Here's chapter 6 guys! Enjoy! Sorry if it's a bit late. I had some trouble writing and rewriting my chapters because of school. And I got into an accident and got confined and stuff. Please read and review! It encourages me to go on.
Mazamba: thank you for pointing that out. Well, I didn't notice that until you said it. But, you'd see the connections as the story progresses. I didn't mean to make Sakura's star power to be neutral and her magic to be dark, let's just say the past (in this fic at least) is yet to unfold (oops, spoiler). But then, no to stereotypes xD (if your impression is because of the wand choice)
I keep on forgetting but I DO NOT OWN CCS AND HP. Although I would love to own them *wink
"Text spoken in English"
'Thoughts in English'
"Text spoken in Japanese"
'Thoughts in Japanese'
*Flashback*
Sakura ate her dinner in silence while Nakuru asked Eriol endless questions about Diagon Alley. She was still confused after everything that happened during the day. After finishing their food, Eriol noticed her silence and told Nakuru to excuse them for a while. Nakuru, however, refused and it took some pulling from Suppie just for her to leave the two alone for a while. Eriol sweatdropped and admired her stubborness.
Eriol was sitting at the middle of the large rectangular dining table while Sakura sat at his right. Sakura was still silent even after Nakuru and Suppie left them alone.
"Sakura-san, is there something bothering you?" Eriol turned his head to Sakura and asked.
"Eriol-kun, I ... who was it?" Eriol raised his eyebrow.
"I beg your pardon?" Sakura suddenly chuckled, making Eriol confused. "What's funny, Sakura-san?"
"I'm sorry, Eriol-kun. You're just too formal." Eriol smiled as Sakura continued to chuckle.
'At least she lightened up.'
"Anyway," Sakura looked at Eriol with scared eyes. "Is there something wrong with the wand I got?" Eriol was taken aback by her question.
"N...no, nothing is wrong with your wand. It's actually quite powerful and rare."
"If there's nothing wrong with it, then why did you look so scared when you saw it?" Eriol kept quiet, feeling guilty at Sakura's innocent gaze.
"Who was it, the other one whose wand's wood was the same as mine?" Sakura's voice was shaking.
"Sakura-san ... I can't speak his name." Eriol stared at his empty plate.
"Why is that? Is he evil?" Sakura giggled at her joke. She failed to notice Eriol's frown.
"Yes. In fact, he is the evil of all evils in the wizarding world." Now it was Sakura's turn to frown. There was silence when both of them refused to speak.
"Voldemort." Eriol's voice was almost inaudible.
"Hoee?"
"His name in Lord Voldemort." Eriol whispered while he looked around the room. When he ensured that it was only them that was in the room, Eriol looked at Sakura intently.
"You see, he was a student in Hogwarts before. But then, he indulged himself into dark arts slowly even when he was still a student. Some time after graduating, he just vanished like thin air. After a few years, he returned with some followers and started killing off those who tried to defy him.
"Although so many people tried to defy him, he was just so powerful beyond any measure that time in the wizarding world. He killed so many good wizards until, one day, he just disappeared.
"They say he was killed by a baby boy, although many were skeptical. This rumored baby boy was left with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. He was called 'The Boy who lived' after this. I believe he is also going to Hogwarts this year. Well, after the incident, nobody heard of him." There was silence after Eriol stopped.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to joke like that." Sakura rubbed her hands nervously while looking at her plate.
"It's all right, Sakura-san, I know you didn't mean it." Eriol smiled.
"At least he's now gone, right?" Sakura beamed at Eriol, who dropped his smile. "Right, Eriol-kun?"
"I'm sorry Sakura-san, but I refused to believe that he died that day." Eriol sulked. "After the incident, his followers were still on the move, as if he didn't die." Now it was Sakura's turn to frown.
"Was he the one?"
"The one?"
"The one who killed okaa-san and erased otou-san's memories?" Eriol was surprised with Sakura's words. He knows how dense Sakura is, but now, it seems that Sakura has changed. It made Eriol think that slowly, Sakura is loosing her innocence; innocence from the reality of the world.
"I'm afraid I can't answer that. I wasn't aware of your mother's death that time. I'm sorry." Eriol avoided Sakura's eyes.
"But, did you know that otou-san was already involved in magic even before you gave him half of yours?" Sakura's stare was piercing. Eriol paused, seemingly surprised. A few seconds, Sakura became aware of what she said and looked at her lap, surprised at her own words.
"I'm sorry, Eriol-kun. I'm just so confused, that's all." She started fiddling with her fork. "Everything happened too fast; this Hogwarts thing, discovering that otou-san forgot his past and it relates to magic, not to mention this weird dream ..."
"A dream? What dream?" Eriol snapped, cutting her off in the process, while she shifted in her seat uncomfortably.
"Well, I don't remember much of it. I had it a few months ago. What I do remember is that I was hit by a green light ... That's all." Sakura decided to leave the "dying" part, not wanting to make Eriol angrier than he was at the moment.
"Why didn't you tell me about this before?" Eriol hissed, scaring Sakura. He knew what green lights meant, even if Sakura wasn't telling everything about what happened
"I ... I tried to ... talk to you countless times ... but everytime I do, something comes up ... " Sakura ducked her head low just to avoid Eriol's glare. Seeing this, Eriol's glare softened, realizing that he scared her.
"I'm sorry, Sakura-san," Sakura looked up, meeting Eriol's soft gaze with her own blurry eyes, "I didn't mean to scare you like that. It's just that ... you should have told me sooner." Eriol stood up and waved his hand to clear the table. He turned his back towards Sakura and started walking towards the door. "Go and rest now, Sakura-san, tomorrow would be a big day." He went out and went to his study.
When he reached his study, he made sure that Sakura went to her own room and rest before he entered. When he entered, he punched the wall near him.
"This is my fault! Now, she is in the midst of this!" Eriol screamed while Spinel Sun, who went straight to his master's study after he left the dining room, flew towards him and patted his head.
"It's not your fault. It's Clow's. You are not Clow." Spinel reasoned. Eriol sighed, calming down as he sat down his favorite chair.
"I just hope he puts Sakura out of this. She shouldn't be involved." He frowned while looking at an elegant looking gold cup in his desk.
"Is she really not involved now?" Spinel asks, making Eriol sigh in defeat, still looking at the cup.
'I'm sorry, Sakura. It's Clow Reed's will.'
"Oooooohhhh Sakura-chan! You're leaving already! I'm going to miss you!" Tomoyo squealed as she, Sakura, and Eriol went further in King's Cross station. It was the day that Sakura waited for; it was time to leave for Hogwarts.
"Ne, Tomoyo-chan, I'd still write to you since phones and computers are not allowed so don't worry." Sakura smiled, rubbing her cheery friend's hands. They then marched off towards the train while Eriol pushed Sakura's trunks forward.
When they reached the ticket station, Sakura went to buy a ticket for the train, but Eriol stopped her.
"You already have your ticket here with me, Sakura-san." Eriol waved the ticket before handing it to Sakura. "Anyway, this is where we part now. Goodbye now, and have a wonderful time. You are always welcome in my manor when it's your break."
After saying their goodbyes, Sakura took her trunks and started walking towards the train when Eriol stopped her.
"Be careful, Sakura-san. Always be on the side of the light." When Sakura jerked her head towards where Eriol had whispered, she found that he and Tomoyo were gone already.
'Hoeee. That's the third time already.' (A/N: First was Nadeshiko's letter, then second was Ollivander's warning, in case you forgot lol) Confused, she looked at her train ticket, making her more confused.
'Platform nine and three-quarters? Is there such a platform?' She thought to her self while pushing her trunk. 'Might as well ask the guards.' She pushed further towards the guard nearby, who was guiding the passengers toward the train.
"Excuse me, may I ask where platform nine and three-quarters is?" She smiled, making the guard smile for a moment before furrowing his eyebrows in confusion.
"I'm sorry, dear, but there's no such thing as nine and three-quarters. Are you lost? May I help you look for your parents?" He offered his hand to Sakura.
"Hoee? No, thank you, I ... I'll just find my way, d..don't worry." Sakura smiled sheepishly, scratching her head. quickly turning around, she heard the guard mutter under his breath something about why many kids were asking about non-existent platforms.
Turning her head from side to side, Sakura found herself lost and confused about her train ticket. She checked every platform but there was no platform nine and three-quarters. If there's anything close enough, that would be either platforms nine or ten.
'Hoeee? Is this the right ticket? Or the right train station? Hoeee Eriol-kun I'm so confused.' She stood between platforms nine and ten with a confused look on her face while looking at the ticket Eriol gave her when somebody tapped her shoulder.
"Are you, perhaps, looking for platform nine and three-quarters?" When Sakura turned around, she found a girl with brown, bushy hair. She was wearing the uniform for Hogwarts students; black sweater with white blouse and grey tie underneath, black skirt that reached her knees, grey socks that reached just below her knees, and black socks. Sakura assumed that they were the same age, looking at her stature.
"Uhh ... yes, but the guards said that there's no such platform. Are we in the right train station? Do you know where the platform is?" Sakura bombarded the girl with questions. Realizing that it was a bit rude, she bowed down. "I'm sorry. I was just confused." The girl giggled.
"It's quite all right. And yes, I know where the platform is. I've read about it. Come, follow me." The girl pushed her trunk towards platform nine, making her face the wall. Sakura followed her and went to her side.
"You see, the platform is not supposed to be seen by muggles, so don't be confused if the guards here haven't heard of the platform." Sakura nodded in understanding. (She learned about the common words wizards usually used from Eriol). "Now, to get to the platform, you must run towards the wall then cross the barrier. Run until you reach the other side."
"Hoee? Doesn't that hurt?" The girl laughed at Sakura's reaction.
"Well, I suppose it doesn't. If it does then the ministry should have closed it. I'll go first then you follow, okay?" The girl gripped his luggage tight. "And, when you cross the platform, please stay away from the wall immediately, okay? You wouldn't want sore butts on the train, would you?" The girl then run towards the wall.
Sakura closed her eyes, afraid that the girl would hurt and make a fool out of herself. She waited for a bang, but it didn't happen. Opening her eyes, she saw the girl was gone. Looking around the station, it looked like nobody noticed?
'Hoee? Maybe she did cross the wall? And nobody noticed? Oh well.' Sakura gripped her luggage, nervous as she ran towards the wall. She closed her eyes, afraid that she wouldn't be able to cross the wall. Seconds later, she felt a tingling sensation. She ran until she didn't feel the tingles anymore. When she opened her eyes, she saw wizards rushing towards the train. Looking up, she saw that she wasn't in platform nine or ten anymore. She was in platform nine and three-quarters.
"Cool!" Sakura gawked as she looked at her surroundings. She found the girl that helped her waving her hand and point to the train.
"We're going to be left behind if you don't hurry!" The girl shouted. Sakura rushed to her side.
"Anoo, thank you for helping me!" Sakura, who unconsciously switched to Japanese, bowed her head.
"Um, I did not understand what you just said." The train whistled. "Never mind. Just tell me later. Let's go."
After putting their luggages to the compartment, they went inside the train to look for seats. They then found an empty compartment and settled there.
"I'm sorry I switched to Japanese. I wanted to say thank you for helping me." Sakura bowed down, making the girl wave her hand.
"No it's all right. No need for such gratitudes." The girl smiled.
"It looked like you're used to crossing the barrier. Are you a student at Hogwarts as well?" Sakura tilted her head.
"To be honest, it was my first time as well. You see, this would be my first year. I am assuming it is your first year as well."
"Hoee? Then how did you know?" Sakura raised her eyebrow in confusion.
"I've read about it." Sakura opened her mouth in amazement. "Oh yeah, I'm afraid I haven't asked your name."
"Ah, I'm Kinomoto Sakura."
"I'm Hermione Granger. The pleasure is mine."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Granger." Sakura bowed down again, making Hermione blush with the formalities.
'I've never thought Japanese are so respectful.' Hermione thought to herself.
"Please call me Hermione. I don't like such formalities, Sakura. I mean, if I can call you Sakura."
"Of course! Let's be friends!" Sakura reached for Hermione's hand, who gladly took it.
"Oh, you should change into your uniform so that you would not rush later." Hermione then lead Sakura to the changing room.
After Sakura changed, the two just talked in their compartment, learning more about each other, when a knock was heard in their compartment door.
"Um, excuse me," A boy who looked the same age as the two, shyly stood there. "I ... I'm Neville. Have you seen a toad? His name is Trevor. I lost him somewhere." The boy scratched his head.
"No, sorry, I didn't. Have you seen a toad, Hermione?"
"No, I haven't seen a toad, either. Why don't we help you look for it?" Hermione offered while Sakura and Neville nodded. The two then went out of the compartment and started searching for the missing toad.
Hermione went to the front of the train while Sakura and Neville went to the back.
"Thank you for helping me. What's your name?" Neville asked while Sakura looked inside an empty compartment.
"I'm Kinomoto Sakura."
"Kinomoto? That's a weird first name." (A/N: LOL)
"No, no you have it wrong. You see, Sakura is my first name while Kinomoto is my family name. I guess we say our names differently. I'm from Japan." Sakura explained while smiling sheepishly.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I think that was stupid of me." Neville scratched his head. "Ah, I'll look here while you go there, if you don't mind." He pointed to the last car of the train; the luggage compartment. Sakura just nodded and went to where he pointed.
The moment she entered the car, she felt nauseous and dizzy. Looking around, she only saw luggages; no sign of Neville's toad. When she turned around to leave the car, she saw a figure in black cloak, making her dizzier. She fell to her knees, panting hard. When she looked up, she saw the figure looking at her with snake-like eyes.
"W..who a..are you?" Sakura whispered, barely audible, still looking at the figure with unfocused eyes. The figure just stood there, not moving. Not waiting for an answer, Sakura fell down unconscious.
"Professor! Neville! What happened?" Hermione came running from the front part of the train to the engine room. Her professor was carrying an unconscious Sakura in his arms.
"Uh, I asked Sakura to look for Trevor in the luggage compartment, then I heard a thud. When I went to look, I found Professor Quirrell shaking Sakura, who was on the floor, unconscious." Neville explained while fiddling his hands. They placed Sakura on an empty compartment.
"O...oh dear. S...she must h...have been d...di...dizzy because ... of the ... train ride." The professor stammered, stroking Sakura's hair. After a few seconds, Sakura stirred. She slowly opened her eyes to see three people.
"Hoeee?" She tried sitting up, but found it hard to do it.
"A...are y...you all ... all right?" The professor asked, worried.
"P...Professor Quirrell? What happened?" Sakura placed her pounding head on her hands.
"He found you unconscious in the luggage compartment, Sakura. How do you feel?" Hermione knelt down beside Sakura.
"My ... my head hurts. I f..feel so fuzzy." Sakura's voice was barely inaudible.
"Y...you should ... should s...sleep. W...we won't be ... arriving soon, hehehehe." Professor Quirrell went out, bumping in the door in the process.
"He sure is a weird professor." Neville commented.
"Tell me about it. Well, he is our Defense against Dark Arts professor, so I think he's fine." Hermione said while helping Sakura lie down. "I wonder what happened to her. She looks so pale now, unlike earlier." She said.
"Maybe the train ride got into her, like Professor Quirrell said. I hope that she gets better before we reach Hogwarts." Neville stood up, sighing. "Trevor still isn't found, isn't he?"
"Just let it be for now, Neville. I'm sure you're going to find it soon enough." Hermione sat opposite to Sakura's sleeping form while Neville sat beside her.