Thanks to those people who reviewed … appreciated your thoughts very much!
I would like to add Beth-chan, the ultimate H/U fan … as one of my inspirations.
Hope you like this chapter; it's a little longer than the first one.
(KD) Keating's Disciple
"Talking"
'Thinking'
(Setting, Place)
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Sailor Moon or Harry Potter; they belong to Takeuchi Naoko and J.K. Rowling.
MEMORIES OF YOU
CHAPTER 2: Swirl of Feathers
A flash of light engulfed the sky and blinded Harry and the rest of the world.
Time seemed to stop from Harry's point of view.
'Where am I?' Harry mused dreamily. 'Why am I floating? Did I just die…and now my soul's going somewhere? Last thing I remember … I … I was about to get the Snitch. And then, there was this light. Then something hit me. But I guess it wasn't a Bludger this time. It felt so soft … and … and so warm.'
Then slowly, a faint sweet scent started to invade his senses. 'Lilies…' Harry thought, 'Yes, I really am going to heaven.'
True, before the bright light totally blinded Harry, he was able to capture the Golden Snitch with his right hand. Right after grabbing it, a ball of light collided against Harry causing him to drop his Firebolt to the ground. The radiance in the sky was just so intense that people in the field did not see what exactly happened to the Boy-Who-Lived.
After a few seconds, the light seemed to soften and the next thing they saw was an unconscious Harry Potter and a human-size glowing ball of silver and gold light, plummeting to the ground at great speed.
"HARRY!" Ron paled from his broomstick, totally forgetting about the game, as he watched his friend and some sort of comet falling to the ground.
People were panicking from their seats—teachers were frantically waving their wands trying to slow Harry down, students were crying and screaming out of fear, while others just held their breath, too stunned to see this human-size ball of light driving poor Harry down to his grave.
Even Lee Jordan remained frozen in his place, too shocked to say anything, not noticing that the microphone had slipped from his hand.
Death seemed to come closer in each passing second when unexpectedly—dazzling thin rays of silver light oscillated between Harry and the glowing ball, infusing the air with comforting warmth.
Then large beautiful wings, such of an angel, sprang up behind the glowing ball stopping it and Harry from further falling to the ground.
For a few moments, the young Gryffindor wizard and the glowing ball stayed about 12 feet above the ground, seemingly floating. Slowly, the angelic wings recoiled a little and spread out again in their full length and grace, creating a spellbinding swirl of silver white feathers in the air.
Then the dazzling rays of silver light shone more brightly, causing Harry and the comet to descend slowly. After that, the swirling silver white feathers gathered below and created a soft glittering bed on the green field where Harry was carefully laid.
The glowing ball of light and the large silvery wings magically disappeared, and people gasped in awe at what their eyes had caught a sight of—
There lay on top of Harry Potter, a form of a girl with very long golden tresses in an elegant white dress.
Harry stirred and started to gain his senses back. 'Uuhmmm … am I in heaven now?' he dimly thought.
Languidly, he opened his eyes and was able to see little blurs of white above him. He moved his left hand towards his face to fix his eyeglasses, which had become askew due to his supposed 'surreal journey' to paradise. With eyeglasses in place, he silently gasped at what he saw clearly above him—swirl of feathers dancing around the air.
Harry then felt something soft and warm on top of him. He looked down at his chest and just saw what seemed to be a mop of golden hair. He thought of prying this golden-haired being off from his body, but then changed his mind quickly.
'I think I'll just wait for someone to help me here,' he considered, letting the sweet scent of lilies infiltrate his senses again.
Harry just stayed there motionless for few more seconds when suddenly, the creature on top of him started to move and lifted itself off from Harry. What Harry saw took his breath away—
An angel. That was all he could think of, especially with the feathers still floating around them.
The angel looked down at Harry with a concerned face, long silver gold hair cascading down her back.
She had a small heart-shaped face, soft unblemished skin, tiny pointed nose, and rose-colored lips. The faintly glowing crescent moon mark on her forehead did not become unnoticed. But what caught Harry's attention the most were her eyes—vibrant blue, mesmerizing as the clear sky.
'Harry!'
Then the angel cupped Harry's face gently and asked, "Are you alright?" worry etched on her beautiful face.
'Harry!'
"Ah …" Harry answered getting out of his momentary stupor. "Ye-yes, I am fine."
'Harry!'
"I'm glad you are fine," the angel said with a small smile before closing her eyes and darkness claimed her.
( August 3, 1999 – 1: 43 AM
10th floor, No. 40
Stuarts' Apartment for Wizards
57th Wandsworth Road, London )
"Harry!"
"Harry!" Hermione said pleadingly. "Harry, wake up!" The brown-haired girl continued to shake the boy's shoulders.
Harry's eyes were still tightly closed and he was still mumbling in his sleep. Then—
SLAP!
Emerald eyes snapped open, vaguely noticing two forms hovering above him beside his bed. He also noticed the dim light coming from his left corner, 'My lampshade? Hermione must have turned it on.'
"Gee, Mione, you should have slapped him the moment we neared his bed," murmured Ron to Hermione.
"Shut up, Ron!" said an irritated Hermione towards the red head's direction.
Shifting her gaze back to the green-eyed boy, "Harry, sorry about slapping you …" she helped him to get up and lean his back against the headboard. "And well … you were dreaming again … we were trying to wake you up," Hermione finished as she handed Harry his eyeglasses that were resting on the small table, beside the bed.
Harry touched his slightly red cheek, and then took the spectacles from Hermione's hand. "Thanks, it's okay," he smiled at her tiredly, putting his eyeglasses on.
"Yeah, mate!" Ron suddenly exclaimed. "You were mumbling in your sleep again, like talking to someone. Was it Serena again? OWWW! Mione, what was that for?" Ron asked his muggle friend right after she jabbed him on the side with her elbow.
"Ron!" Hermione shot back at him with glaring eyes, seating beside Harry's bed.
"Yes, it was Serena again …" Harry abruptly said, causing his two friends to look at him again, waiting for him to continue.
Harry closed his eyes for few seconds, opened them again and sighed. "I dreamt of the day when I first saw her … you know … when she fell down from sky during the Quidditch game. It … it just felt so real, her hands felt so warm …"
"Oh yeah!" Ron agreed happily. "That MIND BLOWING debut of Serena! Geez, you gave all of us a scare! I couldn't move from my spot … we all thought you were going to hit the ground. I … I won't EVER forget that … especially after all that happened, you were still able to get the Snitch and made us win the game!" the red head boy ended his little outburst.
"Harry," Hermione uttered softly. "I know it's been almost a year and a half since Serena died and disappeared … I … I know it's still hard for you to accept everything. And, we're just a little worried because for the past few weeks, you were having these dreams again of Serena … almost every night."
"Yes, Harry, Mione's right," Ron added in a more serious tone. "We know it's really hard for you. HECK! It is still … for all of us … heaven knows how much we miss Serena."
He scratched his nose and continued. "Though, we thought your recurring dreams had somehow lessened … but it seemed the other way. If you want to talk to us about them, you know that we are here for you."
"Thanks, guys …" replied Harry softly. "But don't worry too much, I would be alright. Besides, I have the notebook that Hermione had given me. It works even better than a Pensieve!" Harry finished with a little laugh.
"Mwahmmm," Ron yawned and looked at his watch, "it's only 2 AM, we better go back to sleep."
"Yes …" Hermione said, standing up from Harry's bed. "We better go now. You should go back to rest, Harry. And yes, don't forget about your notebook," she advised while starting to leave.
"Yes, Dr. Granger," Harry said smilingly, looking at his two friends that were leaving his room. "And thanks again."
"Mwaahmm … no promblem, Mharry," answered Ron's muffled voice, following behind Hermione, and then closing the door.
As soon as he saw and heard Ron closed the door, the smile in Harry's face melted into a frown.
"Serena … I miss you …" he whispered in the dark, staring at the wound across his right palm with eyes full of sadness and longing.
He pushed his blanket aside, swung his legs down the floor, put his slippers on and padded towards the glass doors leading to a balcony.
Harry slid one of the glass doors open and stepped outside, welcoming the cold August air. He stood behind the copper-colored railing, gazing up at the beautiful dark sky—
Stars glittering like little diamonds strewed across a blanket of black, the crescent moon still hiding its ethereal light from the world.
"Serena …" again 19-year-old Harry sighed. Slowly, tears rimmed his eyes and fell upon his cheeks, slightly moistening his eyeglasses. "It's been almost one and a half years … and until now … I can't let go …"
True, nearly a year and half had passed ever since Serena died and disappeared.
The first time Harry saw Serena was in his seventh year at Hogwarts, the day when she descended from the sky during the Quidditch game against the Slytherin.
Immediately when he had found himself staring at her face and drowning in her blue eyes, while he rested on the green field, he felt this strange fascination towards the girl. And eventually, after having had learned her story as the Lunarian princess who was the only one who survived Chaos, this sense of fascination was further strengthened with the desire to protect her.
Serena had been sent to Hogwarts by her mother, Queen Serenity, in the hope of giving her a chance to live a new life and to deal with the loss of Mamoru and the Sailor Senshis better.
There, she had been sorted and accepted as a 7th year Gryffindor student, adding her as another trustworthy ally to Harry and the rest. Unlike her old high school days, when she had been such a klutz who barely passed her subjects, Serena didn't waste the chance given to her by the Wizarding School. She did not just merely cope with her lessons; rather she excelled in them, much to the delight of Dumbledore and the other teachers.
New life had not been the only thing that Serena found at Hogwarts; she discovered new love as well. She and Harry had become very close and in time, with the help of Hermione, Ginny, and Ron, confessed their love for each other.
Two lonely souls cursed to carry the weight of the world, the Boy-Who-Lived and the Lunarian princess, found refuge and hope in each other's love.
Or that's what they had thought.
( FLASHBACK )
The undulating cloak of darkness pulsed in the air with great force of evil.
Wide scarlet eyes with cat-like slit pupils stared down at a bruised and bloodied Harry Potter on the floor. Long, thin, deathly pale fingers clutched the wand tightly preparing to curse the Unforgivable that would end the boy's life.
A low, raspy voice hissed. "You' re such a fool, Potter. Hexing me with your silly words … saving the world through your idiotic feats of courage. Truly, it's a pleasure torturing you."
Harry raised his head feebly towards the Dark Lord. "Voldemort … a-as long … as I … a-am breathing … I will … ne-never give up … my mission of … of defeating you." He tried to lever himself up, but alas, his body was just so sore and weak.
Voldemort glared at Harry more wickedly and derided him again. "Well then …why not finally make the Boy-Who-Lived into the BOY-WHO-DIED!!" He raised his wand and shouted, "AVADA—"
MOON
COSMIC
POWER
ATTACK!!
A powerful beam of white light was shot towards Voldemort, throwing him off against the crumbling wall, leaving him unconscious.
"Serena …" Harry whispered.
There stood at the entrance of the derelict Riddle Manor—Serena, in her regal white gown, a unique sword held tightly by her dainty hands. The sword sparkled in the dark as a ray of moonbeam struck it.
The sword had a golden hilt with a small relief of a roaring lion's head; the eyes of the beast made of tiny stones of ruby. The two feet silver blade had been engraved with a phrase in Lunarian writing. This sword was the fusion of Godric Gryffindor and Serenity's swords—the union of courage and love.
Serena ran towards Harry's huddled form on the ground. She knelt on the floor, set the sword aside and tilted him on his back. "Harry … this may hurt a little, but I need to do this!" she told the boy commandingly.
Harry nodded. "Okay, Serena."
With that Serena lifted the young Gryffindor's right hand, and using the sword, made a diagonal cut across his palm. She did the same with her own right palm. Then, she pressed both their bleeding right palms together, the crescent moon insignia on her forehead started glowing. As she transferred her blood to the boy, she closed her eyes and the light from her forehead shone more brightly, causing Harry's wounds and bruises to close and heal. The young wizard's body had also become infused with energy and strength.
When the process was done, Harry sat up and hugged the moon princess closely. "Thank you so much, Serena." Releasing her from the hug, he asked, "What was that sword you used?"
"It's the Gryffindor sword and the Lunarian sword melded into one," Serena beamed proudly.
Harry gazed at her lovingly. "Serena … I … I don't know what to say … I …"
Serena smiled at him warmly. "Harry, you—HAAHHH!!"
The princess gasped in shock. Harry froze in his place.
"Goodbye, princess! HAHAHAHA!" Voldemort laughed.
The Dark Lord stood behind; his left hand plunged deeply into the girl's back. He grabbed the girl's crystal within her chest, twisted it and violently—
RIPPED IT OFF from her back!
Voldemort moved back a little, his left hand drenched with blood, clutching the softly glowing life source of the Lunarian princess.
Serena's sapphire eyes shut. She then fell to the ground, detransforming back to her ordinary clothes. Then—
CRAASSHH!
CRAASSHH!
CRAASSHH!
Spider-like hand crushed the dull crystal into many, many pieces.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" the Dark Lord's laughter of malevolence echoed throughout the manor, when—
"AVADA KEDAVRAAA!!" a red glowing Harry growled as he thrust the magical sword deep into Voldemort's heart.
"DIE YOU BASTARD! DIE!!" Harry shouted as he shoved the sword deeper, releasing a red forceful light towards the enemy's chest.
Voldemort staggered backwards and collapsed to the ground. His body disintegrated and his soul vanished.
CLANK! The triumphant sword dropped to the ground.
"Serena!" Harry cried as he knelt on the floor and stared at his beloved's lifeless body, blood oozing out of her back. He embraced her body fiercely, not minding the blood staining his clothes.
"Serena … please…" Harry whispered in her ears, tears flowing down his face.
Moments passed and he just held her and cried. Suddenly, Serena's body glowed and started to fade away.
"Serena, no! Please, don't leave me … please, no! SERENA!" screamed Harry desperately; holding on to the princess's body as it slowly disappeared.
Through the window, the moon cast an eerie ray of light upon two crestfallen heroes—the young green-eyed wizard and the miraculous sword.
( END OF FLASHBACK )
( Back to Harry's Balcony )
'Serena,' Harry thought as he remembered the dreadful time he fought and defeated the Dark Lord. The other night he dreamt about it—screaming and crying in his sleep, making Ron and Hermione rush towards his room and waking him up again.
Even until now, he could still vividly imagine the way Serena died and disappeared in his arms. It was the dream that continued to haunt him even when he's awake, making his heart throb painfully every time he remembered it.
Harry shivered. He had stayed outside for quite a while now with the company of the chilly morning air. He crossed his arms and quickly rubbed his hands up and down against his shoulders and forearms. While warming himself, his right hand felt something oddly soft on his left sleeve. He removed it from his sleeve and looked at it. Harry's eyes widened.
A feather. Just like in his dream … a silvery white feather.
Suddenly, the feather gleamed and then—POOF! It just disappeared instantly, tiny silver specks left on his scarred palm.
( 2:35 AM, Somewhere in Bloomsbury Road, London )
Tired hands set the brush and the palette down the table, and then recovered a clean rag wiping off the little dabs of paint on her fingers. After few moments, the rag, now tainted with colors, was returned to its place.
She turned to the canvas again and inspected it. Another peculiar yet lovely image that she had created—
A portrait of a boy with gorgeous emerald eyes framed by round glasses, dark disheveled hair, and a scar shaped like a bolt of lightning on his forehead. The boy's head appeared to be resting on a pillow of white feathers, his slightly astounded face looking up at a swirl of feathers floating above him.
"Another work of art, I see," someone said stopping her from her reverie.
She turned to the person who just spoke to her and saw her friend, Seiya, standing by the door, a tray of food in his hands.
"Oh Seiya!" she exclaimed quietly. "Did I wake you up?" the girl asked the young man who was leading her to the small couch.
Both took a seat comfortably, placing the tray of food between them.
"Not actually," said the raven-haired man, handing the girl her coffee. "I couldn't sleep so I tried to study the songs the guys and I are playing. You know, for the exhibit."
He sipped his coffee and continued. "Then I got a little hungry so I went down to grab something to eat. On my way to the kitchen, I passed by your room to check up on you, and you were not there. So I thought you might be here again, in this little workroom of yours. So I made some coffee and sandwich for you as well."
"That's very sweet of you. Thanks, Seiya," the silver-haired girl said before taking a bite of her sandwich. "Mmmm, yummy!"
"Hah, I know how much you love my sandwiches!" responded Seiya with a laugh.
Then, he looked at the girl with a worried face. "Ser … you shouldn't be tiring yourself. Your exhibit is in two weeks. Mrs. Sanders may get mad at us if we don't stop you from doing those paintings of yours. Most of your works selected for the exhibit had already been prepared, so you don't need to draw anything for now. Just rest."
The young woman with blue eyes stared at her friend and sighed. "Seiya … you do know that whenever I get these weird impulses to draw, I … I couldn't just help it! For the past few weeks, I have been having these dreams, flashes of images in my head … of things and … of … of this boy."
"Is this the same guy?" Seiya inquired.
"Yes, it's the same guy," the lady artist answered. "Sometimes, I don't even remember painting or drawing those portraits. It's … really strange."
"Oh yeah, I believe you, it's really strange," concurred Seiya. "Although you have to admit, those works of yours are absolutely unique. They show a different side of the great artist, Serenity Moon," he teased, gazing at the portrait of the boy with floating feathers.
"Well, I better go now," Seiya said standing up from the couch, gathering the empty tray. "You better take some rest now, Ser."
The visual artist named Serenity Moon beamed at her friend. "Yeah, sure. I'll just fix some of my tools here … then I will go back to my room."
"'Kay, then," and with that the man named Seiya Kou left the girl with her portrait.
The young painter walked back to her easel and stared at her artwork again. "Feathers …" she murmured. "Swirl of feathers …"
Author's Notes:
Come on … tell me what you think of this one. Review, please!