Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Hikari Chan]

"What?! Three o'clock?" Aislinn gasped before rushing to change her clothes. "I'll be fine, thanks..." She shouted from her bedroom. She put on the formal attire, only the skirt and the dress shirt along with the ankle boots. She combed her hair until it was straight and smooth before she hurried towards the manor.

"Good afternoon," She greeted Alastair with a smile as soon as she entered the kitchen.

"Good afternoon-" he said with a bow. "-my lady. Did you have a pleasant night's rest?"

"Thank you, I feel like I slept to many hours," She laughed. "I hope you got a good sleep as well..."

I was about to give him a hug, but his formal speech surprised me... She thought half amused. She was about to take seat by the kitchen table when he said: "Please be seated in the dining room."

"Alright," She smiled and left, a little reluctantly because she could not resist the smell of newly cooked food when she was so hungry. She had merely sat for one minute when Alastair entered with the plates.

"May I get you anything?" he smiled.

"Thank you, but no, please sit..." Aislinn smiled as she stood up and touched his hand tenderly.

"Very well. Enjoy your meal." he nodded as he took a seat, picking up his knife and fork.

"Thank you." She took a few bites and ate in silence for a couple of minutes before she spoke:

"Do you have any plans for today? I just need to exchange the money, which I won at the casino, to galleons at Gringotts and later give the gifts to my family. I actually played some gambling games, using only my galleons and I won every game," She chuckled as she explained for him what she had done to draw Li's attention to her. With gifts she meant Li's blood, but she did not mention the word blood because she found it to be a bit inappropriate over the lunch and did not wish for Alastair to lose his appetite.

"Oh, I just thought about something," Aislinn said. "I'd like you to come with me today," She smiled, and before he could protest, since she knew he would ask her if her family was aware about his coming, she hurried to add: "My grandmother knows. I told her about you..."

I hope he won't object this time. The reason why I have not told my grandmother the exact time and date I'll introduce him to her is because I don't want her to cook dinner or prepare some light refreshment and snacks. Her cooking is so nauseous…

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

As Aislynn called that she didn't need anything, Raven nodded and walked out, closing the door behind her with a smile. She flew off to get a bit of exercise, flying very fast with her wings, dipping in and out of clouds with a euphoric smile; she had always flown in her leisure time. It reminded her what freedom felt like.



"Do you have any plans for today? I just need to....."

Alastair listened to Aislynn's story politely, nodding and raising his eyebrows at certain parts. How creative and bold...I would have...Well, she did it in an equally effective way. He noticed the way she avoided mentioning the gifts she was giving to her family, appreciating her courtesy, even though the mention of blood would hardly have repulsed him. At the end of the story, he smiled. "No, I have no plans for today. Tomorrow, however, is a completely different story." he said mysteriously, in a way that suggested he didn't wish for her to ask what tomorrow's plans were.

"Oh, I just thought about something," Aislinn said. "I'd like you to come with me today," She smiled.

"Is your family-" he began. He had been about to say 'Is your family aware that I will be joining them this evening?', before Aislynn interrupted him.

"My grandmother knows. I told her about you..."

To this, he gave a brief moment of hesitation, then replied. "Of course I shall accompany you." he said quietly, before sipping the last of his fruit juice and setting the glass down; he had finished his meal. "When do you wish to depart for Diagon Alley?" he asked, checking his pocket watch. They had spent only twelve minutes eating, although it had felt like a bit longer.

"Very well. I shall be ready by then. May I ask: How could you like to get there?" Apparition or the car? I think we have time for both. He thought with an inward smile.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Thank you for the lovely lunch," Aislinn thanked Alastair when she just had finished, feeling happy and grateful that he would accompany her today. She was curious about tomorrow's plans though she did not ask about it. Perhaps it is another mission.. She thought, hoping inwardly that they won't part from each other.

"When do you wish to depart for Diagon Alley?" he asked, checking his pocket watch.

"About thirty minutes." She replied, hoping it was enough of time for him to get ready.

"Very well. I shall be ready by then. May I ask: How could you like to get there?"

"By car, please," She smiled before she left to make herself ready.

Thirty minutes later she stood outside the manor. She had changed her formal attire to a dress.

Still formal but yet elegant along with a pair of bow flats and a handbag, where she had the foreign money safely stored. All the six wine bottles with the blood stood lined up next to each other on the ground. She had tied silky red bows at the bottlenecks to pamper them up a bit.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair nodded, and then disappeared to his room. Twenty minutes later, he stood waiting for Aislynn in front of the recently-enlarged car. He wore an outfit of all-black. A top hat, a cravat tie, and a vest with a lovely paisley pattern, trousers, and shined short boots with a slight heel to them.

"Greetings, my lady." Alastair said grandly, holding the door open for Aislynn. "Care for a charming ride this afternoon?" he smiled to let her know that he was once again joking, for he thought he had been a bit too convincing.

"This should take less time than last time, for now I have fully awakened my skills at driving." he smiled devilishly before starting the car up.

"Such a charming outfit you have on today." he praised. "I was unaware that you had an affinity for that style of dress." If that is the case, I have seen a most charming outfit in Darkest Creatures...Perhaps, if it is still there, I can gift it to her on another occasion. He thought with a subtle smile.

Twenty minutes later, they parked in the same Muggle mall they had used last time. "Did you enjoy the ride in our modern-day carriage, my lady?" Alastair joked in his mock-grand voice as he opened the door for Aislynn, and offered her an arm to help her out.

"Lovely." he laughed, offering her his arm so that they could walk together to Diagon Alley. "I will part from you whilst you perform your exchange. Afterward, expect to see me at the ice cream stand in Knockturn Alley." he smiled. "My heart desires a chocolate-peppermint ice cream on a cone. Can I get you anything?" The way he said it was so casual, as if a gentleman usually got excited at something as normal as ice cream.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn giggled excitingly as she took her seat beside Alastair in his car. If it was a usual trip to Diagon Alley or somewhere abroad, he always managed to make her smile and laugh.

"Such a charming outfit you have on today." he praised. "I was unaware that you had an affinity for that style of dress."

"You look as charming as well," She smiled lovingly and leaned back in her seat to enjoy the ride.

Twenty minutes later, they parked in the same Muggle mall they had used last time.

"Did you enjoy the ride in our modern-day carriage, my lady?"

"It was enthralling indeed," She laughed happily. How often I take a ride in his magical car, I know it will never bore me...it is not the vehicle itself, but his presence which I enjoy to be surrounded with...

"Lovely." he laughed, offering her his arm so that they could walk together to Diagon Alley. "I will part from you whilst you perform your exchange. Afterward, expect to see me at the ice cream stand in Knockturn Alley." he smiled. "My heart desires a chocolate-peppermint ice cream on a cone. Can I get you anything?"

"The same as your heart desire," She winked smilingly. "Chocolate-peppermint ice cream on a cone. I won't take long time; I'll be back within a couple of minutes." She said and walked away to Gringotts.

Aislinn had just placed the foreign money on the high counter in front of a goblin, when a sudden weird feeling of someone watching her, washed over her. She could not help but turn on her head to the left at that moment. It was as if her own head had moved on its own. A cloaked and masked man was looking at her. He was wearing a full mask which covered his entire face but his black eyes. She gulped. She was not scared because of the certain mask, which she did not recognize since she had never seen a death eater mask before. On the contrary, she found the mask so charming and beautiful. But what crept her out was that a stranger, whose face she could not see, was staring at her. She merely heard when the goblin told her that her money had been transferred into a number of galleons, which she did not register how much it measured in numbers. At the same time another goblin called for the masked man's attention. When he turned his eyes away from her, she nearly ran out from Gringotts. His eyes weren't human, and I have a peculiar feeling that I have seen these kinds of eyes in my past... She thought as she kept looking behind her when she went to Knockturn Alley. But she never saw him again and breathed out of relief as she made her way to the Ice Cream stand where Alastair was waiting for her. She smiled happily towards him, as if the earlier encounter never happened at Gringotts. There are people strolling around everywhere in Diagon Alley and besides I am a witch, what else can harm me? I suppose none or nothing...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Here you are..." he smiled, handing her a chocolate-dipped cone with two scoops of ice cream, topped with chocolate sprinkles shaped like hearts. "Let us walk for a moment. When we finish, we shall visit your parents." he smiled, extending the tip of his tongue to lick a part of the ice cream that was starting to melt. "Pleasant transaction?" he asked, referencing her exchange at Gringotts. As they walked, they ate their desserts, and by the time they reached Darkest Creatures, which was the last shop on the street, they had finished.

"Shall we apparate to your home?" he asked. "We can leave the car here, and I can retrieve it later." he offered. " In case your family would feel odd seeing us in a Muggle vehicle...I don't yet know how they are toward those things..." he said, referencing both the car and her laptop.

"Very well, then." he smiled, and they set off.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Thank you," Aislinn replied smilingly. "Yes, it went all good." My parents? She thought confused. He will be surprised to see that my only living family consist of my grandmother, great uncle and his wife, my father's cousin and his wife and lastly my second cousin... As she ate her ice cream, she could not help but constant worrying about Vincent's behavior. Hopefully he'll behave properly when we are surrounded by the rest of the family... She thought. Anyway, I'll show Alastair the grand picture of my parents which is hanging on the wall in the family room, a sort of 'visiting' my parents even if the picture is still and not enchanted...

"Shall we apparate to your home?" Alastair asked when they had finished their ice cream. "We can leave the car here, and I can retrieve it later." he offered." In case your family would feel odd seeing us in a Muggle vehicle...I don't yet know how they are toward those things..." he said.

"None of them are from the wizarding world, but I do not know...my grandmother was married to a wizard...well eh..." Aislinn shrugged. "I left the gifts in the car, so we need to get back to retrieve them. But either way, if we apparate or take the car, I need to show you the place first. It will be easier for you to locate the place whilst going to it." She concluded.

"Very well, then." he smiled, and they set off.

"Since we have walked so far through Knockturn Alley, it is not much left till we reach my place," She explained.

It only took seven minutes until they reached to the far end of the Alley and walked out to the pathway, which led the way to a village which could be seen in the far distance. Instead for continuing on the same way, Aislinn turned to the right, towards the churchyard and led the way through an avenue where small poplars grew on each side. The avenue continued into a broader pathway into a forest behind the churchyard. After nearly ten minutes they reached a clearance of low hills surrounded by spare forests. A weathered manor rose up majestically further down the hills.

"Here it is," Aislinn smiled as she gestured towards the manor. "I think it will be more flexible to apparate back and forth to the car, unless if you know how to drive to this place. There's a road over there." She nodded towards a broader road which lay further away and led to a gravel retirement at the right corner of the manor. "But I am not familiar with it..."

"What are you doing here?" She said coldly.

"I? Being home," He replied nonchalantly. "And she is not here, is she?"

"I have told you to stay out from this place, you cannot enter here as you please. You should ask me before you-"

"Why? Unlike you, I can actually enter uninvited-"

"I know!" I am fully aware about it. I rather meant that you should ask before you flounce around here for her sake-"

"She is not here."

"She is often here and could come here any day. She might be here soon and perhaps bringing a guest with her. And besides she needs to be prepared before meeting you and it is not the right time..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair enjoyed the walk, and gazed quietly at the manor when they arrived.

"Here it is," Aislinn smiled as she gestured towards the manor. "I think it will be more flexible to apparate back and fro to the car, unless if you know how to drive to this place. There's a road over there." She nodded towards a broader road which lay further away and led to a gravel retirement at the right corner of the manor. "But I am not familiar with it..."

"Quite an elegantly enchanting manor." he smiled. "But there is no need to drive. I'll be back momentarily." he said, holding a finger up, gesturing for her to wait as he took a step back. He disappeared with a small pop then re-appeared in the same place ten seconds later, holding half of the bottles. "Here you are." he said, handing her them. "One more trip, and I would have retrieved all of them." he explained shortly before disappearing again. "All done." he appeared another ten seconds later, holding the remaining bottles. "Should we conjure a box for them?" he asked, thinking that it would be awkward for them to enter the home and try to conduct a proper introduction if they were struggling to hold the bottles the entire time. Conjuring a plain wooden box, he gently stood the bottles up inside of it. Once Aislynn had done the same, he levitated the box behind them as they walked, arm in arm, to the entrance of the manor. He knocked twice, before awaiting an answer.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Wait-" Aislinn started but Alastair had already disappeared. I am actually able to help him to bring the bottles, he does not need to do it alone... She thought with a sigh.

"Here you are." he said, handing her the bottles, when he appeared ten seconds later. "One more trip, and I would have retrieved all of them." he explained shortly before disappearing again.

"Alright..."

"All done." he appeared another ten seconds later, holding the remaining bottles. "Should we conjure a box for them?" he asked.

"Yes, that's a good idea," She replied, thinking that it would be more flexible to carry all the bottles all at once.

"Oh, she has come!" Lady Monroe exclaimed, slamming the door to one of the rooms at the second floor. But why did she knock the door? She thought half amused as she hurried down the stairs to the bottom floor.

"Good afternoon," She smiled, first looking quickly at Aislinn and then turning her black curious eyes at the young man who stood beside her. "Alastair DiVilliers," Lady Monroe spoke before Aislinn had time to introduce her grandmother and Alastair to each other. "It is an honor to meet you," She shook hands with him. Her hand was bony with long fingers and black claw shaped nails. As an old vampire lady, she had few wrinkles, was very tall and gaunt, her black hair which was put in an elegant neck bun had a few streaks of grey. She wore a black Victorian gown with lace along her hand wrists and her high neckline. She shared one similarity with Aislinn, both having a small mole at the left cheek bone. "Please come in..." She led them inside a dark hallway where a dark red carpet covered the entire hall floor and red tapestry covered parts of the wall. The ceiling, the doors and panels were of dark mahogany wood. Candelabra with burning candles hung from the ceiling.

"...And you can leave this box here.." She gave it a quick glance, smiling gratefully, seemingly knowing what the bottles contained.

She led them inside the parlor which had the same interior as the hallway. Heavy dark red draperies covered the windows to shut out the sunlight. There were no fire burning in the fireplace since it could become too warm during the summer time. The candelabras cast dim light over the Victorian sofas and chairs.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Good afternoon."

Alastair was surprised that the lady spoke before Aislynn had introduced them. He understood that Aislynn had probably told her his full name earlier today when she had said that they were to expect him.

"Alastair DiVilliers."

"It is an honor to meet you." she said.

"The honor is mine, fair lady." Alastair said elegantly as they shook hands. The smoothness in his voice sounded as if he was addressing a much younger lady whom he admired and respected greatly. "And what a charming gown you wear this evening." he smiled.

"...And you can leave this box here..." She gave it a quick glance, smiling gratefully, seemingly knowing what the bottles contained.

"Of course." Alastair said, levitating the box to set itself where she had indicated.

As they walked through the rooms, Alastair quietly admired the decor, wondering who had chosen such lavish and elegant designs. He stood quietly until the lady told him it was alright to be seated. He sat with his back straight and his hands folded loosely on his lap. "Fair lady?" he asked respectfully. "May I inquire your name? Of course, I would hardly mind addressing you as 'fair lady' for the remainder of the evening." he smiled, as if he could truly see, past her age, that she was as beautiful as Aislynn.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn immediately sat without waiting for someone to tell her if it was alright to sit down. She did not even wait for her grandmother to take a seat first. She sat very relaxed, resting her back against the armchair, one leg above another, her elbow at the armrest and chin in her palm while her other hand rested on her lap. She looked up at Alastair and wondered why he was still standing. He did not sit until her grandmother had taken her seat and motioned to him to sit as well.

"My name?" Lady Monroe smiled. "My name is Victoria Monroe, no one in my household calls me fair lady, but just lady," She chuckled heartily at thought of being called fair.

Soon everyone else joined them in the parlor but Vincent. He was strangely absent but Aislinn did not think the slightly about it. She introduced them one by one. Her great uncle, Lady Monroe's older brother, Vladimir I D'Arcy and his wife, Margarethe D'Arcy, their son; Vladimir II D'Arcy and his wife; Natalia D'Arcy. Vladimir I was very alike his sister, that they almost looked like twins, yet he was a couple of years older. Margarethe was an old lady, her grey-streaked black hair put up in a high bun. Tiny and short hair strands twisted in half curls framed her face which was round and sallow. Vladimir II, a man in his late 50s, shared the likeness to his both parents. They were all dressed in Victorian clothes but Natalia who wore a simple black fishtail gown with long flowy sleeves, her long and straight black hair almost hiding her gaunt frame.

Meanwhile Natalia had hardly been sitting for one minute, when she suddenly rose and left the parlor. Aislinn knew that she would bring tea and cookies. Seriously, she does not need to... She thought as she beveled the bitter tea.

"I cannot leave this room-"

"But please! I do not think I can make tea properly. You never saw how she grimaced over the tea I made for her and her friend once. Just use your magic to move from this room down to the kitchen.."

"Fine...but if anything else happens, then you are to be blamed!"

Five minutes later, Natalia entered the parlor. She was holding a tray with a teapot, two teacups and a plate with treats. Aislinn looked a little questioningly at her because it had taken shorter time to prepare tea and treats than it did the last time. Natalia just smiled mysteriously as she placed the tray on the coffee table. Aislinn looked suspiciously at the tray. The treats did not only consist of chocolate chip cookies but also several assortments of cookies.

"Please help yourself," Natalie smiled to both Aislinn and Alastair as soon as she had poured them each a cup of tea.

Aislinn squirmed a little as she took a sip of her tea. She was expecting a very bitter taste, but on the contrary the tea, Earl Gray, tasted so great. As if a decent human has made this tea.... did auntie Natalia practice to make tea? The cookies tasted as if they were freshly baked. Did she send Vincent to buy them in Diagon Alley? She though confused but she did not question anything.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"...is Victoria Monroe, no one in my household calls me fair lady, but just lady."

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Monroe." Alastair smiled with an elegant nod. In time, he had been introduced to everyone else as well. Each time someone new entered the room, he stood, and they shook hands, exchanging names politely. Afterward he sat down again in the same position as before. Here and there he complimented a gown or two, genuinely appreciating their choice in attire.

"Please help yourself,"

"Thank you." Alastair nodded, reaching forward. Alastair picked up his cup gracefully, holding it with his right hand while the other held the teacup. "What lovely tea, Mrs. D'Arcy." Alastair smiled after taking a sip. He was, of course, addressing Natalia. "Earl Grey has always been a favorite of mine." He had drank half of his cup before he even noticed the cookies, for he had forgotten that they were there. Picking a plain cookie up, he took a bite. "Charming biscuits as well." he commented. He went for another plain biscuit a few minutes later, but that was all. When he finished his tea he gently set the cup in the center of its saucer, then turned to Natalia. "My thanks for this enchanting tea time." he nodded. Now, how should I go about this? 'Hello. I've been fortunate enough to earn the admiration of your...grand-daughter, or niece...We don't wish to get married quite yet...We simply have grown so close that she wished to introduce us..' I'm not so certain that would be the right...well, the right anything...I'll just remain silent for now...

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn did not satisfy herself with two biscuits like Alastair. She had to taste one of every assortment twice. There were seven kinds of biscuits, thus she ate fourteen biscuits in total.

Her grandmother looked a little shocked at her grand-daughter and wished that she ate like a proper and polite lady and not like a hungry wolf. Natalia on the other hand looked more worried since she was the only one knowing that supper was going to be dished up in the dinner room about two hours.

"So, did you two met at Hogwarts?" Lady Monroe laughed heartily, clearly in the mood to get to know Alastair closer.

"Oh, I see, so you are the brother to Aislinn's friend miss Lestrange who once visited us as well. Anyway, did you not go to Hogwarts as well, did you?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair was quite relieved when Mrs. Monroe began a conversation. "No. I was introduced to Aislynn by my half-sister, the Dark Lord's daughter. Since then, we have become close friends." he smiled, as if that was as close as they had come.

"Oh I see, so you are the brother to Aislinn's friend miss Lestrange who once visited us as well. Anyway did you not go to Hogwarts as well, did you?"

"No. I myself was taught magic at home by my parents when I was young, and then ended up graduating from the magical school of Mahoutokoro in Japan when I was eighteen, after having completed two years of schooling there. My sister also attended the school. " He explained. "I am not directly related to my sister; my parents adopted her after her parents died in the war." he explained further. "We grew so close over the years. When she introduced me to Aislynn, she spoke so highly of her that I knew at once she was a lady to be respected." he said, looking off into the distance as if he could have said more but thought his previous words would suffice. Respectful and cunning indeed...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Ah..." Lady Monroe was feeling proud and surprised, hearing how Alastair spoke of her granddaughter. Perhaps she got some proper upbringing at the orphanage and at Hogwarts after all.... "Mahoutokoro..." She said thoughtfully.

"We all have been educated in Transylvania Academy..." Vladimir I spoke.

"The most interesting with our education is that it is close to the non-magical education. Most of the subjects are the same, though we practice our powers and learn about humans," His son included.

Natalia was a timid vampire and listened to the conversation with great curious and interest whilst Margarethe was knitting.

“...while magical education teaches about our species..." Lady Monroe chuckled. "I know a lot about Hogwarts, since both my husband, son and daughter-in-law were educated there and belonged to the same housing. They have four different housings in that school, I only know about Slytherin since it is where my husband, son and daughter-in-law were housed, Aislinn you were in the same house as well, weren't you?"

Aislinn nodded smilingly and her grandmother smiled proudly.

"We do not have any sorts of housings at Transylvania Academy..." Vlademir II mentioned.

"…Other than the girls being separated from the boys there...anyway," Lady Monroe continued.
"Where is that Mahoutokoro located?" She asked curiously. "It sounds so exotic," She added with a laugh.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"We all have been educated in Transylvania Academy..." Vlademir I spoke.

Alastair turned his attention to him, interest reflected in his eyes. I do wonder what that was like....'Children, today we will be learning about the proper etiquette to take when biting a human. ' He laughed inwardly at his comical thoughts.

"The most interesting with our education is that it is close to the non-magical education. Most of the subjects are the same, though we practice our powers and learn about humans," His son included.

"Ah. Quite interesting indeed. I was quite curious what your schooling was like." Alastair remarked, turning to the son.

"...while magical education teaches about our species..." Lady Monroe chuckled.

"Where I studied, information concerning vampires was...scarce. So, my sister and I know little to nothing about vampires. Such a shame, because my sister was always fascinated by them. " Sometimes even idolizing them...I wonder if she has gotten over that or not?

"I know a lot about Hogwarts, since both my husband, son and daughter-in-law was educated there and belonged to the same housing. They have four different housings in that school, I only know about Slytherin since it is where my husband, son and daughter-in-law were housed, Aislinn you was in the same house as well, wasn't you?"

"We do not have any sorts of housings at Transylvania Academy..." Vlademir II mentioned.

"..Other than the girls being separated from the boys there...anyway," Lady Monroe continued. "Where is that Mahoutokoro located?" She asked curiously. "It sounds so exotic," She added with a laugh.

"It is located, as I said, in Japan, on a small island called South Iwo Jima, which is uninhabited by Muggles. It is a volcanic island, which made for quite interesting field-trips." he joked, although he kept an informative tone. "The most interesting about the school, besides its stunning architecture and location, are the school robes. You see-" he leaned forward, a mysterious glimmer in his eyes. "-they change color with your achievements within the school. Someone achieving top grades will have robes of gold, while someone practicing the Dark Arts will have robes of white. When I graduated-" his voice had somehow turned dark, drawing them all into his story "-mine were stark white. I had to dye them gold to pass the graduation ceremony, or else they would have shunned me. My sister-" he finished, returning to his lighter, informative tone "-graduated with the shiniest golden robes in the school's history. Quite perplexing is it not?" he said, turning toward the window once more to allow his words to have an even deeper effect. I do not know which of us is the darker one...If there was a scale, I am certain we would not measure equally...

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn listened to Alastair's story with great interest that she almost forgot about the time.

I am not surprised about the robes of the top students to be golden, but white robes for dark arts performers are interesting. I have always thought that the white represented the innocent and pure... Aislinn thought as she imagined how Alastair would look like dressed in plain white. I can neither understand the connection between dark arts and the white color nor why others can be scared of dark arts. Perhaps it is the art of horcruxes that frighten the most, since it is the most abominable magic beside trying to resurrect a deceased person. But yet, I cannot but admire dark arts. I have always admired it...

When Alastair had finished his tale, Natalia excused herself, taking out the tray with the refreshments from the parlor, to come back exact three minutes later to announce that dinner was ready. Aislinn blinked in surprise and then forced a sweet smile despite that she was feeling mortified about the dinner. Why the bloody hell? And I who planned this as a surprise visit to avoid dinner here... She thought hopelessly.

The grand dinner table looked a bit lonely with silverware for only two in the dining room. Grilled lamb with rosemary sauce and steamed rice looked so innocent deliciously. Even the salad looked fresh and the dessert: chocolate mousse looked fine. Just like the last time when I had dinner here for the first time. All the food looked fine, but it tasted horrible...I am so sorry Alastair... Aislinn thought devastated as she sat down by the table. Before she took her seat, she drew out a chair for Alastair whilst gesturing for him to sit down. She smiled sweetly but she was feeling ashamed about the dinner. The table was laid so that she was sitting in front of Alastair. Her grandmother and Natalia sat beside her whilst her great-uncle sat further way, at the end of the table with a goblet in his hand.

Great, food which tastes horrid and my great uncle which joins the table with a goblet of blood... Aislinn thought sarcastically.

"Please help yourself," Mrs. Monroe smiled and Aislinn had to force herself to take a bite of the meat and rice. She was expecting a bad taste, such as too salty or badly cooked meat, hard boiled rice, perhaps too salty as well, but to her surprise the food tasted great. She poured water to both herself and Alastair. She took a sip to taste it as well and it was cold enough to satisfy her. She even tasted the salad and the chocolate mousse to her grandmother's astonishment and shock. Mrs. Monroe gave Aislinn a long look which said that she should finish her food before eating the dessert, but Aislinn did not notice her. The salad tasted as fresh as it looked, and the chocolate mousse had a decent taste. It was not to sweet or to dark. Aislinn relaxed and sighed inwardly of relief. Thank goodness, the food tastes decent, it tastes like the usual dishes at Black Cobweb pub. I wonder if it has been ordered from there or another nearby restaurant...

"My late husband taught me a lot about humans and their habits. He taught me different things from what I learned at the Transylvania Academy. I even learned how to cook food," Mrs. Monroe said proudly to Alastair. "Though I did not cook this time, instead I asked Natalia to prepare the dishes," She chuckled.

Aislinn did not comment anything and ate her food in silence. It sounds fishy. The food tastes so great that I believe a decent human have prepared it. No, Natalia, cannot have cooked this. She must have sent Vincent to a nearby wizarding restaurant since he is the only one who has the daytime walking ability in the family....

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Very well." Alastair nodded politely, standing. He offered his hand to Aislynn to help her up, and together they followed the others to the dining room. When they arrived, he advanced on one of the chairs, about to pull it out for her before she did, gesturing for him to sit down as she smiled sweetly. "...Thank you." he said, sitting down after a second's hesitation and returning her sweet smile with a charming one. The gentleman is supposed to draw the chair for his lady...However, it would be rude of me to tell her that at the present time....What happened to her parents? Did they not educate her on proper etiquette and language...Did they not teach her about other cultures and traditions? She is a charming lady, but she knows nothing of many different things...I cannot see her parents here tonight...Are they on a trip, or perhaps....perhaps they are... Alastair didn't even look at the food until Mrs. Monroe said, "Please help yourself.", after which he began serving himself. He placed a large portion of rice and salad on separate sides of his plate, then ladled some of the rosemary sauce onto the rice. When Aislynn served them both water, he conjured ice into both of their glasses. I prefer water that is so cold it could have been ice moments earlier...I do not know why, but I dislike any water that isn't nearly frozen...

"My late husband taught me a lot about humans and their habits. He taught me different things from what I learned at the Transylvania Academy. I even learned how to cook food," Mrs. Monroe said proudly to Alastair. "Though I did not cook this time, though I asked Natalia to prepare the dishes," She chuckled.

"And it turned out to be such a lovely meal." he complimented kindly to Natalia after he had tasted a bite. After he felt someone's eyes on him, he explained to everyone at once. "My apologies, but I simply detest lamb. Although, the rice and salad are lovely. " He said politely. I do hope Aislynn doesn't think oddly of this...If she knew why, she would never touch lamb again... He nearly stopped eating when he recalled exactly what he didn't like about the meat, before distracting himself with something else. I wonder if that man is drinking...Of course it must be blood...Perhaps some of the cliche's are true... he thought as he eyed Aislynn's great uncle. Do they not drink water when they are thirsty? If not, I assume that blood counts for both their meals and drinks...How strange... Alastair did his best to fill himself up with the rice and salad, resisting the urge to put at least three more servings, and instead he calmly put himself another serving before finishing that and eating a slice of the dessert. Aislynn reminds me of Luna's description of Lily Shadowwalker....'A charming young lady who can forget proper manners at times, yet is still full of personality and laughter...' she had said... Alastair thought as he sipped his water, noticing how she went from the meal to the dessert and back again.

"May I ask a question, Mrs. Monroe?" Alastair asked once they had finished their meals and were on their way back to the parlor. "Who decorated this charming manor? I do so love the interior." he smiled, admiring the ceiling.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Natalia blushed slightly at the compliment. Aislinn knew she had not cooked it, but did not say anything. I'll confront her and my grandmother about it in privacy... She thought as she noticed that Alastair did not took any meat.

"My apologies, but I simply detest lamb. Although, the rice and salad are lovely." he said politely.

"Oh, I should actually apologize for not knowing about your preferences," Aislinn hurried to say as she remembered that they actually had spoken about their preferences at Luna's party. But he did not mention if he liked meat or not, but chicken, fish, soups and salads and any dessert with chocolate...anyway it does not matter, it is better that the meal taste decent than horrible. I did not tell my grandmother about the exact date to introduce Alastair because I wanted to avoid any meal cooked by her at any cost....I wonder whose idea it was to order lamb...

"May I ask a question, Mrs. Monroe?" Alastair asked once they had finished their meals and were on their way back to the parlor. "Who decorated this charming manor? I do so love the interior." he smiled, admiring the ceiling.

"The Monroes, of course," Lady Monroe replied smilingly. "This property has been in the Monroe’s' name for many decades and my granddaughter is the solemn heir of it. I think it must have been my late mother in law and father in law who decorated this or perhaps the grandparents of my late husband. It is the same interior as it was when I moved in here about fifty years ago. Aislinn, why do you not show DiVilliers around?" She suggested before entering the parlor.

"I would love to," Aislinn smiled before leading Alastair to the staircase. "Let's start with the top floor."

"You have to leave!"

"Why the bloody hell-"

"Oh I do not have time to discuss this with you. You have to leave now. I'll explain for you later..."

"What about the dishes?"

"I'll take care of them."

"Fine, I'll go out in the backyard garden-"

"Oh no no, you cannot stay here!"

"Well, it is mostly bedrooms up here," Aislinn told Alastair as soon as they had reached the third floor, where some paintings of Victorian landscapes hung at the walls.

"Beside the bedrooms, there's a bathroom and a family room. All the bedrooms up here have the same interior..." She said as she opened the door to one of the bedrooms to show its dark brown furniture, dark red tapestry and carpeted floor, black and dark red sheets and draperies. She did not enter but closed the door to the bedroom after half a minute and walked over to the family room where she led Alastair inside. The family room had the same interior as well, though much more comfortable sofas and chairs. Still family portraits hung at the opposite wall. Because it was dark in the room, Aislinn pulled away the heavy curtains to let the evening light bright up the room.

She gestured towards a painting above the quiet fireplace.

"My parents...I don't have any memory of them. I sometimes get flashbacks of my early childhood and other times I dream about it whenever I sleep over at this manor. I don't even remember my grandfather Monroe or my maternal grandparents. They all died of dragon pox. My parents left me in my grandmother's custody when I was about four during the second wizarding war...then they left and never came back. We don't know what happened to them. When the war was over, the authorities took me away and placed me in a orphanage because according to them it was not appropriate for a vampire to raise up a human despite that my grandmother was my righteous guardian...."

The painting showed a couple with a dark red tapestry behind them. The young woman on the picture looked almost like Aislinn. Part of the skin of her face had an unhealed burn mark and her black nails were shaped like claws. The man beside her had inhuman eyes. It was clearly that he was a dhampir, having the same nose as Lady Monroe. The other portraits were of the other family members, every vampire Alastair had met in the household. There was a notable portrait of a very young Lady Monroe with Aislinn's grandfather. There were portraits of her grandfather's parents and even her grandmother's, Lady Monroe, parents. There was only one portrait of Aislinn's maternal grandparents.

"Most of the portraits are of the D’Arcy’s and Monroe’s," Aislinn explained. "There's not that much from my mother's side beside that one," She gestured towards her maternal grandparents who both looked sullen and a little grouchy to the contrary to the D’Arcy’s and Monroe’s who looked happier.

"And that's my second cousin..." She said gesturing towards the portrait of Vincent. "You have not met him in person yet, though he was at Luna's torturing party a week ago.., anyway, some of the portraits used to be magically enchanted, but my grandmother found the animated pictures to creepy when she moved in here thus my grandfather removed their enchantments and the rest were painted to be still portraits..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Oh, I should actually apologize for not knowing about your preferences," Aislynn hurried to say.

I would have told her that evening at the ball...But I wanted to avoid the question of why I detested lamb...I felt that it would have set a bad tone for the evening...



"The Monroes, of course," Lady Monroe replied smilingly. "This property has been in the Monroes' name for many decades and my granddaughter is the solemn heir of it. I think it must have been my late mother in law and father in law who decorated this or perhaps the grandparents of my late husband. It is the same interior as it was when I moved in here about fifty years ago. "

"Thank you for the information, Mrs. Monroe." Alastair nodded appreciatively. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed...I assumed the question concerning the manor would have given me some information on her parents...

"Aislynn, why do you not show DiVilliers around?"

"I would love to," Aislynn smiled before leading Alastair to the staircase. "Let's start with the top floor."

"Very well." Alastair replied. He kept silent, trying to think about the best way to inquire about her parents, before deciding to leave it until later when they reached the top of the stairs.

"Well, it is mostly bedrooms up here," Aislynn told Alastair.

Alastair admired the paintings as she led him to a door.

"I see." Alastair said as she opened the bedroom door for him. "Charming interior." he remarked once she had closed it.

When she led him into the family room, he stood by the door, in order to avoid bumping into anything and breaking it. He tried to allow his eyes to adjust to the darkness but was surprised when Aislynn opened the curtains. He entered and listened to everything she said with an emotionless face. Meanwhile, his mind was working quickly. They never came back? They could be dead, or...Well perhaps there is a way to find them? Of course! Raven can find anyone! We could ask her! It would be far better than her not knowing all of this time...Life must have been awful for her, growing up...Never knowing her parents and torn from all of her relatives...All alone...Just like... His eyes nearly became watery as he embraced her warmly, not speaking a word. He closed his eyes before speaking quietly. "I deeply apologize for mentioning your parents earlier in Knockturn Alley...I did not know..." He remained silent for a full minute before moving away from her, a surprisingly cold look in his eyes. "I apologize; that was without warning." he said, bowing his head in repentance. "I was overwhelmed by sadness at what your childhood must have been like." he explained, his head still down.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn had barely finished speaking when Alastair suddenly surprised her with a warm and comforting hug.

As if he wishes to console me... She thought as she embraced him in return.

"I deeply apologize for mentioning your parents earlier in Knockturn Alley...I did not know..." he spoke quietly.

I must have spoken of my parents with past tense when I told him that I was three quarter human and one quarter vampire, haven't I? But oh I spoke about my father with present time when I was with Mr. Li in his limousine and Alastair heard that entire conversation through my pin...

"I apologize; that was without warning." he said, bowing his head in repentance after he released her from his hug. "I was overwhelmed by sadness at what your childhood must have been like." he explained, his head still down.

I wish he could stop apologizing for every single thing, seriously, this is not his fault for not knowing. I was not clear about it from the start..

"Oh no, I should apologize for not telling you about it," She spoke softly, holding his right hand in her both hands. "I apologize for not being clear with you when I told you about my kinship before. It did not cross my mind when you mentioned my parents in Knockturn Alley. I was thinking about my grandmother, because she is the closest one to me through my father...." She paused as she reflected over her childhood which had been like a roller coaster for thirteen years. "Well...my childhood...." She added after a couple of minutes. "I hated the orphanage, but Hogwarts was awesome..." She grinned. "Now, let me show you the rest of the manor...there's something I'd like to you to see before we leave the third floor..."

Aislinn led Alastair to the end of the corridor and opened the doors to the grand and elegant Gothic balcony, which was furnished with Victorian garden chairs. She led him further to the balcony parapet to show him the beautiful view of the wild garden below.

"The balcony is my favorite place in the manor," She announced with a smile.

Several minutes later she led him down the second floor, which had same paintings as the third floor. There she showed him the drawing room, where the curtains were already pulled away and not drawn like the curtains were in the parlor, family room, dining room and some bedrooms.

"None of us use the drawing room," She explained. "Perhaps because none in the family knows how to play the piano.." She shrugged as she gestured towards the instrument in the room.

"And here's the library," She said as she led him to the next room. The library was grand and filled with books from the floor to the ceiling. Several windows and one small door which divided the walls in sections. Between each window were the bookshelves. Comfortable chairs and tables for reading were placed in the middle of the room. "My grandfather's office is behind that door," She gestured towards the small door. "Unfortunately it is looked and my grandmother has prohibited me from peeking.." She said with a frown.

"There are two more bedrooms here, a second bathroom and my bedroom as well..." Aislinn opened the door to her bedroom and showed Alastair a room which was completely different from the entire house. It was white, the wall, the floor, the furniture, the bed, the curtains and the cupboard stuffed with so many dolls and toys. Other than that, there was a bedside table, a small vanity with a small chair and a closet. Behind the sheer curtains were a much smaller balcony with a high parapet. The balcony was too small to be furnished and there was only room for two standing adults.

She showed him the breakfast room, which also was unused like the drawing room before leading him through the kitchen and the utility room to the backyard garden, where wild roses, berries and fruit trees grew.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Oh no, I should apologize for not telling you about it," She spoke softly, holding his right hand in her both hands.

He stared at her two hands, not looking at her face.

"I apologize for not being clear with you when I told you about my kinship before. It did not cross my mind when you mentioned my parents in Knockturn Alley. I was thinking about my grandmother, because she is the closest one to me through my father...." She paused, and he looked up at her face.

He said nothing, not wishing to interrupt her as her eyes held a distant look. Her memories...her past...It seems there is nothing more of importance in her memories besides what she has already shared...That means she must trust me.....

"Well...my childhood....." She added after a couple of minutes. "I hated the orphanage, but Hogwarts was awesome..." She grinned.

"Mahoutokoro was the best part of my childhood as well." Alastair smiled sadly. His look clearly said...'We have both had bad times in our earlier years...We have both found solace in magical schools.'


"The balcony is my favorite place in the manor," She announced with a smile.

"A memorable view..." Alastair said quietly, looking out at the garden "I can see why it is your favorite..."

They stood admiring the view in silence before going down to the second floor. Silently, he nodded as she showed him the remaining rooms, all the time appreciating the decor and making mental note of her words. His favorite room had been the library, for he became curious as to what lay behind the 'forbidden door.' That was, until they reached the room that was white, which Alastair immediately assumed had been meant for Aislynn. The dolls only confirmed his assumption. "Is this where you sleep when you visit here?" he asked.

The garden was enchanting, in his opinion, and he wondered if the berries were edible. "What a charmingly enchanting garden." he said, taking it in fully. "Would you like me to push you on the swing?" he offered smilingly, noticing the swing further away. I used to dream about having a swing in our garden...I...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Yes, that was my bedroom. I use to stay over the night here whenever I visited my grandmother," Aislinn explained for Alastair.
"My bedroom and the swing.... sometimes, they give me flashbacks of my early childhood whenever I fall asleep...." The distance look was back in her eyes, though it was gone the same minute it came.
She giggled excitingly at his suggestion of pushing her on the swing and walked over to it.

"The fruits and most of the berries are not ripe yet," She spoke as she sat on the swing.
"The raspberries are ripe, but not suitable for eating even if they are edible, because they are the early summer fruiting and it is common that they are infected by larvae. The autumn fruiting kind of raspberries are more safe to eat."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Thank you for the information." Alastair nodded as he went behind the swing. He pushed her, gently yet strongly, so that she was going about three feet high. "Would you like to go higher?" he asked as he pushed her a bit harder so that she went about three and a half feet high. Hmm...I have never pushed Luna on a swing...Only...well, never mind...I know it is not very proper to be pushed high on a swing, but what fun is it to move a few inches off the ground?

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Thank you..." Aislinn turned her head and looked at Alastair behind her. "But it is fine.....you are actually pushing too much.." She laughed.

I would perhaps enjoy swinging higher if I had been ten years younger. Now I feel that I just like to swing slowly and lower, only a few feet over the ground while watching the sun to set down... She thought as she peered towards the evening sun. I think Alastair is getting a little to excited about the swing, perhaps we should switch our places.. She could not help but laugh inwardly at her own thoughts.

After a while she turned her head again and asked him: "Would you like to sit on the swing?"