Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Hikari Chan]

Twenty minutes later, Elias was ready. He had dressed in a white simple Victorian shirt,

along with a pair of black trousers and suit and cloak.

He apparated away, leaving Count of Monte Cristo open at his bedside table.

…Precisely on time... He thought with relief, when he checked his pocket watch. ...Only eight minutes before one o’clock...

He noticed that a carriage was parked outside Luna's manor. ...Did she get a carriage? He thought surprised and knocked twice at the main door of the manor.

"Where is Alastair?" Aislinn yawned and nearly laid down on the couch. Her back was resting on the seat of the couch while her feet where dangling down, a position that seemed to be comfortable but would make her back ache much more if she tried to sit up.
"I am feeling so exhausted, but I am unable to fall asleep. And I am hungry, did Alastair have some breakfast?"

...Just a few more days... Adela thought with a sigh, as she counted down the days in her schedule. She reached out for the invitation, which she had received by Shadowwalker, and looked at it for the tenth time. ...I am allowed to bring one guest with me.... She smiled, already knowing who she wished to bring with her to the Summer Party at the first July. ...oh, my goodness, it is less than two weeks left... She realized when her eyes fell on her schedule. …Why did I not ask him yesterday? Merlin's beard, I must hurry before his cousin gets before me...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna inhaled sharply when she heard two knocks on the front door; she had been so immersed in the novel that she had forgotten her current time and place. She closed the book and left it where it was; He'll notice how far I've gotten and understand that I appreciated his recommendation beyond words. She decided against putting it away Or, I shall simply tell him if he does not take notice first.

"Good afternoon." she greeted with a polite smile. "You are dressed quite handsomely today; elegantly divine." she complimented. Although, her compliment was uttered in a tone that sounded a bit too formal. He looks marvelously divine...So elegant.

She led him past the table where she had been reading, to the dining room where the table was set. "Just as you asked." she said loyally, pointing to his seat with her wand, which drew itself away from the table so that he may be seated. I didn't forget anything...I didn't forget anything...

Nagini watched from afar all the while; taking every precaution to remain discreetly out of Elias's view.



"Where is Alastair?" Aislinn yawned.

"In the center of the labyrinth." Raven replied. Message relayed; perfect. Ah; terrible posture. She will be so relieved that her back doesn't ache when she rises...Your welcome. And, thank you for the advice, Alastair.

"I am feeling so exhausted, but I am unable to fall asleep. And I am hungry, did Alastair have some breakfast?"

"No-" At the moment, breakfast is the last thing on his mind. "-Alastair has not dined yet." Raven replied honestly. "May I suggest a shower for you and an energizing potion? With all due respect, lying here will only cause you to become frustrated. I can make breakfast for both you, and Alastair; if you are not in the mood to decide, I shall inquire about Alastair's preference." And I can also assist you with your hair, if you wish.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Good afternoon," Elias smiled in response. ...this is actually my simplest outfit... He blushed slightly. "Thank you, my lady, you look more divine..." ...in that lovely dress.... He smiled.

As he followed her to the dining room, his eyes fell on a book on a table, which he immediately recognized from its cover. The bookmark did not ..Merlin's beard, she have been reaching so far in the book while I have only read a couple of chapters....she must be a fast reader in comparison to me who read slower because I tend to read in between the lines and every detail...

"Thank you," Elias smiled happily, taking his seat. "It smells lovely..."

"That's a good idea...I will get up and shower while you ask Alastair what he prefers for late breakfast and prepare it for us...but eeh may you help me up please.."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Thank you." Luna said modestly, taking her seat as well.

"Is the soup to your liking?" she asked once he had taken a few bites. Her portion was noticeably smaller than his, yet she ate a bit slower so that they would finish their meal together.

"Would you like any wine to drink? I have all of your favorites on hand, with the exception of Moon wine, which the store had run out of." I purchased all of his favorites except one. The store had to run out of that one yesterday, and it still hadn't re-stocked this morning...What if that is the one he really wants, and he is simply settling for one of the others? The other stores in the area had never heard of Moon Wine...


"That's a good idea...I will get up and shower while you ask Alastair what he prefers for late breakfast and prepare it for us...."

"Of course."

"but eeh may you help me up please..."

"Of course." she said, getting up to assist Aislynn. "The meal will not take me long to prepare; whatever it may be. If you wish, I could return here by the time you have finished your shower and assist you with your hair?" she asked once Aislynn was at her feet.

"Very well." she said, walking out.

"Ah...And she wished for me to choose?"

"Yes. What would you prefer?"

"Hmm...Could you possibly bake some chocolate muffins? I seem to have an incredibly strong desire for something sweet."

"Of course; would you like to dine out here?"

"...Yes, that would be lovely, thank you."

"You're welcome."

 

[Hikari Chan]

"It is lovely," Elias smiled when he had tasted the soup. He loved chicken soup and this one was very delicious. Not too salty or to faint, the seasoning was perfect.
"Thank you, but no thank you. I appreciate that you have thought about to stock up with my favorite kinds," he smiled happily. "...Though I have to refrain from wine this afternoon. I received an owl before I came here, unexpectedly, they expect me to be at Hogwarts today. One of our graduating students has applied for a teaching position," He explained, feeling happy both about the news and to announce them for Luna. "So, I cannot allow myself become soft for a meeting," He chuckled.

"Thank you, though, it is not necessary, I will just let my hair be down today," Aislinn replied as she stretched out her arms. She walked over to the bathroom to wash and get dressed. She found the attire Alastair had given her the first time she had to visit the Shiki Agency.

...If these aren't his favourite clothes for me... She smiled as she put it on and combed her hair. The skirt was long enough hence she skipped the tights and put on a pair of flats before she left the carriage.

Aislinn walked over to the center of labyrinth, following the sound of violin. ..This time I know who is playing for sure.. She thought with a smile and remembered the first encounter she had with Alastair. ...when I thought Luna had disguised herself... Aislinn thought amused and laughed quietly.

"Good afternoon," Aislinn smiled as soon as she entered the center of the labyrinth.

...So where am I supposed to find him... Adela thought confused, clutching an envelope in her hand as she was walking around in Knockturn Alley. She was wearing the black gown which she had purchased at Darkest Creatures yesterday and she wore her long brown hair in a charming braided updo. ...Perhaps I am to early? It is just quarter past one...I think I will just sit and wait at that place where we once met to take a stroll during the night...and hopefully he will turn up soon...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"That is quite interesting." Luna nodded. "Thank you for informing me." He plans ahead. He makes decisions while considering the future implications; he thinks logically; not according to his present desires. I appreciate his intelligence.

"So, I cannot allow myself become soft for a meeting," He chuckled.

"A wise decision." she said approvingly. "I would not have offered you had I been aware of such plans. May I inquire when you are expected to arrive at Hogwarts?" she asked politely, sipping her water.

"Until then." she raised her glass to him with a smile.

"Good afternoon," Aislynn smiled as soon as she entered the center of the labyrinth.

Alastair stopped immediately, and the violin disappeared from his hands as he turned around to face her "And a very pleasant afternoon to you as well." he smiled charmingly.

"Your attire is lovely." he said, kissing her hand as Raven walked past them with a tray of freshly-baked muffins and two glasses of milk.

A table appeared, with two chairs. She set the tray in the middle, two plates for each of them, and a plain and chocolate milk for each of them respectively.

Tch...Finally, she'll get to have her chocolate milk with her dessert; Alastair, you tried plain milk and water, but I know what she wants. Yes, I cheated... she thought, slightly guilty. "Is there anything else I can help you with?" Raven asked both of them.

"No. . . These smell so lovely; thank you." he said appreciatively. "Are you content with this breakfast?" he asked Aislynn kindly. I wonder; did she choose that outfit because I originally chose it, or because she likes it?

Alastair pulled out Aislynn's chair manually, so that she may be seated. "So tell me; after our mission today, what would you like to do? I'm afraid I've monopolized all of your free time for my own selfish desires." he said dramatically. "In all seriousness-" he said seriously "-I would like for you to decide what you do today, or what we do. It is your decision." Even if it is without me, I would like for you to spend today as you wish when we aren't working.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"At four o'clock...about three hours," Elias said after checking his pocket watch

"Until then." Luna raised her glass to him with a smile.

He raised his glass of water as well and took a sip of ice-cold water.

"Would you love to attend the meeting as well, please?" He asked when he put down his glass. "I know you trust me to handle everything, but I think your presence is important besides only teaching dark arts and cooking with magic..." he smiled. Quinn does not know Luna's location hence why she would not receive any owls with information from her...

Aislinn blushed. ...I knew he loves to see me dressed like this... She thought for herself.

"It is lovely," She smiled towards both Alastair and Raven and then gave Raven a thankfully glance when she noticed the glass of chocolate milk. ...It is perfect...she knows I love to drink chocolate while eating chocolate...hehe...

"So tell me; after our mission today, what would you like to do? I'm afraid I've monopolized all of your free time for my own selfish desires." Alastair said dramatically, when Aislinn had taken her seat. "In all seriousness-" he said seriously "-I would like for you to decide what you do today, or what we do. It is your decision."

She smiled. "How can I complain, when I got to spend time with you…" She said charmingly. She took a sip of her chocolate milk and then said: "I just want to relax today and just do nothing, being lazy, reflect over the time I spent in the demon realm, and then end the evening with a bubble bath..." She took another sip of her chocolate milk. "Would you like to join me?" She asked and then hurried to add: "I mean just during the day, I prefer to be in the bathroom alone," She giggled and nearly choked on her chocolate milk. She took a big bite of her chocolate muffin, avoiding eye contact with Alastair, her cheeks crimson red of embarrassment. ...Merlin's beard...I must choose my words by care...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I know you trust me to handle everything,"

Luna nodded.

"...but I think your presence is important besides only teaching dark arts and cooking with magic..." he smiled.

"I understand; I shall attend the meeting as well."

When they finished their meal, Luna waved her wand; the used dishes replaced themselves with new ones, and the creme brulee served itself carefully.

"I do hope it tastes decent; this dessert is one that I have not made for quite some time." she said honestly.

She smiled. "How can I complain, when I got to spend time with you..." She said charmingly.

How sweet of her to say such a thing.

She took a sip of her chocolate milk.

Ah; the one thing I didn't try...Ravenna must have put her some to make up for the other times I guessed wrong...Now I know what she prefers to drink with desserts.

"I just want to relax today and just do nothing, being lazy, reflect over the time I spent in the demon realm, and then end the evening with a bubble bath..." She took another sip of her chocolate milk. "Would you like to join me?"

Alastair raised his eyebrows. Would you care to rephrase that? His expression said.

"I mean just during the day, I prefer to be in the bathroom alone," She giggled and nearly choked on her chocolate milk.

Why would you say something like that, especially to me? It was a simple mistake, but one you should never make. Alastair sighed, pushing the thought from his mind in irritation. However, she did say 'relax for the day', which I assume, means she wouldn't like to do a mission today. If that is the case, then..."I appreciate your invitation, but I choose to decline." he said politely. "I do hope that you enjoy your day." In all honesty, I would most likely become bored with a day like that; I will complete a mission, or two, and then do some other kind of exciting activity in my leisure time. Not to mention I still have to handle the lottery ticket that Eric gifted me. I will spend a portion of my time repaying all of the people who I said I would when I was a bit short of funds. That would be a wonderful plan for today. He looked to Aislynn with a warm smile. I wonder how long it will take for her to become so accustomed to the demon realm that she hardly thinks it is anything special; like she had become so comfortable around Ravenna; a fallen angel. I wonder how she will visit that world again once every tie between us has been severed...Will she miss it terribly? Will she meet another demon from that world to take her there? I do not look forward to that time, but it will come eventually...I would hate to make her angry or sad, yet she wouldn't be happy with me even if we remained together.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Elias smiled, feeling content and happy that he did not need to take all the decisions and responsibilities about Hogwarts alone. ...The more she spends time at Hogwarts the more comfortable the students and the staff will become around her...

"The taste is perfect," he praised Luna after the crème brûlée had been served and he had taken a bite.

"Oh..." Aislinn, was feeling a bit disappointed that she would have to spend her entire day alone. …Does he not like to relax? …I just mentioned to him that I wanted to reflect about the time I spend in the demon world...perhaps it did not cross his mind that I might come with new questions during the course of the day....oh well, I will just note my questions on a piece of parchment, if I get any questions, and ask him when I see him again...

"What are you going to do then?" She asked Alastair and took a sip of her chocolate milk. She ate the rest of her chocolate muffin and drank the rest of her chocolate milk. ...I might change my mind and accompany him instead as long as it not missions...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"The taste is perfect."

"Thank you." Luna said after she swallowed her first bite. Relief shown in her eyes.

When they finished and the dishes had been cleared, Luna asked "What would you like to do now? Alastair has reserved the labyrinth's center for the present time. "He told me why, but unless Elias asks, I truly see no point in explaining.

"Oh..."

Such disappointment...I thought that 'reflecting' meant pondering matters alone...Perhaps I was mista-

"What are you going to do then?" She asked.

Ah...She does wish to join me. Then, today is not the day for the extra missions and paying back those 'loans'. Time for a change of plans, then. Let's see; an activity that doesn't take much effort and allows plenty of time for talking...Ah; I'll just go with what I had planned for myself, without the missions..."I was planning on visiting the London's Eye after completing a few errands." he said honestly. "If you would like to join me, I would have no objections. However, my initial decision not to invite you along came from the assumption that you would find such a day boring. You needn't endure such a mundane day if my company is all you desire; if you wish it, I shall remain here with you." he said loyally. I love beautiful views from high places, even if it is a simple Muggle ride. But all that I desire and everything else can wait, if she desires something else. All I have to do...is give her everything she wants...and she will be happy.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"London's Eye you say..." Aislinn said after she had been pondering a while. "I would love to join you," She smiled. ...It would be perfect, I will just sit in that Ferris wheel and do nothing, but relaxing while reflecting about the demon realm...

"Please do your errands first," She added with a smile. "..and then you may pick me up here afterwards, I will be waiting here for you."

"Alright," Elias nodded. He was not curious about why Alastair was occupying the center of the labyrinth and therefore he did not ask Luna about it.

"Let's take a walk and discuss how far we have reached in our reading," Elias suggested with an excited smile, referring to the Count of Monte Cristo which he was reading and Wuthering Heights which Luna was reading. "And talk about our opinions about the books we are reading..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I would love to join you," She smiled. "Please do your errands first," She added with a smile. "...and then you may pick me up here afterwards, I will be waiting here for you."

"A perfect plan." Alastair remarked with a smile. That plan did not cross my mind; I assumed she would find my entire plan mundane. Clearly she shows interest in London's Eye...And so I shall visit it with her. He had eaten four muffins with a fork and knife, taking small, polite bites.

He waited until he saw that Aislynn had finished before drinking the last sip of his milk and standing from the table, uttering his usual phrase before departing.

"To Japan." Raven smiled, bowing as Alastair neared the carriage.

"Yes." Alastair said, eyeing her distrustfully.

"No no, I only guessed! You don't usually request France or India, so where else would you be going besides your usual place?"

Alastair nodded, comprehending her logic and visibly relaxing.

Once he had handled the lottery ticket, he paid back everyone. Nearly everyone expressed that they never doubted that he would pay them back, and Alastair thanked them again for their trust and discretion in the matter. Two hours passed by quickly, and he noted the time in the carriage ride back to London with a smile.

"...Yes, I would like for you to hold on to it for me for no more than a week. I plan to invest it in the stock market." Alastair explained, handing the remaining money to Asmodeus; contained in a sealed envelope.

"Ah...I see. What are you planning on investing it in exactly?" he asked curiously, taking the package.

"Various stocks, and, of course, options." Alastair replied simply.

"Ah; well, I know you will do well, because I taught you well, so no luck is needed. However, I regret that you weren't able to do this sooner."

"You, above all people, know that you need a large amount of risk capital to invest in such a volatile market."

"Ah; like I said before, I know you will do well." Asmodeus smiled. "Would you care to stay for dinner?"

Alastair declined gracefully, before thanking him and bidding farewell to both Asmodeus, and Reign, who had been visiting him.

"My lady." Alastair bowed to Aislynn upon his return. "Are you ready?" he smiled, standing.

I assume that he did notice how far I had read... Luna smiled. Out in the gardens, Luna expressed her opinion thus far. Her confusion in the beginning of whether to like or dislike Heathcliff, before her definite decision to despise him. The decision came from Heathcliff's deep love for Catherine, whom she despised as a character. And for the mistreatment of Isabella Linton, whom she didn't care for yet who also didn't deserve Heathcliff's ill treatment of her. She understood Catherine's reasons for marrying Edgar, although she resented the fact that there had been the misunderstanding between Heathcliff and Catherine before their betrothal. She viewed Edgar as a fool for seeing Catherine's poisonous personality and going through with the marriage.

"...plot and writing style were wonderful; I read words that I had not seen in a book for quite some time. The way things were described in such wondrous detail, and the way the characters interacted fascinated me to the point that I completely forgot my surroundings. I stopped reading at the part where Catherine is dying and Heathcliff is visiting her for the first time....Edgar is returning home." Luna said, visibly eager to know what would happen next. "Needless to say, I am immensely grateful for the recommendation. I did not read quickly; on the contrary, I read slowly and savored every line, reading some lines twice in disbelief." she smiled. "I simply took no breaks from the moment we parted to the moment I retired for the night. And then again this morning after a few errands." she finished. Her finger was at her chin, her eyebrows knitted and her eyes looking off into the sky. I wonder if I forgot to mention anything important about my opinion on the novel... Her thoughts shown clearly on her face.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I am amazed by how far you have reached," Elias praised Luna. "I have only read the first five chapters in The Count of Monte Cristo. I read slowly, though I do not reread anything but rather reflect upon every chapter I finish. I have always been wondering why Catherine's father brought Heathcliff into his household, picking him from the streets and bringing him to his home and then neglects giving both him and his own children proper upbringing. Was it to rescue him from poverty? There were many who were suffering of poverty during that time. I also understand Catherine's reasons in marrying Edgar, but on the other hand no one would force her into a marriage, she could have declined Edgar because she had a choice. I believe her marriage to Edgar was a wrong choice which disappointed Heathcliff that it led him to vengeance. As for The Count of Monte Cristo, I am very intrigued by the story and I cannot wait until evening arrives so that I can continue reading it. So far, I enjoy the writing style and the plot. I wonder what next will happen to poor Edmond who just have been taken into custody during his marriage feast...."

Aislinn remained in the center of the labyrinth while Alastair went on his errands. She conjured a hammock to lay down and relax while reflecting over the time she spent in the demon realm.

..it is a different place...special in its own way.....I wonder why Alastair did not take me to his castle...I wish I had demanded him to take me there...now I regret that I did not...Since he regards himself as my servant...I could....but Merlin's beard, this feels so wrong...I don't wish to treat him like I treated Sherwood...because Alastair does not deserve it...

"My lady." Alastair bowed to Aislinn upon his return. "Are you ready?" he smiled, standing.

"I am..." She smiled, sitting up. She had nearly dozed while lying in the hammock, though as soon as he had returned, she was feeling alert and fully awake.

"You again..."

Adela looked up with a broad smile when she heard a familiar voice addressing her. There was a playful eerie smile on Vincent's lips.

She rose up from the low ruin wall she had been sitting on, still clutching the envelope in her both hands. She had been sitting there, daydreaming about the future while waiting for him to turn up.

...This human girl...tsk…she forgets that she is a human and that it might cost her life to spend too much time with me...Vincent thought as Adela approached him with a happy greeting and showed him the invitation to the summer party at the Shadowwalkers.

"-I am allowed to bring one guest with me, and I would be very happy if you could accompany me to this summer feast," She smiled, looking at him with her big almond colored eyes.

"…Are you aware about that you are inviting a vampire to a party hosted by humans where all the guests will be humans?"

"…Yes, is there any problem? Have you not attended parties where there only had been humans before?" She was hinting at the party which had been hosted by Luna about a month ago. But what Adela did not know was that Vincent had left the party because of becoming moody in an argument with his cousin. "I would love to accompany you to a party hosted by vampires in return." She quickly added without thinking.

Vincent's smirk faltered. "First of all, I would only accept if my cousin invited me to a party hosted by humans and second, you...you cannot....you should not accompany me to any vampire party....I would not even invite my cousin, who is a part vampire, to any party.....you are only a mere human-"

"I understand!" Adela interrupted with a smile. She tried her best to both conceal and ignore the fact that he had hurt her feelings at this very moment.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I wonder what next will happen to poor Edmond who just has been taken into custody during his marriage feast...."

"I shan't speak my mind-" Luna said decidedly. "-for I fear that I may speak of things you have not yet read. However, I look forward to the moment when you have completed the novel and I am able to speak freely." she spoke seriously.

"May I ask...Does Lily Shadowwalker share your love for novels?" Luna asked curiously. "In addition; did your mother or father share their love for reading with you, or was it something you yourself discovered?" I am curious...I also wonder what they read if they were to read...I don't imagine Mrs. Shadowwalker to be a fan of romantic novels...Or for Mr. Shadowwalker to be reading financial magazines or books...I wonder.

"We have, perhaps, two hours to spend before we can watch the sunset from the interior of London's Eye. How do you propose we spend that time?" he smiled charmingly.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Well...we could take a walk or go to the theaters in London or Piccadilly," Aislinn suggested. "I am also open for any other ideas..." She added. "But oh, I need to check the post office in Diagon Alley, first!" She suddenly remembered. "It feels like ages since I have done that! Do you mind taking me to the post office in Diagon Alley and then we may visit London's eye, please? I am sorry about bothering you with such mundane errand at Diagon Alley, but I promise I will be quick!" She blushed.

"My sister does not like reading at all. After all, reading she has to do for her classes at Hogwarts, she rather does anything else but reading whenever it is holidays. As for my parents...well my father has only interest in reading the Daily Prophet and anything that concerns the wizarding world, real and hard facts...it is only my mother who share my interest in reading fictional books and study books of various wizarding subjects...besides teaching me playing the piano, she always read goodnight stories to me when I was a child and introduced me to fictional books when I was old enough to read on my own....however, she did not teach me reading because I had a governess.."

"...But are you not friends with Mr. Elias Shadowwalker?" Adela asked, trying to find a way of attracting Vincent to the summer feast. "I thought you were, I think he will be happy to see you at the party-"

"Of course we are friends. Don't you worry, he might send me an invite or trust my cousin to ask me to be her guest..."

"I see..." She tried her best to smile carelessly.

...Merlin's beard…he is so difficult to persuade....it seems that he is very close to Monroe and more friendly with Elias....I understand that cousins may be close to each other like siblings or like couples... She thought, trying to brush off her last thought as if it was nothing. ...while with the latter one...if Luna Lestrange introduced both Monroe and Elias as our superiors... She remembered the night when she had been freed from Azkaban and partaken in the storming of Ministry of Magic. ...then it is not strange that Vincent seems to be very close to Elias as well..

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"... bothering you with such mundane errand at Diagon Alley, but I promise I will be quick!" She blushed.

"My lady, it was I who worried about boring you with mundane tasks. You could not possibly bore me no matter how hard you tried." he smiled. "To the carriage." he said, offering her his arm so that they could walk there together.

He wrote in a journal that he retrieved from his pocket, not speaking throughout the carriage ride; his eyes did not leave the journal. They left the carriage after landing on a rooftop, and Alastair apparated down while still writing in the journal. He waited for Aislynn to apparate down as well, and then followed her to the post office. "Take your time." he said kindly, holding the door to the post office open for her. He sat on a chair inside, continuing his writing. He gave the impression that he was in no rush, and cared not whether she decided to take one minute or sixty completing her task.

"You've finished already?" he smiled, visibly surprised. "No bad news, I hope? -There is no need specifics-" he added politely "-, just a simple no will do. "No need for specifics when it is clearly her personal business; I simply wish to confirm that all is well. His reasons were clear.

"Are there any other errands that need to be carried out?" He was visibly prepared to accompany her on the most mundane of tasks; he cared not how interesting it was for him, but simply that she completed every task that she deemed necessary by the end of the day.

I find all of that information very interesting...He had a governess...I wonder..."Permit me to ask-" Luna began politely "-what was your governess like?" I imagined the father to only read non-fictional things; serious things. It was Lily and the mother that I was surprised about...Lily does not like to read? May people these days don't; and yet I hoped she would be different. I admit that I am slightly disappointed...slightly. Mrs. Shadowwalker's preferences only confirmed my guess; she does enjoy fiction.

"...and you insist that there is no way you can...hint...about which stocks Alastair should take an interest in?"

Reign shook his head. "If I ask, he will merely reject my offer. His reasons are the same as in the past; he frowns upon cheating, in any way. The guilt would make all of his earnings worthless, in his eyes."

Asmodeus sighed. "That's why he won't take Human money from me; it's worthless to me, but he still rejects it. For someone that kills the way he does, he certainly values honesty and loyalty far more than anyone could imagine...That is what separates him, and I...from his parents."

"Then why does he not tell Lady Aislynn about his feelings?" Malice asked.

"That is for him to explain to you when this is over." Asmodeus said.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Oh well..." Aislinn smiled with relief and took Alastair's arm, following him to the carriage.

She wondered what he wrote about in his journal. …Is he writing a diary, a story or perhaps poems? She was curious but refrained from asking. …What if it is something which is top private and he refuse to tell me...like his castle in the demon realm..

"Take your time." Alastair said kindly, holding the door to the post office open for Aislinn when they arrived to the post office in Diagon Alley.

Aislinn went to her small locker, wondering if she would instead sign her real address for receiving owls. ...P.O and D.A. are gone now...I don't need to hide anymore...

There were only one envelope to her, addressed by Elias. She stared at the envelope, wondering why on earth he had sent her a letter. She teared up the seal of the envelope and found two invitation cards and a small note. The invitation cards were invitations to a summer feast which was going to be hold on Sunday, the first July. ...Merlin's beard, it is half and a week left...when did he send this...oh during the beginning of this month...but why did he give me two invitation cards...? She was confused and wondered if Elias had done a mistake or literary given her two cards to give the second one to Alastair, but then she read the small note which said that the second invitation card was for Vincent.

(Elias have no clue or idea about the relationship between Aislinn and Alastair. Also, Elias will invite Alastair personally to this feast as soon as they both meet).

Aislinn had forget about signing up her real addresses and walked over to Alastair.

"You've finished already?" he smiled, visibly surprised. "No bad news, I hope-?"

"eh I-"

"There is no need specifics-" he added politely "-, just a simple no will do."

...oh, come on, I want to tell you...

"Are there any other errands that need to be carried out?"

"Well, yes, this is actually unexpected but an important errand that I must carry it out now before I forget...I need to forward a message to my cousin which I received by this letter...and I have to give it to him personally...do you mind to take a walk?"

Elias laughed heartily.

"Well....she was a young lady, very strict and severe and meticulous. I was an obedient child, but Lily gave her a very hard time..." He laughed. He checked his pocket watch and noticed that they had to leave for Hogwarts.

"Anyway, it is time for attending the meeting soon, shall we?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Well, yes, this is actually unexpected but an important errand that I must carry it out now before I forget...I need to forward a message to my cousin which I received by this letter...and I have to give it to him personally...do you mind to take a walk?"

"Not at all." Alastair smiled, offering his arm again "Please lead the way...my memory of the manor's location isn't strong enough, yet." he admitted. I remember that it was in the opposite direction of Knockturn Alley's beginning, so we did pass darkest creatures, but I cannot recall for the life of me where we went from there...Ruins....and the end of Knockturn Alley....What a fool. He nearly laughed. I can navigate the entirety of the Demon Realm without a second thought...And yet this place I forget....This manor...

"Well....she was a young lady, very strict and severe and meticulous."

Ah...So not like Maria Von Trapp from the Sound of Music...I can imagine that's how Elias came to be such a gentleman...

".. I was an obedient child but Lily gave her a very hard time..." He laughed.

Oh; he was already an obedient child...Lily giving this governess a difficult time is a thought that amuses me...I didn't expect her to be the difficult type of child...

"Anyway, it is time for attending the meeting soon, shall we?"

"Of course. Excuse me a moment-" she turned away "-I shan't be more than a minute." She left and went inside, summoning her mirror from upstairs. This dress was fine for remaining here in the manor, yet not for anywhere else. The thought of anyone looking at me in this- she looked at her bust through the mirror -besides Elias, is too much.

"Shall we?" Luna asked, standing before Elias precisely a minute later.

Her hair was in an elegant bun now, with one wavy strand of her hair loose at her right, accenting her face. Her elegant long-sleeve black shirt was paired with a flowing black skirt. Underneath, she wore her favorite pair of black boots.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Alright," Aislinn smiled, linking arms with Alastair and lead the way towards Knockturn Alley.

Taking a quick walk, they went through Knockturn Alley and when they just reached the end of it, Aislinn did not notice miss Dolohov who walked past.

Adela, whose mood had changed during the course of the conversation with Vincent, just happened to glance briefly at the couple whom she walked past, noticing them just like she usually noticed other strangers around in both Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley. But suddenly, after ten minutes, she stopped abruptly and turned around, but she could not see the couples, whom she had walked past, anymore. ...Did I just see...? ... She frowned, trying to remember the face of the girl with long hair and bangs. …She looked so familiar... Adela shook her head in confusion and continued to walk to clear her mind.

"Oh...there he is!" Aislinn exclaimed when she noticed a familiar dark shadow entering the small forest just behind the churchyard. "Vincent!" She cried out, letting go of Alastair's arm though she continued to walk expecting him to follow her. She stopped in her tracks in the middle of the walkway in the churchyard. The dark figure stopped and turned around. Instead for moving away from them, it started to move towards them. A tall, pale and gaunt man shrouded in black emerged out of the woods. He was dressed as usual, a black silky shirt with a pair of black trousers, elegant black shoes and a black cloak. His hair was usually tied in a sloppy style, revealing his pointy vampire ears and his ear piercing.

"Good afternoon," Aislinn greeted Vincent with a friendly smile. They had not seen each other since she had led him to Darkest Creature when Rosaleya had wished to see him.

He did not reply immediately, but looked past her, eyeing the man, whose name he did not know, coldly and eerily.

"Good afternoon," He replied dryly after what seemed like to be ten seconds, his eyes still on the stranger.

"…eheh...How are you doing, dear?" She took several steps towards him, addressing him like a sister addressing her brother.

"Fine," He replied dryly, his eyes still on the man.

"…eheh...Alastair, this is my dear second cousin Vincent, Vincent this is Alastair-"

"Yes I know," Vincent interrupted abruptly. "Your human friend," He added scornfully, still looking at Alastair. Aislinn nearly flinched but decided to ignore Vincent's rudeness and gestured at two benches which were positioned opposite each other.

"Please let's sit," She said in an almost shaky voice. She sat down, Vincent followed her example and sat in front of her. She briefly nudged Alastair's sleeve, looking at him with pleading eyes, which asked him to take his place beside her. "…eheh...I…uhm...busy today, we don't have time to stop by at the manor and I don't wish to bother grandmother, you know she will start cooking-"

"You just detest her cooking, Ashy," Vincent interrupted slyly.

Aislinn blushed deeply of embarrassment. "Oh no…no..." She tried to brush it off with her nervous laugh. ...What the bloody hell, how dare he embarrass me in front of Alastair...

"Well...I have a message to forward to you..." She tried to change the subject.

"Oh...so that's why you wanted to see me? Only if you have something to tell me...but if you have nothing, you never come and see me…tsk tsk..."

"I actually paid a visit a couple of weeks ago...but you were not present..." Aislinn was red-faced and angry because Vincent started to act so childish. She leaned forward and handed over the invitation card to him. "Elias has invited you to a summer feast..."

"Oh..." Vincent took the card with a smile, holding it between his fore finger and middle finger while reading it. "Did you also receive an invite?"

"Yes of course..."

"Ah...I have no doubt who your guest will be…" He smiled slyly at her and then glanced coldly at Alastair.

"How did it go with Rosaleya?" Aislinn hurried to ask, trying to change the subject once again.

"Who?"

"Rosaleya, the girl who works at Darkest Creatures..."

"Ah...Rosaleya...Rosaleya...Rosaleya…" Vincent seemed to talk more with himself as he got a distant look in his eyes. He seemed to taste every syllable in Rosaleya's name as if he was tasting every drop of blood from a human vein.

"Yes...how did it go?"

"I don't care about Rosaleya…"

"Oh... I see..."

"Well...if you don't have anything more of importance to tell me, I will take my leave..." Vincent stood up. "My dear cousin, I do not wish to waste any of your precious time with your lover-boy," He added sarcastically. He shrouded himself in his black cloak and transformed into a swarm of bats, leaving before Aislinn could say anything.

Aislinn's face was red like tomato. She looked at anything else around in the churchyard but Alastair. She did not dare to face him after how rude Vincent had been.

"I am so sorry…" She whispered. "Please don't take my cousin's behavior personally. He...he has always been like this..."

...oh how I regret taking Alastair with me on this errand...I should have gone alone...why did I even ask him… She thought, feeling so mortified after the encounter with Vincent.

"Sure..." Elias nodded with a smile. "Take your time..."

"Shall we?" Luna asked, standing before him precisely a minute later.

"With apparition...?" He asked. "I don't know any smoke apparition, but smoke invisibility..." He explained.

When they arrived a couple of minutes later at Hogwarts, Elias sent of two Patronus messages. One to Quinn and the other one to Persephone.

"We are going to have the meeting in the staff room," he explained to Luna when they walked past the scattered students in the entrance hall towards the main stair case.

The staff room was grand, with an oblong table and chairs for all the professors and staff at the school. He whisked his wand at the table and chairs and changed it to a round table with chairs for four persons. "I think this will do," He nodded and drew out a chair for Luna before taking his seat beside her.

A couple of minutes later, Persephone entered the staff room. "Good afternoon," She greeted both Elias and Luna. "I am pleased to see you, mistress," She bowed her head. Elias gestured at the seat beside him. Two minutes later, Pegah Ferydoni entered. She was wearing her school uniform as usual; she still looked the same as she had done during the trial with Elias when he had been held in custody. Dark-brown, almost black, long and straight silky thick hair which reached down to her waist and olive skin and beautiful brown eyes. She did not look the slightest nervous when she greeted everyone politely.

"Good afternoon professors."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Oh...there he is!" Aislynn exclaimed when she noticed a familiar dark shadow entering the small forest just behind the churchyard.

I will choose to assume that this is the same cousin that she spoke of in the Demon Realm...If he has disrespected her... Alastair looked disapprovingly at the shadow, although he couldn't help but feel slightly intrigued by her cousin's wonderful way of traveling. Alastair thought that when Aislynn made the wish back in the Demon Realm for Vincent to treat has 'like his sister' that Vincent must've been treating Aislynn like a stranger, henceforth offending her and extending the general rudeness/coldness that Luna gives to strangers. ...I chose to share my feelings of my own family with her, yet she has no obligation to do the same, and henceforth I shan't inquire any further into the matter unless it becomes pertinent.

"Vincent!"

So Vincent is his name...

When Aislynn let go of Alastair's arm, he remained where he was for a moment, wondering if he should distance himself physically, or accompany her yet remain emotionally distant instead. He decided to watch from afar, and put some distance between them, moving back just enough so that he wouldn't be noticed in the shade of a tree, yet close enough so that he could still see their expressions as they conversed.

This Vincent...I must admit that he dresses well...

"Good afternoon," Aislynn greeted Vincent with a friendly smile.

Alastair heard it clearly. He was calm until Vincent looked past Aislynn in silence, to lock eyes with Alastair with a cold glance. So I shall choose neither, and use Reign's method. Alastair thought, jumping and landing just behind Aislynn in silence; she hadn't noticed that he hadn't been there the whole time. He remained where he was, choosing not to meet Vincent's gaze, yet.

"Good afternoon," He replied dryly after what seemed like to be ten seconds, his eyes still on the stranger.

"Good afternoon." Alastair said politely, as if he were greeting Asmodeus. He bowed deeply in respect "An honor to meet you, Sir." If you wish to show such disrespect, I shall show you the polar opposite; utmost respect. That way, it is clear. Someone who is far superior would not show his displeasure with another so openly, and thus, you have become the fool in not even deigning to know me well before you spurn me.

"....eheh...How are you doing, dear?" She took several steps towards him, addressing him like a sister addressing her brother.

"Fine," He replied dryly, his eyes still on the man.

Alastair remained bowing until Aislynn spoke again; then he stood up straight, his posture and demeanor indicating that he was addressing a friend.

"...eheh..Alastair, this is my dear second cousin Vincent, Vincent this is Alastair-"

"Yes I know," Vincent interrupted abruptly. "Your human friend," He added scornfully, still looking at Alastair.

"I have never met a male vampire before." Alastair said, extending his hand and looking at Vincent with the utmost respect, as if Vincent was the most elegant and well-mannered vampire he had ever met. "An honor indeed." Politeness...I love this. How old are you, Sir Vincent? Ten? Can you not see that you make your cousin uncomfortable with your overt disrespect?

"Please let's sit"

Alastair sat next to Aislynn after her silent request for him to do so, and kept his eyes to her as if he beheld a goddess before him. Do you see this, Sir? This is how you should behold this lady; of course, you wouldn't learn a thing even if it would cost you your relationship with her to remain ignorant.

"...eheh...I...uhm...busy today, we don't have time to stop by at the manor and I don't wish to bother grandmother, you know she will start cooking-"

Ah...I remember her grandmother's cooking; that detestable lamb...Otherwise, the food was not bad at all...Was that food that her grandmother that cooked? I cannot recall...

"You just detest her cooking, Ashy," Vincent interrupted slyly.

Aislynn blushed deeply of embarrassment. "Oh no...no..." She tried to brush it off with her nervous laugh.

Her aura is hot with embarrassment...as is her countenance...And yet you, as her cousin, choose to ignore it and continue on with this foolishness? He thought disapprovingly.

"Well...I have a message to forward to you..."

"Oh...so that's why you wanted to see me? Only if you have something to tell me...but if you have nothing, you never come and see me...tsk tsk..."

Another childish comment; no wonder why she has no desire to see you more frequently...Shall I mark you as a narcissist?

"I actually paid a visit a couple of weeks ago...but you were not present..." Aislynn was red-faced and angry "Elias has invited you to a summer feast..."

Is this the same Elias that....Of course it is. The man that Luna deemed worthy of her company...knows this Vincent character? Wait- I know now where this feeling came from...I felt as if I had heard the words Vincent and Vampire in the same sentence before. This Vincent is the same one that Luna spoke with! She told me that he was slightly prideful yet beguiling...And he also knows Aislynn? I shall ask Luna if she knows more.

"Oh..." Vincent took the card with a smile, holding it between his fore finger and middle finger while reading it. "Did you also receive an invite?"

His attitude changed immediately; does he know Elias? Are the two friends, or acquaintances? To be invited to a party...Hmm...I would not invite an acquaintance to a party, so they must be friends. But the questions is, friends, or close friends? Perhaps this Vincent character is simply having a terrible day, made worse by my...Ah; my presence here.

"Yes of course..."

"Ah...I have no doubt who your guest will be..." He smiled slyly at her and then glanced coldly at Alastair, who met his gaze calmly.

"I knew nothing of such a feast; I do hope that you have a pleasant time." Alastair said genuinely in a humble tone, obviously saying that Vincent was lucky to be invited to a party that he would not be attending himself. And if you have any sort if intelligence, you will apologize to Aislynn there.

"How did it go with Rosaleya?" Aislynn hurried to ask, trying to change the subject once again.

Another name I feel I have heard somewhere...

"Who?"

"Rosaleya, the girl who works at Darkest Creatures..."

Ah...Luna told me how charming she thought the relationship between Miss Crystal and Miss Rosaleya was...Like the ideal pair of sisters, she said.

"Yes...how did it go?"

What business would a sheltered girl like Rosaleya have with this character? I shall call him the character when thinking about him; Vincent is, in my opinion, an elegant name which does not match his rude character...at least for the present time.

"Well...if you don't have anything more of importance to tell me, I will take my leave..." Vincent stood up, and Alastair stood as well.

"My dear cousin, I do not wish to waste any of your precious time with your lover-boy," He added sarcastically.

"A pleasure." Alastair said kindly, repeating his deep, respectful bow from before.

"I am so sorry..." She whispered. "Please don't take my cousin's behavior personally. He...he has always been like this..."

Alastair remained for a moment, then stood and laughed as if he had just witnessed something undeniably comical. "My dearest lady; I found it undeniably comical that this cousin of yours displayed such a despicable display of contempt at the expense of your feelings. This character..." he assured her, sitting beside her and putting a hand on her shoulder "This child, cannot possibly affect me. A person who has yet to know another, yet chooses to reject them for such irrelevant reasons, could not possibly affect me that way. I simply used a wonderful method that Reign taught me. 'To show respect to another shows superiority'." he quoted. When he said the word another, he used the same tone as if he has said adversary. "I apologize to you, that your cousin's actions made you feel so uncomfortable." Clearly, he was not bothered at all. Not in the slightest. He was more worried about Aislynn's feelings, and he wanted her to feel better. To show respect to one's adversary denotes superiority. People can quickly become annoyed that way; Reign was correct...This method works very well with people in this realm.

"With apparition...?" He asked. "I don't know any smoke apparition, but smoke invisibility..." He explained.

"I was not aware." Luna said politely "And if I was, then it simply slipped my mind." she held out her hand to him as if they were shaking hands, and once he took it they both disappeared in a puff of black smoke. Ah...Much better than apparition.

When they arrived a couple of minutes later at Hogwarts, Elias sent of two patronuses. One to Quinn and the other one to Persephone.

And I still find it amusing that his patronus is a peacock. A creature that I knew to be so prideful and useless except for its grand appearance when fanning its tail. Not a very good description of Elias, yet I have no knowledge of his interactions with others besides myself when I am not present.

I think this will do," He nodded and drew out a chair for Luna before taking his seat beside her.

"Thank you." Luna said politely. She crossed her legs and sat elegantly with her hands folded loosely on the table before her.

Good afternoon," She greeted both Elias and Luna.

"Good afternoon." Luna replied politely; she had chosen a formal yet kind mask for this meeting.

"I am pleased to see you, mistress," She bowed her head, and Luna smiled in a kind way, she felt the same, it seemed.

"Good afternoon professors."

"Good afternoon." Luna replied. "Please, be seated." she indicated the remaining chair. "I was informed that you wished to acquire a teaching position following your graduation. I will first ask your chosen subject to teach, and your reasons for desiring this particular profession. Honesty is desired, above all else." she added. Not in a way that she thought she may lie, but simply, that there was no need to.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn nearly dropped her jaw when Alastair started to laugh.

She tried to understand what he just told her and contemplated it for a couple of seconds before speaking:

"Oh no, why are you apologizing to me? It is not your fault that my cousin is acting this way."

It is more my fault...some things happened between me and my cousin long before I met you, Alastair, he asked me for a date, and I turned him down... She thought for herself, but did not say anything about it, instead she said:

"Please do not take the blame on you, it is not your fault, he is just jealous about our relationship...that's all...perhaps your attitude and behavior towards him might give him food for thought, he might change his behavior next we meet him...at the summer feast.....I think Shadowwalker will invite you as well, since he is close to Luna and you are her brother, but if he does not send you an invite, then you are my guest…" She held up the invitation card, showing him that she was allowed to bring one guest with her. "Anyway, right now I want to go to London's Eye, please..."

Pegah took her seat obediently. She was facing the headmaster who had the headmistress on his right side and professor Pyrites on his left side.

"Yes, I did," She nodded. "Well, the subject I chose is MagiPsychology and..." She went silent, wondering how to explain why she wished to remain at Hogwarts after her graduation. "Well...I.."
..They are all English...would they understand the different culture which my parents have been trying to teach me and bring me up with.....if I put it in a different way it might not sound as silly or weird...

"Well eh...first of all, MagiPsychology is my favorite subject...I have of course top grades in every subject, though MagiPsychology is the one subject I love the most and it is why I chose that subject to teach.." Pegah took a deep breath before continuing: "…When I graduate and finish school for good...my eh...." She felt her cheeks burning hot of embarrassment.

Professor Pyrites smiled softly and encouragingly at her.

"..well, I have an interest in becoming a teacher, to teach has always intrigued me and the professors we currently have are very inspiring in comparison with previous ones we had.., anyway it is also because that...eh...I and my parents have different desires...they like me to get married as soon as I graduate, but I am not feeling ready for marriage....I'd like to wait a couple of years until I feel ready though they won't allow me unless if I have an occupation.."

Pegah was feeling mortified, wondering why on earth she had to tell her last reason. She felt as if she just had revealed secrets which she should not share with others. She also felt that her last reason must have sounded so silly and weird.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"...perhaps your attitude and behavior towards him might give him food for thought, he might change his behavior next we meet him...at the summer feast....I think Shadowwalker will invite you as well, since he is close to Luna and you are her brother, but if he does not send you an invite, then you are my guest..." She held up the invitation card, showing him that she was allowed to bring one guest with her.

"That is very kind of you." Alastair said, surprised. He hadn't expected to attend; much less for Aislynn to invite him.

"Anyway, right now I want to go to London's Eye, please..."

"Of course, my lady. We shall return to the carriage." he held out his arm to her as he stood. "Do you mind to take a walk?" he repeated her question from earlier back to her with a smile; the encounter with Vincent was clearly the furthest thing from his mind.

They arrived near London's eye not long after that, having walked back to the carriage and flown for a short time. They had spent just enough time to watch the sunset from London's Eye.

"We will walk the two streets distance, and enjoy a charmingly serene ride." Alastair smiled, once they had apparated down from the rooftop Raven had chosen. "Would you like any refreshments? There is a shop close by that sells fresh juices and fruit blends." he suggested. "We would enjoy them as we watch the sunset."

They paid a visit to the store. It was the sort of small store that isn't noticeable most of the time, yet clean enough to expect hygienic methods of preparing the drinks. "Your drink of choice, my lady?" Alastair asked after she had had a moment to read the various things that the place offered. All of them were written on the wall behind the counter where two employees worked; there were no menus, or chairs. The store sold nearly every variety of smoothie or fresh fruit juice imaginable.

"And I would like a mango juice, please."

"Thank you." he said, handing over the correct amount of change in exchange for the two drinks. He took them both, one in each hand.

"Have a nice day, Sir." the employee said cheerfully.

"Same to you." Alastair said politely, before turning to leave.

A customer coming in politely held the door open for Alastair before moving on.

Once outside, Alastair made certain that no one was watching before shrinking both drinks to the size of peanuts, then holding both of them discreetly between the thumb and index finger of his left hand. A moment later, he offered his right arm to Aislynn. Shrinking spells are so wonderfully discreet.

Alastair paid for their tickets with Muggle money he had exchanged earlier in preparation, and they came to a long line of people waiting to ride. Alastair walked right past them as if they weren't there, and approached the man accepting their tickets. "May I please disregard the line and enter now?" Alastair asked politely.

The man raised his eyebrows.

"Waiting, in all honesty, would bore me." he explained nonchalantly.

"Of course." the man said, taking Alastair's tickets and gesturing to the ride as if he understood completely.

"Thank you." Alastair said politely.

The ride started a minute after they had taken their seats. Once the Muggles could no longer see them, Alastair enlarged their drinks and handed Aislynn hers, along with two neatly folded tissues bearing the shop's name.

"That man accepting the tickets does not work here." Alastair began, a mischievous look in his eye. "He is the demon I spoke of earlier, named Nova. I assume that Reign told him I would be here today; he has done this before on days when I had chosen to visit London's Eye. I simply detest waiting, so I shall express my gratitude to Reign the next time we meet. As for Nova, it would be odd to introduce you to him now, so it shall wait until a later time when we aren't in the company of so many Muggles. His disguise is so mundane you wouldn't notice him when he changes back." Alastair said with a smile.


".....and the professors we currently have are very inspiring in comparison with previous ones we had..."

At least she thinks so...Crystal told me that she enjoys teaching, and her students seem eager enough to learn. I am happy to hear that in this young lady's words...

"... to get married as soon as I graduate, but I am not feeling ready for marriage....I'd like to wait a couple of years until I feel ready though they won't allow me unless if I have an occupation.."

Luna was visibly intrigued. "I thank you for your honesty." Luna spoke genuinely. She now regarded the young girl with a mixture of understanding and determination. "I believe that your reasons are more than understandable. " Luna discreetly touched her brooch with her finger. If it is true that she has received top grades in the subject she desires to teach, I have no quarries with approving her request. Provided that the professor teaching MagiPsychology is prepared to resign, and that she had the patience and determination necessary for this profession. I understand her reasons, yet I know nothing of her demeanor or mannerisms. I wish to save her from her parents' foolishness, yet not at the cost of the future MagiPsychology students. She removed her finger, conveying her thoughts in a mere three seconds. Provided that this isn't a wild lie that she has spun. However, I doubt that, considering that it is a lie too wild for a lady of her age, and all for a teaching position? Doubtful. She decided.

"What do you think, Miss Pyrites?" Luna asked.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn laughed, finding it amusing that Alastair repeated her question.

"Sure, let's take a walk," She smiled and tried to leave what had happened earlier behind and not thinking too much about Vincent's childish and rude behavior.

"We will walk the two streets distance and enjoy a charmingly serene ride." Alastair smiled, once they had arrived close to London's Eye "Would you like any refreshments? There is a shop close by that sells fresh juices and fruit blends." he suggested. "We would enjoy them as we watch the sunset."

"That's lovely, thank you," Aislinn nodded smilingly, totally ignorant about the rules regarding food and drinks at London's Eye. "I'd like pineapple juice, please."

Once he bought the drinks and the tickets, they went to the line where people were queuing for the ride. She was surprised that he walked past the line, yet she followed him, wondering if he had charmed the people to believe that they both were invisible. She was also surprised that the man accepting the tickets allowed them to enter the ride without the need of waiting for their turn in the line.

"That man accepting the tickets does not work here." Alastair began, a mischievous look in his eye when Aislinn took her drink as he handed it to her with a tissue. "He is the demon I spoke of earlier, named Nova. I assume that Reign told him I would be here today; he has done this before on days when I had chosen to visit London's Eye. I simply detest waiting, so I shall express my gratitude to Reign the next time we meet. As for Nova, it would be odd to introduce you to him now, so it shall wait until a later time when we aren't in the company of so many Muggles. His disguise is so mundane you wouldn't notice him when he changes back." Alastair said with a smile

"Oh..." …well that explains how we were able to get past the line without any issues... She thought amused, taking a sip of her drink.

Elias touched his brooch discreetly by adjusting his shirt. …Oh do not worry...anyone who applies for a teaching position, won't immediately be employed as a professor, we have some conditions regarding this matter...and the girl will be saved as long as she agrees to the conditions of becoming a professor...

"Well..." Persephone began calmly. "…having top grades in the subject in question as our Miss Ferydoni has, which I as her professor in MagiPsychology is proud of..." Here Persephone smiled proudly at Pegah who smiled nervously in return. "...is not the only thing that will determine if she will be able to teach or not. The personality of a person is very crucial, how to speak to and interact with students in class, in the office, anywhere else at this school, being able to handle the students professionally in every possible situation that might occur, to gain their respects....And above of that prepare lessons, homework, assignments exams and grade everything..." Persephone paused for a second and then spoke to Pegah: "You are very young, miss, you are about to graduate this year and taking a position as professor in MagiPsychology means that you will be dealing with students in their sixth and seventh years when you don't have the experience. I do not mean to discourage you, but I must be honest with you, it is not an easy job if you don't have any experience or any wit when it comes with dealing with students..."

Pegah's heart dropped. She sat still, wondering how she would gain experience in teaching if she had none and wished to become a professor.

"Professor Pyrites is absolutely right," Elias agreed. "Though whatever your reasons are, miss, the main point is that you have the interest in teaching the subject. Though since you are about to graduate, we won't immediately employ you as professor but as a teaching assistant for one or two years. This means that you will assist Professor Pyrites in her classes and other work related to the subject. You will also be allowed to teach but under her supervision. Professor Pyrites is currently teaching two subjects: Divination and MagiPsychology, so I do not think she minds resigning from one of them..." Here he looked at Persephone who just gave an assuring smile that she did not mind resigning from MagiPsycologhy at all and then the turned his attention towards Pegah: "...when she deems you ready to become a professor. Do you have any obligations or questions, miss?"

"…Eh..." Pegah had nearly become speechless. She could not believe her luck and she had not been expecting to be offered a solution to her request. "…No...I... I agree.." She finally said after what seemed to be like five minutes when she had found her voice. "I agree..."

"Hello ladies!" Adela exclaimed cheerfully as she entered the cozy tower room where she used to meet Faeryn and Endewyne. She was surprised to see them both staring at her as if they had seen a ghoul.

...oh, come on...

"Ehmm...hello Adela..." Endewyne spoke up after a couple of minutes had passed in awkward silence. Faeryn remained silent and Adela was feeling like she was not welcomed, but yet she sat down because she cared a lot, especially about her friends.

"How are you doing?" Adela asked carefully, yet she smiled friendly.

"...eh…fine...we are fine..." Endewyne replied, staring out of one of the windows and avoiding looking at Adela while Faeryn was still silent, twisting her fingers.

Adela noticed their odd behavior but did not comment it, instead she said:

"Guess who I saw today...or who I think I saw today..." She was trying to cheer her friends up by starting gossip to them like in the old days.

Endewyne raised an eyebrow and Faeryn looked up from her lap, both looking at Adela with surprise mixed with their worried looks as if they thought her friend had been seeing vampires again.

"I think I saw Monroe...but I am not sure...it looked like her but-" Adela went on.

Endewyne rolled her eyes while Faeryn seemed to relax.

"And what's with Monroe?" The former one asked with a bored tone.

"She is dating Lestrange's brother, if that was Monroe..."

"What?!"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"A pleasant view." Alastair remarked when they reached the perfect height from which they could see a lovely view of London, and the sun was nearing the horizon. He had only finished a quarter of his drink, sipping it slowly to enjoy the taste. "Made even more pleasant in your company. Thank you for joining me." he raised his cup to her.

"...No..I...I agree..." She finally said after what seemed to be like five minutes when she had found her voice. "I agree..."

I agree with you, and Ms. Pyrites... Luna thought with her finger at her brooch. The conditions are perfect; she will gain experience without risks, hence Ms. Pyrites's supervision during classes she will be teaching after she has spent enough time as a teacher's assistant. After folding both hands on the table again, she thought. I am glad I came here. It gave me a chance to hear about the teachers from this young lady's mouth, and to learn firsthand about the process that new, young professors go through to acquire teaching positions here.

"I am happy to hear that you favor the current teachers and their methods; many of the professors have expressed their joy in teaching. I am pleased to hear that the students feel the same way. In closing, I would like to wish you luck in your career as a professor, though with your determination and intelligence, I hardly doubt that you will need something as unreliable as luck." Luna said. A genuine closing statement; I meant those words.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"No need to thank me," Aislinn smiled and took a sip of her drink. It was so relaxing, sitting in the ride and enjoying a drink in the sunset. She tried to drink slowly, though she ended with having less than half of it left since she as usual took large sips. ...I wonder if Crystal would enjoy such ride. We could take Rosaleya with us, it is in London anyway so it should not be that far from Knockturn Alley...and Vincent...tomorrow...I will ask them to join me tomorrow...

"…uhm...thank you..." Pegah nearly whispered, feeling touched by the headmistress' words. "M-may I leave?"

Elias nodded with a smile and Pegah sighed with relief that the meeting not only was over but also had went well. She wished them all a pleasant evening before leaving the room.

"That went quite good, I cannot thank you both enough for attending this meeting today," Elias spoke gratefully when the door had closed behind Pegah and then turned his attention towards Luna: "It is dinner time soon, would you like to eat here or go somewhere else? With going somewhere else he indicated a restaurant of her choice or if she wished to cook something nice instead.

"Yes, because I recognized him, but I did not pay that much attention. It was like after ten minutes that I realized that I had seen them both, but I am still unsure if it was her or not. She looked so familiar..."

"Where did you see them?"

"At the end of Knockturn Alley..."

"And what business did you have there?"

"Hehehe…I was looking for a clothing store..." Adela laughed nervously, her cheeks turning red.

Endewyne raised a suspicious eyebrow. "Adela?"

"I mean...have you not received invites to a summer feast which will be hold the first July?"

"Of course, both Faeryn and I have received invites, but what has the invite to the feast to do with your visit to Knockturn Alley today?"

"Because I was looking for a dress for the feast-"

"In Knockturn Alley, rather than at Madam Malkin’s? You were not thinking about inviting the vampire as your guest to this feast, were you?

"eh..no ..eh.." Adela stuttered nervously. She was bad at lying and Endewyne seemed to see through her.

"Adela, if you have invited the bloody vampire to this feast, both Faeryn and I will be staying at Hogwarts on Sunday!"

...Merlin's beard...oh well, I shall be honest with her...

"Well, I actually asked him to be my gue-" Adela began but was interrupted when Faeryn started to scream hysterically. "OH PLEASE! HEAR ME OUT FOR MERLIN'S SAKE!" Adela had to scream to make herself heard. "HE DECLINED ME!"

Faeryn's screams stopped abruptly and then she started to laugh as if she was happy about the news.

"So I was right..." Endewyne said with a raised eyebrow to indicate that Adela was a bad liar.

"Whatever-" Adela retorted sarcastically. "You can both stay here on Sunday, because I bet Mr. D'Arcy will be invited by his cousin or by Elias anyway!"