Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"That went quite good, I cannot thank you both enough for attending this meeting today," Elias spoke gratefully.

"I was happy to be here; the meeting was enjoyable and went very well." Luna replied honestly.

"It is dinner time soon, would you like to eat here or go somewhere else?"

"I think that that would be lovely." Luna began honestly, yet her tone said that her sentence would be followed by an apology. "But my brother has already promised to make one of my favorite meals for dinner tonight, and I cannot make it as wonderfully as he. I apologize, but when he made the promise, I didn't think that he planned on entertaining a third."

She stood, and turned to Ms. Pyrites. "I appreciate your hard work and diligence as much as every other professor in this school. I thank you for all of the work you do in order to teach these children to the best of your ability." she said. Her tone sounded genuinely grateful. "I wish you a pleasant afternoon." she said with the slight nod of her head, then turned to Elias.

"And I wish you a pleasant evening as well. Thank you for suggesting that I attend this meeting; your reasons proved more than clear from the moment the young lady entered this room." By this she clearly meant the soon-to-be professor-in-training. "I do hope you enjoy the novel." she smiled. She was happy that he had such a captivating adventure to look forward to and enjoy in the near future. And Alastair said that he would read to me as well...He does have a very dramatic voice when he reads; I look forward to it. And that meal he makes...I'm off to purchase the groceries from the list he left me... she thought happily.

"And she told me that she would rather sew her own mouth shut than to speak of such a thing."

"And what happened then?" Damien asked, intrigued.

"She nodded, and left, walking up the stairs to her room." Asmodeus paused. "I believed that she had understood. . .Fifteen minutes later, she came down the stairs with her own mouth sewn shut and tears in her eyes! I was alarmed, thrown into a state of blind rage for what she had done! I removed the stitches and healed her, and the entire time she didn't say a word." he whispered the last sentence, tears brimming in his eyes. Yet they remained there; he did not shed a tear.

"Tell me-" Damien began heatedly "-what the thing was the Malice dared not speak of? I must know; I love her as dearly as you."

Asmodeus gave Damien a look so dark...so grim...that no one in any of the three realms, Heaven, Hell, or Earth, could ever resist fearing.

"It was..."

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn had finished her juice long before the ride ended. She watched the sun vanishing behind the horizon during the ride. During the rest of the ride, she remained silent, reflecting over the demon realm. The more she reflected over it the more it seemed to become a dream for her, a place that only existed in her fantasies.

"This was such memorable ride with a pleasant view indeed," She smiled towards Alastair when the ride was over. "I am going home to my grandmother this evening and staying at her for a couple of days. Please let me know when it is time to get back to work to complete some missions. I wish you a pleasant evening, dear." She embraced him before walking the opposite direction to find a place of where she could apparate discreetly without anyone seeing her.

"I understand," Elias smiled. "No need to apologize to me."

Persephone blushed a bit when Luna praised her and was speechless for a couple of second, not knowing what to say though she smiled, appreciating her kind words.

"Thank you dear, and no need to thank me," Elias smiled softly. "I cannot wait to get back to reading soon, I hope you have a pleasant dinner tonight.."

"So how did it go?" Lily looked excited at Pegah when she entered the common room.

"You look so nervous..." Clarissa noted.

"How did it go?"

"Oh come on, give her a break, don't you see how anxious she looks like?"

"It's fine...the meeting was fine," Pegah spoke quietly. "I'm only worried about how my parents will react over the news..."

"Do you need help with writing them a letter?" Lily offered kindly.

Pegah shook her head with a smile "I have already told them in advance…"

Aislinn woke up around ten the next morning. Upon arriving at her manor yesterday evening, she had not seen Vincent anywhere, though she had found another gift at her bedside table last night. It had been a small square box with white sweet gummy candies covered entirely with chocolate. The sender had been unknown and she had wondered if it had been Vincent who had bought it for her, but she had discarded that thought remembering when she had found the first gift, a mask, at her bedside table and later confronted him about it and him denying for buying her any gift. She tiptoed over to his bedroom, and peeked through the doorway, finding him deep asleep.

...oh well, he will be fine… She thought, wondering if she should ask him to join her when meeting Crystal and Rosaleya, but she discarded her idea at the same moment. ...I don't know what happened between him and Rosaleya. He didn't tell me anything yesterday, only saying that he doesn't care about her...what if I create an awkward situation if I invited them both for today's leisure...I must first ask Rosaleya how it went when she met him...

Aislinn went back to her bedroom and closed the door behind her before she spoke to the emerald attached to her wand.

"Crystal Thorne! Good morning let's meet for ice cream for breakfast in Knockturn Alley and then enjoy a ride at London's Eye. Please ask Rosaleya if she'd like to join us."

This morning, Elias made sure to not get carried away with Count of Monte Cristo. He had read a couple of chapters, wondering if the main character would be freed or able to escape the prison as he put the book away. He spent time to eat a healthy breakfast; boiled eggs, buttered toasts, cocktail tomatoes and a cup of earl grey. He dressed in the same causal outfit which he had worn yesterday and made sure that he arrived at Zayne's cafe thirty minutes, at precisely half past twelve, before the appointed meeting.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"This was such memorable ride with a pleasant view indeed," She smiled towards Alastair when the ride was over. "I am going home to my grandmother this evening, and staying at her for a couple of days. Please let me know when it is time to get back to work to complete some missions. I wish you a pleasant evening, dear."

"Same to you, my lady." Alastair said. "Farewell." he said as she walked away. Now, to make my dearest one of her favorite meals. I cannot wait to see her lovely smile when she tastes it; I look forward to it. He thought as he walked. He reached a discreet place, and jumped to the rooftop where Raven was waiting. I wonder how early he will arrive to his meeting with Elias tomorrow... Raven wondered as she held the door open for him.

"Yes, I have purchased every ingredient listed." Luna answered confidently, handing him the list so that he could check if he wished.

"Very well my lady; " Alastair smiled, ignoring it in confidence "prepare to enjoy the delicacy that is...magnificence." Alastair said dramatically, raising his 'wand' to begin preparations for the meal.

"You named it 'magnificence'." Luna laughed softly, sitting at the kitchen table. She enjoyed watching him cook with such skill. She had close to his level of skill, yet he performed the task with such elegance...So smooth, as if he was dancing rather than cooking.

"It tastes...so lovely." Luna sighed contentedly after she had tasted the first bite. "Thank you."

"I require no thanks-" Alastair said genuinely "-for the beauty of your smile is something I shall cherish and remember for much longer than your words."

Luna smiled. It is as if his words are lies; they sound so unreal. Yet the way he speaks them...he could make anyone believe them. Even himself. I feel so special, to have a brother like him.

Her smile is everything...Her happiness is everything... Alastair thought, raising his 'wand' to refill their water glasses. I must have such incredible luck to be the one whom she smiles for...The brother who makes her happy.

"A pleasant morning." Alastair said charmingly to the employee at Zayne's cafe. She had just turned the sign over that said closed, and now it said open at the door.

"Oh." she said, surprised. "Good...good morning. I didn't expect to have any customers this early...Have you been waiting long?" she asked. She spoke very quickly, nervous in Alastair's presence. She had been late in opening the store by forty-three minutes; she had overslept.

"No, not long at all." Alastair replied politely. You had to oversleep, didn't you? He thought logically. I suppose that the mundane life you have in working here, every day, must make your dreams at night the only escape. And yet, I had to wait here an additional forty-three minutes. It matters not. Alastair sat at a favored table by the window.

"Would...would you like anything, Sir?" she asked, her pen poised above her notebook.

"Yes. Some fresh banana and strawberry blended together with a bit of coconut cream and honey." Alastair requested politely. He had not touched the menu she had placed before him when he had taken his seat.

"Alright." she said, writing quickly.

Alastair wrote in his leather-bound journal until Elias arrived, by which time his smoothie was a distant memory. He laughed through his nose. Only thirty minutes early? Such determination. He mocked him on the inside, while on the outside he showed a genuine smile. He stood politely, bowing shallowly yet elegantly to Elias. "A pleasure to see you, Mr. Shadowwalker." he stood, extending his hand to shake "Good morning." The man that I have heard her praise...The man that she trusts...that she loves...Is this man. It is important that I know him. I mustn't judge him as harshly as Vincent judged me; I would be just as childish as he if I allowed myself to. He decided. Let's think positively; he dresses well, and his hair is a charming length. His eyes are a lovely color. That's good; I'll concentrate on the positive things.

Crystal Thorne! Good morning, let's meet for ice cream for breakfast in Knockturn Alley and then enjoy a ride at London's Eye. Please ask Rosaleya if she'd like to join us.

Crystal's eyes widened.

"Yay! I get to come! Please, please think of an excuse for me! Dad won't let me go further than this boring Knockturn Alley!" Rosaleya pleaded when Crystal let her hear the message, her eyes large with hope.

"It's only boring because you've been here for so long and you've basically done everything there is to do here. Don't worry; go take some time to make yourself look really nice." Crystal smiled. She was determined to take Rosaleya with her.

Rosaleya inhaled sharply, not believing her ears. "Thank you thank you thank you!" she forced herself to whisper, for the alternative was shrieking in excitement.

"Thank you very much for inviting both of us. " Crystal began, speaking into her emerald. "Rosaleya's like my sister, so both of us are grateful for the invite. We'll be ready in less than an hour, so I'll see you in the store in about forty minutes? I need some time to come up with a good cover story for her Dad; he won't let her leave Diagon Alley unless he's with her, and bringing him is not an option." she said. He's the exact opposite of fun! Her tone said. "Anyway, she's so excited, so thanks again!" Crystal put her hand to her chin in thought, looking out the window at the people passing by. A good excuse...hmm...

Rosaleya came back in five minutes, visibly flustered. "Can you please help me pick what to wear? Everything I have, Dad 'approved of'." she said grimaced.

"Sure; I'll make you look like a cute Anime character; would you like that?" Crystal smiled sweetly.

Rosaleya nearly exploded in excitement and disbelief.

"Shh...Just do what I say. Brush your hair; I'll be right back." Crystal said, walking out. She returned with some lovely clothes ten minutes later. "I had to go to the manor to get my clothes. Where are your hair bands?" she asked, speaking quickly. Clearly, she had a very good plan figured out. She split Rosaleya's long hair down the middle, and put it into two adorable pigtails, and added ribbons for the aesthetic.

"Dad says that bangs don't suit me...does it really look cute without the bangs?" Rosaleya asked, looking in the mirror.

"Yes. Now put on this costume. "

Crystal wore the same thing that she had worn the day Aislynn had invited her for Chinese and games at the arcade.

Rosaleya was dressed in a knee-length black skirt with tasteful frills at the edges, black Victorian boots that had ornamental laces running up the sides, and black tights. Her shirt was similar to Luna's on the day of the meeting with Pegah, except that it had long, flounced sleeves of the same material as the frills on her skirt.

Crystal handed her a long coat just like hers to hide it. "Wear this until I tell you otherwise. You look adorable, don't worry. Now for your Dad's excuse; leave as I'm talking to him." she explained.

"Are you sure it will work?"

"Tch...Trust me, it's fine. " She said, putting her coat on and leaving the room.

"What can I assist you with?" Leigh asked, only giving Crystal his attention after she had been standing there for at least eight minutes.

"Well, it's that time of the month again, and Rosaleya needs extra feminine products." Crystal began bluntly, prompting an annoyed glance from a nearby male customer, and two from a nearby pair of ladies browsing the shoes.

"Firstly, please speak more discreetly." Leigh began angrily. "Secondly, you've purchased them for her before, so why does she need to go now?" He appeared very difficult to sway.

"Because.-" Crystal began in the same blunt, loud voice "-there's a small problem that we discovered recently. You see-"

"What?" Leigh demanded. "You'll be fine-"

"-and every morning, her sheets are stained crimson by the bloo-"

"Alright, alright, please go and stop talking!" Leigh surrendered, his face red and his brows furrowed.

Meanwhile, Rosaleya was nearly out the front door.

"-Not to mention an unusual sensitivity in the inner-"

Leigh got up and literally shoved Crystal out the door, without handing her Rosaleya's charm so that he could keep track of her.

"Victory high five!" Crystal smiled once they had left the front of the store, sharing said high-five with Rosaleya. They stood close enough so that Aislynn would have to pass them to reach the store; only a blind person would miss them.

"Thanks!!! You were wonderful! Everything I have for that time is fine, but he doesn't know that because that stuff disgusts him! And you came up with that on your own, thanks!!!" she said appreciatively.

"Yeah...Too bad we'll only be able to use it a few times though...It won't work as well the third time..." Crystal sighed.

"Hello, Aislynn. It's so nice to see you." Crystal shook her hand. "This is Rosaleya...You probably know, but this is a formal introduction to make it feel more friendly. Rosaleya, this is Aislynn."

"It's really nice to meet you...Miss?" Rosaleya asked uncertainly, extending her hand. "I'm not sure...what to call you?"

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Good morning," Elias replied politely, shaking hands with Alastair. ...At this hour of the day, I actually say good afternoon, though I choose to greet him the same as he greets me, or he might think that I am correcting him and that would be rude... "It is an honor to meet you, Mr. DiVilliers"

The moment Elias had entered the cafe, he had recognized Alastair, remembering him from the last time he had met him. He had not been surprised to find him being at the cafe earlier than him, thinking that it might be something siblings could had in common as he remembered that Luna also used to arrive very early whenever they would meet.

Elias took a seat in front of Alastair and sat down as soon as the latter one sat down as well.

...I remember this man from the first time I met him at Luna's place...Cerberus' brother... He thought as he picked up the menu, looking at Alastair with a friendly smile. ...Positive thoughts...just think positively about him...not all the siblings turn out to be exact the same...

"Would you like to drink or eat something?" Elias asked kindly.

"Hello Crystal" Aislinn grinned as soon as she arrived at Darkest Creature, finding both Crystal and Rosaleya waiting outside. Aislinn was wearing a pair of ripped black trousers, a black t-shirt, revealing her inked forearms and neck, and a pair of sneakers. She was also carrying on her black fancy backpack she had bought in Piccadilly when she had been there with Crystal. And her hair was down, combed and straight.

"Hello, Aislynn. It's so nice to see you." Crystal shook her hand. "This is Rosaleya...You probably know, but this is a formal introduction to make it feel more friendly. Rosaleya, this is Aislynn."

"It's really nice to meet you...Miss?" Rosaleya asked uncertainly, extending her hand. "I'm not sure...what to call you?"

"Hello Rosaleya, nice to meet you as well," Aislinn smiled. "...Just call me Aislinn...well shall we? To the ice cream parlor, hehehe!"

It was a short and brief walk to the ice cream parlor since it was located in Knockturn Alley.

Aislinn waited for both Crystal and Rosaleya to order their choices first before she ordered three scopes chocolate ice cream on chocolate cone for herself and insisted with paying for them all.

"I invited you both, so I am paying!" Aislinn smiled. "Shall we take a walk to London's Eye while we eat? It is a nice weather and we could just take a taxi if we finish our ice creams long before we arrive," She suggested.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair picked up the menu and read through it slowly. And I grow bored. Nothing here sounds appealing.

"Would you like to drink or eat something?" Elias asked kindly.

You're speaking to me like I'm a child, and not the one that is planning on paying, you- "Yes, please." Alastair said politely. "However, I'm having a difficulty making up my mind." he continued honestly. "Often times, one restaurant or cafe makes certain meals better than others. " Alastair explained, setting his menu down. "It takes experience to know which meals to avoid. I have yet to dine at this cafe...What do you suggest?" he asked. Truth...Nothing on this menu sound appealing, considering I have never tried them before at this particular restaurant. This is perfect; I get a decent meal upon his recommendation, and he feels helpful by giving me advice.

"..Just call me Aislinn..."

"Alright." she nodded.

"...well shall we? To the ice cream parlor, hehehe!"

"I don't have ice cream for breakfast often." Crystal remarked. "This is really nice."

She had ordered two scoops: salted caramel and chocolate peppermint. Rosaleya chose Rocky Road and salted caramel.

"Seriously, though, Aislynn." Crystal said, in mock anger "Let me pay; I told you, it's stolen. Whereas your money is rightfully earned, I let the rich and useless pay for mine." she laughed. "Don't pay." she repeated seriously, though she said it as a request.

"It would be really nice to walk; Crystal put a really nice cushioning charm on these boots so that the heels don't bother me." Rosaleya smiled. "Thank you for the ice cream, Aislynn." she said gratefully, trying out Aislynn's name for the first time. She had usually referred to her as Crystal's friend, or your friend when speaking with Crystal. "I really...Thank you for inviting me." she said, looking down at the floor with a smile. "We haven't even started yet and I'm already having such fun. I barely leave Knockturn Alley, so I anticipate seeing the Muggle buildings and busy streets for a refreshing change..." She spoke more to herself than anyone else, and yet they still heard her. I never get to go out...And my heart is beating so fast in excitement; we haven't even left this useless alley yet. How is this fair? She thought angrily.

"So, what made you think of London's Eye?" Crystal asked after a few minutes. "I know it's supposed to be a big thing and all, but what made you think of that specific Ferris wheel? If it's personal, I don't need to know." she added quickly and politely. Luna told me after I asked; her brother knows that Aislynn is in love with him. She also said that they were dating. She also said that her brother hadn't made up his mind yet; if he loved her or not...I hope it works out well for them. I promised not to tell Aislynn a thing and the reasons are obvious.

 

[Hikari Chan]

...Merlin's beard...is that man serious? He is acting as if he is at Silvery Serpents. This is not a restaurant where you dine, it is just a cafe where you eat something light and mostly drink something, is it really hard to choose a cup of tea or coffee alongside with a bit of cake or sandwich? ...or just a big glass of ice-cold smoothie...He is making a big deal out of it...

"Ah, I understand, it must be your first time here, isn't it?" Elias asked with a smile. "I am rarely here, though my sister is a frequent visitor of this place. She loves everything on the menu," He added with a laugh. "Well, if you ask me, they have good cakes and drinks. I would not complain about it, though I was thinking about having fruit salad with some vanilla ice cream." He made sure that he had a polite tone all the time he spoke to Alastair.

Elias ordered a small bowl of fruit salad with one scoop of vanilla ice cream for himself. After Alastair placed his order and they were served, Elias picked out is payment quill and paid by simply signing the bill.

"Crystal! It does not matter; you know my way of stealing when using muggle money." The gemino spell... "You may pay whenever you invite me next time," Aislinn laughed, paying for the ice cream.

She smiled at Rosaleya's words, finding her being such a cute girl.

"No need to thank me, Rosaleya," She smiled.

"So, what made you think of London's Eye?" Crystal asked after a few minutes. "I know it's supposed to be a big thing and all, but what made you think of that specific Ferris wheel? If it's personal, I don't need to know." she added quickly and politely.

"It is alright, it is not personal really..." Aislinn laughed. "I was there yesterday, with my date," She blushed, thinking about Alastair. "It is such a nice and relaxing ride and I thought about inviting you and Rosaleya today. And now when I think about it, it would be perfect for Rosaleya, you just mentioned that you never have seen anything else but Knockturn Alley, you will see the entire London from this Ferris wheel!"

"Merlin's beard, girls, please stop arguing!" Pegah looked from Lily to miss Taylor who were engaged in a heated argument about which house would win the house cup this year. They were standing in the library. The argument had started when miss Taylor had spotted Lily and thrown out a snide remark to her because of the hatred she felt for the headmaster.

"I am pondering about which method to use this time, take away points from respective house or give you both detention for disturbing the peace and quiet atmosphere in the library. Which method do you think is the best to remind you of students who are using this place for studying and that some examinations are not over yet?"

The girls ceased arguing, both red faced, when the transfiguration professor had surprised them. Lily was red faced of anger while miss Taylor was red because of shame she felt by being discovered in this kind of embarrassing situation because she highly admired and respected professor Flynn Pyrites.

"She started-" Lily began. She spoke with gritted teeth but managed to keep a calm tone.

"I don't care who began-"

"She said rude things about my brother-"

"Miss Shadowwalker! I know the classes and exams are over for you and that this had been your last year here, but it does not mean that you may interrupt me whenever I speak to you. You ought to show some respect because I am professor here. Have I made myself clear?"

Lily did not speak but nodded slightly. She saw how miss Taylor was sneering at her, yet she swallowed her pride and looked down at her feet.

"Detention in my office-"

At that very same moment, a Patronus in the shape of a cat reached Lily. It was a message from her mother who had just entered the entrance hall and wished to see her.

"-this afternoon," professor Pyrites continued as if he had ignored the Patronus message, but then he added: "…only for miss Taylor though, as for you miss Shadowwalker, you will be serving your detention tomorrow afternoon. Please enjoy your shopping today."

At this, miss Taylor facial expression changed drastically. Her earlier triumphing smirking face turned into a mad and jealous face. ...this is unfair...so unfair, she ought to have detention now! But he allows her to have fun first...he is not favoring her, is he? Her brother is the headmaster after all...tsk! I am going to complain to the Ministry of Magic about this! Yes, after this detention, I will send the minister a letter!

“Yellow?!” Elizabeth looked aghast at her daughter. They were in Madam Malkin’s shop looking at some beautiful one-colored fabrics. Madam Malkin had only brought almost all the colors but not yellow, orange or red.

Lily did not know how to explain for her mother that the yellow color was the ideal color for a ball, because a princess had been wearing it and fallen in love with a beast who had been the bewitched prince. She tried to tell her mother about the trip she had made with some students together with their Muggle Studies professor to the muggle part of London. She tried to tell about the moving living pictures she had watched on a white cloth. But all she managed to say was:

“I want to try out a new color” Lily was feeling very stupid. It was not what she wanted to say. Her voice has not followed her mind.

Her mother looked at her with a frown and shook her head in confusion.

"It is about the princess who wears a yellow gown and falls in love with a beast who is a bewitched prince! And the talking teapot, teacup and candlestick!" Lily blurted out.

"I think the exams this year must have taken a toll on my poor daughter," Elizabeth laughed nervously, speaking to Madam Malkin. "I think I will buy her two gowns for her hard work. Lily, what do you think about a green gown with silver details for your graduation ball and a rose-pink gown for the summer feast?"

"But Mama, I am being serious about the yellow color," Lily pleaded. "I want a golden yellow ballgown, please!"

..Merlin's beard... Elizabeth thought with a sigh, wondering how she would make her daughter understand that yellow would be bad choice.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Ah, I understand, it must be your first time here, isn't it?" Elias asked with a smile.

Yes, he who does not listen, I told you moments ago that I had yet to dine here. Alastair thought in annoyance, although he merely nodded politely.

"I am rarely here, though my sister is a frequent visitor of this place. She loves everything on the menu," He added with a laugh.

Lily...Luna spoke of her.

"Well, if you ask me, they have good cakes and drinks. I would not complain about it, "

Do you think I am complaining?

"...though I was thinking about having fruit salad with some vanilla ice cream."

Alastair nodded, as if he was taking Elias's advice seriously. Well then...I'll order tea, and eat later. This is going terribly. My hatred is blinding me; how can I change this? He thought, as the waitress was taking Elias's order; a small bowl of fruit salad with one scoop of vanilla ice cream. Alastair ordered a cup of Earl Grey.

After they were served, Elias picked out is payment quill and paid by simply signing the bill.

By the time Alastair had realized that that was the method of payment at this restaurant; he had merely given his coins to the waitress, there had been no time to insist on paying.

Alastair sighed, sipping his tea. Nothing is working; I'm behaving as terribly as that Vincent character. How can I show this man respect when I cannot seem to... "Excuse me for a moment." he said calmly, standing and heading toward the restroom. As soon as he bathroom door had closed behind him, he sighed a long, tired sigh, his hand at his forehead in frustration. Why is this proving near impossible? Luna loves him so that means I should respect him at least. Am I envious of her love for him? No, not when she loves me as well. Perhaps that she told him things that he kept secret, before telling me? Or that he has everything I had, yet with the addition of a loving mother and father? Is this truly what envy feels like? He wondered. I'm uncertain...And now, how shall I go about this?

Alastair sat down at the table four minutes later, calmer than he had been before. Of course, nothing had changed on the outside. "Mr. Shadowwalker." Alastair began, in a straightforward, almost blunt voice "I am not at ease in your presence. I mean no disrespect, for the fault lies with me." he put a hand to his chest. I cannot believe I am truly speaking my feelings, and yet I believe it will lead to the best possible outcome. "The household into which Luna was adopted was, as I am certain she has told you, rather unusual. Unacceptable is my word of choice. And yet before she arrived, it was a living hell." he looked off at nothing in particular, visualizing everything as if he were re-living it again. Unlike when he had told the entire family's story to Aislynn, he recounted only his childhood to Elias, and spared no detail except for the fact that he was a demon. "...and so, I believe I envy men like you, who have everything I had, and yet everything I did not. My sister was right to praise you so highly and trust you so implicitly. I cannot help but feel inferior to you now, with the way you carry yourself so..." he did not choose a word, for there were too many to choose from. "Forgive me." he said humbly. Finally, I am being honest. I think we should get along a bit better now...assuming he is the understanding gentleman that Luna insists he is. I trust her judgment, hence my honesty at the present time. "Now that I know why I felt uneasy in your presence, I believe that I will feel less so going forward. Once again, I ask your forgiveness; you did not ask to be told such an unsettling tale on this peaceful day." he waved his hand toward the window; meaning the lovely weather outside. "And yet, I have a favor to ask." he leaned in, his gave intense and commanding. "Luna mustn't know what I went through. She will blame herself. " I must put my trust in you not to tell. I did this for her happiness! If she finds out, she can never be happy; the guilt would...

During his conversation with Elias, Alastair had neglected his tea, which now sat cold in its cup.


"Crystal! It does not matter, you know my way of stealing when using Muggle money."

"I know, but you just used Wizarding money. I don't say anything anymore, not after you told me about your Muggle trick-money system." Crystal retorted logically.

"You may pay whenever you invite me next time," Aislynn laughed, paying for the ice cream.

"And every other time!" she insisted, though it was more in a cute, joking way.

"It is alright, it is not personal really..." Aislynn laughed. "I was there yesterday, with my date," She blushed.

With Alastair; she's purposefully choosing not to say his name...Meh; I saw them dancing at the torture party, so I think it's safe to assume that she knows that I know they are together. Crystal thought.

Rosaleya hadn't been listening to the conversation, but immersed in her own thoughts. I wonder if Miss Aislynn...If Aislynn watches Anime or reads Manga? Tch...Maybe it's just for kids...I don't want to seem immature by asking...I wonder if she thinks I look stupid with these pigtails, since normally they're supposed to be for kids, right? Dad doesn't approve of me doing my hair like this; he says I should act my age and stop watching 'cartoons'. I'm so lucky he didn't see me on the way out. Wait! Aren't there Anime and Manga for adults specifically? That means that there are adults out there that like them, or else they wouldn't make them! Why haven't I realized this before? I'll ask her later... she smiled. She had been consumed in her own thoughts and hadn't heard anything about their conversation. But right now, there's a more interesting question...I know it'll sound stupid... Until she heard her name come up in conversation, that is.

"...Rosaleya today. And now when I think about it, it would be perfect for Rosaleya, you just mentioned that you never have seen anything else but Knockturn Alley, you will see the entire London from this Ferris wheel!"

"Oh, thank you very much." Rosaleya said appreciatively. "But I didn't say never; it's just extremely rare...The last time was months ago, and Dad's idea of fun is clearly very far from ours. I don't mean to sound ungrateful to him-" she said quickly, worried that she sounded foolishly unappreciative "-I do love him. It's just that I don't enjoy...doing anything with him, and I think that his rules are a little...well, very...harsh. Anyway-" she abruptly switched to a more cheerful tone "-I have a question...It may sound silly, but...Do you ever wish there were demons and fallen angels in this world? I..." she took a breath "...I do, and I think that they would be wonderful and mysterious...I thought that the vampires in this world would be the same, like in some of the...books I read-" she chose her word carefully, avoiding the words Anime and Manga "-but that wasn't the case." she breathed in disappointment. She looked at Aislynn, fearing her laughter and hoping for her to agree.

"And you went back to reading again; if I were you, I would do the same. " Nagini said, observing that Luna had advanced another chapter after completing her daily chores around the manor. "And then recommend it to Alastair."

"I...That thought didn't cross my mind." Luna said, considering it. "I think that that would be a wonderful idea. I'll make a copy of this book so that Elias can have the original back." she decided, then went back to her reading.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Take your time," Elias nodded politely and ate his dessert slowly.

Four minutes later, when Alastair was back from the restroom, Elias was astonished by his words that he nearly forgot about his dessert.

"…The household into which Luna was adopted was, as I am certain she has told you, rather unusual. Unacceptable is my word of choice. And yet before she arrived, it was a living hell."

Elias nodded silently. ...yes, she told me about it...and what she had endured there...though from her memories you seemed to be happy with your family in the household until you decided to send Luna to Hogwarts which angered your mother... He thought but did not say anything. Instead he listened to Alastair's story, about his childhood before Luna came to his household.

"And yet, I have a favor to ask." Alastair leaned in, his gave intense and commanding. "Luna mustn't know what I went through. She will blame herself."

Elias nearly flinched backwards because of the intense gaze Alastair gave him.

"I promise I will never tell a soul about what you now just have told me. Your secret is safe with me…" Elias promised and looked away to avoid the intense gaze Alastair was giving him. He was quiet for a couple of minutes, reflecting over what he just had heard.

Merlin's beard...such horrid parents, what a poisonous household it must have been, I am glad that that household does not exist anymore ....so Cerberus and Alastair were not blood related...that explains why he was telling me that he was not like his brother at all the first time we met at Luna's place..

Elias took a deep breath before turning his attention towards Alastair.

"I'm very sorry that you have lived through such a terrible childhood. None of this is your fault...I quite understand why you envied me" He said seriously, looking straight into Alastair's eyes. "Even if I had good childhood, which I am grateful of, I have actually also been envying others a couple of times in my life before, because they had something, I did not have yet wished to have..." ...No one is ever perfect... Here, he remembered Zabini, feeling such a shame about the past. "And please, you do not need to apologize to me, I am actually relieved that I now know for sure that you are not blood related with Cerberus, who I knew as Aaron Glass and then later defeated in a duel. He was such a rascal..." Elias had a bitter tone when he called Cerberus for a rascal. He shook his head when he recalled the memories of Aaron Glass and then continued: "Anyway, none of this has ever been Luna's fault either....she was unlucky to be adopted into a such atrocious household and she has nothing to blame herself for, yet I understand why she would. My sister is so sensitive that she would cry and get worried every time she reads my fortune...she has predicted a few bad incidents which came true and if I would tell her about these incidents, she would blame herself..." Elias smiled softly and then waved with his wand at his dessert bowl and then at Alastair's cup of tea. The ice cream, which he had forget about during the conversation with Alastair, went back from its melted form to frozen, as if it has not been melting at all. Alastair's tea went from cold to steaming hot as if it had not turned cold during the conversation at all.

...Merlin's beard...her father must be very boring...I wonder how mine would have been like...

"Demons and fallen angels..." Aislinn said slowly with a mysterious smile. "I believe in them...though I believe that if they were real, they wouldn't reveal themselves to us who are mere humans..."

..a logic answer without revealing any secret...

"...So you have met a vampire?!..." Aislinn continued, though rather stating than asking. "I remember you asked to Crystal to see my cousin a while ago. You see, I am part vampire and part human because my mother was a human and my father a dhampir, thus I am related to vampires and my second cousin who is one, can very often be laborious..." She recalled the meeting with she had with Vincent yesterday afternoon. "I lead him to Darkest Creature because you wished to see him, how was he like?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I promise I will never tell a soul about what you now just have told me. Your secret is safe with me..." Elias promised and looked away to avoid the intense gaze Alastair was giving him.

"Thank you." Alastair said, his gave unchanging. "Luna trusts you implicitly...and therefor I trust you."

I wonder what you are thinking this very moment... Alastair thought. Moments passed in silence as both of them reflected on the conversation.

"I'm very sorry that you have lived through such a terrible childhood. None of this is your fault...I quite understand why you envied me" He said seriously, looking straight into Alastair's eyes.

Luna, my dear, your words have now been matched with undeniable proof. His eyes do not tell a lie.

"...And please, you do not need to apologize to me, I am actually relieved that I now know for sure that you are not blood related with Cerberus, who I knew as Aaron Glass and then later defeated in a duel. "

Here, Alastair's intense gaze finally faded away, replaced by a look of surprise.

"He was such a rascal..."

Undeniable proof... Alastair thought again.

"Anyway, none of this has ever been Luna's fault either...she was unlucky to be adopted into such an atrocious household and she has nothing to blame herself for, yet I understand why she would. "

And hence your reason for keeping the secret, yes? You wouldn't do it for me, but for her. That's right; love her until you are dead. Spare no effort in protecting her. My dearest.

"My sister is so sensitive that she would cry and get worried every time she reads my fortune...she has predicted a few bad incidents which came true and if I would tell her about these incidents, she would blame herself..." Elias smiled softly and then waved with his wand at his dessert bowl and then at Alastair's cup of tea.

"Thank you." Alastair said, reaching for his cup. "I find that interesting about your sister. It means that you truly understand my reasons. You would do anything for your sister." he said, his voice certain. "As would I. And henceforth, we can agree that we know each other by our loyalties. You are loyal to your sister, your parents, and my dearest." he said lovingly, meaning Luna, of course. "Another reason I was reluctant to trust you; you are close to her. If anything happened to her-" he said, his eyes intense "-I would feel the most intense rage and despair that there are no words to describe it."

"So-" he sipped his tea, returning to his previous polite tone "-it was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shadowwalker. I can now call you a comrade; a title given only to the few deserving people in this world that have gained my trust and loyalty." This went rather well. My objective; to ascertain Mr. Shadowwalker's trustworthiness, is complete. My second; for both of us to agree on our friendship, is also complete.

"Demons and fallen angels..." Aislinn said slowly with a mysterious smile. "I believe in them....though I believe that if they were real they wouldn't reveal themselves to us who are mere humans..."

"That's cool." Rosaleya smiled. So I'm not the only one. That's really nice.

"I believe in them, too." Crystal said logically. "It's just too bad that we can't socialize with them like vampires."

"..So you have met a vampire?!..." Aislinn continued, though rather stating than asking. "I remember you asked to Crystal to see my cousin a while ago. You see, I am part vampire and part human because my mother was a human and my father a damphir, thus I am related to vampires and my second cousin who is one, can very often be laborious..."

Rosaleya raised her eyebrows, her mouth agape.

"I led him to Darkest Creature because you wished to see him, how was he like?"

Crystal's face was worried that Rosaleya may either start crying or burst out in anger.

Rosaleya's teeth were clenched, her eyes narrowed in anger as she looked to the floor. "At first, I was really excited; he looked very nice and dressed so well. He had white pointed fangs and a nice smile. But he...He was...only interested in me for my blood. " She said disappointedly. "So, I threw him out of the shop. I was so angry and disappointed. The one time I had a shot at something I had only dreamed about...The one time my Dad wasn't in the shop to complain about everything I did...This jerk screws it up for me." she breathed angrily, her nostrils flared, like a bull about to charge. "And then he came in with another girl the other day, and he made a point of how happy he was. . . I wondered how that could be fair. All I want is to leave this stupid alley more often...To go to school like a normal person, and meet people. " She clenched her fist. "So now I know that all vampires are jerks. Unless it's you." she said quickly. "Apparently, you're really nice. I'm sorry if anything I just said offended you." she said, speaking faster with every word.

"I had hid upstairs, listening in, in case anything went wrong; I don't know your cousin, and he had no reason to care for Rosaleya." Crystal explained. "I supported her when he had left; obviously she was really frustrated." she shrugged; anyone would have been.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Elias had a serious look on his face as he continued to eat his dessert. ..I would die if anything happened to Luna.. He thought for himself.

"So-" Alastair sipped his tea, returning to his previous polite tone "-it was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shadowwalker. I can now call you a comrade; a title given only to the few deserving people in this world that have gained my trust and loyalty."

"I feel honored Mr. DiVilliers, it was a pleasure to meet you as well" Elias replied politely. …And by revealing the fact that Cerberus was not your real brother, you have gained my trust and loyalty as well... "Well, I would like to speak to you about something, I hope Luna did not beat me to it," He chuckled softly and picked out a black envelope from the inner pocket of his cloak. The envelope was sealed with a silver band in the middle. A silver snake slithering around a silver sword decorated the left side of the envelope. It was the crest of Elias' family. "You are hereby invited to a summer feast, hosted by my family, the first July," He said while handing over the envelope to Alastair.

Aislinn just shook her head, smiling. Since she was more human than a dhampir, she was not feeling offended at all, rather she agreed that her cousin was a sort of a jerk. ..and he just proved it yesterday..

"Ah...though my cousin would never do anything in the broad daylight. Even if he has the power to resist the sunlight, he only hunts at night. That's what my relatives do..." Aislinn said thoughtfully. "And it depends on the situation during the day. He can be so childish and such a jerk, sometimes he is sluggish, but he is not stupid. And he is an honest man. I remember when I told him you wished to see him. Back then, he asked me why you wished to see him and I told him that it was the best that he asked you...I was not there, so I don't know how you approached and interacted with each other...besides he is a vampire, it is in his nature to hunger for blood. Besides pasties, blood is his only nourishment..."

...He came back to Darkest Creature with another girl? ...hmm ...has he been seeing another witch? I doubt it to be a muggle girl, since muggles cannot enter Knockturn Alley or Diagon Alley without the help of a wizard or a witch....

"Do you remember how the girl looked like?" Aislinn asked, being very curious.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I feel honored Mr. DiVilliers, it was a pleasure to meet you as well" Elias replied politely.

Of course, for me to feel as relaxed around him as I do with Asmodeus will take time. For now, this is a perfectly relaxed atmosphere.

"Well, I would like to speak to you about something, I hope Luna did not beat me to it."

Alastair stared at the envelope inquisitively.

"You are hereby invited to a summer feast, hosted by my family, the first July," He said while handing over the envelope to Alastair.

"Ah." The one that that Vincent character boasted of...So I shall be there after all. I wonder... "Thank you for the invitation; Luna has not mentioned it, yet." he assured him. "I look forward to it." It would be rude to invite Reign, because he said that it was his family's party/gathering. Asmodeus would not 'friends of friends' at any of his parties. I assume that the Shadowwalkers' party shall be the same; closest friends and relatives only. Alastair decided.

That's interesting about Vincent...I didn't know.

"Do you remember how the girl looked like?" Aislynn asked, being very curious.

"Yes, very clearly. But my..." she shook her head "I really...I'm terrible at describing things. Maybe you can just take my memory of it and view it? Crystal says that there is a pensive at Hogwarts, and since she is a professor there and you are friends with the Headmistress there, you can both access it. Would that work?" she asked.

 

[Hikari Chan]

...This went smoother than I expected, and he will attend the party. Perfect. Mission is completed... wonder who he will bring as a guest with him.... since it is a public party, everyone who has received this invite is allowed to bring one guest along...

"You are most welcome," Elias smiled and continued to eat his dessert. ...well, how to keep a conversation going on...how to pick the best subject for a conversation...it feels a bit difficult when you are still strangers even if you just have become comrades...Would it be awkward if we spent the rest of the time in silence…?

"Yes, we could bring a pensive to Darkest Creature whenever you father is not present," Aislinn nodded. "Though as for now…" She gestured at the Ferris wheel and the long queue of people. "..We are already here, I'll go and buy the tickets while you two stand in the line…"

When Aislinn had bought her tickets, she walked past several customers, who were queuing, to get to Rosaleya and Crystal. The customers who she walked past, looked annoyed at her but she just shrugged and excused herself several times, explaining that she had to get to her friends.

She gave Rosaleya and Crystal their tickets.

"Well...Rosaleya, have you ever been out and dancing?" Aislinn asked with the tone that suggested that they should not speak anything about the wizarding world because they were surrounded by muggles.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"May I inquire if guests are allowed?" Alastair asked a moment later, holding up the envelope to reference the summer feast. "My uncle; the only other respectable person within the family, detests large gatherings with a guest list of friends-of-friends. " he paused, to make sure that Elias understood. "I would hate to show up with a close friend of mine and have him feel unwelcome, while at the same time being rude...bringing a stranger to their 'family' gathering..." If guests are allowed, it's such a shame that Asmodeus cannot come.

Well, when Dad leaves the store, it isn't usually for very long...And he doesn't like anyone besides Crystal coming upstairs...Maybe Crystal could just take my memory and show it to Aislynn at Hogwarts...Yeah, I'll tell her about that when we get back. She decided while Aislynn purchased the tickets.

"Are you excited?" Crystal asked. "I know you're not scared; you told me that you don't fear heights in the slightest."

Rosaleya waved her hand as if it was the silliest thing she had ever heard. "No; not heights. And I can rule out the fear that the ride itself may break; it would have been in the newspapers if it had happened before, and then no one would ride it." she gestured to the long queue of people to prove her point. "So, yes, all that's left is anticipation."

"Thanks." Crystal and Rosaleya said together when Aislynn returned. They turned to each other and laughed briefly at the coincidence.

"Well...Rosaleya, have you ever been out and dancing?"

"No..." Rosaleya said, nearly rolling her eyes as she thought of her Dad again.

Leigh crossed his shoulders, a look of disapproval clear in his eyes.

"...and strange men slipping strange things into ladies' drinks, so that they can take them to strange places and-"

"...but I don't think it's something I would want to do..."Rosaleya looked around in a way that explained she didn't want to share her reasons around other people.

"Her Dad-" Crystal explained in a low voice; only Aislynn could hear her "-put all of these fears into her mind. She thinks every club is a crime scene waiting to happen. You know..." in one facial expression she conveyed most of what Leigh had taught her to fear at those places. "I know it doesn't happen to the ones we visit, but..." Crystal sighed, referencing Leigh.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Of course, guests are allowed, everyone who has received this invite may bring one guest along," Elias nodded with a smile. "Even if it is hosted by my family, it won't take place in our manor, but in a grand garden outdoors. It is a summer feast to which all wizards and witches in the country are welcome."

…And of course, muggles are absolutely prohibited from partaking in this feast...I bet my father has invited everyone from the ministry...

"Oh..." Aislinn frowned. ...what an over protective father...he should see me, how I have managed to live my life without a father or mother protecting me...come to think about it, I wonder where her mother is....

"But he is right to have these worries...I mean, one should not go to a nightclub alone, but I was thinking more of a ball, since I was thinking about the summer feast which will be hosted Sunday first July. I received my invite yesterday afternoon, did any of you get an invite?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Of course guests are allowed, everyone who has received this invite may bring one guest along," Elias nodded with a smile.

"Ah." Alastair nodded, visibly pleased. Reign, you will accompany me to the party. He thought, planning to invite him soon.

"Even if it is hosted by my family, it won't take place in our manor, but in a grand garden outdoors. It is a summer feast to which all wizards and witches in the country are welcome."

"I was not aware. Thank you for the information." Alastair said, taking his last sip of tea. Less personal than I had originally thought...I wonder what this 'grand garden' will look like...I am certain it will be nothing compared to Reign's. Alastair thought in amusement. I wonder what he will think of it. "It has been a pleasure." Alastair stood calmly. He bowed respectfully. "I look forward to the summer feast. Thank you again for the invitation." he stood, a pleasant, genuine look in his eyes "Farewell."

"But he is right to have these worries...I mean, one should not go to a nightclub alone, but I was thinking more of a ball, "

"Oh..." Rosaleya said. It sounded as if she was going to say more, but she remained silent, fantasizing about a picturesque ball gown and elegant princely men.

"..I was thinking about the summer feast which will be hosted Sunday first July. I received my invite yesterday afternoon, did any of you get an invite?"

"No." Crystal shook her head, a clueless look on her face as if she knew nothing about such an invitation. Although directly afterwards she shifted her position slightly so that she was out of Rosaleya's range of vision. She gave Aislynn a look that desperately said 'say nothing more!', nodding toward Rosaleya. Clearly, she had been planning to take her along as a surprise.

"It would be so nice...to go to such a ball. I hope you enjoy it." Rosaleya said, trying to be genuine. And yet, a bit of her longing and disappointment became evident in her countenance. Romantic, reserved men like princes; elegant, and aware of the lines that they should not cross. She thought about Vincent in disappointment. I know it's not realistic, but I still hate the fact that none of the men in this world are like the ones... And then she left the present time again, to disappear into her daydreams. Oh...such a pretty ball gown...and Crystal could maybe do something with my hair...

"Oh, I'm getting a little overheated now." Crystal said, remembering to take off her coat. She folded it neatly, holding it under one arm like a package. "Rosaleya." she said, advising her to do the same.

"...Right." she said absentmindedly, taking it off and folding it as Crystal had done.

Alastair knelt on a cushion, taking in the beautiful view of the mountains, the water, and the gardens outside one of the windows in Reign's home. "I have come to invite you to a party. The invitation came from the family of my sister's confidant. Do you accept the invitation?" he planned to say. "Ginger tea with honey and biscuits." Alastair remarked, catching the scent when Reign placed the cup on the table. "Thank you."

Reign bowed respectfully, before sitting cross-legged on the cushion opposite Alastair. "Yes; I accept your invitation." Reign said before Alastair had spoken.

"...Very well." Alastair said, taking a sip of tea. "Would you like me to spread any odd rumors about you so that the ladies leave you alone?" he offered.

Reign shook his head. "That isn't necessary this time."

Reign often visited the Human Realm often. He had accompanied Alastair to many parties and balls. Each time, many ladies asked to share a dance with him. He saw that each lady would turn out to be selfish, or interested in frivolous things and the like if he got to know them better, so he turned them all down. One time, he became so tired of doing so that he asked Alastair to spread a rumor about him to everyone on the guest list before the ball, to prevent the numerous and tiring requests. The rumor was that Reign was homosexual. It worked very well; he only received one request that night.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"No need to thank me," Elias stood up as well after he had finished his dessert. "I wish you a pleasant afternoon, farewell."

Aislinn nodded discreetly when she saw the look Crystal gave her. …Vincent is going to be there...and Alastair is going to be there…and I bet the morons Macnair and Avery are going to be there...pfft…I need to think about something to keep Vincent, Macnair and Avery away from Rosaleya, and especially keeping Vincent away from Alastair...this will not be so easy...perhaps the former one is easier if Rosaleya's father could tag along...and this might proof who the gentlemen are during the feast...because only a true gentleman would have the courage to approach Rosaleya in the presence of her father...hehehe... Aislinn smirked for herself.

A couple of minutes later she noticed that both Crystal and Rosaleya had taken off their coats. She was surprised yet not surprised at the same time. She gave Crystal the look which was saying -Please no coats at a summer feast- before she turned around to give the man, who was standing in front of the line, her ticket. ...Could this be Nova standing here today as well…? She thought with a frown as she tried to remember how Nova looked like. ...I cannot see the differences between a human and a demon...I might forget about their existence if I don't have Alastair constantly non-verbally reminding me about it..

They took their seats and Aislinn waited at least two minutes before she opened her bag and picked out the box containing the chocolate covered gummies. She opened the box. It was like opening a muggle Thai box food. Though her box contained just chocolate covered gummies.

"Help yourself!" She grinned, holding out the box so that both Rosaleya and Crystal could take some sweets. "After this ride we are going to the arcade, haha!"

Lily entered the girls' dormitory, holding three shopping bags. A wide happy grin was spread all across her face. It looked like as if she almost was drooling.

"Did you have fun shopping?" Clarissa smiled. She was half laying on her bed and writing in her diary.

"My mother bought me three gowns!"

"Three?!" Clarissa nearly dropped her jaw. ...And I who thought her mother was very strict and hardly bought her gowns because her father already spoiled her a lot...

"Yes! One for the graduation ball, another one for the summer feast...and the third one because I wanted the color..." Lily picked out one gown from each bag at once, showing all the three gowns for Clarissa. "The green with silver details is for the graduation ball...and then my mother suggested me this hot pink one for the summer feast...but I think I am going to wear this golden yellow for the summer feast instead, so I can be princess Belle and hopefully find my charming bewitched prince at the feast.." She got a dreamy distant look in her eyes and smiled like a fool.

"...Merlin's beard, Lily...please, yellow won't suit you...." Clarissa looked mortified. ...Is she serious? She will look like a Hufflepuff with her black hair...where did all her Slytherin pride go? Perhaps she is not aware about how she will look like in yellow unless someone point it out for her...

"Exactly what my mother told me!" Lily burst out, being brought back to the reality. "That yellow won't suit me...but I do not care, I am going do as I please. I believe that if I love the color, the color will suit me perfectly..."

...and since when did you become so obsessed with yellow... Clarissa thought with sigh and resumed her writing in her diary.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Aislynn gave Crystal the look which was saying -Please no coats at a summer feast-.

Crystal nodded, a look in her eyes that said 'I know that but this is different'.

"Help yourself!" She grinned, holding out the box so that both Rosaleya and Crystal could take some sweets.

"Thank you." Crystal said, taking three. She ate one, and held the other two in a napkin in her hand. She played with the first one inside her mouth, planning to make all three last during the whole ride.

Rosaleya took only one. "I had a lot of ice cream." she mumbled. I'm a few candies away from a stomach ache as it is...So I shouldn't eat anything else for a few hours...

"After this ride we are going to the arcade, haha!"

"That sounds really cool..." Rosaleya said uncertainly, her eyes going immediately to Crystal. 'Will we have time for that?' her eyes asked worriedly.

"Yes, it does." Crystal nodded excitedly, winking to Rosaleya. 'I'll handle the timing.' her look said. With the excuse I gave Leigh, we can only spend two hours out...It's been an hour and a half already, with all of the walking and that annoying queue for the ride. So she'll only be able to play a few games...what a pity...Hey, I wonder if Leigh is planning to go to the summer feast? I didn't think of that before! If he goes and takes Rosaleya, she won't be able to have any fun with the invisible leash he keeps her on. But if he doesn't go, it will be easier... But what if he wants to take the opportunity to spend more time with her on that night? Usually, he spends time with her upstairs during the weekend...What day does the summer feast fall on again? She sighed. "The view is so pretty." she remarked, creating a logical explanation for her sigh.

"Yes, it is..." Rosaleya agreed dreamily; her eyes had not left the wonderful view. "Thank you so much." she turned to Aislynn gratefully. "I know it's probably getting tiring, but all I can say is thank you because all I feel is gratitude..." she explained, then turned back to the view.

Anyway, I'll have to find out all the details and create a real plan when I get back to the store... Crystal decided. I'll have to have it ready one day before the day of the feast...Darn it, Leigh...Why can't you just let me take care of her?! She pursed her lips, her right hand turning into a fist. She smiled again a second later, remembering to be aware of her facial expression.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"No need to thank me," Aislinn winked with her right eye and smiled. ...the view feels so different when you are with your friends in contrast to when you are with your date... She thought. …I wonder if Crystal ever have experienced something like this before...

Aislinn ate five chocolate covered candies during the ride and put the remaining in her bag. She was the kind of person who could never get enough of sweets and seemed to be able to eat as much as she liked without getting any tummy ache.

"Alright, the arcade is not that far, just a couple of streets away," Aislinn said when the ride was over and led the way to the arcade.

This arcade was smaller than the one in Piccadilly and it only had single game stations where one could dance, play racing games, Tetris, Super Mario and other popular games. Due to the daylight the neon signs outside did not seem to be so shiny and bright enough as the neon lights inside the arcade, because there were no other lights than the neon lights indoors. Besides the game stations there were also machine automate where one could buy candies, chocolate bars, soft drinks and bottled carbonated water.

"Do you want to drink anything?" Aislinn asked after she had paid entrance for all three of them. They got pink paper tapes as tickets attached to their left-hand wrists. "I bet the ice cream and candies got you both thirsty hehe..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Alright, the arcade is not that far, just a couple of streets away," Aislynn said when the ride was over and led the way to the arcade.

"That's good." Crystal nodded. "After the two hours are up, I'll get Rosaleya back to the store and then come back to the arcade to spend some more time with you. Does that sound good?" she asked, inquiring if Aislynn had any other plans for the day that she needed to attend to.

That was so cool... Rosaleya thought, enjoying the scenery around them. And everything look so nice...And since I'm with two cool people, no jerks are bothering us...I guess what Dad said was right; jerks don't usually approach groups of three or more. Or was it four or more? Eh, whatever. I'm having such a nice time right now! First we leave the Alley, then we go on that cool ride, then an arcade! She sighed happily.

"Do you want to drink anything?" Aislynn asked after she had paid entrance for all three of them. They got pink paper tapes as tickets attached to their left hand wrists. "I bet the ice cream and candies got you both thirsty hehe..."

"Yeah. Three waters." Crystal nodded, walking away.

With the way Dad is, I probably won't get to see Aislynn for a really long time...So, it's now or a really long time from now...It'll just bother me until then... "Um...Aislynn?" Rosaleya began nervously, looking away at the floor rather than making eye contact. "I...wanted to know...do you read any Manga...or watch any Anime?" Now she looked directly into Aislynn's eyes, hoping that it didn't sound as if she were speaking a different language.

"What's up? Something couldn't have happened in the minute that I was gone." Crystal said, returning with the water before Aislynn had answered.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"It is alright with me," Aislinn grinned. "I have not planned anything today, hehe..."

While Crystal went to get three bottles of water, Aislinn remained with Rosaleya.

"Um...Aislynn?" Rosaleya began nervously, looking away at the floor rather than making eye contact. "I... wanted to know...do you read any Manga…or watch any Anime?"

"Eh...?" Aislinn was surprised and confused by the questions. She had heard of the terms watching and reading, but she was not familiar with anime and manga. She could recall that Alastair favored to read comics which he called for manga. She had been reading a couple of comics when she used to live at the orphanage, though she was unsure if that had been manga or not. There had also been a square box which showed moving and talking pictures. She used to sit in front of it together with the other children at the orphanage, but she could not recall if that square box had been showing anime or not, because the only terms she had learned from that square box had been cartoons, news, movies, series and other kind of television programs.

"What's up? Something couldn't have happened in the minute that I was gone." Crystal said, returning with the water.

"Nothing peculiar has happened," Aislinn chuckled. ...Rosaleya mentioned the word 'watching', what could she mean by that? I remember that term from my childhood, I heard it a lot when I used to live at the orphanage. Every time the other used the square box with moving and talking pictures, they always mentioned 'watching'. I also remember Alastair mentioning it when he suggested to see a film for doing something relaxing after our second mission. Is Rosaleya familiar with muggle items such as the square box or does her father take her to the theater where they could watch anime? Perhaps like the theater Alastair took me to, where we watched The Man in the Iron Mask...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Oh...Nevermind." Rosaleya said quickly, brushing it off. Fudge! She doesn't know about it...Well, she's really cool in every other aspect. she thought, trying to distract herself from what she perceived to be an embarrassing situation. Probably sounded like I was talking jibberish...

"Rosaleya; stop for a moment and decide-" Crystal advised. "-which games you want to play the most."

"Got it." Rosaleya nodded.

"You have-" Crystal checked the time "-eighteen minutes. You should be done with three or four games by then. " she said logically "When the times up, just come find me, 'kay?" she held out her hand to take Rosaleya's coat.

"Sure. " Rosaleya nodded, a responsible look in her eyes; she wouldn't be late. She handed over her coat "Thanks!" she smiled, walking off toward the Tetris game after she had taken note of the current time.

"You know where I'm going!" Crystal smiled at Aislynn, before walking off toward the dancing game that was her favorite. She hung both coats on the back of the game, and then began a game with a determined look on her face.

"Alright. " Rosaleya reported, approaching Crystal, who had just finished her second game. "I played two games of Tetris...and lost both very quickly. " she admitted. "Then, I played a very long game of Pac-Man. I'm going to play Galaga until the time is up or I die in the game." she said, walking off again.

Why did she update me mid-way? Crystal wondered, shaking her head as she began her third game.

Crystal finished first, and grabbed both of their coats before tapping Rosaleya on the shoulder. "It's time to go; put your coat on and come thank Aislynn."

"Got it." Rosaleya said, immediately abandoning her game and taking her coat.

"Hey; I'm going to be right back." Crystal said, approaching Aislynn with her eyes on the arcade's wall clock.

"Thank you so much, Aislynn." Rosaleya said gratefully. "Today was a really nice day for me; the nicest day in a long time. I don't know how to thank you for letting me join you two. I hope you have a really nice day, and that a curse befalls anyone who dares to try to ruin it." she laughed, as Crystal gave her hand a gentle squeeze; the time was up. "Bye!" she called as they walked away together.

"I thought we were going outside?" Rosaleya asked, slightly confused as they passed the exit and instead neared the ladies' bathroom.

"Yeah; we can't walk back. There's no time for that."

"Oh, riiiiiiiiiiiiight." Rosaleya nodded, seeing Crystal's logic.

They entered the bathroom, made sure that no one was inside, and apparated back to Knockturn Alley, two shops away from Darkest Creatures.

"Alright-" Crystal said, pulling a bulky plastic shopping bag out of her coat pocket. The logo of a nearby pharmacy was printed on it. "-we're all set."

"What's in there?"

"Silly; we went out to get 'feminine products', right? So we have to come back with them, too! The story has to check out."

"Right."

"Now, can you get some tears out?"

"Why?"

"You 'accidentally forgot your pendant and you're so sorry!'" she imitated Rosaleya's voice realistically, sounding very sad.

"Oh...right!" she nodded.

"Do you need me to summon an onion?" she offered.

"No...I've got it."

She had already produced realistic-looking tears.

"How did you?...that was really fast." Crystal remarked.

"I just thought of the death of my favorite Anime character...I am still morning him. The sacrifice he made-"

Crystal interrupted her with laughter. "You're really cute, you know that? Good job." she complimented. "Now don't overdo it." She advised as she held open the door for Rosaleya.

When the bell above the door sounded, Leigh looked up suddenly; he had been counting out a customer's change. "Rosa-" he began; he had clearly been very worried.

"-Dad! I'm so sorry..." she ran forward quickly. "...I was so flustered about the situation that I forgot-"

"-That's alright..." he sighed, embracing her as if she had been gone for days "...I understand. At least you are more discreet than Crystal was. And as long as you promise never to repeat the mistake again?" he asked, his strict demeanor returning as he held her by the shoulders to look into her eyes.

She nodded, grabbing a tissue from the counter to dry her eyes. "I'm sorry."

Crystal watched solemnly, as if she was also sorry for not catching Rosaleya's 'mistake'. She's not overdoing it...Actually, if I didn't know she was lying, I probably would have believed her story, too...That's good that we aren't being scolded right now.

The customer sighed, still waiting. Leigh moved away from Rosaleya to finish giving the customer her change. She walked away after snatching the change from his hand impatiently, as if she had been waiting for hours and had some other important business to attend to.

Maybe- Crystal thought, eyeing the lady; she had been purchasing a formal gown -you shouldn't have purchased a gown on a day when it was your time of the month. Unless that's just your annoying personality...Who raised that one? she thought, wishing her thoughts could reach the bothersome lady.

"Did you get everything you needed?" Leigh asked, returning to Rosaleya.

"I'm not sure, yet. I hope that everything works out, though. If not, we'll have to try different things until I find the right things." she answered honestly. "It took a while to make a decision; there were so many different things, and each item had a different variation."

She's doing great. I really thought she was going to overdo it. But her silent tears worked better than overdone sobs.Crystal thought.

"I'm back." Crystal informed Aislynn jovially. It had been twelve minutes since she had left. "Are you in the mood to stay here a bit longer or go somewhere else? Honestly, that Chinese last time was everything." she sighed. "But no one thought to put an oriental restaurant in Knockturn, huh..." she thought out loud, thinking about taking Rosaleya to Chinese the next time they managed to slip out.

"Reign, can I ask you something?" Diana asked, walking in on Alastair and Reign. She donned a flowy kimono today. It was decorated with too many bright colors at once; like an abstract painting had turned into a kimono.

Reign turned away from Alastair, giving her his full attention.

"When Asmodeus has his next party, will Lady Aislynn be there?"

Reign shook his head once.

"Okay, then. Will Malice choose the game?"

Reign nodded once.

"Then I should wear red to not get my clothes stained like last time, right?"

Reign gave no answer to the obvious question.

"Can you tell me one more thing?" Diana asked.

Alastair sipped his tea to avoid sighing aloud.

"Will you have a nice time at the Summer Feast?"

She was listening in on our conversation just now. Alastair thought disapprovingly.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Alright!" Aislinn nodded with excitement and walked over to her favorite game which of course was car race.

She was in the middle of her third car race when both Crystal and Rosaleya approached her.

She nearly crashed with her car when she heard Crystal telling her that she would be right back. She paused the game and turned around.

"Thank you so much, Aislynn." Rosaleya said gratefully. "Today was a really nice day for me; the nicest day in a long time. I don't know how to thank you for letting me join you two. I hope you have a really nice day, and that a curse befalls anyone who dares to try to ruin it." she laughed, as Crystal gave her hand a gentle squeeze; the time was up. "Bye!" she called as they walked away together.

"No need to thank me," Aislinn smiled. "I am glad that you had so fun and enjoyed this day, please take care, see you." She winked and turned away to continue with the car race game when Rosaleya and Crystal walked away.

"I'm back." Crystal informed Aislinn jovially after twelve minutes had passed. During that time Aislinn had only been playing the same game and this time, when Crystal came, she really crashed with her car and big bold and bright shining letters in red appeared on the screen, telling her that the game was over.

"Are you in the mood to stay here a bit longer or go somewhere else? Honestly, that Chinese last time was everything." Crystal sighed. "But no one thought to put an oriental restaurant in Knockturn, huh..." she thought out loud.

"We could stay here more if you like to or we could do something else, such as crazy rides in the nearby amusement park or anything else you like to do. I am open to any ideas," Aislinn smiled. "Do you want to eat Chinese for dinner now? You know it has only been two hours since we ate ice cream," She laughed.

She went through the few clothes that hung and was folded in her closet.

...I need a gown for the summer feast...but I don't want to put my foot in Diagon Alley or anywhere nearby these days before the feast. Let him miss me for a while until then.... She smiled for herself. ..so instead for going to Madam Malkin’s....I will just go to a muggle place in London...

"Do you have something to wear for the party?"

"No, I just have a few clothes, simple and causal, I did not get any time to go shopping since we were released from Azkaban, what about you?"

"I am in same boat as you...I was thinking about that we could visit Madam Malkin’s this afternoon."

"That's a good idea, we have plenty of time before we need to attend the meeting this evening, don't we?"

"Of course, we have plenty of time, I will go and ask Adela if-"

"Oh no!"

"Why not?"

"Did you forget what happened when we visited Knockturn alley the last time-?"

"No, I did not, but we are just going to-"

"It does not matter! If we bring her with us, her presence might attract him to us even if we only are in Diagon Alley. The alleys are just beside each other-"

"Honestly, I think that is too far-fetched-"

"You don't understand…what if…" Faeryn bit her lower lip and gave Endewyne a worried look. "What if...I mean..." She bent forward and whispered in Endewyne's right ear.

"Merlin's beard, no! That cannot be true! What makes you think that?"

"Well, that must be an explanation to why he suddenly turned up when she was with us the last time. And it is true facts, I have read about it-"

"Wait a minute! First of all, we only encountered him once, so we cannot be sure if he happened to be in Knockturn Alley by chance or if he was drawn to that place because of her scent...besides I have not seen any bite mark on her neck-"

"But what if she has concealed the bite marks, you can do anything with magic.."

"True...but before making any assumptions or drawing any conclusions in this matter, let us ask her straight about it! You know how bad she is at lying, it is so easy to see through her lies, especially when she is trying to hide the truth..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"We could stay here more if you like to or we could do something else, such as crazy rides in the nearby amusement park or anything else you like to do. I am open to any ideas," Aislinn smiled. "Do you want to eat Chinese for dinner now? You know it has only been two hours since we ate ice cream," She laughed.

"I know." Crystal said seriously. "But I also know that I'm getting hungry. Also, those 'crazy rides' sound really good...I don't know this area very well; I didn't even know there was an arcade here, much less an amusement park. Do they have roller coasters that go really high? Or upside down?" she asked eagerly. "Anyway, perhaps another time...Are you getting any feelings of hunger?" she asked, returning to the subject of dinner with seriousness and determination. Chinese sounds amazing, but if she isn't hungry it would be rude to basically drag her to dinner. Let's be realistic here. she reminded herself.

"'Kay, then." she nodded, accepting her answer. "Then, do you have a dress for the Summer Feast-thing? I picked out some gowns for Rosaleya and I from Darkest Creatures already."

"Do you have any clothing places in mind? If not, Darkest Creatures has a lovely collection ready for the Summer Feast; it's been busy lately because of it. Not that I'm advertising for the store or anything; just that the dresses are nice." she clarified. I don't want to sound like a commercial; but I am really confident in the dresses I made. It's not boasting; I just think that she may find something she likes.

"Dearest?" Alastair asked, entering the labyrinth's center. Relaxing cello music was playing as she read Wuthering Heights. Nagini sat nearby, enjoying the music as well.

"Yes?" Luna said, placing a ribbon between the pages as a bookmark before setting it down beside her.

"I wished to know if a dinner for two would interest you." he smiled charmingly.

Luna raised her eyebrows, interested. 'Where?' said her expression.

"It would be a lovely surprise, I promise you. Can you be prepared to leave within ten minutes?"

"Less than that."

"I would like for you to wear this." Alastair said, handing her a drawing of an elegant black gown on a figure without a face.

"Within five minutes I shall return here. Until then." she stood, the book in her hand, disappearing in smoke.

Alastair sighed. "Ravenna, could you please prepare the carriage?"

"Certainly." she replied. She became visible as she spoke; she had been hovering near him, invisible. "Your destination is?"

"Hong Kong. Tonight, just as there was a lavish buffet yesterday at a six-star hotel, there shall be one today. We have not dined on such wonderful Chinese in quite some time. As I recall, she had quite the fondness for it. And, I'm certain that she will as well." and here he meant Aislynn.

"Very well. Hong Kong." Raven nodded, flying off.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Well..." Aislinn began. "…Actually, I am nor full neither hungry right now, I feel like I need to wait another hour before I can eat something real for late lunch, like buffet..." Her mouth watered with the thought of buffet. She hoped that Crystal would not mind waiting another hour to eat.

"'Kay, then." Crystal nodded, accepting her answer. "Then, do you have a dress for the Summer Feast-thing? I picked out some gowns for Rosaleya and I from Darkest Creatures already."

"Well...most of my clothes are causal and I only have one gown which I used for a ball several months ago. So, I think I need a new gown..." ...because I bet this is going to be a fancy party since it is hosted by Elias and his family.... Aislinn thought.

"Do you have any clothing places in mind? If not, Darkest Creatures has a lovely collection ready for the Summer Feast; it's been busy lately because of it. Not that I'm advertising for the store or anything; just that the dresses are nice."

"I used to buy causal clothes from muggle stores and the last time I bought a gown I went to Madam Malkin’s. I just don't have any idea what to wear for this summer feast. I got one long dress with long laced sleeves and laced skirt and a short dress with spaghetti straps to wear under. I bought it from Darkest Creature, do you think it will be perfect for a summer feast?

Or should I perhaps get something fancier?"

"She is not here..."

"Do you think she has gone to see him?"

"Probably, especially now when she seems to have nothing to do as a professor...anyway, shall we? We can confront her later in the evening when it is time to meet up with the others..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Perhaps something a bit more formal." Crystal advised. "I asked Luna what she would be wearing to get an idea of my own gown, and she's going all-out. So I decided that anything close to casual was out of the question."

"Reign? What are you going to wear to the Summer Feast?" Diana asked excitedly, sitting down on a nearby cushion; a sign that the conversation would continue for even longer. "Kimonos seem to be all you really wear, so are you going to wear a formal one since that counts as formal in Human Japanese culture?"

Reign nodded.

"Are you going to do your hair the same as always?"

Another nod.

"Are you taking your katana with you?"

Another nod.

"Are you going to use a rumor like last time? What color is your kimono going to be? What about-"

"Luna?" Alastair asked with a smile.

They were inside the carriage together, on their way to Hong Kong.

Luna turned away from the view outside the window, to Alastair.

"If you could be granted three wishes, what would they be?" he asked.

"Three?" she confirmed. Like the Arabian genies?

"Yes."

"May I please ponder the matter?" Luna said, taking the matter seriously.

"Of course; you needn't even reply today, if you are not ready just yet."

"Thank you. . .The wishes apply to the rules of Arabian genies?" she asked a moment later.

"No."