"Dumbledore, sir, did you call me?" Usagi stood in Dumbledore's office,
her eyes on the floor. It was the very last day of Hogwarts.
"Yes, Usagi, I did," Dumbledore looked up from the papers he was sorting through. "Your mother has left me a note. She is asking that you stay in Diagonal Alley."
"Yes, sir, I already knew," Usagi looked up, and found Dumbledore smiling.
"The party idea was great. I'm sure this school could use a little spicing up from you. The boys enjoyed it particularly," Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.
"Th-thank you... I think," Usagi turned red at what Dumbledore was saying. "D- did you get anything from Pluto, sir?"
"No, Usagi, I did not."
"Oh. Ok. Well then, sir, can I be excused?"
"Yes. Oh, yes, before I forget, once you reach the platform, Pluto will be waiting for you in her human form. She will take you to your summer residence."
"Really?" Usagi lit up at this. "Good-bye, sir!" A very happy Usagi bounced out of Dumbledore's office, a silly smile on her face. Usagi ran into her room, packing her things. Hermione soon entered, flopping down on Usagi's bed.
"So, what did Dumbledore say?" Hermione helped Usagi pack her belongings.
"Just stuff like I'm gonna stay at Diagon Alley, and how the school needs some spicing up by me," Usagi put the last thing in her trunk and shut it. She sat on her bed, sighing. "I'm gonna miss you, Hermione!"
"Yeah, same here. We can visit each other over the summer, that's for sure. Here, have my phone number," Hermione jot down her phone number on a piece of parchment and gave it to Usagi, who flashed a smile.
"Let's spend the rest of our day outside. We're leaving in like two hours."
"Let's go, then?" Hermione hopped out of Usagi's bedroom, and Usagi followed.
"You know what, Hermione?" Usagi walked next to Hermione, pulling on her robes.
"What?"
"You're my best friend."
"Th-th-thank you," Hermione stuttered, a look of appreciation on her face. "You're my best friend, too."
"I have a feeling we're gonna get to know a lot more girls next year."
"Same here. Where did you learn to dance that way?"
"What way?" Usagi looked innocent as she headed out the doors. It was beautiful day. The sky was a bright blue color and the sun was shining high in the sky. The air was warm and loud with the chatter of talking students. Usagi sighed blissfully.
"Let's sit by the lake," Hermione suggested. Usagi nodded and started running.
"Last one there is a rotten egg!"
"No fair! You got a head start!" Hermione raced behind Usagi, and the two girls slid into the sand, laughing. They both pulled themselves to a sitting position, smiling.
"So..." Usagi looked around her, spotting Harry and Ron jogging towards them. "Your boyfriends are coming."
"What?" Hermione looked behind her in confusion, realizing that Usagi meant the two boys. "Hey Ron, Harry!"
"Hi, Hermione!" Harry and Ron spoke at the same time. "Hey Serena!"
"Hi guys," Usagi motioned for them to take a seat. "Have a seat."
"Thanks, Serena," Harry took a seat next to Hermione, and Ron sat by Usagi.
"So. What brings you here?" Usagi turned her body so she faced Ron.
"The party last night was amazing! What was that thing making all that sound?" Ron was excited.
"It's called a boom box, or a radio, or a stereo, or a CD player."
"Oh... I'll ask dad about it," Ron turned to Hermione. "So, anything new lately? Haven't talked to you in a long time. Dad says you can come over in the summer."
"Oh," Hermione shrugged. "I dunno if I can make it. I'll have to ask my parents."
Usagi looked into the lake, and made the mistake of looking at the bridge above it. Draco and Pansy were lip-locked in a deep kiss, arms around each other. Usagi gasped, eventually choking on her spit (there's nothing wrong with that... it happens to me ALL the time!).
"Usagi? You ok?" Hermione frowned at the girl who was pointing at the lake. Hermione followed Usagi's gaze and gasped, her jaw dropping. "Oh my god, that's disgusting! Malfoy has his tongue down Pansy's throat!" Harry and Ron followed Hermione's disgusted look, then gasped and choked themselves.
"Whoa, that's so gross!" Ron's jaw was on the floor. Usagi's eyes glittered with something close to hate. She stood, her fists clenched.
"Ron, Harry, please leave," Usagi's voice was dangerous, and the two boys complied immediately. "Rei, Minako! There's something you guys need to see!" Rei and Minako appeared behind the princess. They looked around them, and finding Draco, they gasped.
"Don't do anything rash, Usa!" Minako knew that look, and Usagi was sure to get in trouble for whatever she was about to do.
"Hermione!" Usagi turned to her friend. "Do you know any spells that turns hair a different color, particularly gray?"
"N-n-no!" Hermione lied. Of course she knew. A sudden scream interrupted Hermione, Usagi, and Minako's conversation.
"Fuckin shit! Stupid youmas always come at the wrong time!" Usagi took out her broach. "Moon Eternal Power, MAKE-UP!" Usagi turned into Eternal Sailor Moon, and the power of Cosmos coursed through her veins. She unfurled her mighty wings and flew above the still kissing Draco and Pansy. She spat in disgust before finding herself face to face with a person. He looked like a regular human being, his short hair falling into his handsome face. His hair was a dark blond color, but his red eyes gave him away. Usagi gasped when she recognized the man.
"Kunzite?!?" Usagi started to panic. "But I killed you! So long ago..."
"I'm not that easy to get rid of princess," Kunzite's voice was dark and evil, and he gave a chilling cackle. He started attacking random people, purposely missing to start a flame of fear in the people. Usagi growled before tackling him to the floor of the bridge.
"Kunzite, you know you can't win," Usagi's whisper was fierce and filled with hate.
"It doesn't matter," Kunzite gave a vile smile. "If you kill me, Beryl will send thousands more." Usagi slammed Kunzite against the rail of the bridge. By now, Malfoy and Pansy had stopped kissing and was staring at Sailor Moon in awe. Minako and Rei hovered above Usagi incase she needed help.
"I can heal you Kunzite," Usagi pinned Kunzite, her hands holding his wrists behind his back, her shoulder digging into his upper back. "Just tell me that you want to be healed, and I'll do it."
"Don't try to bribe me, princess," Kunzite laughed. "You can't beat Voldemort or Beryl. And guess what, princess? Your dear Mamoru is back! He says he never loved you. But I'm sure you're still in love with him. You should see him and Beryl together. Don't you think they make a great couple?"
"NO!" Usagi let go of Kunzite, and flew high. "Celestial fire, surround!" Rei grinned as Usagi used her attack. A wall of flames surrounded Kunzite, who just laughed. "I'm gonna kill you!!!"
"Usagi, don't kill him!" Rei shouted out. "Heal him! He's still a human being! He can be healed!"
"NO! His life won't be spared! I'm gonna kill him!" Usagi had a fire burning in her now. Rage overtook her senses, and her heart filled with strong hate.
"DON'T!" Minako was screaming, trying to hold Usagi back. "Usagi! Think clearly! You can heal him! Don't kill him! Don't let hate and rage overtake you!"
"Starlight Honeymoon Therapy KISS!!!" Minako's attempts were in vain. Usagi broke loose and unleashed her attack, filled with so much hate and energy that it left a hole in the bridge. Usagi let out a scream of hate and anger, blood-curdling and loud. "Fear the wrath of Cosmos!!!" These were her last words before the anger left her eyes and she dehenshined, landing gracefully on her feet. She trembled, and she looked surprised with herself.
"Usagi," Minako's voice was soft, as if she was scared of her princess.
"I killed him Minako," Usagi was whispering. "I killed him. I could have healed him. I've never felt hate this strong before."
"Oh, Usagi," Rei hugged the blonde, who was staring at the hands she killed Kunzite with. "It's ok."
"I've never hated someone before. Ever. And now, I feel the power of hate. So strong, so raw."
"Usagi!" Hermione stared at Usagi in fear. "Y-you shouldn't have let hate take you over!"
"I don't know what happened," Tears threatened to spill out of Usagi's eyes. "I don't know. I just felt such a strong wave of rage take over me. I've never hated anyone in my life. That's the first time. And it's such a strong feeling."
"Oh, baby, it's gonna be ok," Minako hugged Usagi, who looked as if she was in a trance.
"I've never even hated Beryl, or Mamoru, or even Chaos. I've never hated anyone before." (You guys have to think... Usagi is one of those emotional people who hate killing people unless they have to, so duh she's gonna be in shock for a little bit!!!)
"Usagi, calm down. It's ok. Everyone experiences hate at one point or another. Come on, I think you need something to drink." Minako disappeared and reappeared with a water bottle (It's Usagi's so she can touch it!), and gave it to Usagi, who took a deep drink from it.
"Who would ever think such a goody-goody would be so merciless?" Malfoy's drawling voice cut the moment of stillness. Usagi looked up at Malfoy with haunting eyes.
"I-I killed him, Malfoy," Usagi's voice was confused. "I don't know how, but I killed him."
"Usagi, it's ok. You had to. You're gonna kill a lot more people, so get stronger. Your future holds death," Rei's voice must have been convincing because Usagi snapped out of her trance. The young blonde sighed.
"I guess so. But I hate death so much. Life should always be cherished. There is good in everything, even our enemy," Usagi sighed again and stood up, facing Malfoy.
"I'd appreciate it if you don't mention this incident again. I'd like it if I didn't remember this," Usagi paused as she walked away. "And Malfoy? I'm not in the mood for your rude comments." Usagi sauntered away leisurely, as a loud voice told the Hogwarts students to get ready to go on the Hogwarts Express. Hermione quickly followed Usagi, taking one last look at Malfoy, who was holding Pansy's hand.
On the Hogwarts Express
Usagi sighed as she got on the Hogwarts Express. The bright red train was already making its way out of Hogwarts, and Usagi still hadn't found an empty compartment, let alone an empty seat. She had convinced Hermione to sit by her friends. There was one last compartment left, and she knew that Malfoy and his little gang would be sitting there. Usagi took a deep breath as she made her way in.
"What do you want, Tsukino?" Draco was sitting with Pansy, her head on his shoulder. Crabbe and Goyle sat on either side of the couple. They were already asleep.
Usagi rolled her eyes. "There aren't any more compartments, dumbass (I call my brother that ALL the time...). So I'm stuck here with you." Usagi sat cross-legged on a seat across from Draco. She reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out her CD player, putting in her favorite remix CD. She pulled on the headphones and took out the picture album that Pluto had given her. She nodded her head to the music as she flipped through the pictures. She soon grew bored and restless and put away her CD player and picture book.
"When is the ride over, Malfoy?" Usagi demanded, fidgeting.
"About three and a half hours left," Malfoy sounded preoccupied, so Usagi looked up. Malfoy was saying poetic things to Pansy, who sighed dreamily. Usagi had a look of disgust on her face. She leaned back, watching Malfoy's doings with interest.
"Your eyes are like deep pools of beauty," Malfoy traced Pansy's jaw with a finger. Pansy sighed and melted in Malfoy's arms. "And your lips are like the reddest rosebuds."
Usagi suddenly remembered that she had gotten Mamoru's powers. She grinned, pulling a red rose out of thin air. The tip was razor sharp. Usagi pulled more multi-colored roses out of the air, and soon, she had a dozen. Usagi smelled the sweet roses, sighing blissfully. "Snowdrop!" Usagi called her pet, which appeared instantly. "I missed you, Snowdrop, yes I did!" Usagi put the roses on the seat next to her and Snowdrop wobbled over to her lap. Usagi stroked his feathers, smiling as the phoenix hooted.
"Tsukino?" Malfoy's voice disturbed Usagi's bonding time with Snowdrop. Usagi looked over to him and found that Pansy was fast asleep. "Where'd you get those roses?"
"Why does it matter?" Usagi pulled a pink rose out of thin air and added it to her collection. Malfoy frowned.
"How do you do that?" Malfoy demanded. He moved to touch the roses, and as his arm brushed against the tips, cuts appeared. "Ow! What kind of roses are these, anyways?"
"Don't touch them. They're for attacking purposes, not for giving as presents. The tips are sharp and can pierce a person easily. Here, let me see your arm." Usagi stood up as Snowdrop disappeared with a poof. She inspected Draco's arm, from which a crimson drop fell. "Hmm... luckily, these aren't poison tipped. They're just sharp."
"Well, it's nice to know I'm not gonna die," Malfoy was sarcastic, and pulled his arm out of Usagi's hands. Usagi grabbed Draco's hand.
"Wait. I can heal it, I think," Usagi closed her eyes. "Saturn Power HEAL!" The cuts immediately disappeared from Draco's body, and Usagi smiled happily. "Thank Selene for healing powers." Draco snatched his hand away.
"I don't need to be healed by someone like you," Draco almost snarled the comment at Usagi.
"Why do you hate me so much?" Usagi had sat back down in her original position.
"What?"
"You heard me. Why do you hate me so much?"
"I don't hate anyone. I dislike them, sure, but hate is too strong an emotion."
"The way you're acting right now certainly makes me think it."
"Yeah, so? I act this way all the time."
"You push everyone away from you. Why?"
"What do you mean? I have a girlfriend you know!"
"So what? I bet she doesn't know the first thing about you. You're always so cold and distant. Like Mamoru. You should lighten up sometime."
"What are you talking about, Tsukino? That's just the way I am!" Draco's cold eyes glittered with something close to malice, and a sneer overtook his face.
"I'm talking about the way you act. You act like everyone's under your feet just because you're a Malfoy. You think you rule the entire universe, which I am sure you don't. Why do you act like that?"
"You don't know anything, Tsukino," Malfoy spat out. Usagi got mad. Her eyes glinted and a scowl formed on her face.
"I know more than you, Draco Malfoy, so don't you dare say I don't know anything. I can look at a person and figure out his past, present, and future, but I don't, because I respect privacy. And, in case you didn't know, I can read minds and talk telepathically, but I don't because I respect privacy. And, with one wave of my hand, I can have a person spill his deepest, darkest secrets, and yet I don't, because I respect privacy. So don't say I don't know anything, Malfoy. If I weren't such a 'goody goody' as you called me, I would be probing your mind at the very moment. Got that?"
"Draco, darling? What happened?" Pansy's sleepy voice drifted over. The brunette slowly got up and eyed an angry Usagi with disgust. "Is the blonde bothering you, darling?"
"No, Pansy," Malfoy flashed Pansy a loving smile. Usagi rolled her eyes, leaning back onto the seat. She cocked her head at the couple, who was oozing with mushy crap. Sighing, Usagi pulled her scouts' transformation pens out and arranged and rearranged them. Without noticing, she had started to speak out loud.
"In order from the sun... Ami, Minako, Rei, Mamoru, Makoto, Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, Setsuna... oh yea, and me. Usagi. Backwards. Setsuna, Hotaru, Michiru, Haruka, Makoto, Mamoru, then me, Rei, Minako, and Ami," Usagi frowned. She picked up each transformation pen and stated their powers. "Mercury is ice. Venus is love and beauty. Mars is fire. Earth is... earth, I guess. Jupiter is lightening, thunder, and storms. Uranus is the skies. Neptune is water. Saturn is death, destruction, and rebirth. And Pluto is time, destiny, and the time-space continuum. And Moon... wonder what it stands for, other than love and justice. Maybe light, hope, and...power."
Usagi sighed, gathering the pens in her arms. She squeezed them, as if giving them a hug. "Love ya guys. Thanks for being there for me. Everyone except Mamoru. Ugh, I hate you." Usagi looked at the golden crystal, which was shining dully. "No, I don't hate you. I don't hate anyone."
Usagi looked at the crystal funnily, and then put everything back into her subspace pocket. She pulled out a book called Quidditch for the Dummies, and started reading through it. She had found it lying on her bed one morning, and hadn't even opened the book yet. "Confusing wizard crap." Usagi persisted for another hour before giving up. She put the book away, before turning to the couple that sat in front of her. They were holding hands and talking softly.
"Pansy?" Usagi straightened up. "Do you want to play a game? I'm bored. There's nothing else to do. Do you know how to play slide? Do you want to paint nails? Wanna have a girl talk? Wanna do something? I'm bored!"
Pansy frowned. "I don't want anything to do with a mudblood."
"I'm a pureblood. Dumbledore told me. I'm not a mudblood."
"Well, I'm kinda in the middle of a conversation here..."
"Fine," Usagi pouted. "Meanie!"
"Grow up, Tsukino!" Malfoy came up behind Pansy, putting his arms around Pansy's waist.
"The Hogwarts Express will reach Platform 9 ¾ in one hour. Please change into the appropriate attire," a loud voice boomed over Usagi's compartment. Luckily, Usagi wore her clothes under her robes. She pulled off the black covering, revealing a pair of low slung black capris that hugged her curves nicely, a white tank top that ended a few inches above her belly button, and a black mesh off-the-shoulder top.
"I am grown up, Malfoy," Usagi blew a raspberry before kicking off her flipflops and pulling on a pair of black Air Forces (Nike owns this, not me!). She pulled her hair into a high ponytail with a fuzzy black scrunchie and completed her look with a black cap and pink lip gloss. Checking her reflection one more time in her compact mirror, she grinned. "Do you think this is a bit too revealing?"
"People like you are called sluts," Pansy narrowed her eyes.
"You obviously haven't been somewhere out of the wizarding world. This is actually pretty covering compared to what I would wear to a muggle party," Usagi blew a kiss. "Catch ya later, babe. I gotta make a few visits." Usagi walked out of the compartment, dripping with attitude. Draco stared after the blonde with interest. Unluckily, Pansy noticed, and attacked Malfoy with a kiss. Usagi noticed, and rolled her eyes before walking away.
On Platform 9 ¾
"SETSUNA!" Usagi shrieked before throwing her arms around her friend. The tall woman smiled. Usagi was still her cheerful self.
"I'm happy to see you're feeling better, hime!" Setsuna laughed. She returned the hug before stepping back and taking a good look at Usagi. "You're much shorter. How tall were you at seventeen? Let me think... I'm sure you were around, let's say, 5 foot 7? Or maybe 9... Now, you look no taller than 5 foot 5. Still the same hair, but you cut it."
"Yup. If I change my appearance and keep the crystal's power low, they won't be able to find me. Plus, anyone who knows my identity won't be able to tell others, because the crystal puts a spell on them. Mama told me."
"Really? That's interesting. You wanna say goodbye to your friends?"
"Yeah, sure," Usagi turned and went away to stalk down her friends. She spotted Hermione first, and gave a hug. "Bye, Hermione! Keep in touch with me, k? I'll send Snowdrop your way."
"I'm gonna miss you over the summer, Usagi! Make sure you call me!" Hermione returned the hug, and then walked away with her parents. Usagi went looking again and found George and Fred.
"Bye George! Bye Fred!" Usagi gave the twins hugs as well, and they returned Usagi's hug. "Make sure you write!"
"We will! Bye Usagi!" The twins waved as Usagi walked away to find more people. She said her goodbyes to Harry, Ron, Ginny, and a few others she had met before she found herself standing by Draco Malfoy. Usagi took a deep breath before saying goodbye to her 'enemy'.
"Bye, Malfoy! See you next year!" Usagi gave Draco a brief hug before bouncing back and flashing a grin. "Watch out for my pranks!!!" Draco looked disgusted as Usagi bounced away happily.
At the Leaky Cauldron
Usagi jumped into her bed. It was soft and comfy, and Setsuna had gone out of her way to make everything in it look like her room back in Japan. When Setsuna had reached the street that reached Diagon Alley, Usagi had been confused. It was a regular muggle street. Getting into the Leaky Cauldron, Usagi was surprised at first, and then interested. The Leaky Cauldron was a small, musty pub that was crowded with everyone ranging from wizards to small goblins. Setsuna had led her up to her room immediately, saying that no one in the pub was trusty. She had told Usagi to freshen up, and then meet her in the alley behind the Leaky Cauldron. Usagi sighed as she got up. She was sure her clothes were ok. She just needed to take a quick shower. Usagi stripped her clothes off and stepped into a warm shower. Twenty minutes later, she was ready to go. Usagi skipped down the steps and hastily made her way out the back door. Setsuna was talking to a man in a pinstripe cloak. The tall senshi turned when she heard her princess skid outside.
"Hello, Usagi," Setsuna smiled at the huffing girl. "This is Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. He's like the president, except in the magical world."
"Umm, hi Mr. Fudge," Usagi gave a smile and shook the minister's hand. "It's nice meeting you."
"Likewise," the man had a deep voice. "Setsuna here was telling me about you. I am honored that such a great lady would be going to Hogwarts. We have the best security here in Diagon Alley. You will be safe as long as you stay within the walls."
"Security? I don't need that. I have my scouts."
"Usagi," Setsuna sighed. "There are many people looking for you. We need to keep you extra safe. Once Beryl and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gets their hands on you, there will be no hope left. We just need to be extra careful so that you can stay safe."
"Fine," Usagi pouted. "But I can take care of myself."
"I know that, hime, but just promise me you'll accept the help."
"I promise," it was Usagi's turn to sigh. "So, Mr. Fudge, who's gonna keep and eye on me?"
"There will be specific wizards coming in to check on you. Mr. Albus Dumbledore has taken care of it. Is there anything you need, Princess Serenity? Is your room alright? Do you need some more pillows, perhaps another blanket?"
"Don't call me that in public! You don't know who might be listening. Just call me Usagi. And no thank you. I'm fine."
"That's good to hear. Well, Miss Usagi, I must be on my way."
"Bye Mr. Fudge."
"Goodbye Usagi, Setsuna," with a nod of his head, Mr. Fudge disappeared with a loud pop. Usagi gaped.
"Apparation," Setsuna said, as if to explain. "Wizards can do it."
"Oh," Usagi turned to the brick wall she was facing. "Well, where's Diagon Alley?"
"Step back," Setsuna pulled her Time Staff out of her subspace pocket, and then tapped the brick on the wall. Usagi frowned, and then jumped when the bricks tumbled away to reveal and archway leading into a large square. Usagi gasped, following Setsuna. The square was crowded with stores filled with the most interesting items. Usagi got lost more than once as she stopped to stare in through shop windows.
"This place is awesome!" Usagi squealed as Setsuna grabbed her hand and dragged her into a snowy white building that towered over all the other shops. Standing beside its burnished bronze doors, in a red and gold uniform was a goblin, who gave a rare smile to Setsuna. Going through another pair of doors, this time silver, Usagi found herself in a huge marble room, where goblins and wizards were running around. Behind the counter, gems the size of boulders were being counted and sent off through carts, among other various items. Setsuna went up to a counter, clearing her throat a few times. The goblin finally took notice after the third time or so, and looked impatiently at them.
"Well?" the goblin peered over the edge of the counter.
"Vault Silver Moon," Setsuna crossed her arms.
"Silver Moon? The keys?" the goblin frowned. "Then this is...?"
"Yes, this is. Don't mention it to anyone," Setsuna grew grave. "Usagi, pull out the pens."
Usagi pulled out the seven transformation pens, and Setsuna added hers. The goblin took a close look before nodding at a younger looking goblin standing near him.
"Griphook, please lead milady and her guardian to vault Silver Moon," the older goblin ordered. Griphook nodded, before bowing down and leading Usagi to a cart. Usagi clambered in, followed by Setsuna. Suddenly, the cart went hurtling down a series of passageways in breakneck speed, and Usagi barely had time to register in her mind that she should scream before they stopped at a pure silver wall.
"Milady, it will not open unless you touch it," Griphook bowed as Usagi walked past.
"Please, just Usagi, and no formalities," Usagi smiled as she stroked the wall. It melted away immediately and opened to a very, very large silver lit room. Jewels and money were laid organized against the walls, and reached the middle of the floor. Small pathways stood between the jewels and money. In the middle, in a clear silver case, was a crown. Made of silver and gold, the crown held nine jewels, each representing a planet in the solar system. The colors were coordinated with the royal color of each planet, and stood in order from the sun. Usagi gasped as she walked up to it. The crown was beautiful.
"One day, you'll be wearing that," Setsuna whispered as she gazed upon the crown she had seen thousands of years ago.
"It's so pretty," Usagi was whispering as well.
"Well, hime, we need money," Setsuna motioned towards the piles and piles of coins.
"I never knew I had so much," Usagi gasped as she looked at the objects cluttering the room.
"You have a lot more. You've inherited each of our accounts as well. Also, your mother left you ten other accounts."
"Oh my god! I'm rich!" Usagi squealed. Setsuna handed a purse to Usagi, and the blonde stuffed it with the gold, silver, and bronze coins.
"The gold ones are Galleons, the silver ones are Sickles, and the bronze ones are Knuts. There are seventeen sickles to a galleon and 29 Knuts to a Sickle, easy as that. Come on, we better get going," Setsuna pulled Usagi away from the room and the door melted back in place. Usagi clambered back onto the cart and it hurtled back to the front. Usagi said a cheerful goodbye as she bounced out the building. She followed Setsuna to another building; this time, though, the building was made of bricks.
"This is another entrance to where you'll be staying," Setsuna informed Usagi as she made her way up a set of stairs. "I must be going now, hime. I'm sure you'll find a few friends here."
"Yeah, whatever. Bye, Puu," Usagi went back to her old nickname for her friend, and the senshi of time softened, hugging the blonde before stepping back and disappearing into a portal. Usagi sighed. She made her way back down the stairs and out into the bright sunlight. Usagi squinted as her eyes adjusted to the brightness. Smiling, Usagi walked down the streets, eventually stopping at a broom shop. She had seen the people at Hogwarts riding on brooms, and thought it would be awesome if she could get one. She found a small crowd peering in a showcase. Making her way through, she found a gorgeous broom, with a deep mahogany handle and neatly clipped twigs. A card with glittering golden words labeled it as Firebolt: 30 galleons. Usagi could hear the crowd around her talking about it.
"Newest broom –"
"Supposed to be the best -"
"Used in the Quidditch league –"
"Very expensive!"
Usagi grinned, deciding to get the broom. Usagi made her way back through the crowd and up to the counter. The cashier raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, little missy, how may I help you?"
"Umm... I'd like the Firebolt, please," Usagi smiled.
"Are you sure your parents can afford that?"
"I'm an orphan. I have no parents," Usagi grew impatient.
"Well. It's 30 galleons if you want it," the cashier said, arrogance creeping into his voice. Usagi frowned.
"Here," she laid the money on the table. The cashier's eyes widened and he brought out a slim box that was tied with ribbons. He handed her the box, putting on a fake smile.
"Thank you for your purchase. Have a nice day!" Usagi blew a raspberry at him before heading out the door.
Three Weeks Later
The past three weeks were the same everyday. Usagi would get up early in the morning, go jogging, come back, and take a shower. Then, she'd go downstairs, have breakfast at one of the Alley's numerous restaurants, and go window shopping, for about an hour. If there was something she particularly liked, she's buy it. Then, around nine in the morning, she'd go help out at Flourish and Blotts, or Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, depending on which store needed help the most. She would get paid, of course. Around twelve, she would take a lunch break and got to the other store to help out.
Six hours of working a day. She would be let out at four, at the time which she would head out of Diagon Alley and into the muggle street to look for things to buy there. At six, she would return, have dinner at a muggle restaurant, and head back to the Leaky Cauldron, where she would retire for the rest of the night to study. If she was to be placed into the fourth year, she had to know everything. If she didn't manage to know everything she needed by the end of the summer, Dumbledore promised to use a spell to help her gain all of the knowledge required. Once a day, a professor from Hogwarts would come to check up on her, normally around seven at night.
"Great, time to get up," Usagi yawned as Snowdrop nipped at her ear. She stretched as she fell out of her bed, landing with a boom. "Ow! I should learn to stop doing that!"
Usagi jumped up, quickly making her bed, and ran a brush through her hair, pulling into a high pony. She then pulled on her running attire, which now consisted of a pair of athletic capris and a baggy white shirt, because of all the catcalls she had been getting. Usagi pulled on her running shoes. She ran down the stairs, two at a time, and stopped once she reached the ground. She took in a deep breath of the wet morning air and started her stretches. A half an hour later, she was on her way through Diagon Alley. Not noticing where she was going, Usagi made a wrong turn, and suddenly found herself in a dark and dismal alley. A sign above her said 'Welcome to Knockturn Alley'. Usagi frowned. She had never been to this part of Diagon Alley before, and didn't like it here, either. As she jogged up a stretch of the street, the inhabitants peered at her strangely.
"Would you like some candy, little girl?" A scary looking witch cornered her against the wall. Usagi shrieked and ducked under the witch's arm, looking back before running away. Another witch held a plate under Usagi's face, selling what looked eerily like eyeballs. Usagi backed away, shaking her head. As she jogged ahead, she spotted a professor she knew from school, Professor Snape to be exact. Usagi walked up cautiously towards the potions teacher, aware of the people that were looking at her.
"Um, excuse me, Professor Snape," Usagi said meekly. Professor Snape whipped around, eyes narrowed.
"What are you doing here, Tsukino?" The professor almost snarled the question out. Usagi grew nervous.
"I, uh, got lost when I went for my morning jog," Usagi was even more timid. "Um, I was wondering if you could, uh, show me the way back. I don't like this place. The people here scare me." Professor Snape sighed.
"I guess I could. I was heading over to Diagon Alley anyways," the professor started walking away. "Follow closely, Tsukino." Usagi quickly followed the professor through a maze of twists and turns, and soon found herself in front of Gringott's.
Th-thank you, Professor Snape!" Usagi was cheerful again. "I thought I was never gonna get out of there!"
"You're welcome," Professor Snape said coldly. "Now go about your business. I am not here to babysit you."
"Bye, Professor!" Usagi yelled as she headed back to her room. Once she got in, she took a quick shower, put on pure white robes, and went down to Madame Malkin's shop, seeing that it was crowded. "Mrs. Malkin! I'm here to help out!" Malkin came out looking disheveled.
"Thank goodness, Serena," Malkin made her way to Usagi. "This place is over crowded! Here, take the counter, I'll take care of the robes. Frannie is here as well to help out, along with Mia and Jenny. Come on now, hurry!" Usagi quickly made her way to the counter, taking the customers' money as they ran off with their robes. The next hour was hectic, and Usagi grew tired and sweaty. She sighed as the last customer made her way out of the store. Usagi plopped down on a chair, exhausted.
"Oh my god, that has got to be the busiest I've ever seen this place!" Usagi groaned as she stretched.
"Thank you so much for your help, Serena!" Madame Malkin made her way over to Usagi with ice cold lemonade. "Here, have lemonade. You work so hard and well. It would be wonderful if I could find more people like you."
"Thank you, Mrs. Malkin. Wow, wonder what the rush was about," Usagi frowned. "What's the date, anyways?"
"It's July 12, dearie," Malkin smiled at the blonde. Usagi suddenly straightened up.
"What?!? Are you serious! It's my birthday today!" Usagi gasped.
"Really, sweetie? Well, as a birthday present, I'd like you to choose any robe you like. No, it's alright, Serena, it's my present to you!" Malkin said as Usagi protested. Usagi gave in, and went around the store, looking through the robes. Usagi picked one she really liked. It was a cerulean robe that hugged her curves and showed off her pretty eyes. Usagi tried on the dress robe, posing. Malkin clapped her hands.
"What an excellent choice! The newest fashion to be out! It looks gorgeous on you, honey!" Usagi blushed as Madame Malkin turned her around, admiring her creation on Usagi. "Wow, you'll definitely win boys with that one, sweetie!"
"Ooohhhh, Mrs. Malkin, thank you so much! I really appreciate it!"
"It was no problem, hon," Madame Malkin smiled as the cheery blonde hugged her.
"I heard it was your birthday!" A girl named Jenny wiped her hands on her robes. She was fourteen, almost fifteen, and had straight blonde hair and brown deer eyes. Mia, on the other hand, had short flippy black hair and bright blue eyes. She was fourteen. Jenny was a pureblood, while Mia's mother was a muggle. "Happy Birthday, Usagi. I got a little something for you."
"Aw, Jenny, you didn't have to!" Usagi smiled.
"Yes I did. Josh would never have asked me out if it weren't for you! After all, you completely changed my appearance, and now, it's not only Josh, but other boys who are asking me out. Hope you like it!" Jenny handed Usagi a small wrapped present. Usagi grinned as she took off the wrapping paper. There was a small box, and Usagi carefully opened it. It was a gold crescent moon pendant with a black and white swirled pearl resting in the curve of the moon. Usagi gasped, and jumped up to hug Jenny.
"Oh my god, Jenny, it's so pretty! Thank you!" Usagi squeezed Jenny.
"You're welcome, Usagi. It kinda reminded me of you, for some reason. I'm happy you liked it."
"Like it? I love it! It's gorgeous!" Usagi put it around her neck. The pendant rested in the hollow of her neck.
"I got something for you, too," Mia grinned as she handed Usagi a packet wrapped in gold foil. Usagi tore it open, and found a crystal ball. The symbols of each planet in the solar system were carved carefully in the black base. Usagi peered into the swirling mist. "It's a special crystal ball. Whenever you want to talk to me, just say my name, and the crystal will reveal me. That way, we can keep in touch. And, it's also good for crystal ball readings. You can use it for Divination."
"Oh, it's wonderful!" Usagi squealed as she hugged Mia. "Thank you so much! Now I can talk to you whenever I need to!" Mia had become a sort of shrink to Usagi, and Usagi found she could talk to the beautiful girl about anything. Mia always had a solution.
"You're welcome, Sere," Mia smiled.
"Hey, why don't we all go over to that new restaurant that's opening? I hear it's great!"
"That's a good idea."
"I'm in," Jenny said.
"Same here. I'll put up the lunch break sign. Why don't the rest of you head on down there? I'll catch up," Madame Malkin said as she magiked scraps off of the floor.
"Ok," Usagi said as she headed out the door. "Bye!" Mia and Jenny followed the now 14 year old through Diagon Alley, stopping in front of a hip looking place, crowded with other teens and adults. The trio made their way in. Loud music was playing, and Usagi was surprised that it was muggle music. The customers were either dancing on the dance floor or off to one side, eating and watching those dancing. Usagi went up to the cashier, ordering a burger and fries. Mia and Jenny made their orders as well and headed out, not wanting the noisiness of the restaurant.
"Wow, that place is loud," Jenny plopped down on an outside chair, placing her order down on the table. Mia and Usagi joined her.
"Dang, and I thought we were gonna have a nice quiet lunch," Mia opened her chicken sandwich.
"I know what you mean," Usagi shoveled down her food, and finished it in less than a minute. "Mmmm, that was good."
"I'm still not used to your eating rate," Jenny laughed, digging into her salad. "I wonder how you manage to stay so skinny."
"I'm always late for everything, so I hafta run, like, lightening speed. And, I'm one of those lucky people who have ultra high metabolism," Usagi grinned as she sat back, watching her friends eat. They soon finished, and relaxed, watching the passerbys.
"Ooohhhh, who's the hottie?" Mia squealed as a boy walked past. Usagi took one look before hiding her face.
"Oh my god, don't let him see me!" Usagi bit her lip, shielding her face with her hand. "That's Draco Malfoy. An egotistical jerk, but ultra hot nonetheless. And he can be so charming when he wants to. You should see him and his girlfriend sometime."
"You know him?" Jenny leaned in. "You can get him. I think someone is getting a little crush!"
"You're right, I am," Usagi moved so that the back of her head faced the street. "Oh my god, please don't let him see me!"
Mia shrieked. "He's coming this way! Ugh, why'd you wear your bright white robes today? Can't you wear something like black?"
"I dunno! Oh my god, do something!" Usagi squealed as she buried her head in her arms.
"Whoa, he went into the store. It's ok. He'll probably sit in there," Jenny laughed as Usagi sighed with relief.
"Let's go before he decides to join us. Oh, wait! My mom said she gave something to me!" Usagi happily reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out the puffy envelope. Usagi ripped it open, forgetting to leave. There was a small velvet box inside, and Usagi pulled it out, slowly opening it. Inside was a pendant that looked like a key. There were ten jewels running down the side, standing for the planets and the moon. Each planet had their respective colors. The key itself was about two and a half inches in length and hung on a long chain. Usagi found another envelope, and ripped that one open as well. She skimmed through the note her mother wrote to her.
My Dearest Serenity,
This is called the Solar Key. It works like the Disguise Pen. You can turn into any animal or person using it. Also, with it, you can open any door, whether it has a lock or not. There are many other powers that come with this, but I am unable to tell you what they are at the time. You must figure it out for yourself. A very happy birthday to you, my little bunny.
Love, Mother
Usagi smiled as she clasped it around her neck. The key fell a little under her robes. Jenny and Mia fussed over it, admiring the beautiful pendant.
"It's so pretty!" Jenny counted the stones. "Ten stones. I bet they represent something. I wonder what..."
"The nine planets and the moon," Usagi replied.
"Oh, that's so cool," Mia flipped over the pendant. "Oh look. It says something... Solar Key. That's awesome. The name suits it."
"Yeah," Usagi got up. "Well, we better leave before Malfoy shows up. Let's go. Our shift starts in two minutes at Flourish and Blotts."
"We better go," Mia and Jenny dumped their trash at a trash can before following Usagi to the bookstore.
Three hours later, the trio made their way down Diagon Alley. Usagi stretched.
"You know what, you guys, I wanna get my wand today," Usagi smiled as she made her way into Ollivander's shop. It was dusty and empty in the little place. Usagi had to speak a few times before someone came up. "Um, excuse me?"
"Mr. Ollivander, at your service," an eerie looking man popped in behind the counter. "I was expecting you for a long time, Miss Tsukino. Your guardian, Setsuna, had been in not too long ago. She was saying that I should go looking for you if you hadn't gotten your wand before the Quidditch Cup."
"Oh," Usagi was timid, scared of the man. "I'm here for my first wand, Mr. Ollivander, sir."
"Yes, yes, of course you are. I remember when your mother came in for her first wand. Ten inches, yew, very frail. Unicorn hair, it was. She took very good care of it. Now let's see. Setsuna told me to make a very special wand for you. Here, try it." Usagi took the wand that was offered to her. A warm feeling came over her, and as she brought her hand down, a stream of the planetary symbols floated down.
"Yes, this is the one," Mr. Ollivander smiled. "Thirteen inches, made of moon oak, I believe. Very rare wood. With small fragments of crystals from the nine planets. The ingredients were very hard to find. Setsuna supplied me with the crystal fragments, of course."
"How much will it be?" Usagi took out her purse.
"Oh no, you don't have to pay for it. Your mother paid me a visit in my dreams last night. She has already paid for it."
"Oh. Ok. Thank you Mr. Ollivander! I'll see you soon!" Usagi rushed out of the store, waving as she left.
"Goodbye, Princess Serenity," Mr. Ollivander disappeared into the depths of his store once again as a cheery blonde and her two friends made their way out of his store.
"Man, that guy was creepy!" Usagi shuddered. "He scared me!"
"I know. It was the same when I went for my first wand," Jenny smiled. "But he's pretty nice." The blonde shrieked as a loud popping noise disturbed the now peaceful street. Cornelius Fudge made his appearance.
"Ms. Tsukino, I have something I want to ask you," Mr. Fudge eyed her two friends. "In private."
"Ok. Let's go to my room. I'll meet up with you guys in a half an hour at the Leaky Cauldron, ok?" Usagi grinned as her friends nodded, heading off to their own chores. Usagi led Mr. Fudge up to her room. "Yes, Mr. Fudge, sir, is there something that has come up?"
"I just wanted to ask you if you'd like to join me at the Quidditch Cup finals next Monday, as my special guest," Fudge beamed. "Since our securities will be elsewhere that day, you will be better off under our noses."
"Really?" Usagi lit up. "I can go? Oh my god! That's awesome! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! So much!" Usagi hugged the Minister of Magic. "Oh my god! I've never seen a Quidditch match before!"
"I'm happy you agreed!" Cornelius Fudge flashed a grin. "Well, I better get going. Duty calls!" Fudge apparated with a pop and Usagi made her way to her shower. She took an extra long shower and went down to the Leaky Cauldron to join Mia and Jenny.
Usagi yawned as she walked down Diagon Alley. Mr. Fudge had told her that he would be there to pick her up around noon. This meant that Usagi had the entire morning to herself. She quickly made her way to Flourish and Blotts, where she bought a few books to keep her company tomorrow. Afterwards, she got to Madame Malkin's, where she bought two new robes and a cloak. Since it was seven in the morning, none of the other stores were open, and Usagi found herself standing on the muggle street that lead to Diagon Alley. Smiling, Usagi fingered her purse, which was loaded with both muggle and wizard cash. She strolled down the street, happy that most stores were already open. Going into her favorite shoe store, Usagi browsed through the seemingly endless collection, managing to buy three pairs. Next, she went to a clothing store, and ended her morning in this fashion. Soon, Usagi was sitting at the Leaky Cauldron, sipping an ice cold butterbeer and flipping through YM (it's a magazine... I dunno if they have it in Europe...)
"Hello, Usagi," Fudge's friendly voice broke Usagi's concentration. Usagi smiled as she put away her magazine. She straightened her denim capris and green off-the-shoulder top before turning to Mr. Fudge.
"Hi Mr. Fudge!" Usagi said cheerfully. "So, how are the preparations for the thingy going?"
"They're going fine, but we better hurry. I have to go back to work immediately when we go back. I'll have Setsuna lead you to your tent. Let's get going! We'll be traveling by Floo Powder."
"Ok," Usagi hopped off of her chair, knowing about the travel system from her books. She waited patiently as Fudge started up a fire and threw in a pinch of the powder. The flames turned emerald green. "So, where are we going?"
"Yell Quidditch Cup. You go. I'll apparate."
"Ok. Quidditch Cup!" Usagi yelled the words clearly and the flames came up to lick her. There was and odd sensation of tickling for a few seconds before she tumbled out, covered in ash. Mr. Fudge popped up beside her. With a whip of his wand, Usagi was clean once again, and Mr. Fudge took off, mumbling about something that sounded like "blasted foreigners."
"Hime?" Setsuna's voice made Usagi light up.
"Setsuna!" Usagi hugged the princess of Pluto.
"We better get going. I don't have much time. I must go back to the time gates. There are some odd things going on."
"Ok," Usagi followed Setsuna onto what looked like camp grounds. Tents were popping up everywhere, and the place was swarming with people. Usagi's head kept turning at the variety of witches and wizards that were surrounding her. Setsuna stopped at what looked like a completely normal, small tent.
"I'm gonna stay in there?" Usagi pouted.
"Go in and you'll see," Setsuna smiled, ushering Usagi in. Usagi gasped. Inside was a fully furnished and completely white suite (the kind at those expensive hotels... they're HUGE!). A black furnished living sat at one corner. A window let in rays of sunlight. A doorway lead to a huge kitchen, fully supplied with food. Another doorway lead to a humungous pink decorated room. A third doorway revealed a bathroom with a full Jacuzzi.
"Wow! I've never stayed in a place this grand before, not even at a hotel!" Usagi was fully in awe.
"It was your mothers. We had to make quite a few upgrades. It's yours now. Do you like?" Setsuna motioned at the place. Usagi nodded.
"It's beautiful!" Usagi jumped onto a plump black leather sofa. "And everything's so comfy! And there's even a little fireplace!" Usagi grinned at the mini fireplace that sat at one end of the living room.
"I have to get going, hime," Setsuna stood outside the tent, and Usagi joined her. In a flash, Setsuna was gone. Usagi stared at the place where Setsuna stood a few moments ago before deciding to explore her surroundings. She found a few people she knew from school, and made some small talk. Saying her goodbyes, she went further down the path, and spotted Pansy. Usagi turned to leave, but Pansy spotted her.
"Well, well, well," Pansy lazily walked towards Usagi, arms crossed, and a sneer dressing her face. "Who do we have here? Why isn't it the little blonde bitch?"
"Shut up, Pansy. I ain't got time for bullshit," Usagi narrowed her eyes.
"The only bullshit I see here is you," Pansy sneered even more.
"Is that all you got?" Usagi raised an eyebrow. "My dead grandma can do better than that."
"I didn't know you knew your grandma. Last I heard, your mother abandoned you."
"No one abandoned me, bitch," Usagi spat. "If you want a fight, just say the word. I'm ready. Right here, right now."
"Bring it on," Pansy put herself in a fighting position. "You know you'll lose. Think you're all that just cuz you got some freak powers."
"No magic. Just hand to hand," Usagi gave a dark smile. Suddenly, with lightening speed, she lunged, giving a swift punch to Pansy's nose. Blood started dripping from it, and Pansy growled, charging at Usagi. Usagi dodged, and Pansy went crashing into a tree. She got up, her eye sporting a swollen lid and numerous scratched on her face. Usagi turned around.
"I don't got time for shit," Usagi walked away, leaving Pansy. Sighing, Usagi paused, focusing on Pansy. The girl gasped as she was covered in a purple light, and her wounds disappeared. Usagi rolled her eyes before making her way back to her tent. She spent the rest of the day there, finding puzzles and books in her room. Usagi smiled when she saw them. Setsuna knew how to keep Usagi busy. After a few hours of reading, doing puzzles, and eating, Usagi fell into bed, tired. She was asleep in ten minutes.
Usagi moaned and groaned as she got up. Snowdrop decided to jump on Usagi to wake her up today, her cold eyes mischievous. Usagi woke with a loud scream and an "ouch!" Snowdrop hooted as if she had won a contest.
"I'm up, I'm up!" Usagi yawned as she threw her legs over her bed. Slipping on her fuzzy pink slippers, Usagi ran a comb through her bed head and pulled her hair into a low pony. She stretched as she went out into the morning sun, squinting at the bright sunlight. "God, so bright. Can't see anything. Water... oh yeah, there's a well." Usagi clambered her way over to the well, grumpy, and completely forgetting that there was water in her tent. She pulled a bucket out of her subspace pocket and filled it with water, grunting as she made her way back to her tent, and yawning profusely. She struggled to keep her eyes open as she took a deep drink.
"I need something with sugar... let's see if there's anything in the fridge," Usagi opened the fridge and found an iced chocolate cake. The blonde grinned, completely forgetting her sleepiness. "Chocolate cake!" Usagi squealed, digging in, and polishing it off in less than five minutes. "Mmm, that was good!" Usagi was wide-eyed now, and she quickly brushed her teeth and changed into a white cotton miniskirt and a black tank top. She put on her watch, noting the time. 11:30 am. Keeping her ponytail, Usagi put on a pair of black flipflops and went back outside, ready for anything. She found Fudge trying to communicate with a few foreigners.
"Hi Mr. Fudge," Usagi smiled at the frustrated man. "Having trouble understanding Japanese?"
"Oh, Usagi, you speak Japanese, don't you? Help me!" Fudge begged.
"Why don't you use a translation spell?" Usagi frowned. The Japanese man was saying that Fudge was an idiot and that he knew English, but Fudge was too dense to know that. Usagi grinned, replying that all the people here were dense.
"Oh, of course," Fudge hit his head with his hand. "Translato! Thank you!" Fudge turned back to his guest. Usagi laughed, shaking her head before making her way to Cho Chang's tent. She found the Asian sitting outside, watching a small fire.
"Hey Cho!" Usagi plopped down next to the girl.
"Hey, Serena!" Cho grinned. "You're up early, aren't you?"
"No. So, what are you watching?" Usagi cocked her head at Cho, who was still staring into the fire.
"Nothing. The fire's the most interesting thing at the moment. Professor Trelawney was talking about fire readings. I wonder how those work."
"Oh, my friend taught me how to," Usagi said, remembering Rei. How many times she had watched her friend talk into the fire, she didn't know. She positioned herself in front of it, closing her eyes and sitting Indian- style. "Wind, fire, earth, water..." Usagi repeated the phrases over and over again, forming the symbols with her hands. She opened her eyes, losing consciousness of the world around her, and peered into the fire. She saw into the future.
She stood alone, the blood of enemies covering her hands. The stench of death filled her nose, and the bloated bodies of the deceased lay strewn among the ground. Around her, her scouts were fighting those still alive. Death Eaters, they called themselves. Usagi turned to face another Death Eater, her face emotionless in her blind hate. She mercilessly drove a sword through the man, whose scream was filled with pain. The man fell, blood flowing out of his wound. Usagi gave spat in the man's face. Suddenly, Usagi was alone. Bodies of the dead surrounded her and no one was there. She looked into the distance. No trees, no grass. She was in a barren land, filled with darkness and evil. A bright light covered Usagi as wings sprouted out of her back. Her fuku changed to that of a white gown. Silver tears flowed down her face. Usagi fell to her knees, staining her white gown with crimson blood and brown dirt. She let out a cry of anguish and loneliness, beating the ground with her fist. Usagi trembled, sobbing. She looked up and saw... the moon. It was bright and silver; its warm glow bathed Usagi. She was transported there to find it deserted and empty. Slowly, Usagi went to each planet, finding the same thing on each one. Death and destruction. Usagi cried out. She was the last person left alive. She whispered an apology to her mother as she drove a knife into her stomach. Dark red blood covered her pure white gown, staining it with death. Usagi lay on the ground, giving a small smile as her last breath left her body.
"Serena? Serena? Serena?" a pair of hands gently shook Usagi. Usagi gasped and shrieked, getting out of her trance. She let out a shaky breath.
"Serena? What happened?" Cho's concerned face peered into Usagi's face. "Are you ok?"
"Y-yeah," Usagi knew she couldn't cry; she had cried enough over Mamoru. She couldn't cry anymore, no matter how hard she tried. "Th-the future."
"What happened?"
"I saw death and destruction. I... I killed them... but they had already killed everyone.... I was all alone.... No one left.... Then I committed suicide..." Usagi bit her lip. "It was the future."
"Oh my god," Cho hugged Usagi. "The future is so blurry. Maybe that was something else. Your future is never secure, Serena. Every decision you make changes it, if only somewhat. Make the right decision, and that will never happen."
"I know," Usagi sighed. She pulled out of Cho's hug. "Anyways, how long was I like that?"
"An hour and a half," Cho said, glancing down at her watch. "Very long time. I tried to talk to you, but you were in, like, a trance. It was freaky."
"Yeah, that's what happens during fire readings. It takes a long time."
"Here, have some orange juice," Cho handed Usagi a tall glass of the tangy drink. Usagi took it with a thank you and chugged it down. She handed Cho back her cup.
"Wow," Usagi shuddered slightly. "That's the last time I'm doing a fire reading. Wanna take a walk? I wonder if there's anyone else here."
"Nah, I better get inside. My mother's yelling at me. See you later!" Cho waved as she went into her tent. Usagi got up, sighing, and went back to her tent. She spent the rest of the afternoon there. Around three thirty, Fudge knocked on Usagi's tent.
"Yes? Come in!" Usagi yelled from her living room. A disgruntled Fudge appeared.
"Goodness," Fudge said. "I didn't know so many of these people wouldn't know English. Well, I'll have to take you in extra early. I have some work to finish."
"That's ok," Usagi got up. "Here, let me change and I'll be out in five minutes." Usagi got into her room and pulled on her pure white robes. (White/silver is the color of the moon kingdom; Usagi has to represent!) She slipped on white flipflops and did her hair into two French braids. She put on a little make-up and was out. "Do you think I'd stand out too much in my robes? I wanted to wear the color of my kingdom."
"Of course not," Fudge said. "I think white suites you."
"Thanks. Well, let's go," Usagi followed Fudge out of her tent. She walked up a path into a humungous stadium that was relatively empty. Fudge lead her up to the top box.
"These are the best seats," Fudge said, leading her in four seats. "I hope they're good enough."
"Of course they are. I don't need the best seats. Anywhere else would've made me happy."
"No, you deserve the top box. You are an important guest here."
"Oh, and call me Serena in front of everyone here. I don't want anyone recognizing my first name. Oh, and Fudge, I think there's someone looking for you," Usagi pointed to an angry looking man who was calling Fudge's name.
"Oh no," Fudge sighed as he made his way out. "I'll check up on you later, Usagi."
"Bye, Mr. Fudge," Usagi grinned as Fudge tried to calm down the hyper man. "Poor Fudge. He'll be pulling his hair out by the end of it." Usagi reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out her personal CD player and her book on quidditch. She sat there singing and dancing to the music while flipping through the book. The seats around her soon began to fill up, but Usagi didn't notice anyone. When Usagi took of her headphones, she heard someone talking softly beside her.
"Good lord, Arthur. What did you have to sell to get seats in the Top Box? Surely your house wouldn't have fetched this much." Usagi looked up, frowning at the person who would be so mean.
"Lucious has given a very generous contribution to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, Arthur. He's here as my guest." Fudge's voice wafted over to Usagi. Usagi managed to frown even more when she noticed the person down a few rows; blue eyes and pale blonde hair in the same slicked back style as...
"Draco Malfoy?!?!" Usagi shrieked when she got closer to the people. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Tsukino?!?!" Draco's voice was filled with surprise.
"Ah! Serena!" Fudge clapped his hands. "I see you've already met Draco Malfoy. This is Lucious Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's parents."
"Hi Mr., Mrs. Malfoy," Usagi nodded her head at the two, who looked at her like she was dirt.
"Lucious, this is Serena Tsukino. She is here as a very special guest! Oh, and Serena, I suppose you haven't met Arthur Weasley here."
"Hermione?!? Harry, Ron?!?!" Usagi shrieked even more, throwing her arms around the trio. "Oh my god!!! Why didn't you guys tell me you'd be here?"
"I didn't know you were gonna be here!" Hermione said, hugging Usagi back.
"Hey Serena," Harry and Ron chorused together.
"Well, Serena, it's nice to see there are some friends in the Top Box," Fudge gave Usagi a smile. "Is there anything you need? Are you cold? A blanket, perhaps?"
"No, thank you, Mr. Fudge, I'm fine," Usagi gave Fudge a reassuring smile. She noticed Lucious giving Hermione a disgusted stare. She narrowed her eyes.
"Hermione, is there anything wrong?" Usagi said in a tone dripping with attitude.
"N-not really," Hermione stared determinedly back at Lucious, who averted his eyes to stare at Usagi. Usagi crossed her arms and gave him a look that said 'I'm better than you, so back off.' Usagi stuck her nose in the air and marched back to her seat. The Malfoys followed. Usagi was more than happy when she found herself sitting next to Draco Malfoy. A boyish man boomed over everything else.
"Ladies and gentlemen... welcome! Welcome to the final of the four hundred and twenty-second Quidditch Cup!"
The spectators screamed and clapped. Usagi clapped along, and then stopped after a few moments. People added their national anthems to the racket and Usagi grinned.
"And now, without further ado, allow me to introduce... The Bulgarian National Team Mascots!"
The right hand of the stands, which was a solid block of scarlet, roared its approval.
"Veela," Lucious Malfoy said, leaning forward slightly. His wife looked disapprovingly at him. Usagi wondered what veela were, and her question was answered as a hundred veela glided onto the field. Veela were women, the most beautiful women Usagi had ever seen. They could even compare with her mother. Suddenly, the music started, and the veela started to dance. Usagi gasped as the men around her leaned forward in their seats, ready to jump. Usagi frowned as Draco looked mesmerized by the beautiful women. He looked ready to jump, and was about to do so.
"Malfoy, what are you doing?" Usagi said, trying to pull Draco back to his seat. She was tugging at Draco's robes with all her might, but the blond seemed to be determined to jump. "If you jump, you'll die!" Suddenly, the music and dancing stopped, and Usagi tumbled into her seat, Draco toppling onto her. "Get off of me, Malfoy!" Usagi struggled to get up from her tangled position. Draco jumped off.
"What were you doing, Tsukino?" Draco demanded.
"Saving your ass," Usagi said as she straightened her white robes. "You were about to jump, and you would have, if I didn't save you." Draco looked angry.
"I was not going to jump."
"Whatever, Malfoy," Usagi sat in her seat once again. Draco took his next to her. Usagi rolled her eyes.
"Is the mudblood bothering you, Draco dearest?" Narcissus eyed Usagi with contempt.
"How many times will I have to tell you guys; I am NOT a mudblood! I am a pureblood!" Usagi huffed, crossing her arms.
"Oh, really? Then how come I've never seen your parents before?" Narcissus scrunched her nose, as if she smelled something nasty.
"Could it be because I'm and orphan?" Usagi said sarcastically.
"Then who were your parents?"
"None of your business," Usagi snapped. She rolled her eyes and turned back to the Quidditch field. A large comet hurtled out of nowhere and a rainbow appeared as golden coins started to fall. Draco scrambled to pick them up. Usagi squinted as the comet flew over head.
"Leprechauns," she said. "Don't bother, Malfoy, the gold will disappear soon. It's leprechaun gold, dumbass."
"Shut up, Tsukino," Draco said as he gathered more gold. Usagi sat back in her seat, watching interestedly as Draco scrambled under the seat. As he sat back down, he turned to Usagi.
"I heard you beat up my girlfriend, Tsukino," Draco accused.
"Yeah, so?" Usagi raised an eyebrow. "She deserved it. That bitch provoked me."
"It was an unfair fight. She never did hand to hand combat in her life."
"Since when do you care about being fair?" Usagi frowned as the sportscaster introduced the players. Usagi ignored the stream of people getting onto the field. "And anyways, she was the one who asked for it."
"She says you made her fight."
"You know I don't like fighting. Maybe she lied."
"I trust my girlfriend more than you, Tsukino. You dropped out of nowhere. I've known Pansy most my life."
"Suit yourself," Usagi said as she snapped her eyes onto the field. The game had already begun. (Ok, then, all of you should know what happens in the game, and I'm way too lazy to write it all out, so, let's get on to the next part of the story!)
Usagi laughed at a joke Fred and George told her. The Weasleys, Hermione, Harry, and Usagi were seated around a fire, and were verbally retelling everything that happened at the game. Jokes found themselves into the conversation. A few hours later, after Ginny had fallen asleep and had spilled hot cocoa, Mr. Weasley ushered everyone out.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow morning!" Usagi said as she made her way back into her tent. Usagi slipped into her pajamas and fell asleep almost immediately.
"Princess!" A shout woke Usagi in the middle of the night. Hotaru sat on top of Usagi, shaking her. "Hurry, we need you!" Usagi was fully awake and heard screams and rowdy laughing outside. She hurried out, and found a huddle of people far away, seemingly advancing. She ran into Ron's tent, not caring that they were asleep.
"Mr. Weasley! Ron! Harry! Fred, George, Percy! Hurry! Wake up!!" Usagi screamed, shaking everyone. They woke up, groaning.
"What's going on?" Percy demanded, sleepy.
"They're attacking! Hurry! Get up and take the others to safety!" Usagi yelled. Mr. Weasley got up immediately, running into the girls tent. He came out with Hermione and Ginny.
"Harry, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, George, Serena! Go into the forest!" Mr. Weasley demanded, pulling out his wand. Bill, Charlie and Percy followed. Harry, Hermione, and the rest made their way out into the woods, but Usagi stayed behind. "Serena, get to safety! You can't do anything to help!"
"Yes I can! Don't tell anyone what you're about to witness, unless you want to be murdered in your sleep," Usagi pulled out her broach.
"This is no time to be helpful!" Charlie shouted. Usagi ignored them.
"Moon Eternal Power, Make-up!!!!" Usagi shouted. In a bright flash of light, Eternal Sailor Moon stood in Usagi's place. "Come on, we need to help them!"
"You'll get hurt! This is no trick for a little girl!"
"Shut up Charlie, we need to help them!" Usagi said. She unfurled her wings and flew out of the tent. A crowd of hooded, masked people were pointing and laughing at four figures in the air. Usagi flew up and saw four people, two parents and two children. One of the children was twirling madly like a top, head flopping from side to side. Usagi decided to make her entrance. More people joined the large crowd, and blew tents out of their way.
"Stop right there!" Usagi screamed, flying in the air. The hooded people looked up, and spotted her. "Scouts, I need you!" Usagi flew into the air and grabbed the four people. They tugged out of her arms, but Usagi managed to grab a hold of them. In lightening fast speed, she had them on the ground. Her scouts stood behind her. "Hotaru, I need you to form your silence wall around them. Keep them from getting hurt!" Hotaru nodded and complied. A purple shield surrounded the four people. By now, a force of wizards and witches working against the hooded people were trying to stop them. The hooded people advanced towards Usagi.
"What do you think you're doing, little girl?" One of the masked snarled. "You want to get yourself killed?"
"I'm stopping you!" Usagi flew back into the air. "You've destroyed enough! Celestial fire, surround!" A wall of flames surrounded the people. They put it out with magic.
"STUPEFY!" thirty or so wands pointed at Usagi and performed the stunning spell. Usagi managed to dodge all of them.
"Missed me! My turn! Mercury bubbles BLAST!" a thick fog surrounded the group, confusing them. "Jupiter thunder DRAGON!" electricity ran thick through the fog, and several screams were heard. "Scouts! Formation 34, inside the woods! If they get past me, you must stop them!" the scouts nodded and disappeared. The fog cleared, and all of the hooded people were still standing, although a few seemed scorched.
"We're Death Eaters! You cannot defeat us!" One of the 'Death Eaters' yelled.
"I am Sailor Moon, champion of justice! I stand for good and light! And good always prevails!" Usagi flew high. Another wave of attacks was aimed at her. She dodged them, but one hit her square in the chest. The magic of the Silver Crystal ran over her, keeping her conscious. Another attack hit her. The process continued a few times before they stopped. They gasped when they found Usagi still in the air.
"You cannot defeat me that easy! Deep SUBMERGE!" a jet of water hit the first line of Death Eaters, causing them to stagger and fall. "WORLD SHAKING!" the ground shook, and a few more fell. "Moon tiara BIND!" Her tiara went around them, squeezing the Death Eaters together. The Death Eaters disapparated and Usagi flashed the victory sign. She flew into the forest, knowing that they'd be back. As she dropped through the trees, the darkness blinded her. She walked steadily before tripping.
"Ow! Stupid tree root! Why is it so dark?" Usagi whined, getting up. "Oh, this is SO stupid!" Usagi closed her eyes, focusing her energy into her hands, and a small ball of light appeared. It lit the dark area.
"You're just like the Weasel," a drawling voice captured her attention. Draco Malfoy was leaning on a tree trunk and had been watching the attacks through a gap in the trees.
"Oh, it's you," Usagi scrambled up, standing next to Draco.
"Put up quite a fight. Too bad you can't win," Draco smiled darkly.
"Oh, they won't kill me. They work for Voldemort, Beryl, and Mamoru. They know my worth. They won't kill me," Usagi said leaning back on the tree trunk, "Damn, those stupid people. Kept on firing attacks. Ugh, I lost a lot of energy. Luckily, they didn't bring youmas."
"Really," Draco turned to study Usagi. "And what makes you worth so much?"
"A lot of things that I can't say," Usagi said. She could hear screams once again. "Ugh, see ya later, Malfoy." Usagi flew out through the trees. The Death Eaters were back again. "Don't you guys ever learn your lesson?" Usagi shouted. The Death Eaters were angry now.
"Our lord will tear you up into little pieces and feed you to the dogs!" One of the guys spat.
"You? Kill me? I don't think so!" Usagi let out a hollow laugh. "You wouldn't kill me unless you didn't know my value." The Death Eater said an angry spell, and a team of knives came out of nowhere, flying blade first towards Usagi. Usagi flipped and turned, trying to avoid the knives. As she pulled out of a turn, a knife managed to run up her arms, and blood started falling freely. Usagi growled and dove straight at the man. She landed kneed him in his private, and when the man doubled over, she elbowed him in the back. As soon as the man fell, she flew straight into the air, surveying the crowd below. The team of Ministry officials was already taking prisoners. Usagi just needed a way to tie them all up. A sudden spell came into her mind, and Usagi used it.
"Solar light BIND!" Ropes of rainbow light flew out of Usagi's hands, tying the Death Eaters together. They struggled to disapparate, but the magic of the attack kept them from doing so. Suddenly, a glittering green shadow rose into the air, and Usagi lost her grip on the ropes. The Death Eaters disapparated, leaving behind a few unconscious ones. The Ministry gasped and screamed at the sight of the mark (you all know what it looks like... a skull with a serpent coming out of its mouth... DUH!); chaos made its way into the grounds. Everyone was screaming and running. Usagi looked at the mark... where had she seen it before? Of course. The Dark Mark. Voldemort's sign for when he killed. Usagi flew into the air, trying to find a way to get rid of it. She decided on the silver crystal.
"Silver Crystal Cleanse!" a flash of light flew out of her palms and the Dark Mark disappeared. Usagi sighed with relief and flew back to the ground. She quickly dehenshined and made her way to the Weasley's tent, clutching her still bleeding arm. She felt weak; using the silver crystal that many times tapped into her life energy.
"Scouts!" Usagi's voice was weak. The scouts appeared. "A little energy..." Usagi looked pale and ready to faint. The scouts nodded as Hotaru joined. The clasped their hands and a rainbow light surrounded Usagi. The blonde looked better but still felt weak. They found Bill, Percy, and Charlie making their way to the tent.
"Serena?" Charlie frowned. "Are you ok? That fight was completely amazing!"
"Yea," Usagi gave a weak smile, still struggling to stand. Her breathing was heavy and her arm was bleeding even more. A burning sensation overtook her arm. Usagi winced in pain.
"You're hurt!" Bill stated the obvious.
"No kidding," Usagi rolled her eyes. Bill and Charlie rushed over to her as Fudge made an appearance. He rushed over as well.
"Are you ok, Usagi?" Fudge was genuinely worried. "That was some fight you put up! Your help is appreciated. You need to go to the hospital, though!"
"No, I'm fine. Just a few stitches," Usagi sighed. "Stupid Death Eaters. They were acting against Voldemort's commands." Everyone around Usagi winced and flinched visibly. "They are not supposed to kill me."
"What do you mean?" Percy demanded.
"I mean they are not to hurt me in any way. I can't tell you why. I would only endanger the world. If they find out who I am, Fudge, then who knows what will happen. Only Beryl and Mamoru know the truth about me, but they won't be telling anyone. They're too selfish."
"Well, you need medical help immediately," Fudge said firmly. "I'm sure there are a few mediwizards around." Fudge disapparated and came back with a mediwizard.
"I can't spend much time on you, missy," the mediwizard apologized. "Let's look at that arm there... hey, you're that warrior! Everyone's talking about you! It's an honor to meet you, ma'am. Here, let me see..." the mediwizard pulled out a few articles from his small bag. With a few magic words, Usagi was bandaged and ready to go.
"Thanks. Is there anyone who's severely injured?" Usagi grew concerned. "I can help."
"No, no one's severely injured. Just a few scorches and bruises, that's all. You're ready to go. I've got to tend to the others," the mediwizard hurried out of the tent and three redheads made their way in.
"Fred! George!" Usagi shrieked, throwing her good arms around them. "You're ok!"
"Duh we're ok!" George rolled his eyes. "What about you? That fight could have killed you."
"Nah, they're not that stupid. They wouldn't kill me," Usagi smiled.
"Why not?" Fred frowned.
"Because I'm special," Usagi grinned. "Well, where are Hermione, Ron, and Harry? I thought I told you guys to stick together." Suddenly, Usagi found she couldn't stand. She almost fell, and decided to lean on Fred and George, who gladly gave her the support. They looked at her questioningly. "Lost a lot of energy. When I use the crystal, it taps into my energy. When they used those stunning spells, my crystal kept me awake. Since I had to use it like ten times, it decided to tap into my life energy. I'll be weak for the next few days."
"Oh. Well, here's dad!" Fred grinned as Arthur came in with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Where were you guys?" Usagi asked.
"Ugh, we got lost. And then, those ministry people started blaming Harry for putting up the dark mark," Ron replied.
"Now they're accusing Barty's house elf," Hermione looked disgusted with the very idea. "But I heard you put up a great defense! Are you ok?" Hermione studied Usagi, making sure that nothing was wrong. Usagi gave a very weak laugh.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a few stupid scratches," Usagi replied. "Well, we better get to bed. Could someone help me over to my tent? I hope it's not destroyed," Usagi huffed.
"We'll go!" Hermione, Ginny, Fred, George, Ron, and Harry volunteered. Usagi laughed softly.
"Ok. But I need someone to help me walk," Usagi gasped as two necks appeared under her arms. "Ok Fred, George, you guys can help." The twins grinned. "Here, I'll show you where it was." Usagi lead them to where she left her tent. She gave a sigh of relief when she found it untouched. "Thank Selene!" Usagi lead the six into her tent. They gasped.
"Oh my god!" Ron breathed. "It's huge! I bet no one, not even Fudge, has a tent this grand!"
"I'm glad you like it," Usagi smiled. "It used to be my mother's. I don't know who she was, though. Setsuna gave it to me. She's my friend." Fred and George lead her to her couch, where the sat her down gently.
"Your mother must have been rich!" Fred said. (I rhyme a lot in this chapter. I just noticed! I mean, Fred said, twins grinned, dark mark... lol)
"I guess. Well, have a seat. You guys can grab something from the fridge. It runs on batteries." Usagi watched as the six went into the kitchen and came back holding a few sodas and a bag of chips. They handed Usagi one, who smiled and took it.
"So, tell us about the battle," George said as he sat beside Usagi.
"Ok. Well, when I got there, I saw four people in the air..." Usagi launched into a detailed explanation of what happened amid Ooohh's and Aaah's. Usagi took a deep breath when she finished.
"Wow. You're a good fighter," Harry said. He thought for a moment before continuing. "I heard you got into a fight with Pansy."
"That bitch. She totally deserved it, saying that my parents abandoned me. She's bugging me. I can't believe a person like Malfoy would even go out with her," Usagi made a face.
"Well, I can," Ron said. "He's such an asshole. I bet his parents were out there with the Death Eaters."
"Me too," Harry agreed. Usagi frowned.
"Come to think of it... one of the people there sounded exactly like his father," Usagi said thoughtfully. "Hmm... oh well. Death Eaters have a dark future. I hear Voldemort's-"
"Don't say his name!" George hissed and everyone except for Harry flinched.
"Why not. I'm not scared of him. I have powers ten times greater than his. He cannot defeat me," Usagi crossed her arms. A loud poof made everyone shriek and jump. "Snowdrop!" Usagi hugged her phoenix with one arm.
"Your bird is so pretty," Ginny commented.
"Thanks. Did you hear that, Snowdrop? Ginny says you're pretty!" Usagi stroked the bird. "It's an ice phoenix. The last of its kind." Usagi frowned when Snowdrop put her head on Usagi's arm. A tear traveled down the birds face and dripped onto Usagi's bandage. Several followed and soon, the bandage was soaked with phoenix tears. "You soaked my bandage!" Usagi scolded. "Now I'll have to change it!" Usagi slowly undid her bandage and gasped when the stitches fell out. Not even a scar was left on her arm.
"Of course..." a look of realization hit Hermione's face. "Phoenix tears have healing properties."
"Oh," Usagi hugged Snowdrop. "Thanks, girl! I owe you one." Snowdrop hooted softly and nuzzled Usagi. "You guys better get going. I'll manage."
"Yeah, we should," Hermione got up and the rest followed. Usagi waved as everyone left the tent. She got into her room, changed, and fell heavily onto her bed. The day was exhausting.
"Yes, Usagi, I did," Dumbledore looked up from the papers he was sorting through. "Your mother has left me a note. She is asking that you stay in Diagonal Alley."
"Yes, sir, I already knew," Usagi looked up, and found Dumbledore smiling.
"The party idea was great. I'm sure this school could use a little spicing up from you. The boys enjoyed it particularly," Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.
"Th-thank you... I think," Usagi turned red at what Dumbledore was saying. "D- did you get anything from Pluto, sir?"
"No, Usagi, I did not."
"Oh. Ok. Well then, sir, can I be excused?"
"Yes. Oh, yes, before I forget, once you reach the platform, Pluto will be waiting for you in her human form. She will take you to your summer residence."
"Really?" Usagi lit up at this. "Good-bye, sir!" A very happy Usagi bounced out of Dumbledore's office, a silly smile on her face. Usagi ran into her room, packing her things. Hermione soon entered, flopping down on Usagi's bed.
"So, what did Dumbledore say?" Hermione helped Usagi pack her belongings.
"Just stuff like I'm gonna stay at Diagon Alley, and how the school needs some spicing up by me," Usagi put the last thing in her trunk and shut it. She sat on her bed, sighing. "I'm gonna miss you, Hermione!"
"Yeah, same here. We can visit each other over the summer, that's for sure. Here, have my phone number," Hermione jot down her phone number on a piece of parchment and gave it to Usagi, who flashed a smile.
"Let's spend the rest of our day outside. We're leaving in like two hours."
"Let's go, then?" Hermione hopped out of Usagi's bedroom, and Usagi followed.
"You know what, Hermione?" Usagi walked next to Hermione, pulling on her robes.
"What?"
"You're my best friend."
"Th-th-thank you," Hermione stuttered, a look of appreciation on her face. "You're my best friend, too."
"I have a feeling we're gonna get to know a lot more girls next year."
"Same here. Where did you learn to dance that way?"
"What way?" Usagi looked innocent as she headed out the doors. It was beautiful day. The sky was a bright blue color and the sun was shining high in the sky. The air was warm and loud with the chatter of talking students. Usagi sighed blissfully.
"Let's sit by the lake," Hermione suggested. Usagi nodded and started running.
"Last one there is a rotten egg!"
"No fair! You got a head start!" Hermione raced behind Usagi, and the two girls slid into the sand, laughing. They both pulled themselves to a sitting position, smiling.
"So..." Usagi looked around her, spotting Harry and Ron jogging towards them. "Your boyfriends are coming."
"What?" Hermione looked behind her in confusion, realizing that Usagi meant the two boys. "Hey Ron, Harry!"
"Hi, Hermione!" Harry and Ron spoke at the same time. "Hey Serena!"
"Hi guys," Usagi motioned for them to take a seat. "Have a seat."
"Thanks, Serena," Harry took a seat next to Hermione, and Ron sat by Usagi.
"So. What brings you here?" Usagi turned her body so she faced Ron.
"The party last night was amazing! What was that thing making all that sound?" Ron was excited.
"It's called a boom box, or a radio, or a stereo, or a CD player."
"Oh... I'll ask dad about it," Ron turned to Hermione. "So, anything new lately? Haven't talked to you in a long time. Dad says you can come over in the summer."
"Oh," Hermione shrugged. "I dunno if I can make it. I'll have to ask my parents."
Usagi looked into the lake, and made the mistake of looking at the bridge above it. Draco and Pansy were lip-locked in a deep kiss, arms around each other. Usagi gasped, eventually choking on her spit (there's nothing wrong with that... it happens to me ALL the time!).
"Usagi? You ok?" Hermione frowned at the girl who was pointing at the lake. Hermione followed Usagi's gaze and gasped, her jaw dropping. "Oh my god, that's disgusting! Malfoy has his tongue down Pansy's throat!" Harry and Ron followed Hermione's disgusted look, then gasped and choked themselves.
"Whoa, that's so gross!" Ron's jaw was on the floor. Usagi's eyes glittered with something close to hate. She stood, her fists clenched.
"Ron, Harry, please leave," Usagi's voice was dangerous, and the two boys complied immediately. "Rei, Minako! There's something you guys need to see!" Rei and Minako appeared behind the princess. They looked around them, and finding Draco, they gasped.
"Don't do anything rash, Usa!" Minako knew that look, and Usagi was sure to get in trouble for whatever she was about to do.
"Hermione!" Usagi turned to her friend. "Do you know any spells that turns hair a different color, particularly gray?"
"N-n-no!" Hermione lied. Of course she knew. A sudden scream interrupted Hermione, Usagi, and Minako's conversation.
"Fuckin shit! Stupid youmas always come at the wrong time!" Usagi took out her broach. "Moon Eternal Power, MAKE-UP!" Usagi turned into Eternal Sailor Moon, and the power of Cosmos coursed through her veins. She unfurled her mighty wings and flew above the still kissing Draco and Pansy. She spat in disgust before finding herself face to face with a person. He looked like a regular human being, his short hair falling into his handsome face. His hair was a dark blond color, but his red eyes gave him away. Usagi gasped when she recognized the man.
"Kunzite?!?" Usagi started to panic. "But I killed you! So long ago..."
"I'm not that easy to get rid of princess," Kunzite's voice was dark and evil, and he gave a chilling cackle. He started attacking random people, purposely missing to start a flame of fear in the people. Usagi growled before tackling him to the floor of the bridge.
"Kunzite, you know you can't win," Usagi's whisper was fierce and filled with hate.
"It doesn't matter," Kunzite gave a vile smile. "If you kill me, Beryl will send thousands more." Usagi slammed Kunzite against the rail of the bridge. By now, Malfoy and Pansy had stopped kissing and was staring at Sailor Moon in awe. Minako and Rei hovered above Usagi incase she needed help.
"I can heal you Kunzite," Usagi pinned Kunzite, her hands holding his wrists behind his back, her shoulder digging into his upper back. "Just tell me that you want to be healed, and I'll do it."
"Don't try to bribe me, princess," Kunzite laughed. "You can't beat Voldemort or Beryl. And guess what, princess? Your dear Mamoru is back! He says he never loved you. But I'm sure you're still in love with him. You should see him and Beryl together. Don't you think they make a great couple?"
"NO!" Usagi let go of Kunzite, and flew high. "Celestial fire, surround!" Rei grinned as Usagi used her attack. A wall of flames surrounded Kunzite, who just laughed. "I'm gonna kill you!!!"
"Usagi, don't kill him!" Rei shouted out. "Heal him! He's still a human being! He can be healed!"
"NO! His life won't be spared! I'm gonna kill him!" Usagi had a fire burning in her now. Rage overtook her senses, and her heart filled with strong hate.
"DON'T!" Minako was screaming, trying to hold Usagi back. "Usagi! Think clearly! You can heal him! Don't kill him! Don't let hate and rage overtake you!"
"Starlight Honeymoon Therapy KISS!!!" Minako's attempts were in vain. Usagi broke loose and unleashed her attack, filled with so much hate and energy that it left a hole in the bridge. Usagi let out a scream of hate and anger, blood-curdling and loud. "Fear the wrath of Cosmos!!!" These were her last words before the anger left her eyes and she dehenshined, landing gracefully on her feet. She trembled, and she looked surprised with herself.
"Usagi," Minako's voice was soft, as if she was scared of her princess.
"I killed him Minako," Usagi was whispering. "I killed him. I could have healed him. I've never felt hate this strong before."
"Oh, Usagi," Rei hugged the blonde, who was staring at the hands she killed Kunzite with. "It's ok."
"I've never hated someone before. Ever. And now, I feel the power of hate. So strong, so raw."
"Usagi!" Hermione stared at Usagi in fear. "Y-you shouldn't have let hate take you over!"
"I don't know what happened," Tears threatened to spill out of Usagi's eyes. "I don't know. I just felt such a strong wave of rage take over me. I've never hated anyone in my life. That's the first time. And it's such a strong feeling."
"Oh, baby, it's gonna be ok," Minako hugged Usagi, who looked as if she was in a trance.
"I've never even hated Beryl, or Mamoru, or even Chaos. I've never hated anyone before." (You guys have to think... Usagi is one of those emotional people who hate killing people unless they have to, so duh she's gonna be in shock for a little bit!!!)
"Usagi, calm down. It's ok. Everyone experiences hate at one point or another. Come on, I think you need something to drink." Minako disappeared and reappeared with a water bottle (It's Usagi's so she can touch it!), and gave it to Usagi, who took a deep drink from it.
"Who would ever think such a goody-goody would be so merciless?" Malfoy's drawling voice cut the moment of stillness. Usagi looked up at Malfoy with haunting eyes.
"I-I killed him, Malfoy," Usagi's voice was confused. "I don't know how, but I killed him."
"Usagi, it's ok. You had to. You're gonna kill a lot more people, so get stronger. Your future holds death," Rei's voice must have been convincing because Usagi snapped out of her trance. The young blonde sighed.
"I guess so. But I hate death so much. Life should always be cherished. There is good in everything, even our enemy," Usagi sighed again and stood up, facing Malfoy.
"I'd appreciate it if you don't mention this incident again. I'd like it if I didn't remember this," Usagi paused as she walked away. "And Malfoy? I'm not in the mood for your rude comments." Usagi sauntered away leisurely, as a loud voice told the Hogwarts students to get ready to go on the Hogwarts Express. Hermione quickly followed Usagi, taking one last look at Malfoy, who was holding Pansy's hand.
On the Hogwarts Express
Usagi sighed as she got on the Hogwarts Express. The bright red train was already making its way out of Hogwarts, and Usagi still hadn't found an empty compartment, let alone an empty seat. She had convinced Hermione to sit by her friends. There was one last compartment left, and she knew that Malfoy and his little gang would be sitting there. Usagi took a deep breath as she made her way in.
"What do you want, Tsukino?" Draco was sitting with Pansy, her head on his shoulder. Crabbe and Goyle sat on either side of the couple. They were already asleep.
Usagi rolled her eyes. "There aren't any more compartments, dumbass (I call my brother that ALL the time...). So I'm stuck here with you." Usagi sat cross-legged on a seat across from Draco. She reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out her CD player, putting in her favorite remix CD. She pulled on the headphones and took out the picture album that Pluto had given her. She nodded her head to the music as she flipped through the pictures. She soon grew bored and restless and put away her CD player and picture book.
"When is the ride over, Malfoy?" Usagi demanded, fidgeting.
"About three and a half hours left," Malfoy sounded preoccupied, so Usagi looked up. Malfoy was saying poetic things to Pansy, who sighed dreamily. Usagi had a look of disgust on her face. She leaned back, watching Malfoy's doings with interest.
"Your eyes are like deep pools of beauty," Malfoy traced Pansy's jaw with a finger. Pansy sighed and melted in Malfoy's arms. "And your lips are like the reddest rosebuds."
Usagi suddenly remembered that she had gotten Mamoru's powers. She grinned, pulling a red rose out of thin air. The tip was razor sharp. Usagi pulled more multi-colored roses out of the air, and soon, she had a dozen. Usagi smelled the sweet roses, sighing blissfully. "Snowdrop!" Usagi called her pet, which appeared instantly. "I missed you, Snowdrop, yes I did!" Usagi put the roses on the seat next to her and Snowdrop wobbled over to her lap. Usagi stroked his feathers, smiling as the phoenix hooted.
"Tsukino?" Malfoy's voice disturbed Usagi's bonding time with Snowdrop. Usagi looked over to him and found that Pansy was fast asleep. "Where'd you get those roses?"
"Why does it matter?" Usagi pulled a pink rose out of thin air and added it to her collection. Malfoy frowned.
"How do you do that?" Malfoy demanded. He moved to touch the roses, and as his arm brushed against the tips, cuts appeared. "Ow! What kind of roses are these, anyways?"
"Don't touch them. They're for attacking purposes, not for giving as presents. The tips are sharp and can pierce a person easily. Here, let me see your arm." Usagi stood up as Snowdrop disappeared with a poof. She inspected Draco's arm, from which a crimson drop fell. "Hmm... luckily, these aren't poison tipped. They're just sharp."
"Well, it's nice to know I'm not gonna die," Malfoy was sarcastic, and pulled his arm out of Usagi's hands. Usagi grabbed Draco's hand.
"Wait. I can heal it, I think," Usagi closed her eyes. "Saturn Power HEAL!" The cuts immediately disappeared from Draco's body, and Usagi smiled happily. "Thank Selene for healing powers." Draco snatched his hand away.
"I don't need to be healed by someone like you," Draco almost snarled the comment at Usagi.
"Why do you hate me so much?" Usagi had sat back down in her original position.
"What?"
"You heard me. Why do you hate me so much?"
"I don't hate anyone. I dislike them, sure, but hate is too strong an emotion."
"The way you're acting right now certainly makes me think it."
"Yeah, so? I act this way all the time."
"You push everyone away from you. Why?"
"What do you mean? I have a girlfriend you know!"
"So what? I bet she doesn't know the first thing about you. You're always so cold and distant. Like Mamoru. You should lighten up sometime."
"What are you talking about, Tsukino? That's just the way I am!" Draco's cold eyes glittered with something close to malice, and a sneer overtook his face.
"I'm talking about the way you act. You act like everyone's under your feet just because you're a Malfoy. You think you rule the entire universe, which I am sure you don't. Why do you act like that?"
"You don't know anything, Tsukino," Malfoy spat out. Usagi got mad. Her eyes glinted and a scowl formed on her face.
"I know more than you, Draco Malfoy, so don't you dare say I don't know anything. I can look at a person and figure out his past, present, and future, but I don't, because I respect privacy. And, in case you didn't know, I can read minds and talk telepathically, but I don't because I respect privacy. And, with one wave of my hand, I can have a person spill his deepest, darkest secrets, and yet I don't, because I respect privacy. So don't say I don't know anything, Malfoy. If I weren't such a 'goody goody' as you called me, I would be probing your mind at the very moment. Got that?"
"Draco, darling? What happened?" Pansy's sleepy voice drifted over. The brunette slowly got up and eyed an angry Usagi with disgust. "Is the blonde bothering you, darling?"
"No, Pansy," Malfoy flashed Pansy a loving smile. Usagi rolled her eyes, leaning back onto the seat. She cocked her head at the couple, who was oozing with mushy crap. Sighing, Usagi pulled her scouts' transformation pens out and arranged and rearranged them. Without noticing, she had started to speak out loud.
"In order from the sun... Ami, Minako, Rei, Mamoru, Makoto, Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, Setsuna... oh yea, and me. Usagi. Backwards. Setsuna, Hotaru, Michiru, Haruka, Makoto, Mamoru, then me, Rei, Minako, and Ami," Usagi frowned. She picked up each transformation pen and stated their powers. "Mercury is ice. Venus is love and beauty. Mars is fire. Earth is... earth, I guess. Jupiter is lightening, thunder, and storms. Uranus is the skies. Neptune is water. Saturn is death, destruction, and rebirth. And Pluto is time, destiny, and the time-space continuum. And Moon... wonder what it stands for, other than love and justice. Maybe light, hope, and...power."
Usagi sighed, gathering the pens in her arms. She squeezed them, as if giving them a hug. "Love ya guys. Thanks for being there for me. Everyone except Mamoru. Ugh, I hate you." Usagi looked at the golden crystal, which was shining dully. "No, I don't hate you. I don't hate anyone."
Usagi looked at the crystal funnily, and then put everything back into her subspace pocket. She pulled out a book called Quidditch for the Dummies, and started reading through it. She had found it lying on her bed one morning, and hadn't even opened the book yet. "Confusing wizard crap." Usagi persisted for another hour before giving up. She put the book away, before turning to the couple that sat in front of her. They were holding hands and talking softly.
"Pansy?" Usagi straightened up. "Do you want to play a game? I'm bored. There's nothing else to do. Do you know how to play slide? Do you want to paint nails? Wanna have a girl talk? Wanna do something? I'm bored!"
Pansy frowned. "I don't want anything to do with a mudblood."
"I'm a pureblood. Dumbledore told me. I'm not a mudblood."
"Well, I'm kinda in the middle of a conversation here..."
"Fine," Usagi pouted. "Meanie!"
"Grow up, Tsukino!" Malfoy came up behind Pansy, putting his arms around Pansy's waist.
"The Hogwarts Express will reach Platform 9 ¾ in one hour. Please change into the appropriate attire," a loud voice boomed over Usagi's compartment. Luckily, Usagi wore her clothes under her robes. She pulled off the black covering, revealing a pair of low slung black capris that hugged her curves nicely, a white tank top that ended a few inches above her belly button, and a black mesh off-the-shoulder top.
"I am grown up, Malfoy," Usagi blew a raspberry before kicking off her flipflops and pulling on a pair of black Air Forces (Nike owns this, not me!). She pulled her hair into a high ponytail with a fuzzy black scrunchie and completed her look with a black cap and pink lip gloss. Checking her reflection one more time in her compact mirror, she grinned. "Do you think this is a bit too revealing?"
"People like you are called sluts," Pansy narrowed her eyes.
"You obviously haven't been somewhere out of the wizarding world. This is actually pretty covering compared to what I would wear to a muggle party," Usagi blew a kiss. "Catch ya later, babe. I gotta make a few visits." Usagi walked out of the compartment, dripping with attitude. Draco stared after the blonde with interest. Unluckily, Pansy noticed, and attacked Malfoy with a kiss. Usagi noticed, and rolled her eyes before walking away.
On Platform 9 ¾
"SETSUNA!" Usagi shrieked before throwing her arms around her friend. The tall woman smiled. Usagi was still her cheerful self.
"I'm happy to see you're feeling better, hime!" Setsuna laughed. She returned the hug before stepping back and taking a good look at Usagi. "You're much shorter. How tall were you at seventeen? Let me think... I'm sure you were around, let's say, 5 foot 7? Or maybe 9... Now, you look no taller than 5 foot 5. Still the same hair, but you cut it."
"Yup. If I change my appearance and keep the crystal's power low, they won't be able to find me. Plus, anyone who knows my identity won't be able to tell others, because the crystal puts a spell on them. Mama told me."
"Really? That's interesting. You wanna say goodbye to your friends?"
"Yeah, sure," Usagi turned and went away to stalk down her friends. She spotted Hermione first, and gave a hug. "Bye, Hermione! Keep in touch with me, k? I'll send Snowdrop your way."
"I'm gonna miss you over the summer, Usagi! Make sure you call me!" Hermione returned the hug, and then walked away with her parents. Usagi went looking again and found George and Fred.
"Bye George! Bye Fred!" Usagi gave the twins hugs as well, and they returned Usagi's hug. "Make sure you write!"
"We will! Bye Usagi!" The twins waved as Usagi walked away to find more people. She said her goodbyes to Harry, Ron, Ginny, and a few others she had met before she found herself standing by Draco Malfoy. Usagi took a deep breath before saying goodbye to her 'enemy'.
"Bye, Malfoy! See you next year!" Usagi gave Draco a brief hug before bouncing back and flashing a grin. "Watch out for my pranks!!!" Draco looked disgusted as Usagi bounced away happily.
At the Leaky Cauldron
Usagi jumped into her bed. It was soft and comfy, and Setsuna had gone out of her way to make everything in it look like her room back in Japan. When Setsuna had reached the street that reached Diagon Alley, Usagi had been confused. It was a regular muggle street. Getting into the Leaky Cauldron, Usagi was surprised at first, and then interested. The Leaky Cauldron was a small, musty pub that was crowded with everyone ranging from wizards to small goblins. Setsuna had led her up to her room immediately, saying that no one in the pub was trusty. She had told Usagi to freshen up, and then meet her in the alley behind the Leaky Cauldron. Usagi sighed as she got up. She was sure her clothes were ok. She just needed to take a quick shower. Usagi stripped her clothes off and stepped into a warm shower. Twenty minutes later, she was ready to go. Usagi skipped down the steps and hastily made her way out the back door. Setsuna was talking to a man in a pinstripe cloak. The tall senshi turned when she heard her princess skid outside.
"Hello, Usagi," Setsuna smiled at the huffing girl. "This is Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. He's like the president, except in the magical world."
"Umm, hi Mr. Fudge," Usagi gave a smile and shook the minister's hand. "It's nice meeting you."
"Likewise," the man had a deep voice. "Setsuna here was telling me about you. I am honored that such a great lady would be going to Hogwarts. We have the best security here in Diagon Alley. You will be safe as long as you stay within the walls."
"Security? I don't need that. I have my scouts."
"Usagi," Setsuna sighed. "There are many people looking for you. We need to keep you extra safe. Once Beryl and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gets their hands on you, there will be no hope left. We just need to be extra careful so that you can stay safe."
"Fine," Usagi pouted. "But I can take care of myself."
"I know that, hime, but just promise me you'll accept the help."
"I promise," it was Usagi's turn to sigh. "So, Mr. Fudge, who's gonna keep and eye on me?"
"There will be specific wizards coming in to check on you. Mr. Albus Dumbledore has taken care of it. Is there anything you need, Princess Serenity? Is your room alright? Do you need some more pillows, perhaps another blanket?"
"Don't call me that in public! You don't know who might be listening. Just call me Usagi. And no thank you. I'm fine."
"That's good to hear. Well, Miss Usagi, I must be on my way."
"Bye Mr. Fudge."
"Goodbye Usagi, Setsuna," with a nod of his head, Mr. Fudge disappeared with a loud pop. Usagi gaped.
"Apparation," Setsuna said, as if to explain. "Wizards can do it."
"Oh," Usagi turned to the brick wall she was facing. "Well, where's Diagon Alley?"
"Step back," Setsuna pulled her Time Staff out of her subspace pocket, and then tapped the brick on the wall. Usagi frowned, and then jumped when the bricks tumbled away to reveal and archway leading into a large square. Usagi gasped, following Setsuna. The square was crowded with stores filled with the most interesting items. Usagi got lost more than once as she stopped to stare in through shop windows.
"This place is awesome!" Usagi squealed as Setsuna grabbed her hand and dragged her into a snowy white building that towered over all the other shops. Standing beside its burnished bronze doors, in a red and gold uniform was a goblin, who gave a rare smile to Setsuna. Going through another pair of doors, this time silver, Usagi found herself in a huge marble room, where goblins and wizards were running around. Behind the counter, gems the size of boulders were being counted and sent off through carts, among other various items. Setsuna went up to a counter, clearing her throat a few times. The goblin finally took notice after the third time or so, and looked impatiently at them.
"Well?" the goblin peered over the edge of the counter.
"Vault Silver Moon," Setsuna crossed her arms.
"Silver Moon? The keys?" the goblin frowned. "Then this is...?"
"Yes, this is. Don't mention it to anyone," Setsuna grew grave. "Usagi, pull out the pens."
Usagi pulled out the seven transformation pens, and Setsuna added hers. The goblin took a close look before nodding at a younger looking goblin standing near him.
"Griphook, please lead milady and her guardian to vault Silver Moon," the older goblin ordered. Griphook nodded, before bowing down and leading Usagi to a cart. Usagi clambered in, followed by Setsuna. Suddenly, the cart went hurtling down a series of passageways in breakneck speed, and Usagi barely had time to register in her mind that she should scream before they stopped at a pure silver wall.
"Milady, it will not open unless you touch it," Griphook bowed as Usagi walked past.
"Please, just Usagi, and no formalities," Usagi smiled as she stroked the wall. It melted away immediately and opened to a very, very large silver lit room. Jewels and money were laid organized against the walls, and reached the middle of the floor. Small pathways stood between the jewels and money. In the middle, in a clear silver case, was a crown. Made of silver and gold, the crown held nine jewels, each representing a planet in the solar system. The colors were coordinated with the royal color of each planet, and stood in order from the sun. Usagi gasped as she walked up to it. The crown was beautiful.
"One day, you'll be wearing that," Setsuna whispered as she gazed upon the crown she had seen thousands of years ago.
"It's so pretty," Usagi was whispering as well.
"Well, hime, we need money," Setsuna motioned towards the piles and piles of coins.
"I never knew I had so much," Usagi gasped as she looked at the objects cluttering the room.
"You have a lot more. You've inherited each of our accounts as well. Also, your mother left you ten other accounts."
"Oh my god! I'm rich!" Usagi squealed. Setsuna handed a purse to Usagi, and the blonde stuffed it with the gold, silver, and bronze coins.
"The gold ones are Galleons, the silver ones are Sickles, and the bronze ones are Knuts. There are seventeen sickles to a galleon and 29 Knuts to a Sickle, easy as that. Come on, we better get going," Setsuna pulled Usagi away from the room and the door melted back in place. Usagi clambered back onto the cart and it hurtled back to the front. Usagi said a cheerful goodbye as she bounced out the building. She followed Setsuna to another building; this time, though, the building was made of bricks.
"This is another entrance to where you'll be staying," Setsuna informed Usagi as she made her way up a set of stairs. "I must be going now, hime. I'm sure you'll find a few friends here."
"Yeah, whatever. Bye, Puu," Usagi went back to her old nickname for her friend, and the senshi of time softened, hugging the blonde before stepping back and disappearing into a portal. Usagi sighed. She made her way back down the stairs and out into the bright sunlight. Usagi squinted as her eyes adjusted to the brightness. Smiling, Usagi walked down the streets, eventually stopping at a broom shop. She had seen the people at Hogwarts riding on brooms, and thought it would be awesome if she could get one. She found a small crowd peering in a showcase. Making her way through, she found a gorgeous broom, with a deep mahogany handle and neatly clipped twigs. A card with glittering golden words labeled it as Firebolt: 30 galleons. Usagi could hear the crowd around her talking about it.
"Newest broom –"
"Supposed to be the best -"
"Used in the Quidditch league –"
"Very expensive!"
Usagi grinned, deciding to get the broom. Usagi made her way back through the crowd and up to the counter. The cashier raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, little missy, how may I help you?"
"Umm... I'd like the Firebolt, please," Usagi smiled.
"Are you sure your parents can afford that?"
"I'm an orphan. I have no parents," Usagi grew impatient.
"Well. It's 30 galleons if you want it," the cashier said, arrogance creeping into his voice. Usagi frowned.
"Here," she laid the money on the table. The cashier's eyes widened and he brought out a slim box that was tied with ribbons. He handed her the box, putting on a fake smile.
"Thank you for your purchase. Have a nice day!" Usagi blew a raspberry at him before heading out the door.
Three Weeks Later
The past three weeks were the same everyday. Usagi would get up early in the morning, go jogging, come back, and take a shower. Then, she'd go downstairs, have breakfast at one of the Alley's numerous restaurants, and go window shopping, for about an hour. If there was something she particularly liked, she's buy it. Then, around nine in the morning, she'd go help out at Flourish and Blotts, or Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, depending on which store needed help the most. She would get paid, of course. Around twelve, she would take a lunch break and got to the other store to help out.
Six hours of working a day. She would be let out at four, at the time which she would head out of Diagon Alley and into the muggle street to look for things to buy there. At six, she would return, have dinner at a muggle restaurant, and head back to the Leaky Cauldron, where she would retire for the rest of the night to study. If she was to be placed into the fourth year, she had to know everything. If she didn't manage to know everything she needed by the end of the summer, Dumbledore promised to use a spell to help her gain all of the knowledge required. Once a day, a professor from Hogwarts would come to check up on her, normally around seven at night.
"Great, time to get up," Usagi yawned as Snowdrop nipped at her ear. She stretched as she fell out of her bed, landing with a boom. "Ow! I should learn to stop doing that!"
Usagi jumped up, quickly making her bed, and ran a brush through her hair, pulling into a high pony. She then pulled on her running attire, which now consisted of a pair of athletic capris and a baggy white shirt, because of all the catcalls she had been getting. Usagi pulled on her running shoes. She ran down the stairs, two at a time, and stopped once she reached the ground. She took in a deep breath of the wet morning air and started her stretches. A half an hour later, she was on her way through Diagon Alley. Not noticing where she was going, Usagi made a wrong turn, and suddenly found herself in a dark and dismal alley. A sign above her said 'Welcome to Knockturn Alley'. Usagi frowned. She had never been to this part of Diagon Alley before, and didn't like it here, either. As she jogged up a stretch of the street, the inhabitants peered at her strangely.
"Would you like some candy, little girl?" A scary looking witch cornered her against the wall. Usagi shrieked and ducked under the witch's arm, looking back before running away. Another witch held a plate under Usagi's face, selling what looked eerily like eyeballs. Usagi backed away, shaking her head. As she jogged ahead, she spotted a professor she knew from school, Professor Snape to be exact. Usagi walked up cautiously towards the potions teacher, aware of the people that were looking at her.
"Um, excuse me, Professor Snape," Usagi said meekly. Professor Snape whipped around, eyes narrowed.
"What are you doing here, Tsukino?" The professor almost snarled the question out. Usagi grew nervous.
"I, uh, got lost when I went for my morning jog," Usagi was even more timid. "Um, I was wondering if you could, uh, show me the way back. I don't like this place. The people here scare me." Professor Snape sighed.
"I guess I could. I was heading over to Diagon Alley anyways," the professor started walking away. "Follow closely, Tsukino." Usagi quickly followed the professor through a maze of twists and turns, and soon found herself in front of Gringott's.
Th-thank you, Professor Snape!" Usagi was cheerful again. "I thought I was never gonna get out of there!"
"You're welcome," Professor Snape said coldly. "Now go about your business. I am not here to babysit you."
"Bye, Professor!" Usagi yelled as she headed back to her room. Once she got in, she took a quick shower, put on pure white robes, and went down to Madame Malkin's shop, seeing that it was crowded. "Mrs. Malkin! I'm here to help out!" Malkin came out looking disheveled.
"Thank goodness, Serena," Malkin made her way to Usagi. "This place is over crowded! Here, take the counter, I'll take care of the robes. Frannie is here as well to help out, along with Mia and Jenny. Come on now, hurry!" Usagi quickly made her way to the counter, taking the customers' money as they ran off with their robes. The next hour was hectic, and Usagi grew tired and sweaty. She sighed as the last customer made her way out of the store. Usagi plopped down on a chair, exhausted.
"Oh my god, that has got to be the busiest I've ever seen this place!" Usagi groaned as she stretched.
"Thank you so much for your help, Serena!" Madame Malkin made her way over to Usagi with ice cold lemonade. "Here, have lemonade. You work so hard and well. It would be wonderful if I could find more people like you."
"Thank you, Mrs. Malkin. Wow, wonder what the rush was about," Usagi frowned. "What's the date, anyways?"
"It's July 12, dearie," Malkin smiled at the blonde. Usagi suddenly straightened up.
"What?!? Are you serious! It's my birthday today!" Usagi gasped.
"Really, sweetie? Well, as a birthday present, I'd like you to choose any robe you like. No, it's alright, Serena, it's my present to you!" Malkin said as Usagi protested. Usagi gave in, and went around the store, looking through the robes. Usagi picked one she really liked. It was a cerulean robe that hugged her curves and showed off her pretty eyes. Usagi tried on the dress robe, posing. Malkin clapped her hands.
"What an excellent choice! The newest fashion to be out! It looks gorgeous on you, honey!" Usagi blushed as Madame Malkin turned her around, admiring her creation on Usagi. "Wow, you'll definitely win boys with that one, sweetie!"
"Ooohhhh, Mrs. Malkin, thank you so much! I really appreciate it!"
"It was no problem, hon," Madame Malkin smiled as the cheery blonde hugged her.
"I heard it was your birthday!" A girl named Jenny wiped her hands on her robes. She was fourteen, almost fifteen, and had straight blonde hair and brown deer eyes. Mia, on the other hand, had short flippy black hair and bright blue eyes. She was fourteen. Jenny was a pureblood, while Mia's mother was a muggle. "Happy Birthday, Usagi. I got a little something for you."
"Aw, Jenny, you didn't have to!" Usagi smiled.
"Yes I did. Josh would never have asked me out if it weren't for you! After all, you completely changed my appearance, and now, it's not only Josh, but other boys who are asking me out. Hope you like it!" Jenny handed Usagi a small wrapped present. Usagi grinned as she took off the wrapping paper. There was a small box, and Usagi carefully opened it. It was a gold crescent moon pendant with a black and white swirled pearl resting in the curve of the moon. Usagi gasped, and jumped up to hug Jenny.
"Oh my god, Jenny, it's so pretty! Thank you!" Usagi squeezed Jenny.
"You're welcome, Usagi. It kinda reminded me of you, for some reason. I'm happy you liked it."
"Like it? I love it! It's gorgeous!" Usagi put it around her neck. The pendant rested in the hollow of her neck.
"I got something for you, too," Mia grinned as she handed Usagi a packet wrapped in gold foil. Usagi tore it open, and found a crystal ball. The symbols of each planet in the solar system were carved carefully in the black base. Usagi peered into the swirling mist. "It's a special crystal ball. Whenever you want to talk to me, just say my name, and the crystal will reveal me. That way, we can keep in touch. And, it's also good for crystal ball readings. You can use it for Divination."
"Oh, it's wonderful!" Usagi squealed as she hugged Mia. "Thank you so much! Now I can talk to you whenever I need to!" Mia had become a sort of shrink to Usagi, and Usagi found she could talk to the beautiful girl about anything. Mia always had a solution.
"You're welcome, Sere," Mia smiled.
"Hey, why don't we all go over to that new restaurant that's opening? I hear it's great!"
"That's a good idea."
"I'm in," Jenny said.
"Same here. I'll put up the lunch break sign. Why don't the rest of you head on down there? I'll catch up," Madame Malkin said as she magiked scraps off of the floor.
"Ok," Usagi said as she headed out the door. "Bye!" Mia and Jenny followed the now 14 year old through Diagon Alley, stopping in front of a hip looking place, crowded with other teens and adults. The trio made their way in. Loud music was playing, and Usagi was surprised that it was muggle music. The customers were either dancing on the dance floor or off to one side, eating and watching those dancing. Usagi went up to the cashier, ordering a burger and fries. Mia and Jenny made their orders as well and headed out, not wanting the noisiness of the restaurant.
"Wow, that place is loud," Jenny plopped down on an outside chair, placing her order down on the table. Mia and Usagi joined her.
"Dang, and I thought we were gonna have a nice quiet lunch," Mia opened her chicken sandwich.
"I know what you mean," Usagi shoveled down her food, and finished it in less than a minute. "Mmmm, that was good."
"I'm still not used to your eating rate," Jenny laughed, digging into her salad. "I wonder how you manage to stay so skinny."
"I'm always late for everything, so I hafta run, like, lightening speed. And, I'm one of those lucky people who have ultra high metabolism," Usagi grinned as she sat back, watching her friends eat. They soon finished, and relaxed, watching the passerbys.
"Ooohhhh, who's the hottie?" Mia squealed as a boy walked past. Usagi took one look before hiding her face.
"Oh my god, don't let him see me!" Usagi bit her lip, shielding her face with her hand. "That's Draco Malfoy. An egotistical jerk, but ultra hot nonetheless. And he can be so charming when he wants to. You should see him and his girlfriend sometime."
"You know him?" Jenny leaned in. "You can get him. I think someone is getting a little crush!"
"You're right, I am," Usagi moved so that the back of her head faced the street. "Oh my god, please don't let him see me!"
Mia shrieked. "He's coming this way! Ugh, why'd you wear your bright white robes today? Can't you wear something like black?"
"I dunno! Oh my god, do something!" Usagi squealed as she buried her head in her arms.
"Whoa, he went into the store. It's ok. He'll probably sit in there," Jenny laughed as Usagi sighed with relief.
"Let's go before he decides to join us. Oh, wait! My mom said she gave something to me!" Usagi happily reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out the puffy envelope. Usagi ripped it open, forgetting to leave. There was a small velvet box inside, and Usagi pulled it out, slowly opening it. Inside was a pendant that looked like a key. There were ten jewels running down the side, standing for the planets and the moon. Each planet had their respective colors. The key itself was about two and a half inches in length and hung on a long chain. Usagi found another envelope, and ripped that one open as well. She skimmed through the note her mother wrote to her.
My Dearest Serenity,
This is called the Solar Key. It works like the Disguise Pen. You can turn into any animal or person using it. Also, with it, you can open any door, whether it has a lock or not. There are many other powers that come with this, but I am unable to tell you what they are at the time. You must figure it out for yourself. A very happy birthday to you, my little bunny.
Love, Mother
Usagi smiled as she clasped it around her neck. The key fell a little under her robes. Jenny and Mia fussed over it, admiring the beautiful pendant.
"It's so pretty!" Jenny counted the stones. "Ten stones. I bet they represent something. I wonder what..."
"The nine planets and the moon," Usagi replied.
"Oh, that's so cool," Mia flipped over the pendant. "Oh look. It says something... Solar Key. That's awesome. The name suits it."
"Yeah," Usagi got up. "Well, we better leave before Malfoy shows up. Let's go. Our shift starts in two minutes at Flourish and Blotts."
"We better go," Mia and Jenny dumped their trash at a trash can before following Usagi to the bookstore.
Three hours later, the trio made their way down Diagon Alley. Usagi stretched.
"You know what, you guys, I wanna get my wand today," Usagi smiled as she made her way into Ollivander's shop. It was dusty and empty in the little place. Usagi had to speak a few times before someone came up. "Um, excuse me?"
"Mr. Ollivander, at your service," an eerie looking man popped in behind the counter. "I was expecting you for a long time, Miss Tsukino. Your guardian, Setsuna, had been in not too long ago. She was saying that I should go looking for you if you hadn't gotten your wand before the Quidditch Cup."
"Oh," Usagi was timid, scared of the man. "I'm here for my first wand, Mr. Ollivander, sir."
"Yes, yes, of course you are. I remember when your mother came in for her first wand. Ten inches, yew, very frail. Unicorn hair, it was. She took very good care of it. Now let's see. Setsuna told me to make a very special wand for you. Here, try it." Usagi took the wand that was offered to her. A warm feeling came over her, and as she brought her hand down, a stream of the planetary symbols floated down.
"Yes, this is the one," Mr. Ollivander smiled. "Thirteen inches, made of moon oak, I believe. Very rare wood. With small fragments of crystals from the nine planets. The ingredients were very hard to find. Setsuna supplied me with the crystal fragments, of course."
"How much will it be?" Usagi took out her purse.
"Oh no, you don't have to pay for it. Your mother paid me a visit in my dreams last night. She has already paid for it."
"Oh. Ok. Thank you Mr. Ollivander! I'll see you soon!" Usagi rushed out of the store, waving as she left.
"Goodbye, Princess Serenity," Mr. Ollivander disappeared into the depths of his store once again as a cheery blonde and her two friends made their way out of his store.
"Man, that guy was creepy!" Usagi shuddered. "He scared me!"
"I know. It was the same when I went for my first wand," Jenny smiled. "But he's pretty nice." The blonde shrieked as a loud popping noise disturbed the now peaceful street. Cornelius Fudge made his appearance.
"Ms. Tsukino, I have something I want to ask you," Mr. Fudge eyed her two friends. "In private."
"Ok. Let's go to my room. I'll meet up with you guys in a half an hour at the Leaky Cauldron, ok?" Usagi grinned as her friends nodded, heading off to their own chores. Usagi led Mr. Fudge up to her room. "Yes, Mr. Fudge, sir, is there something that has come up?"
"I just wanted to ask you if you'd like to join me at the Quidditch Cup finals next Monday, as my special guest," Fudge beamed. "Since our securities will be elsewhere that day, you will be better off under our noses."
"Really?" Usagi lit up. "I can go? Oh my god! That's awesome! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! So much!" Usagi hugged the Minister of Magic. "Oh my god! I've never seen a Quidditch match before!"
"I'm happy you agreed!" Cornelius Fudge flashed a grin. "Well, I better get going. Duty calls!" Fudge apparated with a pop and Usagi made her way to her shower. She took an extra long shower and went down to the Leaky Cauldron to join Mia and Jenny.
Usagi yawned as she walked down Diagon Alley. Mr. Fudge had told her that he would be there to pick her up around noon. This meant that Usagi had the entire morning to herself. She quickly made her way to Flourish and Blotts, where she bought a few books to keep her company tomorrow. Afterwards, she got to Madame Malkin's, where she bought two new robes and a cloak. Since it was seven in the morning, none of the other stores were open, and Usagi found herself standing on the muggle street that lead to Diagon Alley. Smiling, Usagi fingered her purse, which was loaded with both muggle and wizard cash. She strolled down the street, happy that most stores were already open. Going into her favorite shoe store, Usagi browsed through the seemingly endless collection, managing to buy three pairs. Next, she went to a clothing store, and ended her morning in this fashion. Soon, Usagi was sitting at the Leaky Cauldron, sipping an ice cold butterbeer and flipping through YM (it's a magazine... I dunno if they have it in Europe...)
"Hello, Usagi," Fudge's friendly voice broke Usagi's concentration. Usagi smiled as she put away her magazine. She straightened her denim capris and green off-the-shoulder top before turning to Mr. Fudge.
"Hi Mr. Fudge!" Usagi said cheerfully. "So, how are the preparations for the thingy going?"
"They're going fine, but we better hurry. I have to go back to work immediately when we go back. I'll have Setsuna lead you to your tent. Let's get going! We'll be traveling by Floo Powder."
"Ok," Usagi hopped off of her chair, knowing about the travel system from her books. She waited patiently as Fudge started up a fire and threw in a pinch of the powder. The flames turned emerald green. "So, where are we going?"
"Yell Quidditch Cup. You go. I'll apparate."
"Ok. Quidditch Cup!" Usagi yelled the words clearly and the flames came up to lick her. There was and odd sensation of tickling for a few seconds before she tumbled out, covered in ash. Mr. Fudge popped up beside her. With a whip of his wand, Usagi was clean once again, and Mr. Fudge took off, mumbling about something that sounded like "blasted foreigners."
"Hime?" Setsuna's voice made Usagi light up.
"Setsuna!" Usagi hugged the princess of Pluto.
"We better get going. I don't have much time. I must go back to the time gates. There are some odd things going on."
"Ok," Usagi followed Setsuna onto what looked like camp grounds. Tents were popping up everywhere, and the place was swarming with people. Usagi's head kept turning at the variety of witches and wizards that were surrounding her. Setsuna stopped at what looked like a completely normal, small tent.
"I'm gonna stay in there?" Usagi pouted.
"Go in and you'll see," Setsuna smiled, ushering Usagi in. Usagi gasped. Inside was a fully furnished and completely white suite (the kind at those expensive hotels... they're HUGE!). A black furnished living sat at one corner. A window let in rays of sunlight. A doorway lead to a huge kitchen, fully supplied with food. Another doorway lead to a humungous pink decorated room. A third doorway revealed a bathroom with a full Jacuzzi.
"Wow! I've never stayed in a place this grand before, not even at a hotel!" Usagi was fully in awe.
"It was your mothers. We had to make quite a few upgrades. It's yours now. Do you like?" Setsuna motioned at the place. Usagi nodded.
"It's beautiful!" Usagi jumped onto a plump black leather sofa. "And everything's so comfy! And there's even a little fireplace!" Usagi grinned at the mini fireplace that sat at one end of the living room.
"I have to get going, hime," Setsuna stood outside the tent, and Usagi joined her. In a flash, Setsuna was gone. Usagi stared at the place where Setsuna stood a few moments ago before deciding to explore her surroundings. She found a few people she knew from school, and made some small talk. Saying her goodbyes, she went further down the path, and spotted Pansy. Usagi turned to leave, but Pansy spotted her.
"Well, well, well," Pansy lazily walked towards Usagi, arms crossed, and a sneer dressing her face. "Who do we have here? Why isn't it the little blonde bitch?"
"Shut up, Pansy. I ain't got time for bullshit," Usagi narrowed her eyes.
"The only bullshit I see here is you," Pansy sneered even more.
"Is that all you got?" Usagi raised an eyebrow. "My dead grandma can do better than that."
"I didn't know you knew your grandma. Last I heard, your mother abandoned you."
"No one abandoned me, bitch," Usagi spat. "If you want a fight, just say the word. I'm ready. Right here, right now."
"Bring it on," Pansy put herself in a fighting position. "You know you'll lose. Think you're all that just cuz you got some freak powers."
"No magic. Just hand to hand," Usagi gave a dark smile. Suddenly, with lightening speed, she lunged, giving a swift punch to Pansy's nose. Blood started dripping from it, and Pansy growled, charging at Usagi. Usagi dodged, and Pansy went crashing into a tree. She got up, her eye sporting a swollen lid and numerous scratched on her face. Usagi turned around.
"I don't got time for shit," Usagi walked away, leaving Pansy. Sighing, Usagi paused, focusing on Pansy. The girl gasped as she was covered in a purple light, and her wounds disappeared. Usagi rolled her eyes before making her way back to her tent. She spent the rest of the day there, finding puzzles and books in her room. Usagi smiled when she saw them. Setsuna knew how to keep Usagi busy. After a few hours of reading, doing puzzles, and eating, Usagi fell into bed, tired. She was asleep in ten minutes.
Usagi moaned and groaned as she got up. Snowdrop decided to jump on Usagi to wake her up today, her cold eyes mischievous. Usagi woke with a loud scream and an "ouch!" Snowdrop hooted as if she had won a contest.
"I'm up, I'm up!" Usagi yawned as she threw her legs over her bed. Slipping on her fuzzy pink slippers, Usagi ran a comb through her bed head and pulled her hair into a low pony. She stretched as she went out into the morning sun, squinting at the bright sunlight. "God, so bright. Can't see anything. Water... oh yeah, there's a well." Usagi clambered her way over to the well, grumpy, and completely forgetting that there was water in her tent. She pulled a bucket out of her subspace pocket and filled it with water, grunting as she made her way back to her tent, and yawning profusely. She struggled to keep her eyes open as she took a deep drink.
"I need something with sugar... let's see if there's anything in the fridge," Usagi opened the fridge and found an iced chocolate cake. The blonde grinned, completely forgetting her sleepiness. "Chocolate cake!" Usagi squealed, digging in, and polishing it off in less than five minutes. "Mmm, that was good!" Usagi was wide-eyed now, and she quickly brushed her teeth and changed into a white cotton miniskirt and a black tank top. She put on her watch, noting the time. 11:30 am. Keeping her ponytail, Usagi put on a pair of black flipflops and went back outside, ready for anything. She found Fudge trying to communicate with a few foreigners.
"Hi Mr. Fudge," Usagi smiled at the frustrated man. "Having trouble understanding Japanese?"
"Oh, Usagi, you speak Japanese, don't you? Help me!" Fudge begged.
"Why don't you use a translation spell?" Usagi frowned. The Japanese man was saying that Fudge was an idiot and that he knew English, but Fudge was too dense to know that. Usagi grinned, replying that all the people here were dense.
"Oh, of course," Fudge hit his head with his hand. "Translato! Thank you!" Fudge turned back to his guest. Usagi laughed, shaking her head before making her way to Cho Chang's tent. She found the Asian sitting outside, watching a small fire.
"Hey Cho!" Usagi plopped down next to the girl.
"Hey, Serena!" Cho grinned. "You're up early, aren't you?"
"No. So, what are you watching?" Usagi cocked her head at Cho, who was still staring into the fire.
"Nothing. The fire's the most interesting thing at the moment. Professor Trelawney was talking about fire readings. I wonder how those work."
"Oh, my friend taught me how to," Usagi said, remembering Rei. How many times she had watched her friend talk into the fire, she didn't know. She positioned herself in front of it, closing her eyes and sitting Indian- style. "Wind, fire, earth, water..." Usagi repeated the phrases over and over again, forming the symbols with her hands. She opened her eyes, losing consciousness of the world around her, and peered into the fire. She saw into the future.
She stood alone, the blood of enemies covering her hands. The stench of death filled her nose, and the bloated bodies of the deceased lay strewn among the ground. Around her, her scouts were fighting those still alive. Death Eaters, they called themselves. Usagi turned to face another Death Eater, her face emotionless in her blind hate. She mercilessly drove a sword through the man, whose scream was filled with pain. The man fell, blood flowing out of his wound. Usagi gave spat in the man's face. Suddenly, Usagi was alone. Bodies of the dead surrounded her and no one was there. She looked into the distance. No trees, no grass. She was in a barren land, filled with darkness and evil. A bright light covered Usagi as wings sprouted out of her back. Her fuku changed to that of a white gown. Silver tears flowed down her face. Usagi fell to her knees, staining her white gown with crimson blood and brown dirt. She let out a cry of anguish and loneliness, beating the ground with her fist. Usagi trembled, sobbing. She looked up and saw... the moon. It was bright and silver; its warm glow bathed Usagi. She was transported there to find it deserted and empty. Slowly, Usagi went to each planet, finding the same thing on each one. Death and destruction. Usagi cried out. She was the last person left alive. She whispered an apology to her mother as she drove a knife into her stomach. Dark red blood covered her pure white gown, staining it with death. Usagi lay on the ground, giving a small smile as her last breath left her body.
"Serena? Serena? Serena?" a pair of hands gently shook Usagi. Usagi gasped and shrieked, getting out of her trance. She let out a shaky breath.
"Serena? What happened?" Cho's concerned face peered into Usagi's face. "Are you ok?"
"Y-yeah," Usagi knew she couldn't cry; she had cried enough over Mamoru. She couldn't cry anymore, no matter how hard she tried. "Th-the future."
"What happened?"
"I saw death and destruction. I... I killed them... but they had already killed everyone.... I was all alone.... No one left.... Then I committed suicide..." Usagi bit her lip. "It was the future."
"Oh my god," Cho hugged Usagi. "The future is so blurry. Maybe that was something else. Your future is never secure, Serena. Every decision you make changes it, if only somewhat. Make the right decision, and that will never happen."
"I know," Usagi sighed. She pulled out of Cho's hug. "Anyways, how long was I like that?"
"An hour and a half," Cho said, glancing down at her watch. "Very long time. I tried to talk to you, but you were in, like, a trance. It was freaky."
"Yeah, that's what happens during fire readings. It takes a long time."
"Here, have some orange juice," Cho handed Usagi a tall glass of the tangy drink. Usagi took it with a thank you and chugged it down. She handed Cho back her cup.
"Wow," Usagi shuddered slightly. "That's the last time I'm doing a fire reading. Wanna take a walk? I wonder if there's anyone else here."
"Nah, I better get inside. My mother's yelling at me. See you later!" Cho waved as she went into her tent. Usagi got up, sighing, and went back to her tent. She spent the rest of the afternoon there. Around three thirty, Fudge knocked on Usagi's tent.
"Yes? Come in!" Usagi yelled from her living room. A disgruntled Fudge appeared.
"Goodness," Fudge said. "I didn't know so many of these people wouldn't know English. Well, I'll have to take you in extra early. I have some work to finish."
"That's ok," Usagi got up. "Here, let me change and I'll be out in five minutes." Usagi got into her room and pulled on her pure white robes. (White/silver is the color of the moon kingdom; Usagi has to represent!) She slipped on white flipflops and did her hair into two French braids. She put on a little make-up and was out. "Do you think I'd stand out too much in my robes? I wanted to wear the color of my kingdom."
"Of course not," Fudge said. "I think white suites you."
"Thanks. Well, let's go," Usagi followed Fudge out of her tent. She walked up a path into a humungous stadium that was relatively empty. Fudge lead her up to the top box.
"These are the best seats," Fudge said, leading her in four seats. "I hope they're good enough."
"Of course they are. I don't need the best seats. Anywhere else would've made me happy."
"No, you deserve the top box. You are an important guest here."
"Oh, and call me Serena in front of everyone here. I don't want anyone recognizing my first name. Oh, and Fudge, I think there's someone looking for you," Usagi pointed to an angry looking man who was calling Fudge's name.
"Oh no," Fudge sighed as he made his way out. "I'll check up on you later, Usagi."
"Bye, Mr. Fudge," Usagi grinned as Fudge tried to calm down the hyper man. "Poor Fudge. He'll be pulling his hair out by the end of it." Usagi reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out her personal CD player and her book on quidditch. She sat there singing and dancing to the music while flipping through the book. The seats around her soon began to fill up, but Usagi didn't notice anyone. When Usagi took of her headphones, she heard someone talking softly beside her.
"Good lord, Arthur. What did you have to sell to get seats in the Top Box? Surely your house wouldn't have fetched this much." Usagi looked up, frowning at the person who would be so mean.
"Lucious has given a very generous contribution to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, Arthur. He's here as my guest." Fudge's voice wafted over to Usagi. Usagi managed to frown even more when she noticed the person down a few rows; blue eyes and pale blonde hair in the same slicked back style as...
"Draco Malfoy?!?!" Usagi shrieked when she got closer to the people. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Tsukino?!?!" Draco's voice was filled with surprise.
"Ah! Serena!" Fudge clapped his hands. "I see you've already met Draco Malfoy. This is Lucious Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's parents."
"Hi Mr., Mrs. Malfoy," Usagi nodded her head at the two, who looked at her like she was dirt.
"Lucious, this is Serena Tsukino. She is here as a very special guest! Oh, and Serena, I suppose you haven't met Arthur Weasley here."
"Hermione?!? Harry, Ron?!?!" Usagi shrieked even more, throwing her arms around the trio. "Oh my god!!! Why didn't you guys tell me you'd be here?"
"I didn't know you were gonna be here!" Hermione said, hugging Usagi back.
"Hey Serena," Harry and Ron chorused together.
"Well, Serena, it's nice to see there are some friends in the Top Box," Fudge gave Usagi a smile. "Is there anything you need? Are you cold? A blanket, perhaps?"
"No, thank you, Mr. Fudge, I'm fine," Usagi gave Fudge a reassuring smile. She noticed Lucious giving Hermione a disgusted stare. She narrowed her eyes.
"Hermione, is there anything wrong?" Usagi said in a tone dripping with attitude.
"N-not really," Hermione stared determinedly back at Lucious, who averted his eyes to stare at Usagi. Usagi crossed her arms and gave him a look that said 'I'm better than you, so back off.' Usagi stuck her nose in the air and marched back to her seat. The Malfoys followed. Usagi was more than happy when she found herself sitting next to Draco Malfoy. A boyish man boomed over everything else.
"Ladies and gentlemen... welcome! Welcome to the final of the four hundred and twenty-second Quidditch Cup!"
The spectators screamed and clapped. Usagi clapped along, and then stopped after a few moments. People added their national anthems to the racket and Usagi grinned.
"And now, without further ado, allow me to introduce... The Bulgarian National Team Mascots!"
The right hand of the stands, which was a solid block of scarlet, roared its approval.
"Veela," Lucious Malfoy said, leaning forward slightly. His wife looked disapprovingly at him. Usagi wondered what veela were, and her question was answered as a hundred veela glided onto the field. Veela were women, the most beautiful women Usagi had ever seen. They could even compare with her mother. Suddenly, the music started, and the veela started to dance. Usagi gasped as the men around her leaned forward in their seats, ready to jump. Usagi frowned as Draco looked mesmerized by the beautiful women. He looked ready to jump, and was about to do so.
"Malfoy, what are you doing?" Usagi said, trying to pull Draco back to his seat. She was tugging at Draco's robes with all her might, but the blond seemed to be determined to jump. "If you jump, you'll die!" Suddenly, the music and dancing stopped, and Usagi tumbled into her seat, Draco toppling onto her. "Get off of me, Malfoy!" Usagi struggled to get up from her tangled position. Draco jumped off.
"What were you doing, Tsukino?" Draco demanded.
"Saving your ass," Usagi said as she straightened her white robes. "You were about to jump, and you would have, if I didn't save you." Draco looked angry.
"I was not going to jump."
"Whatever, Malfoy," Usagi sat in her seat once again. Draco took his next to her. Usagi rolled her eyes.
"Is the mudblood bothering you, Draco dearest?" Narcissus eyed Usagi with contempt.
"How many times will I have to tell you guys; I am NOT a mudblood! I am a pureblood!" Usagi huffed, crossing her arms.
"Oh, really? Then how come I've never seen your parents before?" Narcissus scrunched her nose, as if she smelled something nasty.
"Could it be because I'm and orphan?" Usagi said sarcastically.
"Then who were your parents?"
"None of your business," Usagi snapped. She rolled her eyes and turned back to the Quidditch field. A large comet hurtled out of nowhere and a rainbow appeared as golden coins started to fall. Draco scrambled to pick them up. Usagi squinted as the comet flew over head.
"Leprechauns," she said. "Don't bother, Malfoy, the gold will disappear soon. It's leprechaun gold, dumbass."
"Shut up, Tsukino," Draco said as he gathered more gold. Usagi sat back in her seat, watching interestedly as Draco scrambled under the seat. As he sat back down, he turned to Usagi.
"I heard you beat up my girlfriend, Tsukino," Draco accused.
"Yeah, so?" Usagi raised an eyebrow. "She deserved it. That bitch provoked me."
"It was an unfair fight. She never did hand to hand combat in her life."
"Since when do you care about being fair?" Usagi frowned as the sportscaster introduced the players. Usagi ignored the stream of people getting onto the field. "And anyways, she was the one who asked for it."
"She says you made her fight."
"You know I don't like fighting. Maybe she lied."
"I trust my girlfriend more than you, Tsukino. You dropped out of nowhere. I've known Pansy most my life."
"Suit yourself," Usagi said as she snapped her eyes onto the field. The game had already begun. (Ok, then, all of you should know what happens in the game, and I'm way too lazy to write it all out, so, let's get on to the next part of the story!)
Usagi laughed at a joke Fred and George told her. The Weasleys, Hermione, Harry, and Usagi were seated around a fire, and were verbally retelling everything that happened at the game. Jokes found themselves into the conversation. A few hours later, after Ginny had fallen asleep and had spilled hot cocoa, Mr. Weasley ushered everyone out.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow morning!" Usagi said as she made her way back into her tent. Usagi slipped into her pajamas and fell asleep almost immediately.
"Princess!" A shout woke Usagi in the middle of the night. Hotaru sat on top of Usagi, shaking her. "Hurry, we need you!" Usagi was fully awake and heard screams and rowdy laughing outside. She hurried out, and found a huddle of people far away, seemingly advancing. She ran into Ron's tent, not caring that they were asleep.
"Mr. Weasley! Ron! Harry! Fred, George, Percy! Hurry! Wake up!!" Usagi screamed, shaking everyone. They woke up, groaning.
"What's going on?" Percy demanded, sleepy.
"They're attacking! Hurry! Get up and take the others to safety!" Usagi yelled. Mr. Weasley got up immediately, running into the girls tent. He came out with Hermione and Ginny.
"Harry, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, George, Serena! Go into the forest!" Mr. Weasley demanded, pulling out his wand. Bill, Charlie and Percy followed. Harry, Hermione, and the rest made their way out into the woods, but Usagi stayed behind. "Serena, get to safety! You can't do anything to help!"
"Yes I can! Don't tell anyone what you're about to witness, unless you want to be murdered in your sleep," Usagi pulled out her broach.
"This is no time to be helpful!" Charlie shouted. Usagi ignored them.
"Moon Eternal Power, Make-up!!!!" Usagi shouted. In a bright flash of light, Eternal Sailor Moon stood in Usagi's place. "Come on, we need to help them!"
"You'll get hurt! This is no trick for a little girl!"
"Shut up Charlie, we need to help them!" Usagi said. She unfurled her wings and flew out of the tent. A crowd of hooded, masked people were pointing and laughing at four figures in the air. Usagi flew up and saw four people, two parents and two children. One of the children was twirling madly like a top, head flopping from side to side. Usagi decided to make her entrance. More people joined the large crowd, and blew tents out of their way.
"Stop right there!" Usagi screamed, flying in the air. The hooded people looked up, and spotted her. "Scouts, I need you!" Usagi flew into the air and grabbed the four people. They tugged out of her arms, but Usagi managed to grab a hold of them. In lightening fast speed, she had them on the ground. Her scouts stood behind her. "Hotaru, I need you to form your silence wall around them. Keep them from getting hurt!" Hotaru nodded and complied. A purple shield surrounded the four people. By now, a force of wizards and witches working against the hooded people were trying to stop them. The hooded people advanced towards Usagi.
"What do you think you're doing, little girl?" One of the masked snarled. "You want to get yourself killed?"
"I'm stopping you!" Usagi flew back into the air. "You've destroyed enough! Celestial fire, surround!" A wall of flames surrounded the people. They put it out with magic.
"STUPEFY!" thirty or so wands pointed at Usagi and performed the stunning spell. Usagi managed to dodge all of them.
"Missed me! My turn! Mercury bubbles BLAST!" a thick fog surrounded the group, confusing them. "Jupiter thunder DRAGON!" electricity ran thick through the fog, and several screams were heard. "Scouts! Formation 34, inside the woods! If they get past me, you must stop them!" the scouts nodded and disappeared. The fog cleared, and all of the hooded people were still standing, although a few seemed scorched.
"We're Death Eaters! You cannot defeat us!" One of the 'Death Eaters' yelled.
"I am Sailor Moon, champion of justice! I stand for good and light! And good always prevails!" Usagi flew high. Another wave of attacks was aimed at her. She dodged them, but one hit her square in the chest. The magic of the Silver Crystal ran over her, keeping her conscious. Another attack hit her. The process continued a few times before they stopped. They gasped when they found Usagi still in the air.
"You cannot defeat me that easy! Deep SUBMERGE!" a jet of water hit the first line of Death Eaters, causing them to stagger and fall. "WORLD SHAKING!" the ground shook, and a few more fell. "Moon tiara BIND!" Her tiara went around them, squeezing the Death Eaters together. The Death Eaters disapparated and Usagi flashed the victory sign. She flew into the forest, knowing that they'd be back. As she dropped through the trees, the darkness blinded her. She walked steadily before tripping.
"Ow! Stupid tree root! Why is it so dark?" Usagi whined, getting up. "Oh, this is SO stupid!" Usagi closed her eyes, focusing her energy into her hands, and a small ball of light appeared. It lit the dark area.
"You're just like the Weasel," a drawling voice captured her attention. Draco Malfoy was leaning on a tree trunk and had been watching the attacks through a gap in the trees.
"Oh, it's you," Usagi scrambled up, standing next to Draco.
"Put up quite a fight. Too bad you can't win," Draco smiled darkly.
"Oh, they won't kill me. They work for Voldemort, Beryl, and Mamoru. They know my worth. They won't kill me," Usagi said leaning back on the tree trunk, "Damn, those stupid people. Kept on firing attacks. Ugh, I lost a lot of energy. Luckily, they didn't bring youmas."
"Really," Draco turned to study Usagi. "And what makes you worth so much?"
"A lot of things that I can't say," Usagi said. She could hear screams once again. "Ugh, see ya later, Malfoy." Usagi flew out through the trees. The Death Eaters were back again. "Don't you guys ever learn your lesson?" Usagi shouted. The Death Eaters were angry now.
"Our lord will tear you up into little pieces and feed you to the dogs!" One of the guys spat.
"You? Kill me? I don't think so!" Usagi let out a hollow laugh. "You wouldn't kill me unless you didn't know my value." The Death Eater said an angry spell, and a team of knives came out of nowhere, flying blade first towards Usagi. Usagi flipped and turned, trying to avoid the knives. As she pulled out of a turn, a knife managed to run up her arms, and blood started falling freely. Usagi growled and dove straight at the man. She landed kneed him in his private, and when the man doubled over, she elbowed him in the back. As soon as the man fell, she flew straight into the air, surveying the crowd below. The team of Ministry officials was already taking prisoners. Usagi just needed a way to tie them all up. A sudden spell came into her mind, and Usagi used it.
"Solar light BIND!" Ropes of rainbow light flew out of Usagi's hands, tying the Death Eaters together. They struggled to disapparate, but the magic of the attack kept them from doing so. Suddenly, a glittering green shadow rose into the air, and Usagi lost her grip on the ropes. The Death Eaters disapparated, leaving behind a few unconscious ones. The Ministry gasped and screamed at the sight of the mark (you all know what it looks like... a skull with a serpent coming out of its mouth... DUH!); chaos made its way into the grounds. Everyone was screaming and running. Usagi looked at the mark... where had she seen it before? Of course. The Dark Mark. Voldemort's sign for when he killed. Usagi flew into the air, trying to find a way to get rid of it. She decided on the silver crystal.
"Silver Crystal Cleanse!" a flash of light flew out of her palms and the Dark Mark disappeared. Usagi sighed with relief and flew back to the ground. She quickly dehenshined and made her way to the Weasley's tent, clutching her still bleeding arm. She felt weak; using the silver crystal that many times tapped into her life energy.
"Scouts!" Usagi's voice was weak. The scouts appeared. "A little energy..." Usagi looked pale and ready to faint. The scouts nodded as Hotaru joined. The clasped their hands and a rainbow light surrounded Usagi. The blonde looked better but still felt weak. They found Bill, Percy, and Charlie making their way to the tent.
"Serena?" Charlie frowned. "Are you ok? That fight was completely amazing!"
"Yea," Usagi gave a weak smile, still struggling to stand. Her breathing was heavy and her arm was bleeding even more. A burning sensation overtook her arm. Usagi winced in pain.
"You're hurt!" Bill stated the obvious.
"No kidding," Usagi rolled her eyes. Bill and Charlie rushed over to her as Fudge made an appearance. He rushed over as well.
"Are you ok, Usagi?" Fudge was genuinely worried. "That was some fight you put up! Your help is appreciated. You need to go to the hospital, though!"
"No, I'm fine. Just a few stitches," Usagi sighed. "Stupid Death Eaters. They were acting against Voldemort's commands." Everyone around Usagi winced and flinched visibly. "They are not supposed to kill me."
"What do you mean?" Percy demanded.
"I mean they are not to hurt me in any way. I can't tell you why. I would only endanger the world. If they find out who I am, Fudge, then who knows what will happen. Only Beryl and Mamoru know the truth about me, but they won't be telling anyone. They're too selfish."
"Well, you need medical help immediately," Fudge said firmly. "I'm sure there are a few mediwizards around." Fudge disapparated and came back with a mediwizard.
"I can't spend much time on you, missy," the mediwizard apologized. "Let's look at that arm there... hey, you're that warrior! Everyone's talking about you! It's an honor to meet you, ma'am. Here, let me see..." the mediwizard pulled out a few articles from his small bag. With a few magic words, Usagi was bandaged and ready to go.
"Thanks. Is there anyone who's severely injured?" Usagi grew concerned. "I can help."
"No, no one's severely injured. Just a few scorches and bruises, that's all. You're ready to go. I've got to tend to the others," the mediwizard hurried out of the tent and three redheads made their way in.
"Fred! George!" Usagi shrieked, throwing her good arms around them. "You're ok!"
"Duh we're ok!" George rolled his eyes. "What about you? That fight could have killed you."
"Nah, they're not that stupid. They wouldn't kill me," Usagi smiled.
"Why not?" Fred frowned.
"Because I'm special," Usagi grinned. "Well, where are Hermione, Ron, and Harry? I thought I told you guys to stick together." Suddenly, Usagi found she couldn't stand. She almost fell, and decided to lean on Fred and George, who gladly gave her the support. They looked at her questioningly. "Lost a lot of energy. When I use the crystal, it taps into my energy. When they used those stunning spells, my crystal kept me awake. Since I had to use it like ten times, it decided to tap into my life energy. I'll be weak for the next few days."
"Oh. Well, here's dad!" Fred grinned as Arthur came in with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Where were you guys?" Usagi asked.
"Ugh, we got lost. And then, those ministry people started blaming Harry for putting up the dark mark," Ron replied.
"Now they're accusing Barty's house elf," Hermione looked disgusted with the very idea. "But I heard you put up a great defense! Are you ok?" Hermione studied Usagi, making sure that nothing was wrong. Usagi gave a very weak laugh.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a few stupid scratches," Usagi replied. "Well, we better get to bed. Could someone help me over to my tent? I hope it's not destroyed," Usagi huffed.
"We'll go!" Hermione, Ginny, Fred, George, Ron, and Harry volunteered. Usagi laughed softly.
"Ok. But I need someone to help me walk," Usagi gasped as two necks appeared under her arms. "Ok Fred, George, you guys can help." The twins grinned. "Here, I'll show you where it was." Usagi lead them to where she left her tent. She gave a sigh of relief when she found it untouched. "Thank Selene!" Usagi lead the six into her tent. They gasped.
"Oh my god!" Ron breathed. "It's huge! I bet no one, not even Fudge, has a tent this grand!"
"I'm glad you like it," Usagi smiled. "It used to be my mother's. I don't know who she was, though. Setsuna gave it to me. She's my friend." Fred and George lead her to her couch, where the sat her down gently.
"Your mother must have been rich!" Fred said. (I rhyme a lot in this chapter. I just noticed! I mean, Fred said, twins grinned, dark mark... lol)
"I guess. Well, have a seat. You guys can grab something from the fridge. It runs on batteries." Usagi watched as the six went into the kitchen and came back holding a few sodas and a bag of chips. They handed Usagi one, who smiled and took it.
"So, tell us about the battle," George said as he sat beside Usagi.
"Ok. Well, when I got there, I saw four people in the air..." Usagi launched into a detailed explanation of what happened amid Ooohh's and Aaah's. Usagi took a deep breath when she finished.
"Wow. You're a good fighter," Harry said. He thought for a moment before continuing. "I heard you got into a fight with Pansy."
"That bitch. She totally deserved it, saying that my parents abandoned me. She's bugging me. I can't believe a person like Malfoy would even go out with her," Usagi made a face.
"Well, I can," Ron said. "He's such an asshole. I bet his parents were out there with the Death Eaters."
"Me too," Harry agreed. Usagi frowned.
"Come to think of it... one of the people there sounded exactly like his father," Usagi said thoughtfully. "Hmm... oh well. Death Eaters have a dark future. I hear Voldemort's-"
"Don't say his name!" George hissed and everyone except for Harry flinched.
"Why not. I'm not scared of him. I have powers ten times greater than his. He cannot defeat me," Usagi crossed her arms. A loud poof made everyone shriek and jump. "Snowdrop!" Usagi hugged her phoenix with one arm.
"Your bird is so pretty," Ginny commented.
"Thanks. Did you hear that, Snowdrop? Ginny says you're pretty!" Usagi stroked the bird. "It's an ice phoenix. The last of its kind." Usagi frowned when Snowdrop put her head on Usagi's arm. A tear traveled down the birds face and dripped onto Usagi's bandage. Several followed and soon, the bandage was soaked with phoenix tears. "You soaked my bandage!" Usagi scolded. "Now I'll have to change it!" Usagi slowly undid her bandage and gasped when the stitches fell out. Not even a scar was left on her arm.
"Of course..." a look of realization hit Hermione's face. "Phoenix tears have healing properties."
"Oh," Usagi hugged Snowdrop. "Thanks, girl! I owe you one." Snowdrop hooted softly and nuzzled Usagi. "You guys better get going. I'll manage."
"Yeah, we should," Hermione got up and the rest followed. Usagi waved as everyone left the tent. She got into her room, changed, and fell heavily onto her bed. The day was exhausting.
