The New Princess
Hogwarts Year 1 - Part 3 - Chapter 15
A Tapestry of Fate, Revelations, and Fanclubs
Previously:
"Granger, Hermione!"
Once again Aryanna's nerves spiked and her stomach churned. It sounded like a death knell. Susan and Hermione were her closest friends. They were the ones she had known the longest and they were also those whom she would miss the most if separated. Unfortunately, she also knew that of all of her friends, Hermione had the highest chance of going to a different house. In fact, she expected it. She watched her walk to the hat and braced herself for the blow.
Ten seconds passed, then twenty. Aryanna could see Hermione fretting and arguing with the hat. Half a minute passed, then a full minute. Still, they argued. Her friend looked worried. Then suddenly, her expression changed. Was that resignation, followed by acceptance? Yes, it was. It was at that moment that Aryanna knew, they had lost...
"RAVENCLAW!"
Aryanna nodded her head and sighed with sadness. She had hoped. Oh, how she had hoped. For a few seconds there she had thought that they could somehow beat the odds and stay together in a single house. But in the end, it was as she had expected.
No surprise there, not really. After all, where else would her friend have gone than to Ravenclaw? Gryffindor perhaps?
It had all been a fool's hope. But it did make sense when you thought about it. She was Mercury, after all, the Brainy Guardian. It had always been almost a certainty that she would have ended up in the house of the intelligent and wise.
For a few seconds, she could only stare, but then, slowly, she shrugged in acceptance.
Oh well!
In the end, it didn't matter. Not really. The result was the same no matter how you looked at it. It was true. The dream trio may just have been cruelly broken up by a hat, and no matter what house she went to now, it would stay that way. At least during classes and curfew.
But that was why they had made the oaths. They would simply have to catch up between classes and after school. Yes, it was true that her friends were now in separate houses. Nothing could change that. However, nothing would stop their friendship either. She would make sure of that. She swore this to herself with all her heart.
She nodded her head, forced a smile on her face, and started to clap.
From there, time seemed to speed up as the remaining 'firsties' were sorted, breaking up more and more friends and new friendships formed on the train as they were sorted into different and sometimes even politically opposing houses. It made no sense. Wasn't the whole idea of the journey to make friends, not tear them apart?
She silently watched as Lily became a Gryffindor, further breaking up their new group of friends. It made the train journey seem so...pointless. The more Aryanna watched, the more bitter she became. The longer it went on, the more she disliked the sorting. It was not fair. It should not be this way. Even Lily, whom she had only known for a short while, she liked the girl. She had hoped they would all stay together, not get split up by a stupid hat.
Aryanna idly noticed that Draco's name had not been called, but she didn't care. It didn't matter to her.
And then it finally happened!
One moment she was watching Parvati Patil get sorted into Gryffindor.
Then the world seemed to hold its breath as if it knew that the next moment would change everything.
Its future queen, one no one knew about, was about to get sorted.
Destiny had arrived to sort Fate's bi... servant.
And she had a name:
"Peverell-Potter... Aryanna!"
And now the continuation:
'Destiny awaits!' Aryanna thought to herself as her name sent a wave of whispers through the Great Hall. Hundreds of eyes focused on her, staring at her, eager to learn the outcome of the renowned Girl-Who-Lived.
The moment of her own sorting had arrived, and whether she liked it or not, it was time to face her destiny and discover which house would become her home.
Her friends had already been sorted, broken up. Separated by the whims of the hat, and now...
Now it was her turn!
"Potter? Did she just say, Potter?"
"Wait...the Potter? As in the Girl Who Lived? That Potter?"
"Yes...the only one to ever survive the killing curse, that Potter!"
"Wow...I actually get to see Potter get sorted!"
"Oh, do you think she might be interested me me?"
"Ew...Dude!...Seriously? She's eleven!"
"No! Not now, stupid!... When she's older...obviously!"
These were just a few of the many remarks circulating throughout the hall. Aryanna felt a mixture of discomfort and disturbance, and couldn't help but dread the day when they would discover her identity as Sailor Moon.
Fanboys... or girls ...urg! It didn't make a difference which. The mere thought made her want to squirm.
Slowly, taking a deep breath to calm her frayed nerves, Aryanna took her first step towards the Sorting Hat. Whispers followed her every move.
Each step brought her closer to what felt like an unavoidable... doom. One she wished she could escape, but knew she had to face.
Hesitant, Aryanna sat down on the stool. With a resigned sigh, she waited as the Sorting Hat descended onto her head, and her world turned dark as it engulfed her. In the darkness, Aryanna's Sailor-enhanced eyes adjusted, revealing a name written inside.
"Gawain?" she whispered in shock. "As in the famous knight of the Round Table, Gawain?"
'Hmm...what was that? Oh! Hello there, Miss Potter! Yes, it is I. Merlin and the founders put me into this hat. A great privilege I might add. I have been sorting students ever since. Oh, and it is an honor to finally meet you, your highness. Sir Gawain the bold or the brave at your service, depending on who you ask. Well, asked, I guess. It's been a millennium since I was alive… well, officially at least,' the hat said in her mind.
'Nice to meet you, Sir Gawain the Brave. And please, could I beseech you to keep the part of myself being a princess or a sailor guardian, or everything about my life really, a secret?' she pleaded.
'Of course, no need to ask. Have no fear, by my honor, I, Sir Gawain, will keep your secrets. So, tell me, your Highness, do you have any preference where you would like me to sort you?' Gawain asked.
'You're asking me?' Aryanna asked, surprised. 'I don't know. Isn't that, you know... your job?'
'That it is, and I shall. But you, my dear princess, happen to be a particularly difficult person to sort. Probably the most difficult to sort yet. Sometimes, especially in particularly difficult cases, I find that asking the one I'm sorting for their opinion helps.'
'But enough talk, let us now take a closer look at you, shall we? I perceive a considerable blend of bravery and cunning within you. Your experiences in the past have compelled you to navigate with cunning and individuality. Slytherin would have embraced you, and you would have shone brilliantly within its walls. Ah, but your mind...absolutely fantastic! Learning so much knowledge in such a brief span of time, all while remaining in secrecy, at such a tender age too, and under such challenging circumstances—others would have buckled even broken under much less! Rowena herself would have engaged Salazar in a duel for the mere honor of securing you for her house. The mistreatment you endured in the past was a grievous injustice. My heartfelt condolences to you, truly, it should never have transpired,' the hat conveyed, delving further into Aryanna's memories for pertinent details. Aryanna listened nervously as the hat laid out her life, as brief as it had been so far, to her.
'But alas, Ravenclaw no longer seems the most fitting abode for you. I sense, your once formidable thirst for knowledge, while still impressive, has waned as of late. A regrettable change. I also harbor concerns for Salazar's ancient house where I to assign you there. Slytherin would have welcomed you with open arms, and you would have flourished splendidly within its walls. However, the solemn oath you've undertaken would endanger both you and them. Regrettably, I cannot even entertain that possibility any longer. It's truly a pity. I can only reiterate, that you would have truly excelled there. Yet, your yearning for greatness, the burning desire to prove yourself, and the insatiable thirst for knowledge has dwindled. Not anymore. Not now that you have found friends of your own. This brings us to Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. Let me ponder. Quite intriguing! Yes, indeed. Your unwavering commitment and loyalty to your companions would stir pride in Helga herself. Remarkable! The courage you exhibit—standing up for your friends, and facing Youma relentlessly without seeking anything in return—is truly commendable. Your sense of duty to those close to you, your family, and the subjects of your future reign, at such a tender age, is nothing short of astounding!
Hmm, where to put you? Very difficult! Very very difficult! Let's see…'
Aryanna's hands clenched on the stool's edges, knuckles turning white as the Sorting Hat delved deeper into her thoughts. A sharp pang shot through her head, dredging up memories she'd buried deep. Forgotten images flickered, unveiling moments she thought she'd left behind. Images she had hoped to forget. The sensation left her vulnerable, her life laid bare in the hat's probing presence.
Suddenly, a sharp internal cry echoed in Aryanna's mind. 'No!' She vigorously shielded the depths that the hat sought to expose. Further unwanted memories surged forth and she recoiled mentally. Sensing her distress, Aryanna's inner guardian reacted, subtly redirecting the flow of the Sorting Hat's exploration, steering it away from her most private memories.
Encountering an abrupt invisible barrier of resistance, the hat promptly withdrew. 'My apologies, Your Highness, but it was necessary. As it is, I sense that while your courage and willingness to confront any danger are indeed great, you are also learning to look before you leap, even if it is sometimes to your detriment. A quality that many Gryffindors tend to lack.'
'Get on with it already,' she growled in her mind, unhappy about the hat's intrusion into the inner sanctums of her mind, shivering at the after-effects of the latest memory.
The hat chuckled in her mind. 'Not very patient though, are you?' it said before it became serious and paused as it considered its final verdict.
Better be... Gryff…
No!...
I'll say it again, it's a pity about Slytherin, and Gryffindor would indeed have been a great fit, as would Ravenclaw, in the past. You truly would have fit in well in all three… but… No! Alas, your loyalty, commitment, and love for your friends cannot be denied. Especially your destiny as the lost Crown Princess!
Keep your friends close, your Highness, as without them...
Well...there really can be no other...
It truly was an honor sorting you.
Better be...'
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
The word echoed through the Great Hall, breaking the five-minute silence of the 'hat stall' that had gripped the room. Gasps and cheers, along with a few cries of surprise and dismay, erupted instantly. Yet, none were as resounding and emotionally charged as the reactions from the Hufflepuff table. A wave of jubilation swept through their ranks, cups banging down on the table in celebration. The chant, "We got Potter! We got Potter!" rang out, echoing in the air, as the Hufflepuffs reveled in the unexpected addition to their house.
Aryanna observed with bemused interest as her tie changed from black to yellow, and a badger crest appeared over her heart. She felt a wave of happiness, relief, and surprise, tinged also with a hint of sorrow and regret, wash over her. Settling down beside Susan at the Hufflepuff table, she offered her friend a smile. Susan smiled back, giving her a reassuring glance. Now, that hadn't been so bad, had it?
Glancing toward the Ravenclaw table, Aryanna caught Hermione's eye. She looked so lonely over there, separated and forgotten in the sea of Ravenclaw Blue. She could only hope that the hat had made the correct choice.
Catching Hermione's eye, they nodded at each other, and Aryanna watched as Hermione gave her a confident nod and a smile. The message was clear: 'Don't worry about me; I'll be fine. Besides, come what may, we still have each other.'
Aryanna smiled. Yes, they did. Yes, they had been split, but they were still together, united in the cause, and they would be better for it.
It would all be OK.
They would see to that!
The sorting ceremony continued smoothly, ending with Blaise Zabini joining Slytherin. A hush soon fell over the hall as all eyes turned to the head table and the golden throne, where Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster, sat with a welcoming smile.
"Welcome! Welcome back to another magical year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! It is both an honor and a delight to see so many young and innocent…" Dumbledore began, his words interrupted by a brief cough. "…and yes, also some not-so-innocent familiar faces…" he added, provoking laughter from the students. "…joining our enchanted halls."
"This year promises new adventures, challenges, and discoveries. Our esteemed faculty is here to guide you through the intricacies of potions, the allure of charms, the marvel of transfiguration, and, of course, the challenging art of navigating the ever-changing staircases..." More laughter filled the hall before he continued. "As we stand on the cusp of another academic year, let us remember the values that define Hogwarts – courage, friendship, discipline, and the p…"
Suddenly, Dumbledore's speech was cut short when Mr. Filch emerged from the entrance doors, signaling to the headmaster, requesting some of his precious time before disappearing back into the entrance hall from whence he came. Dumbledore paused and frowned.
"Well! This is most irregular." Dumbledore remarked, a questioning look on his face. Beside him, McGonagall, looking annoyed and uncomfortable, whispered into his ear, eliciting a range of emotions from anger and annoyance to disappointment and resignation in the old man.
With a small sigh, Dumbledore turned back to the hall. "Students! It seems we still have two more of your peers who need to be sorted tonight," he announced, a smile reappearing on his face, though it carried a badly concealed hint of revenge and punishment. Gasps, exclamations, and even some grumbles filled the room at the news of the postponed feast.
"Would Messrs Weasleys and Malfoy please grace us with their esteemed presence and enter the hall… your sorting awaits!" The announcement surprised everyone, especially a few more redheads from the Gryffindor table, who looked around with trepidation and worry as gasps of astonishment filled the hall.
Aryanna's eyes widened as she recognized what was happening. She blurted out, "Oh my… it's a public shaming!"
She had only witnessed it used a few times in her life and each time it had been highly effective in getting the perpetrator to see the error of their ways. The humiliation alone was usually enough. She was now very glad she had decided not to step in to break up the duo's fight. If she had, well, there was no doubt in her mind that the troublesome duo, now slowly being led into the hall, heads low and faces red, could well have been a trio, with herself playing the reluctant third participant.
No, thank you so very much!
Hundreds of pairs of eyes, from all corners of the great hall, watched as the humiliated, red-faced forms of Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy entered the hall, followed closely by the smiling visage of the caretaker who was enjoying the show. Behind them, another very annoyed-looking professor with greasy hair and a hooked nose, who looked like he had just eaten a lemon and who did not want to be there, followed, his hands firmly on both boys' shoulders as he led them toward the Sorting Hat.
"I have just been made aware that Messrs. Weasley and Malfoy were caught fighting… like common thugs… out in the halls," Dumbledore continued, his voice hardening on the words 'fighting' and 'thugs'. He paused for ten seconds, letting everyone gaze at the two humiliated boys. More gasps and whispers filled the hall, and those closest to the boys even instinctively moved away from them, while the other redheads looked on in shame and sympathy.
"As all of our new arrivals and existing students alike should know… fighting, of any kind, unless as a sanctioned duel as part of a class under the strict supervision of a professor, will never be tolerated here at Hogwarts," Dumbledore declared sternly while staring right at the two boys, making them avert their eyes in embarrassment.
"Hogwarts has a no-tolerance rule towards fighting. As such, it is to my regret that twenty points… each, shall be taken from whichever house each boy will be sorted into as punishment for their actions tonight. Also, both boys will receive a weekend's detention where they will help Mr. Filch clean the school under his supervision," he said, looking disappointedly at both boys who still had trouble looking into his eyes while grumbles of anger and resigned nods of acceptance filled the hall. Nearby, the caretaker looked extremely happy at the announcement.
Beside Aryanna, an older student looked dumbfounded. "Wow, Dumbledore usually never punishes a first-year that severely. He's usually very lenient. For him to do so before term has even started… well… he really must be angry," he whispered, causing Aryanna to raise an eyebrow questioningly as the headmaster continued to speak.
"It gives me no pleasure whatsoever having to punish two new first years so soon, but I can only repeat myself once more… fighting… and bullying, will not be tolerated! It's as simple as that. Anyone who thinks themselves above this rule will soon think otherwise." Dumbledore paused for a few seconds as if deliberating with himself then continued to speak.
"As you all know, due to changing times, in an attempt to make us more welcoming and inviting to our muggle-born students, Hogwarts has decided to accept recent changes made in the school legislation of the muggle world."
"I am of course talking about the recent muggle ban on physical punishment!" Hearing this, many of the older students started to whisper. Some looked angry and annoyed, while others looked relieved and were quietly cheering among themselves. A third group looked genuinely confused. The commotion, however, was quickly quelled by stern glares from the Headmaster and a few professors. Taking a sip from his cup, to let the gravity of his words settle in, Dumbledore continued.
"For the past few years, Hogwarts has been slowly phasing out the use of corporal punishment. However! Do not think for even a second that this means you will not be punished. Rules… even laws… can be rescinded if it becomes necessary and detrimental to the greater good of society." He paused again to let a few mumbles die down.
"Most of your more… 'traditional' parents were less than pleased with the mere notion of the muggle world 'interfering', once again, in the way we do things in the magical world. Many feel that we are losing our traditions and that this is just another attempt to force muggle rules and laws on an already oppressed and dying way of life," he said, primarily looking toward the Slytherin side of the hall - where many students could be seen nodding in agreement.
Taking another sip from his cup he continued to speak. "As it is, we have already lost some of our more prominent festivities, such as Samhain, now replaced by Halloween, and Yule, supplanted by Christmas. As such, to appease certain individuals, we were forced to compromise and make these changes... 'optional'... contingent upon parental approval." He paused, casting a grave gaze around the sea of students, before concluding, "I would prefer not to reinstate the punishments in full. Please, let's not make it necessary!"
The year was 1991, and hearing this, a few of the Muggle-born students gasped, exchanging worried glances across the room. It dawned on them that, despite recent legislation in the Muggle world banning physical punishment in all public schools—though some Muggle private schools still clung to the practice—the magical realm had always remained firmly entrenched in the past. Memories lingered of misbehaving Hogwarts students being tied up and whipped in the dungeons not too long ago. Fortunately, it appeared that Hogwarts was now making efforts to adapt, if only in a bid to make the school more welcoming for its Muggle-born students.
Aryanna, for her part, cringed as she vividly remembered the small piece of parchment that she and Setsuna had received prior to her starting at Hogwarts. It had been her CP declaration form. They had taken great pleasure in ticking the 'no corporal punishment' box for her case.
According to Setsuna after checking the Time Gates, Corporal punishment would still be in use in some schools until 1998. As such, by the grim looks of a few pure-blooded students and the sympathetic glances of others, it seemed not all of them had been as lucky. Aryanna knew for a fact, that Susan, who looked resigned in her seat beside her, had not. It only reinforced the seriousness of the moment even more.
"Now…professor… If you could?" He turned to look at McGonagall who once again had the scroll of names in her hands.
McGonagall briefly cleared her voice then called out:
"Malfoy, Draco"
The now pale-faced boy in question had no choice but to finish his brief walk of shame to the hat where he would then be sorted.
The hat sorted the two boys with a whisper. Slytherin for Malfoy. Gryffindor for Weasley. The hall remained silent, except for the frowns and vicious glares that promised retribution if this happened again. Both boys soon slumped at the end of each house's table, feeling the cold stares of their housemates, feeling unwelcome and isolated. Both houses knew very well that their house points had just fallen below zero, into the negatives, before the term had even begun.
From the looks on people's faces, it was clear both boys would not be having a good first night tonight. But in the end, they only had themselves to blame.
A minute later, the hall had quieted down once more. Dumbledore stood up again, and students looked up expectantly.
Suddenly, before the headmaster could say another word, the sound of an angry stomach growling in eager anticipation for food reverberated across the hall. It almost sounded as if a sonorous charm had been used on it, prompting giggles and titters to fill the hall. Even some professors couldn't help but smile, much to the poor student's chagrin.
Chuckling slightly, Dumbledore raised his hands once more to quiet the room. "On that note...I think it's time we start the feast...
"Snooty! Clumsy! Boring! Sneaky!..."
With those last few words and a clap of his hands, each table was suddenly filled from head to bottom with all sorts of food.
Cheers and laughter filled the hall as hands reached forward to grab their favorite dishes. Soon the feast was fully on its way as plates and cups were filled, and the sounds of happily eating and merrily chatting students and professors filled the Hogwarts air.
Aryanna briefly thought of Luna and Artemis who had chosen to enjoy a last few hours of quietness in the comforts of Potter Manor before they ultimately joined her and Susan as their familiars, later in their common rooms. They would be flashed in later and would probably be waiting for them in their dorms after the feast. She hoped they too were enjoying their evening meals.
The feast continued in a lively manner, with students bonding over shared laughter and magical dishes. The initial tension from the sorting ceremony faded away, replaced by questions from Aryanna's housemates. Before she knew it, Aryanna found herself amid an animated conversation with a few of her new housemates.
Currently, some of the younger students were talking about how their parents had first found out about their 'other half' being magical. It seemed to be a very common traditional question asked every year without fail by first and some second-year students, during the start of every new school year, as such nobody thought much of it.
"Well..." said Sophia Finch, a half-blood second-year transfer. "My father is a muggle so when my mother told him she was a witch it took him quite by surprise. Luckily, he ended up taking it with good grace. From the story my mum told me, it was touch and go there for a while. At first, he nearly ran for the hills... or maybe it was for the nearest priest, I'm not sure anymore. But then he couldn't stop excitedly asking questions for weeks. In the end, Mum got quite fed up with conjuring rabbits out of hats for him. That caused a few of the other students, mainly other muggle-born to laugh, even if it sounded a bit flat to some of them.
Sophia was followed by a new fellow Hufflepuff first-year student called Sally Ann Perks, who explained that her mother had been a witch before she had been killed in the recent war by You-Know-Who's followers for being a 'Mudblood'. Her father, a muggle, had been the one to explain to her new stepmother, also a muggle, about the magical world. Unfortunately, here her story had no happy ending as unlike Sophia's her new 'mother' had reacted negatively to the revelation. After a bit of accidental magic on her part, the ministry had to arrive to stop her. She explained that they had ended up wiping her stepmother's mind when she had accused her of devilry and tried alerting the muggle authorities of magic's existence. She was now living with her heartbroken father, who had since turned to heavy drinking for comfort. To make matters even worse, while he had not raised his hand toward her...yet, there was talk of her being put into foster care if he didn't sober up soon. She wasn't sure whether she would be able to return to Hogwarts if that happened.
It was at this moment that Sally broke down in tears and in the end she had to be escorted from the hall by their new head of house, Professor Pomona Sprout when she wouldn't stop crying.
A few awkward moments where nobody knew what to say followed. Aryanna quietly resolved to ask Setsuna if anything could be done to help Sally. The silence stretched on for several more minutes until an older male Hufflepuff finally decided to break it by turning the conversation toward Aryanna. He couldn't resist asking about the exaggerated stories that surrounded her, prompting groans of sympathy from her peers.
"Well...ahem...that was... awkward," said the boy before he looked at Aryanna. "What about you, Aryanna?" he began, as he tried to turn the attention away from Sally. "I mean... all of us know about your story. How could we not? After all, you are the Girl Who Lived. All of us grew up reading bedtime stories about you. Did you really grow up in a castle and fight dragons?" he asked her, making everybody turn their attention to her with barely concealed interest and Susan groan in sympathy.
Aryanna sighed. 'Great, here we go again,' she thought, barely stopping herself from rolling her eyes. She knew it was coming but that didn't mean she had to like it. Recalling the absurd tales about her supposed adventures, she vividly remembered how Setsuna had not been impressed when she found out about the many children's story books that had been written about her. Least of all when said fiction was sold to the public, without her or Setsuna's knowledge, as the truth and not fiction. She never even received any royalties from them. Not that she wanted any, but that was beside the point. In the end, it took a huge lawsuit in front of the whole Wizengamot to stop people from believing that she had lived with the muggle Queen in a huge castle since her parents' deaths and that she fought monsters on a daily basis.
Well...ok...to be fair, the castle part was right...up to a certain extent. Potter Manor was after all a castle - even if it was called a manor, and she was indeed a princess - even if nobody but a very select few knew about that. Even the stories of her defeating monsters were true, once again to a certain point of view. Youma's were a type of monster, even if not the type they were thinking of. But she definitely had not lived with the muggle Queen as a royal ward, and the stories of how she had stopped the great Werewolf Balgarog - at three years of age, or how she had slayed her first dragon at the age of five...those were all made up.
Susan and Hermione had found it hilarious though. Especially Susan in the last few weeks once she had found out about her being Sailor Moon.
"Lies and made up...all of it! I never killed any dragons, I've never even seen a werewolf, let alone the Hobbabunga Yeti for that matter, and as far as I know, I've been living with my aunt since I was eight, not the muggle Queen," she answered, annoyed.
"So wait, all of those stories were actually made up?" another first year from another table asked in surprise. She had been listening in and seemed greatly disappointed that the heroine of her bedtime stories was not as heroic as she thought, a question which prompted Aryanna to finally give in and roll her eyes in part dismay and part disgust. "Sorry to ruin your childhood dreams, but everything you see in those books...it's all lies, made up...fiction," Aryanna repeated, doing her best to stay calm.
Susan couldn't resist teasing her, "So you never fought a single monster?" Susan asked with an attempt at an innocent smile, which turned into a smirk when Aryanna shot her a playful glare in return.
"You tell me, Suse... you're practically living in the same house these days... have I been fighting monsters in my free time?" Aryanna retorted sweetly.
"Nope...sorry, I can honestly say that Miss I am No-Hero here is correct. All of those books are lies," Susan said with a smile. "Except the part about the monsters... and the bed bugs, those are real and I hear those monsters bite. She fights them before she goes to bed...like every single day." The banter between the friends drew laughter from those nearby.
The conversation soon shifted again to more recent events. "Talking about monsters, have you heard about the newest attack?" a boy from further up the table asked. "I heard they had to stop and evacuate the Tutshill Tornados vs the Kenmare Kestrels quidditch game when a Youma attacked it. Stirred up quite a fuss seeing as the game has to be replayed because of it. They couldn't find the snitch either, after Pluto, Moon...and that other new chick defeated the monster.
Susan nearly choked on her pumpkin juice when she heard the 'chick' part, and Aryanna quickly seized the opportunity for some payback.
"Oh! Really? That must have been frightening...tell me more. This new... 'chick'. What did she look like? Was she good-looking?" Aryanna asked, smirking at her friend's misfortune and discomfort.
"Oh yes... she was one fine looking bi...bird. Wait! Why are you asking?" the boy replied nervously. He didn't like the look he was getting from some of the other girls around him. Aryanna smirked.
"Oh, just curious, you know. We've got to keep an eye on these brave birds...I mean heroes defending the world," she said, exchanging a mischievous glance with Susan, who couldn't help but blush and roll her eyes at Aryanna's antics.
"Seriously though, there seem to be quite a few new superheroes appearing lately," Hannah Abbot spoke up. "What exactly do we know about them...and what is this mandatory class the Ministry has been announcing? Aryanna, did your aunt tell you anything?"
Aryanna lost her smile and sobered up quickly. "Sorry, Hannah, I can't tell you much. It's all very hush-hush at the moment. Even Auntie hasn't told me much," she lied.
"Oh, come on...your aunt is the Chief Ministry Instructor and expert on Youma who's going to be teaching us this stuff, and she is also the CEO of the company that creates the weapons the muggles use. Surely you must know something!" Hannah asked, getting desperate. "Please, if you know something, tell us. I nearly lost my great uncle in one of the last attacks against one of those things."
Aryanna sighed. "Listen Hannah... all I can tell you is what you already know. We really should leave the fighting to the experts. I've seen a Youma up close, and let me tell you, it's not something any of us can hope to fight and live. That's what those Guardians are for," she said, getting everyone's attention.
"Yes...these...Guardians, did you say? What can you tell us about them?" a Gryffindor from another table asked.
Aryanna looked at Susan desperately but only got a shrug in return. No help there, it seemed. Aryanna groaned as more and more people began to listen to what she was saying. Soon she couldn't take it anymore and raised her hands to shut everybody up.
"Alright! Fine! Listen up! I'm only going to say this once, so don't bug me about it later. Here's what I can tell you. Yes, my aunt is coming to give us a lesson on Youma. However, she won't be teaching us how to throw punches; it's more about survival. We'll be up close and personal with a real Youma, and yes, there will even be a mock battle involved. No, we won't be doing the fighting ourselves. We've got some Guardians who have agreed to step in for that duty, and trust me, you'll be grateful for it," Aryanna announced, sparking an immediate buzz of excitement. "No, I won't reveal who they are or introduce you to them," she added, her annoyance growing with each further question.
"Wait? They are really coming to Hogwarts!" a Gryffindor student exclaimed. "I thought that was a joke... I mean...muggles at Hogwarts?... I'm going to see actual Super Heroes! That's so cool!"
"Do you know the name of the newest Guardian? Can you pass on a message for me, please?" the meek voice of a first-year Ravenclaw suddenly asked.
Fed up Aryanna was about to retort angrily when the girl finished, "I... she... she saved my sister's life the other day. I'd like to thank her if possible," she added a second later, shyly.
"Ah," Aryanna paused, her reply of denial stuck in her throat. Out of the corner of her eyes, Aryanna saw Susan suddenly get wide-eyed as she heard the girl's tale. Aryanna looked at Susan who stared back at her. Slowly, Susan nodded her head. Seeing this, Aryanna nodded and smiled at the girl. "'That' I can do. Her name is Venus, Sailor Venus... and I'll gladly pass on the message for you," she said softly. "Who knows...maybe if you're lucky, you might even get an autograph from her... and from the others on the day," she added. From the corner of her eyes, she again saw Susan give a small well-hidden nod in response.
"Oh wow, you can do that? Sis is going to be so happy. Just wait until I tell her. Thank you so so much, I'll give you a letter to give to her later," the girl answered excitedly as she nearly bounced back to her seat. Aryanna swallowed painfully as she watched the girl go. This was not how she had pictured her evening would be. Nearby, Susan did not look any better at the revelation. It was moments like this that reinforced just how important their new roles as Guardians truly were. Susan, for her part, swallowed painfully as she remembered the girl she had saved during the match. She was young, only eight years old. If she had not stepped in...well... it was best not to think about it.
Suddenly, more people started to come up to ask for future autographs, which made Aryanna go wide-eyed and lean away in a hurry. "Woah! Hey!" she said hurriedly, nearly panicking as more and more students started to go up to her.
It was at that moment that the loud clear voice of the headmaster broke through the cacophony of students, ordering them back to their seats and asking them to leave her alone.
The crowd reluctantly dispersed, but the curiosity lingered in their eyes. Aryanna sighed in relief, looking up at the headmaster gratefully from where he sat on his golden throne. He in turn smiled back and tipped his hat to her briefly before turning back to his previous conversation.
Aryanna groaned she had to make sure to be more careful in the future.
Suddenly, Hannah handed her a small envelope. Aryanna examined it with interest, glancing up at her friend who motioned for her to open it. Susan, too, had received a similar envelope and was examining it attentively. With a shrug, Aryanna opened hers and was taken aback as something golden fell out. A small, round, deep royal blue and golden-looking medallion hung from a silver chain.
Looking at Hannah, Aryanna frowned while the girl smiled innocently. Perplexed, she studied the medallion more closely and gasped as she noticed it was adorned with pictures of well-known moons and stars from the solar system, forming a harmonious circle around a central emblem. A miniature picture of what looked like Sailor Pluto was on the left side of the medallion, and another of herself as Moon was on the right. Finally, there was a crescent moon with the words 'Sailor Guardians Fan Club' encircling the outer edge of the badge in an elegant calligraphic swirl.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" Aryanna thought, staring at the medallion in horror.
Blushing suddenly, Aryanna looked wide-eyed at Susan, who also had a shocked expression. She then turned back to Hannah, who seemed anxiously waiting for a response.
Incredulously, Aryanna could only gape and look at Hannah, not believing what had just happened. Both Susan and Hannah knew she hated fan clubs. Was Hannah serious? When no answer was forthcoming a minute later, Hannah grew impatient.
"Well... what do you think? Will you join?" she asked expectantly.
"Um..." Aryanna began, not knowing what to say. On one hand, she didn't want to hurt Hannah's feelings. On the other hand, she despised fan clubs.
"I'll join!" Susan said.
Aryanna looked at Susan with wide eyes, mentally pleading with her friend to reconsider, but it was not to be.
"I love the idea," Susan repeated, not meeting Aryanna's gaze. She knew how much Aryanna hated fan clubs. Especially if they were about herself.
Aryanna snapped her mouth shut, watching as her friend and fellow Guardian traitorously chose the 'other side.' "I think it's a fantastic idea," Susan added as she put her medallion around her neck.
"You do?" both Hannah and Aryanna echoed at the same time, both surprised for different reasons. "I mean... well, of course, you do," Hannah amended happily, prompting Aryanna to briefly close her eyes in dismay. 'This can't be happening,' she thought.
"Of course... after all, you said it yourself, we've got to keep an eye on these brave heroes defending the world. I think we should support them in any way we can," Susan said, looking meaningfully at Aryanna, throwing her earlier words back at her.
Aryanna, for her part, looked at her friend with first horror, then thoughtfulness, until she finally settled on begrudging acceptance.
'Oh, you sneaky little... how were you not put in Slytherin?' she wondered. "Oh... okay. Fine! Damn it! Why not. Count me in," Aryanna finally managed to answer, albeit through clenched teeth. In the end, Susan was right. It might be good to keep an eye on and maybe influence what others were thinking. If nothing else, she could hide herself in the crowd.
"Great!" Hannah said, a huge smile appearing on her face. "Club meetings are every Saturday and Sunday in a small room near the trophy room. I'm new myself, so I'm not sure of the way just yet, but Cordelia Blackwood... that's our esteemed club president, did say that she would have someone show us the way for our first time. That's her over there, by the way... the Slytherin third year," she said, motioning toward a Slytherin girl who was trying and failing to hide that she was looking their way. Spectacularly, for that matter, she suddenly smiled and nearly jumped in glee when Hannah gave her a quick thumbs up.
Aryanna groaned again but then slowly smiled back and placed her medallion around her neck. Susan was right; this wouldn't be so bad. If anything, it was well made...and say what you would, it did look good on her, she thought to herself as she studied the symbols. She could get used to wearing it. She would just have to be careful not to wear it, or at least not to show it off when she transformed into Sailor Moon.
"So!... Now that the formalities are out of the way, let's get back to answering our questions, shall we?," the same Hufflepuff boy from before who also had a similar medallion around his neck asked suddenly, making Aryanna frown at him.
"Oh, don't worry, you can keep your secrets to yourself. We'll find out about those soon enough during the upcoming class anyway," he quickly added when he saw Aryanna's developing frown.
"No, what I want to know... are the fun details. The juicy details!" he said, smiling wildly.
'Oh great, here we go again,' Aryanna thought, expecting to be asked some stupid immature questions. 'Oh well...I am a member of the club now... so...'
"Ok...why not, go on, hit me with it. What do you want to know?" she said, looking straight at the boy, expecting the worst. 'How bad could it be?' she wondered.
"Ok, let's start simple. No secret stuff...I think. What do you think of them? Do you have a favorite?"
Aryanna sighed... she just knew, it was going to be a long night.
Thankfully, even the longest and most annoying nights come to an end. After enduring a barrage of questions from her fellow students, some of which she couldn't or wouldn't answer, and others she answered with grace and wit. She was relieved when the Feast finally came to an end.
Aryanna was savoring the last bite of her Treacle Tart, her favorite dessert when the dishes and leftovers of the feast vanished with a pop. A few students groaned and complained about the sudden disappearance of the food, but their protests died down quickly as they turned their attention to the headmaster.
"Ah, the wonderful sounds of those who cry out for more. There can be no greater praise," he said, his eyes twinkling.
"Alas, all good things must come to an end, and now that we have all been fed and watered... our beds and classes await."
"But first, a few housekeeping rules. First years—and some of our older students—would be wise to remember that the Forbidden Forest is just that, forbidden. Any students caught in the forest without valid permission will face severe consequences. But I'm sure I see no one who would have to worry about that here," he said, his gaze fixed on a pair of twins seated at the Gryffindor table. The twins tried to look back innocently but failed miserably when he raised an eyebrow at them.
"Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me once again to remind you that..." he glanced at his hand and muttered "Is it really that many?" under his breath before continuing. "...There are over 60 new items that have been added to the forbidden items list. These are items that are prohibited on Hogwarts grounds. The full list of over 300 items... no, that's 360 items now, is available for your perusal in Mr. Filch's office."
"Next, Quidditch try-outs for second years and above will commence in two weeks. Please consult your captains for more precise details. Please note, while the upcoming seminar is in progress all Quidditch practice will be canceled as the pitch will be in use for demonstrations."
"It is also my pleasure to welcome back Professor Quirrell, who has resigned from his former role as Muggle Studies professor and has kindly taken up the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. We wish him all the best in his new role," Dumbledore said, pausing to let the students and other professors applaud. He waited patiently until everyone settled down, then resumed his speech.
"As you all already know by now, thanks to Miss Potter," he said, looking over at Aryanna, who hid her face and blushed when everyone turned to stare at her, "the compulsory seminar—what a delightful Muggle word—will be held in November. Madam Potter, the foremost Ministry expert on the Youma, will personally be here to instruct us about these new creatures called Youma and how to deal with them if we ever encounter one. I urge you all to pay close attention and heed her words. Youma are not to be trifled with! They are extremely dangerous and unpredictable! Your lives and those of your friends and family may very well hinge on what you learn. Moreover, you will not be the only students attending. Adults - parents and ministry officials alike, will be joining you. Therefore, any student—be it Pureblood, Half-blood, or Muggle-born—found missing or causing trouble during the lectures will face very harsh consequences. This is obligatory and normal classes have been suspended for a good reason. It very well may save your life." He paused to let those words sink in.
The students and some of the professors exchanged looks of shock, fear, and curiosity. They whispered among themselves, wondering what they would learn. How could they defeat a Youma? Even the most skilled Aurors had failed. Rumor had it that even the Avada Kedavra; the unforgivable killing curse, was ineffective against them. What could they - mere students - possibly do?
Dumbledore ignored the thoughts and murmurs around him and continued to speak. "It is also with extreme honor and gratitude that several Sailor Guardians will be joining us on the day. For those of you who are unaware, the Sailor Guardians are currently the only known force capable of fighting the Youma successfully. Until the recent attack in Diagon Alley, they had only been seen in the Muggle world. This may lead some of you to assume that they are mere Muggles. You would be wrong. Let me make it very clear they are as magical as you or I. Anyone who disrespects the Guardians will answer to me personally. I expect each and every one of you to treat them as you would me... with the utmost respect. It is a privilege, not a right, to have the Guardians here for the lectures. They are taking valuable time away from their usual duties to educate you. If, during the practical part, they ask you to do something, I expect you to comply. No heroics!" Dumbledore said this while mainly looking at the Gryffindor table.
At the student tables, Aryanna frowned. How were they supposed to be present as Guardians and students at the same time, at least not if they wanted to keep their secrets intact? She made a mental note to ask Setsuna about that later. She hoped she had a good answer for her as she had no desire to be punished for skipping the seminar. She turned her attention back to the Headmaster as he resumed his speech.
"More information will be provided closer to the date of the lecture or on a need-to-know basis. If you have any questions, I or a member of the staff will be happy to answer them... not Miss Potter. If she wants to answer your questions, she may. If not, I expect you to leave her alone."
"Moving on... on a brighter note, as some of you may know, last year, some of you from the Guardian Fan Club - which on a side note has now officially become Hogwart's largest official student club - have asked me for permission to... shall we say... make a few very enticing alterations to the school uniform." As he said this a large portion of the hall, mostly boys but also some girls, looked at him eagerly and hopefully.
"As it's been over a century since our last school uniform change into what we wear today, since there is no rule that expressly forbids it, and since we are indeed due for a change, I have decided to bring back this tradition and allow it..." Cheers from students filled the room, while some of the professors looked at the headmaster in dismay and disbelief. They had seen some of the suggestions members of the fan club had proposed and were unsure it would be a good idea, "... on a probationary period." The cheers died down a bit."
"For those of you who don't know, in centuries past, the largest student group or club was given a one-time privilege - as a special reward by the headmaster of the time - to design and change the school uniform. It worked so well that it was adopted by Hogwarts as a tradition a few years later. Since then students have been allowed to change the uniform once every century. That time is upon us once again." He raised his voice as he continued to speak to keep above the steadily rising excited voices of the students. "Please keep in mind however that this is a privilege, not a right, and should be treated as such. Furthermore, proper protections against abuse will be enforced and in the case of some of the more... 'revealing' items of clothing, you will be expected to learn proper 'protections' before you may be permitted to wear them. Call it a right of passage if you wish. If the changes cause disturbances, or if I feel they are not working, I will revoke my permission for you to change or wear the uniform, and we will revert to the official uniform as stated in the Hogwarts letter.
"Miss Blackwood!" she said turning to face the third year, "As club president it falls to you to choose two others and see me in my office after classes on Friday. We will go over and finalize the changes and agree on the terms then. Should I find the changes acceptable, information about the new uniforms will be posted on the common room notice boards. Students will then be allowed to purchase new robes during the next Hogsmeade visit or Christmas holidays. Second and first-years may ask an older student to collect purchases ordered via Owl service or wait until next year. As change can take time, and to accommodate our not-so-well-off students, there will also be the traditional seven-year trial period where both uniforms will be allowed."
As the headmaster continued to speak, Aryanna leaned over to an older student. "What's this about?" she whispered.
"Some of the Guardian fan club have decided to make use of an old school tradition and have asked for permission to change the school uniform after falling in love with the Guardians' sailor suits. Especially their mini skirts," he replied with a smirk, making Aryanna's eyes widen in surprise and her mouth fall open in surprise. 'No way... is he saying what I think he's saying?' she thought, amazed and shocked that the Headmaster would even consider it. The Guardian skirts were so small and revealing if it were not for the protective enchantments anybody could look underneath them. Maybe that's what Dumbledore meant by protective enchantments,' she thought as she listened to the boy.
"If we are lucky we might even..." the boy continued to say, however, whatever he was about to say was cut off by the headmaster's next words.
"Finally, please be advised that this year the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is also out of bounds for everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."
The hall erupted in loud murmurs as Dumbledore uttered these words.
"What?" "Is he serious?"
Before the students could discuss his last message, Dumbledore raised his hands to silence them.
"And now... how about we end this day with our very own school song."
"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts, Teach us something please,
Aryanna was baffled.
How could he go from a dire warning of certain death to singing a silly school song?
It was so bizarre.
Whether we be old and bald Or young with scabby knees...
"Is he mad?" she heard someone ask as the school sang their song.
Our heads could do with filling With some interesting stuff,
"Totally Bonkers. So, no need to worry!" came the reply.
For now, they're bare and full of air,
Dead flies and bits of fluff,
'That...did not sound reassuring,' Aryanna thought.
So teach us things worth knowing, Bring back what we've forgot,
'What kind of headmaster tells curious teens not to visit a place that will kill them if they do?
And what kind of school has a corridor that can kill a student?
Just do your best, we'll do the rest, And learn until our brains all rot."
'Dead flies? Rot? Really? That... did not sound reassuring, at all' Aryanna thought again as the song came to a slow and mournful end, thanks to the two redheaded twins from the Gryffindor table who sang the last few lines like a funeral dirge.
"Morituri te salutant" "Those who have just entered this school to die, salute you."
That summed up her feelings perfectly.
"And now good night, sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite. Off you trot!" came the last few words of the Headmaster.
And with that, everyone got up and the feast came to an abrupt end.