So here is the next installment. Sorry it has taken me so long to update. I really wanted to make this a long chapter—I think I succeeded fairly well. Thank you to all who have written me with their opinions. They are greatly appreciated. As to some of the statements: I have yet to decide if I am going to pair Serenity up with anyone. I kind of like her as a loyal lover. I do not think that she could really move on from Mamoru; he is her soul-mate after all. That and I like Harry and Ginny together. Draco could maybe be a good idea but it is kind of cliché and I like him as the bad guy. If you have any suggestions please review. Maybe a bit of inspiration could turn the tale.

Also I was wondering what you all would think if I brought someone back. I do not think that it would be Mamoru or one of the senshi, but someone who is not so connected. Just someone who would know her story and be there for her. But I do not know yet. I need opinions.

Once again… I do not own anything!!

Remembrance
Remembrance is a golden chain
Death tries to break,
but all in vain.
To have, to love, and then to part
Is the greatest sorrow of one's heart.
The years may wipe out many things
But some they wipe out never.
Like memories of those happy times
When we were all together.

Author Unknown

Waiting…that seems to be my only purpose these days. But that will change tonight. The students are returning to Hogwarts tonight, and I shall soon become one of them. I never thought that this moment would seem so terrifying, but it is. I do not feel ready for this. I do not like change that much.

Relax. All will be fine. I am so prepared for this. The professors, save for Professor Snape, returned to Hogwarts early to teach me what I needed to know. So at least I am not a complete ignoramus. And all the teachers chipped in to teach me what they know of potions and DADA; a professor for that class had yet to be hired. Since the professors for those clases were not here, I had to learn somewhere. I did fairly well on my OWLs too:

Astronomy: A

Care of Magical Creatures:O

Charms: A

Defense Against the Dark Arts:A

Herbology: E

Potions: E

Transfiguration: O

I am short a few courses but I'm sure that it will resolve itself. Not like I really need Divination or History of Magic and the like. When discussing what courses to study, there were some that appeared to be the core ones. Through my time with Rei, I can read fires, so it was decided that I didn't need Divination. That and Professor McGonagall was adamant about me not wasting my time learning about such a needless class. And History of Magic was too much to cover in one summer. Instead Professor Binns taught me all the important terms and cultures of the Wizarding World. So all I really needed were charms, potions, tranfiguation, etc. Nothing too bad.

Everything that I learned this summer was completely based off of what I needed to pass my OWLs. My scores were good and although I really know no basics, I am confident that I can learn them. Actually, the professors were really surprised by my scores. I know that I had great teachers, and for once I was really dedicated to learning the material, but I also know that my sisters were there in spirit to help me.

Seriously, Herbology and Potions were not that bad once I thought of the cooking lessons Makoto used to give me. I remember Hotaru's obsession with light; she used to always stare at the stars. Through her and Ami I learned about the constellations. Without them, I think the only thing I would be able to point out in the night sky would be the moon that I was born from. Transfiguration is really all about visualization. Rei's constant teachings at the temple really helped me there. Care of Magical Creatures was not too bad. Some of the creatures existed in my world too, either in reality or legend. Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts were the only two that I really had to buckle down on and learn. But they were interesting so it was not too hard. I can do this.

I have my wand what more do I need. I am prepared. And I should pick up on everything pretty fast. After all, my wand is perfect for all types of magic according to Mr. Ollivander. 11 3/4 inches made of holly to give it a white appearance with a core of phoenix tears and unicorn hair. The holly symbolizes protection and the spiritual warrior and the core imbues my wand with pure magic. I love it. It feels a part of me, and I know that with it in my hand I have no limits.

I should stop worrying. After the few remedial classes that I still have to take, I will be pretty much caught up with my peers. Of course, I am still going to have some trouble, but I will soon be one of them, right? Who am I kidding? I know what people are like—especially to the new kid. At least when Minako, Amy, and Makoto had been new, I was there to become fast friends with them. I only hope that someone will do the same for me here. Not that I want friends—I really do not want to get attached to anyone—but I do not very much like being alone.

So here I am standing in the Great Hall, hidden in shadow, watching as my peers enter the hall. I do not move. I will stay in the background until Professor Dumbledore announces my presence. Until then, I will wait.

When the time of the sorting came, I was a nervous wreck. I had never really cared what people thought about me before. In school, I was with the same group of people that I had been with since the beginning. They knew what I was like, liked me in return, and so no longer cared when I did something out of the ordinary. The people in Tokyo mostly did not know me personally, but I am pretty sure that I ran into them at one point. And when I say ran into them, I literally mean ran into them, knock them over to the ground, etc. I am always late to be someplace.

But here, my soon to be peers do not know me. Their opinions do not matter as much as say the senshi, but they still matter. I have never been anywhere where people did not like me. I mean I have had enemies who wanted to kill me, but they really do not count right now. Breathe. I tell myself that I have to get used to this. If things ever go back to the way they were, I will need to be able to confront this fear and discomfort. If things change, then I will be queen. This is just practice, in a sense.

The last little one has been sorted. It is my time now. I lift my chin slightly and square my shoulders. I am strong. I can do this. Headmaster Dumbledore stands; this is it.

"Attention students, I have a very exciting announcement to make. This year, Hogwarts will be taking in a transfer student, of sorts. Her name is Serenity Moon and she comes to us from a muggle school in Tokyo, Japan." He lets the information be absorbed by the masses. They are whispering innocently now. I am definitely the topic of conversation. My courage begins to fade. How sad is this? I am a warrior and yet a simple sorting has me at my wits end. Dumbledore begins to talk again. He fixes his gaze hard on his students, "She is to be a sixth year, and I expect all of you to welcome her with open arms and treat her with the respect that you give your other peers." The whispers have grown. There is still time to turn back. No, no I am stronger than this.

Professor McGonagall turns to me, "Please come sit down, my dear." I lean off the wall and walk over, my cloak still shielding my body from my now peers. My hands move up to remove my hood; they shake. As the hood falls and my face becomes apparent to room, a gasp runs through the student body. Obviously they were not expecting someone like me. It almost made me mad. All my lives I have had people expecting so much of me. When they wanted me to be more, I accepted that. The senshi ragged on me about me faults but it was only because they love me and wanted me to be my best. They wanted the world to see what they see.

But here, they were not expecting more of me. If anything thing they wanted me to be ugly and overweight. I was a late student, not pureblood, and therefore should not seem like I was anything special. But when my cloak revealed my face, they could not hate me and tease me in the way they wished too. They wanted something more than just blood to hold over me and raise them up. Professor McGonagall places a hat upon my head once I sit down. Now was the moment of my sorting.

"Oh, what a mind," a voice resounded within my head. My body tensed up with the intrusion. "Do not fear tis only me, the sorting hat. Now where to place you…" the voice trails off. "Never have I seen a mind such as this. So much that I cannot even reach. Your mind is so guarded, but I can still see enough. So much loyalty, but definitely not Hufflepuff; you will not grow there. Intelligent enough to be a Ravenclaw but you have no real dedication to learning."

"I am dedicated to learning," I protested his unfair impressions of my actions. I know that is not true though; well, at least it wasn't until this year.

"You may have spent the summer researching this world, but it was not for the love of learning that the Ravenclaws exhibit. It was for the purpose of growing and becoming stronger because you hate feeling weak. It is this will to grow that would make you perfect for Slytherin. Gryffindor would also be perfect for you. You would do so well in either…"

"I would like to be placed in the same house as Harry Potter, if that is possible," I asked, careful not to be disrespectful. The worn hat may be old but it is very wise and has seen much, I would do well not to make it angry with me.

"Yes, your charge. An excellent Gryffindor he has become; almost put into Slytherin, but alas, he has never had a care for power. Probably a good thing. He would have done well there, though. But I digress. Yes, yes…Gryffindor. You shall be in GRYFFINDOR!" the last word being screamed across the hall. But the hat was not finished with me yet. As I pulled him from my head, I heard his final words to me: "It was an honor to meet you, Princess Serenity. You shall shine here." To say that I was shocked would have been a complete understatement. The shields in my mind are very powerful and took weeks to construct with the help of my senshi. How was the hat able to see through? The magic infused in it must be very powerful, indeed. And although I knew I could trust the hat, it worried me. If he can see through, then who else can?

I hated the feeling of all eyes on me as I walked to the Gryffindor table. I began my trek over to Harry Potter. I had looked up a picture of him before the sorting; it seemed like a good idea to know the face of the boy that I was meant to protect. And I knew that it would be beneficial for me to meet him as soon as possible. The sooner he trusts me, the sooner and easier it will be for me to do my job. My peers clapped—with the exception of Slytherin—and I immediately felt welcome. I knew that I was the outsider and that most would treat me as such, so it felt good to be wanted, if only for the moment.

Professor Dumbledore stood up as I sat down in the empty seat across from my charge, a bright twinkle in his eyes as he gave me a wink. I smiled back but the headmaster had already turned to face my peers and began to explain the rules of the new year. Soon the table was magically covered in delicious foods, and a hand popped up into my peripheral vision. I turned beside me to see the person that this hand belonged to before clasping my own around it, as the bushy haired girl began to speak, "Hello, my name is Hermione Granger. I am a sixth year, just like you."

"Hi, I am Serenity Moon. It's nice to meet you." We release our hands and she directs my vision to the other side of the table, where two boys sat. One being my charge the other a nice-looking red head, whom I assumed was friends with Harry.

"And these two are my good friends. The one stuffing his face is Ron Weasley," said boy raised his right hand to give a half-hearted wave as he continued to pile more food onto his already full plate. "And this is…"

"Harry, Harry Potter," my charge interrupted, as he reached a hand over the table which was met with mine in an informal greeting.

"Nice to meet you," I repeated, and turned my attentions to the food before me. I was really hungry, having not eaten lunch as I was too nervous. A look was suddenly passed between the trio and then dismissed. Obviously they were not used to such a casual greeting, but probably passed it off as my ignorance of the wizarding world. I could tell, though, that Harry was relieved at me not being some crazy Boy-Who-Lived fan.

"So you are from Japan?" Hermione asks eagerly. I nod in return as I take a bite of my turkey tetrazzini. "That is so cool. I really want to go to Japan sometime. I tried learning Japanese once and it is really hard. Do you think that you could teach me some sometime?"

"Of course, I would be happy to." This girl, she reminds me of Amy.

"And if you need anything: Help with finding your classes or with school work, just come to me. Professor Dumbledore said that you came from a muggle high school, so if you need any tutoring I would be happy to assist. I know what it is like to be in a new world. When I first found out about Hogwarts I was overwhelmed by the existence of magic. "

"Jeez Hermione, give the girl a chance to breathe before you start attacking her," the red head, introduced as Ron, said. I gather this was a mistake by the color Hermione's face was changing.

"Ronald Weasley. Uhgg insufferable prat," she crossed her arms and turned from her tormentor, who only rolled his eyes at her actions. I giggled. I miss this. I now realize that I have yet to hear anything from my charge. I look to Harry; something is wrong. He is quiet and forlorn. Professor Dumbledore never mentioned anything traumatic happening to Harry recently. I hope that I have not arrived here too late. Harry looks up at me, almost as though he knew I was thinking about him. I wonder what happened.

Dinner continued on like that. Harry did not say much. Hermione and Ron acted fine but their continuous worried looks at Harry said otherwise. I do not know what happened but Professor Dumbledore better be ready to give some answers.

Soon the students began making their ways to their dorms. All the first year students huddled together, afraid to get lost, while the older students slowly began their treks away from the hall.

"Ms. Moon, if you would please accompany me to my office, we have somethings to discuss about your schedule." Professor Dumbledore said from behind me. I turn around and look at him, almost questioningly. We have already sort-of discussed my course situation. A look passes between us and I know that this conversation will not be solely about my classes.

I had really hoped that this moment would not present itself. Professor Dumbledore had yet to question me further on my past. All that had been disclosed after the breakdown were small inconsequential details about my past. The simple things like the fact that I was born and raised in Tokyo, my favorite color, my love for red roses and the such. The little trivial details I felt okay to leak out in conversation. I sigh and stand up from the table.

"I'll see you guys in the dorm, okay?" I say with as much happiness as I can manage in the present situation. I really do not want this conversation to go on.

"Are you sure," Hermione speaks up. "I mean, can you find your way okay? I can come with if you want that way you won't get lost." Awww, Hermione, such a caring person.

"Don't worry. I stayed here over the summer. I know this school like the back of my hand." That and I really do not want you or anyone to be in the room for this 'meeting.'

Professor Dumbledore and I walk in complete silence to his office. For this I am thankful; we do not need anyone overhearing and I need time to contemplate what I will say. Once in the brightly decorated office, I am greeted with the site of Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape along with a raggedy looking man that I have yet to meet. I make my way to the empty seat across from Professor Dumbledore and wait for him to begin.

"Now Ms. Moon, so far I have respected your need for secrecy but recent events have caused the need for more information from you." Recent events? And what makes him think that I am going to just tell him everything just because he wants me to?

"Albus, you cannot be serious. I am sure the Dark Lord did not mean some child. She should not be brought into this. She could be a spy. And if not, what can she do to help in the war?" Professor Snape says from the shadows that he has chosen to stand in. He really needs to learn to keep his mouth shut if he knows what is good for him. I can do a lot. And the idea that I am a spy is very infuriating. He just associated me with evil.

"Thank you for your opinions, Severus, but I am quite serious." Professor Dumbledore seems very upset by Professor Snape's criticism of his decisions. "Now, Professor Snape is a spy for us against Lord Voldermort," Dumbledore begins to tell me, while his colleagues sit in absolute terror that he would tell me something of this magnitude, "recently he noted many changes in Voldermort. If you would, Severus, continue please." I look to my new potions teacher awaiting the continuation of this story, he returns my look with one of disgust. He really should learn some manners. But he knew that he must continue on, and so he did. Just not directed towards me; I do not believe that he thinks I deserve any respect. He turns to the other two participants in the room and begins his side of the story.

"As I already told Albus, the Dark Lord has been acting very strange lately. It started about the very beginning of summer," so about the same time that I appeared, strange, "and has only gotten worse at the days continue. There are more torture sessions in which he seems to enjoy them at a more sadistic mind-set than ever before. Also he is planning something."

"Planning what?" the unknown, no-name, raggedy, dirty-blond haired, malnourished man sitting on my left questions. His interruption elicits a sharp glare from Professor Snape.

"If you would let me finish Lupin," so the man has a name after all, "you would have realized that I have no idea. He has not even released that information to his inner circle. But he has mentioned it in passing. Though only to say that it will quench his inner evil's desires, if that makes any since. Once he did say that he would bring down the Golden Child and the moon. But we have no idea what he is planning; only that it is going to be big." I gasp when hearing his report. Bring down the moon. That is what he said. But how could he possibly know? And 'his inner evil's desires,' what does that mean? Has Voldermort sold his soul to Chaos? That seems to be the only explanation.

"That is why," I murmur. Chaos is here and he knows that I am here too. So that is my real purpose. I had silently wondered at why they would send me here just to help in some mortal war. It does not really seem big enough to merit their attention. But Chaos is here, so they brought me here to defeat him. The Fates only want me here to make sure that Harry kills Voldermort so that I may be able to destroy my brother. This war shall never end.

All eyes have turned toward me now. They heard my words, no matter how I tried to stay silent. Professor Dumbledore has a weird look in his eyes; one that I cannot place. It is almost worried, glad to be right, but also sad about it too.

"Why what, Ms. Moon?" they all wait with bated breath for my answer. And I know that this time, there is no getting out of it.

"I told you that my purpose here was to protect Harry, and it is, but I am realizing that there is more to it than I originally thought." Professor Snape and that Lupin person both turn to me with shock written all over their faces; though Professor Snape is much better at concealing it. I guess that Professor Dumbledore proved very trustworthy and did not tell anyone about why I am here. "As for Lord Voldermort's changes, I believe that he is not exactly what you believe him to be, anymore. It is my conclusion that he has traded his soul for power, and now has an evil entity living in his body with him." I let everything sink in.

"What do you mean by evil entity in his body? Are you saying that we have to fight a super-powered Voldermort?" says the still not introduced Lupin person.

"No, not really," I look down at my hands, twiddle my thumbs a bit. How uncomfortable do I feel in this moment? "Harry will fight Voldermort. Once he wins, it will be my duty to defeat the evil that is harboring in Voldermort's body." I take a deep breath as everything sinks in. I really loathe talking about this. I had really hoped that it would be a long while before I had to face 'him' again. I do not think I am strong enough. And what about this world? Will it be destroyed in the process—will the war against Voldermort mean nothing? I look up at Professor Dumbledore with as much stability of mind and body that I can muster in this moment, "That is my true purpose. I thought it was to just protect Harry, but that is only the first part and not even the main part. My true destiny is to defeat this evil. And that is all that I can really tell you. I do not know anymore than that. I am as much in the dark as you all are." Please let this be the end of this conversation. Whatever happened to talking about my class schedule. I think we should get to that now.

"Once again, I see the need to point out that she is a child, Albus. What in bloody hell is she talking about fighting some evil entity and some higher purpose to protect Potter? What have you not been telling us?" I never knew that Professor Snape cared so much.

"When Serenity appeared here over the summer, she told us of a destiny that she had to complete. She also relayed the information that she was sent her by the Fates to protect Harry. That is why she was made a student; so that she could watch over him," Professor McGonagall interjected. These are the first words that she has spoken the entire time. I almost forgot that she was even in the room. Although, she is probably the smarter for it, just sit in the background, quietly and you can hear all sorts of things.

Snape looks to want to say something, yet Professor McGonagall's tone insinuated a finality to what was just said and he stays silent; sulking but silent.

"I see it is getting late—and we have yet to discuss your schedule." I am grateful for this turn in the conversation, and give Professor Dumbledore a weak smile. It is all that I can really manage right now. Professor McGonagall turns in her chair to face me completely.

"I was thinking of remedial classes for the courses that you took your OWLs on, along with the sixth year level courses. After winter break, we would pick only the remedial courses that you think crucial to your success here. It is quiet a work load. I realize that we talked about it before, Serenity, but are you still sure that you want to go at this pace?"

"Yes, I am sure. I do not know how long I will be here and I surely do not want to behind for the complete duration of my stay. I am prepared to learn the needed material." Professor Snape almost looks surprised at my determination to take all of these courses; he obviously has little faith in Gryffindors or just his students in general.

"Alright then," says Professor Dumbledore, "that is all set. I saw you speaking with Ms. Granger early. She is a great friend to have and I am sure that she will help you adjust to your studies. I have spoken with all of the other teachers and, as they are already aware of your situation, will help you with whatever you need. So do not be afraid to ask." He looks to the person on my left and seems to have reached a grand realization. "My dear, please excuse me, I have forgotten to introduce Professor Lupin. He will be your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year. He is to be announced tomorrow at breakfast. It completely past my memory that you did not know him."

I turn to Professor Lupin and offer my hand in greeting, to which he accepts. From the corner of my eye, I notice Professor Snape sneer. I get the impression that he does not like Professor Lupin that much. But then again, I get the impression that Professor Snape does not like many people.

Slowly the discussions come to an end. The professors begin to file out of the office, and I stand to follow. As I reach the door, I remember the one thing that I really wanted to talk to Professor Dumbledore about.

"Professor," he looks up, "I noticed that something is wrong with Harry. I was wondering, what happened. It must have been pretty traumatic." I stand in the doorway and wait for his response.

"Young Mr. Potter had a very tough year, last year. He recently lost his godfather, the only real family that he had. He has not recovered yet, and I suspect that it will take much time. It is probably for the best if you do not bring it up. Wait for him to tell you." Just in those few words, Professor Dumbledore seemed to grow twenty years older. He really cares for Harry, and for that, I know that I can trust him.

I walk out of the office and go to my dorms, contemplating all that has transpired this night. Tomorrow is the start of school. Tomorrow is the day that I begin to fulfill the first part of my purpose here. I will save Harry, starting with saving him from his own grief.

As I enter the common room through a very annoying picture of a voluptuous woman, I am met with Hermione's smiling face. She is sitting with Ron and Harry and I suspect is happy to see another female. And as much as I do not want to, I smile back and truly mean it. It is nice to be apart of something again.

To be continued...

All forms of criticism are accepted and appreciated!!