Now, I would just like to note before I start this once more, that this is
my fourth attempt on this chapter, all of the previous ones being lost. I'm
sorry if it took so long, but I hope that this copy might actually survive
to be posted.
This chapter is dedicated to Sarah and her sister. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH! I know how great turning 16 is; I only just turned it a few months ago. I'm sorry to everyone who waited so long, and I hope this chapter is satisfactory.
**
Harry looked over at his calendar that he had posted onto the wall as soon as he had first made himself comfortable in his room. The day was June 16th. It wasn't circled, and it wasn't marked, but it still stood out and could not be ignored. June 16th was the worst day of the year. The day where his childhood had been dashed to pieces; the day where he was supposed to go out and get a tour around Juuban.
He didn't want to go, but how could he say no? He had no reasonable excuse, and he didn't want to have to explain to Ron why it was that he usually spent this day in mourning, and was always in a grumpy mood. He didn't want to have to tell him that this was the anniversary of the day that his best childhood friend had been hit by a car and left him forever. Ever since his Uncle Vernon had told him about the tragedy he had dreaded this day more than any other had. He would usually lock himself up in his room and not talk to anyone, but he couldn't do that today. So he'd have to go about the day without doing anything unordinary.
He pulled plain blue T-shirt on, and ran a comb quickly through his messy black hair. Molly and Arthur had already decided to out and do something by themselves, so that left him, Ron, and Ginny to go out with that girl Usagi and try to find anything they could about the mysterious Sailor Scouts. Of course, they couldn't say that, they would need to pretend that they wanted to see the sights, but it should have been a fun day, that is if it wasn't June 16th.
Harry reluctantly pulled his sandals on, and walked out the door. Ginny and Ron must have already been out in the common room, eating the strange muggle breakfast. At least strange to them.
So he went over to the table with breakfast/brunch on it, and grabbed a roll and an orange and put it on a small paper plate. He scanned the tables, and saw Ron and Ginny already eating their breakfast, just like he thought they would be.
"Hey Haarury" Ron cheerily said with a mouth full of a blueberry muffin.
"It's about time you got up!" Ginny sounded somewhat irritated "I was hoping to go out really early this morning, but you and Ron had to sleep in! I've been up since 5:30!" Ginny must have eaten a long time ago, because she was just tapping her foot impatiently, and her face was matching her hair.
Harry scooted into his chair, and tried to manage a small smile, hoping that no one could tell just how fake it was.
He got into his breakfast with vigor, trying not to think about anything but chewing, swallowing, and shoving the food into his mouth.
"Besides," Ron said as he finally finished his breakfast "How do we know that Usagi is even awake yet?"
Ginny didn't have an answer, so she just stuck her tongue out at him.
**
Usagi woke up with a flash, and clutched at her head. She didn't know why it was that she did, and as soon as she woke from her dream-daze, she tried to forget about it. She had been having this dream, this horrible dream. She didn't remember what exactly happened, just like she never could. She just had this chill of fear run through her body, and for a moment she felt like a child. But she shrugged it off, and started to get dressed.
When she had finally taken a short shower, and put on her faded blue shorts and her white shirt with a pink bunny on it, she went downstairs to have breakfast.
At the top of the stairs she caught wind of the most heavenly scent, and with her nose guiding her, and not common sense, she ran down the stairs.
It was only with extreme luck that she didn't kill anyone, including herself on the way down. Not to say that she didn't almost kill anyone that day!
Shingo was sitting at the kitchen table, eating a plate full of pancakes and sausage. Usagi's mouth started to water at the sight of the food! Fooooodddd!
Shingo looked up from his wonderful breakfast, and straight at her. His face changed from the happy go lucky little boy look, to a pale white which caused Usagi to immediately rush over to him trying to figure out what was wrong with him.
He pushed her off as she tried to help, and trying to recover what little dignity he still had left he said snidely. "What are you doing up Meatball Head? I thought it was impossible for you to wake up before noon during vacation, or even during school!"
She stuck her tongue out at him, and went to gather her food. "For your information, I happen to be going out today and wanted to get an early start. I'm going out with some new friends today to give them a tour."
Shingo rolled his eyes "Yeah right, who would want to see you? Most of the mentally insane are locked up right now, well, and can't think-"
"That's just your problem, see RIGHT THERE, you said it yourself, you can't think. Now why don't you just stop insulting yourself, and allow me to enjoy my breakfast?" She interrupted him mid-sentence, and as she went to sit down patted his head like he was a little dog.
He growled like the dog that she knew he was and said. "Well, at least I have friends who want to spend time with me, and I really need to get out of the house." He looked at her "I can only stand the smell for so long." And with that said, he picked up his plate, but it in the sink, and started to walk away.
But before he was completely gone she called after him "Wow Shingo, I have to say I'm proud of you, have you been taking lessons. But if you ever want to be any good at the art of insulting you might want to use a little bit more originality." She smirked as he left. Sure, she wasn't very good at school, and who could blame her? But that didn't mean she was stupid, and one of the best ways for her to use her intelligence where no one would laugh at her for TRYING to be smart, when she really wasn't was in her verbal battles with her brother. And the sound of the door slamming was like music to her ears.
After she finished eating, and let me tell you the sight would have shocked anyone there to see it! She sat at the chair and started to try to figure out the dreams that she had been having for as long as she could remember. She had so often, but she just couldn't figure them out! Something told her that it wasn't simply thoughts from her day made manifest in the dreams, but it was something else! Something more!
The sound of someone knocking at her door interrupted her line of thought, and so abandoning that kind of thinking as a waste of time, she went to answer the door.
**
Harry stood fidgeting at the front door of house, where the girl Usagi that he had met the other day lived. So many thoughts were running through his head. Was this the right house? What if she changed her mind about helping them? And most importantly of all, he couldn't get the brilliant blue eyes out of his mind, and the honey blonde hair that would be haunting him all day. Serena's small child face would never leave him, but on this day he couldn't stop seeing it everywhere he went. And it didn't help that this girl that he was going to be spending the day with was so hauntingly similar to his dead childhood friend. He would be trying to forget about Serena, but then when he saw a glimpse of their tour guides blonde hair, he knew the memories would come back in full force. It was really too bad, he had seen Serena in every blonde haired blue eyed girl that he had met since she died, desperate for the hope that some how she had come back to him. He had forced himself to stop that long ago, because despite the fact that Usagi was similar, didn't mean she was the same person. He knew that and refused to delude himself any more. It just hurt too much.
But his worries or at least one of them went away when the smiling face of Usagi appeared in the doorway.
"Hello" She chirped smiling happily. He hoped for a moment that the smile was for him, but she was looking straight at Ginny. "I was hoping that you would come around today." In an almost reluctant manner she widened her introduction to include him and Ron. "It's such a beautiful day, and I was so wishing that I would be able to show you around town, but I wasn't sure whether or not you would be able to come!"
Ginny was hopping from foot to foot, and Ron was smiling hugely, and he couldn't seem to get his eyes off of the happy go lucky girl. Harry was looking at his feet, trying desperately to avoid her gaze. Why did things like this always happen to him!?
Ron, trying to be polite, said "Thank you again for being nice enough to show us around." He started to turn a bright shade of red. "It would have been so hard to get around in a new place like this without the help of someone like you. So, what do you have around here? Is there anything especially interesting?"
Ginny, finally not able to keep her words in any longer blurted out "I want to see everything, I want to see all of the mugg- I mean all of the Japanese stuff! COME ON COME ON, LETS GO!"
Usagi laughed at her, "Wow, you really do seem to want to get started, don't you? But I'm afraid I might disappoint you, you see, nothing really interesting ever happens around here anymore, and there isn't really that much to see. But we could check out the arcade, the park, and the mall if you think your brother and his silent friend could keep up with us." She winked knowingly at the small redhead, and ignored Ron's protesting stutters and Harry's silence.
Ginny's eyes grew wide. "Could we go see the arcade, please please please Usagi!? I would love to try some of the games out! I've never played one before."
Usagi looked like she was about to pass out at those last words, and her face went white as a sheet. "You mean, you've never played Sailor V, Final Fantasy, or any of the other wonderful games they have!? We need to fix that right away!" She Ginny's hand, and started running off the porch, finally she seemed to notice they weren't following and whipped around. "So, are you guys coming, or are you going to stay there all day? What, can't keep up with a couple of girls?"
**
Usagi felt kind of guilty for being so callous with Harry, and especially Ron. She knew that neither of them really deserved it, but the words just came out before she could stop them.
And so she chattered away with Ginny, while the boys walked a few steps behind them having their own private conversation. There was just something about the 12-year-old girl that immediately made her like her. She just reminded her so much of herself when she was that age, and also a little like Rini, her future daughter at the same time. Some might have said that they got on so well, so soon because they had the same level of intelligence, but those people didn't know Usagi, at least, not the real one.
And so they talked about nothing really. Usagi asked a few questions about Ginny's life, but she seemed to want to avoid those so Usagi didn't press her. They mainly talked about Jubban, and arcade games. Usagi just couldn't believe that anyone could not have ever enjoyed the wonder of Sailor V, or Dark Realms, which were only a couple of the amazing games which she loved so much. The games which she could play, and fight in without the risk of hurting herself. It was much more fun than the real thing, and having to make your parents disappointed because you 'once again had a klutz attack and fell down'. Of course, sometimes she felt guilty for saying that to her parents, but in a way it WAS true. She just had a little help on her way to the ground.
Ron and Harry seemed to finish whatever it was which was so important in their discussion, and came up to stand next to Ginny on her other side. Ron seemed to be the one who really couldn't keep his questions to himself, because he was the first one to ask eagerly "You said earlier that nothing much interesting happens around here anymore but did anything interesting ever happen around this place?" He looked at her with eyes as innocent as a small puppy dog "We really don't know that much about this Jubban is that really true? Nothing interesting happens here?"
Usagi rolled her eyes. "Come on; don't tell me you haven't heard about what made this place so famous in the first place. People around the world know that it was the Sailor Scouts who once upon a time made this place a huge tourist attraction, everyone trying to just get a glimpse, or a picture of the heroines. Thankfully, when the scouts disappeared, so did most of the tourists. So now, it's true. Nothing does happen around here."
Ron coughed, trying to hide his guilty face; so much for being smooth. "I really wouldn't know. We don't hear much about Japan where I come from, who exactly are these sailor scouts?" Harry kicked Ron in the shin, stopping him from completely giving away why they were here. Innocent questions were one thing, but they had to be gradual, not all at once.
"I'm sorry, but I can't help you. You see...no one really knows that much about the Sailor Scouts. Once day, they suddenly appeared, and they disappeared the same way they came I guess. It's just a mystery that will never be solved. Oh, look, there's the Crown Arcade!! She brushed into the building, trying desperately to avoid any more questions about a topic she would much rather forget.
"Hey there Motoki! (Japanese)" She waved to the blonde man wearing an apron managing the food counter.
He smiled and waved calling. "Hey there Usa, I'll be with you in a minute. Oh, who are your friends? (Japanese)"
Usagi gestured them to one of the booths, "We should go and take a seat. They have the best ice cream in the world here, my treat!"
They slid into the seats, Usagi and Ginny one once side, and Ron and Harry on the other. They made small talk for a few minutes, until Motoki finally came over.
"These are my new friends, Harry, Ron, and Ginny. They're visiting here for the summer, and I offered to show them around because they don't understand the language. (Japanese)"
"Hello." Motoki said is slow English, Usagi's eyes went wide. "I had no idea you could speak English!" She said shocked. Motoki smiled almost in perceptively, "I didn't know you could either Usa. I didn't think you ever took an English class in your life! I learned in school, so," he said once more in English "What will you have."
And so they make their orders, Usagi getting a huge sundae, and everyone else was ordering milkshakes. Most normal people couldn't stand treats so soon in the morning, especially after breakfast. Good thing she was anything but normal.
Usagi tried, really, she did! She tried to eat slowly and politely, but before she knew it her ice cream had disappeared, and the 3 Europeans were looking at her like she was someone from another world. She coughed, trying to dissipate the tension.
"Well, why don't we go and check out the games now?" She put her hand behind her head, and light pink dots appeared on her cheeks.
"Sounds great!" Ginny chirped, and as soon as Usagi paid, she went to check out the much praised Sailor V game, and left the boys to finish their milkshakes.
**
Sirus had finally managed to get off of his plane a few hours ago. Immediately he checked into a small hotel, and set off to find Harry.
It wasn't that hard for him. Not many people knew this, but most wizards and witches possessed a kind of aura which came with their magic. Many senior magic users could feel it, and as Harry's godfather, Sirus had perfected the skill of locating that of his godson.
Ron was sitting with Harry in a booth facing the window, all alone. Sirus wondered for a second where Ginny was, but quickly abandoned that thought. They had probably left her with Ron's parents. They seemed deeply involved in a conversation, and Sirus wasted a few seconds trying to get their attention. He didn't want it to seem obvious to passerbies, so he made his gestures small. Finally, after what seemed like forever being in the open, Harry looked up and saw him. All of the color drained from his face, but a smile also quirked his lips up. He gestured to Ron, who also looked shocked to see the man who for so long he had thought was a criminal, until he had finally realized the truth that dark night, not so long ago.
Sirus gestured for them to come outside. He had thought that they would rush outside, but first Harry seemed to call to someone first. Then finally, they came through the door.
Harry came to him, with Ron slightly in tow. "Hey Sirus. What's going on?" Harry whispered, and Ron just waved.
"Not here, it's much in the open. Follow me." He started walking forward, knowing that two teenage boys would be not far behind.
He led them to a large library, with an old abandoned air about the place. He walked through the aisles and aisles of books, until he thought they were sufficiently lost in the maze enough to keep anyone from finding them, or hear what they had do say. But still, despite that, he spoke in whispers.
"Sirus, what are you doing here? I thought you were in hiding." Harry quietly asked, concern etched on his face.
Sirus at first seemed at a loss for words, not sure how to start what he was going to say. How did you ask your godson for help, especially after not being there for him for so long? Ron disappeared into the background, leaving them to speak alone.
Sirus gave Harry a quick hug, and said. "Harry, how much do you know about me?"
Harry seemed surprised at the question. "I know you were my parent's best friend, you were framed for their murder, and that you love practical jokes, as evidenced by the fact that you were one of the marauders." His eyebrows drew together as he thought. "Not much else really." He finished.
Sirus took a deep breath. This would be hard, and most likely take along time, he would just need to shorten his story to the basic facts. He had never told anyone this before, and he felt like the tension would make him crack.
"Harry, did you ever know that I'm married?" Harry shook his head in a shocked no. The thought had never even occurred to him that the roguish rebel could have a wife.
Sirus's eyes got a far-off look, as if he was once again living an old memory. "Oh yes, she was the love of my life. She had the brightest blue eyes, and her hair was the color of spun gold. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever met, and I ever will. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and had a way with people, which made them immediately love her. I loved her so much, and although we weren't THE couple, like your parents, it was a wonderful relationship. But there was a problem, you see, Katrina was, different. I don't know what it was about her, but she made Volemort seem dull, and she was also more powerful than Dumbledore. But she could never do anything hurtful to anyone, and when Volemort tried to make her his consort, his partner to rule by his side as he saw it, she completely rejected him. For a while he seemed to go away, the threat gone. We got married and lived a happy life. She was even going to have a baby." Tears began to brim in his eyes as he remembered his wife, and tried to explain what he would talk about for days in a few simple words.
"It was the baby which ultimately caused all of our problems, although no one could ever blame her. It was never my child's fault that anything happened the way it did. But when Volemort found out that we were going to have a child he became determined that he would have it. Katrina didn't want to fight because she was deathly afraid that anything would harm our baby. She instead went into hiding, at least until the baby was born. I couldn't go with her, she wouldn't allow me to be in danger, and left in the night never telling me where she was going. Then I was captured, and put into the death house Azkaban. I never found out what happened to her, or even if she's alive. I don't even know the name of my child, only that it's a girl." He looked in askance at Harry. "I know that that's a lot to process all at once, and maybe one day I'll actually be able to give you the details as to what happened. But the truth is I haven't been in hiding all of this time. I've been looking for my family. I need to find them, I need them like I need air, and I need for you to help me."
Harry looked shocked at so many revelations so quickly. "What could I possibly do to help you? If anyone could find them, you could. What chance would I possibly have?"
Sirus shook his head vigorously. "You can do so much that I can't. I have to try to stay in hiding, and what I can do is left to an absolute minimum. You don't have death eaters out to kill you, and maybe you could even try to use some of the muggle technology you know so well to help you, like the computers and the Internet. And most importantly you can keep an eye out in the wizarding world for me, just in case you hear anything. I know that this is a lot to ask of you, but you're the only person I can trust."
Harry looked not at a complete loss. "I'd love to try to help you. You're the only family I've got left."
Sirus nodded abruptly, and roughly wiped the tears away. They were for another time, not now. "Thank you Harry, if you could look for anyone named Katrina, or anything like that name, or most likely anyone who suddenly appeared out of nowhere, or even anyone who matches that description, you might have a chance. But knowing her, if she doesn't want to be found, you probably won't have much luck finding her. Your best chance would probably be to find my daughter. She's about your age if it helps. Oh, and you'll need this." Sirus reached into his pocket and pulled out a faded picture. "I know her face like the back of her hand, and I think you'll need this more than me." Harry could tell how hard it was for Sirus to give up that little piece of paper, and reverently put it in his pocket. "I know I'm not giving you that much to work with, and it's almost an impossible task. But I just can't not try."
Harry nodded in agreement. "I'll start looking as soon as I can. But right now I have to get back to our tour guide before she begins to wonder where we went, not that she would care. Women, I'll never understand them."
Sirus once more had the mischievous look in his eyes, and Harry started to back away. "It looks like I'm not the only one with girl problems. Good luck with her, I've found that it's usually the ones you can't stand that are perfect for you. After all, look at me and Katrina. We hated each other for years."
They went their separate directions with no words spoken, the simple companionship enough. Ron was waiting outside the door, and while Sirus went off to who knows where, and with Harry full of ideas as to how to find Sirus's daughter, they went off to join Usagi.
**
Ah me. I just love dramatic irony, don't you? Just the thought of Usagi, just out of sight. The girl that they are all looking for, but no one knows it. Harry and Sirus both on a futile search to find the lost girl and the entire time she is right there. And Harry, mourning the death of his childhood friend, never realizing that he was with her even while he was lamenting her death.
OK everyone, I make that chapter extra long to make up a little for taking so long to get it out. I really hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it.
Remember, that the only reason I have for writing is you guys, and only that through reviews. I also write because I enjoy it, but would really appreciate it if you remember to say just a few words before you go about your daily life.
SO. Give me your thoughts, feelings, anything!
Also, feel free to email me at sirencalling@yahoo.com to harass me, or just to talk.
Ja ne everyone, have a nice day.
This chapter is dedicated to Sarah and her sister. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH! I know how great turning 16 is; I only just turned it a few months ago. I'm sorry to everyone who waited so long, and I hope this chapter is satisfactory.
**
Harry looked over at his calendar that he had posted onto the wall as soon as he had first made himself comfortable in his room. The day was June 16th. It wasn't circled, and it wasn't marked, but it still stood out and could not be ignored. June 16th was the worst day of the year. The day where his childhood had been dashed to pieces; the day where he was supposed to go out and get a tour around Juuban.
He didn't want to go, but how could he say no? He had no reasonable excuse, and he didn't want to have to explain to Ron why it was that he usually spent this day in mourning, and was always in a grumpy mood. He didn't want to have to tell him that this was the anniversary of the day that his best childhood friend had been hit by a car and left him forever. Ever since his Uncle Vernon had told him about the tragedy he had dreaded this day more than any other had. He would usually lock himself up in his room and not talk to anyone, but he couldn't do that today. So he'd have to go about the day without doing anything unordinary.
He pulled plain blue T-shirt on, and ran a comb quickly through his messy black hair. Molly and Arthur had already decided to out and do something by themselves, so that left him, Ron, and Ginny to go out with that girl Usagi and try to find anything they could about the mysterious Sailor Scouts. Of course, they couldn't say that, they would need to pretend that they wanted to see the sights, but it should have been a fun day, that is if it wasn't June 16th.
Harry reluctantly pulled his sandals on, and walked out the door. Ginny and Ron must have already been out in the common room, eating the strange muggle breakfast. At least strange to them.
So he went over to the table with breakfast/brunch on it, and grabbed a roll and an orange and put it on a small paper plate. He scanned the tables, and saw Ron and Ginny already eating their breakfast, just like he thought they would be.
"Hey Haarury" Ron cheerily said with a mouth full of a blueberry muffin.
"It's about time you got up!" Ginny sounded somewhat irritated "I was hoping to go out really early this morning, but you and Ron had to sleep in! I've been up since 5:30!" Ginny must have eaten a long time ago, because she was just tapping her foot impatiently, and her face was matching her hair.
Harry scooted into his chair, and tried to manage a small smile, hoping that no one could tell just how fake it was.
He got into his breakfast with vigor, trying not to think about anything but chewing, swallowing, and shoving the food into his mouth.
"Besides," Ron said as he finally finished his breakfast "How do we know that Usagi is even awake yet?"
Ginny didn't have an answer, so she just stuck her tongue out at him.
**
Usagi woke up with a flash, and clutched at her head. She didn't know why it was that she did, and as soon as she woke from her dream-daze, she tried to forget about it. She had been having this dream, this horrible dream. She didn't remember what exactly happened, just like she never could. She just had this chill of fear run through her body, and for a moment she felt like a child. But she shrugged it off, and started to get dressed.
When she had finally taken a short shower, and put on her faded blue shorts and her white shirt with a pink bunny on it, she went downstairs to have breakfast.
At the top of the stairs she caught wind of the most heavenly scent, and with her nose guiding her, and not common sense, she ran down the stairs.
It was only with extreme luck that she didn't kill anyone, including herself on the way down. Not to say that she didn't almost kill anyone that day!
Shingo was sitting at the kitchen table, eating a plate full of pancakes and sausage. Usagi's mouth started to water at the sight of the food! Fooooodddd!
Shingo looked up from his wonderful breakfast, and straight at her. His face changed from the happy go lucky little boy look, to a pale white which caused Usagi to immediately rush over to him trying to figure out what was wrong with him.
He pushed her off as she tried to help, and trying to recover what little dignity he still had left he said snidely. "What are you doing up Meatball Head? I thought it was impossible for you to wake up before noon during vacation, or even during school!"
She stuck her tongue out at him, and went to gather her food. "For your information, I happen to be going out today and wanted to get an early start. I'm going out with some new friends today to give them a tour."
Shingo rolled his eyes "Yeah right, who would want to see you? Most of the mentally insane are locked up right now, well, and can't think-"
"That's just your problem, see RIGHT THERE, you said it yourself, you can't think. Now why don't you just stop insulting yourself, and allow me to enjoy my breakfast?" She interrupted him mid-sentence, and as she went to sit down patted his head like he was a little dog.
He growled like the dog that she knew he was and said. "Well, at least I have friends who want to spend time with me, and I really need to get out of the house." He looked at her "I can only stand the smell for so long." And with that said, he picked up his plate, but it in the sink, and started to walk away.
But before he was completely gone she called after him "Wow Shingo, I have to say I'm proud of you, have you been taking lessons. But if you ever want to be any good at the art of insulting you might want to use a little bit more originality." She smirked as he left. Sure, she wasn't very good at school, and who could blame her? But that didn't mean she was stupid, and one of the best ways for her to use her intelligence where no one would laugh at her for TRYING to be smart, when she really wasn't was in her verbal battles with her brother. And the sound of the door slamming was like music to her ears.
After she finished eating, and let me tell you the sight would have shocked anyone there to see it! She sat at the chair and started to try to figure out the dreams that she had been having for as long as she could remember. She had so often, but she just couldn't figure them out! Something told her that it wasn't simply thoughts from her day made manifest in the dreams, but it was something else! Something more!
The sound of someone knocking at her door interrupted her line of thought, and so abandoning that kind of thinking as a waste of time, she went to answer the door.
**
Harry stood fidgeting at the front door of house, where the girl Usagi that he had met the other day lived. So many thoughts were running through his head. Was this the right house? What if she changed her mind about helping them? And most importantly of all, he couldn't get the brilliant blue eyes out of his mind, and the honey blonde hair that would be haunting him all day. Serena's small child face would never leave him, but on this day he couldn't stop seeing it everywhere he went. And it didn't help that this girl that he was going to be spending the day with was so hauntingly similar to his dead childhood friend. He would be trying to forget about Serena, but then when he saw a glimpse of their tour guides blonde hair, he knew the memories would come back in full force. It was really too bad, he had seen Serena in every blonde haired blue eyed girl that he had met since she died, desperate for the hope that some how she had come back to him. He had forced himself to stop that long ago, because despite the fact that Usagi was similar, didn't mean she was the same person. He knew that and refused to delude himself any more. It just hurt too much.
But his worries or at least one of them went away when the smiling face of Usagi appeared in the doorway.
"Hello" She chirped smiling happily. He hoped for a moment that the smile was for him, but she was looking straight at Ginny. "I was hoping that you would come around today." In an almost reluctant manner she widened her introduction to include him and Ron. "It's such a beautiful day, and I was so wishing that I would be able to show you around town, but I wasn't sure whether or not you would be able to come!"
Ginny was hopping from foot to foot, and Ron was smiling hugely, and he couldn't seem to get his eyes off of the happy go lucky girl. Harry was looking at his feet, trying desperately to avoid her gaze. Why did things like this always happen to him!?
Ron, trying to be polite, said "Thank you again for being nice enough to show us around." He started to turn a bright shade of red. "It would have been so hard to get around in a new place like this without the help of someone like you. So, what do you have around here? Is there anything especially interesting?"
Ginny, finally not able to keep her words in any longer blurted out "I want to see everything, I want to see all of the mugg- I mean all of the Japanese stuff! COME ON COME ON, LETS GO!"
Usagi laughed at her, "Wow, you really do seem to want to get started, don't you? But I'm afraid I might disappoint you, you see, nothing really interesting ever happens around here anymore, and there isn't really that much to see. But we could check out the arcade, the park, and the mall if you think your brother and his silent friend could keep up with us." She winked knowingly at the small redhead, and ignored Ron's protesting stutters and Harry's silence.
Ginny's eyes grew wide. "Could we go see the arcade, please please please Usagi!? I would love to try some of the games out! I've never played one before."
Usagi looked like she was about to pass out at those last words, and her face went white as a sheet. "You mean, you've never played Sailor V, Final Fantasy, or any of the other wonderful games they have!? We need to fix that right away!" She Ginny's hand, and started running off the porch, finally she seemed to notice they weren't following and whipped around. "So, are you guys coming, or are you going to stay there all day? What, can't keep up with a couple of girls?"
**
Usagi felt kind of guilty for being so callous with Harry, and especially Ron. She knew that neither of them really deserved it, but the words just came out before she could stop them.
And so she chattered away with Ginny, while the boys walked a few steps behind them having their own private conversation. There was just something about the 12-year-old girl that immediately made her like her. She just reminded her so much of herself when she was that age, and also a little like Rini, her future daughter at the same time. Some might have said that they got on so well, so soon because they had the same level of intelligence, but those people didn't know Usagi, at least, not the real one.
And so they talked about nothing really. Usagi asked a few questions about Ginny's life, but she seemed to want to avoid those so Usagi didn't press her. They mainly talked about Jubban, and arcade games. Usagi just couldn't believe that anyone could not have ever enjoyed the wonder of Sailor V, or Dark Realms, which were only a couple of the amazing games which she loved so much. The games which she could play, and fight in without the risk of hurting herself. It was much more fun than the real thing, and having to make your parents disappointed because you 'once again had a klutz attack and fell down'. Of course, sometimes she felt guilty for saying that to her parents, but in a way it WAS true. She just had a little help on her way to the ground.
Ron and Harry seemed to finish whatever it was which was so important in their discussion, and came up to stand next to Ginny on her other side. Ron seemed to be the one who really couldn't keep his questions to himself, because he was the first one to ask eagerly "You said earlier that nothing much interesting happens around here anymore but did anything interesting ever happen around this place?" He looked at her with eyes as innocent as a small puppy dog "We really don't know that much about this Jubban is that really true? Nothing interesting happens here?"
Usagi rolled her eyes. "Come on; don't tell me you haven't heard about what made this place so famous in the first place. People around the world know that it was the Sailor Scouts who once upon a time made this place a huge tourist attraction, everyone trying to just get a glimpse, or a picture of the heroines. Thankfully, when the scouts disappeared, so did most of the tourists. So now, it's true. Nothing does happen around here."
Ron coughed, trying to hide his guilty face; so much for being smooth. "I really wouldn't know. We don't hear much about Japan where I come from, who exactly are these sailor scouts?" Harry kicked Ron in the shin, stopping him from completely giving away why they were here. Innocent questions were one thing, but they had to be gradual, not all at once.
"I'm sorry, but I can't help you. You see...no one really knows that much about the Sailor Scouts. Once day, they suddenly appeared, and they disappeared the same way they came I guess. It's just a mystery that will never be solved. Oh, look, there's the Crown Arcade!! She brushed into the building, trying desperately to avoid any more questions about a topic she would much rather forget.
"Hey there Motoki! (Japanese)" She waved to the blonde man wearing an apron managing the food counter.
He smiled and waved calling. "Hey there Usa, I'll be with you in a minute. Oh, who are your friends? (Japanese)"
Usagi gestured them to one of the booths, "We should go and take a seat. They have the best ice cream in the world here, my treat!"
They slid into the seats, Usagi and Ginny one once side, and Ron and Harry on the other. They made small talk for a few minutes, until Motoki finally came over.
"These are my new friends, Harry, Ron, and Ginny. They're visiting here for the summer, and I offered to show them around because they don't understand the language. (Japanese)"
"Hello." Motoki said is slow English, Usagi's eyes went wide. "I had no idea you could speak English!" She said shocked. Motoki smiled almost in perceptively, "I didn't know you could either Usa. I didn't think you ever took an English class in your life! I learned in school, so," he said once more in English "What will you have."
And so they make their orders, Usagi getting a huge sundae, and everyone else was ordering milkshakes. Most normal people couldn't stand treats so soon in the morning, especially after breakfast. Good thing she was anything but normal.
Usagi tried, really, she did! She tried to eat slowly and politely, but before she knew it her ice cream had disappeared, and the 3 Europeans were looking at her like she was someone from another world. She coughed, trying to dissipate the tension.
"Well, why don't we go and check out the games now?" She put her hand behind her head, and light pink dots appeared on her cheeks.
"Sounds great!" Ginny chirped, and as soon as Usagi paid, she went to check out the much praised Sailor V game, and left the boys to finish their milkshakes.
**
Sirus had finally managed to get off of his plane a few hours ago. Immediately he checked into a small hotel, and set off to find Harry.
It wasn't that hard for him. Not many people knew this, but most wizards and witches possessed a kind of aura which came with their magic. Many senior magic users could feel it, and as Harry's godfather, Sirus had perfected the skill of locating that of his godson.
Ron was sitting with Harry in a booth facing the window, all alone. Sirus wondered for a second where Ginny was, but quickly abandoned that thought. They had probably left her with Ron's parents. They seemed deeply involved in a conversation, and Sirus wasted a few seconds trying to get their attention. He didn't want it to seem obvious to passerbies, so he made his gestures small. Finally, after what seemed like forever being in the open, Harry looked up and saw him. All of the color drained from his face, but a smile also quirked his lips up. He gestured to Ron, who also looked shocked to see the man who for so long he had thought was a criminal, until he had finally realized the truth that dark night, not so long ago.
Sirus gestured for them to come outside. He had thought that they would rush outside, but first Harry seemed to call to someone first. Then finally, they came through the door.
Harry came to him, with Ron slightly in tow. "Hey Sirus. What's going on?" Harry whispered, and Ron just waved.
"Not here, it's much in the open. Follow me." He started walking forward, knowing that two teenage boys would be not far behind.
He led them to a large library, with an old abandoned air about the place. He walked through the aisles and aisles of books, until he thought they were sufficiently lost in the maze enough to keep anyone from finding them, or hear what they had do say. But still, despite that, he spoke in whispers.
"Sirus, what are you doing here? I thought you were in hiding." Harry quietly asked, concern etched on his face.
Sirus at first seemed at a loss for words, not sure how to start what he was going to say. How did you ask your godson for help, especially after not being there for him for so long? Ron disappeared into the background, leaving them to speak alone.
Sirus gave Harry a quick hug, and said. "Harry, how much do you know about me?"
Harry seemed surprised at the question. "I know you were my parent's best friend, you were framed for their murder, and that you love practical jokes, as evidenced by the fact that you were one of the marauders." His eyebrows drew together as he thought. "Not much else really." He finished.
Sirus took a deep breath. This would be hard, and most likely take along time, he would just need to shorten his story to the basic facts. He had never told anyone this before, and he felt like the tension would make him crack.
"Harry, did you ever know that I'm married?" Harry shook his head in a shocked no. The thought had never even occurred to him that the roguish rebel could have a wife.
Sirus's eyes got a far-off look, as if he was once again living an old memory. "Oh yes, she was the love of my life. She had the brightest blue eyes, and her hair was the color of spun gold. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever met, and I ever will. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and had a way with people, which made them immediately love her. I loved her so much, and although we weren't THE couple, like your parents, it was a wonderful relationship. But there was a problem, you see, Katrina was, different. I don't know what it was about her, but she made Volemort seem dull, and she was also more powerful than Dumbledore. But she could never do anything hurtful to anyone, and when Volemort tried to make her his consort, his partner to rule by his side as he saw it, she completely rejected him. For a while he seemed to go away, the threat gone. We got married and lived a happy life. She was even going to have a baby." Tears began to brim in his eyes as he remembered his wife, and tried to explain what he would talk about for days in a few simple words.
"It was the baby which ultimately caused all of our problems, although no one could ever blame her. It was never my child's fault that anything happened the way it did. But when Volemort found out that we were going to have a child he became determined that he would have it. Katrina didn't want to fight because she was deathly afraid that anything would harm our baby. She instead went into hiding, at least until the baby was born. I couldn't go with her, she wouldn't allow me to be in danger, and left in the night never telling me where she was going. Then I was captured, and put into the death house Azkaban. I never found out what happened to her, or even if she's alive. I don't even know the name of my child, only that it's a girl." He looked in askance at Harry. "I know that that's a lot to process all at once, and maybe one day I'll actually be able to give you the details as to what happened. But the truth is I haven't been in hiding all of this time. I've been looking for my family. I need to find them, I need them like I need air, and I need for you to help me."
Harry looked shocked at so many revelations so quickly. "What could I possibly do to help you? If anyone could find them, you could. What chance would I possibly have?"
Sirus shook his head vigorously. "You can do so much that I can't. I have to try to stay in hiding, and what I can do is left to an absolute minimum. You don't have death eaters out to kill you, and maybe you could even try to use some of the muggle technology you know so well to help you, like the computers and the Internet. And most importantly you can keep an eye out in the wizarding world for me, just in case you hear anything. I know that this is a lot to ask of you, but you're the only person I can trust."
Harry looked not at a complete loss. "I'd love to try to help you. You're the only family I've got left."
Sirus nodded abruptly, and roughly wiped the tears away. They were for another time, not now. "Thank you Harry, if you could look for anyone named Katrina, or anything like that name, or most likely anyone who suddenly appeared out of nowhere, or even anyone who matches that description, you might have a chance. But knowing her, if she doesn't want to be found, you probably won't have much luck finding her. Your best chance would probably be to find my daughter. She's about your age if it helps. Oh, and you'll need this." Sirus reached into his pocket and pulled out a faded picture. "I know her face like the back of her hand, and I think you'll need this more than me." Harry could tell how hard it was for Sirus to give up that little piece of paper, and reverently put it in his pocket. "I know I'm not giving you that much to work with, and it's almost an impossible task. But I just can't not try."
Harry nodded in agreement. "I'll start looking as soon as I can. But right now I have to get back to our tour guide before she begins to wonder where we went, not that she would care. Women, I'll never understand them."
Sirus once more had the mischievous look in his eyes, and Harry started to back away. "It looks like I'm not the only one with girl problems. Good luck with her, I've found that it's usually the ones you can't stand that are perfect for you. After all, look at me and Katrina. We hated each other for years."
They went their separate directions with no words spoken, the simple companionship enough. Ron was waiting outside the door, and while Sirus went off to who knows where, and with Harry full of ideas as to how to find Sirus's daughter, they went off to join Usagi.
**
Ah me. I just love dramatic irony, don't you? Just the thought of Usagi, just out of sight. The girl that they are all looking for, but no one knows it. Harry and Sirus both on a futile search to find the lost girl and the entire time she is right there. And Harry, mourning the death of his childhood friend, never realizing that he was with her even while he was lamenting her death.
OK everyone, I make that chapter extra long to make up a little for taking so long to get it out. I really hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it.
Remember, that the only reason I have for writing is you guys, and only that through reviews. I also write because I enjoy it, but would really appreciate it if you remember to say just a few words before you go about your daily life.
SO. Give me your thoughts, feelings, anything!
Also, feel free to email me at sirencalling@yahoo.com to harass me, or just to talk.
Ja ne everyone, have a nice day.