****Disclaimer: Hahaha, why even bother...
****Author's Note: Much, much forgiveness is begged from all of you. Life has been a tangled mess over these past few months, which has left me no time what so ever to work on this fanfiction. However, I finally got off my butt and wrote the next chapter. Hope you enjoy, and Happy New Year to everyone!
****
Hotaru and Draco arrived at the Malfoy Manor shortly after the first evening star began to sparkle in the night sky. They had traveled in a horse-drawn carriage styled in old Victorian fashion. Draco and Hotaru were collected at the school and had been traveling most of the day in silence. Hotaru was filled with worry about what kind of impression she would make upon the Malfoys. Draco had told her not to worry as she was from a pure blooded family and was an exceptional student.
Hotaru glanced towards her boyfriend who was currently looking out the window of the carriage. She was having doubts about her dangerous relationship, knowing full well Draco's family history. Usagi had given her full confidence, knowing her foster daughter would be safe.
"We're here...finally", Draco commented dryly, mumbling complaints about the driver of the carriage. Hotaru looked outside at the manor in awe. It's size could rival the moon palace.
Draco assisted Hotaru down from the carriage, telling her to leave their baggage alone, as they had servants for that. They reached the front doorway and walked up the stairway. Draco tapped his wand on the door, within a few moments a house elf opened the door and allowed them to enter. Other elves rushed outside to fetch the baggage.
Hotaru glanced curiously around the front hallway. It was obvious a wealthy family lived within.
"Welcome home, Draco", Lucius Malfoy greeted slyly as he walked into the hallway.
Hotaru felt her skin grow cold as blackness filled her min and a vision took over. Visions became more frequent ever since the first one took place in Divination class. She saw a room on a high floor within the manor. Inside lay many things of a dark nature that seemed to stir the planetary magic within her.
"Are you...feeling well, Miss Tsukino?" Lucius asked, his eyebrow raised in question. It was enough to snap Hotaru out of her stupor and cause her to blush furiously.
"Yes, fine, thank you", she said, smiling shyly. Lucius allowed himself a few moments to study the girl before motioning for the two students to follow him.
"Narcissa is waiting to meet you Miss Tsukino. Draco's told us so much about you". Draco gave Hotaru a confident mark before the two started their decent into the family study where Narcissa sat patiently by the fire.
Harry's description of the woman was nearly perfect, Hotaru determined. Noticing how the blond woman had her nose lifted slightly in the air. Her expression for the most part was unreadable, but she held her icy blue eyes tightly on the violet-eyed girl, memorizing every inch of her it seemed.
Draco and Hotaru took a seat opposite to his parents, silence held the air tightly for a few agonizing minutes until Narcissa spoke for the first time.
"So your family doesn't have you home over the holidays, hm?" She asked. Her voice was dripping with an icy coldness that rivaled even the most miserable of teachers. Hotaru regarded Narcissa for a moment, noticing the woman was attractive, but her snobbish demeanor gave her an almost ugly effect.
"My mother is at the school". Hotaru explained, "taking care of the students there". Narcissa rose an eyebrow.
"And your father?"
"I'm adopted." Hotaru quickly intervened, not wishing to bring up Usagi's and the senshi's situation.
"Your mother is single then?" Narcissa asked, Hotaru nodded. Silence overtook the room again. Lucius and Narcissa continued to observe the violet-eyed girl, Lucius with a smirk etched into his face, Narcissa with her nose held up in the air.
Thankfully for Hotaru, a house elf made the silence end rather abruptly when it entered the room and placed a platter of hour'derves on the coffee table between students and parents. As soon as the elf saw Hotaru, it backed away in fear, mumbling incoherent words in the process. Lucius' smirk seemed to grow, interest beginning to grow rather rapidly towards the senshi of silence.
****
"Remind me again why this girl is here?" Narcissa asked, her voice evident with boredom. Lucius sighed, annoyed, removing his wife's arm from his own as they made their way to their bedroom.
"I told you..." he said plainly, "so the Dark Lord can have full rein at the Headmistress".
"And *why* is she so special?" She asked, "from the sounds of it, she's rather childish and *annoying*". Lucius stopped walking for a moment, causing Narcissa to stop herself. "What?!?" She complained with a huff, placing her hands on her hips. Lucius narrowed his eyes, anger beginning to boil up inside of him.
"Were you *not* paying attention when Endymion explained to us who Serenity Slytherin was?" Narcissa looked uninterested.
"So? She has good breeding, big deal. We know plenty of pure bloods who've done absolutely *nothing* to the wizard race. Why does the Dark Lord want this girl so much?" Lucius unclenched his fists and began walking again.
"Have you seen her? She is rather lovely in appearance." Narcissa did not appreciate that comment one bit.
"More beautiful than even me?" She asked sourly-sweet. Lucius growled.
"Dammit woman, must you think of yourself as such a prize?"
"Well? Isn't that why you married me?"
"Ridiculous!" Lucius shouted, enraged. Narcissa looked behind her in alarm, then back towards her husband.
"Shh! The children will hear you!"
"Let them!" Lucius yelled before entering the master bedroom and slamming the door behind him. Narcissa huffed dramatically and entered the room herself, slamming the door more violently than her husband.
****
Draco and Hotaru were in fact down the hall and had heard every word. Hotaru clenched a fist tightly against her chest, feeling anger calling her Saturn power deep inside of her. Draco placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Just ignore that...my parents fight all the time. It usually means nothing". Draco moved towards his own bedroom. Hotaru settled a little bit but comfort was far from what she was feeling. She moved into her own bedroom after Draco bade her goodnight. She climbed under the covers, her mind full of thoughts. The main one being the mention of the Earth prince's name...Endymion.
****
"Princess...." A soft hissing voice called as Hotaru tossed and turned in her bed, her body covered in a cold sweat. "You are so close...come...awaken within..."
Hotaru's eyes shot open as she jumped up in the bed. She clutched her covers tightly against her chest as she frantically looked around for the source of the voice. It wasn't strange she was hearing a calling, it was the fact the language in which was spoken was in her own language. Saturnian.
She quietly slipped out of her bed and quietly moved out of her room to follow the calling voice as it progressively became louder.
She found a long staircase near the main hallway which she descended, eventually finding a heavily charmed door at the end of the hallway. The symbol of Saturn upon her forehead began to glow softly as the voices begged her to open the door. She ran her fingertips over the oak door, prepared to order the door to open using her own ancient tongue, but a pale hand grabbed hers and pulled it back.
Hotaru snapped fully awake and felt her face heat up at the sight of Lucius standing behind her, a bemused look upon his face.
"What are you doing, girl? This part of the house is not for strangers to look around in". He commented. Hotaru felt her face heat up even more.
"Sorry..." She stuttered, "I didn't know."
"Innocent mistake, I'm sure", Lucius said, smirking, "why don't you go back to bed?" He suggested. Hotaru nodded silently in response and did as she was told as quickly as possible. Lucius watched her retreating figure, then when she was out of sight, he turned towards the door, running his own fingers over the oak himself. "She knows what you know", he said to no one in particular. "It will only be a matter of time."
****
Things at the Malfoy manor only became more uncomfortable as time progressed. Draco continued to talk all the time to Hotaru as if nothing about her visit was strange at all, but Hotaru's past life experience taught her better.
Lucius watched Hotaru silently, however, Hotaru always felt eyes upon her, watching, waiting for something to happen, as if Lucius knew about her powers, and wanted to see what she was capable of. Hotaru wouldn't have been surprised at all if the Malfoy family would get a taste of what she was made of. And no doubt something back at Hogwarts would happen if Endymion was still in the picture.
What lay behind the strange oak door still lay a mystery, even though Hotaru continued to have visions more vividly every time.
****
"They'll be away the whole day", Draco exclaimed a mischievous hint to his voice. "We'll have the whole manor to ourselves!"
It was another morning at the Malfoy Manor, Lucius and Narcissa had pressing matters and were to be gone all the day. Draco, naturally, had plans for the whole day, beginning with breakfast, then a quick peek behind the large oak door at the far end of the manor.
Hotaru's heart pumped with a mixture of fear and excitement as they reached the room of secrets. Draco held out his wand, ready and tapped the door. It didn't budge. Again he tapped the door with his wand as he had seen Lucius do it several times before.
"Stupid enchantment", Draco spat, venomously, "I was hoping we could have a little bit of fun today", he looked towards Hotaru and shrugged. "Guess we'll be bored", he added with a sigh. He turned to move away from the door, but Hotaru felt her excitement overtake all other emotions, she grabbed Draco's arm to stop him in his tracks.
"Let me try", she said. She narrowed her eyes and ran her fingertips down the oak surface. A purple glow began to emit from her body, the symbol of Saturn becoming as clear as ever. Hotaru could feel Draco shiver in anticipation and excitement as well within her grip.
With a loud creak of the hinges, the door began to budge open very slowly, but enough for the two students to slip through. Draco's eyes widened at the sight.
"Where to begin?" He mused out loud, a crooked grin crossing his features.
Hotaru headed straight for a locked chest sitting underneath several dusty books. The voice she heard every night since her first in the manor whispered through the wooden chest to her.
"Open, princess, you'll find answers within", it said.
"Answers to what?" Hotaru asked out loud. Draco looked up from what he was doing.
"What?" He asked loudly, Hotaru looked at him.
"Nothing", she said, the both of them returning their attention back towards their own tasks. Taking her wand from her pocket, she tapped it onto the chest lock. Nothing happened, just as the door wouldn't budge for Draco. Again she called upon Saturn's power and the lock popped open by her touch. She lifted the lid and found more dusty books within.
"Just books", Draco commented dryly. "I was hoping for something more interesting." He frowned, the n glanced at his girlfriend who began reading the book she had pulled from the chest.
What Hotaru was reading was more or less a history record of family names and dates, near the back she found Lucius and Narcissa's names. Draco wandered over and peered over Hotaru's shoulder.
"Oh, I've seen this before", Draco commented. "Check this out", he flipped the pages towards the beginning of the book and pointed to Salazar Slytherin's name. "The greatest wizard in history", Draco said, seating himself on the floor next to his girlfriend.
"Are you related?" Hotaru asked, but Draco shook his head. Hotaru looked down the family line and noticed a name that didn't' continue. Serenity Slytherin. Hotaru shut the book.
"What's wrong?" Draco asked.
"Nothing", Hotaru replied, putting the book back where she found it, "let's look at something else". Draco complied without argument and got up to begin rummaging through other things.
Hotaru felt the Saturn insignia begin to glow on her head as she began to get closer to some dusty books in the furthermost corner of the room. Once she reached the objects of interest, she opened the book on top. A purple glow began to emit from her body as she started to read the writing on the pages. The subject of the book was none other than Divination.
Draco noticed the glowing getting brighter and pulled Hotaru's fingers away, closing the book in the process.
"What happened?" He asked as the glowing dies, "what did it say?" Hotaru wiped her brow tenderly.
"Read it yourself", she said. Draco did as he was told and opened the book back up, but was confused when he couldn't understand one word.
"It's written in some weird language", he commented, causing Hotaru to glance at the book, noticing he was right. The words were in Saturnian. "Oh! I know what this is!" Draco looked Hotaru squarely in the eyes, "promise you won't tell anyone", he said. Hotaru nodded.
"Promise".
"These books came from the private collection of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, they were family heirlooms". Hotaru's eyes widened, what would Voldemort be doing with books written in Saturnian? She wondered. "C'mon", Draco interrupted her thoughts, "let's get some lunch".
****
During the night, Hotaru's mind began to fill with visions again. This time she saw a tall man dressed in all black slowly walk down the hallway of Hogwarts school. He reached a large door at the end of the hallway and slowly pushed it open. Inside there lay a vision of beauty and purity on the bed. The man kneeled beside the bed and kissed the sleeping woman's forehead before violently forcing her to swallow a vial full of poison. He then dragged the woman's flailing body from the bed, out of the room and down the hallway. During this process, the woman managed to free herself from her captor and face him.
"Mamo-chan".
Hotaru shot straight up in her bed and clutched her forehead with her hand. The Saturn insignia glowing fiercely.
"Okaasan!" She called out to the dark, "okaasan, iie!" she sprang from her bed and ran from her room, blinded by her own tears.
Lucius had heard her scream and had exited his own room to find the girl running down the hall. He stopped her midway and tried to calm her down.
"No! Let me go! My mother's in trouble!"
"I know girl, settle down!" Hotaru did stop, her eyes wide, staring straight at Lucius.
"What do you mean you know?" She asked angrily. Lucius didn't answer her right away.
"I'm leaving for the school, right now", she whispered fiercely.
"That's not possible, you will go back when you are supposed to", he finally answered with. Lucius shook his head and lifted his wand to Hotaru's head, performing a spell to knock her out cold. He lifted up her limp form and carried her back to her room.
****
Hotaru awoke the next morning, remembering in anger everything that had happened. She ignored the knocking on her bedroom door and prepared to teleport back to Hogwarts.
"Hotaru? Are you awake yet?" She heard Draco ask, whether he was innocent or not, she had to wonder. She felt her body fade from the room as her mind settled upon her school, within moments she has teleported.
****
Harry looked around downtown Tokyo in utter amazement. He had never seen so many people in his life, not to mention all of the department stores and cars that drove noisily down the street.
"How 'bout a soda?" Makoto suggested. Sirius and Harry both readily agreed as they made their way towards the old parlor and arcade that the senshi used to frequent after school. They went inside and sat down at a booth, Sirius tugging at the back of his jeans.
"I don't think I could get used to these muggle clothes, too tight". Makoto shrugged her shoulders.
"That's what muggle men who are good looking wear now-a-days", she said cutely. Sirius rolled his eyes. A young waiter wandered over to their table and greeted Makoto warmly.
"Konnichiwa, Kino-san! I haven't seen you in a while, ne?" He said, smiling brightly. He then looked at Harry and Sirius. "Friends? Family?" He asked, Makoto returned the smile.
"The first choice. This is Sirius Black and his godson, Harry Potter. They're staying with me for the holidays." The young waiter nodded his head appreciatively.
"Americans?" He asked, Makoto gave a little shrug of her shoulders.
"They're from Britain actually". Sirius and Harry had been charmed to understand and speak Japanese, so they were busy picking things from a menu.
"Is he your boyfriend?" The waiter asked, motioning towards Sirius. Makoto blushed. This question broke the trance Sirius and Harry were in, they both looked up. Sirius's lip curled.
"Got a problem with that?" He challenged. The waiter sweatdropped.
"...Iie...I was just...ne. Kino-san and I have been friends for a while now...are you ready to order now?" He asked, suddenly changing the subject. His attempt worked as Harry began listing off pretty much the whole menu. The waiter took the order and quickly headed back to the kitchen. Sirius watched the blonde's retreating figure and looked at Makoto.
"How come he's wearing loose pants, hm?" Makoto's blush deepened to scarlet red.
****
Sirius took a deep breath of fresh air as the trio took their lunch break in the park. Snow flakes were dancing from the clouds.
"This is much better than being cooped up in that damned house all the time".
"That house is better than Azkaban, isn't it?" Harry asked. Sirius ruffled Harry's wild hair.
"That's true", he agreed.
"What's true?" A new voice intervened. Remus Lupin, arm in arm with Ami wandered up to the group on the ground and sat with them. "Something smells good", Lupin commented, licking his lips unconsciously. Lupin was dressed in a more conservative outfit, sporting slacks and a long coat as opposed to Sirius's leather jacket and jeans.
"We bumped into that friendly young waiter on the way here, Matoki's replacement?" Ami commented, "he mentioned seeing you guys earlier", she bit into one of the many cookies Makoto had made, "he seemed particularly nervous when mentioning your boyfriend, Mako-chan". Ami rose an eyebrow in question when mentioning this. "Over your little crush on him, ne?" Ami questioned. All eyes focused on Makoto curiously. She felt her face burn in embarrassment.
"Er...yeah, you could say that." She gulped nervously.
"So were we going to meet up with Rei and Professor Klassan today?" Ami changed the subject, much to the thanks of Makoto.
"We're supposed to meet them at Rei's temple later this evening for dinner". Makoto answered.
****
Ron had arrived to Makoto's apartment upon the night before Christmas Eve with the permission of his parents of whom once again made the trip to Romania to see Charlie. He was just as excited as Harry, to experience a real muggle Christmas.
Harry woke up to a pleasant smell wafting into his room, Ron had already awoken and was quickly dressing, his nose could detect food miles away.
"Just wait, Ron, Makoto makes the best cookies in existence!" Ron quickly found his way to the kitchen, not waiting for Harry and made a happy greeting upon entering.
"Ello, Makoto! I have to try for myself to see if what Harry said was true or not". Makoto blushed and motioned for Ron to go ahead and sample. He was pleasantly surprised with the sweetest substance ever to enter his mouth.
"I suppose you boys will want to go around the mall today, hm?" Harry had by that time come into the kitchen and nodded. "Well, have breakfast first."
****
Harry and Ron admired muggle trinkets in the windows in a busy mall. Although as both boys had noticed, Tokyo always seemed to be busy.
Ron pointed out one particular shop that advertized delicious looking desserts and decided to sample.
"'Eh, Harry! Let's go give this a try", Ron suggested, Harry followed but an odd flash made him stop. His eyes followed along to a teenage girl seemingly in a hurry as one angry shopkeeper hollered after her. Harry decided to help and chased after the girl. Conditioned by years of being chased by Dudly, Harry easily caught up to the girl and stopped her. She struggled fiercely under his grip. She cursed loudly in both Japanese and English, trying to physically hurt Harry in order to gain freedom, but to no avail. She finally gave up struggling and held out her hand with a tiny silver charm bracelet sitting in her palm. The flustered shopkeeper finally approached them, thanked Harry and took the item in question back.
"Onegai-" Harry said, "don't press charges, she's so young, and probably can't afford a Christmas gift for her okaasan." The shopkeeper looked quite skeptical, but with Harry's tightened grip, the girl nodded.
"It's true", a hoarse voice said from under a hood. The shopkeeper gave a disapproving glance but had what was stolen from him, so he left.
Harry watched the retreating figure, then returned his attention back to the girl. She was dressed in baggy, dirty clothing, by Harry's guess she was homeless.
"Thanks", she said in English, and turned around to look at Harry before promptly walking away.
Harry was stunned, the girl who he had just caught shoplifting was eerily beautiful. Even more so than Hotaru, of whom was his current crush. He then decided to follow the girl and stopped her again.
"What do you want?!?" She asked, giving her full attention towards Harry.
"You speak really good English", he commented out loud.
"So?"
"Er..." The girl was glaring coldly. "Why did you steal that bracelet?" he asked.
"'cause I liked it. What's it to you?" Her dark midnight-sapphire eyes sparkled in fury, bits of her long back hair stuck to her face after her near getaway left her perspiring heavily.
"Sorry...I was just curious".
"Well, leave your curiosity to yourself". She turned to leave again, but her eyes caught sight of appetizing looking food as Ron wandered up behind Harry.
"I was looking for you, you just disappeared", he said, then he looked at the rogue girl. "Er...kon...nee...chee...er, 'ello". He said, his face going red in embarrassment. The girl laughed a delightful musical noise, and caused Ron to blush more. The girl helped herself to some of the treats in Ron's arms, and encouraged him towards another food store. "My name's Ron...Ron Weasly", he stumbled out, "what's yours?"
"Just call me Sorrow, I suppose", she said. "What's for lunch, cutie?" She asked, leaving Ron speechless and Harry in a confused state, walking behind him.
****
Makoto didn't mind the extra company at all, Sorrow seemed to fit right in as she proved to not have any shyness at all within herself. Rei seemed to be the only one having any suspicious thoughts of the girl as everyone seated themselves inside the Shinto temple gathered for Christmas Eve dinner. But that naturally was typical for the priestess. Sorrow was busy chatting away about different adventures of hers amongst the male wizards in the room, who listened with great interest. The young rogue had quite colorful tales, seemingly having lived on her own for quite sometime. A few minutes after the meal, Sorrow excused herself from the table and walked just outside to light a cigarette. Harry and Ron followed behind leaving the adults to themselves.
"Aren't you kind of young for that?" Harry asked, Sorrow looked at him and winked.
"Not really, kids younger than me do it, why shouldn't I?" The subject was dropped. Sorrow walked up to the fortunes hanging from the steeple of the temple, but the bells made no sound as it was a windless night. "Anyone want to make a wish?" She asked, and pulled out a long ivory-white wand, swirling it around once, the bells began to make tinkling noises. Harry and Ron eyed each other.
"You're a witch?" Ron asked in disbelief, Sorrow's eyes twinkled mischievously.
"Whatever gave you that idea? I haven't been in a school a day in my life".
"The wand-?" Harry began, but Sorrow waved her hand.
"I'm a rogue witch, I suppose you could say, I learned magic by private tutors at an early age and became an Auror at fourteen."
"An Auror?!?" Harry and Ron asked in disbelief.
"No wonder you've never gotten caught with all those adventures you've had". Sorrow nodded in agreement.
"And yet, as long as you've been around, I've never heard about you?" Rei said, coming outside.
"For good reasons", Sorrow replied, placing a smug look on her face.
"And what would those be?" The raven-haired priestess asked, "what if everything you've told us is not true?"
"Is that a threat?" Sorrow asked, gripping her wand tightly.
"It's a challenge", Rei answered pulling out her own wand. Sorrow smirked and nodded. By this time the other adults came outside, confused by what was going on.
"Is this necessary?" Ami asked, but Rei was too busy staring down Sorrow to answer.
"Let's see how good you really are", Rei snarled and cast the first spell. Ron and Harry were watching intently, ready to eagerly discover why Sorrow was chosen an Auror without the necessary schooling.
Sorrow proved very easily she was more than qualified. Spell after spell it seemed Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was losing a duel to a fifteen year-old.
"Stop!" Rei finally said, holding up a hand, "that's enough". Sorrow gave a triumphant look.
"Convinced?" She asked, Rei hesitated, but then gave a curt nod. Ron and Harry bombarded Sorrow with several questions as well as compliments for the rest of the evening.
****
The morning didn't come soon enough, as daylight began to flood into Makoto's apartment. This time Harry was the first to awaken, he had opted to sleep on the couch in Makoto's living room after offering his bed to Sorrow for the night. He was overwhelmed when he saw so many presents under the Christmas Tree, and didn't bother questioning how they got there without his noticing.
Quietly, Harry got up and tiptoed back to his room, slowly opening the door, Ron sound asleep in one bed, Sorrow quietly snoring in the other.
"You two, wake up", Harry whispered fiercely.
Sorrow opened one eye and noticed Harry, smiling she quietly sat up adjusting the wrinkled bandana on her head. She motioned for Harry to not disturb Ron and the two quietly headed into the kitchen to raid for breakfast. After eating their fill, they headed into the living room to nose around the presents.
"Why don't you open one now?" She whispered, Harry smirked and picked up two packages, the two teens sat down on the couch. Harry opened one of the packages up, and pulled out a necklace with a green pendant hanging from a gold chain. "That's pretty", Sorrow complimented, "who's it from?"
"Madam Tsukino", Harry answered softly.
"Who's that?"
"Our Headmistress", Harry gave a soft smile and clipped the necklace on around his neck. Harry then handed the other package to Sorrow. "This is for you", he said, causing Sorrow to blush. She carefully opened the package and was surprised to find it contained the very bracelet that caused her and Harry to meet in the first place.
"How did you ever-?" Harry shrugged. Sorrow gave a sweet smile, leaned over and kissed him.
****
"I have a feeling something bad is going to happen", Rei said solemnly while all the adults sat around Makoto's kitchen table. "I didn't trust that little Auror right from the start. How do we know she isn't involved with Voldemort?"
"How could that be possible? She's just a little girl". Makoto pointed out.
"So is Hotaru", Ami added, the wizards in the room became confused.
"What does Usagi's girl have to do with this?" Sirius cut in. The senshi eyed each other and decided to leave Ami to fix her slip.
"There's some things you don't know about us-why Usagi was selected for such an important job".
"Car to elaborate?" Sirius prodded.
"I'm afraid I cannot, we were sworn to secrecy by Dubmbledore himself".
"Obviously for good reason_" Lupin offered to Sirius who was fuming.
"This information is harmful to the students?" Professor Klassan asked Rei who took a calming breath.
"Not the students themselves, although no doubt the Ministry would have a fit."
"Well, I'll have plenty of questions for Dubmbledore upon the next meeting of the order", Sirius said, not looking at anyone in particular, "including bringing up Sorrow".
"I sensed a dark power in her", Rei quietly put in, "I highly doubt if Dumbledore knows about her".
"We'll find out soon enough", Professor Klassan commented, patting her hand reassuringly.
Ron and Harry listened intently outside the kitchen door, after the conversation's subject changed they headed back to their room. Sorrow was laying on the bed admiring her new charm bracelet by making it float mid-air using her wand. She glanced towards the boys when they entered.
"They were talking about me, weren't they?" She asked. Harry nodded slowly. "I live to repel. I don't have friends, nobody ever trusts me".
"I do", Harry offered, Ron nodding silently beside him.
"You don't know anything about my past, with the exception of a few details". She motioned for Ron and Harry to sit next to her on the bed.
"What about your parents?" Ron asked, the burning question had been on their minds since they had first met the rogue girl.
"They're the reason of everyone's mistrust", she turned to Harry, her dark sapphire eyes glittering thoughtfully. "You're lucky to have had parents who loved you. Their spirits will always protect you. Me-I have only myself". During that very enchanting moment, Harry found it very difficult to believe this girl could be the child of Voldemort, even though she spoke of neglecting parents.
"You're too beautiful-" Harry mumbled unconsciously. Sorrow smiled and got off the bed, pulling a heavy sweater over her tattered clothing.
"I should leave before I make anyone any more uncomfortable".
"Don't-" Harry said, getting up to stop Sorrow, she smiled warmly and kissed Harry softly on the lips.
"It was nice spending Christmas with you, Harry, good luck, be sure to send me owl post once and a while". Harry nodded silently, then he rose his eyebrows.
"Good luck for what?" He questioned, Sorrow only winked.
"You'll find out. Just remember that no matter what bad things may happen in the future, there are still people who car about you". Harry felt awfully confused, but watched silently as the black-haired beauty let herself out the door and quietly leave the apartment building.
****
Usagi's eyes opened to the small amount of sunlight peering through the window in Severus' room. They fire in the fireplace had burned down to a few glowing embers. She rolled over on her back and stretched out her limbs, letting out a soft moan in the process. Her body ached all over as she attempted to sit up. It was oddly quiet and it caused Usagi to shift uncomfortably in the bed and call out hello in the room. No one answered. Thankfully after a few agonizing minutes, Severus decided to walk into the room, and he did not look surprised that his new charge was awake.
"Hungry?" He asked, his voice flat and disinterested. He tapped his wand on the desk causing a platter of food to appear. Usagi brushed her bangs back with her hand and snorted.
"Good morning to you too", she commented dryly, but slowly got out of the bed dragging the blanket with her and sat at the desk to begin stuffing her face with as much food as possible.
"I take it recent events have not spoiled your appetite", Severus commented with a smirk. Usagi stopped for a moment and swallowed.
"There must be another reason why you're standing there staring at me." Once again Severus smirked.
"You know right well what's on my mind. It's just a question whether you'll satisfy my curiosity or not". The room went silent once again as Usagi pushed her plate away suddenly feeling the effects of the previous night.
"You may ask whatever you want, but I cannot promise an answer to every question". She looked up at Severus, another silent moment coming between them.
"How is it, that even with the charms placed on this school, a Death Eater was able to apparate from the outside?"
"I would be able to as well. It's his bond to me that enables him to come to me as he wishes". Usagi fiddled in her seat waiting for the next question. Fear began to boil up inside of her stomach.
"That explains your never having been married, when that man was the closest to a husband you've ever had". Severus sat on the side of the desk and crossed his arms across his chest. He was ready for answers even though he had already figured out some facts on his own. And sure enough Usagi's face went deathly white.
"How?" Severus shook his head.
"I checked Hogwarts records and there is no Usagi Tsukino registered. However I *did* find the name Serenity Slytherin listed. Once a thousand years ago. And again ten years ago. How old are you?" Usagi felt tears well up in her eyes.
"It's true, I am the daughter of Salazar Slytherin, he had an affair with my mother before he became evil. She decided to not have me attend Hogwarts once I turned ten as she wanted me to have no knowledge of who my father was".
"You still have not answered my question". Severus said softly.
"My body is only twenty, however that's because after I died during the Silver Millennium, my spirit was reborn into this century. Therefore I am a little over a thousand years old".
"You're reincarnated? Why you?"
"I can't answer that." Usagi whispered, even though she wanted to more than anything.
"I take it that Death Eater is a reincarnated spirit as well? Along with the other women who came with you and even young Miss Tsukino?"
"Yes", Usagi answered, starting to find it less surprising when Severus seemed to figure everything out before hand.
"Then why does this man. Of whom you did love. Want to either deliver you to the Dark Lord or kill you? That does not make much sense to me. Is it because you are the daughter of Slytherin that makes you so special? You don't seem to have any extraordinary assets, save your looks". Severus remained quite serious, but Usagi gave a little smile at the last comment.
"Regretfully that is another thing I cannot answer, although I can show you something I do have a talent for, I do still owe you a duel." Severus rose from his seated position and frowned.
"No you don't". Usagi also stood.
"Yes I do, as a favor for all the lessons you've given me." Usagi dashed from the room to retreat to her own to dress.
****
When Hotaru re-appeared she was in the very hallway of where Usagi's attack had taken place. She was not surprised at all to find the hallway completely void of anyone, save the patrons in the paintings leering at her.
"Young mistress-oo, you've missed some juicy gossip", on woman in a painting commented, "you better go to your mother so you can learn". Hotaru sent the painting a dark glare and headed towards Dumbledore's office.
Speaking a couple of Lunarian words meaning 'light fairy', the stone gryphon spun around to allow Hotaru access to the office. She chose one of the paintings and requested the patron in the picture to find and summon Usagi. While she waited, Hotaru took it upon herself to look around the office, she took careful notice of a bloodied sword with the name 'Godric Gryffindor' in scripted upon it. 'Harry', Hotaru wistfully thought to herself. One of the old professors in a painting made a coughing noise to announce Usagi's arrival.
"Hotaru!" Usagi exclaimed out loud in surprise. Hotaru gave her foster mother a look of surprise herself, although her surprise was mixed with a deeper emotion.
"What happened, Mama?" She asked in plain English, "what was Draco's father hiding from me?" Usagi's face softened at the sight of her daughter beginning to silently cry, Usagi took her in her arms, sorry the young girl was brought into the situation.
"Hotaru-chan-" Usagi soothed, "I am so sorry you had to stay at that awful place, but I wanted no interference when he came".
"Mamoru?" Usagi nodded, keeping Hotaru tightly within her arms.
"Well I wasn't expecting Mamoru, I'd figured someone else. But it makes perfect sense why he was chosen. It doesn't matter, it's all over now and I'm fine." Hotaru couldn't hold back the tears anymore.
"I'm glad, Mama, but Mr Malfoy-"
"Lucius Malfoy is a Death Eater, but I knew you would be safe, Malfoy wouldn't dare touch you".
"But Draco-" Hotaru suddenly pulled away from Usagi, tears forgotten and eyes wide.
"Did he know?" She asked in fear, Usagi offered a comforting smile.
"I honestly don't know. After all he's done to earn your affection, I can't honestly see how he could have conspired-for now I would leave him the benefit of the doubt". Hotaru rushed back into her foster mother's arms.
"Oh Mama!"
****
The teachers murmured to each other quietly.
"For everyone's safety, I've asked my own daughter to help me with this demonstration as anyone else might be seriously hurt or even be killed". Again murmurs arose within the Great Hall, more volumous this time, however. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions, after what Minerva witnessed last night, no doubt all of you know what has happened in this school recently. This is what Voldemort (several gasps sounded) is after".
Hotaru and Usagi took their positions, following the rules of a normal wizards' duel. That is until the first spell was cast, made by Usagi. A bright white flash emitted from her ebony wand, but a purple bubble formed around Hotaru protecting her. The odd thing about this was the fact neither duelist had spoken any words. Usagi's glowing disappeared, but Hotaru's did not, she sent an attack of her own, more powerful than Usagi's, but was just as easily blocked. Usagi smirked.
"Warm up's over, Saturn", Usagi spoke in Lunarian, confusing all of the teachers in the hall.
"Are you sure we should be doing this?" Hotaru asked in her own Saturnian tongue. Usagi nodded.
"I'm getting sick of keeping so much secret from everyone". Hotaru nodded.
"If you wish, Princess". Hotaru dropped her wand and began glowing fiercely, her pupils fading causing her eyes to become completely violet. The Silence Glaive appeared in her hand, causing the floors beneath them to begin to tremble. A strange satisfied smile crossed Usagi's face.
"Silence", Hotaru whispered, pointing her glaive towards Usagi. The moon princess dropped her own wand and brought her hands to her heart, closing her eyes as the strong violet energy surrounded her. Several teachers cried out in horror, but within less than a second, the windows in the Great Hall shattered as an immensely powerful white light filled the whole room. When it faded, Usagi's arms were raised, her wings at full expanse and her crescent mark glowing on her forehead. Usagi opened her eyes and smiled at Hotaru.
"Ginzuishou", she whispered, Hoatru cried out in pain as she buckled to the floor, her glaive fading in mid air. The Headmistress walked towards her daughter, kneeling in front of her.
"That's enough", she said sweetly, her power fading away. After a few moments to recover, Usagi stood and faced the awed crowd of teachers.
"What Voldemort wants, is my power, and as you've just witnessed, I do not draw it from my wand". Usagi helped Hotaru up and walked with her towards the doors. "Somebody might want to fix that", she commented nonchalantly towards the broken windows, and exited the Great Hall.
****
The evening came all to soon, Usagi had chosen to retreat back to the Potion Master's bedroom after sending Hotaru to bed. She avoided the faculty after the duel, knowing full well that she would've been bombarded with questions. The only thing that had bothered Usagi bout her earlier talent show was the fact she and Hotaru had barely used their power at all. But it was enough to convince the teachers Usagi was valuable, very valuable.
"You put on quite a show", Severus silkily commented as he entered the room, closing the door slowly behind him. "I understand why you've refused to duel so many times now. However there are still other questions I wanted to ask you".
"I knew you were going to bring that up", Usagi commented dryly, pulling at her hair, removing the odangos letting her hair cascade down her back.
"What do you think you're doing?" Severus suddenly asked. Usagi turned around slightly.
"Figured I'd stay with you, after what happened last night".
"Whatever for, today you've made it obvious you have the magic..."
"Yes, providing I have time to call upon it. Mamoru came upon me by surprise..."
"Mamoru. So that's his name". Usagi's smile faded.
"Don't start with me, I do not wish to bring up painful memories, I've had too much over the last few days". And for the second time that day Severus and Usagi studied each other over a heavy silence. "Wait a minute", Usagi said, crossing her arms, "when do you start telling me about your little secrets". Severus gave Usagi a glare.
"My past is none of your business". He growled.
"Why? I told you who my father is, now you tell me about yours". Usagi placed her hands on her hips waiting impatiently for an answer.
"My father is not worth discussing", Severus snapped back. Usagi felt her heart skip a beat in fear at his tone, but also she wanted to keep prying to find out more.
"Why?" She risked, hoping to not be evicted from the room. Severus regarded Usagi for a moment.
"My father is dead". Usagi felt instantly sorry for bringing the subject up. But she continued to press further.
"And your mother?"
"Her too". Severus turned his back from the Headmistress.
"I'm sorry", she said, now regretting her actions.
"Not many know what you now know, consider yourself lucky". At hearing this, Usagi lost what worries she had about angering Severus and continued to question.
"So you grew up an orphan? How did you come to be a Death Eater?" She rushed it out too quickly, the Potions Master shook his head, and turned around to face Usagi again.
"My mother died when I was young. My father blamed me for it and decided he would spend the next several years making that clear to me. I became a Death Eater to prove I was not a mistake of life". Severus ran his fingers through his hair and continued while Usagi remained silent.
"He beat my mother constantly as well as using curses with his wand on her, eventually it wore her out, it was only a matter of time before it killed her. He seemed to think I was the one making him having to punish her". Severus made solid eye-contact with Usagi.
"After she was gone, he made an effort to continue the punishment on me. How do you think I learned so many curses before I came to Hogwarts? Eventually I started fighting back. And after joining the Dark Lord, he couldn't win against me."
What Severus had said was enough.
Usagi could easily assume the rest, Severus had killed his own father. In his childhood bitterness he had chosen solitude in his younger years, causing him to be an outcast at school, and causing him to follow the wrong path after he had graduated.
"No wonder you made so many enemies at school". Usagi quietly said.
"I showed them though, didn't I?" Severus sarcastically commented, "I was the Dark Lord's most skilled duelist". Severus began unbuttoning his top, revealing the skin underneath.
Usagi gasped bringing her hand to her mouth her eyes wide with shock. Surprised she didn't notice it while drunk with wine the one night together, Severus's body was covered in scars. He slipped the top right off, turning around. This time Usagi's eyes filled with tears. His back was even worse.
"So much makes sense now", she forced out in a choked up whisper. Severus turned around to look at Usagi again.
"Do not feel pity, I have committed more wrong that causes me to deserve every scar". Usagi shook her head.
"No human being could ever deserve such treatment. How you lived through it is a mystery to me".
"Pride. I would never have given that man the satisfaction of hiving the same fate as his wife."
"Why did you keep it so secretive though? How could no one possibly notice?"
"You didn't", Severus answered quickly, which caused Usagi to close her mouth tightly. She then nodded. Severus moved towards the lunarian and took her arms in his hands, pulling her close, Usagi raised her face to look Severus in the eyes. "You've hidden your secrets just as well, Serenity". Usagi looked away at hearing that name.
"Please do not call me that, Usagi is my name, Serenity was someone who lived a long time ago". Severus's grip grew tighter as he pulled Usagi closer, kissing her in the process. After a few seconds, the Potions Master pulled away.
"If you want me to leave you now, you need but deny me and I shall leave". Usagi remained only half conscious, her fingers tracing scars on Severus's chest.
"I deny you nothing", she answered with, feeling her heart begin to beat rapidly in anticipation.
It was much different this time, not having minds overtaken by alcohol and veritaserium proved to leave both more sensitive to the other. Severus proved to be more gentle with Usagi this time.
It was frightening, this weakness weighing down her libs, clouding her brain. There was no flash or fire, there was no emotional involvement in that. But mixed with the fear was the dark, dizzying thrill of being taken slowly, so slowly that each touch, each brush of lips lasted eons.
He could swear he felt her bones melting inside that sleek, ivory flesh. The drum of her turgid pulse thudded against his fingers. Low, baffled whimpers sounded in her throat. He slid the silk nightgown off her pale white skin so all that remained was the long silver-gold strands of her hair laying limply at her back.
He stroked his hands down her back, up, a teasing fingertip caress that had her shuddering, had her lips parting on what might have been a plea before his closed over them and swallowed it.
When she was limp against him, when her hands slid weakly back to her sides, he lay her on the bed, on the slick black satin. But he didn't cover her. Again, he braceleted her wrists, lifted them above her head. Sigh layered over sigh, as he began a slow, thorough trail down her body.
She thought the air had turned gold. How else could every breath she took be so rich? His mouth was so gentle, yet it exploited weaknesses she hadn't known were hidden inside her. His hands were impossibly tender and patient, yet they made her burn. And they made her weep.
It was more than pleasure. She had no words for it. It was soft, stronger than lust, and lovelier than any dream she'd ever held in her heart. Her body simply wasn't hers any longer, not hers alone. And when he met her lips with his again, emotions poured like wine. He slipped inside her like a wish.
She was afraid of him. It was a staggering realization, especially in the middle of the night when she lay wakeful beside him. He'd changed something between them, Usagi thought. Shifted the balance so that she felt vulnerable.
It had been a risk, certainly, to sleep with him. But one she'd been willing to take. But she'd never counted on falling in love with him. That was something she would have turned down cold. But turning her attention to the lean muscular arm laying across her abdomen with the Dark Mark burning black, she felt an indescribable completeness and security with the man holding her. The thought left her terrified.
****
Rei rushed as fast as she could through the hallways of Hogwarts towards the Great Hall where she would no doubt find Usagi. And to confirm what she assumed, the Headmistress was busy talking away with students who remained behind for the holidays.
"What happened?" Rei prodded looking between her and Hotaru who kept protectively close to Usagi.
"What do you mean?" Usagi asked innocently.
"I keep hearing rumors from everyone that there was an attack on the school. Even Dumbledore mentioned something at the Order's meeting. You have some explaining to do-Odango!" Rei's face was completely flushed as anger coursed through her body. Usagi simply smiled.
"It's no big deal", the Headmistress simply answered with. Rei's eyes went wide as if she'd been struck in the face. Usagi noticed and felt instantly sorry. "Had I been in any grave danger, you would've seen it in the fire?" Rei's gaze softened at hearing this, "besides what did happen will be nothing but a rumor to eventually go away, the staff here at Hogwarts are quite capable of handling these situations". Rei gave a quick look of shock at Usagi for speaking so wisely, but she then launched into a lecture using Japanese. However Usagi was not listening, after she had made her last comment, Severus had walked into the Great Hall and immediately made eye contact with her. Usagi felt her heartbeat speed up, remembering every little detail of their evenings together. She also felt a pang of sadness as she regretfully admitted she has fallen in love with the Potions Master.
"Odango! Are you listening?" Rei snapped, bringing Usagi back into reality. Severus looked away but not before the Headmistress offered him a little smile.
"Hai, Rei-chan". Usagi answered untruthfully. Satisfied, the raven-haired priestess nodded curtly and took Usagi's arm.
"Now, there's something we need to talk about", Rei said launching into the tale of Sorrow, the young homeless magic rogue.
****
"What were you jabbering so much with Potter about at supper?" Severus asked Usagi, gazing down at her with one arm propping him up, the other wrapped around her back. Usagi smiled sweetly.
"Harry's got himself a girlfriend-apparently he met her in Tokyo while staying at Mako's". Severus made a sound of disgust and removed his arm from Usagi, laying next to her but averting her eyes.
"A muggle girl". He said, Usagi giggled.
"Actually a rogue Auror apparently, specially trained". Severus turned his head towards Usagi again.
"Not possible, she's not old enough", Usagi shrugged her shoulders.
"That's what Rei told me, they had a duel and the whole bit, the girl is skilled".
"Her name?"
"Sorrow, I believe, she gave no last name, apparently parent-less and on her own".
"Odd", the Potions Master said, adding nothing else.
"That's what Rei thought, but Albus knows nothing about her. Regardless, she has been writing Harry, using owls, he says she's *very* beautiful."
"Hm." Severus made the sound out of lack of interest, but he didn't mind Usagi's senseless gossip so much, it kept his mind off of other things, even for a little while.
"Severus?"
"Hm."
"You're not listening to me", she accused in a very childish manner, Severus looked at Usagi and frowned.
"Yes I was". Usagi rose an eyebrow.
"What did I just say?"
"That I wasn't listening". Usagi burst into a fit of melodic laughter, earning a glare from her lover, she noticed an buried her face into his neck, the laughter subsiding as the only noise present now was their breathing.
"Does Hino know-" Severus began, Usagi pushed herself up with her hands, moving her face over Severus's, gold-silver hair falling around them. She gazed into his dark eyes and smirked.
"Rei doesn't need to know everything", she said, her voice lowered dangerously. Severus returned the smirk and pulled Usagi close.
"Hm."
***
AN: Once again, I'm so sorry it took me this long to update. I want to thank every single one of you that take the time to read this. I hope you've enjoyed!
****Author's Note: Much, much forgiveness is begged from all of you. Life has been a tangled mess over these past few months, which has left me no time what so ever to work on this fanfiction. However, I finally got off my butt and wrote the next chapter. Hope you enjoy, and Happy New Year to everyone!
****
Hotaru and Draco arrived at the Malfoy Manor shortly after the first evening star began to sparkle in the night sky. They had traveled in a horse-drawn carriage styled in old Victorian fashion. Draco and Hotaru were collected at the school and had been traveling most of the day in silence. Hotaru was filled with worry about what kind of impression she would make upon the Malfoys. Draco had told her not to worry as she was from a pure blooded family and was an exceptional student.
Hotaru glanced towards her boyfriend who was currently looking out the window of the carriage. She was having doubts about her dangerous relationship, knowing full well Draco's family history. Usagi had given her full confidence, knowing her foster daughter would be safe.
"We're here...finally", Draco commented dryly, mumbling complaints about the driver of the carriage. Hotaru looked outside at the manor in awe. It's size could rival the moon palace.
Draco assisted Hotaru down from the carriage, telling her to leave their baggage alone, as they had servants for that. They reached the front doorway and walked up the stairway. Draco tapped his wand on the door, within a few moments a house elf opened the door and allowed them to enter. Other elves rushed outside to fetch the baggage.
Hotaru glanced curiously around the front hallway. It was obvious a wealthy family lived within.
"Welcome home, Draco", Lucius Malfoy greeted slyly as he walked into the hallway.
Hotaru felt her skin grow cold as blackness filled her min and a vision took over. Visions became more frequent ever since the first one took place in Divination class. She saw a room on a high floor within the manor. Inside lay many things of a dark nature that seemed to stir the planetary magic within her.
"Are you...feeling well, Miss Tsukino?" Lucius asked, his eyebrow raised in question. It was enough to snap Hotaru out of her stupor and cause her to blush furiously.
"Yes, fine, thank you", she said, smiling shyly. Lucius allowed himself a few moments to study the girl before motioning for the two students to follow him.
"Narcissa is waiting to meet you Miss Tsukino. Draco's told us so much about you". Draco gave Hotaru a confident mark before the two started their decent into the family study where Narcissa sat patiently by the fire.
Harry's description of the woman was nearly perfect, Hotaru determined. Noticing how the blond woman had her nose lifted slightly in the air. Her expression for the most part was unreadable, but she held her icy blue eyes tightly on the violet-eyed girl, memorizing every inch of her it seemed.
Draco and Hotaru took a seat opposite to his parents, silence held the air tightly for a few agonizing minutes until Narcissa spoke for the first time.
"So your family doesn't have you home over the holidays, hm?" She asked. Her voice was dripping with an icy coldness that rivaled even the most miserable of teachers. Hotaru regarded Narcissa for a moment, noticing the woman was attractive, but her snobbish demeanor gave her an almost ugly effect.
"My mother is at the school". Hotaru explained, "taking care of the students there". Narcissa rose an eyebrow.
"And your father?"
"I'm adopted." Hotaru quickly intervened, not wishing to bring up Usagi's and the senshi's situation.
"Your mother is single then?" Narcissa asked, Hotaru nodded. Silence overtook the room again. Lucius and Narcissa continued to observe the violet-eyed girl, Lucius with a smirk etched into his face, Narcissa with her nose held up in the air.
Thankfully for Hotaru, a house elf made the silence end rather abruptly when it entered the room and placed a platter of hour'derves on the coffee table between students and parents. As soon as the elf saw Hotaru, it backed away in fear, mumbling incoherent words in the process. Lucius' smirk seemed to grow, interest beginning to grow rather rapidly towards the senshi of silence.
****
"Remind me again why this girl is here?" Narcissa asked, her voice evident with boredom. Lucius sighed, annoyed, removing his wife's arm from his own as they made their way to their bedroom.
"I told you..." he said plainly, "so the Dark Lord can have full rein at the Headmistress".
"And *why* is she so special?" She asked, "from the sounds of it, she's rather childish and *annoying*". Lucius stopped walking for a moment, causing Narcissa to stop herself. "What?!?" She complained with a huff, placing her hands on her hips. Lucius narrowed his eyes, anger beginning to boil up inside of him.
"Were you *not* paying attention when Endymion explained to us who Serenity Slytherin was?" Narcissa looked uninterested.
"So? She has good breeding, big deal. We know plenty of pure bloods who've done absolutely *nothing* to the wizard race. Why does the Dark Lord want this girl so much?" Lucius unclenched his fists and began walking again.
"Have you seen her? She is rather lovely in appearance." Narcissa did not appreciate that comment one bit.
"More beautiful than even me?" She asked sourly-sweet. Lucius growled.
"Dammit woman, must you think of yourself as such a prize?"
"Well? Isn't that why you married me?"
"Ridiculous!" Lucius shouted, enraged. Narcissa looked behind her in alarm, then back towards her husband.
"Shh! The children will hear you!"
"Let them!" Lucius yelled before entering the master bedroom and slamming the door behind him. Narcissa huffed dramatically and entered the room herself, slamming the door more violently than her husband.
****
Draco and Hotaru were in fact down the hall and had heard every word. Hotaru clenched a fist tightly against her chest, feeling anger calling her Saturn power deep inside of her. Draco placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Just ignore that...my parents fight all the time. It usually means nothing". Draco moved towards his own bedroom. Hotaru settled a little bit but comfort was far from what she was feeling. She moved into her own bedroom after Draco bade her goodnight. She climbed under the covers, her mind full of thoughts. The main one being the mention of the Earth prince's name...Endymion.
****
"Princess...." A soft hissing voice called as Hotaru tossed and turned in her bed, her body covered in a cold sweat. "You are so close...come...awaken within..."
Hotaru's eyes shot open as she jumped up in the bed. She clutched her covers tightly against her chest as she frantically looked around for the source of the voice. It wasn't strange she was hearing a calling, it was the fact the language in which was spoken was in her own language. Saturnian.
She quietly slipped out of her bed and quietly moved out of her room to follow the calling voice as it progressively became louder.
She found a long staircase near the main hallway which she descended, eventually finding a heavily charmed door at the end of the hallway. The symbol of Saturn upon her forehead began to glow softly as the voices begged her to open the door. She ran her fingertips over the oak door, prepared to order the door to open using her own ancient tongue, but a pale hand grabbed hers and pulled it back.
Hotaru snapped fully awake and felt her face heat up at the sight of Lucius standing behind her, a bemused look upon his face.
"What are you doing, girl? This part of the house is not for strangers to look around in". He commented. Hotaru felt her face heat up even more.
"Sorry..." She stuttered, "I didn't know."
"Innocent mistake, I'm sure", Lucius said, smirking, "why don't you go back to bed?" He suggested. Hotaru nodded silently in response and did as she was told as quickly as possible. Lucius watched her retreating figure, then when she was out of sight, he turned towards the door, running his own fingers over the oak himself. "She knows what you know", he said to no one in particular. "It will only be a matter of time."
****
Things at the Malfoy manor only became more uncomfortable as time progressed. Draco continued to talk all the time to Hotaru as if nothing about her visit was strange at all, but Hotaru's past life experience taught her better.
Lucius watched Hotaru silently, however, Hotaru always felt eyes upon her, watching, waiting for something to happen, as if Lucius knew about her powers, and wanted to see what she was capable of. Hotaru wouldn't have been surprised at all if the Malfoy family would get a taste of what she was made of. And no doubt something back at Hogwarts would happen if Endymion was still in the picture.
What lay behind the strange oak door still lay a mystery, even though Hotaru continued to have visions more vividly every time.
****
"They'll be away the whole day", Draco exclaimed a mischievous hint to his voice. "We'll have the whole manor to ourselves!"
It was another morning at the Malfoy Manor, Lucius and Narcissa had pressing matters and were to be gone all the day. Draco, naturally, had plans for the whole day, beginning with breakfast, then a quick peek behind the large oak door at the far end of the manor.
Hotaru's heart pumped with a mixture of fear and excitement as they reached the room of secrets. Draco held out his wand, ready and tapped the door. It didn't budge. Again he tapped the door with his wand as he had seen Lucius do it several times before.
"Stupid enchantment", Draco spat, venomously, "I was hoping we could have a little bit of fun today", he looked towards Hotaru and shrugged. "Guess we'll be bored", he added with a sigh. He turned to move away from the door, but Hotaru felt her excitement overtake all other emotions, she grabbed Draco's arm to stop him in his tracks.
"Let me try", she said. She narrowed her eyes and ran her fingertips down the oak surface. A purple glow began to emit from her body, the symbol of Saturn becoming as clear as ever. Hotaru could feel Draco shiver in anticipation and excitement as well within her grip.
With a loud creak of the hinges, the door began to budge open very slowly, but enough for the two students to slip through. Draco's eyes widened at the sight.
"Where to begin?" He mused out loud, a crooked grin crossing his features.
Hotaru headed straight for a locked chest sitting underneath several dusty books. The voice she heard every night since her first in the manor whispered through the wooden chest to her.
"Open, princess, you'll find answers within", it said.
"Answers to what?" Hotaru asked out loud. Draco looked up from what he was doing.
"What?" He asked loudly, Hotaru looked at him.
"Nothing", she said, the both of them returning their attention back towards their own tasks. Taking her wand from her pocket, she tapped it onto the chest lock. Nothing happened, just as the door wouldn't budge for Draco. Again she called upon Saturn's power and the lock popped open by her touch. She lifted the lid and found more dusty books within.
"Just books", Draco commented dryly. "I was hoping for something more interesting." He frowned, the n glanced at his girlfriend who began reading the book she had pulled from the chest.
What Hotaru was reading was more or less a history record of family names and dates, near the back she found Lucius and Narcissa's names. Draco wandered over and peered over Hotaru's shoulder.
"Oh, I've seen this before", Draco commented. "Check this out", he flipped the pages towards the beginning of the book and pointed to Salazar Slytherin's name. "The greatest wizard in history", Draco said, seating himself on the floor next to his girlfriend.
"Are you related?" Hotaru asked, but Draco shook his head. Hotaru looked down the family line and noticed a name that didn't' continue. Serenity Slytherin. Hotaru shut the book.
"What's wrong?" Draco asked.
"Nothing", Hotaru replied, putting the book back where she found it, "let's look at something else". Draco complied without argument and got up to begin rummaging through other things.
Hotaru felt the Saturn insignia begin to glow on her head as she began to get closer to some dusty books in the furthermost corner of the room. Once she reached the objects of interest, she opened the book on top. A purple glow began to emit from her body as she started to read the writing on the pages. The subject of the book was none other than Divination.
Draco noticed the glowing getting brighter and pulled Hotaru's fingers away, closing the book in the process.
"What happened?" He asked as the glowing dies, "what did it say?" Hotaru wiped her brow tenderly.
"Read it yourself", she said. Draco did as he was told and opened the book back up, but was confused when he couldn't understand one word.
"It's written in some weird language", he commented, causing Hotaru to glance at the book, noticing he was right. The words were in Saturnian. "Oh! I know what this is!" Draco looked Hotaru squarely in the eyes, "promise you won't tell anyone", he said. Hotaru nodded.
"Promise".
"These books came from the private collection of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, they were family heirlooms". Hotaru's eyes widened, what would Voldemort be doing with books written in Saturnian? She wondered. "C'mon", Draco interrupted her thoughts, "let's get some lunch".
****
During the night, Hotaru's mind began to fill with visions again. This time she saw a tall man dressed in all black slowly walk down the hallway of Hogwarts school. He reached a large door at the end of the hallway and slowly pushed it open. Inside there lay a vision of beauty and purity on the bed. The man kneeled beside the bed and kissed the sleeping woman's forehead before violently forcing her to swallow a vial full of poison. He then dragged the woman's flailing body from the bed, out of the room and down the hallway. During this process, the woman managed to free herself from her captor and face him.
"Mamo-chan".
Hotaru shot straight up in her bed and clutched her forehead with her hand. The Saturn insignia glowing fiercely.
"Okaasan!" She called out to the dark, "okaasan, iie!" she sprang from her bed and ran from her room, blinded by her own tears.
Lucius had heard her scream and had exited his own room to find the girl running down the hall. He stopped her midway and tried to calm her down.
"No! Let me go! My mother's in trouble!"
"I know girl, settle down!" Hotaru did stop, her eyes wide, staring straight at Lucius.
"What do you mean you know?" She asked angrily. Lucius didn't answer her right away.
"I'm leaving for the school, right now", she whispered fiercely.
"That's not possible, you will go back when you are supposed to", he finally answered with. Lucius shook his head and lifted his wand to Hotaru's head, performing a spell to knock her out cold. He lifted up her limp form and carried her back to her room.
****
Hotaru awoke the next morning, remembering in anger everything that had happened. She ignored the knocking on her bedroom door and prepared to teleport back to Hogwarts.
"Hotaru? Are you awake yet?" She heard Draco ask, whether he was innocent or not, she had to wonder. She felt her body fade from the room as her mind settled upon her school, within moments she has teleported.
****
Harry looked around downtown Tokyo in utter amazement. He had never seen so many people in his life, not to mention all of the department stores and cars that drove noisily down the street.
"How 'bout a soda?" Makoto suggested. Sirius and Harry both readily agreed as they made their way towards the old parlor and arcade that the senshi used to frequent after school. They went inside and sat down at a booth, Sirius tugging at the back of his jeans.
"I don't think I could get used to these muggle clothes, too tight". Makoto shrugged her shoulders.
"That's what muggle men who are good looking wear now-a-days", she said cutely. Sirius rolled his eyes. A young waiter wandered over to their table and greeted Makoto warmly.
"Konnichiwa, Kino-san! I haven't seen you in a while, ne?" He said, smiling brightly. He then looked at Harry and Sirius. "Friends? Family?" He asked, Makoto returned the smile.
"The first choice. This is Sirius Black and his godson, Harry Potter. They're staying with me for the holidays." The young waiter nodded his head appreciatively.
"Americans?" He asked, Makoto gave a little shrug of her shoulders.
"They're from Britain actually". Sirius and Harry had been charmed to understand and speak Japanese, so they were busy picking things from a menu.
"Is he your boyfriend?" The waiter asked, motioning towards Sirius. Makoto blushed. This question broke the trance Sirius and Harry were in, they both looked up. Sirius's lip curled.
"Got a problem with that?" He challenged. The waiter sweatdropped.
"...Iie...I was just...ne. Kino-san and I have been friends for a while now...are you ready to order now?" He asked, suddenly changing the subject. His attempt worked as Harry began listing off pretty much the whole menu. The waiter took the order and quickly headed back to the kitchen. Sirius watched the blonde's retreating figure and looked at Makoto.
"How come he's wearing loose pants, hm?" Makoto's blush deepened to scarlet red.
****
Sirius took a deep breath of fresh air as the trio took their lunch break in the park. Snow flakes were dancing from the clouds.
"This is much better than being cooped up in that damned house all the time".
"That house is better than Azkaban, isn't it?" Harry asked. Sirius ruffled Harry's wild hair.
"That's true", he agreed.
"What's true?" A new voice intervened. Remus Lupin, arm in arm with Ami wandered up to the group on the ground and sat with them. "Something smells good", Lupin commented, licking his lips unconsciously. Lupin was dressed in a more conservative outfit, sporting slacks and a long coat as opposed to Sirius's leather jacket and jeans.
"We bumped into that friendly young waiter on the way here, Matoki's replacement?" Ami commented, "he mentioned seeing you guys earlier", she bit into one of the many cookies Makoto had made, "he seemed particularly nervous when mentioning your boyfriend, Mako-chan". Ami rose an eyebrow in question when mentioning this. "Over your little crush on him, ne?" Ami questioned. All eyes focused on Makoto curiously. She felt her face burn in embarrassment.
"Er...yeah, you could say that." She gulped nervously.
"So were we going to meet up with Rei and Professor Klassan today?" Ami changed the subject, much to the thanks of Makoto.
"We're supposed to meet them at Rei's temple later this evening for dinner". Makoto answered.
****
Ron had arrived to Makoto's apartment upon the night before Christmas Eve with the permission of his parents of whom once again made the trip to Romania to see Charlie. He was just as excited as Harry, to experience a real muggle Christmas.
Harry woke up to a pleasant smell wafting into his room, Ron had already awoken and was quickly dressing, his nose could detect food miles away.
"Just wait, Ron, Makoto makes the best cookies in existence!" Ron quickly found his way to the kitchen, not waiting for Harry and made a happy greeting upon entering.
"Ello, Makoto! I have to try for myself to see if what Harry said was true or not". Makoto blushed and motioned for Ron to go ahead and sample. He was pleasantly surprised with the sweetest substance ever to enter his mouth.
"I suppose you boys will want to go around the mall today, hm?" Harry had by that time come into the kitchen and nodded. "Well, have breakfast first."
****
Harry and Ron admired muggle trinkets in the windows in a busy mall. Although as both boys had noticed, Tokyo always seemed to be busy.
Ron pointed out one particular shop that advertized delicious looking desserts and decided to sample.
"'Eh, Harry! Let's go give this a try", Ron suggested, Harry followed but an odd flash made him stop. His eyes followed along to a teenage girl seemingly in a hurry as one angry shopkeeper hollered after her. Harry decided to help and chased after the girl. Conditioned by years of being chased by Dudly, Harry easily caught up to the girl and stopped her. She struggled fiercely under his grip. She cursed loudly in both Japanese and English, trying to physically hurt Harry in order to gain freedom, but to no avail. She finally gave up struggling and held out her hand with a tiny silver charm bracelet sitting in her palm. The flustered shopkeeper finally approached them, thanked Harry and took the item in question back.
"Onegai-" Harry said, "don't press charges, she's so young, and probably can't afford a Christmas gift for her okaasan." The shopkeeper looked quite skeptical, but with Harry's tightened grip, the girl nodded.
"It's true", a hoarse voice said from under a hood. The shopkeeper gave a disapproving glance but had what was stolen from him, so he left.
Harry watched the retreating figure, then returned his attention back to the girl. She was dressed in baggy, dirty clothing, by Harry's guess she was homeless.
"Thanks", she said in English, and turned around to look at Harry before promptly walking away.
Harry was stunned, the girl who he had just caught shoplifting was eerily beautiful. Even more so than Hotaru, of whom was his current crush. He then decided to follow the girl and stopped her again.
"What do you want?!?" She asked, giving her full attention towards Harry.
"You speak really good English", he commented out loud.
"So?"
"Er..." The girl was glaring coldly. "Why did you steal that bracelet?" he asked.
"'cause I liked it. What's it to you?" Her dark midnight-sapphire eyes sparkled in fury, bits of her long back hair stuck to her face after her near getaway left her perspiring heavily.
"Sorry...I was just curious".
"Well, leave your curiosity to yourself". She turned to leave again, but her eyes caught sight of appetizing looking food as Ron wandered up behind Harry.
"I was looking for you, you just disappeared", he said, then he looked at the rogue girl. "Er...kon...nee...chee...er, 'ello". He said, his face going red in embarrassment. The girl laughed a delightful musical noise, and caused Ron to blush more. The girl helped herself to some of the treats in Ron's arms, and encouraged him towards another food store. "My name's Ron...Ron Weasly", he stumbled out, "what's yours?"
"Just call me Sorrow, I suppose", she said. "What's for lunch, cutie?" She asked, leaving Ron speechless and Harry in a confused state, walking behind him.
****
Makoto didn't mind the extra company at all, Sorrow seemed to fit right in as she proved to not have any shyness at all within herself. Rei seemed to be the only one having any suspicious thoughts of the girl as everyone seated themselves inside the Shinto temple gathered for Christmas Eve dinner. But that naturally was typical for the priestess. Sorrow was busy chatting away about different adventures of hers amongst the male wizards in the room, who listened with great interest. The young rogue had quite colorful tales, seemingly having lived on her own for quite sometime. A few minutes after the meal, Sorrow excused herself from the table and walked just outside to light a cigarette. Harry and Ron followed behind leaving the adults to themselves.
"Aren't you kind of young for that?" Harry asked, Sorrow looked at him and winked.
"Not really, kids younger than me do it, why shouldn't I?" The subject was dropped. Sorrow walked up to the fortunes hanging from the steeple of the temple, but the bells made no sound as it was a windless night. "Anyone want to make a wish?" She asked, and pulled out a long ivory-white wand, swirling it around once, the bells began to make tinkling noises. Harry and Ron eyed each other.
"You're a witch?" Ron asked in disbelief, Sorrow's eyes twinkled mischievously.
"Whatever gave you that idea? I haven't been in a school a day in my life".
"The wand-?" Harry began, but Sorrow waved her hand.
"I'm a rogue witch, I suppose you could say, I learned magic by private tutors at an early age and became an Auror at fourteen."
"An Auror?!?" Harry and Ron asked in disbelief.
"No wonder you've never gotten caught with all those adventures you've had". Sorrow nodded in agreement.
"And yet, as long as you've been around, I've never heard about you?" Rei said, coming outside.
"For good reasons", Sorrow replied, placing a smug look on her face.
"And what would those be?" The raven-haired priestess asked, "what if everything you've told us is not true?"
"Is that a threat?" Sorrow asked, gripping her wand tightly.
"It's a challenge", Rei answered pulling out her own wand. Sorrow smirked and nodded. By this time the other adults came outside, confused by what was going on.
"Is this necessary?" Ami asked, but Rei was too busy staring down Sorrow to answer.
"Let's see how good you really are", Rei snarled and cast the first spell. Ron and Harry were watching intently, ready to eagerly discover why Sorrow was chosen an Auror without the necessary schooling.
Sorrow proved very easily she was more than qualified. Spell after spell it seemed Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was losing a duel to a fifteen year-old.
"Stop!" Rei finally said, holding up a hand, "that's enough". Sorrow gave a triumphant look.
"Convinced?" She asked, Rei hesitated, but then gave a curt nod. Ron and Harry bombarded Sorrow with several questions as well as compliments for the rest of the evening.
****
The morning didn't come soon enough, as daylight began to flood into Makoto's apartment. This time Harry was the first to awaken, he had opted to sleep on the couch in Makoto's living room after offering his bed to Sorrow for the night. He was overwhelmed when he saw so many presents under the Christmas Tree, and didn't bother questioning how they got there without his noticing.
Quietly, Harry got up and tiptoed back to his room, slowly opening the door, Ron sound asleep in one bed, Sorrow quietly snoring in the other.
"You two, wake up", Harry whispered fiercely.
Sorrow opened one eye and noticed Harry, smiling she quietly sat up adjusting the wrinkled bandana on her head. She motioned for Harry to not disturb Ron and the two quietly headed into the kitchen to raid for breakfast. After eating their fill, they headed into the living room to nose around the presents.
"Why don't you open one now?" She whispered, Harry smirked and picked up two packages, the two teens sat down on the couch. Harry opened one of the packages up, and pulled out a necklace with a green pendant hanging from a gold chain. "That's pretty", Sorrow complimented, "who's it from?"
"Madam Tsukino", Harry answered softly.
"Who's that?"
"Our Headmistress", Harry gave a soft smile and clipped the necklace on around his neck. Harry then handed the other package to Sorrow. "This is for you", he said, causing Sorrow to blush. She carefully opened the package and was surprised to find it contained the very bracelet that caused her and Harry to meet in the first place.
"How did you ever-?" Harry shrugged. Sorrow gave a sweet smile, leaned over and kissed him.
****
"I have a feeling something bad is going to happen", Rei said solemnly while all the adults sat around Makoto's kitchen table. "I didn't trust that little Auror right from the start. How do we know she isn't involved with Voldemort?"
"How could that be possible? She's just a little girl". Makoto pointed out.
"So is Hotaru", Ami added, the wizards in the room became confused.
"What does Usagi's girl have to do with this?" Sirius cut in. The senshi eyed each other and decided to leave Ami to fix her slip.
"There's some things you don't know about us-why Usagi was selected for such an important job".
"Car to elaborate?" Sirius prodded.
"I'm afraid I cannot, we were sworn to secrecy by Dubmbledore himself".
"Obviously for good reason_" Lupin offered to Sirius who was fuming.
"This information is harmful to the students?" Professor Klassan asked Rei who took a calming breath.
"Not the students themselves, although no doubt the Ministry would have a fit."
"Well, I'll have plenty of questions for Dubmbledore upon the next meeting of the order", Sirius said, not looking at anyone in particular, "including bringing up Sorrow".
"I sensed a dark power in her", Rei quietly put in, "I highly doubt if Dumbledore knows about her".
"We'll find out soon enough", Professor Klassan commented, patting her hand reassuringly.
Ron and Harry listened intently outside the kitchen door, after the conversation's subject changed they headed back to their room. Sorrow was laying on the bed admiring her new charm bracelet by making it float mid-air using her wand. She glanced towards the boys when they entered.
"They were talking about me, weren't they?" She asked. Harry nodded slowly. "I live to repel. I don't have friends, nobody ever trusts me".
"I do", Harry offered, Ron nodding silently beside him.
"You don't know anything about my past, with the exception of a few details". She motioned for Ron and Harry to sit next to her on the bed.
"What about your parents?" Ron asked, the burning question had been on their minds since they had first met the rogue girl.
"They're the reason of everyone's mistrust", she turned to Harry, her dark sapphire eyes glittering thoughtfully. "You're lucky to have had parents who loved you. Their spirits will always protect you. Me-I have only myself". During that very enchanting moment, Harry found it very difficult to believe this girl could be the child of Voldemort, even though she spoke of neglecting parents.
"You're too beautiful-" Harry mumbled unconsciously. Sorrow smiled and got off the bed, pulling a heavy sweater over her tattered clothing.
"I should leave before I make anyone any more uncomfortable".
"Don't-" Harry said, getting up to stop Sorrow, she smiled warmly and kissed Harry softly on the lips.
"It was nice spending Christmas with you, Harry, good luck, be sure to send me owl post once and a while". Harry nodded silently, then he rose his eyebrows.
"Good luck for what?" He questioned, Sorrow only winked.
"You'll find out. Just remember that no matter what bad things may happen in the future, there are still people who car about you". Harry felt awfully confused, but watched silently as the black-haired beauty let herself out the door and quietly leave the apartment building.
****
Usagi's eyes opened to the small amount of sunlight peering through the window in Severus' room. They fire in the fireplace had burned down to a few glowing embers. She rolled over on her back and stretched out her limbs, letting out a soft moan in the process. Her body ached all over as she attempted to sit up. It was oddly quiet and it caused Usagi to shift uncomfortably in the bed and call out hello in the room. No one answered. Thankfully after a few agonizing minutes, Severus decided to walk into the room, and he did not look surprised that his new charge was awake.
"Hungry?" He asked, his voice flat and disinterested. He tapped his wand on the desk causing a platter of food to appear. Usagi brushed her bangs back with her hand and snorted.
"Good morning to you too", she commented dryly, but slowly got out of the bed dragging the blanket with her and sat at the desk to begin stuffing her face with as much food as possible.
"I take it recent events have not spoiled your appetite", Severus commented with a smirk. Usagi stopped for a moment and swallowed.
"There must be another reason why you're standing there staring at me." Once again Severus smirked.
"You know right well what's on my mind. It's just a question whether you'll satisfy my curiosity or not". The room went silent once again as Usagi pushed her plate away suddenly feeling the effects of the previous night.
"You may ask whatever you want, but I cannot promise an answer to every question". She looked up at Severus, another silent moment coming between them.
"How is it, that even with the charms placed on this school, a Death Eater was able to apparate from the outside?"
"I would be able to as well. It's his bond to me that enables him to come to me as he wishes". Usagi fiddled in her seat waiting for the next question. Fear began to boil up inside of her stomach.
"That explains your never having been married, when that man was the closest to a husband you've ever had". Severus sat on the side of the desk and crossed his arms across his chest. He was ready for answers even though he had already figured out some facts on his own. And sure enough Usagi's face went deathly white.
"How?" Severus shook his head.
"I checked Hogwarts records and there is no Usagi Tsukino registered. However I *did* find the name Serenity Slytherin listed. Once a thousand years ago. And again ten years ago. How old are you?" Usagi felt tears well up in her eyes.
"It's true, I am the daughter of Salazar Slytherin, he had an affair with my mother before he became evil. She decided to not have me attend Hogwarts once I turned ten as she wanted me to have no knowledge of who my father was".
"You still have not answered my question". Severus said softly.
"My body is only twenty, however that's because after I died during the Silver Millennium, my spirit was reborn into this century. Therefore I am a little over a thousand years old".
"You're reincarnated? Why you?"
"I can't answer that." Usagi whispered, even though she wanted to more than anything.
"I take it that Death Eater is a reincarnated spirit as well? Along with the other women who came with you and even young Miss Tsukino?"
"Yes", Usagi answered, starting to find it less surprising when Severus seemed to figure everything out before hand.
"Then why does this man. Of whom you did love. Want to either deliver you to the Dark Lord or kill you? That does not make much sense to me. Is it because you are the daughter of Slytherin that makes you so special? You don't seem to have any extraordinary assets, save your looks". Severus remained quite serious, but Usagi gave a little smile at the last comment.
"Regretfully that is another thing I cannot answer, although I can show you something I do have a talent for, I do still owe you a duel." Severus rose from his seated position and frowned.
"No you don't". Usagi also stood.
"Yes I do, as a favor for all the lessons you've given me." Usagi dashed from the room to retreat to her own to dress.
****
When Hotaru re-appeared she was in the very hallway of where Usagi's attack had taken place. She was not surprised at all to find the hallway completely void of anyone, save the patrons in the paintings leering at her.
"Young mistress-oo, you've missed some juicy gossip", on woman in a painting commented, "you better go to your mother so you can learn". Hotaru sent the painting a dark glare and headed towards Dumbledore's office.
Speaking a couple of Lunarian words meaning 'light fairy', the stone gryphon spun around to allow Hotaru access to the office. She chose one of the paintings and requested the patron in the picture to find and summon Usagi. While she waited, Hotaru took it upon herself to look around the office, she took careful notice of a bloodied sword with the name 'Godric Gryffindor' in scripted upon it. 'Harry', Hotaru wistfully thought to herself. One of the old professors in a painting made a coughing noise to announce Usagi's arrival.
"Hotaru!" Usagi exclaimed out loud in surprise. Hotaru gave her foster mother a look of surprise herself, although her surprise was mixed with a deeper emotion.
"What happened, Mama?" She asked in plain English, "what was Draco's father hiding from me?" Usagi's face softened at the sight of her daughter beginning to silently cry, Usagi took her in her arms, sorry the young girl was brought into the situation.
"Hotaru-chan-" Usagi soothed, "I am so sorry you had to stay at that awful place, but I wanted no interference when he came".
"Mamoru?" Usagi nodded, keeping Hotaru tightly within her arms.
"Well I wasn't expecting Mamoru, I'd figured someone else. But it makes perfect sense why he was chosen. It doesn't matter, it's all over now and I'm fine." Hotaru couldn't hold back the tears anymore.
"I'm glad, Mama, but Mr Malfoy-"
"Lucius Malfoy is a Death Eater, but I knew you would be safe, Malfoy wouldn't dare touch you".
"But Draco-" Hotaru suddenly pulled away from Usagi, tears forgotten and eyes wide.
"Did he know?" She asked in fear, Usagi offered a comforting smile.
"I honestly don't know. After all he's done to earn your affection, I can't honestly see how he could have conspired-for now I would leave him the benefit of the doubt". Hotaru rushed back into her foster mother's arms.
"Oh Mama!"
****
The teachers murmured to each other quietly.
"For everyone's safety, I've asked my own daughter to help me with this demonstration as anyone else might be seriously hurt or even be killed". Again murmurs arose within the Great Hall, more volumous this time, however. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions, after what Minerva witnessed last night, no doubt all of you know what has happened in this school recently. This is what Voldemort (several gasps sounded) is after".
Hotaru and Usagi took their positions, following the rules of a normal wizards' duel. That is until the first spell was cast, made by Usagi. A bright white flash emitted from her ebony wand, but a purple bubble formed around Hotaru protecting her. The odd thing about this was the fact neither duelist had spoken any words. Usagi's glowing disappeared, but Hotaru's did not, she sent an attack of her own, more powerful than Usagi's, but was just as easily blocked. Usagi smirked.
"Warm up's over, Saturn", Usagi spoke in Lunarian, confusing all of the teachers in the hall.
"Are you sure we should be doing this?" Hotaru asked in her own Saturnian tongue. Usagi nodded.
"I'm getting sick of keeping so much secret from everyone". Hotaru nodded.
"If you wish, Princess". Hotaru dropped her wand and began glowing fiercely, her pupils fading causing her eyes to become completely violet. The Silence Glaive appeared in her hand, causing the floors beneath them to begin to tremble. A strange satisfied smile crossed Usagi's face.
"Silence", Hotaru whispered, pointing her glaive towards Usagi. The moon princess dropped her own wand and brought her hands to her heart, closing her eyes as the strong violet energy surrounded her. Several teachers cried out in horror, but within less than a second, the windows in the Great Hall shattered as an immensely powerful white light filled the whole room. When it faded, Usagi's arms were raised, her wings at full expanse and her crescent mark glowing on her forehead. Usagi opened her eyes and smiled at Hotaru.
"Ginzuishou", she whispered, Hoatru cried out in pain as she buckled to the floor, her glaive fading in mid air. The Headmistress walked towards her daughter, kneeling in front of her.
"That's enough", she said sweetly, her power fading away. After a few moments to recover, Usagi stood and faced the awed crowd of teachers.
"What Voldemort wants, is my power, and as you've just witnessed, I do not draw it from my wand". Usagi helped Hotaru up and walked with her towards the doors. "Somebody might want to fix that", she commented nonchalantly towards the broken windows, and exited the Great Hall.
****
The evening came all to soon, Usagi had chosen to retreat back to the Potion Master's bedroom after sending Hotaru to bed. She avoided the faculty after the duel, knowing full well that she would've been bombarded with questions. The only thing that had bothered Usagi bout her earlier talent show was the fact she and Hotaru had barely used their power at all. But it was enough to convince the teachers Usagi was valuable, very valuable.
"You put on quite a show", Severus silkily commented as he entered the room, closing the door slowly behind him. "I understand why you've refused to duel so many times now. However there are still other questions I wanted to ask you".
"I knew you were going to bring that up", Usagi commented dryly, pulling at her hair, removing the odangos letting her hair cascade down her back.
"What do you think you're doing?" Severus suddenly asked. Usagi turned around slightly.
"Figured I'd stay with you, after what happened last night".
"Whatever for, today you've made it obvious you have the magic..."
"Yes, providing I have time to call upon it. Mamoru came upon me by surprise..."
"Mamoru. So that's his name". Usagi's smile faded.
"Don't start with me, I do not wish to bring up painful memories, I've had too much over the last few days". And for the second time that day Severus and Usagi studied each other over a heavy silence. "Wait a minute", Usagi said, crossing her arms, "when do you start telling me about your little secrets". Severus gave Usagi a glare.
"My past is none of your business". He growled.
"Why? I told you who my father is, now you tell me about yours". Usagi placed her hands on her hips waiting impatiently for an answer.
"My father is not worth discussing", Severus snapped back. Usagi felt her heart skip a beat in fear at his tone, but also she wanted to keep prying to find out more.
"Why?" She risked, hoping to not be evicted from the room. Severus regarded Usagi for a moment.
"My father is dead". Usagi felt instantly sorry for bringing the subject up. But she continued to press further.
"And your mother?"
"Her too". Severus turned his back from the Headmistress.
"I'm sorry", she said, now regretting her actions.
"Not many know what you now know, consider yourself lucky". At hearing this, Usagi lost what worries she had about angering Severus and continued to question.
"So you grew up an orphan? How did you come to be a Death Eater?" She rushed it out too quickly, the Potions Master shook his head, and turned around to face Usagi again.
"My mother died when I was young. My father blamed me for it and decided he would spend the next several years making that clear to me. I became a Death Eater to prove I was not a mistake of life". Severus ran his fingers through his hair and continued while Usagi remained silent.
"He beat my mother constantly as well as using curses with his wand on her, eventually it wore her out, it was only a matter of time before it killed her. He seemed to think I was the one making him having to punish her". Severus made solid eye-contact with Usagi.
"After she was gone, he made an effort to continue the punishment on me. How do you think I learned so many curses before I came to Hogwarts? Eventually I started fighting back. And after joining the Dark Lord, he couldn't win against me."
What Severus had said was enough.
Usagi could easily assume the rest, Severus had killed his own father. In his childhood bitterness he had chosen solitude in his younger years, causing him to be an outcast at school, and causing him to follow the wrong path after he had graduated.
"No wonder you made so many enemies at school". Usagi quietly said.
"I showed them though, didn't I?" Severus sarcastically commented, "I was the Dark Lord's most skilled duelist". Severus began unbuttoning his top, revealing the skin underneath.
Usagi gasped bringing her hand to her mouth her eyes wide with shock. Surprised she didn't notice it while drunk with wine the one night together, Severus's body was covered in scars. He slipped the top right off, turning around. This time Usagi's eyes filled with tears. His back was even worse.
"So much makes sense now", she forced out in a choked up whisper. Severus turned around to look at Usagi again.
"Do not feel pity, I have committed more wrong that causes me to deserve every scar". Usagi shook her head.
"No human being could ever deserve such treatment. How you lived through it is a mystery to me".
"Pride. I would never have given that man the satisfaction of hiving the same fate as his wife."
"Why did you keep it so secretive though? How could no one possibly notice?"
"You didn't", Severus answered quickly, which caused Usagi to close her mouth tightly. She then nodded. Severus moved towards the lunarian and took her arms in his hands, pulling her close, Usagi raised her face to look Severus in the eyes. "You've hidden your secrets just as well, Serenity". Usagi looked away at hearing that name.
"Please do not call me that, Usagi is my name, Serenity was someone who lived a long time ago". Severus's grip grew tighter as he pulled Usagi closer, kissing her in the process. After a few seconds, the Potions Master pulled away.
"If you want me to leave you now, you need but deny me and I shall leave". Usagi remained only half conscious, her fingers tracing scars on Severus's chest.
"I deny you nothing", she answered with, feeling her heart begin to beat rapidly in anticipation.
It was much different this time, not having minds overtaken by alcohol and veritaserium proved to leave both more sensitive to the other. Severus proved to be more gentle with Usagi this time.
It was frightening, this weakness weighing down her libs, clouding her brain. There was no flash or fire, there was no emotional involvement in that. But mixed with the fear was the dark, dizzying thrill of being taken slowly, so slowly that each touch, each brush of lips lasted eons.
He could swear he felt her bones melting inside that sleek, ivory flesh. The drum of her turgid pulse thudded against his fingers. Low, baffled whimpers sounded in her throat. He slid the silk nightgown off her pale white skin so all that remained was the long silver-gold strands of her hair laying limply at her back.
He stroked his hands down her back, up, a teasing fingertip caress that had her shuddering, had her lips parting on what might have been a plea before his closed over them and swallowed it.
When she was limp against him, when her hands slid weakly back to her sides, he lay her on the bed, on the slick black satin. But he didn't cover her. Again, he braceleted her wrists, lifted them above her head. Sigh layered over sigh, as he began a slow, thorough trail down her body.
She thought the air had turned gold. How else could every breath she took be so rich? His mouth was so gentle, yet it exploited weaknesses she hadn't known were hidden inside her. His hands were impossibly tender and patient, yet they made her burn. And they made her weep.
It was more than pleasure. She had no words for it. It was soft, stronger than lust, and lovelier than any dream she'd ever held in her heart. Her body simply wasn't hers any longer, not hers alone. And when he met her lips with his again, emotions poured like wine. He slipped inside her like a wish.
She was afraid of him. It was a staggering realization, especially in the middle of the night when she lay wakeful beside him. He'd changed something between them, Usagi thought. Shifted the balance so that she felt vulnerable.
It had been a risk, certainly, to sleep with him. But one she'd been willing to take. But she'd never counted on falling in love with him. That was something she would have turned down cold. But turning her attention to the lean muscular arm laying across her abdomen with the Dark Mark burning black, she felt an indescribable completeness and security with the man holding her. The thought left her terrified.
****
Rei rushed as fast as she could through the hallways of Hogwarts towards the Great Hall where she would no doubt find Usagi. And to confirm what she assumed, the Headmistress was busy talking away with students who remained behind for the holidays.
"What happened?" Rei prodded looking between her and Hotaru who kept protectively close to Usagi.
"What do you mean?" Usagi asked innocently.
"I keep hearing rumors from everyone that there was an attack on the school. Even Dumbledore mentioned something at the Order's meeting. You have some explaining to do-Odango!" Rei's face was completely flushed as anger coursed through her body. Usagi simply smiled.
"It's no big deal", the Headmistress simply answered with. Rei's eyes went wide as if she'd been struck in the face. Usagi noticed and felt instantly sorry. "Had I been in any grave danger, you would've seen it in the fire?" Rei's gaze softened at hearing this, "besides what did happen will be nothing but a rumor to eventually go away, the staff here at Hogwarts are quite capable of handling these situations". Rei gave a quick look of shock at Usagi for speaking so wisely, but she then launched into a lecture using Japanese. However Usagi was not listening, after she had made her last comment, Severus had walked into the Great Hall and immediately made eye contact with her. Usagi felt her heartbeat speed up, remembering every little detail of their evenings together. She also felt a pang of sadness as she regretfully admitted she has fallen in love with the Potions Master.
"Odango! Are you listening?" Rei snapped, bringing Usagi back into reality. Severus looked away but not before the Headmistress offered him a little smile.
"Hai, Rei-chan". Usagi answered untruthfully. Satisfied, the raven-haired priestess nodded curtly and took Usagi's arm.
"Now, there's something we need to talk about", Rei said launching into the tale of Sorrow, the young homeless magic rogue.
****
"What were you jabbering so much with Potter about at supper?" Severus asked Usagi, gazing down at her with one arm propping him up, the other wrapped around her back. Usagi smiled sweetly.
"Harry's got himself a girlfriend-apparently he met her in Tokyo while staying at Mako's". Severus made a sound of disgust and removed his arm from Usagi, laying next to her but averting her eyes.
"A muggle girl". He said, Usagi giggled.
"Actually a rogue Auror apparently, specially trained". Severus turned his head towards Usagi again.
"Not possible, she's not old enough", Usagi shrugged her shoulders.
"That's what Rei told me, they had a duel and the whole bit, the girl is skilled".
"Her name?"
"Sorrow, I believe, she gave no last name, apparently parent-less and on her own".
"Odd", the Potions Master said, adding nothing else.
"That's what Rei thought, but Albus knows nothing about her. Regardless, she has been writing Harry, using owls, he says she's *very* beautiful."
"Hm." Severus made the sound out of lack of interest, but he didn't mind Usagi's senseless gossip so much, it kept his mind off of other things, even for a little while.
"Severus?"
"Hm."
"You're not listening to me", she accused in a very childish manner, Severus looked at Usagi and frowned.
"Yes I was". Usagi rose an eyebrow.
"What did I just say?"
"That I wasn't listening". Usagi burst into a fit of melodic laughter, earning a glare from her lover, she noticed an buried her face into his neck, the laughter subsiding as the only noise present now was their breathing.
"Does Hino know-" Severus began, Usagi pushed herself up with her hands, moving her face over Severus's, gold-silver hair falling around them. She gazed into his dark eyes and smirked.
"Rei doesn't need to know everything", she said, her voice lowered dangerously. Severus returned the smirk and pulled Usagi close.
"Hm."
***
AN: Once again, I'm so sorry it took me this long to update. I want to thank every single one of you that take the time to read this. I hope you've enjoyed!