Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Junko Natsumizaka]

At first, they matched each other's speed perfectly. Alastair enjoyed the ride, the wind blowing through his hair picturesquely, and it wasn't until about halfway up that he parted from Aislynn, flying to the other side of the mountain. When Aislynn reached the top, there was no sign of Alastair. A minute passed, and still no signs. Two...Three minutes passed...

"Hello." Alastair said suddenly from just behind Aislynn, his voice eerily quiet. Alastair had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he had clearly intended to startle Aislynn. "Now, we shall fly freely for as long as you like. Whilst flying, I would like for you to decide not where, but what you would like to eat. Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Indian; there are so many cuisines. However, there are only a few restaurants that offer the best quality foods from any cuisines. -" he smiled charmingly "Only the best for you, my lady." he said with such a loving look in his eyes.

He flew off a moment later, going very high, and then diving quickly, pulling up at the last minute. He repeated this a few times before flying upward, stopping a certain distance above Aislynn to watch her. She certainly is enjoying the surprise... he thought contentedly. I am satisfied knowing that I have made her happy again...

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn glanced sideways at Alastair, admiring him as they flew beside each other with perfectly matching speed. He even looks so beautiful when riding a broom...his hair blowing so elegantly in the wind...while my hair is... Her bangs had loosened and were blowing wildly around her forehead and she felt that her hair band was sliding of her ponytail.

When only half of the way was left to the top they parted and Aislinn flew to the opposite side of the mountain, making her way to the top. She reached to the top within the matter of some minutes only to find it empty. She could not see Alastair anywhere. Huh...he cannot be slower than me since he is not human... She thought astonished because she had expected him to be faster than her and reach the top before her. She hovered at the top of the mountain, her hair loose and wild. She had lost her hair band during the flight and only one hair pin was stuck to some hair strands of her bangs.

"Hello." Alastair said suddenly from just behind her, his voice eerily quiet.

She nearly lost her balance. She spun around laughing when she saw the mischievous glint in his eyes as he had clearly intended to startle her.

"The bloody hell!" She laughed, finding it very amusing.

"Now, we shall fly freely for as long as you like. Whilst flying, I would like for you to decide not where, but what you would like to eat. Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Indian; there are so many cuisines. However, there are only a few restaurants that offer the best quality foods from any cuisines. -" he smiled charmingly "Only the best for you, my lady." he said with such a loving look in his eyes.

"Sure..." She replied, still laughing, before soaring down from the mountain top.

Hmm....Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Indian....hmm.... Aislinn flew around in circles. She could not help but to burst out in laughter from time to time, recalling how Alastair had startled her. ...I have tasted Japanese, Italian and French...and I have had a lot of Indian food before I met Alastair...so that leaves out Chinese and Mexican......hmm.... She flew around the mountain, soaring further down until she had finally made her decision. She looked up and saw Alastair far above her, flying upward and diving.

I feel it is too early for dinner, I am not really hungry yet.... She thought as she flew a bit upwards, flying closer to him. I am in the mood to startle him... She thought with a mischievous grin. I just hope his heart is not that weak...that he is able to take my surprise without getting a heart attack... When she reached him, she winked and smiled towards him.

"Alastair," Aislinn winked with her right hand, grinning happily. Her cheeks were rosy, and her eyes glittered of excitement. "Watch me," She smiled, fleeing around him in circles as if she wanted to show him her flying skills. Then suddenly, she swung her right leg over the broom and put her right foot on it and stood up, stretching her arms out to keep balanced whilst she stood at the broom. Her balance was moderate enough to allow to stand up for one full minute, which was enough for her to prepare for the next step. In other circumstances she would have jumped of and dived down, though this time she literary allowed herself to slip and fall of the broom as if it was an accident.

"Ops!" She said, pretending to look surprised and alarmed, before plunging down. She allowed herself to fall freely until she transformed into her Animagi just in time.

A black dragon with notable green eyes caught a falling broom between its jaw and flapped its wings to flew upwards. The dragon looked to be an adult but was not big enough as a full-grown dragon, yet it was bigger than an adult human. The dragon was two meters tall and four meters long. It flew around Alastair in circles, looking at him mischievously with laughing eyes.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair watched Aislynn's show as she circled him with the sort of proud interest in which a parent watches a child who has just perfected how to ride a bicycle. When she stood up, he found himself wondering how many times she had practiced standing up on a moving broom, becoming even more interested.

"Oops!"

Alastair jumped off of his broom, falling head first, speeding up to eventually become level with Aislynn. He showed no trace of fear; his face held an emotionless gaze as he watched Aislynn falling peacefully. His mind calculated quickly, his eyes had an uncertain look. Firstly, an oops does not seem the appropriate response for someone who is having their life threatened by a mistake...Some sort of scream would have been issued. If that is not the case, then she would at least feel fear...I cannot sense any fear coming from her form; only...What is that? Anticipation? She must be planning something; only someone committing suicide would feel anticipation at falling this far...But why would she do this on purpose? It makes no sense...If her ...plan...fails, then I will catch her. I will wait until we are forty feet from the ground before catching her....

To Alastair's amazement, she transformed into a beautiful dragon, and in a moment he had landed gently on the ground, only to jump back up. He eventually surpassed Aislynn, and mounted his broom in mid-air. "That was marvelous!" Alastair spoke with a surprised voice. "How did you do that?"

"I heard it takes years to be able to change into an animal form at will! And what a creature you are! How powerful and elegant." he praised warmly. At the Agency, they asked her if she had any special skills that weren't normal for Wizards and Witches...Normal means nearly everyone knows it, and I have not seen anyone with this power in all of my life, only having read about Animagi in books from school. It is quite a revered talent; perhaps she wished to keep it a secret? How comical; a half-demon and a part-vampire with a dragon Animagus power meet...Does she share the same affinity for me that I do toward her?

 

[Hikari Chan]

"That was marvelous!" Alastair spoke with a surprised voice. "How did you do that?"

Aislinn tried to speak, but she only growled as reply. She laughed and it sounded like a growl as well. She flew down to the ground to transform back to human and mount the broom.

"Well...." She laughed when she had flown up to same level as him.

"I heard it takes years to be able to change into an animal form at will! And what a creature you are! How powerful and elegant." he praised warmly.

"Well...I.." She laughed and blushed deeply.

"Yes, it takes years..." Aislinn confirmed some minutes later after she had flown around and then flown closer to Alastair. "It is a learning process which involves holding the leaf of a Mandrake in your mouth for an entire month..." She explained. "For me it took about four years..." She smiled and her eyes got a distant look for a split second. "By the way, I have decided for Mexican for dinner."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Really? Then, we shall travel to a charming place...A very special place that my mother had my father build for their twentieth anniversary; I was... eight at the time. " He tried to remember the details but eventually gave up. "It is a beautiful summer villa in Mexico....Would you like to visit it? Whilst there, I would be overjoyed to indulge you in Mexican cuisine. It is..." He checked his pocket watch "...two o' six in Mexico at the moment, so it should be the perfect time for you to swim in the pool. Why don't we go back to the manor so that you can retrieve something to swim in?" Alastair asked charmingly.

"Very well; we shall return to the manor, prepare ourselves, and then depart for Campeche in half an hour, starting from the time we arrive in London. Is that long enough to prepare yourself?" Alastair smiled, patiently awaiting her answer. I fear I may have been speaking too fast again...I tend to do that when I become excited...Which happens a lot when I explain things that I wish to share with Aislynn...

Alastair called Raven through a patronus message, and she arrived a minute later with the carriage.

"Have you ever been to Mexico?" Alastair asked once they were seated inside.

"It is not my favorite place to visit, since security is a little lax and the people aren't the nicest..." he sighed for lack of a better explanation "...but since my parents were magical, we don't have to worry ourselves with security, as long as we remain inside the villa. " he assured her. "Hmm..." he thought for a moment, putting his finger to his chin "You should also pack some overnight clothes!" he said a minute later. "Wouldn't it be so charming to pretend like we are taking a vacation? The villa is more lavish than most hotels in the area..." he commented. He didn't say it pridefully; he said it factually.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Alright..." Aislinn replied, her mind trying to process what Alastair just had told her. Did he just mention pool?

"Very well; we shall return to the manor, prepare ourselves, and then depart for Campeche in half an hour, starting from the time we arrive in London. Is that long enough to prepare yourself?" Alastair smiled, patiently awaiting her answer.

"Yes, that is enough of time..." She replied. I have already everything packed in a suitcase in the carriage…I just need my swim suit...and something else to wear for dinner...

"Have you ever been to Mexico?" he asked once they were seated inside the carriage.

"No, I have never been there. What is it like?"

"It is not my favorite place to visit, since security is a little lax and the people aren't the nicest..." he sighed for lack of a better explanation

Her eyes widened a little. It sounds to be a problematic place... She thought slightly alarmed.

"...but since my parents were magical, we don't have to worry ourselves with security, as long as we remain inside the villa. " he assured her.

"Oh..." She smiled with relief.

"Hmm..." he thought for a moment, putting his finger to his chin "You should also pack some overnight clothes!" he said a minute later. "Wouldn't it be so charming to pretend like we are taking a vacation? The villa is more lavish than most hotels in the area..." he commented.

"It would be lovely," She chuckled excitingly. "And why pretending? Isn't this kind of weekend vacation?" She was overjoyed by the fact that she was going on vacation, even if it was only for one night.

"Oh, by the way..." She suddenly remembered something of importance. "I don't know if I have already told you before...perhaps I forget, anyway, my animagi is a secret because I never registered it at the Ministry of Magic. I was actually supposed to register when I become one, but I never did..." There was a mischievous glint in her eyes, as if she did not care if she broke a few magical laws. "If anyone finds out about it, I might end up in Azkaban..." She laughed as if it was nothing at all.

"You're late-" Persephone began.

"I am so sorry; I forget about the time..." Adela excused herself.

"Seriously, we start our meetings at seven o'clock!"

"Phonie, please," Elias sighed. "We are just practicing with music sheets now; we cannot play all at once. And besides I have divided us in smaller groups," He waved with a parchment and then read up the list of groups aloud:

"Group One: Me, Persephone, Claude, Lachlan, Lloyd and Flynn
Group Two: Me and Miss Lestrange-"

"Our dark mistress is never here practicing..-" Persephone began.

"She does not need to practice" Elias cut off. "Anyway....do not interrupt me!" He said and then resumed reading the rest of the list:

"Group three: Me, Persephone and Selwyn
Group four: Miss Wilkes
Group five: Miss Jugson, Miss Travers and Miss Dolohov.
Group six: Me, Persephone or Miss Lestrange and Miss Jugson or Travers or Dolohov, we could also play all together.
Group seven: Same as the group one though with Miss Dolohov as well...by the way miss, why were you late today?"

"I met Miss Monroe's vampire cousin and we had some ice cream together in Diagon Alley and I forget about the time..." Adela explained, speaking the truth.

"What the bloody hell!" Avery lost all the color of his face.

Macnair nearly winced when he heard that miss Monroe had a vampire cousin.

"Oh...I hope you enjoyed it, please say hello to Mr. D'Arcy next time when you see him," Elias smiled as if Adela had been meeting a normal human being and not an actual vampire.

"Sure," Adela grinned.

The others exchanged looks with each other, wondering if Elias was with his full senses.

"Well, shall we get started?! Group one has already practiced and group two does not need any practice," There was a mysterious smile playing on his lips when he mentioned that the second group did not need to practice. "So, it is time for group three to practice!"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Do you think that your...clients...will be resentful, since you basically dumped the Graduation Music project on them?" Nagini asked, giving Luna a sideways glance as she slithered beside her.

"No. " Luna replied simply, turning to look at Nagini as they turned a corner in the labyrinth, making for the center. "Some of them may be a bit annoyed, but it will be of no consequence in the end."

"Hmm...The way you think...it's..." Nagini began, trying to find the right word. "The way you waited until the prisoners had suffered long enough to do anything you asked, only releasing them to assist you...The way you pretended to have the students vote for their musical preference when, in reality, you knew that you had decided already...."

"I know what you mean." Luna smiled, not regretting her decisions.

"It is such a cunning way of thinking. I am honored to be your confidant throughout your endeavors...How far you have come...How much you have changed...I love it all." Nagini said, her eyes full of interest and admiration. I love her attitude and the way she does things...It is truly amazing, every time.

"Besides. I was planning on handling it by tomorrow morning." she said with a sly wink.

And she never forgets something important...

"I shall keep that in mind, my lady." Alastair said, returning her mischievous glance as if he was not bothered at all. "Your secret shall not escape my lips, no matter what." he promised. How adorable of her to break the rules without a care in the world...I wonder why the government insists on registering Animagi in the first place...Probably so that in the event something happens, they can investigate knowing the suspect's full abilities...

"We have arrived. I shall see you in precisely thirty minutes, my lady." Alastair said, his eyes on his pocket watch the moment they had left the carriage.

He gave her a graceful, wordless bow, since the word Farewell wouldn't be appropriate if they planned on re-uniting within the next half-hour. He turned away, and jumped to his balcony window, going inside immediately to prepare. Firstly, I shall need a fresh kimono to sleep in. Secondly, I will need the gift I purchased for Aislynn earlier today, in case she wishes to draw a bath to relax. And lastly, plenty of dreamless sleep potion. I cannot go without that. And then.... He proceeded to pack the rest of his items, finishing within twelve productive minutes.

"Are you ready?" Alastair asked Aislynn, having finished early. There was that familiar excited glint of his eyes in his otherwise calm face. He had been waiting on a conjured chair, just in front of the carriage. He had been giving Raven directions to the villa before he had seen Aislynn nearing them. Once inside the carriage, he pulled out a quill and parchment and began busily writing things down.

When Aislynn inquired what Alastair was writing, he answered, without looking up at Aislynn. "A list of ingredients for me to purchase for our dinner. They are only found in Mexico. " He explained. Five minutes later, he rolled up the parchment, and replaced it in his briefcase, along with his quill. For the remainder of the ride, he looked down at either the view of the scenery flying by underneath them, or the moving oil paintings that Raven had taken the time to paint. His eyes fell on the painting of the dragon, slumbering quietly in its sleep. Did she know, when she chose to hang it in this carriage's interior, that Aislynn was...No, she wouldn't have looked that far into Aislynn's past....?....Then again, she knew all about me...So did she...?

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Sure," Aislinn smiled and then blushed when Alastair bowed for her. He bows for me every now and then, am I supposed to curtsy for him? She thought, feeling both confused and amused about it at the same time.

She apparated immediately to her bedroom to pack another suitcase. A pure black swimsuit and a black moderate short dress with long slimmed sleeves, flowy skirt and moderate round neckline. I think that's all I need... She thought a little doubtfully. I already have pajamas and a formal gown in the other suitcase.... oh, I will need a towel of course...and another dress as well... She also picked another moderate short dress with a flowy skirt, though this one had off-shoulder sleeves. She was about to leave with her suitcase when she changed her mind and went back to her closet, reopening it. Shall I take my second pajamas as well? or no....it looks the same as the one I already have in my other suit case....sigh ...I wish I had a beautiful nightgown with a matching night robe.....the only nightgown I have, is the white boring one at my grandmother's manor, just a long white night gown with long white sleeves and a high collar...nothing interesting about it's shape, quality or color...and besides it makes me look like a ghost......well never mind.....

"Are you ready?" Alastair asked Aislinn, when she appeared in front of the carriage. He had finished before her and there was that familiar excited glint of his eyes in his otherwise calm face as he sat on a conjured chair just in front of the carriage.

"Yes," She replied joyfully before entering the carriage. She left her newly packed suitcase with the other one in her bedroom before joining Alastair in the main room.

He was busily writing something and she who was curious as usual could not help but ask.

He answered, without looking up at her. "A list of ingredients for me to purchase for our dinner. They are only found in Mexico. " he explained.

"Ahh..." It sounds so foreign, as if certain ingredients can never be found in England....well, I hope it taste delicious hehehe...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

When they came to land, Raven parked not on a rooftop, but at the beginning of the palm tree-lined drive. She opened the door, and Alastair got out first, turning around to offer helpful, strong arms to Aislynn. Once out of the carriage, they gazed upon a lovely sight, having arrived in the mid-afternoon.

"Welcome to Campeche, Mexico." Alastair announced, gesturing grandly. "Shall we?" he offered her his arm, and they began walking up the drive together. It was a wonder why they weren't sweating in the terrible heat; in fact, they weren't even hot. Looking up, there was a large, white, fluffy cloud above them, sheltering them from the heat; shading them. Raven walked discreetly a little ways behind them, shaded by her own cloud. She looked to the floor, feeling forgotten, her giant wings spread out picturesquely behind her. In time, they came upon the entrance to the front of the house, where a large water fountain had replaced the original palm tree.

Alastair paused when they came upon the front of the house, gazing up at its view. "My mother designed this villa...Who would have thought that the same person also designed the manor I grew up in? Do you find it odd, how she has so many different tastes?..." he said quietly. He hadn't meant for her to answer his question, and there was a distant look in his eyes; a shadow had fallen over his face. A second later, he was back to his normal self. He made for the entrance as if nothing had happened, holding the front door open for Aislynn. Behind them, Raven watched interestedly as they set foot inside the villa.

The foyer was a round room, with a high ceiling. It was like a tower from a princess's castle in a book. There were two large staircases that spread apart in a half-circle, and in between them was a small sitting area with a grand piano. On the back wall of the sitting area, there was an oil painting of Lucifer and Evelyn, posing. Evelyn sat on a velvet chair while Lucifer stood behind her, one hand on her chair.

"Hmmm....What to do..." Alastair thought out loud. "Ah, I know..." he said quickly, raising a finger to point at the oil painting. The oil of the picture melted, giving it an abstract look, as it no longer looked like humans, but more like what the dark ocean would look like during a storm. "You know, I still don't like it..." Alastair said, as if he was an interior designer who had drawn a sketch and was deciding to throw it away. He raised his hand again, and the painting burst into flame, although the fire remained safely on the painting...until only the ashes were left.

"Now then;" Alastair turned to Aislynn smilingly, once again acting as if nothing had happened. Out of nowhere, a broom and dust pan began sweeping up the ashes, before flying upstairs to dump them outside, all while Alastair spoke as if he couldn't see them. "Please make yourself at home; there are three hallways upstairs. The left-" he pointed "-leads to the bedrooms. The center-" he pointed again, to the middle corridor this time "-leads to the kitchen and then the dining room. Don't go there..." he warned seriously. A moment later, he smiled, telling her it was simply a joke. "You'll ruin the surprise lunch, that's all." he said, his voice innocent but his eyes mischievous. "Lastly-" he continued "-the exit to outside is to the right; that is where you will find the pool. Do enjoy yourself until it is time to eat, and do not neglect to apply sunblock-" he gently brushed the back of his finger against Aislynn's left cheek "-I wouldn't want you losing your lovely pallor." he joked, the romantic look back in his eyes.

He turned away, and began up the right staircase. He stopped halfway up, and spoke as he gave her a sideways glance. "Your luggage is already in the hallway, placed between the two bedrooms. Choose whichever you wish, and unpack your things in there."

Upstairs, there were two bathrooms that looked exactly alike, but in different areas. The bathtubs were larger than they looked.

Both bedrooms had a horrid theme of solid gold. Everything was coloured gold.

The infinity pool was lovely, situated near the gazebo where Alastair and Aislynn would be dining.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Oh..." Aislinn was amazed by the view that met her when they arrived at their destination. She had never seen palm trees before and found this kind of trees interesting looking.

"Welcome to Campeche, Mexico." Alastair announced, gesturing grandly. "Shall we?" he offered her his arm, and they began walking up the drive together.

It was broad daylight in comparison to England and Japan, thus she wondered where on earth Mexico were located. And it felt like the temperature was the same as in England. She did not really feel the heat, but since she has never felt hotter weather, she found it amusing to be shaded by a cloud when she noticed its shadowing on the ground.

Alastair paused when they came upon the front of the house, gazing up at its view.

"My mother designed this villa...Who would have thought that the same person also designed the manor I grew up in? Do you find it odd, how she has so many different tastes…? he said quietly with a distant look in his eyes; a shadow had fallen over his face.

Aislinn was unsure what to reply and felt best to remain quiet since she had no idea what to comment. It is certainly odd to have different tastes, but his mother was a maniac... She thought for herself.

They entered the villa a second later, and Aislinn nearly gasped when her eyes fell at the oil painting of Alastair's parents. She gulped and felt slightly uncomfortable even if it was a still oil painting. She sighed of relief when he disposed it.

"Now then," Alastair turned to Aislinn smilingly. "Please make yourself at home; there are three hallways upstairs. The left-" he pointed "-leads to the bedrooms. The center-" he pointed again, to the middle corridor this time "-leads to the kitchen and then the dining room. Don't go there..." he warned seriously.

"Alright, I shall not enter the middle corridor," She replied, feeling a little alarmed about his sudden seriousness and then burst out in laughter when she understood it was a joke.

"You'll ruin the surprise lunch, that's all." he said, his voice innocent but his eyes mischievous. "Lastly-" he continued "-the exit to outside is to the right; that is where you will find the pool. Do enjoy yourself until it is time to eat, and do not neglect to apply sunblock-" he gently brushed the back of his finger against her left cheek."

"Eh...sunblock..." She blushed deeply, her heart rushed some beats

-I wouldn't want you losing your lovely pallor." he joked, the romantic look back in his eyes.

She stood there, still blushing, unable to move or speak. Her feet finally moved on its own accord as he turned away and began up the right staircase. He stopped halfway up and spoke as he gave her a sideways glance.

"Your luggage is already in the hallway, placed between the two bedrooms. Choose whichever you wish and unpack your things in there."

"Eh...Thank you..." She managed to say before nearly rushing, she tried to walk calmly, to the bedrooms.

"Eeugh..." Aislinn nearly grimaced when she was met by the gold interior of one bedroom which she entered. How can someone furnish a room in entire gold, it is so gaudy... She thought disgusted as she unpacked one of her suitcases.

When she had changed into her swim suit, she duplicated her towel so that she could wrap one around her waist to cover her legs to her knees and wrap the other one around her shoulders. She was not feeling ready yet to show herself in a swimsuit in front of Alastair.

She never wore a swim suit in public and the magical spa in Serpentine Village which had a public section for everyone, also had separate sections for women and men, which always gave her full privacy whenever she swam in a pool, enjoyed a bubble bath, massage or an exotic fruit drink or a nice meal. The first and last time she swam in full clothes was during the Triwizard Tournament. It had been an awful experience.

Aislinn picked up Raven's feather and spoke to it:

"Raven, I need you at once, please"

"Firstly, I need sunblock, please" Aislinn said when Raven had come to her. "And, secondly, I wish you to join me in the pool, please" She smiled excitingly.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Raven sat up straight when she heard Aislynn summoning her. She stood up, and jumped off of a discreet cloud that had been hovering high above the villa, flapping her wings when she neared the ground so that her landing was soft, as always. "What may I assist you with?" Raven asked helpfully once she had reached Aislynn.

"Firstly, I need sunblock, please..."

She wants sunblock...Of course! I didn't know that she had neglected to bring some... Raven began making sunblock magically, the same way she had made the make-up Aislynn had asked for on the China mission.

"And, secondly, I wish you to join me in the pool, please" She smiled excitingly.

Raven froze, half-done with the extra-strong sunblock. "You wish for... what?" Raven asked, certain she had heard wrong. "I..." I haven't had the luxury to relax in a pool for quite some time...And I don't think I can- "Is that an order you wish for me to carry out?" Raven asked, trying to see a way around Aislynn's request. I can't do that! Firstly, I would need to wear a swimsuit, and secondly, there would be the possibility that Alastair would see me...If that happened, I don't think I could....

Alastair had just finished purchasing all of the ingredients, and was paying as the vegetables and spices bagged themselves. "Muchos gracias. (Thank you very much.)" Alastair said kindly to the shop-owner as he left the store, the groceries following him magically.

"No hay problema senor! (No problem at all, Sir!)" The shop-keeper called happily.

He returned to the villa and began preparing the food with a passion, quickly chopping things by hand as other things washed themselves, or the spices ground themselves. Next to him, the tortillas began mixing themselves; flour, water, etc. and then shaping themselves into perfectly round, even tortillas. Avocados peeled and mashed themselves in a bowl, the pits flying into a trash can. Next to that, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro chopped themselves into a salad bowl. The whole time, the same sort of fast-paced Spanish music that they had listened to at Antique played, and Alastair enjoyed himself with the thought of Aislynn's face when she would taste the meal in the nearby future.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"To join me in the pool," Aislinn repeated her words. "Like wear a swimsuit like me and have some fun," She explained.

"I.......Is that an order you wish for me to carry out?" Raven asked.

"Yes," Aislinn replied promptly and firmly. "Well, besides for having fun and enjoying swimming with me...I need you to.... well...uhm...to keep Alastair on watch…eh...." She paused for a second, her face turning red of embarrassment. "...you see...in between us...I don't feel ready yet about him seeing me in a swim suit..." She confessed. "...in case if he would come to tell me whether the dinner is ready...if it is possible for you to be with me at the same time as you are keeping an eye towards the kitchen? It is, isn't it? ...And besides I don't like him to keep waiting on me, I need to shower and change to the attire which I have prepared for the dinner a couple of minutes in beforehand..." She gestured towards the off-shoulder dress which she had laid on her bed. "It would not be respectful towards him if he had to come to tell me that the meal is ready when I'm still in the pool..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Yes," Aislynn replied promptly and firmly, and Raven knew she was out of luck.

Raven listened carefully, and then nodded to Aislynn. "I understand." Raven said, pretending nothing was wrong. "I shall watch him magically. Tell me precisely how long you need, and I will inform you ahead of time, so that when he summons you to lunch, you will be prepared. " She said calmly. "As for the actual swimming..." she hesitated for a second, trying to find a normal reason why someone would want to avoid swimming, but failed. "I shall go change. Excuse me." she said as she handed Aislynn the SPF 200 sunblock.

Raven walked into the bathroom, and locked the door magically. She took a deep breath, and transformed her wild-looking dress into a swimsuit that she felt comfortable in. A moment later, she walked out, her normally wild hair in a bun with a fringe covering her eye. "Is this acceptable?" Raven asked quietly, eyeing Aislynn for an approval. The 'swim suit' she had chosen was all one piece. It had a high, round neckline so that her chest was not visible whatsoever, and long sleeves, and the bottom part covered her legs up until her ankles, much like leggings or tights. Perfect. This way, I am showing nothing...Well, almost, because all swimsuits are made of this clingy material...It will give him a perfect outline of my body, which is still not good at all... she thought worriedly, forgetting to keep her face calm.

 

[Hikari Chan]

While Raven left to change, Aislinn put the sun block all over herself using a spell to reach her back, neck and the back of her legs. She wondered if muggles ever used any kind of sunblock and if they did, how could they possibly reach their hands to put at their back or the back of their legs.

"Is this acceptable?" Raven asked quietly when she came out from the bathroom, eyeing Aislinn for an approval.

Aislinn had just finished putting sunblock and gave Raven an interesting look.

"Oh, your suit is perfect!" She exclaimed enthusiastically. "If I ever had that kind when I was participating in the Triwizard tournament during my time at Hogwarts, I would have avoided to swim in normal clothes..." She laughed and covered herself with her both towels once more. "Alright, let's hurry to the pool. I just need ten minutes to prepare before the dinner is ready," She opened the door and hold it open to Raven to pass through before taking her hand and pulling her with her in a quick walking or nearly almost a running, towards the right hallway.

When they had exited the right hallway and walked out into an open place where the pool was located, Aislinn threw of her towels and jumped in the pool.

"It is so fun..." She grinned invitingly towards Raven and conjured colorful beach ball and several inflatable bath toys.

"The pizza one is my favorite," She laughed and swam towards her favorite inflatable bath toy with her wand clutched tightly in her right hand.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Oh, your suit is perfect!"

Raven let out a short, relieved sigh. "If I ever had that kind when I was participating in the Triwizard Tournament during my time at Hogwarts, I would have avoided to swim in normal clothes..." She laughed. If I had been in Hogwarts...that might've been fun... "If only I had been there to assist you; I would have made you one just like mine." Raven said quietly, imagining the difficulty in swimming with the full weight of a Hogwarts school uniform.

"Alright, let's hurry to the pool...."

Raven made for the door to open it for Aislynn when she beat her to it.

"...just need ten minutes to prepare before the dinner is ready,"

Raven nodded wordlessly as she passed through the door. This is wrong; I should be opening the door for her. A human should never serve an angel; it should be the other way around. She thought with her eyes to the floor. She was surprised when Aislynn suddenly took her hand and pulled her quickly to the hallway that lead to the pool. After she got over the initial surprise, she ran quickly with little effort.

Raven watched as Aislynn threw off her towels and entered the pool, her expression worried. Won't the water make the suit cling to me even more? she thought as she stared at the water. Subconsciously, Raven used her magic to catch the towels that Aislynn had thrown off, and they folded themselves on one of the six black pool lounge chairs.

"It is so fun..." She grinned invitingly towards Raven and conjured colorful beach ball and several inflatable bath toys.

Raven translated this as a polite order to enter as well, and walked toward the edge of the pool, looking at the bottom with a blank expression.

"The pizza one is my favorite."

Raven walked a certain distance away from Aislynn, skirting around the edge of the pool, until she was perhaps ten feet away. Then she turned around, her back to the pool and her heels at the edge, and extended her wings. The fabric of her swimsuit tore, but mended itself effortlessly, and Raven took a deep breath. Then, she fell backward into the pool, making a massive splash and sending water in every direction. She sunk to the bottom and lay there, staring up at the surface of the water, on which the sun was reflected. She sighed, relaxed, and watched the air bubbles float to the surface. I forgot angels can breathe underwater... Raven thought with a small smile. This is lovely...And it's so quiet down here...

With a start, Raven sat up, then quickly swam to the surface. "Aislynn...I am deeply sorry; I neglected to inform you that angles can breathe underwater!" she said hurriedly in an apologetic tone, certain that Aislynn had been worried. "I was merely enjoying the silence and serenity underwater!"

"If you wish..." Raven said quietly. "...You could temporarily have that power. I could let you use it for up to an hour, and it doesn't have to be all at once like Gillyweed. But, the moment your time underwater totals one hour, it will fade off. "

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn did not flinch when she heard a splash some ten feet behind her. She was used to it since she had been at private pools for witches at the Magical Spa in the Serpentine Village so many times. She turned around to look but she could not see Raven anywhere at the surface.

huh? Aislinn was confused. Perhaps Raven is below the surface? Well, she is actually not a human... She thought as she half laid on the inflatable pizza look alike toy and splashed around in the pool. She could swim, though she preferred to play whenever she was in a pool. Hmm...there's no slide?

"Aislynn...I am deeply sorry; I neglected to inform you that angles can breathe underwater!" Raven said hurriedly in an apologetic tone, nearly startling Aislinn because she had not been prepared that Raven suddenly would appear at the surface. "I was merely enjoying the silence and serenity underwater!"

"Oh...that's alright..." Aislinn laughed.

"If you wish..." Raven said quietly. "...You could temporarily have that power. I could let you use it for up to an hour, and it doesn't have to be all at once like Gillyweed. But, the moment your time underwater totals one hour, it will fade off. "

"Eh..." Aislinn slightly frowned at the thought about being underwater for one hour. "No thanks..." She said without even thinking a second about it. "But could you create a water slide for me, please? A really big one!" She looked so excited about the thought of a water slide that she nearly forgot that it was not actually her place, but the home of Alastair's parents.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

“Of course.” Raven said, bowing her head to Aislynn. She raised her hand, preparing to conjure one, then lowered her hand uncertainly. “What color would you prefer?” she asked, wishing to ascertain Aislynn’s preferences before beginning.

“Hmm.” She nodded. “And, do you want it straight and simple, or long with lots of curves and turns?” she asked, trying to picture it.

“I understand.” She nodded finally, raising both her hands with a clear picture in mind.

She conjured a very large, sturdy slide for Aislynn, just the way she had asked for it: perfect. “Is this alright?” Raven asked, gazing up at the slide as water flowed from the bottom of it into the pool. She had also conjured stairs with a railing, which lead up to the top of the tall slide.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"All colors," Aislinn laughed. "Like a rainbow hehehe..."

“Hmm.” Raven nodded. “And, do you want it straight and simple, or long with lots of curves and turns?” she asked, trying to picture it.

"Of course, long and tall with lot of curves and turns!"

“I understand.” Raven nodded finally, raising both her hands and conjured a very large, sturdy slide for Aislinn, just the way she had asked for it.

“Is this alright?” Raven asked, gazing up at the slide as water flowed from the bottom of it into the pool.

"Oh my, wow, thank you, Raven," Aislinn smiled happily and swam over to the edge of the pool. She almost run when she climbed the stairs. "Don't you want to try it out," She called out to Raven before she went up to the top of the slide.

The slide was so long with so many turns and curves that it took nearly three minutes for Aislinn to slide all the way down to the pool and splashed in the water. She looked excited at Raven as she swam around for a couple of seconds before using apparition to get up to the top of the slide once again. She was too lazy to climb the stairs again. She slid down once more and splashed down in the pool again. She kept doing it until she lost count of how many times, she took the slide.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Oh my, wow, thank you, Raven."

She sounds pleased! "You're welcome." Raven smiled modestly. Raven prepared her right hand to catch Aislynn magically as she watched her climb the stairs too quickly. She was relieved when she made it safely to the top.

"Don't you want to try it out," She called.

"Perhaps later, unless you order me to sooner." Raven said in a quiet voice that expressed she had no interest in using it unless if it would make Aislynn happy. Magically, her voice travelled so that Aislynn heard her perfectly, as if she was standing beside her.

She watched Aislynn leave the slide perhaps three minutes later, a contented expression on her face. I have pleased her by making her something to enjoy playing with at the pool. I have done well. Every time a master or mistress is brought happiness because of my actions, I have succeeded.

Once she saw that Aislynn was in no need of the stairs, she stopped preparing to catch her, and returned to the bottom of the pool. There, she relaxed, and conjured two of her Spy Clouds. One watched Alastair, and one watched Aislynn.

Twenty-five or so minutes later, Raven surfaced, and spoke to Aislynn as soon as she slid out of the bottom of the slide. "Alastair will summon you in eleven minutes. " she said informatively. "Would you like me to help you prepare yourself?" I could assist you with your hair and perhaps a dress, if you do not already have one that she loves.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Eleven minutes you say..." Aislinn said thoughtfully as she swam around in circles before swimming to edge of the pool.

"You could fix my hair, please," She said as she picked up her neatly folded towels to cover her body and get dry.

"I am going to wear the off-shoulder dress...." She wondered what kind of hairstyle would suit, debating if she should let her hair down or put it up in a bun, before using apparition to get back to her chosen bedroom.

"I'd like to try a braided bun with my bangs down," Aislinn announced to Raven, after spending five minutes in the shower and two minutes with dressing. Her dress had a flowy skirt that reached to her knees and, a moderate neckline and short sleeves formed in an off-shoulder style. To it she wore a pair of black simple flats. "A bun up here..." She gestured at her head. "...with a braid around the bun. Do you think that will be possible, since I have not cut my hair after the visit in China?"

She had decided for a hair bun instead for just letting her hair down. It would be perhaps boring if I just have my hair down. I want to be beautiful...The finest for me he always says...then I'll be the finest for him as well.... She thought with a smile as she blushed at the same time.

While Aislinn sat down, in front of the mirror at the dressing table, to get her hair done, she colored her nails with Witchy Wonder Black Nail Polish. The difference between wizarding nail polish and muggle nail polish, was that the former one, as soon as it was applied at nails, dried within one second of time.

"Oh, by the way...do you think dark red lips would suit my attire?" Aislinn asked when Raven had done her hair. She had already applied make up to her eyes, winged eyeliner as usual. She was holding a lipstick in her hand, looking at Raven's reflection in the mirror for advice as if Raven was her mother.

It was a magical kind of lipstick, that never wore off and remained at one's lips without giving any weird taste or leaving any trace when eating, drinking or kissing.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"You could fix my hair, please..."

"Of course. " Raven said, getting out by using the stairs located near the shallower end of the pool, and then extending her wings. She flew up, into the air, onto a cloud, and then flapped her wings a few times, creating powerful gusts of wind. Some feet away from Aislynn, water dripped on the floor heavily, as if it was raining only in that one spot. That's it. The wind is drying me perfectly. Of course, I will need to bathe later, so that the Chlorine from the pool does not effect my skin. All of this took merely a half-second, and then Raven was beside Aislynn.

"I am going to wear the off shoulder dress...."

Raven nodded, picturing Aislynn's dress, but floor-length, and with a simple black choker at Aislynn's neck. She should most certainly have a bun...Not too low...And perhaps with a few hair ornaments...She gave Aislynn three minutes, and then entered her room, her eyes to the floor. She closed the door, and stood very still. When Aislynn emerged from the bathroom, Raven was standing with her back to the bathroom, facing the bed with her hands folded and her eyes closed, having wished to give Aislynn as much privacy as possible while still being on stand-by.

"I'd like to try a braided bun with my bangs down," Aislynn announced.

"May I turn around?" Raven asked, not allowing her eyes to open.

Alastair had set the table with the best silverware and plates that his parents had stored away for only their best guests, and surveyed the display of food with sharp eyes. Water...food...napkins... he thought, checking off a mental-checklist. Candles...rose petals scattered about the floor...Those are all evening things...No one would want them at...Four in the afternoon. he referenced the current time, 4:12. Clapping his hands together once, he had an idea. Music would be perfect! No too fast...something elegant and relaxing...passionate, but not too dominating...more in the background than the forefront. He put something lovely on, conjuring enchanted instruments to play music.
"That should do nicely." Alastair nodded, turning to stare out at the water.

I wonder what she will be wearing? And her hair? What sort of colour will decorate her soft lips? I am obsessing over her again...I really should stop that... he thought, with the slight shake of his head. To distract himself, he conjured a vine with thorns on it, which wound itself around one of the nearby pillars. From it, bloomed black roses; one of Luna's favorites, as well as his. He walked closer to the vine, extending a soft hand to feel the soft petals of the rose. So soft...just like your skin... he thought with longing eyes. He traced his finger along the vine until it reached a thorn, freezing. With a determined face, he pressed his finger to the thorn, drawing blood from his pain. He allowed it to rest there for a second, then removed his finger, staring at the three drops of blood that had appeared with a blank expression. Thorns that protect...That keep enemies away...

"A bun up here..." She gestured at her head. "...with a braid around the bun. Do you think that will be possible, since I have not cut my hair after the visit in China?"

"Of course; anything is possible, if you wish it." Raven said obediently, nearing Aislynn. "Please, have a seat." she gestured to the chair in front of the mirror.

Raven styled her hair perfectly, although she used magic, which, in her opinion, meant that Alastair was better at it than her.

"Oh by the way...do you think dark red lips would suit my attire?" Aislynn asked once Raven had finished.

"You are asking my opinion?" Raven asked, feeling honored. She paused a moment. "Permit me to think out loud." she said, before gently extending her hand to hold Aislynn's. She took a look at it, before adding a ring to Aislynn's left hand. "A ring would nicely compliment your nail polish. On your left hand so that your right hand can move without constrictions." she explained, conjuring a ring that looked as if red and blue stars were slowly swirling around inside it:

"And for your neck, a plan black choker, just a simple band, really..." she conjured one made of silk. "And, yes, red lips would be lovely... with your already perfect eye makeup. Would you mind if they were outlined with black lip liner?" Raven asked, tilting her head to the side as if she was picturing it clearly and was trying to figure out how she could make Aislynn see it as well.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"You are asking my opinion?" Raven asked, feeling honored.

"Yes," Aislinn replied with a smile.

Raven paused a moment.

"Permit me to think out loud." she said, before gentle extending her hand to hold Aislinn's.

"A ring would nicely compliment your nail polish. On your left hand so that your right hand can move without constrictions." Raven explained, conjuring a ring that looked as if red and blue stars were slowly swirling around inside it.

"Oh..." Aislinn examined the ring which was resting on her left palm.

"And for your neck, a plan black choker, just a simple band, really..." Raven conjured one made of silk. "And, yes, red lips would be lovely... with your already perfect eye makeup. Would you mind if they were outlined with black lip liner?" She asked, tilting her head to the side as if she was picturing it clearly and was trying to figure out how she could make Aislinn see it as well.

"A thin outline with black and the black shall fade into the red... that will be beautiful, don't you agree?" Aislinn replied with an exciting look in her eyes. "But...I am going to wear this ring on my right hand..." She held up the ring before putting it on her right ring finger. "I would only wear a ring on my left hand when...uhm..." She blushed deeply when the thought crossed her mind. "...Uhm never mind..." She mumbled as she turned away from Raven to face the mirror.

When Aislinn had applied the final make up on her lips, she took the simple black silk ribbon and tied it around her neck with a simple bow at the back of her neck. It made unexpectedly a beautiful touch to her neck tattoo.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"A thin outline with black and the black shall fade into the red...that will be beautiful, don't you agree?" Aislynn replied.

"Yes, that is exactly what I wished to express." Raven said, thankful that Aislynn had worded it so perfectly.

"But...I am going to wear this ring on my right hand...I would only wear a ring on my left hand when...uhm..."

Raven sighed inwardly at the sight of Aislynn's blushing. Only if she was wearing an engagement ring or a wedding ring...She blushes because she thinks of Alastair...

"You look wonderful." Raven smiled when Aislynn was finished. I didn't know that you had those... she thought as she interestedly eyed the tattoo at her neck. Most Wizarding tattoos move, so that means you got these...Never mind...

"You look ready to go. I do hope you enjoy your dinner." Raven smiled, giving Aislynn a small bow. I have done my job correctly...And now, I shall rest...Until they need something, I don't exist. No one likes a third wheel...They exist when they are pitied, and are invited to tag along to places they aren't needed...

The table was located under a gazebo, with three different views depending on the angle. On the south-east side, there was the infinity pool. The north-west and north-east sides, there was the ocean. On the south-west side, there was the patio and lawn, and the back of the house which led to the pool. The gazebo itself was made of maple wood, and the table was and chairs were made of wrought iron. Alastair had placed a white tablecloth over the table, and vanished five chairs, leaving three. He had added white pillows on the backs of the chairs, and cushions on the seats, so that the wrought iron didn't make their backs sore.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Well, it is thanks to you for helping to style me as well," Aislinn replied gratefully

"You look ready to go. I do hope you enjoy your dinner." Raven smiled, giving her a small bow.

"You think so?" Aislinn smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror for the last time. "Well then, I wish you to escort me to the dining room, please..." She said firmly as if she was giving Raven an order, though she was thinking about something else.

…And perhaps she can sit with us? She thought for herself. Alastair never mentioned it as a dinner date and usually dinner dates suit evenings better than afternoons. I only wish for his company and none else to be around us when it is a dinner date. Though as long as it is not a dinner date, I won't mind her company. She is not a house elf to be shooed away to a kitchen or somewhere else to stay outside a dinner. She is more an equal even if she is a different being...but how will I persuade her? She declined to try out the pool slide...oh of course, I have to order her...

"Still using muggle transportation?" Alexander spoke with a hint of arrogance in his voice. "Well, I am thankful that you have started using a helmet at least." I am surprised that he has come to his senses and saved me all the worries about our wizarding world... And he was indeed feeling revealed about it though he was too proud to ever consider about using muggle products.

"What do you want?"

"To wish you a pleasant evening and give you this..." He handed over an envelope.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Well then, I wish you to escort me to the dining room, please..." She said firmly.

"I assumed this was your vacation, my mistress." Raven said, her head still lowered as she bowed to Aislynn. "Please, enjoy it with Alastair..." She waited a second, then stood up straight. "If you truly wish to add me as a third guest to the lunch, please make your order clear." Raven said. "I will only come if it will improve your lunch to have me with you." Her face showed that she didn't wish to intrude, unless she was ordered to come. Miss Aislynn, there really is no need for me to join you. Please enjoy yourself...Don't think....about me...