I'm sorry guys I really tried this time, but I got about halfway through and then a big case of writers block hit me, so I had to leave it alone for a week or two before I forced myself to continue and it still didn't turn out the way I wanted, but I've kept you waiting long enough. Anyway, thanx to…
Serenity Moon2 Catsie Hunter WillTurner'sgal-07 moonbunny77 Sere Star MoonAngel24/7
Tsuki no Tenshi Neo-Queen Serenity shelum Amyranth Aeden-Hale Flame Dancer077
Maiden Genisis koosei Alcandre Serenity's Angel In Heaven
Angel of the white moon: Yes, yes I really do :) Thanx again.
Saxifrage: Yes sir another chapter at your command. Thanx for the email, but I can't divulge that classified information, but I will give you a clue. There's definitely more to her than meets the eye.
SurfAngel: What makes you think its Darien?
Machiko: Yeah ACT's suck, but I hope you did alright. Really? I'd like to know your idea.
LunarPrincess: Well I hope this chapter clears things up for you, but if not let me know what you're confused about.
Mae-E: Once again my longest review; conrats. Yes last chapter's title was quite clever I thought. You just have to look deeper, but don't worry it'll make sense in a few chapters.
McCallM.Daneils: Oh sooner than you think.
Lady Tristana Rogue: I know:)
Alright, next chapter…
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Chapter 11
-Questions-
The castle of Hogwarts was eerily still as the first light of the morning sun peaked between the hills and hit its high, stone walls. The bright rays poured into the castle through a small window in one of the higher rooms, and landed on the forms of two sleeping students whose slumber was anything but peaceful.
Harry Potter suddenly awoke with a loud gasp as if he had been holding his breath for a long while. His eyes shot open but then were quickly closed when they came in contact with the intense sunlight. Harry's scar throbbed, his stomach churned, and he had apparently broken out into a cold sweat sometime during the night, but he was utterly relieved to be waking up even if it was in those conditions. The nightmare he had just come out of had by far been the worst one he had ever had.
It had started out the same as the dreams he had been having recently with the large eccentric ball in the beautiful palace overlooking earth. Things then turned dark as the hideous red headed woman attacked, and people all around him began to die. But it was different this time. This time it didn't seem like a dream, and Harry could have sworn he had actually been there. He could hear the terrifying screams all around him and could see the expressions on the faces of the lifeless bodies that lay at his feet. The scene then faded to a different place that was covered with snow, and there he watched the same red headed woman once again brutally murder the same people he had just seen die. The scene then changed again, and Harry didn't think he could take anymore as he watched another evil woman hurl some sort of dark magic at the same people he had already seen die twice. Harry wanted to desperately cry out to them, not wanting to see them die again, but he found himself paralyzed as he saw them fall one by one. Sparkling orbs separated their selves from their bodies and were quickly taken away by the evil woman, and Harry watched horrified as they once again disappeared before his eyes. Harry thought it odd that some were smiling as they departed this life and a few even whispered words of encouragement before they faded into nothingness.
Then it hit Harry, like a ton of bricks, the same pain and sorrow he felt when he watched Sirius fall through the veil. He didn't know who these people were, but it felt like they were somehow connected and familiar; like old friends. Harry shook his head slightly, his eyes still closed, and reassured himself that it was only a dream and that he was back at Hogwarts.
Harry's eyes suddenly shot open once again as he realized that he was lying on the hard floor instead of his cozy four poster bed. The events of the previous then flooded back to his mind; his scar, Sailor Moon, even the kiss. Harry flushed in embarrassment at the thought. He had acted too rashly and let the lust deep within him take control, and now he sorely regretted it. "Smooth move Harry" he mused to himself, "Go and make a move on the only person who knows how to get rid of the demons trying to kill you. Good luck if you ever see her again.'
As he tried to sit up, Harry became aware that his left arm was being weighed down. 'Could she still be here?' Harry wondered, but the thought left his head as he looked over and saw not silver but golden hair done up in two familiar buns. "Serena?" He questioned as he recognized the face of the girl resting her head on his arm. No response came, and the girl's eyes remained shut. 'But how did she get here, and what happened to Sailor Moon?' He queried himself as his mind began to think of every scenario of why Serena was here and Sailor Moon wasn't. Every scenario that is except for the one he had pushed to the far corner of his mind that he refused to believe.
"It can't be" Harry muttered while he continued to stare at the motionless form of the girl beside him. He looked her up and down a few times, but stopped when something caught his eye on her right arm. Three long scars adorned her upper arm, and his mind wandered back to the first time Sailor Moon had appeared and how the youma had slashed its claws against both of them when Harry had tried to pull her out of the way. Harry grabbed at his sleeve and pulled it up to reveal three white lines, identical to Serena's.
Serena's head flopped to the floor as Harry quickly backed against a wall in disbelief, but she still refused to stir. Harry's head snapped towards the doorway as he heard approaching voices and other doors being opened and closed.
"Any sign of him Albus?" A woman's voice called out.
"Nothing in here Minerva" the headmaster replied as another closing door was heard.
"We've searched nearly the entire castle headmaster" another voice chimed in, "If he was attacked then he's probably not even still within the grounds."
"We haven't searched everywhere Severus. I'm sure that even if Harry was attacked he's in good hands and still within the confines of the castle."
"Leave it to Potter to go out looking for trouble in the middle of the night when he's being hunted by monsters" the potions master sneered.
"Speaking of which Albus" the woman added quietly, "Has anyone been able to figure out how or by whom these spells are being cast?"
"There is no spell in the wizarding world that could turn anyone into such hideous demons Minerva. Severus is currently researching forbidden potions, have you found anything by the way?"
"Nothing yet Headmaster" Prof Snape responded as another door was opened, "And to be honest, I don't think I'll find anything. I've never heard of a potion with such power. I'd bet a hundred Galleons that this is dark sorcery we're dealing with."
"Sorcery?"Prof McGonagall repeated, "But people haven't been able to practice sorcery in centuries. The only one that has that kind of power that we know about is…" There was a long pause, "Severus, you don't think that SHE is possibly behind all of this do you?"
"I just think it rather convenient that she appeared the same time as these demons and that she always seems to know when and where they strike."
"But why would she create them just to destroy them moments later?"
"Perhaps to get on Potter's good side, which she seems to be doing, and then turn on him when he least suspects it. Either way Minerva, we cannot take someone who can come in and out of Hogwarts as she pleases so lightly no matter how heroic she may seem."
"Severus is right" the old Headmaster chimed in, "Maybe not about everything, but this girl could pose a threat to us. If my assumptions are correct about her, then she must hold a great deal of power, and if Voldemort were to ever to get his hands on that power then God help us all." There was a long pause of silence as the footsteps seized at the Headmaster's chilling words. "Let's just pray Severus that your hypothesis about the girl is wrong." The searching continued and the steps became louder as they neared Harry's door.
Prof McGonagall was the first to break the silence between them, "Do we have any idea as to how she is getting in and out of the grounds Albus?"
The footsteps stopped again. "We haven't found anything yet, but who knows what she is capable of. In fact, I'll bet that she hasn't even left the castle."
"You think that she's still here?"
"Is that so impossible Minerva? She does always seem to know where Harry is and when he's in trouble. I'd guess that, for some reason, she's always watching him."
Harry eyes darted from the door back to the sleeping form of Serena. His mind was spinning and his stomach churned while he tried to take in everything he had just found out. He suddenly began to gasp for air not realizing that he had been holding his breath while he listened to the professors' conversation. More light filled the room as the door was abruptly forced open by Prof McGonagall.
"Albus, Severus in here." Prof Snape and Dumbledore quickly joined her in the doorway. Their eyes moved from Harry to the blonde girl sleeping beside him as they walked into the room very confused. "I guess I didn't realize that Serena was also missing this morning" McGonagall commented.
"Yes" Snape smirked, "She has a tendency to wind up in empty rooms with the Gryffindor boys."
"Harry what are you two doing here? We were worried when you weren't in your room this morning" Dumbledore said as he calmly walked over and knelt down by Harry's side. Harry turned towards Dumbldore with his heart pounding and his breath still quick. He wasn't sure what was going on or what to do about it and he couldn't seem to find his voice, so he just stared back at the headmaster with wide, frightened eyes. Dumbledore sensed something was wrong and quickly turned to Serena to try and shake her awake. When she still didn't stir, Dumbledore pulled out his wand and muttered something under his breath. Still nothing.
"Potter what happened here?" Snape called out as he too kneeled by Harry, "Was there a demon?" Harry still wasn't sure what was going on and thought he might be sick.
"Please Severus" Dumbledore interrupted, "Obviously something has happened to these two, and right now I don't think they are in any condition to tell us. Let us get them to Poppy right away and we'll question them later." With that Dumbledore conjured up a stretcher for Serena and helped Harry to his feet.
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Harry sat on his hospital bed in the infirmary still in utter shock. Madame Pomfrey had finally left him alone and was now attending to Serena who was still unconscious. Harry had barely taken his eyes off her since Dumbledore had left them in the hospital wing. He studied her face and peaceful expression trying to convince himself that it did not match Sailor Moon's; he couldn't force himself to accept the idea.
Madame Pomfrey caught his gaze and smiled sweetly back at him. "Don't worry dear" she calmly told him, "She's going to be fine. I'm sure she'll wake up soon." Harry quickly snapped out of his trance at her remark and turned away suddenly finding his bedside table very interesting. Madame Pomfrey gave him another soft smile and headed back to her office.
"Harry!" He heard a voice call out as he turned his gaze back to Serena. Soon Ron was at his side and absolutely beaming at him. "Oh you're in for it now. I was hoping that you and Serena would make up last night, but I didn't think that you guys would "make up" all night long" he added with a devilish smile and a quick slap across Harry's back. "That's right, I know" he went on not noticing that Harry wasn't paying attention, "Almost the whole school knows about it now, of course Christmas break started today so that leaves only about eight of us, but don't worry because Hermione doesn't know yet. I know she'll find out eventually, but I thought since you were in the hospital I'd give you a little time to rest before she scolds you about being out all night. I tried to stall for you this morning, but when McGonagall came for the students who were going home someone let it slip that you were missing. By the way, what happened last night? Why are you in here? Harry? Harry?! You're not even listening to me." Ron frowned and followed Harry's eyes to the bed across from them where Serena lay. "What happened to her?" He asked slightly worried, "Harry, are you alright?" Ron questioned when he didn't answer.
Harry looked back at Ron trying to decide if he dare confide in his best friend. "Ron" Harry whispered making up his mind, "I'm not sure how to explain this, but I found out some bizarre things this morning." He stopped and looked around for a moment before leaning in closer to Ron, "I think Serena might be Sailor Moon." 'Oh please tell me I'm crazy' he hoped to himself.
To Harry's surprise Ron didn't seem shocked or even surprised at the idea, instead he actually seemed relieved. "She finally told you" he sighed, "I've been trying to get her to do that for weeks, but she thought you wouldn't be able to handle it. I'm glad she finally changed her mind cuz I was getting pretty tired of keeping it from you and…"
"You mean I'm right?!" Harry shouted, "And you knew?"
Ron's eyes went wide while his face turned red. "I guess she didn't tell you then?" He said sheepishly, "Well feel better Harry" Ron said as he turned to leave.
"Hold it Ron" Harry called out, "Tell me everything."
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Harry was stunned at Ron's words as he finished his explanation of the last few months and couldn't decide if he was more shocked or angry at them. He still wasn't sure that he could believe that the girl sleeping across from him could be the same magnificent heroine that had defeated so many powerful demons and saved the entire school from their havoc. 'She has trouble trying to transfigure a quill into a flower' Harry thought to himself.
"Are you sure?" He asked Ron not being able to think of anything better to say, "I mean, she might've just been joking."
"Harry I saw her transform" the red head replied, "I know it's hard to believe, but trust me it's her."
Harry still couldn't accept the idea, "But they're nothing alike." But Harry knew he was kidding himself. Even though Sailor Moon's expressions were often cold and hard compared to the soft and gentle Serena, he could see the same sadness in their eyes, and it was hard to miss the matching hairstyle. Even their smells were identical. Harry recalled the night before when he had been so close to Sailor Moon and remembered that her stunning aroma seemed vaguely familiar. Harry quickly tried to shake away the pleasant thought before his mind roamed any further.
"Why didn't you tell me Ron?" Harry asked his friend seriously.
Ron looked somewhat pained, "I told you Harry she made me promise. Besides, would you have believed me if I had told you?"
"So you would put our lives in danger because you PROMISED her?" Harry questioned with a quick glance at Ron.
Ron was taken aback, "I did it to keep you alive. What do you mean in danger?" Harry sighed and slowly explained to his friend what he had heard from the professors just a few hours ago. Ron looked unfazed, "Since when do you start listening to Snape?"
"True, but what about Dumbledore? He almost agreed with Snape and said that we'd be in trouble if Voldemort ever got a hold of her power, and I don't know about you but I think that being attacked by a bunch of demons is trouble."
Ron was aghast, "Harry do you hear yourself? Who cares what the professors say. Look at her" he said in a tone Harry had never heard him use before while he pointed at the sleeping form of Serena, "Do you really think she is trying to kill you?"
Harry stared at the sleeping girl for a moment. She looked so peaceful, so innocent, perfect one might say. "I don't know Ron, a lot of strange stuff has happened. I just don't think I can trust her."
"I'm not asking you to trust her Harry. I'm asking you to trust me your best friend."
Before Harry could respond, the door to the infirmary burst open to reveal Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape who quickly made their way over to Harry and Ron. "The girl's still out cold Albus" McGonagall commented as she quickly checked over Serena.
"Potter what happened last night?" Snape questioned him almost accusingly.
"Please Severus, calm down" Dumbledore told him. He then turned to Harry and waited silently as if he were expecting him to answer.
"Well" Harry gulped trying to stall for time. He quickly turned from Dumbledore, to Serena, then to Ron who looked almost frightened for what Harry might tell them. Harry decided that he would trust Ron and give Serena a chance to explain. "We were attacked" he finally admitted, "We tried to hide in a room, but the youma found us and knocked us out. I guess since were still alive that we were somehow saved."
"Her again" Snape muttered, "Something must be done Headmaster."
"Yes later Severus. Now we should let Mr. Potter rest, and perhaps we'll question the girl when she wakes up" Dumbledore replied, and with a quick last smile back at Harry he ushered the other professors out.
Ron smiled up at Harry and was about to say something when Harry suddenly began clutching his scar in pain. "Harry what is it?"
"I don't know" Harry replied as he tried to keep his eyes from watering from the burning pain he felt splitting open his forehead. After a moment the pain began to dull slightly and the pounding in Harry's ears ceased, but it was replaced by different sound. Loud gasping could be heard across the room, and Harry and Ron looked towards the source only to find Serena sitting up in her bed panting heavily with wide eyes. They quickly rushed to her side and bombarded her with questions, but she refused to speak.
Finally she slowly turned to face Harry with horror written on her face. "I saw him Harry, I saw him."
"What are you talking about Serena?" Harry asked the slightly trembling girl.
"Voldemort."
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Ron shuddered slightly at the terrifying name while Harry tried to comprehend what the blonde had just revealed. "What?!"Was all he could ask.
Serena looked around and thought for a moment while she slowly came back to reality. "A dream" she slowly stated, "I was dreaming and he was there." She then went on to recount the dream to the two boys. When she finished she was trembling again but couldn't understand why. She had faced enemies much worse than Voldemort, but something about that dream still shook her soul. She had actually seen through Voldemort and felt the evil in his heart, and that terrified her more then anything.
"Calm down Serena it was just a dream" Ron told her, but Harry wasn't so sure.
'It couldn't have been only a dream' Serena thought to herself, 'But how?' It was then that memories of the previous night came to her, and she then realized where she was and that they had been calling her Serena. "How did I get here?" She asked nervously.
"The professors took us here this morning when they found us and you wouldn't wake up" Harry answered.
Serena was afraid of that. "About that Harry" she started, trying to think of something quick.
"Enough lies Serena. I know" Harry stated bluntly.
Serena's eyes widened as she quickly turned to look at Ron who only looked down and slowly nodded his head. "Ron you promised" she whined at him.
Ron suddenly looked up at Serena and Harry with clear frustration written on his face. "Yes I promised. I promised you, I promised him, I promise everybody, and I broke all my promises. I'm a terrible friend, but guess what its out in the open now and there's nothing we can do. My job is done now and I'm tired of it so you two are on your own" and with that the red headed by stormed out of the hospital wing and into the hall.
"Drama queen isn't he?" Harry mused, but Serena felt awful for saying anything to him. But Ron was right, Serena concluded, it was time that Harry knew the truth.
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I know two in a row, but I had to end it. Besides it's going to take me awhile to write the next part and I thought I had kept you guys waiting long enough, but I promise that next chapter will not be a cliffhanger. I know shorter then my other chapters and not much action, but these were things I needed to get past before I moved on, but now hopefully all of you who have been asking are happy now that Harry has found out and next chapter more secrets will be revealed. I also wanted to get this chapter out before I leave for the weekend, so happy 24 of July everyone, wait I forget the 24 is only a Utah holiday so happy pioneer day to those of you from Utah.
Well the story's winding down now (as it should be since I've been working on it for almost a year now) and I'll try and have the next chapter out soon, but if you have the time…
review!
Review!!
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Starlytemint