioned, approaching closer towards her princess, wondering if she should offer comfort, Usagi smiled at her taller friend, then looked away again.
"Sometimes...the pain is still strong..." She admitted. Deciding to change the awkward subject, Makoto put on a bright smile.
"Well, I'm going to be playing Quidditch tomorrow...you'll be rooting for me?"
"Of course". Makoto waved and rushed off to find Harry so she could practice, leaving Usagi to think to herself again.
~End Flashback~
The next day consisted of classes finishing early that afternoon for the game between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, where Makoto would have her first official start as Seeker. Hotaru's last class before the game was Care of Magical Creatures, and since they were working with the same creatures as the previous week, students were allowed to begin right away on their own.
Hotaru's animal was being particularly shy that day, and decided to head for the shade of the trees on the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Hotaru followed, and sat by herself, thankful for the chance to do so. Petting the soft furry animal, Hotaru took a seat on the other side of a large tree, facing towards the forest, wondering if she'd ever get a chance to speak to a unicorn again.
It would've almost been a pleasant time, if Draco hadn't spotted her, and decide to bother her...again. The blond Slytherin carefully snuck away from the rest of the students, and stood in front of Hotaru, crossing his arms over his chest.
"What?" The violet-eyed girl half-sighed.
"You never answered my question..." He began, receiving a glare.
"Why should I be your girlfriend?" She accused hotly. Draco couldn't come up with a quick comment after that, he quietly thought over possible answers in his mind, after a few moments, he sat down across from Hotaru, then glared back.
"You better not say anything to anyone..." Hotaru sighed.
"What?" She asked.
"Because...that one unicorn that talked to me said that you should...well...that I should look after you...so basically, you should be my girlfriend." Hotaru could hardly believe her ears. After all, this was cold, cruel, Slytherin blondie here...
"You're serious?" She questioned. Knowing that her foster mother always kept special watch over her...but if Draco did...
"Well...?"
"I don't know". Hotaru replied with, her mind began racing with several different options...she liked Harry...she didn't like Draco...or did she...she didn't like Pansy...Pansy liked Draco...hmmm.... "I'll have to think about it". Hotaru rose from her seated position, Draco did as well, but grabbed her arm before she could leave the shelter of the trees and turned her around, placing a possessive kiss on Hotaru's lips. It didn't last long...Hotaru pulled away from shock, never having experienced such an act before.
"I think you do know", Draco confirmed, his voice now quieter than before. Hotaru's violet eyes gazed into Draco's grey ones for several moments.
"Alright", she said, "I'll be your girlfriend". This was the right answer. Draco's upper lip curled in a satisfied manor, and he kept hold of Hotaru's arm, leading her out into the clearing. Luckily their class was with the Ravenclaws that day, so Hotaru didn't have to face Harry, but she inwardly smiled when noticing that Pansy Parkinson was shooting daggers from her eyes at that particular moment. The moment was interrupted, however, when Hagrid announced the end of the class.
"'Righ' then...yeh all can go to the game now". He said, sending all the students rushing for the Quiddich Pitch.
****
Halloween was finally here. That night's feast was an especially festive one. The ceiling in the Great Hall was dark with thunder and lighting from the storm outside. Jack-o-lanterns lit the hall as well, floating above the heads of feasting students below.
Makoto had put on an impressive display at the last Quidditch game, easily being a skilled Seeker, and winning the game for her team against Ravenclaw. She had been friendly with Ravenclaw's Seeker, Cho Chang, since Harry had admitted his crush on the pretty girl.
Needless to say, all the senshi had been thrilled after Usagi had revealed to them that her foster daughter now had a boyfriend. There wasn't a time when Draco didn't have Hotaru on his arm while walking from class to class, or having her sit next to him during all the meals. Usagi was happy for that...Draco was pure-hearted despite his character, and Hotaru would do good for him...given time.
After the feast, Usagi had to avoid many ghosts who were in the spirit to head down to the dungeons for her regular lesson. Feeling quite down lately, her mood was suddenly worsened after she entered the room and received quite a cold greeting.
"You may leave, your lessons no longer need to continue". That felt like a cold slap to the cheek on Usagi's part.
"What do you mean?" She cried out, feeling like she was about to burst into tears. Snape looked up at her, with an unreadable expression.
"You need no instruction, you obviously have the talent for the subject, so there's no need to waste any more time here." Usagi wasn't sure whether to take the comment as a compliment or as an insult. She decided on both.
"I see...I suppose you were an excelled student when you were in school as well?" She decided on trying for a conversation, since she had nothing else planned for the evening, and wished to keep her racing mind occupied. Snape glared at her, however.
"That's none of your..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, none of my business...I get it..." Frustrated, the princess turned heel and left the room, knowing that trying to have a conversation with Severus Snape was nearly impossible.
Suddenly, and idea began brewing in her mind. If she already knew how to make potions, she might as well use the skills.
Rushing down the hall towards the Gryffindor tower, she soon made it to the Common Room, and found Hermione busy with homework at one of the tables. The bushy-haired girl looked up and smiled brightly.
"Hi!" She called out, "What are you doing here, Madam Tsukino?"
"I have a question", Usagi took a seat across from Hermione and folded her hands thoughtfully in front of her on the table.
"Ok, go ahead", Hermione put down her quill and waited for the question.
"How do you get someone to talk and be truthful, even though they wouldn't do that normally...naming Professor Snape". Hermione already had a vague idea of who Usagi was talking about, but played along.
"Well...use a strong truth potion...or the traditional way..." Usagi nodded, "get him drunk". Usagi smiled and remained silent for several moments while reviewing her options.
"What about both?" She asked.
"Well then, you'd basically be guaranteed a result, but it might not be pleasant". Usagi rose from her seat.
"Stay here, don't move, I'll be right back..." And she rushed off quickly, not allowing anyone to interrupt her on the way.
Minutes later, Usagi returned with a bottle of wine concealed under her robes, stolen from the kitchens. Hermione giggled when she noticed. Usagi heavily plopped the bottle down in front of the bushy-haired Gryffindor and pulled another smaller crystal bottle from one of her many pockets, and set it down as well.
"Veritaserium...I stole some while in Professor Snape's office...I've been sneaking several ingredients into empty bottles over these past weeks, and he hasn't noticed...I think...will it work?" Hermione picked up the crystal bottle and admired it quite thoroughly.
"Oh yes, quite well...all you'll need is three drops." After hearing this, Usagi took out her ebony wand and used one of her recently learned charms to open it. She took the crystal bottle of veritaserium from Hermione and put three drops into the wine.
"Can you make the wine stronger?" Usagi questioned, causing a mischievous smile to cross Hermione's lips. She pointed the tip of her own wand to the opening of the wine bottle.
"Forte!" She said, causing the dark liquid inside of the bottle to sparkle for several moments, before becoming dormant again. Usagi placed the cork back into the top of the wine bottle, and rose from her seat. She concealed the bottle back underneath her robes again, and smiled appreciatively towards Hermione.
"Thanks..." She said, Hermione rose as well, and cut in.
"But how do you know you can get the Professor to drink it?" She asked. Usagi took a moment to consider the question, then she smiled.
"Well, I'll try...thanks for the help, Hermione...twenty points for Gryffindor", the princess winked at the student, then headed out of the room, and back down to the dungeons.
****
AN: cliffie, cliffie...I know...I'm sooooo sorry I didn't get this out sooner, but a really close friend of mine died on Thursday...he was a big animé fanatic too...neways, I went to the funeral today, lots of tears...I'm going to miss him...
I don't blame a lot of you if you don't like this anymore...but like I said, there's reasons for all these happenings, and I'm going to be revealing a lot of stuff soon...like *really* soon...
****Author's Note: VOTING POLLS OFFICIALLY CLOSED!
WARNING!! Die-hard shippers you're going to hate me ~sobs~ This fic is actually going to be taking a darker tone once the secrets that Usagi learned in the ice catacombs are revealed, so everything has its purpose...
The Sovereign of Selenity: hai, slow, but work has kept me busy...bad excuse I know ~smiles sheepishly~ and you're right about Draco and Hotaru...trust...my imouto was the one to decide that coupling from the start...hehehe...but I had to play around...and you'd oppose??!? ~sniff~ ok, I understand
Sailor Millenia: Mako's not related, it's just a crazy coincidence ^-^
Silver Moon Goddess: So very Usa-like to cuddle, ne?
Blue Frost: grrrrrr.??? Oo...I dunno how to take that ~-~...hehehehe, and Minako does have a suffocating personality....you're sooo right!! I can tell you're a Draco fan...hehehe, me too! And I like Sirius...with Usa...but I don't think it'll fit with what I've got planned (fic is going to get darker...)
Timbo Gurl: ahhhhhhh............you're sooooooo sweet!!!!!!! I wuve you! Uh...no..but seriously, I totally agree with everything you say!! You're so right! You didn't bore me, I've never received such an insightful review...awww...arigatou!! And you nailed everything right on the dot when you mentioned how each different pairing would work...hell, challenge? You bet, and I love it!
****
Minako walked down the hallway towards the room where the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team waited, arm in arm with her new love interest, Oliver Wood. She was dressed in the regal scarlet and gold Quidditch robes, noisily chatting with the young man next to her.
"So you made it?" Minako asked eagerly, as they discussed Wood's trials for the national team. The Irish boy smiled triumphantly.
"Put it this way Luv, I could be at the next World Cup". Minako replied with a squeal of delight, she attached herself to Wood as best as she could while they continued walking.
"Wow...maybe I could try for the Japanese team? Do they even have one...?"
"Oh sure they do, wizards all over the world know about Quidditch". Minako's light blue eyes sparkled happily.
"Ooo...! I could just imagine!" She gave another squeal of delight. Finally they approached the rest of the team, of which everyone was very nervous for their first game in two years. Wood was ready to dive into a victory speech, but Fred covered his mouth.
"Not another one", Katie Bell warned, shooting their former team mate a warning glance. Wood laughed in response, then turned to Minako to plant a kiss on her cheek.
"Can't stay long, Luv, I have to get going after the game". Minako puffed out her lower lip, but smiled as Wood left the area. The bubbly blond then gave Harry a tight hug.
"You're going to win for us, aren't you Harry?" She commented, ruffling his hair.
"I'll try", the younger boy replied, smiling shyly at the overly-confident senshi. Minako leaned in close to his ear.
"Usa told me I'd be giving out a make-over today". Harry rose his eyebrows.
"What's a *Make-over*?" He asked, but received no reply as they listened to Lee Jordan announce their names outside.
****
Usagi, Makoto, Rei and Ami all walked together while heading for the staff stands to watch the Quidditch game. Luna and Artemis trailed them, chatting quietly along the way.
"I found out that Harry has a small crush on Hotaru", Rei mentioned, smirking towards Usagi, who also smiled back.
"I've known about that for a while, but it seems her beauty has caught other attention as well", a chorus of giggles rang out from Rei and Makoto at this, Ami just smiled appreciatively. Usagi then threw her arms around the blue-haired woman dramatically. "Ami-chan! You spend too much time in books!" Ami brushed Usagi's hands off just as they reached their destination. All four sat together, Luna sitting upon Ami's lap, and Artemis upon Makoto's. Feeling quite brave, Usagi excused herself and stood, moving to a different seating position, beside Snape, who rose an eyebrow at her.
"What have you come to bother me for this time?" He wasted no time in getting Usagi heated up in anger, but she did not begin a retaliation.
"Is their a reversal potion for that Fume one? It seems Ami tends to be a little *too* quiet". Usagi moved closer to the Potions Master as Professor Sprout took a seat. The princess smiled innocently, as the question was meant for a joke.
"You're surprised? You talk enough for the both of you". Usagi snorted at this comment, and turned her attention towards the Quidditch pitch as the game was about to start.
Lee Jordan took his position by the magically advanced megaphone, ready to begin commentating.
"TODAY'S GAME...SLYTHERIN VERSUS GRYFFINDORRRRRR!!!" A roar of the crowd arose as both teams, one side green and silver, the other scarlet and gold, took flight and began circling around each other to warm up.
Professor McGonnagall shot Jordan a warning glance, as he tended to be a little too exuberant in his commentating.
Meanwhile, on the field, players took their positions, as Madam Hooch with the quaffle under her arm waltzed out to the middle of the field and took hold of the whistle.
"Ok, I want a nice, clean, game", she warned, before placing the whistle between her lips and throwing the quaffle up into the air.
Angelina Johnson was the first to take hold of the Quaffle, and immediately headed towards the Slytherin end to make a try at the first goal. However, one of the Slytherin Chasers "bumped" into her and took possession of the quaffle.
He raced quickly to the opposite end, and hurled the Quaffle towards the goal posts. Minako responded quickly, conditioned by years of professional volleyball, and spiked it hard, sending the quaffle towards the ground, where Angelina took re-possession of it.
"A BLOODY BRILLIANT SAVE BY GRYFFINDOR, MINAKO AINO!" Jordan happily called out, an eruption of cheers sounded from the Gryffindor section.
A bludger was hit by a Slytherin aimed for Angelina's head, but fellow teammate, Alicia Spinnet spotted the bludger and yelled out a warning, allowing the dark-skinned Chaser to move out of the way just in time. She threw the quaffle to Alicia, who scored shortly afterwards.
"ALICIA SPINNET SCORES! TAKE THAT YOU..." McGonnagall stopped Jordan just in time before he was able to spout out inappropriate words. "TEN POINTS FOR GRYFFINDOR!" It wasn't too long later that Angelina had reclaimed the quaffle and had scored another ten points, while on the other end, Minako was saving everything, and playing at an all-star rate.
Meanwhile, above, Harry and Draco were facing each other, trying to catch a glimpse of gold, ready to dive for the illusive snitch. Draco had been acting even more cold and hateful since Harry had made it obvious he would've liked to have had Hotaru as a girlfriend. Ever since the weekend at Hogsmeade, Draco became all the more possessive of the violet-eyed girl, and the Headmistress was allowing it.
"She's mine, Potter", Draco said darkly, cutting the silence from the elevation they were at. Harry shot a dirty look towards his rival.
"Really? Did you tell her that?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow, "I thought she said she didn't belong to anybody". Harry smirked in triumph, when Draco suddenly thought the game below them was more interesting than their conversation.
Finally one of the Slytherin Chasers made a goal after a bludger sent Minako dodging and abandoning her position for a few precious moments, Jordan made a few choice comments and the Slytherin crowd cheered.
Harry was going to make a comment, but a flash of gold caught his sight, and he closed his mouth. Knowing his Firebolt was faster than Draco's Nimbus 2001, he decided not to pretend to just be checking out the game, he decided just to go for the snitch.
Diving towards the ground, Draco soon noticed and followed, as predictable as Harry knew his rival was. The snitch was fast, and slipped out of Harry's reach several times regardless of how close he was.
****
"I do not think he's a troublemaker!" Usagi was currently defending herself, as a classic argument broke out between herself and the Potions Master, who's features were calm and cool as opposed to Usagi's red face.
"Yes you do, you like playing favorites with Potter".
"I do not!" They received several glares from the staff around them, mostly from Rei who was usually the one who argued with the princess.
"Could you two shut up?" She requested, not too politely of course. She received a dark glare from Snape.
"Could you mind your own business?" Snape shot out cooly. Rei narrowed her eyes, her upper lip curling.
"If you weren't a teacher, I'd knock you to tomorrow", she threatened, tightening her fist, mentally checking where she had put her charms. Just in case. But Snape snorted in response, finding this comment quite amusing.
"You would?" He challenged, but was cut off when Usagi made her way back into the conversation.
"Excuse me, Rei, but we were having a discussion here..." The princess crossed her arms over her chest. Rei narrowed her eyes at the Headmistress.
"I was defending you, *Odango Atama*"
"Don't call me that!"
"QUIET!" Lee Jordan shouted out, covering the mouthpiece with his hand, as to not have the argument broadcasted throughout the Quidditch Pitch. Several of the teachers clapped their hands in content as both Usagi and Rei fell silent, and were both quite embarrassed. But the argument ceased.
****
Both Draco and Harry had several opportunities to capture the snitch, but neither one succeeded, as the game carried on. Finally as the snitch buzzed around the Slytherin stands with the crowd 'oooing' and 'awwwwing', Harry nearly had his fingers around the tiny object.
"Harry, look out!" The Weasley twins called out as a bludger flew straight for his head. Harry had just enough time to duck out of the way, but Draco flew right into the flying bludger's path.
The crowd went silent for a split second as the bludger caused Draco to be knocked from his broom into the Slytherin crowd underneath him. His fall was broken by a fellow Slytherin. None other than fellow classmate, Hotaru Tsukino, who's head banged off the wood beneath her with a painful thump as Draco was thrown atop of her.
"Draco..." She growled out, as a purple flash sent the blond Slytherin flying six feet away into another bunch of students. Both Hotaru and Draco passed out.
****
"Draco!" Usagi shrieked, acting purely on adrenalin, she removed her robes and dove off the stands before anyone had time to stop her. Screams rang out, but turned into gasps as huge, white wings sprouted from the princess' back and began beating to bring Usagi back into the air.
She flew straight for Hotaru, students backed away as the body-length wings fluttered irritably, acting from the owner's emotions. Usagi kneeled, and brushed her hand across Hotaru's still hot forehead. She frowned, and glanced towards Draco who had been lowered to the floor as well.
Harry had caught the snitch after Draco was hit by the bludger, ending the game, but no noise was made in celebration, as all interest was on the strange purple flash that had come from the daughter of the Headmistress. Both Quidditch teams lowered to the ground, rushing towards the stands, where their Headmistress was now summoning stretchers for the injured students. Harry approached Usagi in concern.
"Is she going to be alright?" Harry asked, not looking towards his fallen rival at all. Usagi smiled comfortingly.
"Of course, she just bumped her head...why don't you get Ron, Hermione and the Japanese staff members up to my office, hm? I'll be up there as soon as I get these two to the Hospital Wing". The smile continued to play on Usagi's lips as she flapped her wings to raise slightly in the air. Just enough to raise above the student's heads, and get the stretchers over as well, and headed towards the school.
Harry did as he was told, and mounted his Firebolt to relay the message to those whom it concerned.
Madam Pomfry had screamed when she saw the wings on Usagi's back, but recovered quickly as to tend to her new patients.
****
Usagi headed towards her office, and gave the password to the gryphon guarding the entrance.
"Moonie likes chocolate"( AN: that's for Timbo Gurl ^-^), she called out, the gryphon then began revolving around, raising up a staircase entrance to the office. Usagi quickly climbed the stairs, and grinned at the sight that greeted her.
"Usagi!" Sirius called out happily, alerting the eyes of the other people in the office.
"How are they?" Ami asked, concern showing on her face.
"They'll both be fine...just will have headaches for a while, I suppose...great game though, wasn't it?" Usagi patted Harry on the back, this caused a little quiet laughter. "Where's Minako?" Usagi asked, noticing that one of her senshi was missing.
"Oh, she went to get her make-up case", Makoto replied casually, while holding the corner of her eyes on Sirius, a playful smirk on her lips. All the senshi in the room began laughing, Sirius glanced nervously towards Harry, as he and Hermione both began laughing as well. Sirius gulped, thinking he may have been given a death threat.
Within a short amount of time, Minako had returned, partially out of breath, lugging a large silver and orange case with her.
"Alright, I can't have all of you up here watching while I do this..." She said, giving everyone looks that meant 'get lost'. Usagi smiled, and clapped her hands together.
"In that case..." She took Ami's hand, and dragged the shy senshi towards Lupin, who seemed to be equally as shy. "Ami Mizuno, meet Remus Lupin". And the princess left it at that, leaving the two alone, Makoto then approached Usagi.
"I don't suppose you know how I can get a hold of some cooking ware?" Usagi smirked.
"Of course I do! Follow me...anybody else up for a snack?" Rei, Harry, Hermione and Ron readily agreed as the group left the office to head down to the kitchens.
"So what do you do?" Lupin began, color slightly rising in his cheeks at the thought of Usagi wanting to play some joke on him...which seemed to be in her nature.
"I'm a doctor...a *muggle* doctor, usually, but Usagi asked me to become the librarian for the year". Ami began, she eyed Sirius sympathetically as Minako pulled out a jar of what appeared to be skin cream. Lupin followed the blue-haired woman's gaze.
"She's not going to kill him, is she?" He asked, but received a delightful bout of giggling in return.
"Of course not, she's just going to try to reverse what effects unnatural aging had on him".
"Oh..." Was the reply. Several moments of uncomfortable silence followed, before Lupin began speaking again. "I don't suppose you play wizards' chess?" He asked. Ami's face brightened into a smile.
****
Hotaru lay in the hospital bed, staring angrily at the blank ceiling. No doubt her foster mother would be angry again, even though the outburst wasn't her fault. It was *his* fault. The violet-eyed girl then glanced towards the bed next to her, where Draco was stuffing his face with chocolate, seeming to be thinking to himself. He had a large white bandage tied around his head, with a patch of dark blood on the front of his forehead seeping through.
"I could be with my mother right now, if it wasn't for you", Hotaru suddenly burst out annoyed. Draco put down his chocolate and smirked.
"It wasn't my fault that thing hit me, I took it instead of Potter". That was true, Hotaru had to give him that much.
"Alright, but you still slammed into me".
"And you used that weird repelling charm on me...I'm surprised you didn't kill me". Draco said, and Hotaru knew now what she was capable of, her foster mother had told her about the hidden powers that were awakening.
"I could've". The violet-eyed girl said simply. Draco went pale at hearing this, ceasing to breath for several moments before color returned to his face.
"What else can you do special?" He asked, again too curious for his own good.
Hotaru pushed herself up on the bed, groaning as a wave of pain washed through her. She noticed that she was still in her school uniform, minus her Mary-Jane styled shoes, so the floor was quite cold when she rested her stocking feet upon it.
"I'll show you", she said, and waddled slowly towards Draco's bed, where she sat next to him. Draco pushed himself up and as far back as he could go out of fear, allowing Hotaru to stifle a giggle.
"What are you going to do to me?" He asked, his voice giving away his supposed bravery. Again Hotaru giggled.
"I'm not going to kill you...right now anyways." She reached for the blond's bandage, Draco flinched, but allowed her to remove it from his forehead. Then she placed the palm of her right hand over the wound and closed her eyes.
"What are you...?"
"Shhh...for a minute, I'm concentrating." As if to prove she was, Hotaru closed her eyes as tightly as she could, and focused her energy into her palm. The mark on her forehead began glowing for the second time that day, as warm energy flowed through her and proceeded to close the wound on Draco's forehead.
After the healing process finished, Hotaru's energy had severely depleted, causing her to collapse from exhaustion. Her head lay on Draco's chest, as he checked her pulse hoping that she had not died, and that he would not be blamed for her death.
"Hotaru!" He called out, her violet eyes fluttered open, as she turned her head slightly to look at Draco, causing her to blush when she realized she still was partially on top of him, although the blond Slytherin didn't seem to notice, as he was trying to read her expression. "I thought you killed yourself", he exclaimed truthfully.
"No", she answered softly, bringing a hand to her forehead, then lay it beside her head on Draco's chest. "I healed you". Draco made a noise of surprise, then reached his own hand to feel for evidence of his wound. A sinful smile curved at his lips when he realized that it was gone.
"Wow...so now you know how to use your abilities...can you teach me?" He asked, almost knowing the outcome of that question.
"You can't learn...you have to be born with it". Draco felt disappointed at hearing this, but nevertheless, never let it totally get him down.
"Ok then, will you be my girlfriend instead?" Hotaru didn't know how to answer that question, not only was it the most odd request she had ever heard, but he was so *blunt* about asking it. Several moments of silence was interrupted when Madam Pomfry entered the room.
"Hey you two lovebirds! I want you to rest, not to make mischief while you're alone...I should be taking points, but under the circumstances, I won't...providing, that you, Miss Tsukino, return to your own bed". Madam Pomfry watched like a hawk, placing her arms firmly on her hips.
Hotaru blushed terribly, but obeyed, allowing Draco to help her up, she waddled back to her own bed, and fell asleep almost instantly after her head hit the pillow.
****
"...That sounds like Usagi all right. She's always trying to help even if she ends up making matters worse". Ami and Lupin laughed.
"I suppose that's why Dumbledore thought she was best for the job".
"Probably...she said she owed him a favor, though...a wizards' boon?" Ami finally decided what move to make, then she moved her knight. "Check".
"A wizard's boon means that he would've done something *very* important for her, to cause her to be in debt to him", Lupin moved his bishop in front of his king. Ami smiled, and attacked the bishop.
"Check Mate". Lupin studied what he had done wrong for several moments, then looked up at Ami, who's eyes were sparkling in amusement, he smiled back.
"I couldn't imagine healing someone without magic..." Lupin began as he cleared off the chess board, to allow the pieces to reform.
"Magic is a faster cure, but muggles wouldn't understand it..."
"That's true". Both turned to face the door, when Minako reentered with Sirius following behind, taking the invisibility cloak (borrowed from Harry) off of him. He was still partially wet, and had a mask of white goo covering his face. Ami and Lupin laughed at the sight. Minako shot them a dirty look, as she directed Sirius to a seat.
"For your information, I needed the hot water to activate the mud for his face...and we had to go all the way down to the other side of the school to use a vacant bathroom." An awkward silence filled the room for a brief moment.
"You *bathed* him?" Ami asked in disbelief. Minako's face colored.
"No! I wasn't looking...besides, I have a boyfriend", she narrowed her eyes at Ami from the accusation, then returned to Sirius.
It took her a few minutes before all of the mud was removed off of Sirius' face. Minako smiled in triumph after seeing the results, but frowned again when she noticed the long matted hair trailing down his back.
"Alright, I would like to keep some of the hair, 'cause it's sexy...but I'm going to trim the back, and give you bangs, ok?" The bubbly blond placed her hands firmly on her hips. Sirius gulped as she then picked up a pair of large sharp scissors and brought them to his hair. Starting with the bangs, she cut them to his cheekbones, then cut the back of his hair up to his shoulder blades. Taking a small black ribbon, she pulled his hair back into a pony tail, tying it with the ribbon.
After finishing, Minako took a step back and admired her work. She looked towards Ami and Lupin.
"Well? What do you think?" Speechless was what she received, considering two sets of jaws just hit the floor. Voices could be heard near by as the rest of the group made their way back into the office. Everyone froze once they caught glimpse of Sirius.
"Wow..." Usagi squeaked out, her face spreading into a smile, this seemed to break the silence as everyone began making compliments all at once.
"You work your magic *good*", Rei complimented, Minako beamed. Makoto put down a platter full of food on the desk near by Sirius, she quietly whispered comments into Usagi's ear that made the princess roll her eyes.
"You always think they look like old boyfriends..." Usagi sourly commented. Makoto offered her food to everyone, who took it eagerly, Ron stuffing his face just as fast as Usagi.
"It was like pulling teeth to get the house elves to let me use the kitchen..." Makoto mentioned, Usagi nodded her head, "Usa-chan had to really use what little leadership skills that she has", Usagi playfully punched the taller girl in the arm for the comment.
"Makes good food, doesn't she?" Usagi broke in, offering more to the new and improved Sirius, who smiled appreciatively towards Makoto (who blushed in response).
"Very good..." Makoto's blush deepened, Harry than bombarded her with Quidditch stories, since her own game was going to be the next day.
Usagi stood off to the side, for a few moments by herself, and watched the scenes around her. She studied Makoto, Sirius and Harry together for a few moments, and thought that to any muggle eye, that particular three some would pass off as a family, with Makoto's emerald green eyes and Sirius' dark unruly hair. The princess pulled Minako off to the side.
"What's your diagnosis?" Usagi asked playfully, waiting until Minako mentally understood what Usagi was hinting at. The bubbly blond turned to the princess and smirked.
"Oh yes, leave it to me..." Minako walked along the shelves and pulled down the dusty old sorting hat and held it up. "Who wants to be sorted?" She called out playfully, "since we never were". Minako placed the hat on her head, listening to the messages being blurted out to her so only she could hear. Finally the hat made its decision.
"GRYFFINDOR!" It called out. No surprise there, but laughter filled the room, as Minako passed the hat to Makoto.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" Was called out, another 'no surprise'. Makoto then handed the hat to Ami, who placed it on her head.
"RAVENCLAW!" But that again was no surprise considering Ami's incredibly high I.Q. The blue-haired girl took the shabby hat off and smiled, she looked toward Lupin.
"What house were you in?" She asked curiously.
"I was in Gryffindor, Sirius, here was Hufflepuff". Lupin added, glancing towards Sirius, who was grinning after Makoto discovered to be in the same house. Ami then handed the hat to Rei, who eagerly placed it on her head. This time the hat had a longer time thinking about its decision, but finally gave an answer.
"GRYFFINDOR!" Rei's lips curled. The other senshi eyed her questioningly, wanting to know why it took so long for the hat to decide.
"I'm smart, loyal *and* brave...just the perfect woman..." The senshi laughed at this, then the hat was finally passed to Usagi, who paled at the sight of it.
"We already know I'll be in Gryffindor", Usagi said, backing away as Rei held the hat out to her.
"You're not brave, you're a crybaby!" Rei said, narrowing her eyes. Finally Usagi took the hat, and the answer wasn't needed to be thought out, the hat gave the decision immediately before the it completely touched her head.
"SLYTHERIN!" It called out. Silence cut through the room like a sharp knife, as all eyes rested on one person. Usagi suddenly felt feverish, she knew exactly why she would've been in Slytherin, she knew why and no one else did. Except Dumbledore, of course.
"I...I should go check on Hotaru..." Usagi mumbled, before turning to rush out of the room, silent tears flowing down her face. The others stared numbly after her.
****
Hotaru sat with the Gryffindors the next night, avoiding Draco as much as possible, since she had yet to answer the question he had asked her before she moved back to her own bed in the Hospital Wing. She didn't know what to think of the question. Her foster mother had come down to see her that same day, seemingly to be upset for some reason. Usagi always refused to tell her secrets.
While Usagi escorted Hotaru to her room that night, Hotaru had asked what she should've said after being questioned by Draco, but Usagi was off in her own world at that point, and had no advice to offer.
Usagi meanwhile had kept her distance from the senshi, since the Sorting Hat incident, she didn't know what kind of excuse to make up, since she didn't have the bravery to spill out her secret, thus another reason why she wasn't a Gryffindor. She feared rejection, and she already have had enough rejection to last her a life time.
Makoto was the only one that had spoken to Usagi out of all the senshi, the same night as the Quidditch game as well. The tall brunette had caught the princess by her room before she retired for the night.
~Flashback~
"Usagi! Usagi! What's wrong? Are you ok?" Makoto had called out, trying to catch her princess' attention. It had worked.
"I'm fine...just a little tired from the day".
"I'll bet...that wing display was impressive". Usagi colored from embarrassment, although all senshi understood quite quickly from the brief explanation. "By the way, did you like Sirius or something?" Makoto never wasted time getting to the point, her face was etched with worry, since she had developed an instant crush on Harry's godfather.
"Well...I'm not sure, why do you ask?"
"Because...he likes you". Usagi faltered. "I know you promised Harry to let him move in with you...but I *do* live alone..."
"You want him to stay with you?" Usagi asked, she felt relief flood inside of her, caring for Hotaru would be a handful, but to have Harry as well would be that much more.
"Well, yes", Makoto suddenly blushed, "I also asked Sirius if he'd like to stay with me as well...he was thrilled with the idea...but he did mention that he was attracted to you..." Makoto went quiet, studying Usagi's face trying to read her expressions.
"Don't they all..." Usagi allowed herself a sigh.
"Still thinking about Mamoru?" Makoto softly questioned, approaching closer towards her princess, wondering if she should offer comfort, Usagi smiled at her taller friend, then looked away again.
"Sometimes...the pain is still strong..." She admitted. Deciding to change the awkward subject, Makoto put on a bright smile.
"Well, I'm going to be playing Quidditch tomorrow...you'll be rooting for me?"
"Of course". Makoto waved and rushed off to find Harry so she could practice, leaving Usagi to think to herself again.
~End Flashback~
The next day consisted of classes finishing early that afternoon for the game between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, where Makoto would have her first official start as Seeker. Hotaru's last class before the game was Care of Magical Creatures, and since they were working with the same creatures as the previous week, students were allowed to begin right away on their own.
Hotaru's animal was being particularly shy that day, and decided to head for the shade of the trees on the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Hotaru followed, and sat by herself, thankful for the chance to do so. Petting the soft furry animal, Hotaru took a seat on the other side of a large tree, facing towards the forest, wondering if she'd ever get a chance to speak to a unicorn again.
It would've almost been a pleasant time, if Draco hadn't spotted her, and decide to bother her...again. The blond Slytherin carefully snuck away from the rest of the students, and stood in front of Hotaru, crossing his arms over his chest.
"What?" The violet-eyed girl half-sighed.
"You never answered my question..." He began, receiving a glare.
"Why should I be your girlfriend?" She accused hotly. Draco couldn't come up with a quick comment after that, he quietly thought over possible answers in his mind, after a few moments, he sat down across from Hotaru, then glared back.
"You better not say anything to anyone..." Hotaru sighed.
"What?" She asked.
"Because...that one unicorn that talked to me said that you should...well...that I should look after you...so basically, you should be my girlfriend." Hotaru could hardly believe her ears. After all, this was cold, cruel, Slytherin blondie here...
"You're serious?" She questioned. Knowing that her foster mother always kept special watch over her...but if Draco did...
"Well...?"
"I don't know". Hotaru replied with, her mind began racing with several different options...she liked Harry...she didn't like Draco...or did she...she didn't like Pansy...Pansy liked Draco...hmmm.... "I'll have to think about it". Hotaru rose from her seated position, Draco did as well, but grabbed her arm before she could leave the shelter of the trees and turned her around, placing a possessive kiss on Hotaru's lips. It didn't last long...Hotaru pulled away from shock, never having experienced such an act before.
"I think you do know", Draco confirmed, his voice now quieter than before. Hotaru's violet eyes gazed into Draco's grey ones for several moments.
"Alright", she said, "I'll be your girlfriend". This was the right answer. Draco's upper lip curled in a satisfied manor, and he kept hold of Hotaru's arm, leading her out into the clearing. Luckily their class was with the Ravenclaws that day, so Hotaru didn't have to face Harry, but she inwardly smiled when noticing that Pansy Parkinson was shooting daggers from her eyes at that particular moment. The moment was interrupted, however, when Hagrid announced the end of the class.
"'Righ' then...yeh all can go to the game now". He said, sending all the students rushing for the Quiddich Pitch.
****
Halloween was finally here. That night's feast was an especially festive one. The ceiling in the Great Hall was dark with thunder and lighting from the storm outside. Jack-o-lanterns lit the hall as well, floating above the heads of feasting students below.
Makoto had put on an impressive display at the last Quidditch game, easily being a skilled Seeker, and winning the game for her team against Ravenclaw. She had been friendly with Ravenclaw's Seeker, Cho Chang, since Harry had admitted his crush on the pretty girl.
Needless to say, all the senshi had been thrilled after Usagi had revealed to them that her foster daughter now had a boyfriend. There wasn't a time when Draco didn't have Hotaru on his arm while walking from class to class, or having her sit next to him during all the meals. Usagi was happy for that...Draco was pure-hearted despite his character, and Hotaru would do good for him...given time.
After the feast, Usagi had to avoid many ghosts who were in the spirit to head down to the dungeons for her regular lesson. Feeling quite down lately, her mood was suddenly worsened after she entered the room and received quite a cold greeting.
"You may leave, your lessons no longer need to continue". That felt like a cold slap to the cheek on Usagi's part.
"What do you mean?" She cried out, feeling like she was about to burst into tears. Snape looked up at her, with an unreadable expression.
"You need no instruction, you obviously have the talent for the subject, so there's no need to waste any more time here." Usagi wasn't sure whether to take the comment as a compliment or as an insult. She decided on both.
"I see...I suppose you were an excelled student when you were in school as well?" She decided on trying for a conversation, since she had nothing else planned for the evening, and wished to keep her racing mind occupied. Snape glared at her, however.
"That's none of your..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, none of my business...I get it..." Frustrated, the princess turned heel and left the room, knowing that trying to have a conversation with Severus Snape was nearly impossible.
Suddenly, and idea began brewing in her mind. If she already knew how to make potions, she might as well use the skills.
Rushing down the hall towards the Gryffindor tower, she soon made it to the Common Room, and found Hermione busy with homework at one of the tables. The bushy-haired girl looked up and smiled brightly.
"Hi!" She called out, "What are you doing here, Madam Tsukino?"
"I have a question", Usagi took a seat across from Hermione and folded her hands thoughtfully in front of her on the table.
"Ok, go ahead", Hermione put down her quill and waited for the question.
"How do you get someone to talk and be truthful, even though they wouldn't do that normally...naming Professor Snape". Hermione already had a vague idea of who Usagi was talking about, but played along.
"Well...use a strong truth potion...or the traditional way..." Usagi nodded, "get him drunk". Usagi smiled and remained silent for several moments while reviewing her options.
"What about both?" She asked.
"Well then, you'd basically be guaranteed a result, but it might not be pleasant". Usagi rose from her seat.
"Stay here, don't move, I'll be right back..." And she rushed off quickly, not allowing anyone to interrupt her on the way.
Minutes later, Usagi returned with a bottle of wine concealed under her robes, stolen from the kitchens. Hermione giggled when she noticed. Usagi heavily plopped the bottle down in front of the bushy-haired Gryffindor and pulled another smaller crystal bottle from one of her many pockets, and set it down as well.
"Veritaserium...I stole some while in Professor Snape's office...I've been sneaking several ingredients into empty bottles over these past weeks, and he hasn't noticed...I think...will it work?" Hermione picked up the crystal bottle and admired it quite thoroughly.
"Oh yes, quite well...all you'll need is three drops." After hearing this, Usagi took out her ebony wand and used one of her recently learned charms to open it. She took the crystal bottle of veritaserium from Hermione and put three drops into the wine.
"Can you make the wine stronger?" Usagi questioned, causing a mischievous smile to cross Hermione's lips. She pointed the tip of her own wand to the opening of the wine bottle.
"Forte!" She said, causing the dark liquid inside of the bottle to sparkle for several moments, before becoming dormant again. Usagi placed the cork back into the top of the wine bottle, and rose from her seat. She concealed the bottle back underneath her robes again, and smiled appreciatively towards Hermione.
"Thanks..." She said, Hermione rose as well, and cut in.
"But how do you know you can get the Professor to drink it?" She asked. Usagi took a moment to consider the question, then she smiled.
"Well, I'll try...thanks for the help, Hermione...twenty points for Gryffindor", the princess winked at the student, then headed out of the room, and back down to the dungeons.
****
AN: cliffie, cliffie...I know...I'm sooooo sorry I didn't get this out sooner, but a really close friend of mine died on Thursday...he was a big animé fanatic too...neways, I went to the funeral today, lots of tears...I'm going to miss him...
I don't blame a lot of you if you don't like this anymore...but like I said, there's reasons for all these happenings, and I'm going to be revealing a lot of stuff soon...like *really* soon...