Chapter 12, at last! This is rather short, but I hope it would be enough to let you know that I'm still here and the Serena-Harry romance is very much alive. ^_^
(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 12: Broken Soul
"Well, I'm glad you still have that big appetite of yours," Dr. Goodman said. "So to lessen those headaches, you need enough rest."
"Of course, doctor," Serenity said to Dr. Goodman as he placed the stethoscope over her chest.
"Okay, breathe deeply," instructed the old man. "Exhale. Inhale, exhale. Inhale …"
( 7:05 PM
Mrs. Lori Sanders's Office, Hayward Gallery )
It had been ten minutes since Doctor Goodman left the building. The kind physician had been truly helpful in making her feel better. Serenity was also grateful for her new friends. She was touched by the support they gave her during one of her episodes. Although she didn't know whether she should feel scared or embarrassed that they had witnessed one of her attacks, she couldn't deny her genuine gratitude and relief that they were there to help her go through it. Furthermore, she knew that there were things that Hermione and Ginny have not told her yet. And for that, she couldn't also deny that she felt a bit hurt and disappointed that they didn't tell her everything, especially about Harry Potter.
The heat from the purple teacup warmed Serenity's fingers as she held it. Slowly, she took the handle of the porcelain and brought its golden rim towards her lips. Serenity took a small sip of her cinnamon tea, allowing its aroma and taste to calm her after the afternoon's events. Then, she placed her teacup on its saucer lying on top of her lap.
'But, they are not the only ones who have been keeping secrets' she thought, her lips curving into a soft smile. 'My memories, they simply come and go. I just wish they could show me everything in my past . . . I wish they could show me who Harry Potter really is'
Serenity closed her eyes and she imagined the sad green eyes of the young poet whom she just met. She could still feel the pain and yearning from his face. And from the way he held her, she felt as if she were his lifeline.
"Serenity."
Selene's daughter opened her cerulean eyes and looked at the person who called her name. And there he was, the man that she was just thinking about, the man who seemed to be carrying so much pain and loneliness.
"Harry…"
"Are you feeling better now?" Harry asked, worry etched on his face. "I'm sorry … I just want to make sure that you're really okay."
Serenity placed the teacup and saucer on top of the mahogany coffee table near the couch. She then walked towards Harry and smiled at him. "Harry, could you please accompany me outside? I just want to have some fresh air."
Harry stared at Serenity with wide eyes, a little surprised by her request. "Uh, sure. It would be my pleasure," he said, ushering her towards the door. He opened the door and waited for her to step out.
"Serenity!" Ginny and Hermione cried, striding towards the young Lunarian and giving her a tight hug. "We were so worried about you! We didn't know what to do … you … you just fell and remained unconscious for a while," told Hermione.
"I'm sorry," Ginny spoke, her voice hinted with regret. "I-I wasn't able to do much to help you. I j-just panicked, I-I wish I could have done something to—"
"Ginny, thank you," Serenity said, taking Ginny's hand and gazing at her with such sincerity. "What you have done is enough and I'm very thankful."
The silver-haired artist turned to Hermione. "Thank you for all the help, Hermione."
Hermione smiled happily at her friend. "You're always welcome, Serenity. And Ginny and I—we are sorry because we didn't tell you everything about Harry. We were scared that you wouldn't even let us—"
"It's okay, Hermione," Serenity assured, squeezing the muggle's hand. "I understand what you did. I was surprised and confused that you kept some information from me, but … I think you just did that because you miss your friend so much. And I guess, you also want to help Harry, in some way. I'm sure we have all the time that we need for you to clarify things, but for now … I just wish to clear my head for a while and talk to Harry privately.
"Oh, okay," Hermione said. "Harry, make sure to take care of Serenity, alright?" she told her wizard friend who was just behind them.
"Of course, I would," replied Harry, nodding at Hermione. He took a couple of steps forward, his left hand touching Serenity's back. "Serenity, shall we go now?"
"Yes, Harry," answered Serenity, releasing Ginny's and Hermione's hands, joining Harry towards the entrance. She looked back to her two new friends and smiled brightly at them. "Where's Ron and Vi, by the way?"
"Their both in the conference room eating some dessert," Ginny said.
"Oh! Well you better join them and have some dessert yourselves, okay? Don't worry about me. I know I'm in good hands," Serenity said, looking at Harry who was currently holding the door for her. Harry slightly blushed with what Serenity had said, but quickly dismissed it. He guided the young painter outside the office and led her to the elevator.
Harry pushed the button and the elevator opened. He let Serenity enter first before stepping in. He was about to push the button leading down to the lobby, but Serenity caught his hand.
"Harry, we're not going down. We're going up. Up to the penthouse," Serenity simply stated, holding Harry's hand right hand. She used her left hand to push the button leading to the penthouse.
"I'm going to show you one of my favorite places here in London," she told Harry excitedly, forgetting that she was still holding his hand.
Harry looked at their joined hands and smiled. He didn't want her to let go of his hand.
After awhile, the elevator came to a stop. As the doors slid open, Serenity released Harry's hand and stepped outside the elevator.
"Come on, Harry! I know you'll like it here!" she said joyfully, running towards the exit door.
Harry was slightly disappointed that Serenity had to release his hand. But his smile returned when he heard Serenity's laughter outside the building. He ran through the door and welcomed the chilly evening air and the mesmerizing cityscape of London.
When he saw Serenity, his smile definitely became wider. Serenity stood at the center, with her eyes closed, her head tilted upward, her arms raised above her head as she breathed in the air deeply. Harry just watched her as the moonlight bathed her and made her look more ethereal.
He was just watching silently, when a sudden wave of lightheadedness caused Serenity's body to shake and her legs to give in. Now, Harry found himself holding the said girl in his arms and inhaling the lovely scent of her hair once more.
"Don't worry, I got you," he whispered, holding her to regain her balance. He felt Serenity shiver slightly so he carefully removed his black jacket and put it around her body.
Serenity gazed at Harry and allowed him to support her. She gazed at him and smiled at him awkwardly. "I'm sorry, I guess I'm not that well yet," she told him.
Harry shook his head. "It's fine. You don't have to worry. After all that happened to you this day, you must've really felt tired."
The Boy-Who-Lived loosen his hold on the Moon Princess and smiled at her. "I think I have something here which could help you with your dizziness," he quietly informed her.
He took something out from his pocket and revealed a small vial. He removed the cap and he offered the vial to Serenity. "Smell it. It would help you with your dizziness," instructed Harry.
Serenity took the vial and put it under her nose. She inhaled the scent of mint, invigorating her senses. She continued to breathe in the calming scent of the herb for a moment, until her sense of vertigo completely faded.
She smiled and returned the vial to the young Gryffindor. "I feel much, much better now. Thank you, Harry."
"Don't mention it," uttered Harry, taking the small bottle from Serenity's hand and putting its cap back. He then returned the vial into his pocket.
He gazed up and he saw Serenity walking away from him, looking at the bright lights of the buildings. His black jacket was still around her petite body, providing her with sufficient warmth.
Harry walked towards Serenity and stood beside her in order tried to get a better view of London's cityscape.
They just stood there, side by side, both comforted by each other's presence. Harry closed his eyes and smiled as a gentle breeze came.
Serenity held on to the jacket around her. She then shifted her gaze towards the young man standing beside her. At that moment, she thought she saw a part of who Harry Potter was. His eyes were closed, as he seemed to enjoy the gentle breeze fanning his face. He looked contented and at peace, a complete opposite of what she witnessed when he first saw her. While she was locked in his embrace as he cried and pleaded her to remember him, she witnessed a broken soul, someone who suffered so much from a great loss—the loss of a great love.
And now, the man standing beside her was totally different. This side of Harry seemed to be someone who has found a new source of strength and will to move on and enjoy life. Yes, Harry Potter seemed to be a broken soul, but he certainly does deserve to be happy, be contented, and be at peace even for brief moments, such as this.
And Serenity wouldn't like to take that moment away from him, yet she knew that she had to talk to him about what transpired earlier.
"Harry," spoke Serenity, finally breaking the silence. Harry opened his eyes. He turned towards Serenity and listened.
"What happened awhile ago was something I didn't expect. It really got me confused and a bit hurt, since Ginny and Hermione didn't tell me everything. I really don't know what you and your friends have been through, but it's not that hard for me to understand the pain, longing, and desperation I've seen from you. And I know that you still are dealing with it, and frankly, I truly don't know if . . . if I'm the person you've been referring to. But I do value friendship, so . . . could we start all over again?"
Serenity paused and gave Harry a beautiful smile. "Hi, I'm Serenity Moon. I'm an artist. It is a pleasure to meet you, Harry Potter," she said, extending her right hand to Harry.
Harry chuckled at Serenity and willingly took her hand. "It is nice to meet you, too. I'm Harry, a nascent poet and I'm looking forward to working with you, Serenity."
"Harry," said Serenity, still holding his hand. She held his hand more tightly and looked into his eyes deeply. "I also wish to say—thank you. Thank you—for being there and for taking care of me awhile ago. I know that you were trying your best to protect me, probably because you still see Serena in me. Nevertheless, I still want to thank you. And . . . I'm truly glad I've met you."
Serenity's words were spoken almost in a whisper, but it was loud and strong enough to make Harry's heart soar.
For Harry, this was enough. Seeing his friends' grief and agony lifted by her presence was enough. Even though how much she still reminded him of Serena, or how much he still wanted her to remember everything about their past, he knew it would be best if he stopped forcing her to believe that she was what he and his friends thought her to be. For now, he had to be contented. Simply because, deep down—he knew—destiny had granted his wish. His wish for someone to heal his broken soul.
Author's Notes:
Thanks for reading this chapter. Review, review, review!