Chapter 18.- Truths Unveiled.

Wearing a beautiful white kimono with silver cherry blossoms embroidered in the side and bottom, white slippers, her hair pulled back with some clips and a beautiful silver tiara with emeralds holding the veil in place. Sakura looked like a true bride, and a princess too. Next to her Shaoran stood dressed in something that looked very much like his ceremonial clothing, except that it was white with golden embroidery in the form of a dragon. Those were the weeding attires the members of the Li Clan used.

Yes, the day of Sakura's and Shaoran's wedding had finally arrived.

First came the traditional ceremony, in which each of them recited their vows and exchanged rings as a visible proof of their promise of eternal love; next came the magical part of their ceremony. It was call the 'Binding'.

For the British half-sorcerers, who had never attended such an event, it was all so new; but what surprised them even more was when Sakura and Shaoran asked them to be an actual part of the whole ceremony.

It began with the couple kneeling in front of the Sorcerer-Priest when he handed Shaoran a ceremonial dagger, Shaoran said nothing at it, just took it and made a diagonal cut in the palm of his left hand, then handed the dagger to his fiancée. Having been explained the process of the ceremony before Sakura wasn't affected and imitated Shaoran's motion, except that with her right hand; then she handed the dagger back to the elder.

"His blood, her blood…" The Priest declared while holding high the dagger, with some drops of the couple's blood. "Shall be together from this day on, just like in this dagger. From this day on two beings become one. One body, one blood, one soul…"

As the Priest said those words Shaoran and Sakura clasped their bleeding hands together.

Next came Eriol and Tomoyo, carrying what looked like a white rope, it had been blessed by the magic of Shaoran's sisters and mother, and also by Sakura's family. Eriol and Tomoyo smiled as they tied the rope after making it go around the couple's shoulders and then their joined hands.

"As this knot is tied, so are your bodies, minds and souls." The Priest continued saying. "And shall you remain that way even after the rope is retired, bounded by that unbreakable rope that shall be your love."

Behind the first couple came Harry and Hermione carrying, he a beautifully adorned goblet, she a bottle of special wine; and immediately after Draco and Naoko, carrying the first a very beautiful fruit and the second a towel. Right in front of them Hermione served the wine in the goblet Harry was carrying.

"Just like you now share your food and drink, you will share both your joys and troubles, from this day until forever." The Priest declared.

As he spoke Harry offered the goblet to Shaoran and then to Sakura who, without using their hands, took each a sip of the drink. Draco followed, offering them the beautiful and sweet fruit, both taking a bite into it. In the end Naoko passed the towel, just to make sure there was no wine or juice dripping from their mouths.

"My body, mind and spirit; my whole life is yours my wife, my lover." Shaoran recited while looking at Sakura with a smile he reserved just for her.

"My body, mind and spirit; my whole life is yours my husband, my beloved." Sakura recited watching Shaoran with an expression that is looked like she was glowing with joy.

"My heart will always be with you, my chosen one, my love." They both recited the final line together. "We'll always be together, now and forever, from today to the end of time."

"With Kami-sama's aid, let it be so." The Priest declared.

"With The Supreme Sorcerers blessing, let it be so." Tomoyo and Eriol added from their side.

"With the whole Magical Community's best wishes, let it be so." Harry, Hermione, Draco, Naoko and the couple's families called aloud.

"Let it be so." The concurrence agreed in unison.

Shaoran and Sakura just looked at each other and declared at the same time: "Let it be so."

"Blessed those who find true love in the hard times and remain together against all odds, for they will be rewarded with the eternal happiness." The Priest said, then turned to the couple still kneeling in front of him. "I officially declare you as Husband and Wife."

That was all they needed to know, they immediately kissed tenderly.

Finally the couple got on their feet. Eriol and Tomoyo once more stepped in front of them, but this time to take the rope away. Harry and Draco together carried a porcelain basin, Naoko quickly followed them carrying a pot full with water. Sakura and Shaoran extended their still clasped hands so the water from the pot fell onto them and then to the basin; the water washed the half-dried blood off their hands. Then Hermione handed them a towel so they could get their hands dry.

That was the end of the formal ceremonies.

.---.

Some minutes later Sakura and Shaoran entered the Ball Room of the Li Mansion. They had already changed clothes and were wearing their ceremonial clothing, capes included.

"Attention!" The voice of a herald boomed from the top of the stairs, right next to the young newlyweds. "Sorcerers, Sorceresses, magic-users from the East; before you stand the ones that from this day on shall be your leaders, who shall defend and guide the Eastern Council from this day on; greet and honor Li Xiao Lang and Li Ying Fa."

Instantly all of those present did a deep bow to the couple.

.---.

After doing the first few dances Sakura and Shaoran decided to take a seat and observe the party around them for a while.

In the dance floor they could see Eriol and Tomoyo dancing very close together, it had made everyone really happy to see those two together once more. Even when no one really got to know why the two had broken up in the first place, or what had made them reconcile; tough they didn't ask either.

In one of the balconies could be seen Harry and Hermione, silently embracing each other; Harry had never been much of a dancer and apparently they were just content of being there together, watching the gardens.

What really seemed to surprise them was when they saw Naoko pulling Draco onto the dance floor, no idea how she had managed to convince him of dancing together. Though, the Asians had noticed just how much the blonde boy had changed since becoming a part of their group, and about his relationship with Naoko…they already suspected what was to come.

In one of the nearby tables sat Yukito, Kero, Kaho and Touya. Sakura's older brother had had a hard time accepting the fact that his 'little sister' would be marrying the gaki; but as the wedding had already taken place, there was nothing he could do about it. Although that didn't mean he had to like his new brother-in-law, because he defiantly didn't.

Sonomi and Severus were there too, sitting in another of the tables, chatting with Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore about how the British wizards and witch had seen the bonding ceremony, as it was the first time any of them attended one.

Many more people were there, all of those who had been invited to the wedding, but maybe the most noticeable were two certain couples, the parents of the newlyweds: Li Xiao Len and Yelan, as well as Kinomoto Fujitaka and Nadeshiko.

It had been the half-sorcerers wedding gift to the couple, to use the same special incantation Hermione used before on Harry's parents, though this time with Xiao Len and Nadeshiko. But it wasn't only them who were thankful for being there; also Yelan, who after being gravely ill for days on end had finally healed.

They could still remember how right after the Crests' Trial, Hermione had showed them the results of their investigation in Hogwarts' Library. They had discovered that mixing several herbs, some of them very rare, they could create a potion that would heal Yelan. They had all helped in recollecting the herbs, some were from Europe, others from Japan and China, but the most difficult of all had been a certain South-American plant none of them had heard about before. Shaoran still remembered how they had finally gotten the plant:

Flashback

The Supreme and half sorcerers had been discussing practically all day about how they were going to get a plant none of them even knew about.

"Had I known it would be this hard to find it I would have asked Neville for help." Hermione commented regretfully.

"It's not that Hermy-chan." Tomoyo told him. "Even if Neville-kun had known where to find the plant, he still wouldn't be able to bring it to us."

"In fact we know…or not, scratch that, Naoko-chan knows where that plant grows or…" Eriol was trying to explain the situation to her.

"That plant used to grow in South America, in a great chain of mountains in Chile, called 'Los Andes'." Naoko explained. "But that was centuries ago, back when I was Noelle-san and even then the plant was very rare. Now, I don't believe it exists anymore, and if it does we'll have a very hard time to find it."

Hermione sighed feeling deceived, she had really wanted to be of help.

"Don't feel bad with yourself Hermy-chan." Sakura said sympathetically. "You've already helped us a lot. After all, it's thanks to you that we now know what we must do to help Yelan-oka-san, even if we're still missing one of the ingredients, we're closer to the cure than we were before you arrived."

That definitely made Hermione feel better.

"And no matter what or how, I'll go and find that plant." Shaoran declared seriously.

But before anyone could comment about his decision someone knocked on the door. They were all reunited in Shaoran's office.

"Come in." Sakura called softly.

"Ying Fa-sama, Xiao Lang-sama." The servant murmured with a quick bow, before walking to Shaoran and extended him a bag and an envelope. "This just came, it was sent to you."

"Who brought it?" Shaoran asked curious, handing Sakura the bag and eyeing the envelope with confusion.

"Nobody knows master." The servant said. "It just appeared at the manor's gate a few minutes ago. Both the bag and the envelope passed the magic-tests to we know there's nothing harmful in them. Though we don't know what it may be."

"Fine." Shaoran nodded. "You may leave, Ying Fa and I will see about this."

The servant just bowed once more and left the room.

Almost getting herself ready to some sudden attack Sakura untied the ribbon that kept the bag closed, once she saw was inside she was quite confused.

"What is it?" Hermione asked.

"Leaves…" Sakura murmured bringing the contents out of the bag. "It's a plant."

"It smells very strongly of citric, lemon…" Draco commented.

"I've seen lemon-plants before, and that certainly doesn't look like a part of one." Harry said as-a-matter-of-factly.

"It's not…" Shaoran declared.

They all turned around to see Shaoran holding a piece of paper in his hands, it seemed to be the letter that until a moment ago was inside the envelope; they were all waiting to hear what Shaoran had found out in that letter, but it was someone else who finally gave the answers they were expecting.

"Oh Holy Spirits!" Naoko suddenly gasped. "That's it!"

"Nani?" Sakura was confused at Naoko's sudden outburst.

"What is it Naoko-chan?" Tomoyo asked.

"That's it!" Naoko repeated. "The plant, the Aloysia citriodora!"

"Are you sure?" Eriol asked.

"Of course I'm sure." Naoko replied. "It's obvious I would know about that plant, one of my mistresses used to cultivate it in her garden."

"One of your mistresses?" Harry asked, sensing this was important. "Who?"

"Rose Midori…" Once more the answer came from the least expected person.

They all turned to see Shaoran, who had spoken once more.

"Hai." Naoko nodded. "How do you know that?"

"Because it is she who sent us the plant." Shaoran explained as he offered the letter over to Sakura. "Read it."

"Dear Sister: I write this letter thinking in you, though I very well know I'm not sending it into your hands and it's improbable that you'll be the one to read it; although I'm sure you'll get the message anyway. Weather it may be you who understands what this gift consists us or Noelle, know I'm sending it with my best intentions, to help you and those you care for. Your friends, and probably even you will be wondering why I decided to send this instead of giving it to you personally; well, the reason is simple, it is not yet time for me to revel myself before you. You've barely known the truth of your lives and your mission in this world for less than two years, while I've known it for far longer than that. I also know you must still walk a hard road before our paths may cross, but when that day comes have no doubt you'll have my absolute allegiance. I wait for that day. Until then, take care, and never forget that I'll always be taking care of you, like we promised. Yours truly, Rose Midori." Sakura read.

"But if she knew her sister wouldn't be the one to read the letter, shouldn't that mean that Sakura isn't the Rose?" Hermione asked.

"Not exactly." Tomoyo denied. "Because she said it was improbable, not impossible."

"Nobody can predict the future with a hundred percent certainty, there's always a percent of doubt." Eriol said seriously. "She may have suspected that it wouldn't be her sister directly the one to have the letter in her hands, but there's also the small possibility that she would."

"So we still don't know who that Rose is." Harry declared tiredly.

"But at least now we're completely sure she's one of the gals here." Draco assured.

"What makes you so sure of that?" Sakura asked.

"The letter said she was sure her sister would get the message, no matter if she was the one to read the letter or not." Draco explained. "Thus far we're the only ones who know what that letter says, and I believe you won't give it to anyone else to read so…"

"He's right there." Shaoran nodded. "This are our own affairs, we can't get more people into this than there are already; it's too dangerous. Even with Harry-kun, Hermione-san and Draco-san, we can't risk any more people."

"I thought we had already talked about this, we're with you, no matter what the risks." Harry reassured the others.

"That was before any of us knew just how dangerous all this would be." Naoko said seriously, understanding Shaoran's reasoning. "We're talking not only about the 'Dark Lord' that has terrorized your society for the last two decades or so; we're now talking about the worst evil-being that has ever existed."

"What makes you be so sure about that?" Hermione asked.

"Because if it weren't that way we wouldn't be here." Tomoyo explained.

"Did I miss a conversation here?" Draco asked. "Because suddenly I think I have no idea what you guys are talking about."

"You all know we're called the Supreme Sorcerers." Sakura said seriously. "But…you don't know the real reason why we've been given that title."

"Isn't it because you're the most powerful of all?" Hermione asked. "At least that's what I've always believed."

"It is, in a way." Sakura nodded. "But there's a reason why we have this level of power."

"That's obviously because you train so much, isn't it?" Harry asked, slightly confused.

"I'm afraid that's not completely true." Shaoran stepped in. "Though it is true we train a lot, not even training day and night we would have reached the level we are in, hadn't we been born with the potential. It's no coincidence that being so different, having discovered our magic at different ages, we still have the same level. We were born to be what we are. It has always been our destiny."

And if one analyzed they could see what he meant. After all, he had been a sorcerer his whole life, Eriol had discovered who he truly was being really young; in difference with the girls who had discovered their respective powers, one at age ten, and the other two years later. And even when the radical difference in the time each of them had had their powers, they were still all in the same level, the highest one.

"Then what a coincidence it was that all of you arrived to Hogwarts right in time." Hermione commented thoughtfully.

"There are no such things as coincidences Hermione-san." Eriol denied. "It was all foreseen a long ago. Our very existence was predicted, as well as Voldemort's."

"I'm afraid I don't understand anymore." Harry murmured.

"Good and Evil must always remain balanced." Naoko declared seriously. "As long as there is day there will always be a night. It's the Yin-Yang, the eternal balance. If it is broken, terrible catastrophes will happen. Most of the time the good spirits are able to stop the evilness from taking a physical form, rendering it to the shadows, to remain in the darkness trying to tempt the mortals to turn to the dark side. But it is know that once every several centuries the evil energies become so strong it becomes impossible for the spirits to hold them at bay anymore. It is then that a certain being is born, a mortal human in appearance, though inside, it's the evil incarnated. And so, to keep the balance several good-humans are born, holding a power equal to that of the evil being, and it is their destiny to make sure that the evil force doesn't manage to consume the earth, no matter what the cost."

"We are those humans." Tomoyo added. "And we have discovered Lord Voldemort is the evil incarnated, that's why it's so hard to vanquish him. That's why not even the 'Hope Spell' we did last summer was enough to get rid of him, though it definitely weakened him. To destroy him completely we'll need to go fight him, all five of us Supreme Sorcerers."

"That's right." Draco nodded. "You've told us already there are five Supreme Sorcerers; but why isn't the fifth here?"

"That's a question to which only she knows the answer." Shaoran said seriously. "For what she says she's known all about our destiny far longer than us, which may be why she pulled herself apart before we found out who she truly was."

"Whatever the reason may be, we now know she's around and ready." Sakura added. "Now the only thing we have to do is wait, wait until she decides to reveal before us."

And wait they would.

End of Flashback

.---.

Meanwhile, almost in the other side of the world, to be more precise in Paris, France, a certain redheaded, blue eyed boy had just awoken after having had the strangest dream. A dream that for some reason, he felt it real.

'It was so weird…' he thought as he walked through a park. 'Yet at the same time it makes perfect sense; and it explains everything that's been happening lately. The odd attitudes, the whispers, the secrets, the way how Harry, Hermione and those Asians seemed to know and do so many things they just won't tell. It's all because of that…'

And as Ron reasoned, the memory of the dream returned to his mind.

Dream

It was night, the fight of the D.A. against Voldemort and his minions. Right after Sakura and her friends had revealed they weren't the common witches and wizards almost everyone believed them to be.

"I will get you for that." Voldemort said, he aimed for the younger students. "Crucio!"

"No you won't." Hermione said getting before them. "Protergo!"

The shield resisted the curse like it had resisted in Christmas break.

Most of the students and professors were shocked. Had Hermione Granger just done magic without a wand!

"Expelliarmus!" Harry yelled raising both hands before him.

The spell was stronger than when he used his wand and the last standing Death Eaters crashed into the trees or walls of the castle falling then limply to the floor.

Ron had been shocked at seeing both of his best friends doing magic with their bare hands, but being in the middle of a fight he had no time to wonder or ask anything; they still had an enemy to defeat.

End of Dream

That was what had truly happened that night, during that battle, what had happened and Ron had forgotten, though as to what had made him forget, he had no idea. Though he believed something big was going on, which was why he had suddenly remembered it all; and he suspected that it had to do with his friends' attitudes.

"You wish to find out what it is your friends have been keeping you away from?" A female voice suddenly next to him made him jump.

"Who are you?" Ron asked defensively.

"A friend, you could say." The woman told him.

Ron could see it was a young woman, no older than he was, he was even an inch or too taller than her. She was covered in a dark-red, almost black cloak that left only a bang of her dark hair visible, he couldn't even see what color her eyes were, being hidden in the shadows.

"My name matters not right now." She insisted. "You need only to know I'm no enemy, I wish no harm to you nor to those you care for. What really matters is: do you or do you not wish to know what your friends have kept you from? To be a part of what they are living."

Silence reigned for what seemed like an eternity. In one hand Ron believed that if Harry and Hermione had kept him away from everything there must be a reason, he didn't want them to be deceived if he did something they didn't want him to do; yet on the other hand, weren't they supposed to be friends?

'Friends stick with each other.' Ron thought 'In good times and bad…'

"So," The woman insisted. "What say you?"

"Yes." Ron finally answered. "I wish to know."

.---. End of Chapter .---.

Finally Calliope got to work and here I am, with the latest chapter of "Two Roses". I don't have much to say about it. As I had already told you there would be Sakura's and Shaoran's weeding, I decided to put only the original part, the magical part, and not the traditional ceremony which, as I explained, did take place, even when I didn't describe it.

In the next chapter we'll see, finally, Ron's reunion with the others, and how he'll finally become fully involved with everything that's going on. We'll know some more about the absent Rose, and will get some very important clues about which of the gals is the other one. I believe that in the chapter next to that one I'll finally reveal openly who Rose Tsubame reincarnated as.

Now I remember something I've been wondering about. How is it possible that out of about 29 people who have this story on "Story Alert" and 27 who have in in their list of favorites, the more reviews I've ever received were 12, and even that happened several chapters ago. I would really like it if more people left review. Believe me that reviews help me get inspired.

Well, that was all I wished to say, hope you'll leave a reviews, I'll be seeing you all again in the next update.