Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Hikari Chan]

"I am ordering you to escort me to the dinner room!" Aislinn tried to keep out the irritation from her voice as she gave Raven a tired look. "No more or less." She paused for a second, wondering how to persuade Raven to come with her.

Seriously, what's the matter with her? I simply gave her an order to escort me to the dinner room and not an invitation to join me at the table...I did not tell her what I was thinking actually....She isn’t reading my thoughts, is she?....I hope she does not, or I'll be really mad at her because my thoughts are my own and I wish to have some privacy....

"I am your mistress and you are supposed to obey my order, aren't you? You have promised to serve me, Raven." Aislinn continued. "If there are only two chairs at the table, you may leave me and Alastair alone. Now, escort me to the dinner room, please, and don't make me repeat my words!" She crooked arms with Raven and literary led her out from the bedroom.

Aislinn knew where the dinner room was located though she wished Raven to come with her for other reasons.

"Do you think the eleven minutes have already passed, or are we too early?" She asked Raven as soon as they both had entered the beginning of the middle corridor.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I am ordering you to escort me to the dinner room!" Aislynn said, giving Raven a tired look. "No more or less."

Raven's eyes widened slightly; surprised. She really wants me to join her, which means she enjoys my company...On the other hand, I have made her weary, which means I have done the opposite of a good job...It doesn't matter if I do a perfect job, if, at the end, she is irritated.

"I am your mistress and you are supposed to obey my order, aren't you? You have promised to serve me, Raven...If there are only two chairs at the table, you may leave me and Alastair alone. Now, escort me to the dinner room, please, and don't make me repeat my words!" She crooked arms with Raven and literally led her out from the bedroom.

"I understand. I regret irritating you, my mistress." Raven said apologetically as her dress straightened itself out and a conjured hairbrush brushed her hair, putting it up into an elegant bun with a fringe to cover her eye.

Within eight minutes precisely, the salad and guacamole were cooling in the fridge, the tortillas had been toasted slightly, and the aromatic chicken filling had been made with lots of spices and more cilantro. Alastair had made six chimichangas, which had been deep-fried in corn oil. After frying, he had placed them on a wire rack to drain the excess oil, before placing two on each of the three plates he had set out. Next to them he put a portion of sour cream, guacamole, tomato onion salad, and a bowl of creamed corn soup for each person, and had proceeded to levitate them onto the dining table. He had used heating spells to ensure their fresh, hot taste when his guests arrived. In addition, he placed two jugs with cooling spells on them; iced water and spicy tomato juice.

It has been precisely thirty-eight minutes since I parted from Aislynn. It shouldn't have taken so long to prepare a meal as simple as this! he thought, staring at his pocket watch in frustration. That's nearly forty minutes...two-thirds of an hour....unacceptable. She must be uncomfortable with hunger...

Preparing to send Aislynn a patronus message, he raised his hand, and the spectral serpent appeared, awaiting his message.

"Do you think the eleven minutes have already passed, or are we too early?" She asked Raven.

Raven was about to respond that they were right on schedule as Alastair's patronus snake reached them:

My lady; I have completed our lunch. Please meet me at the outdoor dining area, which can be accessed by walking along the left side of the pool. Within a short time, you will reach a charming gazebo that is hard to miss. Please bring Ms. Ravenna along with you, as I have set the table for three...I apologize for the delay. His voice finished, switching from informatively fast to slowly apologetic for the last sentence.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Oh, Alastair is waiting for us both," Aislinn smiled, giving Raven a look that was clearly saying that joining her at the dinner was not only her order.

Aislinn nearly dragged Raven with her as she walked fast, following Alastair's directions to the dining room.

"Oh...what a lovely surprise," Aislinn exclaimed happily towards Alastair as she neared the beautiful gazebo where a table was elegantly set for three.

She was still clinging to Raven's arm as if she had been worried that Raven would soundlessly and secretly leave her before reaching the outdoor dining room.

Aislinn looked hungrily at mysterious and delicious looking food. She had never tried Mexican food before, and it was something very new for her. I am so curious about how this taste... She thought, her mouth watering. She nearly made a move towards the table as if she wanted to take a seat, still clutching Raven's arm in hers, but then she stopped in her tracks. Aislinn, you are not at your grandmother's place... She reminded herself. ...perhaps Alastair expect me to wait for him to tell me when to take a seat...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Oh Alastair is waiting for us both," Aislynn smiled, giving Raven a look that was clearly saying that joining her at the dinner was not only her order.

Raven lowered her gaze, blushing. She was visibly embarrassed that she had given Aislynn so much trouble, having been convinced that she wasn't wanted. Inwardly, she was honored that Alastair had set the table for three. And he was thinking of me, even as he is focused on showing Aislynn a good time...

Aislynn nearly dragged Raven with her as she walked fast, following Alastair's directions to the dining room.

"I'm coming, I promise!" Raven said quickly as she ran behind Aislynn, who didn't seem to hear her.

Alastair watched in amusement, his face soft, as he saw the two ladies nearing the gazebo. It looks like Ravenna felt insecure again...How kind of Aislynn to drag her here...And how lovely she looks tonight. Even more beautiful than I anticipated.

"Oh...what a lovely surprise," Aislynn exclaimed happily towards Alastair as she neared the beautiful gazebo where a table was elegantly set for three.

"Good afternoon, my lady. How charming you look." Alastair smiled, stepping off the platform of the gazebo to greet Aislynn. He bowed to both ladies, then kissed Aislynn's hand. "Have you ever indulged in Mexican food before?" he asked as he pulled out a chair for Aislynn at the end of the right side of the table. He then pulled out a chair in the middle of the table for Raven, then took a seat himself at the left side, across from Aislynn. "I do hope you enjoy the food." Alastair said elegantly, gesturing to the lunch with a 'please, begin' gesture.

"What do you think, my lady?" Alastair asked once she had tried everything.

"Lovely." he smiled, pleased. "And you, Ravenna?"

Raven looked at Alastair gratefully. "It is so lovely. I especially love the aromatic spices that give the meal such a lovely flavor." she smiled, then taking a sip of the tomato juice.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"No," Aislinn replied with an exciting smile, as she took her seat, the look of her face telling that she was very curious about Mexican food. "I have not..." She was feeling excited to taste something quite new.

"I do hope you enjoy the food." Alastair said elegantly, gesturing to the lunch with a 'please, begin' gesture.

She looked briefly at the food, counting everything mentally. Ah, so I can have two of these... She thought hungrily when she saw the chimichangas. That was the first thing she tasted. The savory taste of something fried filled with chicken and lovely spices melted deliciously in her mouth. She then tried out the green looking salad. There was a familiar taste. She took another bite and a third till she recognized it. It was the taste of avocado. She devoured a full spoon of soup before tasting the tomato drink, unable to resist to drink half the glass.

"What do you think, my lady?" Alastair asked once she had tried everything.

"It tastes like heaven, so delicious indeed," Aislinn smiled gratefully.

"Lovely." he smiled, pleased. "And you, Ravenna?"

"It is so lovely. I especially love the aromatic spices that give the meal such a lovely flavor." Raven smiled, then taking a sip of the tomato juice.

Aislinn on the other hand had already finished her glass of tomato juice and was proceeding with her second chimichanga. She topped it with sour cream for every bite she took.

"Will there be any dessert?" She asked excitingly after she discreetly had wiped of her mouth with a napkin. She suddenly blushed of embarrassment when she realized that she got carried away a bit when asking for dessert. Merlin's beard, I still have not finished my soup or salad and I ask for dessert...how could I allow myself to get carried away like this... She thought as she took a sip of water before resuming her soup. She had a habit of a very young age to always start with the dessert before the main dish. This has always made her to an odd student at Hogwarts. When she got older, she had tried to eat like a normal person, though there was always a longing to have some dessert before or in the middle of a meal and therefore she could easily fall into her old habit sometimes.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair ate very slowly, enjoying the sight of Aislynn savoring her meal with an explainable satisfaction. It is such a success...I am so pleased I was able to make her happy again...

"Will there be any dessert?" She asked excitingly.

Alastair froze with a bite of guacamole at the tip of his fork, then put it down on his plate gently, his expression emotionless. How can she not...Of course, she does not know...Very well, I must educate her now to avoid a problem later... "The star of the meal is a Mexican dish called Chimichangas, which are deep-fried, my lady." Alastair explained gently. "If you were to indulge in any kind of dessert too soon, you would most certainly end up sickened, and I would not wish for your first experience to become ruined. I can prepare any dessert you wish for after dinner tonight." he finished lovingly. I do hope that she does not think I am exaggerating! Even if one has a high tolerance for sweets, that amount of oil and too much sugar is certain to upset the stomach... he thought, worried that he had, perhaps, come across as overprotective rather than knowledgeable.

"Very well. Thank you." he nodded when she said that she understood, before taking a sip of his tomato juice.

When they were almost done eating, Alastair spoke up. "What would you like to do after we complete our meal, my lady?" he asked. I will be willing to oblige most requests...Unless, of course, she wishes for me to join her in the pool. Thus far, I have avoided doing so, going to great lengths to ensure that she swam alone, and I was occupied...My scars would be such a problem...I don't think I feel comfortable with her seeing them just yet...And I cannot go on using that serum, with the price of it, and all of the people I still have to pay back from our recent outings.

How childish... Raven thought, surprised at Aislynn's comment. I didn't expect for her to let her words slip so foolishly. It starts to happen in a relationship when people begin to feel comfortable around each other...And less like they have to strive to impress them all the time with perfect words and an impossibly perfect attitude...So she's starting to feel comfortable around him? But he...he hasn't slipped up once; he has never stopped showing her his perfection at every turn...And he's trying so hard to gain her approval...The approval she already has, wordlessly, given him...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Aha, I understand," Aislinn blushed once more, feeling ashamed that she bluntly had asked for dessert without thinking. I must learn to be more polite with Alastair and speak to him respectfully... She thought for herself.

"Very well. Thank you." Alastair nodded, before taking a sip of his tomato juice.

"You're welcome..." She spoke quietly with a small smile before resuming with eating her soup.

When they were almost done eating, Alastair spoke up. "What would you like to do after we complete our meal, my lady?" he asked.

"Well uhm..." Aislinn went speechless for a second. What to do after the meal? She blushed deeply as her thoughts happened to wander away a little. She mumbled something: "...Piano..." She said it so quickly, realizing that she had only been mumbling and therefore repeated her words in a clear yet polite voice: "May you play some piano music for me, please…?" Her right hand slightly shook a little and her face was red like tomato. I hope that will be fine for him...that he does not expect me to ask about something more... She thought nervously.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Normally, I play the violin, but I also play the piano..." Alastair stated mysteriously, taking the last sip of his tomato juice. "How did you know I played the piano? Have I told you?" he asked, trying to remember if they had spoken about it.

"Of course. I am quite skilled at the piano..." he stated after Aislynn replied. Once again, he said it as a fact; he wasn't boasting. "...Although I rarely play it. If you wish it, then I shall play something lovely for you, my lady." he finished, standing from the table, as they had both completed their meals. "Shall we?" he offered her his arm. "Ravenna, you're welcome to come as well." Alastair said, turning to face Raven before they left, as if he hadn't forgotten her.

"Thank you." Raven said, following them.

As the three of them left, the dishes began clearing themselves, flying away to an already magically cleaned kitchen.

Once they reached the sitting room and everyone had taken a seat; Alastair at the piano bench, he spoke. "Is there any particular song you would like to hear?" he asked, looking at the eighty-eight black and white keys.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I...eh..." Aislinn tried to recall if Alastair ever had told her if he played piano beside violin. My memory...ugh...I cannot remember if Alastair ever had told me what kind of instrument he plays....but he did mention to me once that he plays music...that was at Luna's torture party when he asked me what I like to do at my leisure time.. "...Eh I just thought about the piano in the sitting room and wondered if you could try play some music for me..." She explained.

"Of course. I am quite skilled at the piano..." he stated. "...Although I rarely play it. If you wish it, then I shall play something lovely for you, my lady." he finished, standing from the table, as they had both completed their meals.

"Oh...how sweet of you, I really appreciate it," She smiled gratefully.

"Shall we?" he offered her his arm.

She took his arm wordlessly and smilingly.

They left the dining room, Raven following them, and walked out to the sitting room.

Aislinn took a seat in a comfortable armchair to the left side of the piano so that she could face Alastair's handsome and charming figure. If she had chosen to sit in front of the piano perhaps, she would only had been able to catch a glimpse of his head. The seat behind the piano was out of question as well since she would only be able to see the back of him but not his face.

"Is there any particular song you would like to hear?" he asked, looking at the eighty-eight black and white keys.

"Well...eh...I don't have any idea about a particular song, though I'd love to hear something classic and romantic..." She replied with a smile.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Very well." Alastair nodded, closing his eyes for just a second.

"Alastair." Evelyn smiled, sitting at the piano bench of a white grand piano. "Today you're going to learn a very lovely song. Come here..." she beckoned to a seven-year-old Alastair. "Sit beside me."

Alastair did so, and then Evelyn explained to him how to read music notes.

"Do you understand?" she asked once she finished.

Alastair nodded.

"Now, I will play, and you will watch. Then, you will try to do as I did..."

Alastair opened his eyes and touched the keys, playing a lovely song that had been his favorite for the piano.



Alastair played the entire piece, a distant look in his eyes, as he remembered the feelings that he associated with a piano...The reason he had kept away from them for so long...He had forgotten...

"Have you seen what I have played?" Evelyn asked, removing her hands from the keys to place them in her lap.

Young Alastair nodded.

"Lovely-" she placed a gentle hand on his head, "-now play as I have."

Alastair tried, and he performed the first few notes perfectly, although the tempo was much too slow. Then, he hit an incorrect note after he was supposed to play two notes at once, and his mother's eyes grew disappointed.

"I'm sorry..." Alastair said, stopping.

"That's alright, darling. You can take your time practicing for as long as you need to, to achieve perfection." Evelyn said, standing.

"Thank you..." Alastair said, and he began playing again, only to mess up at the same point.

Evelyn left the room, and Alastair kept practicing.

I will perfect it...And I will make mother happy... he thought as he made it a bit further this time without messing up, only to miss a note three seconds later. Five minutes later, he stood and walked to the door, preparing to call the servants to bring him some cold water: But the door was locked.

"Mother?" Alastair asked, trying the door again. I must be imagining things...This door cannot be... "Mother?" Alastair called again, louder as he grew more alarmed.

He looked around for another way out and found none, then sat back down at the piano, flustered and confused. He stared at the keys, wondering what to do next.

He began playing again, and this time he didn't focus on making the notes perfect; his mind was filled with how to open the locked door. Without noticing it, he played the first bar of music notes better than before, although his tempo was still too slow.

"Alastair; it seems your practice is going well." Evelyn said, opening the door easily. "How far have you gotten without any mistakes?" she asked, leaning over him from behind to look at the book of music notes.

"Here..." Alastair pointed to the end of the first bar.

"Show me..." Evelyn said gently.

Alastair began, and played the first bar; slowly. Evelyn's eyes had a judging look to them, as if she was waiting for him to miss a note.

Alastair finished the first bar, and played one note from the next bar before missing a note and stopping.

"That is all I have learned for now..." Alastair said quietly; apologetically.

"I understand. It had only been an hour; take your time, darling." Evelyn smiled, turning to leave again.

"Mother?" Alastair asked. "Would it be too much trouble to call for the servants? I have grown thirsty, and-" he began politely.

"-That's won't be necessary, my darling." Evelyn smiled softly, turning back to him.

"But I..." Alastair began, trying to express to her the discomfort that had come from the dryness of his throat.

"You're doing well; don't take breaks." Evelyn informed him. "They will only slow your progress down."

But I haven't eaten since breakfast, and I have grown thirsty...How can I make her understand? Alastair thought, looking down.

"You know I love you..." Evelyn said softly, using her index finger to lift his chin so that he faced her. "...Show me that you return that love by not stopping until you have perfected this piece...My favorite..." she said before turning away, walking to the door.

Right before she closed the door on her way out, she added "Tomorrow's my birthday, Alastair. This piece would be your gift to me." And she closed the door firmly, locking it loudly this time.

Alastair looked from the door she had closed to the piano keys many times, eventually sitting down at the piano.

He did not stop until he had played it without error; he played it over, and over, and over...and over again...

Alastair finished, and looked up at Aislynn, the distant look still in his eyes. He was surprised that he hadn't been listening to himself play. He had played the notes to perfection, and they sounded splendid, but he doesn't know that. "....How have I done?" Alastair asked.

A large crowd of elegantly-dressed people, men and women in evening gowns and tuxedos clapped, impressed.

"You did wonderfully, my darling." Evelyn praised. "You have given me a memory that will last several birthdays...Thank you, Alastair." she smiled as she embraced Alastair, who was still seated at the piano bench, wearing a white tuxedo with a golden bow tie. He had dark circles under his eyes, but he was visibly pleased that he had impressed his mother.

"How impressive..." they whispered
"So young..."
"So talented..."

During, Alastair and Evelyn were the talk of the party.

At the end of the night, when the last guest had left, Alastair stood in front of his bedroom door. He looked as if he was about to pass out from exhaustion.

"Darling?" Evelyn smiled, putting her hand on his head lovingly.

He turned to her, and she embraced him once more. Alastair closed his eyes, a wide, contented smile upon his small face.

When Evelyn broke their embrace, Alastair looked down to find more music sheets in his hands. He looked up, but Evelyn was gone.

He turned to his bedroom door, preparing to practice first thing in the morning, and stepped inside. He found himself in the music room, facing the same white grand piano.

He turned to leave, thinking that perhaps he had chosen the wrong room in his drowsiness, but the door was locked.

He tried the door again...

He slammed his fist on the door with all of his strength; not very much since he hadn't slept.

He looked down at the music notes in his hands, and a tear fell on the cover. He crumpled onto the floor, and the music notebook caught more tears.

From her bedroom, Evelyn heard the sounds of the next song she had given him...All night, she heard the notes coming from the music room...

When Aislynn asked if Alastair was alright, he didn't answer, but stared at the keys before beginning another song...The song that his mother had given him on the night he was exhausted.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"...How have I done?" Alastair asked.

"...it was lovely..." Aislinn almost whispered. It had been such a beautiful music that she had almost forgotten to breath during the moment when he had played. She was about to go ahead with praising and thanking him for the beautiful piece of music but then she became speechless when she noticed the distance look in his eyes. She tilted her head a little, bent a little forward in the chair and looked him into his eyes as if she was trying to find an answer.

"...Are you alright, dear?" She asked quietly.

Alastair didn't answer but stared at the keys before beginning another song. Aislinn was about to rose up from her chair but sat down with surprise when he started to play another song.

It was another beautiful song which would have left her nearly breathless as the first one if she had not noticed the distance look in his eyes.

By the distance look in his eyes, I feel like he is going to play on the piano for the eternity...As if he got lost somewhere in another world or recalling a memory from the past. Shall I try to stop him after the fifth song perhaps or let him stop playing on his own accord? Merlin knows how long Alastair will play music on the piano, but yet I feel that I won't be able to ask him to stop if he is associating something, Merlin knows what, with the piano...I just hope he does not exhaust

himself playing the instrument...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Alastair asked after he finished the song. He looked at her, but didn't seem to actually see her. The distant look in his eyes had become deeper, if possible, and it appeared that he was looking through her. There was a pleading tone in his voice, as if he wished more than anything that she would express some contentment after hearing him play.

When she asked him if he was alright, he seemed to ignore her, replying "What would you like to do now? If it will please you, I can play all night...I don't have to take breaks; it's fine...But if you wish to return to the pool, or relax in the bath; the choice is yours." he said. His tone suggested that he only cared for what she wished to do. He wanted her to have a good time, and that was all that mattered.

What is wrong with him? Raven thought, deeply concerned. His eyes aren't right. Are they going to change color again, or is he being affected by something that has already happened?

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Alastair asked after he finished the song. There was a pleading tone in his voice, as if he wished more than anything that Aislinn would express some contentment after hearing him play.

Enjoying myself? Aislinn thought confused, almost staring at him with shock because she had not been expecting him to speak that way. Enjoying myself...myself? What's the matter with him? Whenever we are together, I expect us to enjoy things together...Isn't he enjoying playing piano music?

She looked at him with a frown, clearly noticing the distant look which had become deeper in his eyes.

"Are you alright...?" She asked, trying to give him a penetrating look like he used to give her, but to the contrary she looked more scared and uncomfortable because he was nearly looking through her.

"I am fine," He replied convincingly, his tone calm. “What would you like to do now? If it will please you, I can play all night...I don't have to take breaks; it's fine...But if you wish to return to the pool or relax in the bath; the choice is yours." he said. His tone suggested that he only cared for what she wished to do. He wanted her to have a good time, and that was all that mattered.

She was taken by great astonishment that she almost got speechless of shock. He says he is fine, but... She looked at him wordlessly, her lips slightly parted, as if she was trying to find clues behind the distant look in his eyes. I came here to have a good time with him, not enjoying it by myself. I have already been in the pool and I won't take a bath until one or two hours before bedtime. Besides...who the bloody hell plays piano all night long without taking any breaks.... a demon? but even a demon like him needs to rest... She thought as she quickly rose up from her chair and walked over to him. I have a feeling that he is not being himself...Is that piano cursed?

Aislinn nearly squeezed herself beside Alastair on the piano bench which seemed to hold a place for one and a half person. They were sitting so close to each other, that she felt his left arm and left leg against hers.

"I would like to try myself!" She blurted out without thinking, her heart beating faster than usual.

She pressed some white keys first and then tried out the black keys, having no idea about what she was doing. Merlin’s beard...I cannot play at all... She thought as she kept pressing her fingers randomly at the keys, mostly at the white ones, with a moderate fast pace.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

When Aislynn rose from her seat and neared him, Alastair moved aside on the bench to give her some space. Still, an arm and leg touched; the bench has been intended for his mother and his younger self.

"I would like to try myself!" She blurted out.

Alastair clearly recalled the night when she had told him that she did not play a musical instrument. After a minute of her playing, he put his left hand on top of hers, wordlessly telling her it was alright to stop. "There is nothing wrong with the piano. " he said, looking into her eyes. "There is nothing wrong...with me...Please...Tell me what I'm doing wrong...You don't look happy...Why?" The string of words came with a concerned voice as he looked into her eyes, yet through her at the same time.

Meanwhile, Raven was in a silent battle with herself, although her face only showed a normal look. Should I read his mind and find out what happened? What is happening now? He wouldn't want me to...But Aislynn is in emotional distress as well...How...Ah! Perhaps, if she ordered me to, I could find out what was wrong with Alastair for her! But...she wouldn't want to sacrifice his privacy, would she? Maybe if she thought he was in trouble and needed help?

"I don't matter!" Alastair said. His voice wasn't raised in the slightest; his tone was passionate for Aislynn. "I only want to see you happy! All I want....please...", his tone had changed back to pleading "...Just smile, for me. If you are pleased, than so am I. It doesn't matter what I have to do as long as you don't stop smiling."

"My happiness is not important. It is a gentleman's job to ensure that his lady is happy; if he cannot do that, he is worthless. " And now his tone changed to the tone he used to explain things normally "If you are in love with someone, and you do not enjoy yourself whenever you are with them, will you not leave them? So, can you understand why your happiness is the only one that matters, in the end?"
The moment Aislynn touched him, he fell unconscious, falling backward onto the piano bench. He was about to hit his head when Raven slowed him down and gently laid him down.

"How can I assist you, mistress?" Raven asked, standing up now.

 

[Hikari Chan]

After a minute of her playing, Alastair put his left hand on top of Aislinn, wordlessly telling her it was alright to stop. Her hand nearly froze, and she met his eyes embarrassed.

"There is nothing wrong with the piano." he said, looking into her eyes. "There is nothing wrong...with me...Please...Tell me what I'm doing wrong...You don't look happy...Why?"

"I... I....." She suddenly began to stutter. No, you were not doing anything wrong, you were playing a lovely music of course... She thought. And there is nothing wrong with the piano...I can sense that.... but....

"But you are not looking fine at all!" She burst out.

"I don't matter!" Alastair said. His voice wasn't raised in the slightest; his tone was passionate for Aislinn. "I only want to see you happy! All I want.... please...", his tone had changed back to pleading "...Just smile, for me. If you are pleased, then so am I. It doesn't matter what I have to do as long as you don't stop smiling."

"But what about you? How can I smile when you are not smiling in first place?!" She retorted, trying to keep out the furious tone from her voice. She had nearly lost her patience because his words were not making sense to her at all. Her lower lip was shivering, and her face was flushing red. It angered her that he was degrading himself.

"My happiness is not important. It is a gentleman's job to ensure that his lady is happy; if he cannot do that, he is worthless." and now his tone changed to the tone he used to explain things normally "If you are in love with someone, and you do not enjoy yourself whenever you are with them, will you not leave them? So, can you understand why your happiness is the only one that matters, in the end?"

"No! I do not understand that! You are worthless if you keep degrading yourself like this!" She burst out; tears were streaming down her face. She was not screaming, and she had not raised her voice the slightest, but there was a shivering tone in her voice. "How am I supposed to be happy when you are not? Your happiness matters to me as my happiness matters to you. I...." She nearly lost her voice for a mere second. "...I also wish to please you as you wish to please me..." Her voice was growing thicker as her tears continued to stream down her cheeks. "...I.....you.... you were not looking fine while playing......" She went quiet for another second as she tried to find words for what she wanted to say. "I respect your privacy, if .....if you don't want to tell me what was bothering you...but....but whatever it was...I beg you to stop....I don't want to hear any piano music if it keeps bothering you because I cannot be happy if you are not. You played two lovely songs, but I could not enjoy the second one when I saw the agonizing look in your eyes......Please..." She put her hand on his shoulder as if she wanted to tell him to leave the piano.

Alastair fell unconscious, falling backward onto the piano bench. He was about to hit his head when Raven slowed him down and gently put him down.

"How can I assist you, mistress?" Raven asked, standing up now.

Aislinn was staring at Alastair with shock as if she could not believe her eyes. Did I say to much...? She thought anxiously, standing up and twisting her hands.

"Please put him atop of a bed... I'll take care of him..." She said, already walking towards the corridor which led to the bedrooms, expecting Raven to carry Alastair and follow her.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Please put him atop of a bed....I'll take care of him..." She said, already walking out of the room.

"Yes, mistress." Raven said, levitating Alastair to the bedroom that Aislynn had not vacated; Alastair's. "Is there anything else you wish of me?" Raven asked.

"May I remain with you? Perhaps I could help you get your mind off of Alastair until he feels better? It would do you no good to worry about him the entire time." she said reasonably, attempting to think of a way to relax Aislynn.

Alastair walked through the hallways of the manor, looking for his mother. He had just returned from when he had run away, and knew he had to meet his mother to confirm his choice. He had to save the next child from her cruel rein, even if he had to endure it himself instead. He neared his mother's bedroom; he assumed she would be there, since it was late in the night. He was about to knock on her door when he heard a male voice that was not his father's, emanating from her room.

"Whenever I near you, I can tell exactly what you want...But you do not want it from me...You cannot stop thinking of Alastair, can you?" the male voice said, disappointed.

Silence.

"Perhaps, if you wear this blindfold, you can pretend that I am Alastair?" the voice suggested. It sounded like he was smiling as he spoke in a silky voice.

"If I pretended that you were Alastair, I would make him apologize for leaving me..." Evelyn's voice said sadly. "And then I would make him prove his repentance." she finished coldly.

"How?" the male voice asked.

Outside the door, Alastair strained to listen to Evelyn's next words, which were spoken quietly. From them, he only heard the words "....piano....collar....leash....break."

"What if he was here now?"

"I would make him do that until the dawn." Evelyn sighed, as if it would be the most perfect thing to watch for her.

"He is here, at this very moment. Just outside this door."

Outside, Alastair froze, his eyes widening. He turned quickly to leave, but the bedroom door had already opened.

Cerberus stood tall in a loosely tied night robe, and before Alastair had time to react, he had pulled him into his mother's room by the back of his collar.

"Alastair!" Evelyn exclaimed, both shocked and pleased. She sat up straight on her bed, and put a hand to her mouth in surprise, blinking to make sure she was truly seeing him there before her.

"Kneel to this lovely lady. She is nothing less than a queen." Cerberus ordered, pulling Alastair down into a kneeling position by his shoulders.

Alastair kept his face to the floor; he still had not looked directly into his mother's eyes, since he had returned.

Evelyn stood up and walked over to them, and Cerberus let go of Alastair, taking a step back.

"Alastair...are you truly back here?" Evelyn asked. She was bending over, using her index finger to raise his face to meet hers.

Alastair said nothing, his eyes remained glued to the floor.

"It is you..." Evelyn breathed. "Tell me, why have you returned?"

You know why...you gave me the reason in the first place.... Alastair thought angrily. But I have come here to play my part. I must play it well... He looked up into his mother's hurt eyes, and spoke softly; apologetically. "I have returned to repent for leaving. "

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up, surprised.

"Please-" Alastair said, standing up straight, and Evelyn followed "-tell me how I may repent for my disobedience..."

"Alastair..." Evelyn whispered, embracing him suddenly. "...do you truly mean those words?" Her voice sounded close to tears, and it sounded as if she already believed him.

"Yes....mother." Alastair forced himself to say, while maintaining his apologetic tone.

"I'm so happy you said that." Evelyn backed away, and her familiar smile was back. "Play piano for me."

Alastair nodded obediently, and turned away to go to the piano, expecting her to follow him. Out of nowhere, he felt a tug at his neck, as if something was holding him back. Alastair turned around, and saw a strong, black leash, gripped firmly in his mother's hand. It trailed from her hand to his neck, where a strong choker was fastened; it looked like a dog's collar. "Wh-" Alastair began, fearfully about to exclaim 'What is this?'.

Before he could finish, the grand piano appeared in his mother's bedroom, in a puff of smoke.

"I want you to play all night, until the dawn comes...Without taking a break, my darling." Evelyn smiled, gently pulling Alastair back into the room, to the piano, and then sitting down on her bed with the leash still in hand.

The piano was arranged so that Evelyn could see his profile as he played; the piano bench was near the headboard of the bed.

"May I watch?" Cerberus smiled, sprawling on top of the piano. He lay on his side, facing Alastair, with one arm bent to support his head, and his left leg bent slightly.

“Of course.” Evelyn smiled, sitting on the bed.

“What shall I play for you, mother?” Alastair asked, staring at the keys.

“Hmm…play…” she thought “…play whatever you are feeling at this moment. If the song portrays a certain feeling that you feel now, do not hesitate to play it.” She explained.

“I understand.” Alastair nodded, calmly placing his hands above the keys.

“At this point in time, we’re likely to be hearing some very angry music.” Cerberus sighed, eyeing Alastair as if he saw through his act. His words were not loud enough to reach Evelyn.

Alastair’s lips tightened slightly, but he did not falter as he began to play a very calm, charming song. If there was to be an emotion behind it, it would be a calm, graceful serenity.

"Mother...He is basically lying to you through song. He feels anger and resentment." Cerberus informed Evelyn.

Evelyn stared at Alastair as if trying to determine for herself whether he was lying or not. She gave a harsh tug to the leash, which made Alastair stop playing and look at her. "Play your feelings, Alastair." she said, as if she was disappointed in him. "Don't lie to me anymore."

Alastair looked at her for a moment, as if deciding what to do, then turned back to the keys. He began slowly, like a waltz. And then, the song drastically changed. His hands blurred as he played quickly, his music frenzied. It went up and down with an impossible rhythm, and if you had to label it as an emotion, it would have to be anger... and sadness... His pain, all in one song. When he finished, he looked at Evelyn. 'Is this what you wanted?' his gaze asked.

"That was so beautiful!" Evelyn remarked, as if it had touched her blackened heart.

Both Cerberus and Alastair were visibly surprised.

"Play just like that...don't stop." she sat back on the bed, preparing to enjoy more of Alastair's dark music.

Alastair played several more songs without stopping, and each one focused more and more on the darker keys of the piano.

Sometime later, Cerberus left. Soon after that, he looked over at Evelyn, who was sleeping. He slowly pulled the leash from her hand, and stood up, preparing to leave the room with the leash trailing behind him.

"What a naughty son you are..." Cerberus smirked. "...She said all night, till dawn." he laughed quietly. "Why don't you play...some more?" he had grabbed the leash, and now he pulled Alastair close to him, looking closely at his face. "Oh..." he fawned "...you look so tired...You should really relax more." he said in a voice laced with fake caring.

"I do not know who you are, and I do not know what you and my mother were doing before I arrived here, but I do know that it is unacceptable for you to treat me thus-" Alastair yanked the handle of the leash away from Cerberus pointedly "-and not have to answer for it later."

"Oh? And suppose I told your mother..." he contemplated for a moment "....that you would like nothing more than to kill he as she sleeps so peacefully in her bed?"

"She most likely already knows that." Alastair said darkly.

"But what if I told her you were planning to do it?" Cerberus smiled. "Perhaps I should wake her up and tell her-" he turned around to advance on Evelyn, preparing to wake her up gently.

"-No." Alastair pleaded.

Cerberus smiled, and turned around slyly. "What will you give me in return for keeping your secret?"

Alastair finally lost the calm persona, and his jaw clenched before answering in an angered voice. "I cannot give you anything. You already have gained my mother's trust which means-"

"-the clothes, the money, the food...the boring stuff." Cerberus shrugged, rolling his eyes as if he didn't view those things as anything special at all. "I want something nice to play with." he said plainly.

"Like...what?" Alastair asked, confused. A ball? A colouring book? He's much too old for toy soldiers and most other toys...What does he-

"What about you?" Cerberus said, holding Alastair's hand up to his face. He glanced at it for a moment before rubbing his cheek across the top of Alastair's hand gently.

Alastair pulled his hand away. "I would rather her know, than have to-" he began in disgust.

"Oh no, not that!" Cerberus laughed. "I mean a dark room with only us two; the sound of your screams emanates as the smell of burning candles waft through the door. " he began dreamily.

"Candle wax?! Farewell!" Alastair said quickly, leaving without another word.

He was gone so quickly that Cerberus could not retort.

"I have an even bigger secret now." Cerberus whispered to Alastair as they all stood up from a family dinner together.

Alastair had been glancing at young Luna every now and then, finally feeling the reward of his choice. He thought that Luna was well worth his suffering.

Later that night, Alastair met with Cerberus in one of the vacant hallways.

"What did you mean earlier?" Alastair asked curtly.

"I know the secret...About you and Luna." he smiled.

Alastair looked over his shoulder, even though everyone was asleep.

"Will you let me play with you now?" Cerberus asked darkly.

Minutes later, Alastair sat on the floor near Cerberus's bed, his hands tied to the lower part of one of the bed pillars.

Cerberus sat in front of him, a white wax candle in his hands.

Alastair only wore a thin black dress shirt and pants. He sat with his eyes closed, his head turned away from Cerberus as much as possible.

He lit the candle deftly, and then tilted it, and the burning hot wax fell, where Cerberus had senselessly cut off the fabric of his lower left leg to expose his skin.

Alastair stifled a pained sound, and then another, as the wax fell quicker now that it was hot.

"How are you feeling right now?" Cerberus asked, looking at Alastair's pained face.

He smiled when Alastair had to resort to biting his lip and shutting his eyes tighter. "It's alright." Cerberus said as he cut off the other pant legs's fabric, below his knee. "Please, cry out for me..." he said, his voice sounding very happy

"....cry out...for me..." his voice echoed. "...you know you're enjoying the pain....as much as I am seeing you in pain...."

Alastair awoke, his heart beating so fast. It was dark outside. The vivid feeling of burning candle wax had remained on his legs, even as he sat there, awake. He got out of bed to find that his shoes, socks, and jacket had been removed. He walked to the bathroom, and began to fill it with cold water, which wasn't very cold because the sun had heated it earlier that day. He put his hand in the water, magically changing the temperature until he was satisfied. A minute later, he sat in the biting cold water, which calmed him immensely. Aislynn must be worried after what happened...Which means she cannot possible be enjoying herself. And there is only one person...to blame.

Fifteen minutes later, Alastair was dressed, and standing at his bedroom door with his hand on the handle. I will go and try to make the best out of the remainder of the night. He thought, determined.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn entered one of the bedrooms, where Raven levitated and put Alastair on a bed.

"Is there anything else you wish of me?" Raven asked when Aislinn proceeded with taking of his shoes.

"…No..." Aislinn replied absent-minded as she tucked his socks in his shoes before putting them away.

Even if taking off his suit jacket was more difficult than she had expected since his unconscious body was heavy, she did not ask Raven for help. She just wished to take care of him by herself. She loosened his tie and hung his suit jacket before covering him with a blanket, making sure that he was laying very comfortable.

Aislinn ran back and forth to her bedroom to bring all the necessities she needed. She was not wearing her wand thus she could not summon everything to her at once. She dabbed Alastair's face with cold water hoping that he would wake up. But it was in vain as she kept dabbing his face for about ten minutes. Checking his pulse calmed her down a little, even if she was crying silently.
Perhaps he needs to sleep a bit... She thought as she caressed his face lovingly.

"May I remain with you? Perhaps I could help you get your mind off of Alastair until he feels better? It would do you no good to worry about him the entire time." Raven said reasonably.

"Fine..." Aislinn shrugged as reply when she closed the door to his bedroom. But even if Raven kept her company, Aislinn could not get her mind off Alastair. She was feeling restless the entire time. She tried to sit in the sitting room, but the sight of the piano reminded her about the earlier incident thus she walked around in the villa, not really paying attention to the interior or decor.

She tried to sit in the dining room, but she had barely sat for five minutes when she rose up and started to walk around, taking another seat, getting up after less than five minutes and walking around again and so on.

It is my fault.... I am so selfish, and it nearly cost his life... She thought, feeling very ashamed. Why the bloody hell did I ask him to play piano music for me? ...how could I forget that this bloody place with every bloody furniture belonged to his parents once?! Oh I am so ignorant and selfish....If I only knew that piano would torment him....If I only knew...And I just went on bombarding him with lots of words, I never gave him break when I burst out....it is my fault that he fainted... She thought, blaming herself for nearly destroying an evening which could have taken a different turn if she had not asked him to play music for her.

After she had been fluttering around with a worried facial expression and fretting about the earlier incident for nearly one hour, she suddenly remembered Raven and blurted out to her: "I am going to check on him!"

Aislinn tried to walk calmly, though she nearly run as she tried to find the way back to the bedrooms. She had been walking around that she nearly had got lost and she could not really focus.

When she finally had found the corridor, which led to the bedrooms and reached to his bedroom, she put her hand on the handle. In other circumstances she would have thought twice before opening the door, thinking that perhaps Alastair was changing his clothes. But since she was distracted with her worries she could not think straight and therefore opened the door before thinking.

And there he stood in front of her. She stared at him with a tear streamed face for one second and the next second, she flung herself around his neck. She blamed herself and apologized, stumbling on her words as she tried to speak in between her sobs.

"Thank....thank good-ness....you re-recovered......I am.....so sorry...so sorry...I was.....so selfish...if I...if I....only knew.....I would....not have....asked you for....piano music...and I....I....talked to much...to much....I must.....must have....given....you...you...headache...that you.....you....fainted...."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Raven followed Aislynn around, both concerned for Aislynn and Alastair. Alastair is caught in what I assume to be a terrible dream, without his dreamless sleep potion...Aislynn is worried that it was her fault for scorning him...I cannot assist either unless I have been asked to.

Alastair was so surprised when Aislynn opened the door without knocking first. What if I had been changing? It would have been a disaster! Alastair thought. That thought vanished when he saw the tears streaming down her face. Before he could react, she had flung her arms around his neck in an embrace. His eyes wide in surprise, he hesitantly put his arms around her, and she began to sob words that he strained to understand. When she finished speaking, his hands slid up her back so that they each hand was at either of her shoulders, and pushed her away slightly so that he could face her. "My lady, it is quite alright. It was not you that caused my collapse earlier." he spoke genuinely. Without blinking, he levitated a handkerchief from his breast pocket and wiped her tears with such gentleness. He gave off the aura that everything was alright; it was such a calming feeling, just like the night of the China mission.

"There was no possible way for you to know of my...", he struggled to find the right word, "...trauma...with the piano. I had forced myself to forget. But never you mind-" he smiled, as if the incident was completely behind them now "-I am doing well, now. "

He let go of her, and took a step back. "The sky has darkened, and some hours have passed since we dined together. However, I do not wish for a large meal at this point in time. Rather, I would like something delectably sweet...." he looked into her eyes with his familiar charming smile "...would you care to join me? I daresay the view of the moon over the ocean would be beauteous."

And just like that, he's back to speaking like he writes poetry for a living... Raven thought from high above, where she sat on a cloud, watching through one of her Spy Clouds. I am happy, at least, that he is feeling well enough to put on another charade for Aislynn...Never mind that he has abandoned his own personal happiness for everyone else's. If I were his, I would spend my every waking minute trying to please him...Angels have no need for sleep, so that would give me so much time...to think....of him...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I would love to..." Aislinn replied, smiling now when she saw Alastair smiling. She was feeling calmer and her mind had found rest now when he was feeling better. But deep inside she was feeling a bit anxious because that he had a trauma.

I cannot help but worry if he has traumas with more things than just the piano...I am sure it must be related to something with his past, because what else than his past with his family have traumatized him? Anyway, I am not going to ask him to tell me. I do not wish him to unravel horrible things from his past unless if he wishes to tell me something on his own accord. I will then listen to him when he wishes to ease his heart and tell me.... She thought.

"..I would love to join you in the kitchen, assisting you with baking the delicate dessert-" She had a little, barely nothing, knowledge in cooking with magic and knew that if she joined him in the kitchen, she would not do that much but keeping him company and perhaps helping him with simple tasks if he allowed her to do anything at all. He had asked her if she cared to join him, thus she thought he perhaps meant both in the kitchen and in the outer dining room. She hoped that she could join him in the kitchen as well even if she had not that much of knowledge in cooking with magic because she would feel bored if she had to wait in the dining room. Unless if he wished to make it to another surprise for her like the dinner, she would ask Raven to keep her company meanwhile. "-and then enjoy the delicate sweet with you in the moonlight..."

..Perhaps his words, before he passed out, were not really his own true words, but something related to his trauma? I really hope that, because I cannot feel happy if he does not feel happy as well. His happiness matters to me as much as my happiness matters to him... I wonder if he was with his full senses or not when he was in his traumatized state, perhaps he does not remember what I told him before he passed out.. Aislinn thought for herself.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"...I would love to join you in the kitchen, assisting you with baking the delicate dessert, and then enjoy the delicate sweet with you in the moonlight..."

Alastair smiled. He found it comical that she wanted to assist him, because he knew that he needed no help at all. "I require no assistance. " he said honestly "However, I would appreciate the company of my fairest lady." he said in a smooth voice, offering her his arm with another one of his charming smiles. He led her to the kitchen, where he conjured for her a comfortable, tall stool so that she could sit and watch behind the marble counter. "Chocolate or fruit based?" he asked.

When she replied with 'chocolate', he smiled as all of the necessary ingredients flew out of the refrigerator and cupboards without him breaking eye contact with Aislynn. "How comical; I wished for the smooth sweetness of chocolate as well."

Alastair had the dough roll itself out, then split into two equal halves. They began to shape themselves; it looked as though he was preparing to make chocolate filled croissants. Meanwhile, the chocolate filling mixed itself in a pan, then the stove top burner it covered lit up, and it bubbled softly. Nearby, bits of chocolate were chopping themselves for an added texture in the filling. Everything was handled so elegantly it was as if he was performing each task manually. Elegance and skill were the perfect words to describe it. Once they were in the oven, Alastair leaned over the counter to Aislynn, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "My lady, could we possibly forget what happened earlier?" There was a hopeful tone in his voice; subtle, but you could hear it if you were paying close attention.

"Lovely." he smiled, and there was a small ping sound from the oven; the pastries were ready. "Ah, the smell." he breathed, opening the oven. A rich, buttery, chocolatey smell wafted from the oven as a single goblet of milk and a glass of water poured themselves. "No milk for you." Alastair smiled, plating the croissants. 'I remembered.' his smile said as he turned to her, with the plates levitating behind him.

They walked outside together, and reached the gazebo.

"My lady." Alastair said elegantly, pulling out a chair for her.

They sat down to indulge on the chocolate croissants. The moon and ocean paired magnificently together, and there was a warm, soft breeze blowing. The croissants gave a feeling of satiety after they finished, but did not fill them to the point of discomfort, like many other chocolate-based desserts. "Aislynn, would you come here a moment?" Alastair asked, standing up as the dishes cleared themselves away. Once Aislynn came close, he smiled, and took a step closer to her. In a moment, they were locked in another kiss, as Alastair's arms embraced Aislynn. Gently, Alastair parted his lips, and the sweetest taste of melted chocolate flowed into Aislynn's mouth. He broke their embrace to see Aislynn's reaction, a loving look in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Raven sat high above on a soft cloud, staring at the moon as she lay on her back. She felt a soft nudge on her arm, and turned to see a plate of dessert and a fork. In chocolate sauce, was the word Ravenna, written in an elegant handwriting. "Thank you, Alastair." Raven smiled, blushing. She gazed at the moon with warm eyes as she ate the dessert in small bites, wishing to prolong the deliciousness of a dessert made with her in mind.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn smiled happily as she took Alastair's arm, excited about to see how he would prepare the dessert and what kind of dessert. As he led her to the kitchen, she tried to guess what kind of dessert he had on his mind and hoped that he would do something alongside chocolate because chocolate was her favorite kind.

"Chocolate or fruit based?" he asked her.

"Of course, chocolate," She chuckled, looking at him with a -You know that I love chocolate- face, as she sat on the tall stool which he had conjured for her.

"How comical; I wished for the smooth sweetness of chocolate as well." Alastair smiled, and all of the necessary ingredients flew out of the refrigerator and cupboards without him breaking eye contact with Aislinn.

She watched with great interest as he prepared the dessert. She had no idea what kind of dessert he was making and was surprised to see the white dough, wondering for a second if he was going to fill the dough with chocolate to make chocolate buns. Her mouth watered as she smelled the lovely scent of melting chocolate. It was such a lovely smell that she would devour all the chocolate filling had she been alone. Since she was not alone, she managed to resist her urge for eating the chocolate from the pan. She took a deep breath of the lovely chocolate scent and sighed happily.

When Alastair formed the dough which he filled with chocolate, Aislinn recognized the dessert.

Oh, so he is making croissants.... She thought surprised. Does he know that I love croissants...? She smiled as she remembered the last time when he had made croissants for breakfast.

Once they were in the oven, Alastair leaned over the counter to Aislinn, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. This took her by surprise, and she blushed deeply as she wondered if the kitchen was the right place for romance.

"My lady, could we possibly forget what happened earlier?"

"Uhm...." She had nearly become speechless, though the subtle hopeful tone in his voice did not skip her. "...Of....of course..." She finally managed to say.

If it is you wish, my dear, if it pleases you, then I will possibly forget about what happened earlier in the sitting room... She thought.

"Lovely." he smiled, and there was a small ping sound from the oven; the pastries were ready.

"Ah, the smell." he breathed, opening the oven. The lovely smell of freshly made croissants watered her mouth even more than the chocolate smell had done.

"No milk for you." Alastair smiled, plating the croissants. 'I remembered.' his smile said as he turned to her, with the plates levitating behind him.

"Thank you," Aislinn smiled and walked with him outside.

Even if I drink water, I don't drink it or anything else but chocolate drink with desserts... anyway it does not matter now hehehe...I'll tell him another time... She thought amusingly.

"My lady." Alastair said elegantly, pulling out a chair for Aislinn when they had reached the gazebo.

"Thank you," She smiled as she sat down. She enjoyed the chocolate croissant with a dreamy and loving look in her eyes. That kind of feeling when eating chocolate. It was that kind of special feeling, hard to describe with words. She admired the serene moon scenery and sighed happily when she had finished her croissant.

"Aislynn, would you come here a moment?" Alastair asked, standing up as the dishes cleared themselves away.

"Sure," Aislinn replied with a smile and wondered if they were going to gaze at the stars like the last time. His sudden embrace and kiss took her by surprise and she nearly forget to breath for a second. His lips and kiss tasted like chocolate.

When he broke the embrace, she looked speechlessly at him, with glowing red cheeks, her lips slightly parted. Her heart was beating so fast that she could hear her own heartbeats in her ears and almost thought that he could hear it as well. There was a dreamy look of mixed feelings in her eyes: Surprise, in a positive way, and happiness and love.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair smiled, pleased with her reaction. "It pleases me that you enjoyed our dessert." he said softly, referencing not the actual dessert, but their kiss. He looked into her eyes for a moment, then turned to the moon, the soft breeze blowing his hair ever so slightly. His profile was once again perfect. "Would you like to remain out here for a while longer?" I don't think I've had enough of this view...But, she may have other plans in mind.

Alastair levitated their two chairs away from the dining table, and set them down so that they were facing the moon. They sat down together, and Alastair remained silent for a few minutes. Then, his right hand went for hers, and he held it gently. Once again he tilted his head and closed his eyes, as if he was enjoying her touch more than the scenery. "Ah..." he sighed "...you're so sweet."

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Eh...yes..." Aislinn replied quietly, still blushing, having actually no idea if she really wanted to remain outside or go back indoors. She chose the former one because there was nothing else, they could do inside. Other than…? She tried not to think about non innocent things as she took her seat and instead distracted herself by the beautiful moonlight. There was only a piano for entertainment, but that had become out of question after the earlier incident. Remaining outdoors to gaze at the moon was a better choice.

"Ah..." Alastair sighed "...you're so sweet."

Aislinn laughed quietly, remembering telling him the same thing last night.

She turned around to look at him and then leaned a bit over his shoulder.

"You are sweeter..." She whispered softly into his ear.

She closed her eyes and rested her head against his shoulder. She had not planned to fall asleep, but just enjoy the remaining of the evening in a relaxing mood, but she was to exhausted of the adventures of the day: Broom riding in the morning and noon and later swimming and playing in a pool, that she did not realize when she soundlessly fell asleep and started to dream because her dream was so real that she thought she was still awake.

~Aislinn's dream~

Aislinn gazed down at her clothes, wondering when she had changed them, because she had no memory of changing her off-shoulder dress to a black heart shaped Victorian ball gown with rich flowy skirt and gloves. She noticed that her bangs were gone because she could not feel them against her forehead. She touched her hair carefully. It was made in an updo with half curls. She looked around and recognized her surroundings. She was still in the outer dining room area and the chairs had been placed back to their former places at the table under the gazebo. Alastair, elegantly dressed, appeared in front of her. She giggled and wondered if everything was surprise magic by him. He addressed her in the same charming way as usual. Calling her My Lady, bowing for her and asking her for a dance. She accepted his invite and soon they swirled around in a graceful waltz, dancing farther away from the villa and closer to the moon. Aislinn glanced down and gasped in surprise when she discovered that their feet whilst dancing were touching the sea which was nearly still and only rippled slightly and glittered in the moonlight. The moon, shining brighter than ever in the night sky, hung majestically above their head and it was so close that she wondered for a second if she really could touch it with the top of her fingers. She turned her head around and looked behind her. The villa looked like a twinkling star in the distance.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

A measure of satiety was added to Alastair's serene smile as he felt Aislynn's head on his shoulder. He opened his eyes when he realized that her breathing had quickly become rhythmical. "How comical." Alastair said quietly to himself, looking down at her sleeping form. She must be very relaxed to have fallen asleep in such a position alongside me... he thought. Ever so gently, so as not to disturb her sleep, he walked to the hallway that separated their bedrooms. He laid her in her bed, removing her shoes and accessories. He let her hair down, and covered her with a blanket. I cannot change her clothing, even though it would make her more comfortable...I suppose it will have to do tonight...he sighed. He walked to the door, preparing to leave and close it behind him, when he looked back at Aislynn. With her hair spread out perfectly under her like Snow White or Sleeping Beauty, he felt as if he didn't want to look away. He closed the door, but remained inside the room. He neared the left side of Aislynn's bed, and sat on his knees, as if he was sitting at a traditional Japanese table. He folded his hands atop the edge of the bed, and watched Aislynn sleep for the remainder of the night

"Good morning." he smiled sweetly once she awoke in the morning. He held a black, thornless rose in his hand; he had been enjoying its scent throughout the night. There was no trace of weariness on his face; he simply looked very relaxed and joyous. "What do you desire for breakfast?" he asked, gently laying the rose beside her on the bed as he stood up.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Shall I use the emerald or my Patronus to send her a message…? Elias thought as he took a stroll outdoors on the grounds.

Of course, a Patronus message is more charming... He was about to drew out his wand when he suddenly stopped in his tracks by the lake and remembered that he could use his brooch.

I hope she has remembered to wear it again... He smiled as he fingered his brooch.

Good afternoon, my lady. I'd like to meet you to discuss the music project in private. Please send me a reply within three minutes, thank you…

"Adela.....Adela....Adela.." Faeryn stood over her friend and shock her gently. "ADELA!" She could not hold it any longer and nearly yelled because she lost her patience.

"Mhm..." Adela mumbled drowsily. She tried to open her eyes, but she was feeling to exhausted.

"It is already past lunch time...you should get up!"

"...Just one more hour...please...need my beauty sleep..."

"It is soon two o'clock...did you not get enough of sleep, we parted at eleven o'clock last night!"

"But I fell sleep around six in the morning..."

"Why?"

Adela did not reply and hid herself under the blanket in attempt to get back to sleep.

Faeryn sighed audible and snatched off the blanket.

"You're so annoying, why are you not letting me sleep at all? ...it is Saturday..." Adela looked drowsily and annoyed at her friend.

"Did we not promise each other that we would keep each other company while grading the exams during the weekends? You have overslept and you are late to our meeting. Both Endewyne and I have been waiting on you since ten o'clock in the morning."

"You could have done your own work without me. The subject I teach is of my own concern. I can grade the exams regarding Magic in Art later..."

"If you do not hurry, you will fall behind, and the grades must be-"

"I know!"

"And besides, are you aware about that you literary have broken the promise to me and Endewyne? What good reason do you have to stay awake an entire night?"

"I... eeh...met him..."

"...Him? Oh, so you decided to ditch our morning meeting for a night date. How nice of you!"

"Honestly, it was not a date, we just took a stroll as usual and had a nice chat, though this time in the moonlight, because I felt bad for him to meet me in the daylight so often so I felt it was my turn in sacrificing something for him."

Faeryn stared at Adela with horror. She could not see any bite marks at her neck, only the dark circles under her eyes, but still she could not help but suspect.

"Oh, you are such a fool!" She slapped her friend right across her face. "I am going to tell your brothers!" She stomped out from Adela's bedroom and slammed the door behind her.

Adela tried to resume her sleep, but it was impossible now after the interference and disturbance of her friend. I just hope Faeryn does not tell, seriously... She thought as she rubbed her forehead and eyes.

Aislinn opened her eyes in the morning and looked at the ceiling above her. She tried to remember what happened last night. She could only recall that she had rested her head at Alastair's shoulder and then suddenly they were dancing in the moonlight. It was when she woke up that she understood it had been a dream which had faded away a couple of hours before she woke up.

Aislinn sat up in the bed and noticed that she had slept with her dress.

"Good morning." Alastair smiled sweetly. He held a black, thorn-less rose in his hand

"…eh...Good....good morning..." She replied nervously, blushing deeply. She was surprised to see him sitting on the floor by the left side of her bed.

"What do you desire for breakfast?" he asked, gently laying the rose beside her on the bed as he stood up.

"Chocolate..." She replied without thinking and suddenly realized what she had said. "Eh...I mean.... I'd like...eh...make your favorite meal for breakfast..." She hurried to say and laughed.