I enjoyed writing this chapter … Hermione, Ginny, and Ron are just so scheming!
(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 8: Valentine Confession ( PART I )
( August 4, 1999 – 1:26 AM
3rd floor, Serenity's Room, Bartlett Hall
14th Bloomsbury Road, London )
Through a small window, the moon bathed the sleeping figure of Serenity Moon with its gentle light. Even in her sleep, the lady artist cradled Harry's journal tightly in her arms.
After arranging some documents and thinking of additional concepts for the exhibit, Serenity and Lori went home around 9 o'clock in the evening. The two women had taken their dinner at the office before Alfred fetched them and drove them to the mansion.
When the two women arrived at the mansion, Philip, David, and the Three Lights had been joyfully chatting and eating some cake at the Dining Room. David had brought home the remaining mini carrousel chocolate mousse cake from the food sculpture exhibit. Serenity was delighted to see the wonderful cake and asked Seiya to give her a big slice.
The lady artist told the men in the house about the two girls that she had met at Peggy's store. She also shared with them the interesting changes that would be made for the art exhibit. Philip was very much pleased to see and hear the excitement from the silver-haired girl as she explained to him the possible layout and design of the paintings and texts to be displayed.
After eating the cake, Serenity excused herself and retired to her room at the Bartlett Hall. After a warm, relaxing shower, the Lunarian princess began reading again the black notebook of Harry Potter. If she fell in love with the first poem, more thoughts and emotions were stirred within her when she read the anecdotes and other poems.
She finished reading until past midnight. And although she had found all the poems and anecdotes in the collection beautifully written, there was this one composition that warmed her heart and touched her soul the most. It was the poem that she had first read, the one addressed to the Moon Angel. Serenity felt like the words seemed so familiar, and that the writer was actually dedicating the poem to her.
Due to exhaustion, Serenity fell asleep—still thinking of that poem and hugging the black notebook close to herself.
If only she knew the real story behind the poem for the Moon Angel.
( FLASHBACK )
Ever since Serena started studying at the Wizarding School, only a few people knew about her true identity as the Lunarian princess and the tragedy she had suffered in her world. The only people who shared her secret were Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny.
What Serena made the rest of Hogwarts believe was that—she was just an ordinary Lunarian sent to Hogwarts to obtain further learning about magic. The moon princess wanted to be treated fairly, that's why only a few people knew the truth about her. Still as a sign of respect and as a form of welcoming gift, Dumbledore had assigned Serena her own bedroom beside the girls' dormitory.
It was February 14,Valentine's Day—one of the most anticipated days by the Hogwarts students.
Although Dumbledore had chosen not to have a party or a Valentine ball, classes were cancelled to allow the students and professors to rest or spend the day to visit Hogsmeade or even just the library.
After breakfast, Ginny and Hermione stayed with Serena in her bedroom—reading magazines and greeting cards; opening Valentine gifts; and doing other girly stuff.
Harry and Ron decided to spend their time at the common room with other Gryffindor students. Ron was playing chess with a fellow Gryffindor, while Harry was in a secluded corner of the room, fumbling with his quill, ink, and pieces of parchment paper.
The Boy-Who-Lived had been sitting on the carpeted floor for almost half an hour now. He had been trying to write a love letter to Serena, and was thinking of asking her out on a date on this special day. However, it seemed that the right words to express his true feelings for the moon princess were just so difficult to find.
Harry sighed for the umpteenth time and positioned his quill above the paper.
'Dear Serena,' he began writing, 'Ever since I first saw you at the Quidditch field, (pause) I guess … I already fell in love with you. (pause) I was hoping that you would go out with me on this Valentine's Day (pause) … since Malfoy was your date last Yule Ball. I was planning on asking you to be my date that time, (pause) but Malfoy had already asked you and you had already agreed to come with him …'
Harry didn't notice that Ron had crept behind him and began reading the letter he was writing.
"I don't know if you feel the same for me … " Ron read, smiling from ear to ear, "but I'm very willing to wait. I hope you would give me the chance to love and pro—"
"RON!" Harry suddenly shouted, causing the other people in the room to look at them. He grabbed the red head's robe suddenly and pulled him down the floor. "What do you think you are doing?" he asked in a more hushed tone, giving him a death glare.
Ron was quite surprised by his friend's reaction and started to become nervous. "Harry, hi! You see … I was (gulp) just trying to check your letter to—"
"Shut your mouth, Ron!" the green-eyed wizard said secretly. "I don't want anyone else to know that I'm trying to write Serena a letter, okay?" He let go of Ron's robe and decided to explain his predicament. "Since you already know about the letter … I might just as well tell you everything."
Ron fixed his wrinkled uniform and looked at Harry intently. "Okay, Harry … I'm all ears," he said with a big smile.
"Promise me you won't tell anyone, especially the girls … especially Serena. Even if you're the Head Boy of this house, I could still strangle you, Ron, " whispered Harry, gazing at Ron fiercely.
"Okay (gulp) I promise. You have my word … as a fellow Gryffindor and as a man," told Ron seriously.
"Okay," Harry replied. He sighed and began his confession. "Well Ron, it's true—I am in love with Serena. Ever since the incident at Quidditch field, I was already so drawn to her. I … I tried to control and hide my feelings, but I guess it always ended up … with me showing these bursts of strong emotions because of her."
The dark-haired boy sighed again and then continued. "You know, I really get jealous when other guys talk to her or give her stuff … especially Malfoy. Malfoy had been trying to woo Serena ever since the day she started studying here. Well, at least it's better than insulting or playing pranks on her since she's a Gryffindor. But sometimes, sometimes I just can't help it! I … I just want to wring his neck and the necks of those other guys who would come close to her! Ughh! I don't know what to do anymore … it's really getting confusing!"
"Well, are you jealous whenever I talk to or joke around Serena?" queried Ron.
"Hmmm … well sometimes, especially if you make her laugh—that beautiful laugh of hers. But I know that you like Mione … so … I know that you only see Serena as a friend," countered the green-eyed wizard.
"Hey, I don't like Mione … she's just a friend, okay?" Ron argued, his face starting to redden.
"If you don't like Mione more than a friend, then why are you always teasing her? And why are you blushing right now?" questioned Harry, with one arched brow.
"Harry!" grunted Ron. "You're changing the subject! We're not taking about me! We're talking about YOU!" he sighed and scratched his nose. "A-anyway—do you think Serena feels the same way towards you?"
The Boy-Who-Lived just blinked several times and looked at Ron's face.
"Hmmm … I don't know." Harry whispered. "Maybe, well—she's really nice to me … very thoughtful, sweet … caring. But she's like that to almost everyone—even to Malfoy and Professor Snape! Others said that Snape had been very much impressed with her, during her special Potions Class. Too bad we just couldn't witness Snape's behavior towards her, since we already finished our class with him. Geeez … I don't know what to do. I just want to tell her that I love her! I hate being jealous of other guys, those … UGHH! But I know I don't have the right to feel that way! I know because … because I'm not even her boyfriend!" he confided.
Ron chuckled, absorbed with Harry's confession. "Harry, Harry, Harry … why don't you just tell Serena your feelings. Nobody's stopping you! Mione, Ginny, and I noticed that you had become very fond of Serena ever since she came here. We all thought that you have a crush on her, just like what you felt towards Cho … but it seemed like you have finally become a man and realized that you're head over heels in love with her," he explained in a low voice.
"What's the point, Ron? I cannot tell Serena how I feel …" Harry said, softly banging his head against the wall.
"And why not, Harry? Tell me—what's the reason why you cannot tell Serena that you love her?" pressed Ginny's brother.
Harry stopped hitting his head against the wall and stared at his close friend. "Ron … I'm afraid that I might lose Serena."
"What do you mean you'll lose Serena?" asked Ron, quite bewildered.
"Ron, I don't want to lose Serena! I—I don't want her to die. It seems like everyone that I love dies … because of my curse—this prophecy that says that I'm the one that has to defeat Voldemort! I already lost my parents, Ron … my Godfather, Sirius … and I had already endangered many people's lives, including yours. I just don't want Serena to get hurt. I don't want to lose her …" Harry admitted sadly.
Ron touched Harry's shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly. "Harry—" he started, "if you really love Serena … then the MORE you have to fight for that love. I know she feels the same way about you, and I know that she will completely understand you. Of all the people here at Hogwarts, Serena is the only person who will truly understand how you feel."
The red head smiled at his friend. "You two … are very much alike, Harry. She also needed to save her world, and her friends and loved ones died too. But it doesn't mean that you don't have the right to be happy. As your friend, I know that Serena would be able to give that love and happiness you need. You have to tell her. You are a Gryffindor, Harry—find the courage to tell her how you feel."
The Boy-Who-Lived grinned at the red head. "You know, Ron … I never thought you could be so good in giving advice. I never thought you could play such a great love doctor—of all people! How come you and Mione had never hooked up?" laughed Harry teasingly.
"Hey, hey, hey! End of discussion, okay? We ARE NOT talking about me! We're talking about you! Hah! And I guess my skills in counseling have improved because of being a Head Boy," Ron defended, standing up from the floor.
"O-okay … whatever you say, Almighty Head Boy," Harry chuckled, standing up as well.
The green-eyed wizard was about to leave the common room when Ron caught up with him.
"Hey, Harry, wait up! Where you going?" asked Ron.
Harry turned to him and responded, "Just going outside to get some fresh air … try to finish my writing … you know …"
"Oh, I see. Good luck with that. Hey, can I walk with you?" Ron asked again.
"Um, sure. Uhh …you want to go outside too?" questioned Harry.
"Nah! Actually, I just want to walk with you outside the room. I'm going to the kitchen—I got hungry after our little session," Ron teased, smiling broadly.
( Outside the Gryffindor Common Room )
"So Harry … need any help with that letter?" Ron whispered, draping an arm around Harry's neck.
"Ron! I can do it on my own, okay?" replied the green-eyed wizard.
"Okay! Whatever you say, loverboy," replied Ron, grinningly. Then his hand suddenly went at the back of Harry's head and quickly pulled some strands of hair.
"Ouch!" Harry cried, rubbing the back of his head. "Hey, Ron, what was that for?"
Ron smiled at his friend innocently. "Nothing, Harry … just a little bug on your hair that's all …" he lied, putting some strands of Harry's hair secretly in his pocket.
( Serena's Bedroom, beside the Gryffindor girls' dormitory )
"He loves me … he loves me not … he loves me … he loves me not … he loves me! OH HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME!" Serena squealed in delight, scooping the red rose petals on her lap and tossing them in the air.
"Serena!" Ginny whimpered. "Are you trying to bury the both of us with rose petals?" she asked, standing up from the carpeted floor and brushing off the rose petals on her red hair and her clothes.
"Hahaha! Serena … I didn't know that you're SO in love with Malfoy!" laughed Hermione while on Serena's bed.
"Mione! These roses might have been from Malfoy … but I was NOT thinking about him when I was plucking the petals," argued Serena.
Currently, Hermione was reading a book, as she lied on her stomach and her chest propped up with her elbows. Serena and Ginny were sitting on the carpeted floor; surrounded by letters, greeting cards, chocolates, and bouquets of flowers. The moon princess was checking the Valentine goodies she got from her friends and mostly from her male admirers. Ginny was behind her; combing and fixing her long, thick, silver blond tresses.
"Ooooh! Serena!" cried Ron's younger sister, trying to remove the rose petals on the moon princess's hair. "Now, look what you did! I won't be able to brush your hair with these petals sticking out everywhere!"
"Ooops! Sorry, Ginny. Wait a sec, okay?" said Serena, as she closed her eyes and the crescent moon insignia on her forehead glowed. "Evanesco!" she uttered, making the rose petals on her hair vanish. She opened her eyes, the mark on her forehead instantly disappeared. She peered at the red head behind her. "Is that fine now?" she asked smilingly.
Ginny smiled back at her and replied, "Yes, that's much better!" She picked the brush from the floor and started combing Serena's hair again. "Oh Rena! I just really love your hair! It so soft and it smells so good!"
The Lunarian princess giggled, "Ginny—I don't know how you had grown fond of my hair. But every time you brush and fix it, I can't help but feel like your playing with your doll."
"But Serena, your hair does remind me of the golden locks of my doll 'Mimi'. Ron loved to hide Mimi when we were still young, and I usually cried so hard when he didn't return her to me immediately … or if her hair had gotten all dirty and tangled," Ginny explained.
"So where is Mimi now, Ginny?" Serena questioned.
"Well, I gave Mimi to my 5-year-old cousin. I thought of giving her away so she could make another little girl happy. And besides, I guess I'm too old to play dolls. Yet … there are times that I seem to miss her. But it's okay, I have you, Serena— my very own human-size doll with long, beautiful hair to play with!" the red head said with a giggle.
"Oh Ginny! If playing with my hair makes you really happy, then you could brush and fix it anytime you like. Well, maybe … except if Professor Snape is around … you know … he might get jealous of my hair. His is kind of oily and sticky! I think he really needs to stop using that gel or conditioner of his!" told Serena with a laugh.
"Rena! Hahahaha!" Ginny giggled again.
"Hey, girls!" Hermione interrupted, looking down at Ginny and Serena on the floor. "How come you two are not including me in your hair talk, huh?" asked the muggle-born witch, her arms akimbo.
"Mione … we're so sorry. Please, do sit and join us," replied Serena with a wide smile.
"Well, thank you," the brown-haired girl said smilingly, sitting beside Ginny.
Hermione turned to Ginny and nudged her gently on the side. "You know, Ginny … Serena here is keeping us a secret …" she said.
Ginny stopped brushing the Lunarian's hair and faced Hermione. "Mione … what, pray tell, is Serena's secret all about?" she queried.
"Hey, girls …" Serena suddenly spoke, slightly twisting her head to them. "I'm not keeping a secret from you. I had told you already about my past."
The muggle witch grinned at Serena. "Oh Rena … but the secret that you've been hiding us does not only concern you. It concerns somebody else as well. Right, Ginny?" she said, addressing the red head with a secret smile.
Ginny stared at Hermione and got her message. "Oh yeah … this secret doesn't just involve Serena alone. I think … it also involves the person whom Serena was thinking about when she was doing the 'he-loves-me, he-loves-me-not' thing. Poor Malfoy, he gave those roses to Serena on this special day … yet our moon princess here is thinking about someone else," Ginny teased, gently turning Serena's head to the front and brushing her hair again.
"And there's more Ginny," uttered Hermione. "The person that Serena was thinking about awhile ago is actually THE SAME PERSON who also loves and adores her beautiful hair very much. HE said Serena looks really cute in her weird meatball hairstyle."
"Yup, that's right," agreed Ginny. "HE said that Serena looks like a cute bunny with gold fluffy ears dangling down her head—"
"GIRLS WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" Serena cried out, bolting up from the floor and facing the two girls. "HARRY SAID THAT HE LIKED MY HAIR MORE WHEN I SIMPLY WEAR IT DOWN!"
O-oh! Somebody just slipped.
Serena watched Ginny and Hermione smile at her broadly. The moon princess couldn't move, almost having difficulty to breathe. She just realized her mistake—she had just admitted to the girls that Harry Potter was the guy she was thinking about when she was plucking the rose petals.
Oh, boy! The secret's finally out!
"I knew it! I just knew it! YOU DO LIKE HARRY POTTER, Serena! You like him!" exclaimed Hermione, her smile widening more.
"My gosh, Mione!" Ginny said in glee, clutching Hermione's hands. "I can't believe it! Rena just admitted she likes Harry! Ooohhh this is so SWEET! Just sweet!"
"You're right, Ginny! All we have to do is make Harry confess his feelings to Serena! AAHHH! This is the BEST NEWS EVER!!" the muggle witch squealed, shaking Ginny's hands happily.
"Ginny, Mione … stop it, okay?" Serena suddenly spoke, plopping down the floor. "So what, huh? What if I'm a little infatuated with Harry? Really, it's not a big deal …"
"NOT A BIG DEAL? Oh yes, it is a BIG DEAL, Serena! And I don't believe that you're only a little infatuated with Harry. It's all written on your face—YOU ARE IN LOVE WITH HIM!" Hermione debated.
"And not just that …" Ginny responded, smiling softly at the moon princess. "Harry is also head over heels in love with you, Rena! We know this for sure because Ron, Mione, and I had been observing the two of you. You two are obviously IN LOVE … and just haven't told each other yet."
"Girls, girls, please …" the blond-haired girl pleaded. "Okay … maybe it's more than a crush. But you see … um … I don't know … I had a boyfriend before, actually a fiancé. You know—Darien—and well, he died with my friends … and maybe … maybe I … I still just miss him. And Harry … well Harry is just so kind and sweet to me, a little shy oftentimes, but I'm not sure if I'm in love him …"
"Well, let's find out if you're in love with him then," said Ginny, picking up a magazine under the letters and cards Serena had received.
"What's that Ginny?" asked Hermione, looking at the cover of the magazine.
"Oh, this is the magazine that Setsuna had sent Serena. You know—a muggle teen magazine—so Serena could still have an update about the girly stuff in the muggle world.
I was browsing it a minute ago and I was beginning to like it very much," explained the red head, as she flip the pages, trying to find something.
"Aha! Here it is, Mione!" exclaimed Ginny, showing the article to her muggle friend.
"THE ULTIMATE LOVE TEST: 100 Questions to Answer to Know If It's Love or Just a Crush?!" Hermione read smilingly. "This is great! Wait, wait … let me get a pen and paper," she added, standing up quickly and going to Serena's desk.
She returned to her friends and sat beside Ginny again. "Okay, Ginny … you read the questions to Serena, she answers them TRUTHFULLY … and then I'll write down her answers. Okay?" told Hermione to the two girls.
"Okay, Mione!" Ginny agreed.
"Serena?" the brown-haired girl asked, waiting for Serena's consent.
"Fine, Mione! I will answer the questions TRUTHFULLY … if that will really please the two of you," replied Serena grumpily.
"Okay! Let's start!" Ginny said, "No. 1: My love interest and I were attracted to each other immediately when we first met. Yes or No?"
"Ummm … maybe … I mean yes," Serena said softly. Hermione jotted down her friend's answer on the paper.
"No. 2: My love interest and I really understand each other. Yes or No?" questioned Ginny.
"Uhh, yes," responded the moon princess.
"Okay, No. 3: My love interest always seems to be on my mind. Yes or No?" asked Ginny grinningly.
"Hmmm … yes," answered Serena.
Time passed and Serena tried to answer the questions as honestly as possible. She was quite hesitant to answer some of the questions because of her fear of discovering the truth.
Now, the girls had only four questions left.
"No. 97: The mere mention of his name in a passing conversation makes me feel warm inside. Yes or No?" Ginny queried.
"Uhhh … yes," Serena replied.
"No. 98: I sometimes get butterflies in my stomach whenever he comes into the room," the red head stated.
"Ye-yes," the blonde responded.
"No. 99: He makes me happy," said Ginny.
"Yes," Serena said, swallowing the lump in her throat.
"No. 100: I would rather be with him than anyone else," told the red head.
"Hmmm … yes … " uttered Serena.
"No. 101—BONUS QUESTION," Hermione suddenly interrupted. "I would be willing to lay my life to save his. Yes or No?"
"Mione," Ginny whispered, "that question isn't really here—"
"Yes," Serena answered curtly, causing the two girls to stare at her. "I would give my life for Harry. I … I don't want him to get hurt. I would die for him …" she added calmly.
"Oh my, Serena …" Hermione said softly. "You really are in love with Harry, aren't you?"
The Lunarian princess smiled softly. "Well, Mione, I guess I am. I am in love with Harry …" she finally said, her face slightly flushed.
"Oooh, Serena!" exclaimed Ginny, crawling over to the girl and hugging her, "You have to tell Harry your feelings! You just have to!"
"I—I don't know, Ginny …" Serena wavered, "does … does he feel the same way?"
"Serena, Serena, Serena …" told Hermione, scooting over to the girl and taking her right hand. "Are you really that clueless?"
The blue-eyed girl blushed even more and smiled. "Well, not really. I mean—I do notice Harry's behavior. Oftentimes, when I catch him staring at me, he would look away. And he always seemed to be worried about me … trying to protect me from other guys, warning me that I shouldn't easily fall for Malfoy's tricks. Well, Malfoy … he is more vocal about his feelings for me … flirting anytime he could. As for Harry … well … Harry …"
"Seems to be protecting you even from himself," said Hermione, with a serious tone. She smiled at her friend and squeezed her hand gently. "Look, Serena, I know Harry … he's been my friend for almost seven years. I could tell that he really has strong feelings for you. Why he's not telling you—that part I'm not completely sure—besides being too shy, because of Malfoy … or maybe he's just looking for the right moment to tell you. I can only assure you one thing, he truly is in love with you."
Ginny took Serena's left hand and spoke. "Mione's right, Serena. We haven't seen Harry act like this. Mione and I did notice him getting jealous of other guys, especially Malfoy. Didn't you see his reaction this morning when Malfoy gave you the roses during breakfast? Geeez … you should have seen his face … it seemed as if he wanted to grab those roses from you and tear them apart! Harry is having trouble controlling his feelings for you, Serena."
"And today, we're going to make sure that YOU TWO admit your feelings to each other. Right, Ginny?" said the muggle witch, standing up from the floor.
"That's right, Mione," the red head replied, standing up as well.
Ginny and Hermione started leaving the room, when suddenly Serena caught up with them. "Hey, girls … where you going?" she asked.
Hermione turned to Serena and smiled. "Just stay here, Serena. Ginny and I need to do something, okay?"
"O-okay …" Serena nodded, smiling at them softly. "Just don't do anything stupid or too wicked …"
"Too wicked?" asked Ginny. "There's no such thing as too wicked in here, Serena … we are witches for goodness sake!"
"Well … just don't tell Harry what we just talked about; I want to tell him myself. Got it?" told Serena.
"Yeah, we got it! Later Rena," bid Hermione and Ginny, closing the door.
The Lunarian princess padded back to her Valentine cards and presents and sat down on the floor in Indian style. She took another red rose from the floor and started plucking its petals, thinking of a certain green-eyed wizard. "He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me…"
( At the Hogwarts Library )
Hermione and Ginny headed to the library when they left Serena's room. Currently, the two girls were reading the book that they had bought from Hogsmeade several days ago. The book had a black cover and was titled, "Magic Spells to Cast during Full Moon."
True—tonight there was going to be a full moon. Just perfect for the plan that the two girls had been plotting, in order to bring Serena and Harry together. What time could be more perfect than Valentine's Day—to express your feelings to the person you love!
The two knew that Harry had been so disappointed last Christmas, since Malfoy was Serena's date at the Yule Ball. They knew that Harry had been planning on asking Serena to be his date at the ball, but Malfoy had just beaten him by being the first one to ask the blonde beauty.
Even though Harry was able to dance with the moon princess at least once, he just wished that Serena had gone with him instead of Malfoy. Hermione and Ginny also knew that Serena was just waiting for Harry to ask her out, but unfortunately, the Boy-Who-Lived was just too shy and slow to ask the moon princess to be his date.
And now, on Valentine's Day—Hermione and Ginny were going to make sure that Harry would finally have his chance to be with Serena and tell her his feelings. No one, even Draco Malfoy, was going to ruin the plan that they had devised for a week.
For the past week, the girls had been searching for spells and tricks from books. After days of research, they still hadn't found the right spell for their plan. So one afternoon, the two girls had decided to skip their Prefect Meeting and went to Hogsmeade secretly, to look for a book that might be of use.
Luckily, they were able to find and purchase from a small bookstore, the last copy of a book with the perfect spell. Immediately after studying the spell, the muggle witch and Ron's younger sister had started gathering the materials they needed.
Now, they only needed one more ingredient to complete the list.
"Okay, the only thing we need now are three strands of Harry's hair. I do hope Ron was able to get them," said Hermione, reviewing the instructions of the spell. "Did you tell Ron to meet us here, Ginny?"
Ginny smiled, playing with several strands of golden hair she had gotten from Serena's brush. "Yes, Mione, I did tell Ron right after breakfast," the red head replied. She looked up and saw her brother coming towards them, "Speaking of the devil …"
Hermione gazed at Ron's direction and waited for him to join them at the table, before she spoke. "Hey, Ron … I thought you forgot to meet us here. I was beginning to worry that you failed your little mission."
"Me? Forget and fail my mission?" Ron responded with a grin. "Hah! I wouldn't let anything stop me from doing this, Mione! Making Serena and Harry confess their love for each other is the BEST secret project I ever got involved with in my entire life!" he added, handing the muggle witch several strands of Harry's black hair.
"Perfect!" Ginny remarked, smiling widely at his brother. "Now our materials are complete. You did a great job, dear brother!"
"Shocks, Ginny, I'm touched!" said Ron dramatically, putting his hand on his chest. "Actually, you girls are going to be more pleased and impressed by yours truly … if I tell you what Harry just confided with me awhile ago," he said with a sly smile.
"Well Ron, if Harry did confide this thing to you … then you should NOT share this thing to us," commented Hermione.
"Mione, although I DID promise Harry the secrecy of this information, especially from you girls … I guess, this one is an exemption," Ron defended. "I'm willing to break my promise to Harry, especially if this thing I'm about to tell you will just confirm our observations and supposition."
"Oooh Ron! Could you just stop your little speech and tell us what Harry told you!" Ginny said, getting really impatient.
"Well …" Ron began, "this morning after breakfast, when you girls were in Serena's room … I caught Harry James Potter writing a love letter to Serena!"
"What! Is that true?" Hermione exclaimed, trying to keep her voice down. "Oh my gosh! This is just great! They just admitted to us that they love each other! Ginny, this is perfect! Just perfect!" she said, hugging the red head who was just ecstatic as she was.
"Wait a minute," interrupted Ron, "did you say 'THEY admitted to us'… you mean to say … Serena have also told you she loves Harry?"
Ginny smiled widely, letting go of Hermione from the hug. "That's right, dear brother! Serena just admitted to Mione and me that she loves Harry! So, what else did Harry tell you, Ron? Come on, spill everything!" she coaxed.
"Ah-ah-ah! No, no, no …" Ron said, shaking his head. "That's all I'm going to share. If I tell you everything Harry had told me, he will definitely strangle me to death! Besides, Harry's confession to me that he's in love with Serena is the most important information we need to verify things. Now, we really need to push through with this plan in order to bring them together."
"Ron's right, Ginny. That's all we need to know to encourage us to make this plan work. And we wouldn't want your brother here to taste Harry's wrath, once Harry finds out that we know his secret," Hermione said to the younger red head. "So … are we all set for Operation: Confession Bubble?" she asked, gazing at the Weasley siblings.
Ron nodded smilingly, "I'm all ready!"
"All set, Mione!" Ginny consented.
Hermione beamed and spoke, "Okay, we will commence with Operation: Confession Bubble tonight, at 7:45 PM. Ron, this is what you're going to do …"
( 8:09 PM
Quidditch Pitch )
Under the dazzling halo of the Goddess Selene, three figures were gathered in the middle of the Quidditch field. Rays of silver light swim across the sky and pour down towards the center of the field, brewing the spell that would bind two hearts and link the souls of those cursed with the burden of the world.
Hermione stirred the mixture of ingredients, while her two friends watched the silver swirl forming inside the cauldron. Then the final chant for brewing the spell was uttered.
"For this the final elements we need—
three strands of hair of two souls that must heed
what lies beneath deep in their hearts,
break the fear that keep them apart …"
Ginny gave Hermione the final ingredients tied together, the three golden strands of Serena's hair and the three black strands of Harry's. The muggle witch dropped them to the cauldron and stirred the mixture five times. Then, Ginny and Ron's hands joined Hermione's hand on the silver rod. Together, they stirred the mixture and spoke the following words,
"Round and bright we summon thee
Moon so full, hear our plea—
Silver Power of the night
make this spell take its flight
create this glowing ball of love
sprinkle stardust from above
trap the hearts that hide the truth
release them only with the proof
cannot escape this magic spell
unless true feelings they will tell.
Round and bright we summon thee
Silver Power, hear our plea!"
The cauldron emitted a soft glow and the mixture turned into a silver ball. The luminous ball floated slowly above the cauldron and split into two balls, each as big as a fist.
Hermione took the two glowing balls and hid them in a thick black pouch. She then turned to Ron and asked. "Are the notes ready?"
Ron grinned and pulled something out of his pocket. "Yes! Both notes are ready: one for Serena and one for Harry," he replied, showing the muggle witch the two pieces of paper.
Hermione inspected the two letters and approved. "Great! Now go and deliver them these notes and make sure you emphasize to them to come at the said time," she reminded, giving back the letters to Ron.
"Aye, aye captain!" said Ron, folding the letters and returning them inside his pocket. He turned on his heel and started to leave when suddenly he asked, "Hey girls, where are you headed to after you settle things here?"
Ginny turned to gaze at his brother and answered, "We're going to the kitchen to grab some snack. We didn't eat much this supper … Mione and I were both kind of nervous and excited about this whole mission."
"Great! I'll join you at the kitchen after I've delivered the messages," told Ron smilingly and then left.
( 8:18 PM
School Halls )
Ron Weasley walked along the corridors of Hogwarts, heading towards the Gryffindor common room. He shooed some students along his way and told them to go back to their rooms before the curfew started. Then he suddenly stopped—remembering a very important detail that escaped his mind—Serena might be in her room, and that means he couldn't go to the girls' dormitories.
"Bloody rules! How am I going to give this letter to Serena if boys are not allowed at the girl's dormitory?" he chided himself, furrowing his face and scratching his head.
"Ah, never mind! I'll try to think of something when I get inside the common room," he muttered, walking again along the hall.
After few seconds, he suddenly stopped again and got surprised by what he saw—
Serena was standing by the corridor, listening to someone talk to her. The person, whom Serena was listening to, seemed to be a guy, though Ron couldn't quite tell who exactly it was. Ron remained silent and just observed the two from his distance.
The mysterious guy leaned closer and whispered something to Serena, causing the moon princess to giggle. The mysterious guy also laughed and turned slightly towards Ron's direction, revealing his face.
Ron gasped; it was no other than Harry's rival—Draco Malfoy.
Ginny's brother clenched his fist and got annoyed by this; he immediately approached the two and made his presence known.
"Excuse me, Serena, I think you better go now inside your room …" Ron said in a serious tone. "We're only allowed here until nine o'clock, you wouldn't want to be caught by Filch, would you?"
Serena was about to answer when suddenly Malfoy spoke, "How about you, WEASLEY? Why are you still here at the corridors, huh?"
Ron frowned more and replied dryly, "You shouldn't ask that, MALFOY …YOU very well know that I am the Gryffindor Head Boy and I wanted to make sure that there are no longer students outside our wing at this hour. I just finished my rounds and about to go back inside."
Malfoy snickered and poked Ron's chest. "Weasley, you—"
"Draco," interrupted Serena, touching slightly the boy's arm. "I think, Ron is right … I think I better go back to my room now. Thanks again for the roses and chocolates," she said with a soft smile.
Draco smiled and suddenly kissed the Lunarian on her cheeks. "Serena, you're very much welcome," he said dashingly, looking intently to her beautiful blue eyes. "I do hope you change your mind and accept my request, okay?"
Serena blushed at that moment with Draco's display of affection towards her in front of Ron. "I … I told you, Draco … I'll think about it. It's not that easy for me …" she said softly.
Then she turned to Ron and smiled. "Ron, could you please escort me to the tower?"
"Sure, Serena," answered Ron, touching her arm gently and ushering her to leave.
Then he turned around swiftly and spoke to Malfoy, " I think you better go now, Malfoy … Serena's in good hands, I wouldn't let anything happen to her. And you better finish your rounds too. After all … YOU ARE the Head Boy of Slytherin, aren't you?"
"Yes, I AM," Draco answered glaringly. He turned to the golden-haired girl and smiled. "See you tomorrow, Serena. Good night."
"Good night, Draco," bid the moon princess.
Draco glared at Ron again before finally leaving and going to the Slytherin wing.
Ron ushered Serena again towards the Gryffindor Tower, and just remained quiet.
"Ron, I—" said Serena, stopping abruptly when she saw the frown in her friend's face. Ron just remained quiet and furrowed his brows more.
The two Gryffindors didn't talk until they reached the entrance to the common room. Ron greeted the Fat Lady on the portrait and said the password. When the painting slid open, he let Serena enter first.
When the two of them were finally inside, Ron scanned the room to check if Harry was there. Seeing that his green-eyed friend was not in the room, he decided to break the silence.
"Serena …" he called, causing the moon princess to turn to him. "What was Malfoy asking you to do?"
"Umm, Ron, you see …" Serena began softly, "Well … Draco finally asked me if I could be his girlfriend."
"WHAT?!" burst Ron, causing the other students to look at their direction. He guided Serena to sit on a small couch and spoke to her in a more hushed tone. "Did Malfoy really ask you to be his girlfriend?"
The blue-eyed girl smiled blushingly. "Yes, he asked me just this night … when you saw the two of us at the corridor."
Ginny's older brother frowned, not too happy to hear this. "Sorry to ask—but I'm just concerned … what did you tell Malfoy? And do you really like him?" he questioned.
Serena's smile faded and her face became more serious. She sighed and then answered, "I told Draco that I'm still not ready to start another relationship, since my last boyfriend just died. To tell you the truth Ron, I do like Draco—but only as a friend. I find him very charming and sweet, despite of the warnings I had received and the bad rumors I had heard about him. Before, I just thought he was just fooling around. … Then came this—asking me to be his girlfriend. I … I just don't know how to break it to him, but I guess I need to tell him right away. Especially now that I've realized—I like someone else …"
Ron beamed at the Lunarian. "Serena, I'm very relieved to hear this … and I do know that there's someone else who deserves your attention and your love more."
He turned away from her slightly and secretly pulled out the folded note with her name on it. He faced her again and smiled, handing her the small note. "Somebody wants to give this to you … he said that you must meet him at the exact time."
Serena took the note and read it silently. The message said—
Meet me tonight at the place where I first saw you,
gazing down at me with your clear blue eyes …
Time: Exactly 11:50 PM
—Harry
The Lunarian smiled and seized Ron in a warm hug. "Ron, thank you so much for this! Tell him, I'll be there!"
Ron returned the hug and patted Serena softly on the back. He released her from the hug and smiled at her. "Your welcome, Rena. I think you better go now to your room and prepare. You know—make yourself beautiful and stuff …"
"Oh Ron, I really thought he would just greet me at Valentine's Day … " giggled Serena, standing up from the couch. "I guess I better go now. Good night, Ron! Happy Valentine!" she said, walking towards the girls' dormitory.
"Bye, Serena! Happy Valentine too!" waved Ron happily.
When the moon princess had disappeared, Ron immediately ran towards the boy's dormitory and tried to find Harry. When he finally reached the room he shared with his friends, he saw Harry by himself—sitting on the bed surrounded by many pieces of crumpled parchment.
"Harry!" cried out Ron, almost throwing himself besides the bed of Harry Potter. "I'm glad I found you here …" he said, catching his breath.
Harry was surprised to see Ron and asked, "Hey where have you been? Did you run going up here?"
Ron pushed away some of the crumpled papers and sat on Harry's bed. "Shouldn't I be the one asking you that? You didn't join us at supper—Serena was looking for you! She was worried …"
Upon the mention of Serena's name, Harry's face lit up. "Really? She was looking for me? Anyway, sorry for not joining you. I didn't want to see Serena yet because I wasn't done with my letter. So, I just went to the kitchen earlier to get some food and ate them here. I really want to finish the letter, Ron. But now look—I still couldn't finish it! I always end up starting all over again!" he explained with much disappointment.
Ron laughed, pulling out the folded paper from his pocket. "Harry, I think you don't need to write that anymore. Somebody asked me to hand you this …" he said, giving the letter to the Boy-Who-Lived.
Harry took the small letter with his name written on it. He unfolded the paper and gasped at the message—
Tonight, I wish to see you—my dear Seeker
where you caught the Snitch and you caught me …
Time: Exactly 11:58 PM
—Serena
Harry just stared at Ron for few seconds and then—
"WOHOO!" he shouted, jumping out of his bed and pacing around the room excitedly.
He walked towards his red head friend and shook his shoulders madly. "RON! Ron, this is so great! I'd be able to tell her everything! I don't need to hide it anymore! This is just great!" he said excitedly.
"Haa-aa-rry! Ssstop ssha-a-k-king me!" Ron complained, getting really dizzy because of Harry's outburst.
"Ron, sorry! I'm so sorry!" exclaimed Harry, taking his hands off from Ron's shoulders.
Ron leaned over slightly to Harry's bed and took deep breaths. After few moments, he stood up and grinned at his friend. "Well, Harry … it seems that you have a date. I just want to remind you—she emphasized that you come to the meeting place at the precise time," he said smilingly.
Then Ron remembered something. "Oh, bloody hell! I got to go! Bye, Harry!" he shouted, dashing out of the room.
"Ron! Where you going?" the green-eyed wizard asked.
Ron turned at Harry quickly and replied. "Kitchen! Got hungry for doing some rounds. Harry—use your invisibility cloak, okay? You wouldn't want someone catching you on your date …" he trailed off, turning around and leaving his friend.
The green-eyed boy just grinned and read the letter again. "Serena …" he whispered, thinking of the golden-haired girl that captured his heart.