Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"But it is fine.....you are actually pushing to much.." She laughed.

"My apologies." he said, taking a step back from the swing so that it could slow down a bit. Afterwards, he pushed her slowly and gently. Perhaps I overdid it... he sighed inwardly, deciding to keep silent and continue with a consistent speed for the swing during the next few minutes.

"Would you like to sit on the swing?" Aislynn asked after a while.

For a half-second, his eyes glowed with excitement. Inside his head, he heard his mother's voice, clear as if she had spoken them aloud. Never allow your chosen lady to see you in an indecent position! Before washing in the morning, or doing improper things such as playing about! "No, thank you." he said quietly, the glow vanishing. He looked away from the swing as if it was a sort of vice, trying to rid himself of his desire to try it out. Later...when no one is around, I will find one and enjoy it on my own...So that I don't...Don't ever allow yourself to enter a position where you may embarrass yourself in front of your lady! His mother's words rang. He shook his head, remembering where he was and continued pushing Aislynn. Mother....Why... he thought, an emotionless expression masking all of his bitterness.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Okay..." Aislinn replied quietly, feeling very embarrassed that she had asked Alastair, half regretting that she had offered him to sit on the swing. She had not seen the glow who had passed and left his eyes.

Of course, he would decline... She thought awkwardly. Swings are for children and young girls, not for men...I must have misunderstood his excitement...I think he only got excited about pushing me on the swing, no more or less, mentally connecting the swing with my childhood..

Aislinn remained sitting for about time which felt like about eight minutes before she stood up. The sun had reached the horizon but were still fully visible.

"Thank you dear, I hope I did not tire you?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"No, it was fine." he said kindly, offering her an arm. "Perhaps we should bid your family farewell before night arrives?" he asked tentatively. "It is, of course, of no disrespect toward you." he said, already beginning an apology, for her was unsure if she had taken it the wrong way. I do not fear them in the least...I merely do not wish to have any incidents that change my opinion of them...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"It is alright," Aislinn hurried to say, as if she feared that Alastair was going to apologize. "I completely understand." She smiled.

I wanted to suggest the same thing. Of course, there won't be problem if we would remain until midnight. I always spend time with my grandmother till twelve at night. But I can neither keep Alastair here till that hour because I do not wish to tire him nor can I ask him to leave. I have brought him here as a guest, so it is only proper for me to wait him to tell that he wish to leave...

She led him back indoors, taking the same way they had entered the garden awhile ago and walked back to the parlor where her family was gathered.

"We'll be leaving now," Aislinn announced to her grandmother.

"Oh, isn't too early, please stay for supper dear..."

"It is alright, we are so full of dinner..." Aislinn laughed.

"Oh well..." Her grandmother sighed, but not because of being disappointed. She walked over to Alastair and took his hand to shook it firmly yet gently. "It was such honor to meet you, Mr. Alastair DiVilliers, please come and visit us often," She smiled.

And then the rest of them shook hands with Alastair in return, wishing him a pleasant evening. Aislinn did not shook hand with anyone. She just uttered her farewells and the only close interaction was when her grandmother stroke her arm and gave her hug at the front door.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I completely understand." She smiled.

"Lovely." Alastair said, and they made their way back inside.

"We'll be leaving now," Aislynn announced to her grandmother.

"Oh, isn't too early, please stay for supper dear..."

Alastair was about to thank her for her hospitality and politely decline before Aislynn made a joke.

"Oh well..." Her grandmother sighed.

She walked over to Alastair and took his hand to shake it firmly yet gently. "It was such honor to meet you, Mr. Alastair DiVilliers, please come and visit us often," She smiled.

"And to you as well. Thank you for your memorable hospitality." Alastair said, returning her smile.

Just as before, he looked at her as if she was young and beautiful, with a bit of warmth in his eyes. "Farewell. It has been a pleasure meeting you. A pleasant evening to you as well." he replied as he shook everyone's hand. "I do wish to meet again soon. " he said to everyone at once once they stood at the door.

Once they were outside, he stood facing the manor, giving it one last look before turning to Aislynn. "Where would you like to go now?" he asked politely. "I myself am not quite ready to retire for the night..." he said. What he meant was 'I do not wish to return to the manor just yet.'

"Are you truly still full off of the meal?" he asked a moment later, feeling his own stomach dissatisfied. If she is not hungry, I can always eat later...I do not wish to bother her with my own needs...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Where would you like to go now?" Alastair asked politely. "I myself am not quite ready to retire for the night..." he said.

"Well..." Where would I like to go? Not Diagon Alley or Knockturn Alley... "A nice park.." She suggested because she did not wish to spend the rest of the evening indoors.

"Are you truly still full of the meal?"

"No, I am not. I did not eat that much actually, only one serving. I just did not wish to trouble my grandmother." And save Alastair from a disgusting supper... "By the way, we do not need to walk from here back to the car, we may apparate right away..." She pointed out when they stood outside her manor. "Or we could walk if you prefer that," She added with a smile.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I know a great many parks..." Alastair said thoughtfully. The Cherry Tree Park in Japan...The Chinese Glowing-Flower Park that she visited with Mr. Li...The park that I...Yes, I believe that is the closest one, since it is in France... "Hmm...I think apparition directly to the park will do." he smiled. His look clearly said 'I wish to take you somewhere where the car cannot deliver us fast enough...'

Apparating away, they appeared at the gate of a charming, old fashioned park. The setting sun was reflected in a lake, which was located in the center of the park. Surrounding the lake were many maple, oak, and beech trees, which were scattered everywhere except for a beaten walking path. Two swings hung from a single birch tree at the edge of the lake, on one of its sturdier branches.

"Shall we?" he smiled, offering her his arm so that they might walk together. "We are now in France, my lady. This is one of my favorite parks in the entire world. There are five that I enjoy frequenting. " He said knowledgeably. He looked around and was soon lost in thought, before returning to his present surroundings once they reached the two swings near the lake."Would you like for me to push you again, or would you like to have a picnic?" he smiled. "I can return here in-" he swiftly checked his pocket watch "-five minutes with a delectable dinner for two, and perhaps some candles." he smiled romantically, awaiting her answer.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn took a deep breath when she was met by the beautiful view of trees and glowing setting sun that reflected in the lake. Merlin, this is so beautiful and charming, such serene and calm place..

"Where are we..." She spoke half to herself and half to Alastair as she took his arm, not looking at him, but looking dreamily at the charming scenery of the nature.

"We are now in France, my lady. This is one of my favorite parks in the entire world. There are five that I enjoy frequenting. " he said knowledgeably.

"Oh...." She tried to take every winkle of the view when they strode on the walking path towards the swings. France? Didn't Luna travel with Elias to France once? or was it to Paris? Yes it was Paris.....but oh, Paris is the capital of France, Merlin's beard I can be so sluggish sometimes....are we somewhere in Paris or in another town?.....anyway, I am glad that Alastair suggested a park because the only park I know is the central park in London...and he has such a great taste that I am sure that the other parks he favors are as breathtaking as this one...

"Would you like for me to push you again, or would you like to have a picnic?" he smiled. "I can return here in-" he swiftly checked his pocket watch "-five minutes with a delectable dinner for two, and perhaps some candles." he smiled romantically, awaiting her answer.

"Oh, I love picnics!" She exclaimed happily. "I'll sit here whilst waiting for you," She said as she walked over to one swing. "I'd love to eat anything, so you may bring your favorite food, if you'd like please" She winked smilingly before adding with a laugh: "And candles..." She had never been on any romantic candle light dinner before in her lifetime and was rather thinking that some candles would be a good idea when it was about to get darker after the sun had set.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Oh, I love picnics!" She exclaimed happily. "I'll sit here whilst waiting for you," She said as she walked over to one swing.

He smiled, and was about to ask her what she would like before she spoke first.

"I'd love to eat anything, so you may bring your favorite food, if you'd like please" She winked smilingly before adding with a laugh: "And candles..."

"Very well." Alastair nodded. "I shall see you in five minutes' time." he said, meaning it as a temporary farewell. He disappeared directly afterward, with a small pop. Four minutes and forty seconds later, Alastair re-appeared with a wicker picnic basket. Setting it down in mid-air, it remained there as if it sat upon an invisible shelf. "For you, my lady-" he bowed, his voice and posture perfectly imitating Sebastian Michealis as the picnic basket opened itself. A black and white checker sheet laid itself flat as the food plated itself and the drinks poured themselves gracefully. "-I have brought the finest food in Rouen." All of it happened so swiftly that by the time he had finished saying the one line, everything had set itself up. "Now-" he said, standing straight. "-for the candles." He came to sit on the picnic blanket at the same time she did, and opened his hand expectantly as he looked at the picnic basket. A short candle-holder flew from it into his hand, and he pulled out his wand.

He lit the candle once, and then moved his wand away from it. Normally, the flame would have rested there on the candle's wick, flickering in the soft wind. Instead, the flame itself flew upward, to about a foot above his head, and floated there, flickering as if it was still part of the candle. "This-" he laughed as he proceeded to light it again, the process repeating itself. "-is an enchanted candle. The flames float so that the candles are not in our way, but still give off their charming light." he explained, the charming smile he gave her brighter than the candles would ever be. He repeated the process ten more times rather quickly, so that there were eventually twelve flames floating above them. He effortlessly threw the candle behind him, where it landed back into the basket perfectly.

"To you, my lady.-" he raised one of the two champagne glasses filled with water and ice, toasting her.

The picnic consisted of Caprese sandwiches on Sourdough Bread, an assortment of fresh fruits, a green salad with four different kinds of dressings set on the side: Caesar Dressing, Thousand Island, Ranch, and Balsamic Vinaigrette, and four drinks: water, orange juice, mixed Fruits, and lemonade.

"Not all of these are French, but I do love to have them together." Alastair smiled.

The sun had set completely by the time they had finished, and Alastair waved his wand around the empty plates, which replaced themselves in the basket.

"Would you care for dessert?" he asked.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn faintly swung on the swing as she waited patiently. She immediately stood up when Alastair reappeared with a wicker basket some minutes later. She smiled happily when he bowed for her, her heart skipping a few beats. Aww a picnic for me, how sweet of him... She was feeling both excited about the picnic and curious of what the finest food in Rouen was like.

Well it sounded so French when he pronounced it... She thought as she sat down on the picnic blanket.

"This-" he laughed as he was proceeding with the lights "-is an enchanted candle. The flames float so that the candles are not in our way, but still give off their charming light." he explained, the charming smile he gave her brighter than the candles would ever be.

"Great idea..." She smiled widely. ...He has actually no idea how clumsy I am, that I would accidentally knock of a candle light...

She toasted with him and drank half of her iced water before she turned her attention towards the delicious assorted food.

"Not all of these are French, but I do love to have them together." he smiled.

"Aha...Thousand Island is my favorite..." She put dressing on both her sandwich and salad. She ate two sandwiches and debated if she should eat a third sandwich or not until she decided against it. I'd like to have some dessert as well... She thought as she drank more water and ate some red grapes, strawberries and cherries. Aislinn was very curious about why Alastair did not like lamb meat, but she did not mention anything about it during their meal. It is absolutely not the proper time to ask him right now. If he never mentioned it and his reasons before during any meal or at Luna's party, then I should not bring up the subject during this meal...

"I cannot say no to dessert," She laughed after they had finished. "I like anything as dessert..." She smiled, trying to remain calm. I love dessert.... if it was not unhealthy to eat so much sugar I would only live on dessert.... dessert for breakfast, dessert for lunch.....for dinner...super...Merlin's beard....

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

A charming appetite for dessert...Chocolates should do nicely...But fruit torts sound delectable as well...And then there are scones...he thought quickly. And then... "I shall return shortly." Alastair said, standing. As he walked away from the picnic blanket, the candles swerved to avoid him, then flew back to their original places. He returned three minutes later with two cream coloured boxes bearing an ornamented bakery name written in maroon. Antique. "The bakery's name is Antique, because, I assume, it has been around for a long time. They have the best dessert I have tasted in France." he smiled as he opened up the boxes and plated the pastries. "I got one of each of my favorites, since I could not decide..." he smiled, pulling out a sharp knife so that they could split each of the six desserts. An Eclair, a Fruit Tort, A Scone, a bit of Creme Brulee, a Chocolate Croissant, and a slice if Chocolate Mousse. He poured milk into glasses, and smiled.

"How do you like them?" he asked after they had had a chance to taste all of them. "Which is your favorite?"

 

[Hikari Chan]

Merlin's beard, one kind of dessert had been enough... Aislinn stared widely at the six different desserts, her mouth watering as she watched Alastair slicing them.

She was surprised when he poured milk into two glasses. Milk? He must be joking, mustn't he? I never drink pure milk because....oh well never mind....

Before Aislinn tasted a bit of every dessert, she glanced mortified at her glass of milk. If I devour the whole glass now, would he refill it? Should I then wait till I have eaten a bit of every dessert before drinking? But if I drink after I have eaten, the nauseous taste of just milk will linger in my mouth...if he only had mixed cocoa powder with the milk....well never mind....I should actually tell him that I detest to drink pure milk and why but it is not the right moment now. We should take one day for discussing the things we don't like and why, hehe....

She decided to first drink her milk before tasting the desserts. She only managed to drink the half of the glass before putting it away. She managed to hid a grimace and laughed instead.

"Please, no more milk... I wish to enjoy the desserts now," She laughed.

She tasted a bit of every dessert twice, feeling relieved that taste of milk vanished from her mouth.

"Well, the chocolate mousse is always a favorite," She said when was done. "And I love croissant as well, with chocolate it is even more delicious. Creme Brulee is another favorite, very delicious indeed. I also loved the rest, though I have to admit that I rather prefer scones for breakfast," She smiled.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Lovely." he smiled charmingly as the dessert dishes cleared themselves. It was difficult to tell whether he was speaking about the picnic and dessert, or about Aislynn. They sat in silence for a minute, then Alastair asked bluntly. "Why do you dislike milk?" Before she could try to brush it off, he added "I can tell...there was a moment, just before you laughed, that disgust showed in your eyes." He looked deep into her eyes wordlessly, waiting for an answer. Something about his gaze was intimidating, although he clearly hadn't meant it that way. Perhaps it was the silence, and the way his eyes seemed to barely blink, that made it feel as if everything around them had frozen.

 

[Hikari Chan]

As if he is demanding me to answer him... Aislinn thought when she met Alastair's gaze calmly. As if he must know, that I must tell him right now....and I who had been thinking about to save any discussion about why we detest this or that for another appropriate time.....well, never mind...

"I do not like the taste of plain milk," She replied. "Especially the aftermath taste in the mouth after I have drunk it. It tastes like...eh… cow..." She could not help but laugh because it sounded so ridiculous. "I prefer to flavor the milk...mostly with chocolate..."

She took a deep breath before asking him: "And why don't you like lamb?" She looked at him with a look which told it was his turn to reply her.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"...mostly with chocolate."

"I understand. Thank you for explaining." he said, looking away as the intimidating look left his eyes.

"Why don't you like lamb?"

"If I explained, you would be likely to...reject...your dinner." he said quietly before turning his head to look at her. It looks as if she truly wishes to know...Oh dear... "Very well." he nodded with a tentative 'you asked, so I shall oblige ' look. "A long time ago, my parents wished to educate me on everything, whether it was a language, or a nation's traditions and foods. In time, we reached the Middle Eastern Arabs. " He paused. "Since my father was a financial professional, the elite were always asking him for trading advice and so forth...Henceforth, he had a lot of important contacts. We arrived at the palace of a revered Turkish Sultan dressed in our best apparel. I myself was quite excited, until dinner was served. " He paused, preparing to picture the last thing he wanted to at the moment. "Their signature dish, called Mansaf, has a rice base and is usually topped with a potent white sauce made of goat's milk cheese called Jameed." he shuddered at what would come next. "Traditionally, the dish is served with roasted lamb, placed directly on top of the rice...But, when important guests come over, the..." he paused "The head of the lamb is baked with it and placed on top of the serving dish...whole." he paused, shutting his eyes tight as if that would help him to forget the image that had clearly been burned into his mind. "The most important guests are expected to eat one eye each from the goat's head at the start of the meal...My father was the most important...And then came the Heir to the family...me." he breathed, his eyes still shut as he re-lived the moment.

"It is beyond me how they view that as a delicacy." he said, his voice a bare whisper. "There are other, worser things that they devour gladly, but I have said enough..." He said no more, but sat waiting for Aislynn to reject her meal. When I finally showed her my memories, I planned to skip that part...Such a shame I had to share it with her eventually. . . "...I..." he wanted to apologize again, but the words would not come.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Eating the eyes of a goat? Serving a cooked animal head on a bed of rice...? That explains why Alastair detest lamb...Aislinn thought shockingly. It must have been bloody disgusting, but I am sure lamb meat tastes differently than a cooked head or eyes. Why are important guests expected to eat eyes of a cooked goat head? It sounds as if they are forced to eat...but if I had been in Alastair's place I would have declined and refused to eat anything disgusting......did his father like it? But was his mother not an important guest as well, perhaps she did not travel? But why would she remain behind...

"But why? Why did you not decline?" Aislinn asked, the tone of her voice pitying him and her eyes not leaving his. She stared at him with such intense gaze which was almost screaming -You could have said no! - "And what about your mother? Wasn't she an important guest? You could have given that eye to her.... or let your father to eat the both eyes, I understand that your parents want to teach your about everything, but didn't you have a choice?"

Well, his parents must have been idiots... She thought. I wonder how my parents would have been like if they had raised me up....

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"But why? Why did you not decline?" Aislynn asked, the tone of her voice pitying him and her eyes not leaving his.

"I could not." he said simply.

"And what about your mother? Wasn't she an important guest? You could have given that eye to her....or let your father to eat the both eyes, I understand that your parents want to teach you about everything, but didn't you have a choice?"

"When you meet my parents through my memories, you will understand that I had no choice." he said, his voice quietening at the last two words as his eyes filled with bitterness. "I thought about giving it to someone else, but that would have been rude. You see, in their culture, if you do not eat the food that the host offers, they will become offended, and most likely reject the business offer at hand. As for my mother being important..." he sighed with a soft, sarcastic laugh "In the Middle East, women are not viewed as important...But rather...as toys. " he paused, looking at her as if to say Do you see now, how ridiculous the situation was? It was inescapable.

"I would share with you everything...." he sighed, making to stand up from the picnic blanket. "But I do not wish to spoil another night with my past. " He was, of course, referencing the incident with Valletta. I understand that I will inevitable have to share them with her...When I do, I expect to never see her again...No sane person would remain by my side if they saw... He stopped his train of thought before he began re-living some of his past...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"It is alright," Aislinn said softly. "Please, sit..." She reached for Alastair's hand and pulled him gently, preventing him from standing up. "It is alright, you do not need to share memories of your past with me tonight," She said, holding his both hands in hers. "Another time, when you feel you need to ease your mind..." She spoke so quietly and softly, as if she did not wish to disturb the peaceful night, to comfort him.

I think it is enough now. He got to know why I do not like plain milk, and I got to know why he detest lamb. We do not need to discuss things further or dig into his past....

Aislinn wanted to tell Alastair that she wished to enjoy the night with him, but she had no idea how to tell him that in a good way. The night sky was almost clear, only a few clouds covered it, revealing the shining stars and the full moon. She was not sleepy because she had been sleeping a lot after their mission in China. She wanted to lay down at her back on the blanket with him beside her, watching the stars together. But what if he finds it so childish... She thought embarrassed. Will he be satisfied with only holding hands and innocent cuddling?

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"It is alright," Aislynn said softly. "Please, sit..." She reached for Alastair's hand and pulled him gently, preventing him from standing up.

Alastair was surprised, but he did not resist, choosing to sit back down beside her.

"It is alright, you do not need to share memories of your past with me tonight," She said, holding his both hands in hers. "Another time, when you feel you need to ease your mind..." She spoke so quietly and softly, as if she did not wish to disturb the peaceful night, to comfort him.

Her voice is...it's actually calming... "Thank you." he smiled, his troubled eyes disappearing in an instant to be replaced with peaceful ones. He looked from Aislynn's gentle expression to the sky above, which was full of stars and a waning moon. It would be lovely...to gaze at them together... he sighed inwardly. He gently pulled his hand away from hers, then put both of his hands on her shoulders.

"Lay back." he said quietly, as if saying 'we both know we want to watch the start together.' Gently, he pulled her into a position where she was laying down on her back. Then, he did the same. He looked up at the start for a minute in silence, then laughed out loud abruptly. His laughter was soft, as if he had been thinking about something rather humorous. "I was just thinking that this is a lot like a manga...When I grew up, Luna and I used to read them. She'd tell me that she always wished for the perfect romance, like one of her favorite series." he laughed again. "And here we are, living through a story that is fit for a manga series." Inwardly, he yearned for her to laugh as well. Half of him thought that she may find him foolish, but the other half remembered that she had read them as well and perhaps had wished for the same thing...

 

[Hikari Chan]

When Alastair laughed Aislinn could not help but laugh as well. She burst out in soft laughter of relief and happiness.

"I was about to suggest the same thing," She confessed to him as she gazed at the starry sky above her. "To just simply lay at our backs and watch the stars...."

"The dinner was not for you!"

"But it is such a waste to just throw it away-"

"And who told you that I wanted to throw it away, I asked Natalia to store it-"

"It is useless to store cooked food, since it can become bad with time...besides I am hungry.."

"I was thinking to save it to the next day if Aislinn dined at us again-"

"I do not think she will be happy to eat leftovers the next day or another day, even if she does not bring any guests with her.....it is better to order or cook a new dish for her, or what do you think? You know her better than I do..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I do so love spending my leisure time with you." he sighed once they had stopped laughing. "I find your company enjoyable. "

They sat in silence for a long time, relaxing in the calmness of the park. After about an hour, Alastair pulled out his pocket watch to check the time. After a second where it looked as though he was mentally calculating something, he sat up abruptly, then tuned to Aislynn. "It is now three o' clock sharp in Japan. We must complete a mission frequently, unless we wish to gain a negative reputation within the Agency. " Excitement shined in his eyes as he spoke, as if he could not wait to complete another mission.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"So do I," Aislinn replied softly. Her eyes never left the night sky. She was waiting for a shooting star to appear so that she could make a wish together with Alastair, but none of that kind appeared to her disappointment.

"It is now three o' clock sharp in Japan," He spoke after about an hour. "We must complete a mission frequently, unless we wish to gain a negative reputation within the Agency. "

"Do I have time to take a suitcase with clothes with me?" she asked, sitting up quickly as if she had been ready. "So, you can pick up your car from where you left it. I have the rest of my eh… clothes at Luna's manor..."

Hopefully he won't think that my manor is closer and ask why I won't retrieve my clothes from there. I cannot stand the old fashioned clothes which my grandmother have stuffed in my closet...

Vincent stood in front of the floor length mirror in his bedroom whilst putting on his black flowy cloak before leaving for tonight.

"Miss Lestrange tonight and miss Adela Dolohov this coming Friday...Perhaps I should surprise Rosaleya the same day?" He was literary speaking to himself as he was thinking aloud when he descended the stairs.

"Vincent!"

He almost jumped, being taken off guard by his great aunt.

"What is the meaning of this? Meeting with three girls? You are not up to some mischief, are you?" She spoke with such a hard voice as she looked up at him from the bottom of the stairs.

"I...I...I... may I explain please," He bowed his head in remorse for his great aunt, waiting for her to give him the permission to speak again before lifting his head. He could hear his mother giggling, but he kept his face straight and emotionless.

Lady Monroe turned around and looked so severely at Natalia, that Natalia almost choked and gulped. She bowed on her head silently and quickly walked away.

"Speak!"

"Miss Lestrange has asked to see me tonight because she is curious about our species. She knows little about us vampires and likes to know more about us. Miss Lestrange is Ashy's friend and mistress, you have met her before, if you remember when she once paid us a visit, delivering a gift to us. Here's the letter she sent me a couple of days ago..." He walked down the rest of the stairs and handed over the letter to his great aunt.

She examined the letter for nearly five minutes before giving it back to him

"I understand. And what business do you have with miss Adela Dolohov and miss Rosaleya?"

"Miss Adela Dolohov is a friend of Aislinn and I am in debt for her because she once led me to a meal which satisfied my hunger when my first meal had not been enough."

Half of it was true. Adela had truly led Vincent to her prisoner at Luna's torturing party, but she was not friend with Aislinn. Since all members in the team were loyal followers to Luna, Vincent had promised Aislinn to not hurt anyone of them, thus he regarded them all as Aislinn's friends since Luna was her friend as well.

"And miss Rosaleya?"

"Rosaleya...." His eyes flashed of anger and disappointment when he spoke her name with a bitter tone. "…is an interesting human who I'd like to give a nice surprise..." He added with a smirk and walked past his great aunt towards the front doors.

"I see..." Lady Monroe spoke quietly after she heard the front doors closing firmly behind her.

"Miss Lestrange?" A voice spoke curiously with such great interest from the darkness at the end of the corridor.

"If you are unable to sleep, you can come and sit with us," She spoke aloud and went inside the parlor, not giving a single glance to the owner of the voice, even if she had spoken directly to him.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Do I have time to take a suitcase with clothes with me?" she asked, sitting up quickly as if she had been ready. "So you can pick up your car from where you left it. I have the rest of my eh clothes at Luna's manor..."

"Of course." Alastair nodded, standing up and then bending down to assist Aislynn with an extended hand.

"Why not meet at the front gate of Luna's manor in an hour? That should be plenty of time...By the time we reach Japan it should be four-thirty..." he said, adding it all up. "Do take your time." he smiled as he offered her his hand to apparate.

Before they left, Alastair waved his wand at both the picnic basket and their blanket, which vanished immediately. They appeared on the front steps of the manor, and Alastair opened the door for Aislynn. "I shall see you in one hour sharp, my lady." he said. "Do not expect to find me inside the manor if you need me, for I have a few things to do elsewhere before we depart."

By the time he reached the end of the hour, he stood outside the manor, still in his all-black Gothic wear, the car shrunken and on his key chain. Raven stood beside him in silence, the carriage ready behind them both.

"You do realize he has no feelings for you?" Nagini asked as she sat coiled up on her velvet pillow.

"Yes." Luna replied plainly as she opened her closet in search of the plainest dress she had.

"Then why are you wasting your time? You could easily have asked any other member of Aislynn's family." Nagini said in a 'you are getting too close to him' tone.

"It's not like that." Luna laughed, pulling out a dress which was neatly hung on a hanger and slipped it on over her head. "Since I was young, it has just been a fantasy of mine to meet a vampire, and I finally had a chance to make it come true. Meeting one of Aislynn's older relatives wouldn't be very fun, but a young male is exactly what I've always pictured."

"I am not used to seeing this sort of school-girl's excitement on your face." Nagini said as Luna rushed for the mirror Elias had given her and began changing the dress. "It doesn't suit you."

"Mmm hmm." Luna nodded, not really listening. "I am going to get there a whole hour early so that I will be there first, sitting elegantly on one of the pillars as the moon shines perfectly." Luna sighed. It is not so much the romance as it is the setting and characters which intrigue me in this story. She thought as she used the mirror to style her hair in soft waves, although still keeping its black colour.

She imagined a knee-length black dress, slipped some black tights on, and some black boots with a slight heel, which came up to just below her knee.

By eleven sharp, she was looking at the full moon, elegantly sitting on one of the pillars with her legs crossed and her hair blowing in the wind.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Alright," Aislinn nodded as she was back with Alastair at Luna's manor.

She went straightly to her room and changed to more comfortable clothes and packed her suitcase with all the things she needed. This time she made sure to not to forget Raven's feather.

Aislinn was quick. One-hour time to prepare herself for a trip was too much. Only half the amount of time had been enough for her. Thus, she spent the remaining thirty minutes sitting at door step outside the front door, waiting for Alastair.

When the time struck twelve, a swarm of bats flew over the top of the trees and landed among the ruins, fifteen feet away from where Luna was sitting. The bats merged and shaped a very tall male figure, shrouded in a black flowy cloak.

"Hello, miss Lestrange," Vincent greeted her with an eerie smirk. He remembered her well. He remembered the last time they had met, when she nearly had begged him to bite her.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Raven levitated Aislynn's luggage into the back of the carriage as she opened the door for them.

"Thank you Raven. " Alastair said as he passed her.

"Are you excited, my lady?" Alastair asked once they had both been seated, and had already begun their ascent. I hope she will not mind if we switch positions this time...She will keep an eye on me in case something goes wrong, and I shall do the killing...I need to kill something...Soon... he thought as he looked out the window, his eyes glowing a brilliant shade of purple.

He had turned away in an effort to hide them from Aislynn. I have to calm myself...What is the most relaxing thing I can think of at the moment? He thought frantically. What about Luna? That had been a mistake, for his eyes only grew brighter. It's alright...I will manage to kill someone soon...It will happen in less than an hour... he sighed, as he felt his eyes begin to return to their normal state. By the time Aislynn saw his eyes as he turned toward her, they showed no trace of what had just happened.

Luna watched with large, interested eyes as Vincent appeared, and inhaled excitedly when he had fully formed. She disappeared in a puff of smoke and re-appeared three feet away from him. "Good evening." Luna smiled calmly, performing an elegant curtsy. His smile was so eerie, yet I am enjoying his spookiness as if I were watching a dramatic play... "Shall we begin?" she asked as soon as she had stood up straight again. Her heart was beating fast; she was enjoying every second of it. It feels so surreal...I cannot believe I am actually playing this out...in reality...