Here's CHAPTER 10! Harry meets Serenity at last! WOHOO!
(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 10: In His Arms
"That's cool, Seiya! Tell me about the photo shoot, okay? Right now, we better hurry or else Taiki and Yaten will think I glowed and floated again!" Serenity exclaimed, going out of the Bartlett Hall and treading on the stone path leading to the mansion.
Seiya shook his head and chuckled. "Hey Ser, you should also tell me about your meeting with this Harry Potter, okay! You better tell me is he's good-looking or if he looks like one of my teachers in the music school—the one who has this long beard, small thick spectacles … big ears … bushy eyebrows …"
( 1:33 PM
Literary and Arts Section, London Public Library
11th Tottenham Court Road, London )
At the moment, Ron was hunched over a long table, writing down the call numbers and accession numbers on the back cards for the new collection of books. Harry was at the end of the table, fixing some files and inserting the new book catalogs. The two girls, who were gossiping about Serenity and had disturbed Harry while he was reading a haiku book yesterday, were also included among the ten students who took the book-arranging job. Alicia Thomson, the girl with the curly platinum blonde hair, and Kate Meers, the one with the short brown hair, were both seated in front of Ron, attaching the index cards at the back cover of the books.
Alicia took a glimpse of Harry and smiled. She leaned closer to Kate and whispered something to her ear. Kate gazed at Harry and giggled.
"I know … he really looks cute in his black shirt," murmured Kate. "But he seems to be a little quiet, don't you think?"
"Yeah," Alicia answered. "He seemed friendlier yesterday. Today, it appears like he's trying to avoid people. He's not even speaking to his friend, Ron …"
"Ehehem!" Ron interrupted, overhearing the two girls. "Are you two girls talking about my friend, Harry?"
Alicia blushed and smiled. "Oh Ron, be quiet, okay? We wouldn't want Harry to know that we're talking about him … especially now that he seems to be in a bad mood."
"Yeah, Ron … why does Harry seem to be avoiding people? He seem to be avoiding even you," said Kate secretly.
Ron bent forward towards the table and whispered. "Well, let's just say that Harry got up on the wrong side of the bed. Probably, in your point of view, you can call it 'PMS'—you know, your pre-menstrual stuff. Today is not very good day for Harry … so try to stay away from him for now and let him be."
"Oh that's too bad," Kate said. "Alicia and I were thinking of asking Harry if he would like to go with us at the opening night of the Moon Chronicles exhibit. You see, Alicia here has a big crush on Harry—"
"Kate!" cried Alicia rather loudly. "How could you tell Ron that I have a big crush on Harry!"
Harry thought he heard the girls mention his name so he looked up from his files and glanced at the other end of the table. Alicia and Kate remained quiet and pretended to be doing something. Harry turned back to his files and dismissed the thought of someone mentioning his name.
Ron smiled and leaned closer to the girls. "So, Alicia … you do admit that you have a crush on Harry …" he said teasingly.
"Ron, shut up!" told Alicia blushingly. "It's our little secret, okay? Would you like your crush to know that you have a crush on her?"
'Would I like my crush to know that I like her? Hermione—no! NO WAY!' Ron pondered.
"Okay, okay … it's our little secret," agreed Ron with a smirk.
Suddenly, a male student who was also hired for the job approached Harry and spoke to him. Harry stood up, took the files, and left the table together with the student who came over him.
Kate's gaze followed Harry as he silently left the table. She moved closer towards Ron and asked, "So Ron … does Harry have a girlfriend?"
Alicia's eyes lit up and smiled. "Come on, Ron … tell us … does Harry have a girlfriend? Is he currently dating someone?"
Ron shook his head and chuckled. "No, Harry's not dating anyone … but he definitely has a girlfriend. Uh—correction—Harry had a girlfriend … I think …"
"What do you mean by 'had' a girlfriend? Did Harry and his girlfriend break up?" inquired Kate, getting a small bottle of glue and squeezing it on an index card.
"I'm not sure," responded Ron, scratching his head. "They didn't break up actually … what I heard is that—Harry's girlfriend left and went to another country, so they got separated … and then they lost contact of each other," he lied.
"Really?" Alicia asked, pressing an index card firmly against the back cover of a book.
"Yeah, really … but I think the two of them are about to get together again. Harry's girlfriend had returned and they're planning to see each other," Ron said smilingly.
"Well, I think that's nice. How long had they been separated?" Kate questioned.
"More than a year," replied Ron.
He looked down at his index cards and noticed that an old one had been mixed up with the new set. "Hey, how come this is in here?" he asked, showing the index card that had already been filled to Kate and Alicia.
"I don't know … maybe someone accidentally inserted that in that stack," Alicia answered.
"Well, I better give this to Mrs. Nan before this totally gets lost," Ron said, leaving the table and heading to the librarian's desk.
As Ron approached the desk, he noted that one of student assistants instead of the librarian was supervising the place. "Uh … your Lizie, right?" he asked.
The girl looked up and smiled. "Yes, I'm Lizie. Is there a problem …"
"Ron. My name's Ron," replied Ginny's brother. He shook his head and grinned. "Actually, I was trying to look for Mrs. Nan. I was going to give her this old index—"
"Hi, good afternoon. I'm going to borrow these books, please," a sweet voice suddenly said.
Ron and Lizie turned to the person who just spoke and saw a beautiful girl with long silver hair set into a loose braid, dressed in a white shirt, light blue pullover, and jeans. The girl suddenly noticed the two people staring at her. "Oh I'm very sorry … I didn't mean to interrupt," she said with a sincere smile.
Lizie smiled back at the girl. "It's okay, miss. Let me get your books …"
The silver-haired girl smiled more broadly and handed over two books, her ID, and her library card.
Ron was still frozen on his spot, staring at the girl in front of him. 'I can't believe this! Is this girl actually Serena?' he thought.
The girl noticed that Ron was still staring at her so she spoke again. "Um, I'm really sorry, sir … I didn't mean to interrupt you awhile ago—"
"D-do you know He-Hermione and Ginny?" Ron suddenly asked to the girl.
The girl smiled and nodded her head. "Yes, I know Hermione and Ginny. They're my new friends I met at a store. By the way, I'm Serenity Moon," she said, extending her right hand to Ron.
Ron took the offered hand and shook it gently. "Serenity Moon … you're the artist that Ginny and Hermione's been telling me about! I'm Ron Weasley, Ginny's older brother!"
'I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS—I'M ACTUALLY SHAKING THE HAND OF SERENITY MOON! GOSH, SHE REALLY LOOKS LIKE SERENA!' Ron's mind screamed.
"You're Ginny's brother?" asked Serenity, squeezing Ron's hand lightly. "Hi, nice to meet you! Are you okay now? Ginny said you had an accident yesterday …"
"Uh, excuse me, Miss Moon … here are your books, ID, and library card. Could you just please sign these two slips? " Lizie said to Serenity.
"Oh sure!" smiled Serenity, taking a pen from her purse and signing the two small pieces of paper. She took the books she borrowed and placed her ID, library card, and her pen inside her purse. She turned to Ron again and asked, "So, Mr. Weasley … are you feeling all better now? Ginny was really worried about you last night … she said you were having convulsions …"
'Convulsions?' Ron thought. Then he suddenly remembered what Hermione told Harry about him being hurt and Harry needing to stay home to take care of him.
"Oh yeah, my convulsions!" said Ron grinningly. "I'm okay now, Ms. Moon, Gi—I mean Harry was able to get rid of my convulsions and tend my injury, so I'm very fine now!"
"Oh please, Mr. Weasley, call me Serenity. Ms. Moon is too formal," laughed the Lunarian.
"Okay—Serenity—but you also have to call me by my first name," Ron replied, looking at Serenity's hair.
"Sure, Ron," said Serenity. Then she noticed that Ron was looking at her face curiously. "Is there … something wrong with my face?"
"Oh no, nothing! Uh … can I touch your hair? Is it real?" asked Ginny's brother.
Serenity laughed softly, grabbing the end of her braid and letting Ron touch it. "Of course, Ron—my hair's real! Why is this the first time you've seen someone with silver white hair?"
Ron beamed and touched Serenity's hair softly. "Not actually. I mean—I had seen other people, old people, with same hair color … although your hair seems shinier. Sorry—I'm not trying to say that you look old and wrinkly, actually … I think … your hair color suits you." He dropped the braid and grinned. "It makes you look—regal."
'Although, blonde hair makes you look cuter … I bet Harry misses your hair very much …' Ron mused.
"Really?" said Serenity. "Wow, thanks!"
The young painter held the books close to her chest and titled her head. "Um, Ron … are you doing a research here in the library?"
"Oh no—no, I'm not! Actually, I'm working here together with Harry. We're arranging the new books that are in line with your exhibit!" Ron explained.
"Hey that's cool—wait—you said, Harry's working here? In the Literary and Arts Section? Harry only mentioned he has a part-time job here at the library, but he didn't say he's working in this very section," Serenity said with a smile.
"Yeah, I forgot!" responded Ron, his eyes widening. "Harry is working here with me! He was just here a minute ago—"
RING! RING! RING! Serenity's cell phone rang softly inside her purse.
"Uh Ron, excuse me for awhile," the moon princess said, getting her phone from her purse.
"Hello?" answered Serenity on the phone. "Oh Ms. Andrews, hi! (pause) As in right now? I'm at the London Public Library … (pause) I guess if it's really urgent, I could go there and do the interview and the pictorial. (pause) No, it's okay … I only borrowed a couple of books. (pause) Of course, okay … I will see you in less than an hour. (pause) Okay, see you! Bye!"
Serenity ended the call, placed her phone inside her purse, and then gazed at Ron.
"Ron, I'm so sorry about that! I have to leave now—my interview and pictorial set for next week had been moved today. So … why not just join Harry at the meeting and we'll talk again later, okay? … After your work?" told Serenity, walking away slowly from the librarian's desk.
Ron grinned and nodded. "Sure, Serenity! I'll go with Harry later! That's at the Hayward Gallery, right?"
"Yeah—the Hayward Gallery—just beside this building, eighth floor, Mrs. Sanders's office. I'll see you and Harry later, okay? Oh, Ginny and Hermione too! Tell, Harry I can't wait to meet him!" said Serenity, before finally leaving.
"Bye, Serenity!" waved Ron. 'See you later, Serena …' he thought smilingly, watching the silver-haired girl depart.
"You know, Ron," Lizie said suddenly. "You and Serenity Moon seem to know each other for a long time … considering that you two just met right now."
"I don't know, Lizie, maybe Serenity and I had met before. Wait—I'll try to think about it …" Ron replied grinningly, giving Lizie the index card.
Lizie chuckled and took the index card from Ron. "Sure, Ron. And when you do remember about it—tell me, okay?"
"Okidokie!" said Ron, turning on his heel and heading back to Alicia and Kate.
He grinned at the two girls as he approached them. "Hey, girls, guess what?"
"Ron, what took you so long?" asked Alicia. "It took you forever just for you to give one index card?"
"I'm sorry, okay? I just happened to bump into Serenity Moon when I was about to give the card!" told Ron, rolling his eyes and taking his seat.
"What—Serenity Moon? You mean the artist with the long beautiful silver hair, blue eyes … the one holding the Moon Chronicles exhibit in two weeks?" gushed Kate.
"Yes, the one and only—Serenity Moon," answered Ron, fixing his index cards.
"Oh my gosh! Where is she? I want to ask her if she's dating David Morgan!" Alicia squealed, trying to stand up from her seat.
"Hey, hey wait! She left already, okay? She just left a minute ago, she has this sudden interview to attend to," Ron informed.
"Ron! Why didn't you tell us that Serenity was here?" cried Alicia, slouching on her chair.
Ron chortled and positioned his pen on an index card. "I'm sorry, okay? I didn't know that you two are avid fans of Serenity Moon …"
'And you two don't know that Harry is meeting Serenity later. Hah! And I'm coming too!' Ron thought smilingly.
Suddenly, Ron saw Harry pass by their table. He stood up instantly and ran to him.
"Harry!" called Ron, waving at his green-eyed friend.
Harry, who was holding some old brown envelopes, turned and furrowed his face. "What do you want, Ron?" he asked, his voice strained.
"Harry, I just saw and met Serenity Moon …" Ron said, almost whispering. "She was just here few minutes ago. She wanted you to know that she couldn't wait to meet you … and that I could go with you to your meeting later."
"I see. Well, thanks for informing me," Harry said, turning around to leave.
"Harry," Ron called again. "Is it okay if I come with you?"
"It's okay," Harry replied, facing Ron again. "Serenity invited you, anyway. Is there something else you want to say, Ron?"
Ron smiled goofily and shook his head. "No, Harry … that's all I have to say."
"Okay, then. I'll just meet you here around five …" uttered Harry, leaving Ron finally.
"Sure, Harry," whispered Ron, gazing at the retreating back of his friend.
'Actually there are two more things I want to say—' Ron pondered. 'I'm really sorry, and … I think Serena's back …'
( 5:26 PM
Entrance, Hayward Gallery
12th Tottenham Court Road, London )
"Mione, are you sure Ron told you that he and Harry would be out around 5:30?" Ginny asked, gazing at her brown-haired friend.
"Yes, Ginny, that's what Ron told me when I called him on his phone," Hermione replied. "It's a good thing that Ron brought his cell phone this time—if not, well … I don't know if I would dare call Harry instead and confirm the time they'll be coming here."
"Don't you think it's great that Ron had actually met Serenity at the library? And did he really say that he touched Serenity's hair?" questioned Ginny again.
"Haha, yeah," chuckled Hermione. "I can't believe Ron did that just to make sure Serenity's hair is real. He said that it's his way of convincing himself more that Serenity was actually talking to him."
"You mentioned that Ron had shaken hands with Serenity, right? Wasn't that enough proof already?" Ginny said smilingly.
"Well, you know Ron … sometimes he really does these weird things," Hermione answered, smiling back at Ginny. "Speaking of Ron, where is he? He and Harry are supposed to be here by now."
"Wait," spoke Ginny. "I think I can see them. Oh, oh—there they are!" she said, waving at the two approaching young men.
Hermione turned to the right and saw Ron and Harry walking towards their direction. Her gaze fell upon Harry who was listening to Ron talk.
"At least Harry seems to be not ignoring Ron anymore, though I think he's only showing little interest to whatever Ron is saying," commented Hermione.
"That's okay, Mione," said Ginny. "Harry's mood may get better once we see Serenity—her warm personality could affect anyone who meets her."
Hermione smiled at Ginny's reply. "That's definitely true. I guess once Harry sees Serenity smile and hear her laugh … I think he's going to fall in love with her again." she whispered.
"Hi, girls!" greeted Ron with a grin. "Have you been waiting here for a long time?"
"Not really, Ron," answered Hermione. "We've just been here for about ten minutes."
"Um, shouldn't we go inside now?" Ginny asked, looking at the three.
"Yes, I think we better go inside," Harry spoke suddenly. "I don't want to keep your friend waiting …"
Ron, Ginny, and Hermione watched as Harry left them and enter the building.
"Hey, we better hurry! I can't wait to see Serenity again!" Ron exclaimed, dragging Ginny and Hermione with him.
"Hey, Ron … how was your day, by the way?" Hermione asked as they tried to catch Harry by the elevator.
"It's fine actually …" murmured Ron. "In spite of the two nosy girls that had been bothering me with so many questions about Harry—you see … one of them has a big crush on him. They asked me if Harry has a girlfriend or not … and take note—both of the girls are avid fans of Serenity too!"
"Well, what did you tell them, Ron?" Ginny asked, glancing at Harry as he stepped inside the elevator.
Ron shrugged his shoulders and grinned. "Oh I just told them that his girlfriend left so they got separated, and that SHE has now returned … and the two of them are having plans of seeing each other again," he whispered, going inside the elevator.
Ginny and Hermione followed Ron and Harry in the elevator. Ginny waited for two more people to enter before she pressed the CLOSE button and button number 8.
She glanced at Hermione and smiled softly. She leaned closer to her and whispered, "Thank goodness Ron didn't tell the truth to those girls. Well actually, what he told them was partly true … but at least they don't know that Harry is actually meeting 'his girlfriend' right now …"
Hermione nodded her head. "If Ron had told them about Harry meeting Serenity … I would surely strangle your brother's neck, Ginny. I don't want him spoiling the surprise for Harry …"
RING! RING! RING! RING! Hermione's mobile phone inside her bag rang.
She got her phone from her bag and answered it. "Hello?" she said. "Serenity hi! We're on our way up there! (pause) Y-yes, all four of us are here inside the elevator … (pause) No, it's okay … we'll wait for you. (pause) Yes, of course, don't worry about it … he will understand … (pause) Okay—I'll see you later. Bye!"
Hermione peered over her shoulder and talked to Harry. "Harry … that was just Serenity. She's apologizing because she'll be late for about ten to fifteen minutes … she'll be coming over here from an interview."
Harry cast a glimpse at Hermione and replied. "That's okay … I could wait," he said curtly.
Hermione smiled at Harry and then turned to Ron and Ginny. Ginny beamed at her and Ron grinned.
TING!
Finally, they reached the eighth floor.
Hermione, Ginny, Ron, Harry and the two other people—stepped outside the elevator. The four friends headed towards Lori's office, while the two people who joined them in the elevator went off to their own way. When Hermione and her friends finally arrived at the door, she knocked and then entered.
"Vi?" Hermione said, taking a peek at the door.
"Oh Hermione! It's nice to see you! Come in, come in!" Vivian invited, standing up from her desk and walking towards the door.
Hermione and her three companions entered the room. Ginny greeted Vivian and asked if Lori was inside her office.
"Oh Ginny, Hermione … Mrs. Sanders left an hour ago, she went to the British Museum to take care of something. She said that she'd join you later after her important meeting," informed Vivian. "As for Serenity … she called me few minutes ago and told me that she's on her way here."
Hermione smiled at Lori's secretary. "That's alright, Vi. Serenity just called me as well and told me that she's going to be a little late. We could wait here. Oh by the way! I almost forgot … Ginny and I have two more companions with us," she said gesturing towards Ron and Harry.
"Vivian—this is Ron Weasley, Ginny's older brother. And Harry Potter, the guy whom Serenity and Mrs. Sanders are meeting today," introduced Hermione.
Vivian smiled at Ron and Harry and shook their hands. "Hello, Mr. Weasley … Mr. Potter … I am Vivian Murray—you can call me 'Vi' … I am Mrs. Lori Sanders's secretary."
Ron grinned at pretty young woman. "Hi, Vi. Just call me 'Ron' … it's very nice to meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Vi," Harry said with a soft smile. "Call me 'Harry.'"
"Okay—Ron, Harry. Um, will you two and the girls come with me to the conference room?" Vivian said, motioning towards a room beside Lori's office.
"But, Vi, it's okay … Serenity's not yet here. We could stay here with you and wait for her," uttered Hermione.
Vivian laughed softly and then smiled. "Oh no, Hermione! Mrs. Sanders and especially Serenity … told me that once the four of you arrive, I must bring you to the conference room so that you could wait there for them. So, shall we?"
"Sure, Vi! Lead the way!" Ginny replied smilingly.
Lori's secretary led the four visitors to the conference room. She opened the door and entered.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the conference room. Please make yourself comfortable, and help yourselves with the feast especially prepared for you," Vivian said, gesturing towards the long conference table filled with a small banquet.
"Oh great! Food!" Ron exclaimed, walking towards the table and inspecting the variety of food.
"Hey Ron! Wait!" Hermione cried, heading towards the table as well.
The muggle witch faced Vivian and asked. "Vi, what are all these food doing here?"
Vivian smiled at the brown-haired girl. "Hermione, Serenity had requested this feast especially for you. She said that in case she won't arrive at four-thirty, I should already ask the catering services to deliver and prepare the food she had ordered this morning. Plus, she had mentioned to me before she left for her interview, that Harry and Ron would be coming over here from their work at the library … so, she expected that our two boys here would be quite hungry."
"Vi, how very thoughtful of Serenity to do this," remarked Ginny, smiling at the young secretary and casting a glance at Ron who was already sampling the food.
"Yeah, Serenity is a very sweet person," Vivian said. "We hit it off immediately the first time we met. Well, girls, Harry—what are you waiting for? I think you better join Ron there by the table."
"Aren't you going to join us, Vi?" asked Hermione. "I think Serenity ordered too much food … it seemed like she had ordered for ten people!"
"No, it's alright, Hermione. Serenity had also ordered me my favorite pasta from another restaurant. I just ate it awhile ago, so I guess I won't be able to join you … and I also need to go to my desk and finish sorting some files. So … if it's okay with you, I will leave you now. If you want to freshen up, the restroom is over there. If you need anything else, I'm just at my desk," said Vivian, heading towards the door.
"Uh, Vi," Harry called suddenly. "Thank you very much."
Vivian smiled at the black-haired wizard. "You're welcome, Harry. Enjoy your dinner!" she said before finally leaving the room.
Hermione, Ginny, and Harry joined Ron by the table. Harry placed his bag on one of the chairs and sat beside Ron, while Hermione and Ginny sat together in front of the boys.
"Mmm guys!" Ron said, his mouth full of brown sauce. "You have to taste these lamb chops—they're so great! And these mashed potatoes and this mushroom-garlic mix!"
Ginny chuckled at her brother. "Oh Ron! You really LOVE food, don't you?"
"What can I say? I love to eat! I'm just so famished after filling out all those index cards, covering those books, and listening to Alicia and Kate gossip!"
"What were Alicia and Kate gossiping about this time?" Harry suddenly asked, pouring himself some juice.
Ron, Hermione, and Ginny stared at Harry and were quite surprised to hear him join the conversation.
"Well, Ron, what were Alicia and Kate talking about?" Harry asked again.
Ron smiled softly and wiped his mouth with the table napkin. "Just about Serenity's exhibit and … her rumored relationship with no other that David Morgan."
"David Morgan? Who's David Morgan?" inquired Harry.
"Hey, Ron … isn't that the photographer you met yesterday? The one who had requested his chef friend to give you the cake?" uttered Hermione, putting some salad on her plate.
"Yeah, it's the same David Morgan," answered Ron. "According to what I've heard from Alicia and Kate's conversation … Serenity had known David even before she and her rock band friends moved here to London. I think she had met David during the concert of her friends in Tokyo …"
"Tokyo? You mean Serenity's from Japan?" asked Hermione, glancing at Ron and then to Ginny.
Ginny smiled at Hermione and knew what she was already thinking. This piece of information that Ron just told them just confirmed the girls' suspicions more.
When Serena was in Hogwarts, she had told them about her life in Japan—how she had been adopted and raised by the Tsukinos, as well as her crazy battles and adventure as Sailor Moon.
"Uhhmm, I think so," Ron said, shoving a spoonful of mashed potato to his mouth. "Mmm-didn't Serenity tell you girls that she's from Japan?"
"No, Ron." Ginny answered. "Serenity didn't tell us so much about her life. She had only mentioned to us about her friends and her being a student at the Royal Academy of Arts."
Ron nodded his head and glimpsed at Harry. Currently, his friend was silently eating and listening to the conversation.
"Mmmm … I see. Well, Alicia and Kate also said that Serenity had been discovered by an Italian art professor who visited Japan. The professor was so impressed with Serenity's artistic talent that he offered her a scholarship at the said school. When Serenity and her friends moved here to London, that was when David started courting her. Unfortunately, she turned him down and just asked the two of them to remain friends," told Ron.
"Ron, does this David Morgan look … attractive?" Hermione inquired.
"Oh yeah! He really is an attractive guy—not that I'm gay or anything—but I think once you girls see him … he's the type you would describe as—'dashing and debonair,'" Ron said, batting his eyelashes.
"Well, Ron, if David really is dashing and debonair … why did Serenity turn him down?" Ginny questioned.
"Geeez, Ginny, I don't know …" replied Ron. "Alicia and Kate didn't mention anything about that. Why did you suddenly ask me that question? … I don't know anything about you girls dumping 'us,' men. Why not try asking Serenity yourself when she arrives—you know—girl talk. BUT … even though I don't know the real reason … I have a great hunch why Serenity turned David down."
"Ron … what, pray tell, is your great hunch?" asked Hermione.
Ron picked up his juice and grinned. "That Serenity Moon had a past love she couldn't forget …"
Hermione and Ginny looked at each other and smiled at Ron. Then the three of them gazed at their green-eyed friend.
Harry noticed the three people staring at him and asked, "What? Is there a problem?"
"Nothing, Harry. Just want to know if you're enjoying your food," Ron said smilingly.
"Hn. Well, if you'll excuse me … I'll just brush and floss my teeth," Harry said, getting his bag and heading towards the restroom.
"Brush and floss his teeth?" said Hermione, as Harry closed the door of the lavatory. "Since when did he bring with him his floss and toothbrush?"
"Hey, don't ask me, Mione. Harry had been pissed ever since this morning. He rarely talked to me when we were working in the library," shared Ron.
"Maybe Harry wants his breath to smell good once he talks to Serenity," said Ginny.
"Or probably, he wants his breath to smell good once he sees her and suddenly smothers her with his kisses!" Ron joked.
"Oh Ron you're such a—"
"Hermione! Ginny! Ron!" someone suddenly called.
Harry's friends whipped their heads towards the door of the conference room and saw Serenity smiling at them.
She was breathtakingly beautiful.
She was wearing a pink floral dress that ended just above her knees, a white knitted long-sleeved bolero, and matching white sandals. Her long silver white hair had been slightly curled and cascaded down to her waist. A single silver clip held the hair on her right side. She was also wearing a simple pearl necklace and matching pearl dangling earrings.
Serenity walked towards the table and spoke to her new friends. "Guys, did you enjoy your dinner? I hope you didn't wait for me too long … we just finished the interview and pictorial around five o' clock."
Ginny was the first one to react to the artist. "Ooohh, Serenity!" she squealed, standing up from her seat and going her friend. "You look absolutely gorgeous! I love your hair so much!"
Serenity giggled as Ginny touched the hair that fell down her shoulders. She remembered the incident at the library when Ginny's brother asked to touch her hair.
"Thanks, Ginny! The hair stylist insisted on curling my hair and putting it down … for the pictures that would go with the magazine article. Don't you think my make-up is too much? I didn't have the time to remove them anymore since I have go back here and meet you guys."
"Ser!" Hermione suddenly said, hugging the girl briefly. "You're make-up is just perfect! You really look stunning in your dress!"
Ron stood up as well and whistled. He moved towards the girls and grinned at Serenity. "Ms. Serenity Moon, you look great! Did the heavens lose one of their angels and came down here on earth? You really look lovely! Oh and the food—absolutely the best! I particularly loved the lamb chops!"
'No wonder David Morgan fell for you, Serenity …' thought Ron.
"Oh Ron, Ginny, Hermione … thank you so much for coming! Where's Harry by the way?" asked the moon princess.
Ron smiled and gestured towards the corner of the room. "Harry just went to the restroom. He'll be here in just—Oh there he is!"
"Hey Harry! Serenity's here, she wants to meet you!" Ron said loudly to his friend.
Harry looked up to his friends and his gaze fell upon the girl with long silver white hair, wearing a pink dress. The girl walked towards Harry and extended her right arm smilingly.
"Hello, Harry! I'm Serenity Moon, I'm very glad to meet you at last."
Harry didn't take Serenity's offered hand and just stared at her. If there would be a time he forgot to breathe, this was finally it.
'Se … re-na …' he thought, looking at the beautiful girl in front of him.
Serenity dropped her hand and just smiled at the young man staring at her. She turned to her back slightly and asked the three people behind her. "Hey guys … is there something wrong with Harry? He's just staring at me, he's not saying anything."
The Lunarian waved her hand in front of Harry's face and smiled worriedly. "Harry … Harry … are you okay? Please tell me … is there something wro—"
Harry Potter dropped his bag and wrapped his arms around Serenity Moon.
"I'm sorry," he whispered to Serenity's ear. "I'm so sorry I failed to protect you. There wasn't a day I didn't wish to hold you once again … I thought you were really gone …"
"Harry …" Serenity murmured. "What are you talking about? I don't remember you protecting me … we haven't met before—"
Harry released the artist and held her shoulders gently. "I love you, Serena. It's me—Harry … don't you remember me? … I'm your boyfriend …"
"Boyfriend?" asked Serenity, stepping back from Harry, surprised by what seemed to be his non sequitur. "I don't have any boyfriend. Harry … there must have been a mistake … I haven't seen you before!"
She peered over her shoulders and looked at Harry's friends. "Ginny, Hermione … what is Harry talking about? Is Harry your dead friend's boyfriend?"
"I'm so sorry Serenity," Hermione said, moving towards the blue-eyed girl. "We didn't tell you that Harry is Serena's boyfriend …"
Harry hugged the moon princess again and cried. "Serena—Serena please … remember. It's me, Harry … I don't want to let go of you anymore. You don't know how much I missed you … please, Serena … remember me. I love you … I love you …"
Serenity's heart suddenly ached when she heard Harry cry. His tears were falling vehemently over her shoulders, as he held her tightly in his arms. Serenity felt the same sadness and pity—or perhaps even more—when Ginny cried and embraced her at Peggy's store. She glanced at Hermione and saw the pleading look on her face. Hermione's eyes were beginning to fill with tears.
'I'm sorry, Harry … but I really don't remember you. Though somehow, hearing you cry breaks my heart …' thought Serenity.
Slowly, she lifted her arms and stroke Harry's back soothingly.
"Harry, I … I still don't remember you. I'm not Serena … I'm Serenity Moon. But please, please … stop crying. For the moment, stop crying …"
Harry heard what Serenity said and slowly removed his face from her shoulder. He looked down into her eyes and gently touched her hair.
"Sere … nity?" Harry sighed. "What happened to your hair? … It used to be blonde …"
Serenity tried to wipe Harry's tears with her fingers and fixed his eyeglasses. She stared into his emerald eyes and smiled softly, a little furrow forming between her eyebrows.
"Harry, I'm truly sorry … I really can't remember you … but I'm glad that we finally met …"
Harry was still confused but he believed that the young woman smiling at him was telling the truth. He smiled back softly and gently cupped her face.
"It's okay, I believe you. I still don't know why you can't remember me, but I believe you. If you really can't remember me … I will try to make you fall in love with me again."
"Harry, please—"
"I love you," said Harry firmly. "I don't know if that means anything to you right now, but I just wanted to say that again."
Serenity frowned and sighed. "Harry, I don't know what to—AHHH!"
"Serenity!"
Harry's friends panicked and moved closer towards the girl.
Serenity's head hurt suddenly and she almost collapsed to the floor. Fortunately, Harry was quick enough and was able to break her fall.
"Serenity!" shouted Harry, holding the girl in his arms. "What's happening to you?"
The lady artist's eyes remained closed and she just continued to whimper in pain. After few seconds, she lost consciousness and fell limply in Harry's arms.
Author's Notes:
I love this chapter—I just love it! What do you think?
Send me your white lilies, people! REVIEW, please! Thanks!
Mini-MoonStar: First of all, thanks so much for pointing out my "Haha's" … I had already erased some of them. And no, I don't think my story is too mushy gushy. Besides, my story is under the romance-drama category, so you and others might really expect these kind of things from me.
Amazing-Jax: Thanks for your multiple reviews! Haha, I appreciate them very much! (smiles)
Hoshiko Megami, Taeniaea, Moonguardian, SISM, Hopeful Artimas, mimi, lili, darknesscomes, kimmy, Silver Moon Lit Goddess and the rest—thanks so much! I wish I could hug you all!