Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna watched as Miss Blanc paraded around, making all of the worst mistakes.

I never wear that much make-up, I never wear heels, and I never kiss Elias in public. . . I do recognize that she pays attention: She took extra care to put on a fake brooch. He should recognize me soon, since I have never been that straight forward. My my. . . She is hungry like the wolf! If the school had rooms for the professors, I cannot imagine what she would do . . . her and Elias in a bedroom . . . she shuddered.

"I am sorry, my Lady, but you surprised me today," He spoke quietly, his face deep red of embarrassment.

Of course he is surprised! I did not inform him of this because i wanted to see how long it would take him to recognize the obvious!

She watched Miss Blanc follow Elias around, and couldn't help but laugh as her heels made the most annoying sounds.

If I ever was going to wear heels, I would most certainly place a silencing spell on them. Not that I would. . .they are as impractical as took much make-up.

"My heart does not recognize you.." Raven said, taking Elias's appearance and voice as she told Luna what they were saying.

"I thought you loved me.." she spoke, taking Miss Blanc's form and voice.

"She is doing such a terrible job. . . this is the most humor I have seen in quite a while." Luna laughed.

"I am sorry my dear...I do love you, I just don't recognize you..."

That's right, Elias. Expose her for the fraud that she is. .

Once they were out in the grounds he asked: "When do you have classes today?"

"I do not have any today," Miss Blanc replied, clearly unsure of the honesty of her answer.

"She clearly doesn't know; If I were to assume a person's identity, I would know every detail about their past, present events, and future events. She is so clumsy." Luna spoke."It is merely by chance that I do not have any classes on Fridays. "

"I do not care about appearances, and I have seen you in your simpler looks. I love you for who you are, not for how you look like. As I said, I did not recognize you today, you did not act as yourself. Your french accent.....You embarrassed and yet surprised me. I did not expect you to kiss me in public and I hope you do not repeat it again. We may kiss as much as you like, but in privacy please. They may know that we are close to each other, but I do not like to draw others' attention."

"I am sorry,"

"I would never apologize for something I would never do!" Luna said, getting angrier. "How long is it going to take this fool? If it was I, I would ask Elias a simple question that only he knew the answer to. " She sighed, and kept quiet in case Raven needed to relay their speech any time soon.

"It is fine, never mind about it now, what is done cannot be undone, as long as you do not repeat your mistake, anyway, tell me Luna, I'd like to know how you all of sudden?....I mean, I am very surprised, I did not expect you to take a step forward in our relationship..."

"Of course not. . . .I am not a straightforward person when it comes to relationships, not with my heart gone. . . " She sighed, not understanding how he didn't become concerned.

"I understand, where do you wish to speak?"

"In...in your office please."

"As you wish, my lady."

"I would never meet him in any place besides my office, because asking to meet him in his office is like asking to meet him at his home, instead of mine. It is quite rude, by my standards. "

When they entered his office, she neared him and caressed his cheek. He smiled as he sat down behind his desk and offered her to sit in front of him. His smile faltered as she refused to sit down.

"Luna?-"
"Elias, I cannot explain this with words, but with love!" She exclaimed.
He looked uncomfortably at her. "I don't understand...."
"Kiss me like you did in Paris, please."

At this point, Luna began laughing so hard, she didn't pay attention to the girls interrupting them.

"I. . . cannot. . . believe. . . " Luna sad in between sighs for breath "she . . . is . . . so hungry . . . for . . . his attention."

"Luna, please, sit down and explain your french accent.."

But Miss Blanc did not listen, she sat down at his lap and put her arms around his neck.

She is repulsing me. . . sitting on his lap like that . . . what about Elias makes her so thirsty for his affection?

"Luna, this is not the right time please, anyone might enter my office right now and I cannot lock anyone out if anyone needs me for something important. So may you go back to the chair in front of my desk please..."
"I do not understand!!" Miss Blanc said.
"What's the matter with you! Explain your French accent, I thought you were joking with me first...but seriously-"

"Ah. . . Joking? I can understand that, but what about the clothes, make-up, and shoes?" Luna said.

"I am trying to learn French because I know you love that language"
"It sounds more that you already know french because you are speaking English with a French accent. " Elias said.

"I thought I already told him that I had no interest in learning French . . . " Luna said thoughtfully. "And, that I was perfectly contented with knowing Japanese and English."

"Shall we let them carry on a bit longer, or shall we reveal her lies?" Luna asked maliciously, half to Raven, and half to herself.

"I think we should wait, just another few minutes. The main point was not to denigrate Miss Blanc, although the idea appeals to my interests, but to see Elias discover Miss Blanc's falsity. I do not wish to intervene until he does so." Luna nodded decidedly.

I see; if someone is useless to her, she delights in toying with them for her own entertainment . . . How magnificently immoral. Raven thought with delight as she nodded to Luna.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"It sounds more that you already know French because you are speaking English with a French accent." Elias said.

Miss Blanc remained silent and looked down at her hands because she did not know what to say. Nothing seemed to work as she had planned.

French accent… so much make-up, annoying clicking heels, she reminds me so much about Miss Blanc, Elias thought as he looked at her with a frown. Even her movements, the way she sits... if there's anything I could ask without revealing anything sensitive about Luna...

"May you make me a cup of tea please? I'd also like one of those lovely muffins you make," He smiled slyly after a long moment of silent.

"Excuse moi (Excuse me), I don't cook..." She replied with a frown. There was a hint of arrogance in her tone.

"Well I guess I have to get a cup of tea then," He rose up and left his office quickly before she could react. When he had reached the entrance hall, he could hear a faint sound of clicking heels among the sound of the students who were walking among the stairs and in and out from the entrance.

"Elias?"

He turned around and several of the female students stopped in their tracks as if someone had called their names and not his name.

As Miss Blanc neared him, she was suddenly interrupted by a first year Hufflepuff student.
"Excuse me, professor? May I ask you about something please?" The girl asked shyly.

"Excuse moi!" Miss Blanc looked annoyingly at the girl, seeing her as a threat who interrupted her most important moment with her love.

"I..I..just have a question about the homework in cooking with magic which you gave us-"

"I don't know cooking with magic, ask someone else!"

The girl looked astonished at her professor as if she did not recognize her.

"Why don't you reveal your true self, Miss Blanc?" Elias spoke.

"I am not Miss Blanc....I am Luna, your love...." Miss Blanc looked uncertainly at him. She tried to come closer to him, but with every step she took forward he took one step backward when he suddenly swished with his wand in front of her which she did not expect and looked surprisingly at him. What Elias had done was casting a dark spell, Accipere Velum, to reveal her disguise. Suddenly the students laughed when Miss Blanc was only standing there in a French nightgown which almost revealed her French underwear. She almost screamed as she hugged herself, trying her best to cover herself with her arms and long blond hair, regretting that she had left her cloak in his office.

"Accipere Velum, to reveal your enemy's disguise," Elias explained smilingly to the students. "Very useful wh-"

"Ow dare you!" Miss Blanc blurted shockingly as she came up closer to him.

"Get out of here!" He slapped her face so hard that she got nosebleed and almost fell backwards but she gained her balance and rushed out from the castle, crying heavily. "And don't ever think about coming back!" he said and went back to his office.

None of the students who had witnessed the sudden event dared to speak. Pegah clutched her schoolbag harder as if she could not believe a charming man like Elias would ever slap a woman. But that disgusting French woman deserved it anyway. She tried to seduce him with using a disguise of our headmistress...And only wearing French underwear under her disguise…She must have been so desperate of...of.... Pegah shuddered at the thought which suddenly crossed her mind. She frowned as she rubbed her forehead, trying to avoid thinking about the thing which embarrassed her the most as she made her way to the library.

Aislinn hoped that her cloak and hood covered her good enough as she sat down in an empty cart. The last thing she wanted was that anyone would see her taking the muggle train in France. She relayed on the muggle travel transportation since she was worried that she would get lost somewhere in Europe if she tried to travel with a broom. Traveling with floo powder or portkey was also out of question since it was very rare for wizards and witches to travel to Transylvania. A place that rumored to be housing vampires were not popular to visit. She could have literary travelled to the Black Forest in Germany. And trying to apparate would be impossible since the surroundings and environments were unknown to her. She sighed as the train finally started to move. Outside, it was raining heavily.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna sighed audibly after Elias had slapped Miss Blanc.

Tsk tsk, Elias. You only knew for sure that it was her once it became obvious? Well, he did ask for a muffin, and she replied that she didn't cook, which I most certainly do . . . so I assume that was his way of confirming her identity.

Luna motioned to Raven that it was time, and she willed the cloud to float to the main gate, at which Miss Blanc would soon be arriving.

"Good afternoon, Miss Blanc." Luna smiled as she bowed to her. She stood in front of the gate, blocking her exit. Raven stood behind the wall, awaiting her introduction.

A moment later...

"I do believe you have made a deal for revenge with Miss Ravenna." Luna smiled, interrupting Miss Blanc from her wining. Raven stepped out from behind the wall, and smiled at Miss Blanc. "She and I set you up for the biggest failure you were sure to make. " she laughed. It was a cold, merciless laugh, and Raven smiled proudly. "You're a jealous woman, Miss Blanc. That was your undoing. You made a spectacle of yourself. "

A moment later...

"No." she smiled, interrupting Miss Blanc once more, "I do not feel any remorse. On the contrary, dear, it was quite enjoyable watching you humiliate your pitiful self. " she raised her wand, and in a flash of green, Miss Blanc was dead.

Luna sighed, as if she had just enjoyed something quite euphoric.

"Always a pleasure." she smiled, before setting fire to her body and walking away without a second glance. "Raven, you can let down the shields, now." she called.

Raven lifted her right arm, and waved it to the right, and the invisibility shields came off.

No one has seen her latest achievement. Raven smiled as she pointed a finger at the grass on which Miss Blanc's body had burnt, causing the burnt grass to re-grown healthily, leaving no traces at all. So delicious. . . death. And Raven flew away.

Cadence crouched behind a bush, horrified at the thing she had just witnessed.

Luna killed that woman! She came out crying, and she only mocked her. . . I have no idea what she did to deserve this. . . I also cannot begin to imagine what would possess Luna to do such a terrible thing! I won't speak to her about it. . . I have to wait until I see her past. . . Cadence thought to herself as she cried at the thought that her best friend's heart had turned black.



"Good afternoon, Elias." Luna smiled, walking into her office. She had asked to see him via patronus, and he had come ten minutes later, looking as if he had many questions on his mind.

A moment later...

"I understand you have many questions, but I will answer them one at time, and honestly, as you deserve. " she sighed, and changed to her professional tone. "You are very well aware that I do not have my heart. Likewise, there are not many things I am able to do that I can truly enjoy. One of them is revenge. I planted a letter to Miss Blanc, telling her that she had a chance to 'see you', and explained that she would disguise herself as me, and attempt to seduce you. My disguise mirror was included with the letter." she paused a moment, then continued. "I merely wanted for her last moments alive to be ones of awful humiliation and regret, for what she did to you when you were being questioned. The reason I didn't inform you, is because I wished to determine how long it would take for you to recognize when it was not truly me. . . Imagine if what happened was true, and someone had taken my form. Now, I want you also to imagine that I was also in danger, being incarcerated by someone powerful and wicked, like Aaron Glass. I wished to understand how long it would take you to recognize that something wasn't quite right. Forgive me . . . playing games like this. . . .It was not right, and I do hope that, with time, you will forgive me." she sighed as she turned away to leave.

 

[Hikari Chan]

As Miss Blanc was running, only in a nightgown and barefoot, towards the gate, the exit was suddenly blocked from the person she least liked to see.

"Good afternoon, Miss Blanc." Luna smiled as she bowed to her.

Miss Blanc looked at her with such hate, disgust and jealousy that she would do anything to strangle that woman in front of her. "You? I do not want to see you. Out of my way...I do not understand ‘ow Elia’ love you; I wish I knew what ‘e sees in y-"

"I do believe you have made a deal for revenge with Miss Ravenna." Luna smiled, interrupting Miss Blanc from her whining. Raven stepped out from behind the wall and smiled at Miss Blanc. "She and I set you up for the biggest failure you were sure to make." she laughed. It was a cold, merciless laugh, and Raven smiled proudly. "You’re a jealous woman, Miss Blanc. That was your undoing. You made a spectacle of yourself."

"’Ow dare you do zis and you zyppose to love Elia’? Do you not feel any regret for what you ‘ave done? If I only could explain to ‘im why I ‘ave done some things, e would shyrly understand that I love ‘im mo-"

"No." Luna smiled, interrupting Miss Blanc once more, "I do not feel any remorse. On the contrary, dear, it was quite enjoyable watching you humiliate your pitiful self. " she raised her wand and Miss Blanc opened her mouth in a scream as she fumbled for her wand, which she had tucked in the belt of her nightgown, when the flash of green light rushed towards her. She saw her body falling down to the ground while she hovered in the air. She was not feeling cold or hurt or hungry anymore. But she was feeling very sad. She turned towards the castle and floated to it.

Get out of here!... And don't ever think about coming back!

She sighed sadly when she remembered Elias' last words to her. Je souhaite que j'aie agi differemment depuis le debut du temps (I wish I had acted differently since the beginning)....Je souhaite que je pourrais m'excuser pour tout (I wish that I could apologize for everything) ..I am deeply sorry, Elias, I am sorry for everything... She turned away from the castle. She could not step in there, not after that he had told her to leave and never come back. She could not step in there after that she had humiliated herself and acted so childish. Staying as a ghost on the earth was out of question. She knew she would only annoy Elias and he had chosen to love another woman which she could not change. She would only become a sad and lonely ghost who whined about unrequited love. Her family would be so sad if they found out that she had become a ghost. She felt that it was better that no one knew of the incidents and that it would be better if they met in the afterlife as she rose up in the air, higher and higher, to move on. She looked back at the castle below her with a sad smile before she turned to leave for good with the hope that perhaps she would meet Elias in the afterlife sooner or later.

Elias was reading essays and grading them when he received Luna's Patronus. He looked up in surprise at the slithering snake and wondered why she had not used the brooch or the emerald to communicate with him. He left his work and hurried to her office. She arrived ten minutes later.

"Good afternoon, Elias." Luna smiled, walking into her office.

"Good afternoon, dear," He replied with an equal smile.

"I understand you have many questions, but I will answer them one at time, and honestly, as you deserve." she sighed.

Elias looked a little confused as he actually did not have any questions at all as he thought that Luna was unaware of what Miss Blanc had done. He thought that Luna had questions to him or just wanted to see him when what she told him took him by a sudden surprise.

"You are very well aware that I do not have my heart."

"Yes..." He nodded, wondering why she is taking up the subject about her heart. Is it because I kissed her forehead and hands last night, seriously...

"Likewise, there are not many things I am able to do, that I can truly enjoy. One of them is revenge. I planted a letter to Miss Blanc, telling her that she had a chance to 'see you', and explained that she would disguise herself as me, and attempt to seduce you. My disguise mirror was included with the letter." she paused a moment, then continued. "I merely wanted for her last moments alive to be ones of awful humiliation and regret, for what she did to you when you were being questioned. The reason I didn't inform you, is because I wished to determine how long it would take for you to recognize when it was not truly me… Imagine if what happened were true, and someone had taken my form. Now, I want you also to imagine that I was also in danger, being incarcerated by someone powerful and wicked, like Aaron Glass. I wished to understand how long it would take you to recognize that something wasn't quite right. Forgive me. . . playing games like this… It was not right, and I do hope that, with time, you will forgive me." she sighed as she turned away to leave.

"Luna, I..." Elias was unsure about what to say. "Did you...you witness everything?" He was feeling very stupid and embarrassed at the same time. He understood from her tale that she had been watching, but he did not know how she had managed to spy. "Never mind..." He hurried to say before she replied. "You don't need to explain that part for me, I trust you," he smiled gently as he neared her. "It is alright by the way; I am not mad or angry at you. You wanted to test me for good reasons. If there was someone who was playing games today it was Miss Blanc and not you. The things she did were unforgivable. Even if you had a hand in this incident, she had a choice to use the disguise mirror or not, after all. Anyway, you don't have to apologize to me dear. It is me who should apologize because I was a fool who did not realize that she was disguised immediately. Please..." he went down on his knee and held her hand as if he wanted to propose. ”...forgive me for my foolishness and inertia, I promise that I won't let my guard down in future and be more vigilant to be quicker in distinguishing my dark queen from the enemies..." He rose up and put his arm around her waist with a guilty smile. "Well...ehm....since it's Friday, would you like to go out with me tonight?" He asked charmingly, hoping that she would agree on taking a break from the legilimency lessons for one evening.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"You don't need to explain that part for me, I trust you," he smiled gently as he neared her. "It is alright by the way, I am not mad or angry at you. You wanted to test me for good reasons. “

I am happy he bought the story. I merely enjoyed watching him fail. However, it did concern me that it took him nearly an hour to recognize the obvious.

“If there was someone who was playing games today it was Miss Blanc and not you. The things she did were unforgivable. Even if you had a hand in this incident, she had a choice to use the disguise mirror or not, after all. “

That is an interesting way to put it. . . I felt certain that he would most certainly blame me.

“Anyway, you don't have to apologize to me dear. It is me who should apologize because I was a fool who did not realize that she was disguised immediately. Please . . ." he went down on his knee and held her hand as if he wanted to propose. "..forgive me for my foolishness and inertia, I promise that I won't let my guard down in future and be more vigilant to be quicker in distinguishing my dark queen from the enemies..."

Apologize . . . you should feel quite foolish. How naive could you be, to think that I would ever do the things Miss Blanc has?

He rose up and put his arm around her waist with a guilty smile.

Oh GOD, not this again. . .

"Well . . . ehm . . . since it's Friday, would you like to go out with me tonight?" He asked charmingly.

“That would be lovely. Perhaps at around seven, I could meet you wherever you would like. I have a few things to do before then. ” she smiled.

A moment later...

“That sounds perfect for this evening. Well, I will meet you there, as I said. Farewell. ” she turned away, and used smoke to transport her to her bedroom.

“How did it go?” Nagini asked.

Luna told Nagini all about the ‘incident’ with Miss Blanc, while she was getting ready for dinner. Raven had left her Disguise Mirror on her bedside table, after taking it back from Miss Blanc.

“So, you enjoyed it?” Nagini asked casually, as if asking her if she had enjoyed last night’s dinner.

“Very much, yes.” Luna replied, in an equally casual voice.

“Well, I do think that would be all.” Nagini said as she slithered out of Luna’s bedroom door to go hunting again.

Luna dressed in a long, sleeveless black gown with a high illusion neckline. It was modest at the top and well-fitted at the bottom.



“Good evening, Elias.” Luna smiled once she spotted him at the restaurant. She sat down, and looked at the menu, hoping they served lemonade.

 

[Hikari Chan]

“That would be lovely. Perhaps at around seven, I could meet you wherever you would like. I have a few things to do before then.” Luna smiled.

"I'll see you at Silvery Serpents then," Elias suggested.

“That sounds perfect for this evening. Well, I will meet you there, as I said. Farewell.” she turned away and apparated away in smoke.

The day went on as usual though many students were gossiping about the incident which had occurred in the Entrance Hall and soon everyone knew that Miss Blanc had tried to fool one of their professors by taking the disguise of their headmistress. After lunch Elias had a dueling class with the seventh years. He rolled his eyes when Lily and her friends were trying to pair with each other even if they were five. He interfered and paired up the students equally and mixed the houses as usual to their disappointment.

"Eyes on your opponent, Miss!" He commented loudly and annoyingly when he noticed that Clarissa was glancing sideways at him. Her face went red as tomato and she tried to focus on her opponent, a Gryffindor, but ended up being disarmed easily. Elias sighed audibly and spent more time on telling her to focus but it was in vain hence he gave her a task: to write an essay. When the lesson was over, he asked his sister to stay for a bit.

"I hope you do not have any other classes this afternoon?" He asked as soon as they were alone in the classroom.

"No, I am free," Lily replied.

"So good then, because I wanted to ask you if you could read my fortune, please."

Lily grinned excitingly as she pulled out her glass ball from her bag.
"Are you serious? I am so surprised that you ask me about this when you did not like me to read your fortunes before..."

He only laughed as reply when he conjured two chairs so they could sit in front of each others.

She sat down in front of him and had the glass ball to hover at her eye level. She frowned when she looked in the glass ball and after a moment of silence she spoke.

"Well...from what I can see...there's nothing bad but at the same time it's not...well how shall I explain it? It is not the greatest things, Elias, though do not worry, you'll actually be fine but..."

"What do you mean?"

"There're obstacles in your way which prevent you from reaching your goal. The glass ball shows that you are trying to reach for a white dove but it keeps flying away from you at the same time as there are thorns which makes it harder for you to reach this bird.."

Elias' heart sank as he feared what it could mean. Anything...let it be anything but not...

"What does it mean?"

"Well I assume it means there're obstacles in your way to reach your goal. That's all I know..."

"But isn't the white dove kind of a symbol with a meaning?"

"It is...but the meaning of a bird in fortunes is diffuse, because there are several definitions of a bird, thus I cannot exactly tell you unless if you know your precise goal. The glass ball does not show your goal but that the difficulties to reach it...."

"Aha...." His voice trailed off at the same time as his mind wandered elsewhere.

"Eli! Are you allright?!"

"Yes, yes, of course I am," Elias was startled when he noticed a hysterical tone in his sister's voice. "Do not worry, dear, I was just pondering about the goals in my life." He smiled and tried his best to look happy to calm her down.

Elias had just sat down by a table in the restaurant when Luna arrived.

“Good evening, Elias.” She smiled and sat down.

"Good evening," He greeted her with an equal smile as he tried to not think about his fortune.

Why did I ask Lily to read my fortune? I am such a fool that I never learn my own lessons. Almost all my fortunes have given me uneasy feelings. And the one today...sigh... He thought as looked at the menu. He was so distracted that he ordered lemonade instead for wine, cooked potatoes instead for grilled potatoes, a plate of seafood instead for usual poached salmon and a bowl of purple cream soup instead for tomato soup. Merlin's beard… I hope she does not notice how distracted I am or think that I am crazy with this weird combination of dishes ... he thought but smiled as if everything was as usual.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

That's odd . . . he usually orders wine . . . lemonade doesn't suit him . . .the look on his face . . . It appears that he is deep in thought.

"I had no idea you liked lemonade, Elias." Luna spoke, pointing at his lemonade, then staring into his eyes. "Is there something you wish to discuss? After all we've been through, I can assure you that nothing would surprise me. " She smiled comfortingly.

She had ordered a creamed tomato soup, a small piece of grilled chicken with some mashed potatoes and vegetables, and a Cesar salad. She had also been pleased to see that the place did serve lemonade.


Meanwhile


Raven landed on the roof top of a shabby apartment in Japan. She disguised herself as a sales-woman, before entering. She made her way to the fifth floor, and knocked on the second door from the stairs. "Konnichiwa." Raven bowed, saying hello in Japanese. Once she was sure she recognized him, she dropped the Japanese. "Hello, sir. I was wondering if you were familiar with a certain 'Alastair DiVilliers?' " Raven spoke politely.

At the sound of his real name, Alistair's eyes widened. "Are you familiar with my sister?" he asked suspiciously.

"Yes, Sir. I am a friend of hers. Please meet me on the roof for confirmation. She wishes to see you dearly, but I think you are aware that it is incredibly difficult for her to come to Japan."

"If you know her, tell me something only a close friend of hers would know." he said. I am not just going to jump up at the mention of her name. . . I am not a fool to trust people so readily.

"Hmm. Perhaps the fact that you assisted her in escaping the DiVilliers household is enough? Or, perhaps that you were the one to tell her that her parents used Liquid Luck on her the first time she- "

"Alright." he sighed. "It appears she trusts you quite well to have told you those things. I'll only be a moment." he smiled, gesturing to the plain interior in the single room: One bed in the corner, a shabby desk with a lamp that barely gave off much light, and a cheap marble counter with one electric stove burner on it.

Raven stepped inside, and noticed that there was a small fridge as well, but it was turned off. "If must be horrible for you, living here after you grew up in all of that luxury." Raven said, reaching to put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Please-" Alastair said, gripping her hand before it touched him, "Do not speak of things which you do not understand. In reality, it was much easier to live here than with my . . . " He shuddered, not wishing to say the word 'parents', for they had done nothing right in raising him. He let go of her hand, and continued packing.

"I am ready." he spoke calmly a minute later. He held a small bag , which contained a picture of Alastair and Luna together, back when she had just graduated from the school that taught Cooking with Magic, and a few items of clothing. He kept all of the letters she had sent him on his person in case he had to vacate the apartment suddenly, charmed into a miniature state to fit without wrinkling.

Raven lead him up, onto the roof, and he looked around confusedly. "Was this all a trick?" he said, raising an inquisitive eyebrow. "I expected some mode of transport, as Luna had promised once she found a safe way to London that didn't require brooms or the use of anything that the Ministry could track. "

"I have it all handled. " Raven smiled, allowing her disguise to fade.

"You!" Alastair said fearfully, taking several steps back from the fallen angel whom he recognized from his parent's fountain. "Don't tell me Luna has-"

"No, I am not the same angel that your parents conspired with. " Raven said annoyingly. "That was a former friend of mine who sought to frame me by taking my form, and granting every dark wish of your ancestors, hence their idolization of her by erecting that fountain."

"How do I believe that, when you could have just made that up?" Alastair asked, keeping a polite tone, yet still choosing not to near her again.

Raven let out an exaggerated breath, and reached into her magical bag.

Unbeknownst to her, Alastair reached behind his back, gripping his wand. She had no idea he knew magic.

She pulled out a letter, and levitated it to him, seeing as he was too distrustful to near her.

He read it through, then walked over to Raven. He bowed in respect, then spoke humbly. "Truly, your forgiveness I implore. " he stood straight. "However, I am certain you may understand that it is not as simple as believing what a stranger says is true. "

Raven nodded understandingly, and waved her hand. The invisibility charm de-activated, and a carriage similar to the one she had used for Cadence became visible.

"This looks quite exquisite. Thank you." Alastair smiled as the door opened on its own accord.

"The rise will not take long, but please enjoy the journey." Raven smiled kindly.

"My thanks, Ravenna." Alastair smiled before entering and closing the door.

I don't remember telling him my name...I probably introduced myself when I first entered his apartment... she told herself. Raven flew them to Luna's manor, which took thirty minutes. When they arrived, Alastair looked the great manor up and down, admiring the dark beauty of the construction, and the gardens. He smiled when he realized that there were black roses, with their buds intact.

“It looks as though Luna was happy to personalize this place . . . she even remembered that I loved black roses.” Alastair spoke thoughtfully while smelling one.

“Actually, I think she merely inherited your fondness for them.” Raven smiled.

“Ah. ” Alastair nodded, slightly embarrassed that he had thought such a selfish thing.

Alastair settled into the bedroom that Raven motioned; the one right next to Luna’s, and placed the letter he had read earlier on the bedside table. He lay down to rest, seeing, as it was already ten.

The letter read:

Dear Alastair,

The woman you see before you is named Raven , and she is a fallen angel. Believe me when I say that she is not the same Angel who served you ancestors, but a different one entirely. She is a friend you may trust, as she has promised to assist me with anything that I needed, as she was not appreciated by the other angels due to her darker tendencies.

I look forward to seeing you in person, again, for it has been nearly four years. As I have told you, I have finally gotten revenge on all who have, or will, oppose me. I now control nearly all that I need to remain in power, and have promised myself that I shall never become weak again. You are the only person who can share my love for darkness and destruction, yet understand that benevolence has its rewards. I am occupied tonight, but I shall dine with you for breakfast. Please, make yourself at home whilst staying with me, and know that you shall never overstay your welcome.

Forgive me for waiting so long to bring you here, and not disclosing Raven's identity to you beforehand in our letters. However, I wished to ensure our security above everything.

Till we meet again,

Luna

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I had no idea you liked lemonade, Elias." Luna spoke, pointing at his lemonade.

"I decided for a change tonight," Elias chuckled.

She stared into his eyes. "Is there something you wish to discuss? After all we've been through, I can assure you that nothing would surprise me." she smiled comfortingly.

"Well, I do not know how much to thank you...I mean, Miss Blanc was only jealous of you, she was never aware of who you actually are, that you are the late dark lord's daughter. She was also ignorant about the second wizarding war. Yet you decided to take revenge on her because of what she did to me at the trials...even without your heart, you are not a heartless person, Luna..." He smiled happily.

I won't tell her about the fortune. Not all the fortunes can become true. What if that fortune was a hoax, but if it was the contrary and it became true, Luna cannot be the white dove, can she? If she was totally heartless, she won't have taken revenge on Miss Blanc for my sake....

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"You are welcome, Elias." Luna smiled, taking a sip of her lemonade. "No need to thank me. It is only natural for me to enjoy the process of eliminating all who oppose us. I am quite happy that you have accepted me as a person, and not a monster. So, in truth, it is I who is unsure of how to repay you. I believed that I should start with the person who had wronged you the most . . ." I am happy that that was all he was worried about. . . I believed that it was something serious, for a moment.

 

[Hikari Chan]

As I thought, the way Luna speaks when she says "us", the fortune must have been a hoax, or I must have some subconscious goals. Tomorrow I'll ask Persephone to read my fortune...to be more sure...

"Taking revenge for my sake is a grand thing you have done to me, now I am the one who is in debt to you, my dear," Elias smiled as he tasted the cooked and grilled squids, trying not to frown over the new taste. He took a sip of his lemonade and continued to eat. I am glad that I did not choose wine but lemonade. The wine would easily make me feel too comfortable and perhaps I would have called her for love or darling...and I should not take any further step forward in our relationship until I am hundred percent sure about my fortune...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna smiled, and continued to eat without further comments. After they had eaten both their dinner and dessert, Luna noted that it was nearly ten o'clock. "Tomorrow is a day we do not have to work. I will be pre-occupied tomorrow; Raven assisted my brother in coming to Britain. I would be delighted if you wished to meet him." Luna smiled. "Well, it has been an enjoyable dinner." Luna smiled as she stood to leave. "Thank you, and farewell, Elias. "

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Tomorrow is a day we do not have to work. I will be pre-occupied tomorrow; Raven assisted my brother in coming to Britain. I would be delighted if you wished to meet him." Luna smiled.

"It would be an honor to meet your brother," Elias replied smilingly. "By the way, we will resume the legilimency lessons on Monday."

"Well, it has been an enjoyable dinner." She smiled as she stood to leave. "Thank you, and farewell, Elias."

"You are very welcome dear, Good night"

I cannot believe... Persephone stared at the piece of parchment which she was holding in front of her eyes. She dropped it at her desk and rubbed her eyes. She picked it up and looked at it again. Well the full name of the sender is not a lie unless if someone else is trying to fool me. I'll send a reply and keep this letter as a proof if it turns out to be a joke.

She looked at the clock at her desk and noticed that the time was eight in the morning before she wrote a short letter with her neat and elegant handwriting. She attached it to the owl who had brought her a letter some minutes ago and sent it off.

She glanced around in her office, but everything was on place and it was neatly and tidied. She walked in her little bedroom which was located beside her office and looked at her mirror image.

Merlin, I am so red... She thought as she looked at her hair which was made in an elegant hairdo and her lips which was natural red but yet so intense. Well as long as I look like myself and as I usual do, it will be fine... She hurried back to her office and closed the door to her bedroom when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in..." She spoke when she sat down behind her desk. She gestured politely towards the chair in front of her desk when her guest entered.

"I did not expect you so immediately, you surprised me indeed. Would you like some tea and scones?"

"Thank you, but no," Elias replied politely as he sat down. "I do not have any appetite after the weird dish which I had for dinner last night."

"What did you happen to eat that could have made you lose your appetite?" Persephone could not help but chuckle.

"A plate of seafood. It was a mixture of squids, clams, seahorses and seaweed. Not quite my taste, but it was fine."

"Sounds delicious on the contrary, but you cannot skip the tea otherwise I won't be able to read your fortune."

"I do not have appetite for tea, so you have to use your crystal ball or other methods..."

"You are an interesting client indeed, ordering me which methods to use," She could not help but laugh. "Well then, as you wish mister, I'll use my crystal ball." She summoned her crystal ball and placed it at her desk. It was almost silent in her office as she looked into her crystal ball. Only the ticking of the clock could be heard.

This is interesting, very interesting... She thought gleefully.

"I cannot see your entire future," She spoke when she was done gazing into the ball. "But what I have foreseen is that there's kind of an obstacle between you and your paramour. I saw that there were thorns between you and a white dove and even if you were able to make your way through the thorns without to harm yourself, the white dove flew away one foot for each step you took. And the thorns were growing constantly."

Elias' face went paler than usual as he tried to understand what Miss Pyrites just had told him.

"But do not worry," she said with a soothing voice when she noticed how sick he looked. "Do not take it as a misfortune, try to see the positive side of it and besides prophecies can change..." She looked at him gently and politely while deep inside she was triumphing. If his fate does not change and become true, I'll make a good use of the situation for my own account... She thought happily.

"My sister almost predicted the same fate yesterday," Elias confessed after a moment of silent. His voice was calm. The thought that his fate could change had given him hopes. "She told me there are obstacles which prevent me from reaching my goal. The crystal showed her that I was trying to reach for a white dove, but it kept flying away from me at the same time as there were thorns which made it harder for me to reach the bird. I asked her what the white dove might symbolize, but she did not know exactly. She told me that the meaning of a bird in fortunes is diffuse, because there are several definitions of a bird and therefor, she could not exactly tell me unless if I knew my precise goal. The glass ball did not show her my goal but the difficulties to reach it."

"Ahh..." Persephone frowned. "I am afraid that her skills in fortune telling are lacking. I am sorry to have admit that, I have actually told her about it when I met her during my first class this week, but it is not her fault. The problem was with the previous professor, Trelawney who used to teach Divination. She is and have always been a dismay. But your sister has a chance to become a professional fortune teller of course with summer classes or an extra year because she has the talent of a seer." Persephone smiled politely. "I never took any classes with Trelawney during my time as student. I was born with the talents of a seer and it was very frustrating when I discovered a crappy professor during my first lesson hence, I dropped of the class. Did you take any divination class by the way?"

"No, I chose Arithmancy instead. I find it more useful and also logic and more understandable than something woolly and obscure like divination... Anyway, how much I am in debt to you?"

"It is fine..." She held up her hand. "No need to pay me." She smiled gently. "I don't take any payment from friends, well even if we were not in the same year or talked that much with each other we were still in the same house..." She chuckled.

"That is very generous of you. Thank you so much for your time, I wish you pleasant day." He bowed politely on his head before leaving. After a while when he was gone, Faeryn and Adela stumbled in Persephone's office, almost making her jump out from her place.

"Oh, good gracious, what are you two doing here? I did not invite you?!"

"What was Elias doing here?" Adela looked jealously at the teacups and plates of scones.

"I read his fortune, no more or less. By the way how did you know that he entered my office, how dare you spy-"

"We did not spy, Persephone," Faeryn hurried to say. "We happened to see him when we were walking up the stairs to the last floor. We were both on our way to the Astronomy tower when he saw him walking out from west tower. So, we nearly made a guess...."

"So you read his fortune and had a breakfast together," Adela sighed audibly.

"Honestly, he did not touch any of the scones or the tea. Look by yourself, the silverware and dishes are clean...I did not eat or drink at all due to courtesy…"

"Would you tell us about his fortune? You must be lucky to know about it…”

"I am afraid I cannot tell you or anyone else. I promised him to keep his fortunes secret." Persephone lied convincingly.

Both Faeryn and Adela sighed as they sat down, much to Persephone's annoyance who wished them both out from her office.

"Tell me Persephone," Faeryn spoke. "How was he like?"

"He was a very polite and respectful gentleman..."

Adela sighed. "I wonder what he sees in our dark mistress..."

"It cannot be her looks, the French wench tried to fool him by copying her appearance but he did not fall for it..."

"It must be something she has that we do not have..."

"May you two leave, please" Persephone tried to keep the annoyance out from her voice. "I do not mean to kick you out, but I have work to do. I'm teaching two classes hence I have a lot of essays to go through and grade them."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna arrived home, and immediately went to Alastair's bedroom. She opened the door just a bit, and saw him sleeping peacefully in his bed. She closed the door as quietly as she had opened it, then sighed.

"I can only imagine how you long to have your heart back at this very moment, only to feel your brother's love." Nagini smiled as she neared Luna.

"Thank you." Luna smiled, crouching to stroke her.



Both Luna and Alastair slept well that night, for they both had fallen asleep knowing that if they re-united that night, neither of them would sleep. Luna woke first, and got ready in a lovely black gown, and went to the kitchen to prepare the breakfast that she remembered to be her brother's favorite. She was nearly done when he came down, dressed in a black dress shirt with long-sleeves, and a red vest with tasteful Gothic design. He wore black pants, and a white Victorian ascot.

"Luna. It has been too long." he smiled as she walked forward to greet him. "Good morning, my sister." he spoke softly as he pulled her close in an embrace. "How have you been?"

"I have been exactly as I have told you in my letters." Luna smiled as she turned away to ensure that the eggs didn't burn.

"How thoughtful; you're making one of my favorite breakfasts." he laughed as he opened the cooling cupboard to find some oranges. He found fresh basil, already finely chopped, waiting in a bowl. "You even remembered the basil?" he said, so surprised that she had been so thoughtful. She remembered this breakfast, with all of its details. She left the clothes I love in my closet; she even had Ravenna put a pot of black roses in my room . . . I am overjoyed to have a sister like her. And yet, she can appreciate darkness. Even with all of its temptation, she has turned out as different as my parents as the moon is from the sun.

"This is lovely." Alastair breathed as they sat outside in the garden.

The table was set with an omelete, toast, stewed tomatoes, fried and sweetened zucchini, olives, cheese, and orange juice. They were rather odd things to have in the morning, but they tasted better than anyone could explain.

I still cannot believe I am here, with her, and that she has fixed everything.

"Thank you." Luna smiled. "It was you who helped me in the first place; that is why I love you as a brother. "

"I knew, from that first moment, that you were different. " Alastair smiled. "My greatest fear was you, turning out to be like . . . them." he finished in a whisper.

"You needn't worry about me turning out like them in any way. " Luna laughed. "You see, they are dead, now, and they can never harm either one of us, again. "

Alastair raised an eyebrow as he lifted his glass of juice to his mouth.

"I am grateful to have such a brother; who can love me and understand me. " Luna smiled gratefully. "I just cannot rid myself of the feeling that I am indebted to you."

"Do not worry; you are my sister. In the ideal world, friends should not owe each other anything. So, please, do not worry yourself."

He sounded like Elias at that last part. However, my feelings for Alastair are true; I will never fail to admit that to myself. No matter what he says, I owe him my life.

"So, in your last letter-" Alastair began casually. "You mentioned that you had a friend, who loved you so much he fell for your lies? I find that easy to believe, since your. . . you." he smiled charmingly.

"Yes. His name is Elias Shadowwalker, and he is quite the ladies' man. So many women chase him, yet he chooses me. From the day that I attempted to kill him, to the day I revealed my past to him, he has clung to my side, all in the name of love. I realized, it would be lovely to have a puppet of my own, so I played along. It brings me joy to see him fall so desperately for my facade. " she smiled wickedly.

Alastair shared her wicked grin, and raised a glass to her. " To you, Luna, who will never fail to amaze me. "

And they drank to that.



"I have invited Elias here, to meet you. " Luna smiled once she had finished the dishes. Alastair had been busy baking something that he insisted on keeping a secret. He had attended a British school that specialized in Cooking with Magic, and he was just as talented as she was.

"I will only reveal this surprise when Elias arrives. That way, you have something to make you genuinely happy while Elias is over." Alastair laughed, turning toward her to block her curious eyes.

"You will make me genuinely happy." Luna smiled. "I still cannot believe you are actually here, and that you accept me for who I am. "

"Well, then this will be an added bonus." he smiled turning away and waving his wand. The dessert he had made became invisible before Luna could see what it was, and placed itself in the cooling cupboard.

"I won't peek in on it." Luna assured him. "I am not a silly child; I will respect the fact that you wish to surprise me. " she said as she turned away to leave the kitchen with a joking 'you should know better' look.



Luna and Alastair were sitting in the middle of the labyrinth, which Alastair had found highly enjoyable. He had insisted on decorating with black pillars with iridescent purple and green fabrics wrapping around them, black roses lining the clearing, and cushioned purple Gothic chairs and a black-walnut table.

"Good evening, Elias." Luna smiled as she stood at the entrance to the labyrinth, awaiting his arrival.

"I am quite excited to introduce you to Alastair. We were going to have lunch and dessert in the center-" she gestured to entrance to the labyrinth, then smiled before disappearing in smoke.

As soon as Elias appeared, Alastair stood respectfully. He shared Luna's demeanor of standing straight and speaking politely. "Good afternoon, Mr. Shadowwalker. It is a pleasure meeting you. I have heard many wonderful things about you." he smiled as he gestured to the chairs and table.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Good evening, Elias." Luna smiled as she stood at the entrance to the labyrinth, awaiting his arrival.

Elias walked up to the entrance of labyrinth. He smiled politely as he greeted Luna quietly. He was keeping a kind of distance and a formal tone that was unexpected.

"Good afternoon, my Lady."

"I am quite excited to introduce you to Alastair. We were going to have lunch and dessert in the center-" she gestured to the entrance to the labyrinth, then smiled before disappearing in smoke.

As soon as Elias appeared, Alastair stood respectfully. He shared Luna's demeanor of standing straight and speaking politely. "Good afternoon, Mr. Shadowwalker. It is a pleasure meeting you. I have heard many wonderful things about you." he smiled as he gestured to the chairs and table.

"Good afternoon, it is an honor to meet you," Elias spoke in an equal polite and formal tone as he shook hands with Alastair and hoped that no one would notice that he was unusual pale. Wonderful things about me? Well that was quite nice of her, to speak highly about me... He thought as he sat down. I do not have any appetite; I’ve lost it entirely. The seafood was something new for me but after I have learned about my fortune, I do not feel to eat anything at all... I hope I'll be able to eat something to be polite... He glanced at the decorations in the center as he tried to ignore the lump he had in his stomach.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Hmm. I am better at reading people than Luna, and I can tell that something is bothering Elias . . . something he believes to be important. If he wanted to share it, he would have, so I shall pretend to take no notice. "I notice you don't have much of an appetite." Alastair said politely. "You don't have to eat anything if you don't wish it. " he smiled as he took a bite of Luna's meat pie with her lovely sauce.

"It is normal to not have an appetite sometimes. " Luna said thoughtfully. "I can give you your portion for later."

Meanwhile

Raven walked to the girls' dormitories with Lily in mind. She was dressed as a sixth year student, and her form resembled her much younger self. She touched the brick on the Slytherin common room wall, and the door became visible. She entered through by using the password she had retrieved from a student, through mind-reading. The common room was cold, with its usual greenish lamps and chairs. The room had a slightly green tinge to it, and was decorated with tapestries of famous Slytherins in the past. Outside the windows, the lake could be seen, with fish swimming past the windows, and the giant squid could be seen in the distance.

"Hello, Lily." Raven smiled, interrupting Lily from chatting with one of her friends. "Could I speak with you a moment?" She led Lily outside the common room, and upstairs. She didn't say a word until they had gotten outside, into the cool night air. "Lily Shadowwalker; you are a friend of Luna Lestrange's, correct?" Raven asked, although she knew the answer.

"Then, I would like to let you in on a secret; these past few days, there has been no one to teach Flying, correct? The Headmistress has promised that she has a friend who will be teaching it soon. I am that friend. Lily-" Raven looked at her seriously. "If I were to tell you something that only Luna knows, would you be able to keep it a secret?"

She waited for Lily to agree, then she took a step back. She took a deep breath, and changed into her normal form, yet she kept her wings folded behind her back.

"I am not a normal witch; I am an angel, Lily, and I wanted you to know that. " she slowly extended her gigantic black wings, afraid that Lily may scream if she did it too quickly.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I notice you don't have much of an appetite." Alastair said politely. "You don't have to eat anything if you don't wish." he smiled as he took a bite of Luna's meat pie with her lovely sauce.

"My apologizes, last night I had a weird dish for dinner which almost destroyed my appetite," Elias excused himself politely. He ate several bites of the meat pie as he was alright. "It was not that bad, but it was a surprising taste." He took a sip of water as he wished himself somewhere else. I have a strange feeling that Alastair does not like me and the fortune I had does not make things much better, I feel like I am interrupting something here, that I am not really welcomed. I wonder how long I have to sit here... He thought as he continued to eat slowly.

"It is normal to not have an appetite sometimes. " Luna said thoughtfully. "I can give you your portion for later."

"Thank you for your generosity and hospitality," He replied politely. "Though it is alright..." He smiled. Alastair reminds me somehow about Aaron...is it because they were brothers? Because he is still different from Aaron, but still...

Lily was chatting gaily with Clarissa, after that she had forgiven her earlier for yesterday’s event, when she was interrupted by a student who she did not recognize:

"Hello, Lily. Could I speak with you a moment?"

"Sure..." Lily said with a frown, wondering what the unknown girl wanted from her.

She led Lily outside the common room, and upstairs. She didn't say a word until they had gotten outside, into the cool night air.

"Lily Shadowwalker; you are a friend of Luna Lestrange's, correct?" The girl asked.

"Yes..." Lily gave her a weird look.

"Then, I would like to let you in on a secret; these past few days, there has been no one to teach Flying, correct?"

"Yes but I don't have flying, it is only for first years…" Lily commented annoyingly.

"The Headmistress has promised that she has a friend who will be teaching it soon. I am that friend. Lily-" She looked at her seriously. "If I were to tell you something that only Luna knows, would you be able to keep it a secret?"

"Yes, I'll keep it secret..." Lily spoke with her hand at her heart. "All Luna's secrets are safe with me."

She watched as the girl took a step backward and suddenly changed her form. Lily blinked twice, not believing her eyes.

"I am not a normal witch; I am an angel, Lily, and I wanted you to know that. " she slowly extended her gigantic black wings.

Lily stared with wide eyes at the tall woman in front her. An angel? Are they real? Oh, good Merlin... She fainted.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Well that went quite well." Raven said sarcastically to herself. She waved her hand, erasing Lily's memories of the last few minutes. She replaced them with other memories; that Raven had remained in her student form, and simply taken her directly outside the common room door to try to persuade her to take Cooking with Magic lessons. She waved her hand again to wake her up, and she opened her eyes wearily. " I guess you are tired. " Raven smiled as she helped her up. Everything was back to normal, and Lily had forgotten everything. "Let's go back to the common room. That was a lovely chat. " She used her magic to try and ensure that Lily had no awkward bits of memory once more. Perhaps I will try again later . . . later in the year? I did not expect her to faint . . . then again, what did I expect from such a silly girl? I simply believed that Elias's sister deserved to know. . .



"Thank you for the lovely lunch, Luna." Alastair smiled happily.

Luna nodded politely in return, and stood to clear the dishes. While she was busy, Alastair turned to Elias with a serious expression on his face.

Now is my chance. "Elias?" he asked politely. "I understand that you are aware of my upbringing, and my history with Luna. I know that that may make you hesitant to trust me, but I can assure you; I am nothing like my brother. " He paused for a moment. "As for Luna, I wish for you to know that she is quite fond of you. I can tell, even from just having met you, that you are someone I can trust to keep my sister safe. She has had a past harder than anyone can understand; and yet, you have remained by her side throughout each and every one of her revelations. I cannot express my gratitude to you." he finished proudly. I do hope I made a good impression. I'd like to get inside his mind, just as Luna has. I do love toying with people.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Thank you for the lovely lunch, Luna." Alastair smiled happily.

Luna nodded politely in return and stood to clear the dishes. While she was busy, Alastair turned to Elias with a serious expression on his face.

"Elias?" he asked politely. "I understand that you are aware of my upbringing, and my history with Luna. I know that that may make you hesitant to trust me, but I can assure you; I am nothing like my brother. " he paused for moment.

Why does he think that I hesitate to trust him? I have seen good enough of Luna's memories to decide myself if I can trust him or not. When I saw him in the memories, I thought I could trust him, but now I feel different about him...He is already comparing himself with his brother, drawing the line of distinction. I do not like to just hear words; I prefer to see true actions. If he is not a rascal, he does not need to mention his brother, telling that he is different from him. It would have been enough if he had commented it was nice to meet and that he would like to get to know me more as a friend. His words sound more like he wants me to trust him at any cost and I am not a fool... Elias thought as he remained silent.

"As for Luna," Alastair continued. "I wish for you to know that she is quite fond of you. I can tell, even from just having met you, that you are someone I can trust to keep my sister safe. She has had a past harder than anyone can understand; and yet, you have remained by her side throughout each and every one of her revelations. I cannot express my gratitude to you." he finished proudly.

Really? What does he know about our relationship? It sounds more like he is making a fuss of me. Luna does not have her heart, no matter what I do for her, she will never be fond of me, I am just her subordinate like the other death eaters, no more or less. My fortune has just proofed this...

"No need to thank me," Elias replied politely with a smile. "I am her loyal death eater and will always remain be her side to be at her service and to protect her. It is a promise I made to her father, the late dark lord, in the past-"

Suddenly a Patronus, shaped as a fox, floated around him, bringing a message to him before it dissolved in the air.

"My apologies, but you have to excuse me, I just received a message that my sister is not well." he explained. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Alastair," Elias bowed his head politely before he apparated away.

"Oh, there you are!" Professor Quinn spoke as soon as Elias entered the Entrance hall. Persephone was standing by her side. Well that explains the fox Patronus…but how is Persephone involved in this, she is not trying to improve herself, is she? Seriously I only asked her to read my fortune, no more or less…I wonder what she would do if I gave her more of my attention.. He thought as he followed them both down to the dungeons.

They entered Slytherin's common room and Elias was met by a pale Lily who rushed into his arms.

"What's the matter, dear?" He spoke quietly.

"May we discuss this in my office?" Quinn whispered as she looked severely at the students who gave them curious glances.

As soon as they were in Quinn's office, Elias repeated his question. But Lily remained quiet.

"She mentioned she had a strange vision when she fell asleep and odd memories when she woke up," Quinn explained. "Thus, I called Professor Pyrites in, but it was in vain. Your sister only wished to see you."

Well that explains why Persephone is involved...

"Then perhaps Lily wish to talk privately with me?" Elias spoke more to his sister than to the two professors. He walked out from Quinn's office and led the way to his office. Lily followed him obediently. Instead for sitting behind his desk, he sat in one of the chairs, which were meant for the visitors as Lily sat down in front of him.

"Now tell me, dear. What did you dream about?"

"I was not dreaming. I was talking with Clarissa and we were suddenly interrupted by a girl who I have never seen. She took me outside the common room to try to persuade me to take cooking with magic lessons. The weird thing is that I cannot remember what I told her. I feel like I must have blackened out, because then I was back in the common room. I cannot remember what happened in between. Anyway, I fell asleep in the sofa and had a certain vision which I could not remember. I looked around when I woke up, but I could not find the strange girl. I even searched for her in the dorms, but it was in vain...Could someone possible have disguised as a student? Just like that French woman who disguised herself as Luna, which everyone has been talking about lately?"

"Perhaps..." Elias replied thoughtfully. "How do you feel?"

"It was a creepy experience, but I feel a little better after that I have talked with you."

"Did you not tell anything of this to professor Quinn or professor Persephone Pyrites?"

"No, I just told them I had a vision I could not remember. I was not feeling comfortable with telling them the rest..."

"But you should have told professor Quinn about this strange girl. She was the head of your house after all before professor Mulciber, seriously," Elias sighed.

Lily only shrugged.

"I almost thought that something bad had happened to you, well anyway, I think you only had a weird dream, Lily. You must have fallen asleep in the sofa while you were chatting with Clarissa." He stood up and he looked at her with the -go back to your common room, please- face before she could protest.

When she had left, clearly disappointed, Elias wrote a letter to Luna which he put at her desk in her office.

Dear Luna,

My apologies that I had to leave in a haste after the lovely lunch with you and your brother.
But something happened here at Hogwarts that called my attention. My sister was not feeling well and wished to see me. But do not worry, everything is fine with her.

Elias

He had considered to tell Luna about what exactly had happened, but he decided to keep quiet about it since Lily had been feeling uncomfortable with telling Quinn about the incident. It was up to Lily if she wished to tell Luna or not.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Hmm. Alastair thought as soon as Elias left. I can tell I have only made him grow distant. Words will not work, so actions must. With time, he will grow to trust me.

Luna walked over to Alastair, and put a hand on his shoulder.

"How did it go?" she asked curiously, as his expression was unreadable. I do hope he didn't scare him off.

"Not well. It appears that he isn't quick to trust, as I suspected."

Luna only laughed. "I forced myself upon him in an effort to obtain his trust; it only worked because he was willing. Give him time, and he will be treating you like a brother." Luna smiled. They walked back to the mansion together, and Luna told him all about the trials, and how she punished Miss Blanc for her 'treachery'.

"You burnt her?" Alastair asked, his voice portraying mixed amusement and surprise.

"Yes. " Luna smiled wickedly. "Until only ash was left. Elias has, of course, no knowledge of that. "

"You are a wicked one!" Alastair praised, and they embraced at the front steps.

"I am overjoyed. " Luna smiled. If I had my heart, I would be crying tears of joy at the moment. A few tears leaked down Luna's cheeks, and she was quite surprised. She looked around without moving her head, and saw Nagini close to her. Thank you. Luna thought as she let go of Alastair.

"I have an idea of something wonderful we could do together." Alastair smiled, before handing Luna a handkerchief from his breast pocket with a flourish.

"Eat the dessert you made, since Elias left before we could enjoy it?" Luna smiled.

"Something far tastier." Alastair smiled wickedly. "Sweet revenge."

"On whom do you intend you inflict pain?" Luna said, putting a thoughtful finger to her chin, as she couldn't think of any person who she had not yet 'handled.'

"Why, Lucius Malfoy, of course." Alastair laughed wickedly.

"Hmm. . . To think I forgot about that rat. Well, it is tempting." she said, although both of them already knew her answer.

"How about tonight?" Alastair said. "We can have Raven track his home down by sunset."

"Thank you. You really are so much fun!" Luna laughed as they went back inside.



"Understood." Raven bowed.

"That will be all." Luna smiled. Just as Alastair said, she was more than willing to help.

Raven flew off, higher and higher into the clouds. She finally got high enough, then waved her hand. The cloud nearest to her turned firm enough for her to stand on, and it formed a platform with a simple table. Raven took off her magical bag, and pulled out an instrument that shared a great likeness to a small, golden telescope. It had three knobs, and three buttons, and emitted a radiant golden glow. She held it up to her lips, and pressed the first button as she spoke "Illuminator; allow me to find Lucius Malfoy". That was the first step.

The Illuminator began to glow even more, and she placed it flat on the desk. It spun around and around like the hand of a compass, until it stopped abruptly, pointing north-west of where Raven was. She then raised it to her normal eye, and peered through it. The vision was blurry at first, but she adjusted the knobs until it shone perfectly; every other person, animal, and home was black and white, except for Lucius Malfoy, who was reading the Daily Prophet nervously. He shown in color, and it was easy to tell that he hadn't slept in days.

Raven then lowered the Illuminator, and pressed the second button. A small compartment opened up inside, revealing a small piece of parchment, neatly rolled up. She took it out, and laid it flat on the table, before pressing the third button. She placed the Illuminator at the edge of the parchment, and let it go. It rolled across the parchment slowly, leaving a trail of glowing golden writing on it; precise directions for any angel flying to the inquired destination.

"I love Illuminators, or Pathfinders, as some call them." Alden spoke eerily from behind Raven.

Raven froze, the parchment in one hand and the Illuminator in the other, but didn't turn around.

"Their only flaw is that you cannot use them if you do not know the full name of the person, hence your issue with Cadence. " he sighed, though it was clear he was only there to mock her.

"Why do you-" Raven began haughtily, before she was cut off by Alden.

"Don't you recognize you are becoming no more than someone to run her errands?" Alden said, in a pitying tone.

"I don't want your sympathy; I want her respect!" Raven said as she walked to the edge of the cloud to fly away.

"Just answer me this one question-" Alden said patiently, as if she was no more than a child throwing a tantrum. "What exactly makes you believe, so readily, that you will eventually gain her respect, playing servant and master?"

"Because, I managed to do so with her father. " Raven said. She left without another word.

What am I doing wrong? I just want her to recognize that she is making a mistake!

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Well what do you all think about my idea?" Persephone asked excited.

"That hut by the lake stinks, so I agree with getting rid of it," Macnair spoke. "I have no use of it since I am only a professor in Care of Magical Creatures, and I have an office inside the walls of the castle. Unless if..." he looked at Elias with a teasing grin. "If you want to move in there since you become the official caretaker of Hogwarts." He roared in laughter. His friends joined him, and Quinn could not help but chuckle over his joke while the rest of the professors were unsure if they should laugh or not.

"You are sure about it, Lloyd? I thought you were looking for a place to hire. The hut is actually for free..." Elias commented sarcastically. Avery was choking with laughter that he almost fell of his chair.

Persephone tried not laugh as she bit her lower lip.

"Uhm...as I understood from the news of Daily Prophet is that you are actually the principal?" She smiled gently as she looked uncertainly at Elias.

"Exactly," he smirked.

"So, as I mentioned before, I suggested about removal of the hut. What I also have been thinking about is to add some outdoor furniture such as chairs and tables and a gazebo-"

"Seriously Phonie...A gazebo?!" Macnair rolled his eyes.

"I think a gazebo is not a bad idea at all," Elias spoke with the hint of authority in his tone and looked at his friend with the -I am the one who take and implement the final decisions here-. “And I first need to discuss with the headmistress before we remove anything..”

Macnair only snorted but remained silent as Elias continued: "Anyway… besides planning and changing the outdoor interior, I have been thinking about other important things…First of all we have to share the guarding task. Everyone one of us need to guard the halls and the corridors at night to ensure that none of the students are out of bed. Since we are all spread out everywhere in the castle, we guard our areas. Those of us who are in the dungeons, will guard the dungeons and the nearby halls. Those who are in first floor or other floors will guard their floors and surrounding areas. Those who are in towers, guard the towers-"

"A question!" Adela interrupted. "Why don't we hire someone who can do this job?" She asked proudly. I hope I can make a good impression on him by suggesting better things than Persephone...

"I was about to mention that when you interrupted me, Miss Dolohov," He replied her with a raised eyebrow. Adela looked down, feeling ashamed that she had failed to do any good. "It is processing just as a healer and a librarian. We will have them here soon to take care of mundane tasks so that we can focus on teaching. But until then we need to cooperate to take care of everything together..."

"May I ask you something, sir?" Faeryn felt it was her turn to try her luck. "Our dark mistress said that only people within our rank shall...ehh…" She trailed of as she tried to find good words.

"Only within our rank to be professors here, yes!" Elias filled in annoyingly. Faeryn looked away, feeling ashamed just like Adela. "As for the caretaker, healer and librarian, they'll be chosen by the Minister to ensure that we will have loyal staff."

"Does...she...knows...?" Melody asked shyly with a trembling voice.

"The headmistress left the school in my care, so there's nothing to worry about. And I always inform her.." Elias assured her. Well until the Autumn term starts...I wonder who this friend of Luna is, the friend who will teach flying...

"By the way, why isn't Miss Lestrange here?" Quinn remarked. "Where is she, if I may ask?"

"I have no idea," Elias shrugged. "I guess she is only here when she teach Dark Arts and Cooking With Magic."

"You are so lucky, Persephone," Adela sighed.

"What do you mean?" Persephone looked at Adela with a frown as they walked up for the stairs after the teachers' meeting had ended.

"Elias is so nice to you. I think he likes you because he shares smiles with you but not with me or Faeryn..."

Faeryn was walking behind them silently. She agreed with Adela, but she did not say anything.

Persephone stopped in her tracks and gave Adela a long look before she replied her.

"I and Elias are actually only friends. We were in the same house during our time at Hogwarts. There's nothing special between us. I think he is only friendly with me because he knows me as a person. I used to hang around with Vivienne first. When she started to date Rockwood, we all became friends. We created a circle of friendship which consisted of I, Vivienne, Rockwood, Macnair, Avery, Nott, Elias, Selwyn, Rowle and Mulciber. We were in different years though, so Elias mostly hung around with four of us. That's all. No more or less." Persephone paused for a moment and looked both at Adela and Faeryn who were looking at her with astonishment. "And besides, you saw that Elias share an identical brooch with our dark mistress, I think they must be close to each other...if he is already interested in her, he won't look my way..." And it is true because I have seen it in his fortune. I was secretly crushing on him when we were students at Hogwarts once ago...The circle of friendship was my idea, an excuse to pretend that I could not part with Vivienne, but the truth was that I wished to come closer to Elias. But I had not the courage to take any step further back then. I kept the zone of friendship without daring to cross the line. I do not know if I shall consider myself as lucky since I know from his fortune that the love, they share is one-sided...Persephone thought as she made her way to her office.

After a few days of long and tiring travel Aislinn had arrived in Transylvania. Almost. She stood outside the gate which led to the heart of Romania, where the vampires resided. Her feet were aching because she had been walking all the way from the railway station to this place. She had asked a muggle taxi driver if he could drive her to this place, but he had looked terrified at her when she had mentioned Transylvania. I could literary have told him the scariest ghost story I ever known, heheh, I wonder what most scares the muggles…vampires or a dark wizard or witch... She thought as she peered through the gates. I am not sleepy, but tired of all the walk...but I shall wait with resting until I have seen Vincent... She walked forward and was about to cross the gates when she hesitated. I am actually one of them, they cannot hurt me, can they? She thought as she clutched her wand harder. I cannot return, not when I have wasted so much time and energy for reaching so far that I am so close to him... She took one step and suddenly she had crossed the border between the worlds of humans and vampires. But if anything happens, I have Raven after all...She thought as she continued to walk.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Thank you, Raven. You have been quite helpful." Luna spoke formally, once Raven had finished her explanation on the location of Malfoy Manor. She bid both Alastair and Raven farewell, then disappeared in a puff of smoke, with Nagini around her shoulders.

"I am grateful that Luna has someone to assist her in accomplishing her goals." Alastair spoke charmingly to Raven.

Raven blushed, and looked away quickly. Why is he looking at me that way? Can he possibly tell that I have feelings toward him?

"Farewell." Alastair said, and he was gone with a small pop.

Raven sighed and stared at the place he had disappeared from. I have never felt this way before. My emotions have almost always gotten in the way, but this is entirely different. This feeling . . . is it love? I cannot allow myself to fall in love with another human . . . I must ignore these . . . feelings.



Luna stood, staring at the tall, daunting mansion. She retrieved her Spy Mirror from her bag, and asked to see Lucius.

He sat by the fire, shakily reading the newspaper. His face was pale, and he glanced up every few minutes, checking on his surroundings.

"Poor, weak Lucius." Luna smiled. "It looks as though you haven't slept very well in quite a while."

"That is quite a useful mirror." Alastair said, peering over her shoulder.

Luna put it away, then straightened up. " I didn't hear you arrive. " she paused, then continued in a wicked tone "I would like a moment alone with Lucius before you reveal your presence. I would also like to enter quietly . . . eerily. " She smirked as she disappeared again.

Alastair left as well, appearing behind a large antique vase in the cold room. It was so large that not even the fire warmed the entire room.

Luna appeared directly behind Lucius's chair, and he took no notice of either of them. He went on reading his paper with shaking hands, which made it so unstable it was probably hurting his eyes.
Nagini quietly slipped off her shoulders, and remained close to her. Luna leaned forward slightly, making sure to remain out of his range of vision. She realized that he was reading an older paper, which announced that the Ministry had been taken over.

Alexander, from the respected pure-blood family line of Shadowwalkers, has become the new Minister for Magic, after the violent massacre of Kingsley Shacklebolt, who was found dead in his office, along with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, as well as various other Ministry officials. The cause of their deaths was confirmed, as Kingsley Shacklebolt was the only one with a wand. "It is quite regrettable that Kingsley would lose his mind, and kill two of our most loved heroes" Ministry official Robert Linden says. "They did so many good things, and yet, they were killed by an act of unforgivable murder."

As for the prisoners of Azkaban, every one of them has been vindicated, as it was revealed that they had been incarcerated under false charges, mainly that they had a hand in assisting the Dark Heiress. None of the prisoners claimed to have ever met the Dark Heiress, most of whom had no idea she even existed. All Ministry officials who had a hand in the trials have been given punishments, which they currently serve out in Azkaban, as they were fully aware that the prisoners were innocent. The Dark Heiress herself has disappeared since the incident of Bellatrix Lestrange, and the murder of Ginny Weasley. Ronald Weasley was found dead recently in the Forbidden Forest of Hogwarts, and Luna Lovegood remains missing. Rumors have spread that she is dead; however, these rumors have thus far proven to hold no substantial evidence.
The article went on to explain that the officials were trying their hardest to protect Hogwarts, and referenced an interview with the Minister concerning the incident at the Ministry.

Lucius took a deep breath, and closed the newspaper. Luna smiled, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

He jumped, and fell off his chair. Luna laughed as he grabbed for his cane to defend himself, yet his hands fumbled as he tried to separate his wand from his cane.

“Good evening, Lucius.” Luna smiled as he finally got his wand out, holding it up in defense. ” Did you really think I’d forget about you? I’m so disappointed in the way you’ve avoided me.” She spoke as she deflected several of his jinxes. “Then again, what did I expect from a man whose only retreat was cowardice?”

“How dare you? You come into my home, and accuse me of …disloyalty?! Your father didn’t think twice when my son was caught up in the war he created!” Lucius said, firing an Avada Kedavra, which Luna dodged by ducking. The curse hit a window, which shattered, and filled the room with more chill. Luna stood, and disarmed him quickly.

“Are you done playing around?” she asked as she summoned his wand, then broke it in half.

“You?! How could I expect to serve you?” he said, failing to keep the anxiety from his voice.

“Surely, if you were in my position, you would have done the same?”

Luna raised an eyebrow, and walked forward, slowly. Lucius made to run to the pot of Floo powder by the fireplace, but Luna used a tripping jinx to hinder his movement. She smiled as he fell flat on his face.

“It is completely pointless to run, Lucius.” She shattered the pot with a silent Bombarda, sprinkling the floor with green Floo powder. “My only regret is that your family is not around to see you die as you beg for mercy.”

He could do nothing but cower in fear as she raised her wand, and a Cruciatus curse hit him in his chest. He screamed, and clutched his chest.

“Beg for mercy. I’d like to see you plead.” Luna said coldly.

Alastair’s eyes widened, completely surprised by her words.

Nagini made her way to sit by Luna’s side, and watch the show. Lucius didn’t move for a moment, then he looked into Luna’s eyes in disgust.

“I would never do that for a child, and the daughter of the devil, at that.” He said, eyeing Nagini.

Luna fired off several various jinxes, causing him different kinds of pain. Throughout the pain, he forced himself to picture his only reason for living; Draco and Narcissa.

“Revenge.” Luna said in between spells “Punishment. Torture. Cruelty. Wickedness. ”

She paused, bent down, and seized a bit of his hair, then whispered in his ear. “Beg for mercy, and I shall end you quickly . . . painlessly.”

She stood, and waited. He didn’t move for a moment as his eyes remained on the floor, then he shifted onto his knees, half-hoping that she meant it, half-knowing that she didn’t.

“Please. End me painlessly.” He said quietly, his face contorted in pain and shame.

“Give me a reason.” Luna said. When he could give none, she smirked. “A swift death is such an unsatisfactory ending to your existence. Lucius . . . Hours of torture await, until you show penitence.”

“I will never yield.” Lucius spoke, looking away from her.

She raised her wand, and prepared to use the Imperius curse on him to harm himself, when Alastair put a hand on her shoulder.

“It would be such a waste of your time, Luna, to spend the entire night harming this filth.” Alastair said, with a nod toward Lucius. “Let us spend an hour or two having a bit of fun, then rid ourselves of him. Trust me-” he spoke when she opened her mouth “It will be enough.”

“Who …are you?” Lucius asked, wondering who had the ability to change the mind of the Dark Lord’s daughter.

“That-” Alastair spoke, raising his wand, ”Is nothing of your concern.”



Raven watched as Luna and Alastair tortured Lucius for a little over an hour, thoroughly enjoying the process to the end. When they finished, the time was eight forty. Lucius was on his back, nearly dead, when Luna gave Nagini the order to devour his remains, before walking away, hand-in-hand with Alastair.

Nagini smiled, then began her feast; a sight so grotesque that not even Raven wished to watch.

“That was lovely.” Luna spoke, embracing Alastair as she made them both disappear in smoke, appearing back at her manor.

“It truly was.” Alastair said, with an ecstatic smile. “Every moment of sweet pain was made even sweeter by your presence. It is beyond my understanding how someone as wicked as you exists.”

Luna smiled, then went inside. After a moment, Alastair followed her in. “How about that dessert I made for you?” he smiled charmingly.

“That sounds like the perfect ending to our night.” Luna laughed, walking toward the kitchen.

Alastair blocked her way, then said politely. “I’d like to present it to you. I shall meet you in the center of the labyrinth. ”

Luna nodded, then disappeared.

Alastair plated the dessert as the milk poured itself; chocolate pudding pie, with a center of fresh strawberries, and topped with shredded white chocolate and crushed hazelnuts.

He was halfway through the maze, levitating the dessert behind him, when he felt as if he was being watched.

“No need to watch me from the bushes, Raven.” Alastair said charmingly.

Raven froze when she heard her name, and stood up.

“How did you know that I was here?” Raven asked, embarrassed.

“I can sense peoples’ presences, and am very perceptive when it comes to emotions. ”

“My apologies.” Raven said, making to bow before Alastair spoke.

“Please. Do not lower yourself on my account. It would be painful for me to see such a divine creature do so because of me. ” he spoke gently.

Raven’s eyes widened slightly, touched by his words, yet she was unsure of what to say.

“You do not have to punish yourself for what you are feeling.” Alastair smiled gently as he walked forward, toward Raven.

“No. . . I apologize for my behavior. I should recognize when I am out of place.” Raven spoke, choosing not to look into Alastair’s eyes.

“Do not worry-” Alastair caressed the side of Raven’s face as he spoke “-I can understand falling in love with someone you are forbidden to be with. However- “ he said, returning to his polite voice and lowering his hand to his side “-I am a gentlemen, and we hardly know each other; I would be more than willing to love you if I understood you more. I look forward to getting to know you better in the future.” He smiled as he turned away and continued on, toward the center.

Raven watched him as he walked away, until he turned a corner and was out of her sight. It is like he has two completely different personalities . . .

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Good morning everyone," Elias greeted all the students in the Great Hall just before the hour of the breakfast. He noticed that a few students were missing at the Gryffindor's table. He said something quietly only audible for Flynn who nodded and left.

"So Shadowwalker is our new headmaster now?" Miss Taylor whispered to her friend.

"I think so, from what I read from the Daily Prophets, he is the one who is in charge for Hogwarts after Professor McGonagall's suicide, since he is the son of the Minister. Merlin, I have never seen someone more handsome than him, he looks like a prince charming from a fairy tale"

"Are you serious? I hate him, our head of house looks hundreds of times better than him..."

"I know that most of you like to go to Hogsmeade during the weekends," Elias spoke once he turned his attention towards the students. "though for today we have planned some nice activities for you. Of course, we won't force you upon these activities. You may do as you please. I'll now present the activities for you." He flashed his charming smile before continuing.
"The first activity is to visit a muggle area with professor Rowle. He has some nice surprises for you. Another activity is to go on a picnic to Aberdeen with professor Flynn Pyrites and professor Wilkes or visit Serpentine village together with professor Selwyn and professor Thorne...."

The students burst out in excitement.

"I am not done yet!" Elias called their attention once more. "As I said, you may do as you please, and of course, first years and second years students are allowed to take part in these activities or visit Hogsmeade-"

The younger students screamed in excitement. Elias could not help but chuckle.

"-though on one condition. Professor Quinn and professor Blake will accompany you to Hogsmeade, each activity is limited and there can only be 50 students and no more per activity, so first come first serve, you will have to sign up after breakfast...well, bon appetite" He clasped his hands and the breakfast appeared at the tables.

"Go away, you filthy deatheater!" Lily Potter screamed. Her eyes were red of crying so much these days.

Flynn sighed when he looked at the Potters and the Weasleys who had been spending time day in and day out in the Gryffindor common room since the dark heiress had taken over Hogwarts.

"Seriously, what makes you think that I, who once was a student sorted in Gryffindor and without the deathmark-" he rolled up both his sleeves and showed his forearms. "-to be a deatheater?"

"But your last name is Pyrites. And Pyrites is listed as a deatheater in the history books..." James Potter replied.

A smart child... Flynn thought. I need a better tactic...

"You are right, my father was a deatheater, but have I or anyone of the new professors ever harmed anyone of you?"

The children were silent.

"And you have not attended your classes since Wednesday and still no one of us have punished you with detention or anything else…Let me tell you one thing; you can stay here all day and night, not going out anywhere because you think deatheaters have taken over your school, but you will never reach anywhere. You won't be able to graduate. And besides we do not have any place for students who do nothing and just stay idle here. We have to take you out sooner or later if you refuse to attend your classes because we need to make room for new students. Well, please think about this if you care about your future...." He turned to leave but turned once more at them and said:

"Today we are doing some nice activities, if you don't want to go to Hogsmeade as usual you may go on picnic with me and professor Wilkes or visit Serpentine village with professor Selwyn and professor Thorne or tag along Professor Rowle to a muggle area for some nice surprise..." He walked out from the common room, leaving the Potters and Weasleys in astonishment.

"He does not sound like a deatheater..." Rose remarked. "He seems too good to be true..."

"But I don't like him..." Lily said.

"Why?"

"Because he wears an eye-patch..."

"Seriously, Lily, he looks so cool…" James laughed, feeling a little better than he had done before. He run out from the common room and hurried after Flynn, who turned around in the corridor when he heard running steps behind him.

"So you have changed your mind? He smiled.

"I think I can trust you..." James grinned.

Flynn laughed heartily as they made their way to the Great Hall.

"Phew...it went easier than I had expected..." Flynn remarked to Elias as he sat down and nodded towards the Potters and Weasleys who entered the Great Hall. "Thanks to today's activities we will gain us good reputation..."

"I hope they won't be mad at us if we remove the hut..." Elias said.

"I do not think they care about it…besides the activities will make them too excited to think about it, they might forget the hut..."

"Mmm..." Lily was eating scrambled eggs as she was thinking hard. "I cannot decide for which activity...."

"I am going with Rowle," Pegah said.

"Summer and I will go on picnic, " Rhaine said excited.

"Lily, you can hang along with me, please, or I'll feel alone with Rowle..."

"What will Elias do?" Clarissa asked.

"I guess he will remain here at the castle..."

"Then I'll also remain here..."

"Are you serious, Clarry?!"

"You should allow yourself to have fun, really, we won't get such opportunities that often…”

"If I and Lily are going with Rowle, Summer and Rhaine with Pyrites and Wilkes, then you can go with Selwyn and Thorne to the Serpentine village. When we are back, we can share our memories," Pegah smiled.

"Heey, I have not decided yet..." Lily exclaimed.

Clarissa only sighed as she remained silent.

Aislinn looked nervously around in the village which she had entered. It was silent. Dead silent. As if the village was abandoned. But Aislinn knew better. It was only ten o'clock in the morning and the vampires were asleep.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I would be more than happy." Crystal smiled at Elias. "I have been wanting to go to the lovely village. Luna told me that they have so many lovely stores, restaurants, and some stores sell specialty items. By those, I mean the place where she got her disguise mirror." she finished in a whisper.



"Well, I am quite happy you all are here." Crystal smiled to the children. "We will walk around a bit, and make a list of restaurants as we explore the stores. Then, we will vote on which one to dine at." she smiled, motioning to the large village. "I have done plenty of research on this village, but I don't want to bore you. You may break into groups, but please don't venture too far from us professors." She went on for only two minutes about a summary of the village's history, and she pulled out a book from her bag. "There are about fifty copies of this book, which I have had the librarian make for anyone who wishes to read more into this village's culture, origin, and how it is one of the only Wizarding-only villages besides Hogsmead. "

Crystal hung back, allowing the others to move on. She had noticed from the beginning that Lily Potter had chosen this field trip, and Crystal decided to use it as a chance to get to her. "Lily? " Crystal asked politely.

"Yes?" She asked, clearly distrustful.

"I wanted to know if I made you uncomfortable. “ She said, looking away with an insecure expression on her face. “I hate the fact that my parents were . . . what they were, but I thought that, maybe, I could be different. Severus Snape was different, even though he was a Slytherin, although the Sorting Hat nearly placed me in Gryffindor. The only reason I chose Slytherin is because, believe it or not, I idolized Snape. From the beginning, I saw myself as being just like him. . . less than fortunate parents, teased at school for his upbringing. . . put in Slytherin, which is rumored to be only for the ‘villains’. . . " She trailed off, hoping she was playing the ‘insecure victim’ role alright. She’s only a child, so she shouldn’t be that hard to fool, right?



Luna waited until eight to contact Elias through her brooch, so as to ensure that she didn’t wake him up.

Good morning, Elias. I wanted a word with you, whenever it is convenient for you. My only requirement is that we discuss this matter today, as it is something rather important. Thank you for your time and consideration.

She released her brooch, and walked to the kitchen to cook breakfast for Alastair, since she didn’t have much of an appetite that morning. To her surprise, Alastair was standing at the oven when she arrived, levitating something sweet-smelling out. “What are you doing?” Luna asked curiously.

Alastair placed a tray of muffins on the counter to cool, then turned to her “Why, I am making breakfast, of course. Another favorite, as I recall.” He smiled charmingly.

“That’s lovely.” Luna began politely “But I am afraid I do not have much of an appetite this particular-”

“Now you're simply sparing me my feelings.” He said, with a joking pout.

“Quite humorous. However, I have business to handle today, as I am sure you do as well?” Luna asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Ah . . . that.” Alastair said. “I was hoping we could put that off for a bit longer.”

“I will give you until tomorrow to start. ” Luna said, then disappeared in a puff of smoke, re-appearing upstairs. “Nagini, how was last night’s dinner?” she asked wickedly, to the sleeping Nagini in the corner of the room. She sat down on a chair, and Nagini opened one eye, and answered politely.

“It was lovely, Luna. I am grateful that you give me such gifts. I do anticipate devouring all of the professors as well.”

“I think that, maybe, I shall allow you to choose just one, to eat alive.” She smirked with a pleased sigh as Nagini curled up in her lap.

“That sounds like quite good fun.” Nagini smirked. “May I ask how Alastair has been doing?”

“Yes. He is quite charming and wicked. . . If he wasn’t my brother I would be head-over-heels for him. Too bad that I am stuck with someone like Elias.”

“For now.” Nagini said maliciously, and both of them shared a wicked laugh.

Nagini smiled as she slithered off Luna’s lap, and back onto her pillow in the corner.

Alastair stood outside her door, smirking as he listened in. Although he could not understand snakes, he heard Luna’s side of the conversation, which made him smile. He walked away when he heard Luna’s footsteps, and he was well out of the hallway before she opened the door.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Uhmm...excuse me sir," Lily walked up to professor Pyrites who was making a note of students who had chosen to go with him. He looked up smilingly at Lily with a questioning look.

"Will we have more of these kinds?" She asked carefully. "I mean will we make trips next weekend, as well? Because I can hardly decide which trip to choose. They all seem exciting hehe..." She could not help but laugh as she felt how the color rose to her cheeks. Merlin's beard why I am blushing, he is just a professor who happens to look too good. I pity him for wearing an eye-patch. Such a handsome man does not deserve to be one-eyed...

"Oh I cannot tell for sure; you see, these trips were the ideas of your brother. So, it is best to ask him." Flynn replied gently.

"Hey Lily!" Pegah tugged Lily's arm. "Let’s go with professor Rowle. Please, I’m the only Slytherin among the students who are going with him. I would feel so lonely without you. You can choose the picnic trip next time..." She pleaded as she looked into her friend's eyes.

"Well...eeh..." Lily could hardly look away from professor Pyrites. She had to force herself to look at Pegah. "I’m coming with you..." She grinned though deep inside she wanted to go on the picnic trip. It is better that I choose to go with Pegah, I have already embarrassed myself by staring so much at Pyrites...he must already think that I am a rude girl...

As soon as everyone had left on their trips, Elias, Macnair, Avery, Rockwood, Mulciber, Persephone and Adela remained. The rest of the professors had chosen to go on the trips as well.

"Alright," Elias spoke. "Now when all the students will be occupied during the day and won't be back until evening, we have to seize the opportunity to add the outdoor furniture. Last night I sent an express owl to the Ministry to send people who are capable of this kind of work. Your job is to watch and be responsible to implement what we decided last night. I have some other business to take care of and I'll be back later..."

He bid them farewell as he left the castle. He touched his brooch and sent his thoughts to Luna

Understood, my Lady. Where would you like to meet?

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

At the center of the labyrinth, at my manor, if you do not mind. Thank you. Luna replied.

I was hoping he would have chosen the location on his own, but there we have it. Luna sat down and waited for Elias. She served only ice water, and lemonade for herself, poured into goblets. There were two chairs with cushions, and a table. She changed nothing else, leaving for a simply atmosphere.

When he arrived, she stood to greet him. She intended to keep her tone formal during the meeting, and keep her distance so as not to make it a personal matter. "Good evening." she said, holding out a hand to shake. "About the business I had mentioned earlier." Luna began calmly. "I will get straight to the point; there are a few urgent matters concerning the school. First; I had intended to kill Lily and James Potter, as well as the Weasley children, so that they do not grow into a powerful group that will avenge their father's death upon learning the truth." she motioned to herself. "However, I cannot say that I don't fear the completion of that act; it is only because there would be no way to explain how every child that was related to Harry or the Weasleys simply died for no reason. If I did harm them, I would lose the trust of the other students. What do you propose I should do?"

After Elias replied...

"I understand; I will decide between those options." Luna said after he had explained two options.

"Next, there is the matter of Rubeus Hagrid's Hut. " she paused. She had no knowledge of what was going on at the school; but the hut had been on her mind, since it was both an annoyance to her, and a symbol of hope for the students. “If we take it down, the students may begin to doubt us. My guess is that you believe that it is insignificant and unsightly, but it is also as important to the students as a symbol of past . . . grandeur.” She shook her head as if she couldn’t believe how the students had liked the fumbling giant. “Furthermore. . . it is still too early to even consider removing it, since we have barely gained the trust of the students. In the end, we will have the students vote for the hut. If students who vote to keep it up outnumber those who wish to remove it, which I foresee, then those students must write essays to explain exactly why. ” she paused, guessing that it would be about six months before the students grew fully comfortable with the school’s knew management.

“Finally, there is the issue of Miss Blanc. ” she paused, remembering that Nagini had told her it would be best to inform Elias, while Luna thought it would be best to keep it a secret. “After the ‘incident’ at the school . . . I killed Miss Blanc without anyone seeing. ” she took a deep breath, waiting for him to distance himself from her. He will surely think it was pointless . . . to kill her after her humiliation and punishment . . . Will he think that I may do the same to him? Will he distance himself from me in fear. . . or just self-preservation? Nagini said that he fell in love with me because he saw my darkness, not because he feared it.