Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Do you remember when we had our first breakfast together here?"

"Yes, I remember it rather well."

"And you made some lovely croissants...and I almost burned myself by drinking to hot tea I made...." She looked at him as if it was obvious and then laughed heartily at that time when they had eaten breakfast together the first time.

Alastair nodded once, listening on; he was waiting for her to tell him what kind of tea she wanted today.

"May you make us some tea, please?" She asked him lovingly. "Water tastes so plain with breakfast, especially if chocolate or anything sweet is involved..." She added with a laugh.

"I understand." Alastair said, assuming that she wanted the same tea she had made that morning. He quickly made the tea they had had on that morning, and then poured Aislynn a cup. He put the milk and sugar close to her, so that she could add as much as she wished. I will pay attention to how much sugar and milk she puts so that I can recreate this cup of tea later for her to those specifications. He thought determinedly as he finally picked up his fork and knife and proceeded to cut a piece of his toast.

Once she had taken a few sips of her tea, he asked "Is the tea to your liking?"

"Wonderful. " he replied. "Today, I have plans to spend my time with Luna, if that is alright with you." he smiled softly. "However, we plan to begin our activities sometime in the mid afternoon. If you would like for me to accompany you anywhere beforehand, I would be more than delighted to do so."

"You as well?"

Luna sighed in visible relief that she was not the only one, since she thought it would be awkward for Elias to be the only one eating.

"...I would only eat if you wished to eat something. "

Hmm...What a coincidence that that was part of my reason as well?

"...Anyway, I was also thinking about tea, because it has such calming effects. Would you love chamomile tea?"

Luna nodded. Chamomile tea has always been a bit...bland...for my tastes. But would suggesting something else be viewed as picky or difficult? I can't deal with this right now; I'll just drink the tea that he orders... Luna thought wearily as Elias ordered.

"Please enjoy," the waitress smiled when she served their tea.

"Thank you. " Luna said, appreciating the owner's taste in cups as well.

"Thanks," Elias replied.

"Excuse me?" Luna said as the waitress was about to walk away. "I wanted to ask a favor. "

"If possible; I would like for you to inform the owner of this fine cafe that a customer greatly enjoyed her experience in this cafe due to the charming decor, furniture, and tableware. I adore most things in the Victorian style. If the owner inquires about my name, please state that I wished to remain anonymous. " Luna explained, very quickly. "Thank you." she said, her voice back to its normal pace. I wonder why Elias sees it fit to pay magically for such a small sum? Ah...He doesn't want to dirty his hands with money that has been passed through several hands. She assumed, taking a sip of her tea.

Inside her head, a familiar song was playing, as clearly as if someone was playing it before her.

Outside, I smile.....
"The tea is lovely..." she smiled genuinely.
...And inside I grimace.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"mmm...it is lovely..." Aislinn replied gratefully after she took a few sips of her tea. She loved Earl Gray. It was perfect combination with anything sweet. She had neither poured any milk not put any sugar in her cup.

"Wonderful. " Alastair replied and then said: "Today, I have plans to spend my time with Luna, if that is alright with you." he smiled softly. "However, we plan to begin our activities sometime in the mid-afternoon. If you would like for me to accompany you anywhere beforehand, I would be more than delighted to do so."

"Oh that's alright," Aislinn smiled, not minding him spending time with Luna if he so wished. "I have planned to see a friend this afternoon-" ..and perhaps try to get in good terms with Vincent in the evening before I return back to Luna's manor...he is my cousin, a family member after all...even if he is a moron most of the time...
"-I have not planned to go anywhere in beforehand..."

The waitress' smile become wider and she nodded happily. "We are very happy that you are enjoying our cafe, we hope you also will find the chamomile tea lovely as well. I shall remember to forward your message to my chief, thank you."

The waitress nearly romped as she stuttered away. The service workers at Rose Cafe loved to hear positive reviews by their customers.

"The tea is lovely..." Luna smiled genuinely.

Elias smiled softly, feeling grateful of her appreciation for the tea and sipped his tea slowly.
He got a distant look in his eyes as he glanced over the nearby climbing roses. It was his favorite place to have some light meals during the summers. He had promised Lily to take her out for her birthday and tried to ponder about whether she would love to come to this place or not or if he should try to guess what her favorite place is. But he could not focus on happier things because his mind was distracted with worried thoughts about what his mother would think or react like when Luna revealed the truth to her. His eyes fell down in his tea where he saw his own reflection of his worried face looking up at him.

Elias was feeling more anxious than ever as the time neared to their appointment and the tea has not helped at all. And I who thought chamomile tea would help against anxiety....I feel worse than ever...I won't feel peace if we don't get over with this...the aftermath will be bitter...and only time will heal the wounds of my heart..

He finished his tea and checked his pocket watch. They have been spending one hour and thirty minutes only drinking tea. ...And thinking worried thoughts...

"It's time to leave, my lady," He said quietly yet politely. He sighed as they rose up from their place. At the same time as he wished that he could turn back the time, he also wished to get over with his worries.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Oh that's alright," Aislynn smiled.

Yes; a carefree response. Not a single hint of jealousy...I hate anything close to a narcissist.

"-I have not planned to go anywhere in beforehand..."

"I do hope that you enjoy relaxing beforehand, then. " Alastair smiled.

When they had finished, the dishes washed themselves by the wave of his hand. Then, he politely excused himself, choosing to take a walk in the grounds outside.

What to do now... he wondered, gazing at the rosebushes. I don't feel anything remotely wrong with my eyes, so I think I can wait until Monday or even Tuesday, at the latest. That means I have perhaps...Two hours to spend by myself...What I really want is... "Excuse me, Ravenna?" Alastair said, having conjured his patronus in a flash "Would you mind flying me to Japan?"

"I could do that easily." Raven said from right next to him; he hadn't even sent the patronus yet.

Alastair wasn't startled; he turned to her calmly. "Thank you. Please prepare the carriage." he said, grateful for her helpfulness.

"Where will you be going?" Raven asked as she held the door open for him a minute later.

"To Japan. There is a concert being held in fourteen minutes. " Alastair said briefly. "If you like that sort of music, you are more than welcome to-"

"Thank you very much for your invitation." Raven said, in a voice that said she was honored to have been invited.

They arrived in Japan in less than five minutes; it was the fastest ride she had given Alastair yet. During the ride, Alastair had changed from his sleep kimono to his prince outfit again.

"What has gotten into your wings? You flew at such a surprising speed today." Alastair said as he exited the carriage.

"I was so excited...I've never been to...this sort of thing before." Raven said quietly.

"If we share similar tastes in music, I can assure you that you won't be disappointed.

Even if the music is horrible, I'll just block it out magically. As long as I get to stay with him and... She sighed happily as he linked arms with her.

Luna knew what Elias was bothered about; she felt it as well. The only difference was that her face held a calm look normally, so no one knew that inside it was rather like a hurricane ravaging a major city.

"It's time to leave, my lady," He said quietly yet politely. He sighed as they rose up from their place.

"Elias..." Luna held out her hand to Elias. Once he took it, they walked out together. It wasn't until they were back at the entrance did she speak to him. "If this meeting goes wrong, and it means that we will be forbidden to see each other in a romantic way again, I would like to tell you, one last time...That I love you deeply; yet I hate that I lack the proper eloquence to describe it more poetically."

And she embraced him in the same quiet sadness that was mixed with a warmer, deeper love...The melancholic love that a daughter will show her mother when they embrace at a father's funeral. But who will do the talking? It is my problem...But they are Elias's parents... Luna thought worriedly. It had undoubtedly been troubling her since they agreed on having the meeting in the first place; they had no 'plan'. She hated not having a plan.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn was about to ask Alastair if he liked to join her for a card game. She loved playing cards, finding it relaxing that she even played with tarot cards rather than being serious because divination was not her thing. Though she did not get the chance to ask him because he excused himself before she had time to speak.

"Thank you for the delicious breakfast," She said gratefully just before he left.

Elias gave Luna his full attention as she spoke. Then he embraced her in return, taking in the soft sweet scent of her hair. He wanted to comfort her, but he could not find the right words. What would he even say? To not worry when he was worrying himself? He sighed inwardly. For the first time in his life he felt his parents as strangers, as if he did not really know them and he wished that he knew them better. If he only had known them better, then he would have known what to do. He was feeling so powerless at this moment and speechless because of his own anxiety.

He let her embrace him as long as she wished and did not break their hug until she broke it.

The look in his eyes said that he was not going leave her side but be there the entire time with her and support her until the end, no matter the consequences.

"Are you ready..." He was meaning for apparition and took hold of her both hands. He was never feeling ready for the meeting itself.

They appeared in front of his manor and he led her through the main doors and further inside, walking past the grand stair case and walking out in the garden where Elias' mother was tending for her dark red roses. She was caressing their soft petals lovingly and taking in their lovely scent. The roses had not fully bloomed yet and most of them were still small and tiny. His father was enjoying a cup of tea, sitting on a white Victorian garden chair.

"Oh, good day my dears," Elizabeth smiled happily, immediately seeing both Elias and Luna as soon as they entered the garden. "What's the matter with you, looking so sullen," she said to her son and then to Luna she said: "How are you doing, darling? Please make yourself home. Would you love some tea? Please sit..." Elizabeth led them both to where her husband was sitting so, they all could sit together. "Good day," He greeted them smilingly.

"How have you been, my dear?" Elizabeth caressed the top of Luna's right hand tenderly. "I have missed you, not seeing you for a great time..." she smiled, recalling the last time Luna had visited her.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"You don't have to tell me it's alright; I despise false words meant to comfort. Don't bother lying...We both know we fear an unsuccessful conclusion to this meeting." she whispered.

When she broke their embrace after she felt satisfied, he gave her a look of such loyalty and support. All she could do was smile sadly in return.

"Are you ready...” He was meaning for apparition and took hold of her both hands.

"No." Luna sighed, looking down in a truthful 'You know I won't ever be ready' way.

They appeared in front of his manor and she remained quiet as he led her through the lovely manor, although she wasn't able to enjoy it because she felt it impossible to lift her eyes from the floor. I can't deal with the rejection that is nearly certain. I will just accept from now that they will reject our marriage. That way I am not too shocked when it actually happens. She thought as she walked.

"Oh good day my dears," Elizabeth smiled happily upon their arrival.

She is so happy...I wonder how her face will look when we tell her.

"What's the matter with you, looking so sullen," she said to her son.

He looks the way I feel...

"How are you doing, darling? Please make yourself home. Would you love some tea? Please sit...”

Luna had decided not to do much talking, so she merely smiled calmly, and nodded politely when offered tea.

"Good day," He greeted them smilingly.

"Good day." Luna replied. She had decided to use a quiet, yet polite persona until everything went up in flames.

"How have you been, my dear?" Elizabeth caressed the top of Luna's right hand tenderly.

"Fine..." Luna said, resisting the urge to allow her hand to retreat into her lap as she sat straight on the chair.

"I have missed you, not seeing you for a great time..." she smiled, recalling the last time Luna had visited her.

"And I as well; such a pleasure to see you again."

When the tea was served, she sipped it quietly, waiting for Elias to speak first. If he does not speak within a minute, I will start with my confession...After all, it will have to be said soon. She thought with her eyes on the floor again.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn stood, still dressed in her pajamas, going through her closet in her bedroom.

"hmm...what should I dress..." She thought aloud, holding one dress in each hand, comparing the clothes, throwing them at her bed, picking out other dresses, comparing them, throwing them at her bed again and so on until she had a pile of clothes on her bed and her closed was an entire mess.

She finally picked out a suitable outfit which she thought would be perfect for a casual day with Crystal. A pair of black high waist trousers, which were ripped at the knees, a pair of black sandals and a cropped black loose fitted t-shirt with print of Saturn and stars on it. The hem of her t-shirt came just in line with the waistband of her trousers and the print was magically animated as if her t-shirt was an open view of the real space. She combed her hair and let it to be down.

"Opps!" She noticed what a mess she had done with her clothes. Well I have plenty of time to organize everything...She thought as she picked up her wand. She had not meant to mess up or be ungrateful towards Alastair because he had organized her clothes for her. It was just her usual and natural habit. Whenever she dressed up for going somewhere, she happened to mess her closet and organize it afterwards.

...Should I speak first? Elias thought, not touching his cup of tea of fear that he would be impotent to hold anything in his shaky hands and accidentally drop his cup on the tiled ground. He could imagine the tea splattering around and annoying his mother.

"The pleasure is all mine," Elizabeth smiled towards Luna. "Now I am growing a bit impatient, as a mother I sense my son is not feeling quite well today, I am wrong?" Directing her words to Elias. She did not expect any reply for him for she turned her attention immediately to Luna and spoke:
"Yesterday Elias mentioned to me that you wished to speak to both me and his father-" She looked at her son again, thinking that why he could not resolve things between himself and his lady like any other ordinary couple but must involve his parents in every issue, considering that Elias was a grown up man and not a child to run to his mother for every problem he faced in his relationship - Elizabeth had no idea what the matter was actually about and thought it was something that bothered the couple in their relationship considering that Elias looked so sullen.

"-Tell me dear," Elizabeth continued in a calm tone, giving her full attention to Luna. "I am listening…"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Now I am growing a bit impatient, as a mother I sense my son is not feeling quite well today, I am wrong?" Directing her words to Elias.

Luna remained silent, holding her breath. Speak...Impatience now means she may be less than willing to hear us out in a moment...

"Yesterday Elias mentioned to me that you wished to speak to both me and his father-" She looked at her son again, "-Tell me dear," Elizabeth continued in a calm tone, giving her full attention to Luna. "I am listening..."

Luna let out her breath, and bravely made eye contact with Elizabeth. She allowed her voice to sound slightly nervous, since a calm tone hardly suited the situation. "It is my problem, so I shall explain. I ask only for your patience, for it is an extremely difficult and embarrassing thing that I must explain to you." she paused, and began, in an explanatory tone........."The night before last, I had an odd dream. Elias proposed to me at a formal party, and I wanted to accept. However, I turned him down and fled because there is a very personal problem that I didn't think you or Mr. DiVilliers would approve of, and I ended up making him look like a fool. When I woke up, I realized that Elias may actually propose to me within the next year or two, so I wished to speak to you two-" she looked at Alexander, then back at Elizabeth "about the problem to avoid the dream's scenario in real life. "

She took a deep breath, and her nervous voice was back again. "The DiVilliers family is such an esteemed family, and I am certain that you wish for your son to marry a bride who can provide an heir. I fell into a state of despair when I realized that I cannot possibly be that person. You see; I love Elias very much..." she said genuinely, "...but...I am..." she breathed out in frustration, putting a hand up to cover both her eyes; she couldn't bear to face them any longer, nor could she bear to say the word. "Asexual. " She said in a voice that shook. A good mother would understand, right? But what would I do in this situation? I don't know because I wouldn't have children to ask me this question! It's alright... she told herself. When I get home, I'll just light a daydream candle and replay this scenario, but they will accept me, and Elizabeth will comfort me instead of scorn me...Alastair will comfort me in real life...Nagini will offer her condolences...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"It is my problem, so I shall explain. I ask only for your patience, for it is an extremely difficult and embarrassing thing that I must explain to you."

Elizabeth nodded silently and put down her tea cup on the table.

"The night before last, I had an odd dream. Elias proposed to me at a formal party, and I wanted to accept. However, I turned him down and fled because there is a very personal problem that I didn't think you or Mr. DiVilliers would approve of, and I ended up making him look like a fool. When I woke up, I realized that Elias may actually propose to me within the next year or two, so I wished to speak to you two-"

Elizabeth and Alexander exchanged looks with each other’s, both wondering who Mr. DiVilliers was, but none of them interrupted Luna and turned their attentions towards her to hear the rest of her explanation.

"The DiVilliers family is such an esteemed family, and I am certain that you wish for your son to marry a bride who can provide an heir. I fell into a state of despair when I realized that I cannot possibly be that person. You see; I love Elias very much.... but...I am..." Luna breathed out in frustration, putting a hand up to cover both her eyes before mentioning the word in a voice that shook. Elias was paralyzed and cold sweating. He wished he would could just vanish, evaporate away in the air, but he remained sitting still, looking down at his hands. In his mind, he could hear his mother scorning him for choosing to be with someone who was unable to bear a child because of a certain condition. He almost held his breath, preparing himself for the worst as a long uncomfortable silence filled the air.

"You are very brave who choose to open up about your condition and speak about it with us," His mother said calmly breaking the silence, surprising him. "At my time it was different. I was very young, around nineteen when I married. I had no experience in relationships before my marriage. My older sister was already married, she married when I was sixteen years old and moved away to Bristol, where she still lives. The only contact we had was with letters and I did not see her again until Elias was one year old. Both my mother and mother in law were very severe. I had no one to ask for advice about marriage and love. They had high expectations on me, especially my mother in law. I was almost left traumatized after the wedding night and after I gave birth to Elias that I not only lost my desire for well, you know, I also despised it for years. Thankfully my dear husband was very and still is very understanding, loving and caring. Even if it took me years to recover, I was still feeling repulsive to give birth again yet both I and Alexander wished to give Elias a brother or a sister, so we let another woman to bear my second child. It is a muggle method; I forget what it is called...surro-something-"

"Surrogate..." Alexander reminded his wife kindly.

"Yes, that was it..." Elizabeth nodded. "Anyway, I was wondering...Elias is not in hurry to have children, are you?" She gave her son a long look. Elias was to speechless to speak and had nearly dropped his jaw of surprise.

"...Uhm...eh…n-no…" He stammered.

But she seemed not to have heard him as she immediately turned her attention to Luna:

"You are so young my dear, there's no rush in having children. Of course, I will be very happy to have grandchildren, but I would never interfere in your relationship with Elias. This is your decision. Happiness comes first and it is more important that you are happy together rather than being forced into something you cannot agree about. Being in relationship is not only about making love. Should you both wish to have a child later in life, there is always a solution to it if you find the normal and natural way of having children very tedious and awful. Well..." Elizabeth paused for a moment before she spoke again: "...by the way who are The DiVilliers family and why would they not approve of your condition?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

During the long silence, Luna's hand remained covering her eyes, and she was breathing quickly, as if she had been running very quickly for a few miles without a break and without water.

"You are very brave to choose to open up about your condition and speak about it with us," Elizabeth said calmly. "At my time it was different. I was very young, around nineteen when I married."

She's explaining something...It sounds as if she is beginning a very personal story...I should make eye contact...She does not sound angry...Why not? Luna thought as she slowly removed her hand and looked at Elizabeth, listening closely to her story.

"...traumatized after the wedding night and after I gave birth to Elias that I not only lost my desire for well, you know, I also despised it for years."

How awful...She had her own horrible experience, so now she wants to appear empathetic to avoid Elias and I feeling the same pressure she felt...

"... It is a Muggle method, I forget what it is called....surro-something-"

"Surrogate..." Alexander reminded his wife kindly.

I will research whatever that is when I return to the manor.

"Elias is not in hurry to have children, are you?" She gave her son a long look.

Luna watched Elias's expression; it wasn't something she could ask him, yet she desperately wanted to know the answer. Does he want it? He is a male; males are prone to desiring that sort of activity, aren't they? It has been a thought that remained somewhere in the back of my mind ever since he told me he was fine with my condition that night that I pushed him away when we kissed.

"...Uhm...eh...n-no..." He stammered.

Ugh! She put him on the spot, and he couldn't answer truthfully. The implications of any other kind of answer would be disastrous, so I cannot count that as his answer.

Luna quickly looked back at Elizabeth when her head turned.

"...Being in relationship is not only about making love. Should you both wish to have a child later in life, there is always a solution to it if you find the normal and natural way of having children very tedious and awful...."

There's nothing natural or normal about that! Don't do it, don't think about it, don't fantasize about it, don't read about it; that's normal! No one in this world understands that except people with my condition.

"Well..." Elizabeth paused for a moment before she spoke again: "...by the way who are The DiVilliers family and why would they not approve of your condition?"

It took Luna a moment to understand what Elizabeth was saying. When did I mention...Oh! I meant to say Shadowwalker, but I was also thinking about what the DiVilliers would say...Merlin's corpse! I shouldn't have allowed myself to relax yesterday night...I should have spent the entire night rehearsing for today. Where did my mind go during the explanation? Agh; it was too busy focusing on what would happen after this meeting went into flames, rather than trying to prevent that happening...What can I do now?! I cannot tell her what happened between that family and I...And I cannot simply make up a lie in case something that happened between the DiVilliers family and I needs to be revealed later!

"I meant to say Shadowwalker, but the name DiVilliers came into my mind instead. They are the family that adopted me and taught me the fine manners I know today. Since, as you know, my parents died in the Wizarding War, so I ended up in an orphanage. Although my time with the DiVilliers lasted only a few years, they were kind to me during most of it. I could not help but think of them at this time, though, because they had always made it a point that they wanted their 'legacy' to be continued through an heir. Thus, everything they taught their children wasn't so that they could be respectable people in their adulthood; it was so that they could attract other members of esteemed families. " Every word is true; I have not lied. But I may have to if either one of them asks any difficult questions. Elias knows about them...Alastair had been with them since he was born. That's...it. If they ask that happened to the family, I will reply with "They died.", which is also true; I killed them.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Elizabeth listened with a frown, trying to recall if she ever had heard about DiVilliers among the noble family wizards. Elias' face lost all color of life. ...Merlin's beard...well I am glad that nearly the entire family has been wiped out. There are no others than just Luna's brother related to them, are there? It would be very complicated if their relatives suddenly turned up...that family was a living nightmare for Luna... He could not help but swallow hard and aloud. This caught his mother's attention who gave him a long questioning look.

"I understand..." She said thoughtfully after Luna had finished speaking. …If they cannot approve of Luna's condition…well they must be a very severe beside being a high esteemed noble family...it sounds as if they have very high expectations on their children...they remind me about my parents and mother in law...are they muggles? Because I have never heard of any DiVilliers before...or perhaps they are wizards from and live in another country...

"Well, we would love to meet your family," Elizabeth said this to be respectful. Deep inside she did not wish to meet a family who sounded to be severe like her mother in law. ...I am glad that Luna will become my daughter in law and not the other way. Here, at least, she will have nothing to fear what I feared when I married... She suddenly felt worried about her own daughter. …my marriage was arranged...but even if I was lucky to be married to a good man, I am still unsure if it is a good idea to arrange it for Lily or let her make her choice...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"In all honesty, that is impossible. " Luna said grimly. "They passed away long ago. Please-" she said when someone looked as if they were about to say something along the lines of condolence. "-they were not the sort of people who were missed by their children after death. I am aware that it is disrespectful to speak ill of the deceased, but they are an exception. It is a great relief to me that neither you nor Mr. Shadowwalker will ever meet them."

Luna sighed a long, tired sigh. "Forgive me for spreading such a grim energy through this house. " she said apologetically. "But it is better to handle this now than later on. I cannot express my gratitude at the understanding you have shown toward me. I could not have imagined you to have such a high level of emotional intelligence. “She finished genuinely; gratefully.

 

[Hikari Chan]

...Should I be happy that these DiVilliers are deceased...As how Luna is expressing it, they are not the kind I really wish to meet... Elizabeth thought for herself. Her husband was silent, probably sharing her thoughts over the same thing.

Elias switched nervously in his seat. ...but what about her brother Alastair…? He thought, but he did not say anything. Sooner or later she will introduce him, she cannot exclude him from her wedding...he has been and still is after all a good brother to her…

"It is alright," Elizabeth nodded. "I completely understand..." A certain look flashed in her eyes for a second, which only Luna and Elias saw. That look was telling that she was also feeling relief that some people were dead, like her mother in law who was deceased.

Luna sighed a long, tired sigh. "Forgive me for spreading such a grim energy through this house." she said apologetically. "But it is better to handle this now than later on. I cannot express my gratitude at the understanding you have shown toward me. I could not have imagined you to have such a high level of emotional intelligence." she finished genuinely; gratefully.

"No need to thank us dear," Elizabeth smiled. "I am always here for you whenever you wish to speak about anything that concerns you." She added.

Elias who had almost been holding his breath the entire time, finally picked up his cup of tea which had turned cold. It tasted awful but he was thirsty and devoured it all at once with a grimace. Then he picked up a chocolate biscuit which he devoured in one entire bite.

"Perhaps you should calm down a bit..." His father glanced amusingly at his pocket watch when Elias was through his third biscuit. "It is lunch soon..."

"Oh, I almost forget…I have not planned anything yet, what would you love to eat?" Elizabeth asked Luna.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna watched Elias from the corner of her eye. What is he doing? She thought, mildly amused. He must be hungry. Perhaps it is time to leave; if Mrs. Shadowwalker offers lunch, I won't be able to escape eating, even if I-

"Oh, I almost forget...I have not planned anything yet, what would you love to eat?" Elizabeth asked Luna.

No! I wasn't fast enough...Saying no politely might work, but if I insist when she says it is 'no problem', it might look like I dislike the food that comes from this household, therefor insulting her. If I agree then I won't be able to eat just a small plate and leave it at that...But what if I were to have other plans? Like...plans with Alastair? Alright; here we go... "No thank you; perhaps another time, Mrs. Shadowwalker." Luna said politely as she stood from her seat. "I have plans for lunch with a client of mine, so I best save my appetite for the meeting. I do hope you have a pleasant day." she finished respectfully. Not really a lie because he said that we would spend the rest of the day that I had available with him; that means we will be having lunch together. A client is someone you have or are working with; he gave me a few ideas of what to teach the students for 'Dark Arts' class, and that is work, so...That's justified.

She shook hands with both parents, and then turned to Elias. "Elias; would you mind showing me out? I haven't quite gotten to know my way around this place yet." Luna asked politely.

"Thank you for your patience and hospitality, Mr. and Mrs. Shadowwalker. I look forward to seeing you again." Luna said respectfully before walking out the door.

"She sounds lovely; but she sings with such a deep voice." Raven said in Alastair's ear.

They were both sitting in the third row from the front; Alastair with his back straight and hands folded; Raven with her legs crossed and her back relaxed.

"He." Alastair corrected her.

"What?" Raven asked, thinking she had misunderstood or heard him wrong.

"Kasei Tatsuya is a male. " Alastair corrected her.

"But...He has long hair and is wearing a-" Raven began, confused.

"He only cross dresses for his performances. " Alastair laughed. "He's not deviant in any way. "

"His music sounds very nice, at least..." Raven said, wondering why someone would want to cross dress professionally. "I love how they started slow and romantic, and then got really..." she struggled for the perfect word.

"-fast?" Alastair offered with a smile.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Elias gave Luna a curious look but did not interfere.

"Oh..." Elizabeth was feeling disappointed that Luna could not stay for lunch but did not argue about it. If she has an important meeting, then I cannot persuade her to stay... She stood up as well and took Luna's hand in her both hands. "Well another time..." She smiled instead.

Elias stood up as well, ready to escort Luna to the doors, when his mother suddenly said:

"I want to have word with you, Elias, please wait here while I walk Luna out to the doors…"

He looked baffled at his mother but could not protest and sat down speechlessly.

We can see each other tomorrow afternoon... He touched his brooch as he smiled happily towards Luna before picking a fourth biscuit.

"I hope to see you soon again, please take care of yourself my dear..." Elizabeth smiled when they both had reached the front doors.

When Aislinn had finished organizing all her clothes, she quickly made her bed and tucked her wand in her right calf before leaving. Three minutes later she appeared in Knockturn Alley and walked towards Darkest Creatures, hoping to see Crystal there. If she is not shopping there as usual, then I will surprise her at Hogwarts hehe...I can pretend that Luna has sent me to deputize as headmistress if anyone wonders what I am doing at Hogwarts... Aislinn could not help but burst out in laughter and stopped in her tracks to calm herself down before entering the clothing shop.

He walked among the clothes at the men's section, looking for a suitable outfit for a summer party, which was hosted by the Shadowwalkers the first July, when he suddenly heard a familiar voice as soon as it plinged at the entrance, announcing that another customer had entered.

"Crystaaaaaal!" the voice happily cried, followed by a familiar happy giggle of someone who was excited to meet her friend.

Merlin's hairy beard!! He nearly stumbled as he hurried towards the men's fitting room to hide. He gulped as he mumbled a charm which allowed him to see through the rows of clothes at the same time as he prayed to Merlin that she won't use that charm as well.

With her bangs down and longer hair than usual she looked like her mother. He watched her sadly, with a heavy heart, cursing the fact that he was deprived from meeting her. Was it worth to run away and hide in Transylvania when the war ended? If I had given up, turning myself in and ending up in Azkaban, would it have been a better choice? Then she would have at least known about my whereabouts and existence... He thought, trying to imagine how things would have been different when suddenly a voice in his mind told him: ..They would have executed you immediately as soon as they threw you in Azkaban...Do you think they would have let you remain alive.. He sighed. ..Why...why did I not keep contact with my mother at least...then she would have known....because you could have been caught...any owl you would have tried to send from Transylvania...they would have tracked you down and imprisoned you...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I want to have word with you, Elias, please wait here while I walk Luna out to the doors..."

Luna became nervous for Elias as she followed Mrs. Shadowwalker out. Was it all a performance? Perhaps she is going to escort me out kindly, and then turn to Elias and forbid him from meeting me ever again...No...I shouldn't think that everyone is a two-faced liar. But...it's just that...that's how I would handle it!

We can see each other tomorrow afternoon? Luna heard Elias's thoughts inside her head.

Luna hesitated before replying. If I reply with hopefully or perhaps it may confuse him. But if I reply with a yes then perhaps I will be going against what his mother is about to forbid him to do... her fist clenched beside her, although it was subtly hidden behind her back, and they were already far enough away from Elias and Alexander so that they wouldn't see it. What about 'If you wish'? That should work... Luna touched her brooch and replied. If you so wish it, I would be delighted, and then lowered her hand.

"I hope to see you soon again, please take care of yourself my dear..." Elizabeth smiled.

"And you as well, Mrs. Shadowwalker. Thank you again." Luna said respectfully before walking out the front doors.

Once she had walked to the gates, she looked back at the manor. I cannot listen to their conversation...If I am simply being paranoid, then I will be spying on what could possibly be a normal conversation. Even though I wouldn't get caught, I feel that it would be wrong...For some reason. She thought as she disappeared in a puff of smoke. Back home. Luna sighed as she sat down on her bed. Now, to talk to Nagini about what we think Elizabeth is telling her son, at this very moment...

The carriage landed outside Luna's manor, and Raven opened the door for Alastair.

"You know, you don't have to lie to me and tell me that you enjoyed yourself, Ravenna." Alastair said with a knowing look in his eyes once he had left the carriage.

"No no...I enjoyed it." Raven assured him.

"But you think that the vocalist was odd?"

"...." Raven looked down, her right hand holding her left arm.

"That's why I didn't take Aislynn to any of his concerts. When I do take her, she will be enjoying the music of Versailles. As for the band we just witnessed, I care for the music, not the people performing. It is really quite simple." Alastair explained as they walked toward the manor together. "Whatever they choose to do is not my concern; as long as they do not harm anyone, and are not homosexual, they're really just people dressing up in eccentric costume. "

"I understand your reasons...But I don't think that Aislynn will. " Raven said honestly.

"Probably not. " Alastair said. They had reached the front doors already. "Ravenna? Could you do something for me?"

"What can I help you with?" Raven asked helpfully.

Alastair leaned forward, and whispered something into Raven's ear, before she nodded and flew off.

Crystal bent down, holding a feather duster in her hand; she was trying to dust off the lower shelves which displayed women's shoes.

"Crystaaaal!"

Crystal dropped the feather duster quickly, and stood up straight with a pair of black platforms in her hands, as if she had been thinking of buying them. She waited a second, changing her expression from worried to pleasantly surprised, then turned to Aislynn. "Hi! I've missed you this past week or so! I'm SO happy to see you again!" Crystal laughed, giving Aislynn a joyful hug without letting the shoes touch her back. "You look great! Where did you get that amazing shirt from?"

As she listened to Aislynn's answer, she turned around and put the shoes down back in their place of the display before turning back around to face her friend. That was so close...Anyway, her hair looks really cool! Also, I haven't seen her in a while so I'm really happy to see her now. I want to spend the whole day with her and eat ice cream and talk about our preferences; I still don't know what she likes to listen to, or what kind of candy is her favorite. I should know these things! She thought; determined.

 

[Hikari Chan]

He let go of the charm and leaned heavily against the wall in the men's fitting room. He tried to imagine how it would be like if they ever met. Would she blame me for leaving her? Of course, she would, I won't be surprised if she blamed me...

"Do you wish me to leave?" Alexander looked at his wife, ready to leave her alone with their son if she so desired.

"No, you may sit with us if you like," She smiled before sitting down and turning her attention towards her son, looking sternly at him.

"If you ever dare to make Luna feel unhappy, you will feel my wrath!" She threatened Elias and she meant it.

He was about defend himself with -I can never dream of hurting her- but she cut him of before he even had a chance to speak a word:

"Did you forget how you embarrassed her in front of us when we visited her at her manor during Easter? I did not forget!"

"But-" He was about to explain that Luna had forgiven him but once again his mother did not give him the chance to speak.

"No buts! You should thank Merlin that you did not lose her because of your mistakes!"

His face became red of shame remembering all the mistakes he had made in the past.

"Anyway," His mother continued. "Never forget that her happiness come first. If she says no to anything you ask her for, then you have to respect and accept her 'no'. She is very young and if you desire to have a child when you are married, you both must come to an agreement about it. Make her happy by fulfilling her wishes, not your selfish desires or needs..."

"I have missed you more!" Aislinn hugged her in return. "I bought my shirt at a muggle store and then I animated the print tehehe..."

"Want to go out and eat ice cream with me?" She said with a grin. "I am not in mood for shopping here today. You don't mind running around with me in town, visiting muggle shops for fun, do you?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I bought my shirt at a Muggle store and then I animated the print tehehe..."

"That's really creative!" Crystal praised, breaking their embrace.

"Want to go out and eat ice cream with me?" She said with a grin. "I am not in mood for shopping here today. You don't mind to run around with me in town, visiting Muggle shops for fun, do you?"

"No, that sounds like a lot of fun! And can you believe that when I saw you I wanted to go get ice cream too?" she laughed. "You go ahead; I'll be right there. I have to say goodbye to Rosaleya."

Crystal walked over to the counter, and said goodbye to Rosaleya, quietly adding that she hadn't gotten a chance to finish her dusting and needed her to finish for her. Rosaleya was happy to do it, but she was disappointed that she didn't get to go out with Crystal and Aislynn.

"She looks really cool..." Rosaleya sighed with an annoyed glance upward; her father was in the storage room upstairs.

"Alright! Ice cream it is. Do you have a favorite flavor?" Crystal asked.

"Hmm. Mine's triple chocolate, with extra toppings...or chocolate mint. The place here in Knockturn doesn't charge for extra toppings; only once for the option of putting toppings. Some places are so annoying; they charge per topping! They don't get the luxury of our business!-" she laughed to Aislynn. "-And we eat a lot of ice cream!"

Once they got there, Crystal insisted on paying. "Not mine, remember?" Crystal said once the transaction was over and they were eating their ice cream. "So, where do you want to go? I only wanted to go to this ice cream place because of their stellar prices." she explained. I don't mind going to Muggle shops at all; in fact, I think it would be really interesting. But, I need to get ice cream at a decent price. And not any of that 'Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry' nonsense! Three flavors...psh!

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Alright," Aislinn smiled and walked away to the entrance to the shop where she waited for Crystal.

Meanwhile she wondered how it had gone for Vincent when she had left him at Darkest Creatures the last time. She had not seen him since then. From where she stood, she could see Rosaleya standing behind the counter. Besides being alive, she looked healthy and well.

"Alright! Ice cream it is. Do you have a favorite flavor?" Crystal asked.

"Usually chocolate with chocolate cone, what is yours?" Aislinn asked in return.
"Hmm. Mine's triple chocolate, with extra toppings...or chocolate mint. The place here in Knockturn doesn't charge for extra toppings; only once for the option of putting toppings. Some places are so annoying; they charge per topping! They don't get the luxury of our business-!" she laughed to Aislinn. "-And we eat a lot of ice cream!"

Aislinn burst out in laughter, as she was reminded how crazy she could go on ice cream during the summer.

Once they got there, Crystal insisted on paying.

"But-" Aislinn started after she had ordered her special ice cream: chocolate ice cream in a big glass cup, topped with various of gum candies, fruit roll candies, a lollipop and lots of sprinkles. She seized the opportunity to have as many toppings she liked because it was only charge for the option of having toppings and not for every topping. Though she wanted to pay for both her and Crystal because she had asked Crystal out for ice cream and therefor, she felt she was supposed to pay.

"Not mine, remember?" Crystal said once the transaction was over and they were eating their ice cream. "So, where do you want to go? I only wanted to go to this ice cream place because of their stellar prices." she explained.

"Ah..." Aislinn remembered the way Crystal got lots of money. "I was thinking about that we could check out the shops in Piccadilly."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Sure." Crystal said with a smile, nodding her head. She was taking a bite of her cone, which was dipped in milk chocolate. "How do you want to get there?"

"Luna?" Alastair knocked on her door twice, smiling eagerly.

Luna answered "Come in." calmly, looking up from her book of potions. She had been planning to start on another batch Dreamless Sleep potion tomorrow, and had been preparing a shopping list of potion ingredients.

"Good afternoon, my lady. " Alastair said elegantly as he entered.

He was wearing the black and grey kimono from his breakfast with Aislynn at the villa in Mexico.

They embraced, and then Luna backed away and took a long glance at his kimono.

"What an elegant kimono." Luna said, surprised.

"Would you like one as well?" Alastair asked charmingly.

Luna was silent, as she knew that kimonos tended to be rather expensive.

"I know you do. So, I got one for you. " Alastair smiled, pulling a large package out of his sleeve like a magician doing a magic trick. "Open it." he whispered to a speechless Luna.

Luna took it slowly, and unwrapped a beautiful kimono that looked as if it would fit her perfectly.

"Would you like me to help you put it on?" he asked once she was ready to stop admiring it and put it on.

"I...Yes, please. Just allow me to put on some proper underclothes first." Luna said as she walked forward and opened the door for him to leave for a moment.

"Of course." Alastair nodded.

Ten minutes later, Luna was dressed in a beautiful black kimono.

"What do you think?" Alastair asked, looking over Luna's shoulder as she glanced in her full-length mirror.

"It is...stunning." Luna said, shaking her head. I can barely believe my reflection...It look so surreal...In a wonderful way.

"But you know, your hair doesn't quite match. Would you like me to fix that?" Alastair asked, kissing Luna on her cheek as he stood behind her, embracing her.

My hair is down...So I think an up-do would be so lovely...But; I have the mirror and I really don't want to trouble him when he went through the trouble of purchasing this kimono for me. "I..." Luna began slowly.

"I insist." Alastair said, levitating a chair just behind Luna. "Please, sit down." he smiled lovingly, putting his hands on her shoulders and gently pulling her to sit down, which Luna did quietly.

He enjoys this...right? That's why he insisted...I suppose. Luna thought as Alastair brushed out her hair gently, a look of concentration on his face.

"Did your business go well today?" he asked as he parted her hair.

"Yes. Although there is one more thing that still worries me. Nothing important; just one of those insignificant things that bother you, regardless of their irrelevance." Luna explained. Lies...I don't want to tell him about the wedding until it is really going to happen. It will be a nice surprise. Besides, at this point I don't even know if it's going to happen.

"You're lying, my lady. The thing that bothers you is not insignificant, is it?" Alastair asked boldly. He had stopped brushing her hair and was looking at her with the same commanding look that he had unintentionally used on Aislynn.

Luna and Alastair's eyes met in the mirror, and Luna looked away, an embarrassed look on her face. "...Yes...It is important. The question I needed answered was going to be answered today, at the meeting. However, it wasn't, and I will only find out tomorrow. So after thinking that I had to be nervous about today and that would be it..." she sighed.

"You still have to wait another day." Alastair finished for her, continuing to brush her hair. "I don't mind you not telling me, as long as you do not lie to me."

Luna nodded. "I'm sorry...I assumed that if I told you that, you would want to know more, and I would have to-"

"I wouldn't. If you don't want me to know something, I promise not to even try to pry." Alastair smiled.

Ten minutes later

"Now." Alastair said, taking a step back, "you look even more beautiful than before."

"Thank you..." Luna said, standing up and embracing him again. "I don't know what to say..."

"Say that you have enough of an appetite to go eat sushi with my in Osaka." Alastair whispered hopefully. "Just like we used to."

"What? Really?" Luna asked, becoming overwhelmed. The kimono, the hair, and now he wants to take me to Japan to have sushi in Osaka?! I cannot believe it! I'm so happy...

Alastair, who seemed to understand her feelings at the moment, laughed. "Yes; all for you, my lady. Come; your carriage is waiting."

Luna followed him as he led her outside, quietly enjoying the feeling of the happiness that he seemed to give her every time they spent time alone.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Well, that depends on how you prefer to get there," Aislinn replied excited. She put a full spoon of ice cream with two gummy hearts in her mouth and ate it quickly. "Piccadilly is a muggle populated area in town. So, apparition is out of question, obviously" She laughed and devoured another full spoon of ice cream. "We are going to get out from Diagon Alley using the usual way which hides it from muggles to enter the muggle's area. And from there, well we could just hail a muggle taxi which could take us to Piccadilly or..." there was mischievous glint in her eyes. "…ride a motorcycle." She laughed. "I am for the second option, but if you prefer a muggle taxi we can take that instead, it is fine..."

Did she leave? It is so quiet in the shop now... He thought as he nervously yet soundlessly walked out from the men's fitting room. He peeked from behind the racks of black denim trousers and noticed that only the young girl, who he always used to see in the shop, was left.

Well best to hurry to get my suitable outfit for that party... He thought and returned to look for an elegant suit.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"A motorcycle sounds really fun....But I don't know how to ride one worth a troll's brain. " Crystal explained. "If you happen to have one and know how to ride it, I would love to. After we walk around a bit to finish our ice cream." she added, taking a bite of ice cream and then another bite of cone to enjoy them both in her mouth. "Mmmm...I can never get tired of this...You're really cool, you know that?" she smiled. That day, like any other day, she wore a long, dark coat, which hid her Gothic choices from everyone. Once she was in Piccadilly, she planned to take it off, since no one she knew would be there. In a Muggle area she thought.

“What a lovely view.” Luna said as she looked out at the Osaka bay.

They sat at the sushi bar that Alastair had taken Aislynn to the first to the first time she had enjoyed sushi. They sat at the bar, which had a splendid view of the bay at night through a polished, full-length window.

"And with the time difference, we get to enjoy this view of the night." Alastair said as he glanced out at the dark waters and the moon reflected in them. There were also the reflections of the city lights, which made the bay look even more beautiful. I am so very pleased that you are enjoying this... Alastair thought with a smile. “Kore wa…(This is…)” Alastair said as he picked up a piece of sashimi with his chopsticks. “anata no okiniiridesu, neh? (your favorite, right?)” He smiled lovingly as his chopsticks neared Luna’s mouth.

Luna was about to reject what she thought was a playful joke when Alastair said; “Aita. (Open.) ”, in a very serious yet charming way. I don’t know if this is right or not….Don’t couples feed each other? Or some loving fathers with their young children…But that’s all I can think of…I feel odd, but I cannot seem to find a reason why it is wrong. . .

Alastair, who saw that Luna wasn’t moving, felt that she was troubled. “Do shimashita ka? (What’s wrong?)” He asked, lowering his chopsticks.

“Watashi…(I…)” Luna said; she couldn’t out her feelings into words.

“Daijobu desu. (It’s alright). ” Alastair said, putting a comforting hand on Luna’s shoulder. “Kore ni wa nani mo mondai arimasen. (There’s nothing wrong with this.)”

“Demo… (But…)”

“Nanimoshinai; tanoshinde iru dake. (We’re not doing anything; we’re just having fun.)” he said honestly. “Nagomu. (Relax.)”

Of course…It makes sense. I’m just overreacting again…Like earlier when Elizabeth was touching my hand…But why did I not grow uncomfortable when I was embracing Elias earlier? Luna thought as she opened her mouth and Alastair fed her her favorite sashimi. Or Alastair yesterday and today? Perhaps because I needed comforting with Elias, and he has known me for a while so I’ve dropped my guard around him… I actually enjoy hugging him…Because, realistically, if either Elias or Alastair wanted to harm me, they would have done it already, right? But don’t enemies wait for their target to relax so that their victory is insured? No…this is Elias and Alastair; I know them. Elias is loyal; he wouldn’t have introduced me to his parents if he wasn’t serious, right? Unless the whole family is in on it, like the DiVilliers…But Alastair knew, didn’t he? He knew what they were planning and he rescued me…And Elizabeth and Alexander are so kind; so is Lily. I shouldn’t suspect them at all. But what if-

“My lady.” Alastair said, looking into Luna’s eyes with a concerned look on her face. “you must stop thinking, for just a little while. You’ve been thinking so much that you haven’t even tasted the fish.”

You’re right! Luna thought, surprised that she had swallowed the fish without even realizing it. She hadn't tasted it at all.

“Please, let me do all of the thinking, for just an hour, hmm?” he smiled, a genuine look in his eyes.

“You can do that?” Luna asked hopefully, with undertones of weariness in her voice. “Alright-“ she began explaining “-keep an eye on the entrances and exits, watch the waitress bringing the food, and the man preparing the sushi. Above all, place one drop from this vial-“ she pointed to her poison-checking vial “-on every tray of sushi that the waitress brings.”

“You’ve been doing all of that?” Alastair said, growing more concerned.

Luna sighed, and took a sip of iced water. My only regret is that I cannot watch for any enemies on the rooftops of neighboring buildings. They could shoot powerful spells from that distance...Or they could shoot with those Muggle guns...Snipers, they're called. Yes, they're Muggle weapons, but even magic cannot heal a head that has been splattered across the restaurant, right?

“I will do all of those things; I promise.” Alastair said a moment later. “The waitress, the food, the cook, everything. Now; close your eyes and open your mouth, and taste it this time, please.” He fed her a piece of salmon sashimi.

“Mmmm.” Luna let out a contented sigh a moment later, not opening her eyes “It tastes so wonderful.”

Yes; I know you're not hungry, so that’s why we came here to taste the fish. You have to eat a significant amount of sushi to grow satiated, so you can enjoy the taste, my lady. “Alright; let’s play the ‘Guess the Roll” game.” Alastair said mischievously.

“Alright.” Luna agreed. “I’ve never played this before, but the rules are self-explanatory.”

“Don’t worry; you’ll be great at it. Don’t peek!” he warned playfully. He fed her a roll with salmon and cream cheese.

“Salmon and cream cheese.” Luna said, laughing. “That was an easy one.”

“Most games begin easily, and then get harder. So…” Alastair fed her another roll.

“California roll.” Luna stated certainly.

“Precisely.” Alastair smiled.

“Crunch roll.”

“Well done.”

“Spicy tuna roll….Spider roll...Vegetarian roll.” Luna said to each roll that she was given.

“Impressive.” Alastair praised.

Luna opened her eyes and picked up her glass of water.

“To you, my lady.” Alastair said, raising his glass in a toast. “Never forget; when you find yourself too pensive to enjoy yourself, I can protect you for as long as you need to relax.”

They drank at the same time, and Luna felt so calmed by his words; by his actions. I have to remind myself never to suspect him again. He, at least, would never think of….Anyway, I ended up really enjoying myself. I missed having sushi with him…And his little game was actually fun. Like a guessing game where you get this lovely sushi as a prize for guessing correctly. How comical to think that I would enjoy such a simple game. “Thank you for the game…I actually…I really enjoyed it.” Luna smiled, picking up another piece of salmon sashimi. “You made me feel really safe; I cannot explain how relaxed I felt.”

Your eyes; they looked so happy and peaceful like when you sleep Alastair thought with a warm smile. And they still look so happy and relaxed. Curse this world for making her so distrusting…A certain amount of vigilance is necessary, but she is paranoid…My poor lady; all I want to do is make her feel safe so that I can see that look in her eyes. I never want to stop...seeing that look...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Well..." Aislinn laughed. She munched on her ice cream while thinking. "Don't worry about it," She said at last. "I used to own a motorcycle when I was younger, but it was confiscated by authorities...because well...I was under aged-"

...and I was deprived from spending my holidays outside Hogwarts....thanks to that moron Sherwood for telling on me...

"-Anyway, I am going to borrow one..." She added with a mischievous smile.

She had nearly finished her ice cream, mostly all the toppings and she still had one big scoop of chocolate ice cream left.

"Let's leave Diagon Alley through that brick wall which hides this place from the muggles. We need to enter the muggle area that way to get to a vehicle shop just across the road..." She explained.

"Okay, can you just wait here, please, I will be back within five minutes..." Aislinn nodded towards the shaggy old shop, which was selling different kind of used motorcycles. She crossed the road quickly after a couple of cars had passed by. She entered the shop with her wand ready behind her back. A middle-aged man who stood behind the counter, looked grimly at her, muttering a hello.

"Allow me to borrow this one for today..." She put her hands on a black motorcycle. "The keys..."

The man gave her the keys, looking at her with a blank expression. The imperius curse had done its work and she walked out from the shop with a satisfied grin, leading the motorcycle over to where Crystal was standing.

Aislinn conjured two helmets and gave one to Crystal: "Anything I conjure won't vanish until three days later.... though I cannot conjure everything..." She added with a laugh.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"...confiscated by authorities...because well...I was under aged. Anyway, I am going to borrow one..." She added with a mischievous smile.

"Oh. I'm sorry that the authorities ruined your fun." Crystal shook her head. "And, I'm fine with you borrowing it; you know I have no problem with taking things from people who don't need them." Crystal smiled, returning Aislynn's mischievous smile.

"Okay, can you just wait here, please, I will be back within five minutes..." Aislynn nodded towards the shaggy old shop, which was selling different kind of used motorcycles.

"Sure...I still have to finish mine." she held up her ice cream pointedly. Then, she leaned up against a wall coolly and began finishing it; there was a half-scoop left inside her cone.

Aislynn conjured two helmets and gave one to Crystal, who had finished her dessert. "Anything I conjure won't vanish until three days later....though I cannot conjure everything..." She added with a laugh.

"Psh...No one can. Thanks." Crystal added as she took the helmet and put it on. "Oh, I'm so excited! I've never ridden one of these before; is it like riding a bike? Do you have to balance?" she asked, slightly worried.

"Oh...okay." Crystal laughed, moving to get on the motorcycle behind Aislynn. Wait...how am I supposed to hold on? If I hug Aislynn for support, it will look like we're a...couple... she hesitated, not moving. But....I can't tell her that. Am I overreacting, or is my reaction appropriate to the situation?

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Of course, I have a balance..." Aislinn assured Crystal, taking in her seat.

"Oh...okay." Crystal laughed, moving to get on the motorcycle behind her.

"You can hold onto the sides of your seat," Aislinn turned around and pointed out for Crystal where to hold for support. "...or hold me around my waist. I have never ridden a bike, but I bet it is just the same. I think the only difference is that the motorcycle has a power engine which the bike does not have...by the way I am going to drive very fast when I get on the larger street...so since this is your first time, it is best you support yourself by holding me around my waist..."

Aislinn was not thinking that holding someone around the waist during a motorbike was only for couples.

She put on her helmet and put the keys in the keyholes and started the power engine. She slowly drove to the end of the small road, heading southeast, where it debouched into the slightly larger and a little more trafficked street. Before she took the turn to left toward Aerodrome Way, she realized that neither she nor Crystal were wearing suitable leather clothes for the ride, but she did not care because as long they protected their heads, they would be fine. Aislinn quietly mumbled an invisibility charm in case if any muggle police were out in the roads. She had a fake ID and driving license, but she preferred to avoid in running into any muggle authority.

It was a long ride, with mostly green fields of small forests and group of trees at the sideways of the road in the beginning of the ride. If a muggle had driven with a car from Diagon Alley to Piccadilly, the ride would have taken exactly fifty-six minutes. A ride with a motorcycle would have taken longer, though Aislinn was smarter. She had already triggered the power engine with a charm to make it more powerful and allow her to drive faster than usual that the ride only took twenty-eight minutes to Piccadilly. She drove with a high speed which was twice higher than the allowed speed limit on the Watford road. She soon entered the Hendon Way and drove past the Hendon Park. Before she entered a different part of the town, getting into more trafficked streets with various of buildings on the sideways, she let go of the invisibility charm. She did not care if any muggles suddenly saw a motorcycle appear from thin air. Luckily there were a few muggles in the end of the Hendon Way, that none seemed to notice. As soon as she left Hendon Way, she lowered her speed. It was not much left. She drove past many museums, a mosque and a zoo, until she reached Piccadilly, a very crowdy place in London. She had to drive slower now until she could find a vacant parking lot.

"Did you enjoy the ride?" Aislinn asked Crystal as soon as they got off the motorcycle and took off their helmets.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"You can hold onto the sides of your seat," Aislynn indicated.

Good idea... Crystal thought, getting on as well and holding onto the seat's sides tightly.

"...or hold me around my waist. I have never ride a bike, but I bet it is just the same. I think the only difference is that the motorcycle has a power engine which the bike does not have...by the way I am going to drive very fast when I get on the larger street...so since this is your first time, it is best you support yourself by holding me around my waist..."

Well, safety first...And; I guess since we're wearing helmets, and she said she is going to be driving fast, no one will see our faces...And even if they did, no one I know is going to be here... she assured herself as she held on firmly to Aislynn. She made certain not to hurt her by holding on too tight, which was her first instinct when they began the drive.

A few minutes in she became confident that she wasn't going to fall off, and began enjoying the ride.

Wow...Aislynn is a really good driver; it really fits her character. She's the fun, rebellious type, but I really couldn't have expected this! She thought happily.

"Did you enjoy the ride?" Aislynn asked Crystal as soon as they got of the motorcycle and took of their helmets.

"Yes! It was amazing! I could have never dreamed that you would be able to ride a motorcycle that well! ....Wow." she said, shaking her head in amazement. "Girl time!" she announced happily, and she began looking around for a clothing store. "You pick the first one."

Once inside the clothing store, Crystal turned to Aislynn. "I'll start over there-" she indicated the left side of the store, "-so that I end up by the fitting rooms." she indicated the fitting rooms at the far right corner of the store. "See you after that!" She laughed, pumping her fists up in the air happily before turning and literally running to the left side of the store, excitement on her face.

Once she got there, her face was calm, determined; she was in deep concentration, carefully giving each shirt a deliberate glance. She imagined what they would look like on her, and made a judgment so as to whether she wanted that look. If she liked the idea, she would throw the shirt over her shoulder and move to the next one. If she didn't; she would shake her head, as if in an imaginary conversation. Sometimes, she would tilt her head to the side, as if making a very critical judgment. It was amusing to watch, but to her it was very serious. It was startling how fast she went through the various shirts and other clothing items.