I'm telling you, I had goosebumps while writing this! This is one of the most moving parts of the story!
(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 II )
"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.
( 11:44 PM
Quidditch Pitch )
"AH-A-ACHOO!"
"Ughh, it's bloody cold out here," remarked Ron, wrapping his black robe more to himself. "Ginny, do you have any tissue with you?" he asked.
Ginny delved into her small bag and handed his brother some tissue. "Here you go, Ron."
Ron took the tissue and smiled at his sister. "Thanks, Ginny! (sniff-sniff) Hey, how come you seem to be all prepared?" he questioned, before blowing his nose.
"Well Ron, for your information—we, girls, anticipate more the things we might need in situations like this," Hermione commented from Ron's right side. She took a small cup, poured hot cocoa into it and offered it to Ron. "Here, drink this hot cocoa to warm yourself."
Ron took the cup and smiled. "Oh, thanks! You girls are really prepared for this," he said, sipping from the cup.
Hermione, Ron, and Ginny had been hiding behind some invisibility shrubs at the edge of Quidditch field, for almost ten minutes now.
Hermione had already activated the first spell using one of the glowing silver balls they had made. The spell created the magic shrubs and an invisible barrier enclosing the whole field. And only those who cast the spell could see the shrubs and the barrier that had been formed.
It was quite hard to sneak out of their dormitories and then go to the field unnoticed—before Serena and Harry could arrive. They needed to come out earlier so that they could activate the first spell, and so that Serena and Harry wouldn't suspect anything about the plan. They used a lot of silencing spells so that they wouldn't wake anyone up.
It had been more difficult for Ron because he shared the same room with Harry. He had to pretend that he was sleeping, before he successfully snuck out of the room the time Harry had dozed off a little.
At the moment, the three were still patiently waiting behind their hiding place. The full moon shone brilliantly across the playing field, radiating immense power to the charmed place.
Then finally—Serena appeared—wearing a sweater and jeans inside her black robes. She walked towards the field, entering the invisible barrier.
"Hey, she is still kind of early, don't you think?" Ron whispered to Hermione.
"No, she's just right in time. I knew Serena would come early … she might be too excited to see Harry. But as long as she arrives earlier than him, it's okay," replied the muggle witch. "She has entered the barrier … any second now … the fun begins …"
( SERENA'S POINT OF VIEW )
True—the moment she had entered the field, she felt something different with the surroundings. Shrugging the weird feeling off, she continued to walk towards the center of the field when suddenly—
A swirl of white glittering feathers came out of nowhere and dance around her.
"What are these doing here?" Serena asked, looking at the floating feathers. "Is this one of Harry's gimmicks?"
After few moments, the swirl of feathers gathered together in front of her, glowed brightly, and transformed—into a beautiful silver chariot with gold designs and two gold wheels. Three white majestic steeds were attached in front of it.
A single white feather glided in front of Serena's face. It glowed softly and then turned into a piece of paper. The Lunarian took the paper and read the message on it. It said—
Princess, your ride to your dreams awaits you …
Serena smiled and gently patted the head of one of the white stallions. "If this is truly a part of Harry's plan of impressing royalty on a date—then he certainly impressed me."
She walked towards the chariot and climbed on it. She looked at the golden reins and grabbed them.
"Giddyup!" shouted Serena, as she whipped the three bridles once.
The horses started to move immediately and trotted around the field. After running for a minute, they gained speed and galloped across the field. At the middle of the field, the horses began to float above the ground, much to Serena's delight.
"Giddyup!" the moon princess said, whipping the golden reins once again. "Fly, my friends, fly!" she commanded the horses.
The three white stallions and the chariot lifted up further from the ground and started to glow suddenly. Not later than ten seconds, they blazed more intensely and then—zoomed above the air and quickly vanished together with Serena.
( Back to Hermione, Ron, and Ginny—behind the invisibility shrubs )
"BLOODY MARE!" exclaimed Ron grinningly. "That was brilliant, Mione! Was that the chariot you and Ginny had been telling me about?"
Hermione looked at Ron and giggled. "Mm-m-yes! Great isn't it? The first ball we used to activate the spell created a realistic scenario inside the barrier. Besides being the only ones who could see the barrier—we could also plan and form the scenario that will take place inside. It's like a play—we write the script, provide the stage and props, and select the characters. Right, Ginny?"
"That's so true, Mione!" replied Ginny smilingly. "So far, we're done with the first scene: Serena comes to the field, rides a stunning chariot, and then suddenly disappears."
"And now we just have to wait for prince charming to arrive, right?" Ron questioned.
"That's right!" responded Ginny. She gazed towards her muggle friend and addressed her. "Hey, Mione … should I go now and check Harry?"
"Oh yeah!" Hermione answered. "You better go now. Check if he's already coming, okay? The moment you see him, come back here to us."
"Okay, see you later!" Ginny replied, getting out behind the bushes and going out the field.
Ron watched his younger sister leave and disappear from the pitch. He turned to Hermione and nudged her. "Hey, Mione … how about me? What am I going to do next?"
"Ron," said Hermione, "though you were not included in planning the scenario that would take place … you have a very important role. You're going to be the one to activate the second spell—the most crucial part of this whole trick."
"You mean … I have to use the second ball … and trap Harry and Serena?" Ron asked.
"That's right. You'd better stretch those arms … you REALLY need a perfect aim for this, Ron," Hermione stressed.
Ron smiled and squeezed Hermione's shoulder. "Just leave it to me, Mione. I told you … I wouldn't let anything go wrong to spoil this plan. Things will work out fine," he assured.
"That's great to hear, Ron. I'm giving you the second ball now. You know what to do …" Hermione said, giving Ron the black pouch containing the last ball.
"'Kay, Mione. I guess I better leave now and position myself," told Ron, starting to leave.
"Alright. Good luck, Ron! Remember: PERFECT AIM," reminded Hermione.
"Mione! Ron!" Ginny suddenly shouted, causing her muggle friend and her brother to look at her direction, "Harry just took off his cloak! I saw him coming here! Ron, go to your position, hurry!"
"Okay! Okay!" Ron said, picking one of the invisibility bushes with him and scampering out to the field.
Ginny joined Hermione behind the magic shrubs, and hugged her friend. "Ooohh Mione!" she squealed, "This is so exciting … everything is working out according to our plan!"
Hermione released the red head and replied, "I know, I know! Oh, this is so romantic! I really hope Ron will hit them perfectly!"
"Don't worry, Mione. Ron is the perfect cupid to hit Harry and Serena with our secret weapon," guaranteed Ginny, setting her eyes towards her older brother.
"I hope so …" said the brown-haired muggle, watching Ron crouch in his position.
Ron posed himself and the magic shrub not far from the center of the field. When he finally got settled, more magic shrubs appeared in his location, providing him more camouflage. Indeed, the shrubs did work like the invisibility cloak of Harry, concealing him and the plants themselves perfectly.
( HARRY'S POINT OF VIEW )
Few moments had passed—Harry finally entered the green field, crossing the invisible barrier at the edge. He was dressed in his red turtleneck sweater and black pants, his invisibility cloak in his hand. He was nearing the center of the pitch, when surprisingly his clothes changed.
"What the—" uttered Harry, his eyes widening as he watched his clothes gleam softly and transform into an elegant black suit. The invisibility cloak vanished from his hand, turned into a long black cape with dark red liner, and was now fastened to his shoulders.
The suit looked like a double-breasted dress uniform of a prince, adorned only with a medal pinned on his left chest. The medal, which hung from a red ribbon, was made of pure gold and was shaped like a lion—the house animal of Gryffindor.
The Boy-Who-Lived touched the gold medal on his chest and then grabbed the long cape from his back. "Serena … you really are full of surprises," he muttered with a small smile. He released the cape from his hand and fixed his eyeglasses, scanning the whole Quidditch field—searching for the moon princess.
He looked down at his wrist and checked his digital watch. "11:59 … I'm just on time," he said, checking the field again and looking for any signs of the blonde beauty.
"Where are you, Serena?!" Harry shouted, turning his head in different directions, "Stop hiding from me, please … I want to see you!"
( Back to Ginny and Hermione )
"Oh Mione …" sighed Ginny, "Harry really looks handsome in his costume! He looks very much like the perfect prince for Serena! Oooh, this is so dreamy …"
Hermione giggled, her eyes still glued to Harry, "Yes, I have to agree—Harry does look charming in his royal outfit."
Then the brown-haired girl directed her eyes towards the sky and stared at the bright full moon. "Now that our prince charming is here … our moon princess will make her grand entrance any second now …" she whispered.
( Back to Harry, at the center of the field )
"Serena! Please, come out now! I want to see you!" yelled Harry, looking at all directions. He ran towards his left, put his hands around his mouth and shouted again, "Serena! Please … come out now! Sere—"
An intense ball of light flared in the dark sky and then something white emerged.
Harry just stood in his place, frozen—his mouth agape, his heart beating wildly inside his chest, and his eyes fixed on the white sparkling object. He gasped, as he recognized the thing flying down towards the Quidditch field.
"Serena …" he whispered, staring at the Lunarian in her flowing white gown, riding a chariot pulled by three white horses.
Serena's silver gold hair arranged in the traditional style, flapped in the air and glistened in the moonlight. She, together with the chariot and horses, glowed with a soft silvery light, as they glided on top of the ground.
She tugged the three gold reins and spoke to the horses. "Hoe … slow down! We're almost there, my friends! Stop in front of Harry," she instructed.
The three white stallions decreased their speed as they landed on the earth, pacing around the playing field. When they had almost circled the pitch, they veered to their left and began to rack towards the center.
Harry started to walk towards the approaching chariot and smiled at Serena's direction. 'Boy … this girl really knows how to make an entrance …' he thought, smiling widely as the chariot came to a stop.
"Good work, my friends," Serena said to the horses, "That was a very fun ride, thanks!"
The three stallions seemed to understand what she had just said and neighed happily, causing the Lunarian to laugh softly.
Harry smiled even more when he heard Serena laugh because of the horses' reaction. He moved closer to her and offered his right hand. "Milady, may I have the pleasure of assisting you down from your chariot?" he asked smilingly.
Serena looked intently at Harry's smiling face and felt her heart flutter. 'He really looks nice in his suit … he looks like a prince,' she mused.
"Thank you, Sir Harry. I would love for you to assist me," she replied with a soft smile. She took his right hand and stepped down from the chariot, when suddenly—
"Ah!" the moon princess screamed, latching her arms around Harry's neck.
The horse in the middle unexpectedly jumped and caused Serena to lose her balance and trip on the chariot.
Luckily, Harry caught her with his arms and held her small body securely. Serena's head was closely cradled by his chest; he could obviously smell the wonderful scent of her hair.
'Hmmm, lilies …' thought Harry, 'I wish I could hold you forever in my arms, Serena …"
Serena laughed softly, her voice muffled by Harry's suit. She lifted her head from his chest and looked up to his emerald eyes. She gently cupped his face with her hands and smiled softly. "Harry … why does it seem that you always catch me whenever I fall?" she asked, her cheeks a little flushed.
The dark-haired boy blushed and looked away from her face—he didn't want to drown in her gorgeous blue eyes. He raised his hand and playfully tugged her right pigtail instead.
"Perhaps … I like catching bunnies with long beautiful ears, Serena," he told smilingly, letting the silky soft hair slip from his fingers. "Especially bunnies like you …" he added, gazing at her face again.
"Oh Harry …" Serena chuckled again, releasing herself from Harry and walking towards the three white horses.
She moved closer to the one at the center and teasingly tickled its ears. "You here in the middle—you really are the naughty one …" she told the horse. "You tried to trip me on purpose, didn't you?"
The horse nodded its head and neighed, making Serena giggle again.
The Lunarian gazed at Harry and grinned at him. "You know, Harry … one of your horses here is such a rascal! Though I have to say—I think you've beaten Malfoy this time. This whole chariot ride and costume-wearing date of yours are no match for his chocolates and roses. I'm really impressed, Harry. … Thank you so much for doing this for me."
"My horses?" questioned Harry, totally bemused.
He walked towards the blonde and kindly stroke one of the horses. "Serena—I think you're mistaken. These horses and the chariot ride are not my idea. I … I thought you were the one who set this meeting. You even asked Ron to give me a note telling me to meet you here at 11:58 PM …"
"What? Me—give you a letter?" asked Serena, also confused. "Harry … I didn't send you any note. I thought you were the one who asked me to come here and meet you at 11:50 …"
The Boy-Who-Lived furrowed his face and ran his hand through his hair. He stared at Serena and held her shoulders softly. "You mean to say … this whole thing was not your idea as well?" he asked.
The blue-eyed girl touched Harry's cheek lovingly with her hand. "Harry—I'm sorry … but I truly didn't know anything about this …" she said regretfully.
Harry shuddered at Serena's touch and smiled at her warmly. "Serena, it's okay, you don't have—"
"Round and bright we summon thee—Silver Power, hear our plea!"
A glowing silver ball was thrown towards Harry and Serena's direction.
"Serena!" shouted Harry, as he hugged the girl and pushed them both down to the ground.
The light of the glowing ball grew enormously and enveloped the green-eyed wizard and the moon princess completely.
"I DID IT!" Ron yelled, turning towards Hermione and Ginny, "Girls—a perfect aim!"
Hermione and Ginny joined Ron immediately, all the magic shrubs quickly disappearing.
"Ron, you did it!" exclaimed Hermione, hugging the red head boy.
"Yeah, yeah, I did it!" smiled Ron, returning the hug.
The two suddenly realized their awkward situation and let go of each other.
Hermione smiled at Ron, blushing slightly. "Uh—Ron … that was great! You threw the ball perfectly!"
Ron grinned, his face flushed as well. "Uhh … thanks, Mione," he responded, rubbing his forehead with his hand.
"Mione! Ron! Look!" screamed Ginny excitedly, pointing at the center of the field.
Ron and Hermione whipped their heads towards the direction and marveled at the sight that greeted them—
The huge ball of light finally died and the silver chariot and three white horses had vanished. What took their place was a magnificent large gazebo that sheltered Harry and Serena.
Ginny, Ron, and Hermione ran towards the scintillating structure and smiled at each other as they saw Harry still covering Serena's small body.
Ginny tugged Hermione's sleeves lightly and leaned in closer. "They really cute together, don't they?" she muttered to her brown-haired friend.
Hermione smiled at Ron's sister and gazed again at the 'cute couple' that were now laying on top of many soft pillows.
"Yeah, they really look cute!" she replied. She walked a little closer to the gazebo and spoke again. "Ginny—I never thought the gazebo that we planned would look spectacular as this! This is just wonderful!"
Suddenly, Harry and Serena stirred from their position. Harry lifted himself up with his hand and adjusted his eyeglasses. He was surprised to see the small silver and gold pillows surrounding him and Serena.
The pillows were square-shaped and were made of fine soft velvet and had elaborate embroideries and matching tassels at the end. Underneath the pillows was a big cream-colored carpet, covering the marbled floor of the gazebo.
"Harry …" Serena suddenly whispered, looking up at the green-eyed boy. "What happened? Did the silver ball hit us?"
"Serena—"
"HAHAHAHA!"
Harry was about to answer and help Serena up, when suddenly they heard someone laugh.
"You two are just so amusing to watch!" commented Ron, pointing at Harry and Serena. "I guess—our mission here is almost complete!"
"RON! GINNY! HERMIONE!" exclaimed Harry, bolting up from the pillows and coming towards them. "Ughh!" he cried out, bouncing back inside the gazebo when he tried to step down the stairs.
"What is this?" Harry asked irately. "Why can't I get out of this? You three had planned this whole thing, didn't you? DIDN'T YOU!" accused Harry, banging the invisible force that stopped him from going out of the gazebo.
"Oh Harry …" giggled Hermione, walking closer to the three stairs. "Yes, we admit—Ron, Ginny, and I were the ones who set this whole thing up. We were the ones who made those little notes that Ron had delivered to you and Serena. I'm sorry … we just want to help settle some things between you and Serena."
"FINITE INCANTATEM!" shouted Serena, hurling a beam of light from her hands to the unseen borders of the gazebo. The crescent moon mark on her forehead was glowing brightly.
The invisible barrier didn't even flicker and just deflected the ray of light.
Ginny stepped beside Hermione and smiled. "That's useless, Serena. Mione and I had studied this spell very well. Though your powers come from the moon … spells cast during the full moon are truly strong and hard to break," she noted.
"Ginny …" Serena said, the mark on her forehead starting to fade. She stood beside Harry near the entrance. "Were you planning this the whole time?"
Ron's younger sister smiled awkwardly. "We really wanted you and Harry to get together at Valentine's Day, Rena. Ron was originally not involved in this plan—but eventually we had decided to include him since we thought we might need some extra help to make this spell work," she clarified.
"Spell? What particular spell is this?" asked Harry, still a little angry.
"Well, Harry …" the muggle witch began. "You and Serena are under a Confession Bubble Spell. This spell was basically initiated by Ginny, Ron, and me—but the very essence of this spell comes from the Silver Power of the full moon. This trick could only be effectively done when there is a full moon."
"So that means Harry and I could get out of this spell if the full moon disappears?" Serena questioned.
Harry turned to the blue-eyed girl. "Serena, you are the moon princess … aren't you aware of this kind of spell?"
Serena smiled apologetically and answered the young wizard. "I'm sorry, Harry … even I am not aware of this kind of spell. I guess my mother did send me here at Hogwarts, not just to start a new life … but to learn more about magic as well."
"Serena, Harry …" uttered Hermione. "Sorry to tell you—but you two will not be able to get out of this gazebo even if the moon disappears. The power that the full moon had activated on this spell is strong enough to last for almost a week. You two would only be able to break the spell if you would confess to each other your innermost thoughts and feelings. Otherwise—you are trapped inside the gazebo for the rest of the week."
"And I know you two wouldn't want that to happen, since we still have classes later," said Ron, pointing at his wrist watch.
He turned to Ginny and Hermione and addressed them, "Hey, girls … I think (yawn) we better go back now to our dorms. It's already 12:40 in the morning. We still need to go to class later … and … it's REALLY, REALLY (sniff-sniff) COLD here outside the field …"
"Hmm, well—I guess you're right, Ron," sighed Hermione, "We need to go back inside and get some sleep. Huuhhh (yawn) … I'm really exhausted after all this plot. But it sure was fun! Right, Harry?"
Harry rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "Is this your idea of fun, Hermione? Trapping me and Serena inside this gazebo for a week?"
"Oh but Harry!" chortled Ginny. "You and Serena can get out of the gazebo if you two have confessed your feelings for each other. As much as we want to stay here to watch and listen to your love declarations … we truly ar—(yawn) are tired and sleepy. So just tell us all about it later, okay?"
"Yeah, mate!" Ron agreed. "I do hope to see the two of you later at breakfast, alright? If you two don't speak up and pour your hearts out … Malfoy would definitely get jealous if he sees you two here! Hahaha—ACHOO!"
"Uh, Ron … I think we better head back now to the castle," told Hermione. "You really are catching a cold."
"Yup (sniff-sniff) Come on, girls … let's leave this two lovebirds alone. Bye, Harry! Bye, Serena!" Ron waved inside the gazebo.
"Ron!" Serena shouted, "Hey, Ron! Ginny, Mione! Don't leave us here! YOU THREE ARE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS—I SWEAR BY THE POWER OF THE MOON!"
"Serena!" yelled Hermione, "You won't be able to do anything for now! Just enjoy your date with Harry, okay?"
"RON!" Harry cried, beating the invisible wall surrounding the gazebo. "GINNY! MIONE! Please … let us out of here!"
Harry's pleas were just ignored by his three friends, who were now leaving the Quidditch field.
The green-eyed wizard sighed, moved towards the carpet and sat down on the soft pillows. He looked around and inspected the white marble columns and balusters encircling them. He raised his head and gazed at the circular golden dome, which was made of wrought iron—forming contrast and giving a Romanesque look to the whole structure.
Harry gave another sigh and laid his body on the pillows. He peered through the roof and watched the sky and stars silently.
"Serena …" he called softly. "I am truly sorry about this. My friends had really gone insane! I don't know what to do anymore."
"Oh Harry," whispered Serena, stepping towards the pillows and laying herself just below Harry's left shoulder.
"You don't have to apologize—Hermione, Ginny, and Ron are my friends now as well. You four … had been so kind to me ever since I came here at Hogwarts. And I really want to thank you for that. And besides … life would be so boring without insane friends such as them," she giggled, covering her mouth with her hands.
The dark-haired boy smiled, just listening to Serena laugh could make his heart jump for joy. He reached for Serena's right pigtail and played with it again.
"Hmmm … I guess you're right, Serena—life would be so dull without friends such as them. My life would not be as much brighter if you didn't come here at Hogwarts …" Harry said.
Serena laughed again. "So Mr. Potter … aha-are you telling me that—I am insane as them?"
Harry continued to twiddle with Serena's hair and grinned. "Not really, Rena! What I'm trying to say is that … ever since you came here … I … I think I found something I haven't found before …"
"And what, pray tell, is that Harry?" queried the Lunarian.
Harry dropped Serena's hair and gently wound his hand to her right hand. He sat up, squeezed her hand softly, and stared into her eyes. "Serena, ever since you came here … I found someone who could really understand me. Someone who could make me smile just with your mere laughter …"
"Oh Harry …" murmured Serena, sitting up as well. Her right pigtail had come off and half of her golden hair spilled flowingly down her back—making her look more ethereal. She looked down for a moment and squeezed Harry's hand. She stared at him, licked her rosy lips, and spoke to him again. "I'm always here for you, Harry … and I'm very glad to know that I have made your life happier. You have made me ve—"
Harry suddenly crashed his lips against Serena's, completely catching her by surprise.
He wrapped his arms around her petite form and supported her nape with his left hand. Using his right hand, he then slowly unbounded the left pigtail of Serena and brushed his fingers through her soft hair. The hand on Serena's nape had gently moved lower and tickled the soft bare skin at her back—causing the blonde to moan from Harry's lips. The green-eyed boy took this chance and deepened the kiss more.
After few seconds, the Lunarian was coming out of breath so she pushed Harry away from her and then stared at his face. The young Gryffindor wizard was breathing heavily and stared back at the moon princess.
Serena too was panting—her cheeks all flushed, her long golden hair draped around her shoulders beautifully, and her soft full lips still very red from the kiss.
"Harry …" she whispered. "W-why … did you do that?"
Harry smiled and softly cupped Serena's cheeks. "I love you, Serena," he finally said. "The first time I saw you gazing down at me with worried eyes … I already felt something towards you."
He leaned closer, put his forehead against hers, and closed his eyes. "I said 'I'm sorry' the first time I kissed you at the hospital wing. Now … I'm not going to apologize for kissing you again," he muttered. He moved away from Serena's face, but still held her cheeks. "I love you, Serena … and I am not going to apologize for saying that either."
The blue-eyed princess had still not responded after Harry's confession. She just stared at him silently and tried to absorb everything he had just said.
Harry was getting a little nervous now, Serena hadn't spoken a word since he admitted to her that he love her. He removed his hands from her face and just sighed. He looked down, raked his hand quickly through his black hair and stared at the girl again.
"Serena … please say something. Please—"
Serena suddenly embraced Harry tightly and cried over his shoulder.
"Harry …" she whispered in his ear. "I love you too, Harry … you're the best thing that happened to me here at Hogwarts. But … but … all the people who loved me just died— my mother, my friends … the Sailor Senshis, and … and even Mamoru. I thought I would never find love again, Harry. Then I met you. I love you so much … but I don't want you to die too. Please … just—just forget your feelings for me …" she said, freeing the boy from her arms and turning her back to him.
The Boy-Who-Lived was totally taken aback to hear Serena admit to him that she also love him. But with her final statement, she was trying to turn him down because she didn't want him to die like her loved ones. Harry's heart ached so much as he watched and listened to Serena cry. Her small body was shaking uncontrollably as she sobbed deeply.
Harry looked down at the gold medal on his left chest and touched it. He stared at the small figure of the lion—remembering what Ron had said to him: 'You have to tell her. You are a Gryffindor, Harry—find the courage to tell her how you feel.'
Harry Potter wasn't the one to give up that easily.
He stood up and slowly knelt in front of Serena. His eyes softened when he saw the tear-stained face of the girl he loved. He reached out and held her closely in his arms. He cradled her head in his chest and caressed her hair softly.
"Ssshhh, Serena … it's okay, it's okay …" he murmured in her ear. "I'm not going to die. No matter what you say—I will still love you. No one can stop me from loving you, Serena—even yourself. Please … let me love and protect you …"
Serena raised her head and looked at Harry intently. "Harry …" she said, still sobbing, "Why do you have to be … so wonderful? Why me? Why do you love me?"
The green-eyed wizard cupped the blonde's left cheek with his right hand. He gave a small sigh and smiled at her fondly.
"Because I love you, Serena …" he answered. "And because I see myself in you. We are very much alike—we have suffered so much. Each person carries his own burden in this world, but I guess … the load upon our shoulders weigh more. Others don't wake up every morning, thinking of how to save the world and blaming yourself for the loss of those you loved."
He raised his other hand and held the princess's right cheek. "I am just like you, Serena … my life is filled with so much pain. At first I was afraid to tell you about my feelings, because I felt the same … I don't want you to get hurt. My parents died protecting me … even my godfather, Sirius … people around me are endangered by my curse. I was dying, Serena—I was dying inside … that is until you came. Please, save me. Give me the courage to fight. Save me from my fears … you're the only one who can …" he whispered, tears forming in his eyes.
"Oh Harry …" responded Serena, seizing the boy in a warm embrace. She just held the young wizard in her arms and cried again. They stayed in that position for few seconds, before Serena moved away and stared at Harry's face. She kissed his lips chastely and smiled. "I will save you. I will love and save you. I guess we really feel the same way—whatever happens … I just can't stop loving you. I love you so much …" told the moon princess as she leaned closer and kissed Harry once again.
Harry smiled as Serena initiated the kiss. He snaked his arms around her and pushed them both down gently on the soft sea of velvet pillows. The Lunarian moaned and again—Harry prodded his tongue inside her sweet mouth. Serena's long tresses were strewed behind her like a gold blanket. Harry slid his right hand down to Serena's shoulder and laid butterfly kisses on her face and her neck.
The moon princess giggled and hugged the dark-haired boy more as he planted soft kisses on her skin. Harry lifted his head from Serena's neck and peered down at her tenderly. He bent down again and captured her soft pink lips. He looked at her and gently brushed her bangs away from her face.
"Thank you, Serena," said Harry. "Thank you for loving me. I promise that I will love and protect you with my life."
Serena giggled again. "Oh Harry …" she sighed, fixing the boy's eyeglasses and wiping his tears. "You really look cute when your hair is all messed up and your glasses askew. I think I'm falling in love with you again!"
Harry chuckled, boosting himself up from the pillows, and helping Serena to sit up as well. He took some blond hair from Serena's shoulders and let it slip from his fingers. He touched her face and smiled. "No, Serena … I think I'm the one falling in love with you again!"
"Harry! Are you really in love with me? Or are you just strongly attracted to my hair?" asked the Lunarian teasingly.
The young wizard just laughed and toyed with Serena's hair more. He pecked her softly on the cheek and held her hands. "Rena, I love you more than your beautiful hair. But I can't help myself—I guess I had developed a great obsession towards it! Your hair smells so good … you smell so good. And I just can't get enough of you …" he said, kissing her on the lips and on the forehead.
Serena hugged Harry and chuckled again. "Harry! I think Ginny now has a rival when it comes to my hair. She is addicted to my hair just like you. She said that I am her human-size doll."
Harry released Serena and spoke seriously. "Speaking of rival … what about Malfoy? Do you like—"
Delicate fingers halted the wizard's lips from talking. "Jealous aren't we?" told Serena smilingly. "You don't need to be jealous anymore. I am yours and yours alone. I am Harry Potter's girlfriend … and not Malfoy's. You are the one I love, and not him—I just want to make that clear to you. Though, Draco did ask me last night to be his girlfriend, and Ron saw the two of us talking by the corridor …"
"WHAT?!" Harry exclaimed, anger etched on his face. "Malfoy asked you to be his girlfriend?"
"Oh but, Harry!" replied Serena quickly. "I did not give him any answer yet … I didn't want to hurt his feelings. I told him it wasn't that easy for me to decide, since Mamoru just died. But I didn't tell him that I like someone else—I haven't told him that I had fallen in love with you!" exclaimed the blue-eyed girl, hugging Harry Potter tightly.
Harry hugged his girlfriend back affectionately. 'Serena is now MY GIRLFRIEND,' he mused smilingly. 'Hah! I guess I win this time, Malfoy! Better luck next time …'
"Harry," whispered Serena, looking at the dark-haired boy. "Please, don't get jealous anymore … I only like Draco as a friend."
Harry beamed at her and tipped her chin with his finger. "I know—I believe you. And now I have the right to scare those other guys away from you, because you are now my girlfriend! Serena, you don't know hard it is for me to control my feelings whenever I see guys fawning over you. You don't know how jealous I was when Malfoy gave you those roses and chocolates this morning."
"Harry …" said Serena tiredly. "Having you as my boyfriend is the best gift (yawn) I could ever have at Valentine's Day!"
"That's very sweet—but you're tired, my dear Serena," pointed Harry, helping the Lunarian to stand up. "I think we better try going out of this place. You know what Mione told us … we could only break the spell if we have confessed our feelings towards each other."
The moon princess yawned again and smiled softly. "Yes, I really am tired, Harry. … But this was the best Valentine date I ever had! Oooh … I guess I have to forget about my revenge against our insane friends! I think I need to thank them instead."
Harry grinned and gently guided Serena to the stairs. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, holding her hands firmly.
"Y-yes, I am!" answered Serena laughingly.
Slowly they went through the unseen barrier and stepped down the stairs of the gazebo. Immediately when they reached the ground, the gazebo began to fade. Their clothes had also turned back to normal. Harry bent down and grabbed his invisibility cloak from the ground. He and Serena turned around and watched the beautiful gazebo vanish.
Serena snuggled closer to Harry, as his arm draped around her shoulder protectively. She giggled and wrapped her arms around Harry's waist. She gazed at him lovingly and said, "You know—Hermione, Ginny, and Ron maybe insane … but I have to admit … they really are creative."
The green-eyed boy stared at his girlfriend and then chuckled. He kissed her on the forehead and ushered her to leave. 'Oh yeah—this has to be the best Valentine I ever had in my life!' he thought smilingly.
He held Serena closer to his chest, as they left the Quidditch field. "I love you, Serena," Harry whispered softly to her ear.
"I love you too, Harry," answered Serena, hugging his body more tightly.
( February 15 – 7:30 AM
Serena's Bedroom, beside the Gryffindor girls' dormitory )
"Oh, these are perfect!" exclaimed the Lunarian princess, as she finished arranging her bags of crescent moon-shaped chocolates in a big basket. "I know Ron will love these goodies!" she said, examining the small colorful packages of sweets once more.
Amid the multihued bags of chocolates, was a silver oval canister with a red satin ribbon tied around it. A small white card with Serena's fluid handwriting was attached to the ribbon. The message written on the tag was—
To my beloved Seeker—Harry,
I'm glad you caught me the day I fell from the sky.
Please don't get tired of catching me whenever I fall …
I love you.
Your little bunny,
Serena
P.S. Sorry if this is late, it was just delivered this morning.
I had Setsuna order this especially for you.
"Harry …" Serena sighed dreamily, thinking of the green-eyed wizard, which was now her boyfriend.
Serena had been in Cloud Nine—ever since the time she and Harry had confessed their feelings to each other, when they were inside the gazebo. She was feeling all too warm and giddy, just thinking of the dark-haired boy and the love he offered to her.
She smiled, as she looked at the silver canister containing the big milk chocolate she had ordered for Harry. This special treat and the bags of chocolates had been made from the best chocolate store owned by one of Setsuna's galactic friends.
'Oh Harry,' thought Serena. 'I really hope you'll like this rabbit-shaped milk chocolate I ordered for you …'
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
Somebody suddenly tapped Serena's door, ending her little daydream.
"Come in," replied Serena, carrying her big basket of chocolates to her bed.
One of Serena's classmates—Lavender Brown—opened the door and padded inside the room, her left hand holding something behind her back.
"Hi Serena!" greeted Lavender, smiling widely as she approached the blue-eyed girl.
Serena smiled back and greeted her fellow Gryffindor, "Good Morning, Lavender! What can I do for you?"
"Oh nothing, really … I just want to say 'hi', " answered Lavender.
Then she noticed that the Lunarian was wearing a different hairstyle. "Hey, Rena—I love your hair! You look prettier when your hair isn't tied in your usual meatball pigtails. You should wear your hair down more often, you really have nice hair …"
"Thanks for saying that, Lavender! You really made my day! I guess I should wear my hair down more often. That's what Ginny told me as well," giggled Serena, her long golden hair bouncing softly way down her back and shoulders.
Serena had decided to just put her hair down this morning. There was only this slim silver barrette clipped on top of her head. The hair accessory was studded with tiny diamond-like stones, resembling a little tiara that kept the hair away from her face. Her long silky locks were slightly curled at the ends, creating a very soft and flowing look.
"Oh Lavender! Before I forget …" told Serena, getting a bag of chocolates from the basket. "These are for you—Belated Happy Valentine!" she said, giving the bag of sweets to the girl.
Lavender's eyes widened, her lips stretching into a broad smile. "Really? These are for me?" she asked, accepting the bag of chocolates with her right hand, "Thanks so much, Serena! I bet these chocolates really taste good!"
"Yes, those chocolates taste like heaven! Those are one of my favorites from a chocolate store in the galaxy!" Serena informed. Suddenly she noted Lavender's left hand hidden behind her back. "Uh … Lavender? Is something wrong with your left arm? Why are you hiding it behind your back?"
Lavender grinned and clutched the bag of sweets against her chest. "Oh Serena, my left arm isn't hurt. Actually, I was trying to hide something else behind my back … it's the real reason why I came here."
"Huh? What are you hiding from me, Lavender?" inquired Serena, furrowing her thin eyebrows slightly.
Lavender smiled and finally showed her left arm. "I was hiding this from you, Serena …" she replied, presenting an exquisite white lily to the blonde. "Somebody asked me to give this to you. It's from one of your admirers …"
Serena smiled and took the beautiful blossom from Lavender's left hand. She brought it near her face and smelled it. "Oh Lavender … this is so beautiful," told the moon princess. "Thank you very much—this is my favorite flower! But who asked you to give me this?"
"Well, that's something for you to find out, Serena …" said Lavender smilingly. She then checked her watch and remembered something. "Oh, I got to go now, I still need to talk to someone. See you at the Great Hall, Serena!" she said, heading towards the door and opening it.
Serena gazed at her classmate and answered. "Okay Lavender, see you later at breakfast! Thanks again for the flower!"
"No problem, Rena! And thanks for the chocolates!" said Lavender laughingly, closing the door.
The moon princess sighed and placed the white lily in a vase. She smiled softly as her fingers traced the delicate petals of the flower. 'I wonder who gave me this?' she pondered, admiring the little present she got, 'One of my admirers … could it be from Malfoy again?'
She then glanced at her wristwatch. "Gosh, it's almost 8! I better go down now and give out the chocolates to my friends," she said, getting the big basket from her bed and leaving her room.
As Serena passed by the girls' dormitory, one of her classmates again—this time, Natalie Brown—came up to her.
"Serena! Wait up!" Natalie called, smiling at the fair-haired girl carrying a big basket.
"Oh Natalie, hi! I'm glad I saw you here," Serena responded, picking a bag of chocolates from her basket. "These are for you—a post Valentine gift from me! Sorry, it's kind of late …" told the moon princess, handing the small package to Natalie.
Natalie smiled and took the bundle of sweets. "Wow! Thanks, Serena! Actually—I, too, have something to give you. Well … SOMEONE asked me to give you something. … This is for you, Serena …" told Natalie as she presented Serena with another white lily.
"Oh my … another one?" uttered Serena, as she took the flower. She stared at her friend and asked, "Who is it from, Natalie?"
"I-I don't know, Serena … someone just asked me to give you that!" Natalie said with a small laugh. "Come on, let's go down now! Let's see our friends at the common room!" she added, ushering Serena to the stairs.
"Uh … okay …" agreed Serena, placing the white lily carefully in her basket and stepping down the stairs.
( At the Gryffindor Common Room )
As Serena distributed the chocolates to her fellow Gryffindor who were in the common room, she had received twelve more white lilies, each from her classmates. Each of Serena's twelve Gryffindor friends told her that the flowers were from an admirer.
The moon princess was really beginning to suspect something, as she arranged the white lilies inside the basket.
'This is getting really weird … I didn't know that Malfoy could be this persistent. He even asked my friends to give me these lilies. I think I better go and find Harry … he needs to know about this …' Serena reflected.
She scanned the room and approached one of her male classmates. "Hey Seamus!" called Serena, "Have you seen Harry?"
The blond-haired boy smiled and answered, "No, Serena—I haven't seen Harry since this morning. Why? Do you have any message for him, in case I see him?"
Serena frowned for a moment and then smiled. "No no, it's okay … I'll just find him and talk to him myself. Are you sure those lilies that you all gave me were just from an unknown person?"
"Yes, Serena, we really don't know where those lilies came from. The others and I just woke up, with those lilies and a note inside our dorms. The anonymous note just instructed, to give you the white lilies when we see you in the morning. The only name signed on the note was 'Serena's Admirer'," explained Seamus.
The blond-haired boy suddenly furrowed his face. "Who do you think is your greatest admirer, Serena? Who is the person who loves to flatter with you gifts?" Seamus asked.
"Malfoy! I knew it—it's him! He's the one who's so generous with this kind of stuff. He's the one who likes to flatter me with gifts!" concluded Serena.
"Well Serena, that's for you to find out—you better leave and ask Malfoy yourself," responded Seamus with a smile.
"Hmmm, I guess so. I better go now … see you at breakfast, Seamus!" Serena said, walking towards the entrance.
"Okay! Bye, Serena! Thanks for the chocolates!" exclaimed Seamus, waving at the Lunarian.
Serena left the common room, carrying the big basket that originally contained chocolates—but was now starting to be filled with white lilies.
( Outside the Gryffindor Common Room )
'I wonder where Harry is …' thought Serena as she went down the Gryffindor Tower, 'I haven't seen Hermione, Ginny, and Ron as well …'
She was walking along the halls of Hogwarts when all of a sudden—
"Serena!" cried out Hannah Abbot and Susan Bones, waving at the blonde Gryffindor.
Serena beamed at her Hufflepuff friends and walked directly to them. "Good morning, girls!" she greeted, "How are you two today?"
"We're very fine! Oh, love your hair!" Hannah answered, smiling at the Lunarian. Then she glanced at the large basket held by Serena's arm, her smile widening when she noticed the white lilies in it. "Hey Serena … Susan and I would like to add something to your collection …"
"My collection? What collection?" Serena asked.
"Oooh Serena …" giggled Susan, pointing at the white lilies inside the basket, "That collection of lilies." She then took out something from her robe and smiled. "Here's another one, Serena," Susan said, handing the blonde with a white lily.
"This, too," spoke Hannah, giving another white lily to Serena.
Serena blinked at the two white lilies in front of her. She smiled softly and took the flowers from her two friends. "Uh … thanks, girls! Thanks so much!" she said, placing the white blossoms inside her basket. "I'm not going to ask you anymore where these lilies came from. I know you're just going to tell me that they're from a certain admirer. Am I correct?" she added, looking at the two girls.
The two Hufflepuff girls nodded smilingly.
"Hmmm, oh well …" said Serena, getting two bags of chocolates from her basket.
"By the way, girls, these are for you! I know Valentine's Day was yesterday but … better late than never!" told the Lunarian, handing the sweets to her two friends.
"Oh! Thanks Serena!" said Susan and Hannah, taking the small packages.
"Come on, girls! Let's head to the Great Hall," Serena said, gesturing with her head.
"Sure, Rena!" Susan and Hannah replied, walking beside the Lunarian.
Hannah smiled at Serena and spoke to her again, "Serena, you know what—I really love your new hairstyle …"
( At the Entrance of the Great Hall )
Serena was talking to Susan and Hannah when somebody called her name.
"Serena!" Ginny said happily, running towards the girl.
Serena said her goodbyes to her two Hufflepuff friends and turned to Ginny. "Hi, Ginny!" she greeted.
Ginny grinned and then immediately hugged the girl. "Oh Serena—you and Harry had finally broke the spell! You had told each other your feelings! I'm so happy for you! And oh! I LOVE YOUR HAIR! Love it, love it, love it!"
Serena chuckled as she hugged the red head. "I'm glad you like my hair, Ginny! And I'm also happy that Harry and I had admitted our feelings to each other! Speaking of Harry … have you seen him, Ginny? I really need to talk him …"
"Sorry, Rena … I haven't seen Harry since this morning. Actually, I never knew what time you had returned to the castle. Mione and I were so exhausted," told Ginny. Then she noticed the basket of chocolates and lilies in Serena's arm. "Hey, Rena, do you have any chocolates for me?" asked Ron's sister smilingly.
"Of course, Ginny," answered Serena, getting a bag of chocolates. "Here … this one's for you! I hope you like them!"
"Oh thanks, Rena!" said Ginny cheerfully, taking the small bag and putting it inside her pocket.
"By the way, Ginny … where is Hermione? I haven't seen her yet?" Serena inquired, guiding the red head towards their table.
"Well, Mione needed to do something important. She will meet us here in awhile" responded Ginny, walking beside Serena. Then suddenly she ran towards the Gryffindor table and took something from her seat.
"Hey, Ginny! Wait up!" called Serena, walking faster towards the table. "What are you—"
"Serena, this is for you!" exclaimed Ginny smilingly, offering the moon princess a white lily.
Serena took the flower and stared at her friend. "Ginny, please tell me … where did you—"
"Hi, Serena!" interrupted a male Gryffindor freshman. "For you …" the young boy said, presenting Serena with another lily.
Then, more Gryffindor students as well as students from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, came to Serena by the table—each one of them giving her a white lily.
Soon, Serena had to place all the white lilies on the table, since there wasn't any space left in her large basket.
The moon princess was truly overwhelmed to receive more than two hundred of her favorite white lilies in just one day.
Imagine—TWO HUNDRED white lilies!
Now, she didn't know if she wanted to hug or kiss Malfoy—or whoever it was—for doing the sweetest thing she could ever think of. She also felt a little nervous because she really wanted Harry to know about this, and she didn't know how he would react if he discovered the flowers.
Ginny and some other female Gryffindor students, were busy helping Serena fix her flowers on the table when Hermione suddenly arrived.
"Hey Serena," said Hermione, tapping the Lunarian's shoulder lightly.
Serena turned around and smiled at her muggle friend. "Oh Mione, hi!" she said, giving the girl a quick hug. "Where have you been? I really wanted to see you; people here are giving me these flowers … I'm not sure if they're from Malfoy or—"
"Good morning, Serena," Draco suddenly greeted, smiling at the golden-haired girl. "My, my … you really look lovely today."
Serena smiled back and replied. "Uh, Draco … were the white lilies from—"
"Hey, where did those flowers come from?" questioned Draco, pointing at the two hundred plus white lilies on the table.
The Lunarian furrowed her face, she was now completely puzzled. "You mean the white lilies were not from you, Draco?" she asked. Then something dawned on her. "If that's the case then—"
"Serena," spoke Hermione suddenly, touching the girl's arm. "I was supposed to give you this note, but unfortunately, MALFOY interrupted me," she said, giving Serena a folded parchment and glaring at Malfoy.
Serena took the paper from Hermione and gasped at the name addressed on it—
For you, my Moon Angel
She unfolded the paper and started reading the message out loud. Her heart beat wildly as each word seemed to drown her—
Chariot in the sky, the one I await
a gift for a beggar like me,
stars line the way, in heaven she drifts
descending light for eyes to see
I welcome the kind passion in her eyes
as I come out from my lonely abyss,
bringing her face near my shadowed soul
accepting her moonlight kiss
I tell her—
Serena stopped reading the paper, the poem was not complete. She gazed at Hermione with worried eyes. "Mione, where's the rest of the message?" she asked.
"AHEM! Excuse me, Serena," spoke Ron suddenly. He grinned and then stepped aside to show someone behind him.
Harry Potter came into view—carrying a beautiful bouquet of white lilies and white roses. He looked at Serena lovingly and began reciting the rest of the poem in front of her—
I tell her I have nothing to give
that my life is dripping in pain,
she kisses me more and whispers in my ear
"Loving you is something I cannot refrain"
Homeless in this world, I tread alone
my burden I hope would end soon,
and every night, I look up at the sky
waiting to be kissed by the moon
Everyone had seemed to stop breathing as they watched and listened to Harry Potter finish his little speech for Serena. Serena had seemed to forget that she was in the Great Hall, surrounded by her classmates and friends. For her—she was in a different world, and that world she shared only with Harry.
Harry smiled at his girlfriend and slightly angled his head. "Did you like the white lilies?" he asked the moon princess.
"They were really from you?" muttered Serena, tears forming in her eyes.
"What? You thought they were from Malfoy?" asked Harry with a small frown, crossing his arms together. "You know, Serena, Malfoy isn't the only guy who—"
Serena suddenly ran towards Harry and kissed him on the lips. The green-eyed wizard tenderly wrapped his arms around the Lunarian's waist, smiling as he returned the sweet kiss.
All students in the Great Hall—well except Malfoy and the Slytherins—clapped and cheered as the golden-haired girl showed her love and gratitude to the Boy-Who-Lived. Girls were smiling and wiping the tears in their eyes, boys were hooting and whistling as they chanted the couple's names.
The kiss lasted for about twenty seconds, before Serena finally pulled away. She looked at Harry's face and giggled at his dazed look.
She noticed the small black areas under Harry's eyes and so gently cupped his cheeks. "Harry, did you sleep when we went back to our rooms?"
A grin formed in Harry's lips before he responded. "No, I didn't sleep—I couldn't sleep. I was thinking about you, Serena … since I had returned to my room. I wasn't able to finish the letter I was supposed to give you yesterday. My bed was covered with so many crumpled papers so I thought—if I couldn't finish my letter … I would just transform all those crumpled papers into your favorite white lilies. I wanted to surprise you, so I got some help from Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and Hedwig … and we distributed the two hundred plus lilies to all the students—except the Slytherins, of course … as they may not give you the flowers. Together with the flowers were notes that I had written, requesting the students to get one white lily and give each to you when they see you in the morning. I specifically instructed that, in case you ask them from whom those lilies were—they should just tell you that they're from your admirer."
Harry paused then continued. "I had been admiring you since the day you arrived here, Serena. Now … I want you and the world to know that—that great admiration had turned into my undying love for you."
Serena smiled and wiped the tears in her eyes. "Harry … you no longer need to wait every night to be kissed by the moon. I will give you as many kisses you'd like, anytime you want. Well, maybe except during class hours of course …"
Harry just stared at Serena and then laughed happily. He handed over the bouquet of flowers to her and whispered something to her ear. The moon princess smiled brightly and gave the green-eyed wizard a soft kiss on his cheek.
Whatever Harry Potter might have told her—you can definitely expect it was something nice.
( END OF FLASHBACK )
( Back to Serenity's Room, 3rd floor of Bartlett Hall
Present time: August 4, 1999 – 3:16 AM )
Serenity suddenly sat up from her bed, her blue eyes glazed with a trance-like look. She stood up, opened the door, and went outside her room—padding towards the studio down at the first floor.
She went inside the art room, opened the lights, and sat in front of her easel. She placed a big canvas on the stand, took a pencil, and started drawing.
The lady artist drew her lines smoothly, creating them with utmost precision. She continued to work on her canvas, not really knowing what she was sketching.
While she was so engrossed with her work, her lips uttered something—
"Your Moon Angel is here, Harry. I am here."
Author's Notes:
Oh my … what would you do if someone gave you 200 plus pieces of your favorite flower? And then recite a poem in front of you?
I just think Harry was so sweet and romantic … he has definitely outdone Malfoy's roses and chocolates!
REVIEWS, PEOPLE! Send me your white lilies, please!