Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Hikari Chan]

"Then let's go to the Darkest Creature, and afterwards we will visit a Chinese restaurant," Aislinn suggested. "The ballgown I had for the ball months ago was red and black. I just thought about wearing black with violet this time and strapless. Is it possible to get customized gowns there, if I don't find the exact one I have on my mind?"

..Merlin's beard...this gown costs so much, yet I cannot think about wearing anything else besides this one on the feast... Adela thought with a sigh, fingering a dusty pink colored gown which was strapless, had a heart shaped neckline and wide silky skirts. Tiny fabric roses decorated the top of the dress and the bottom of the dress. And the closer to the waist the more spread out the roses were in lines, as if they were raining down to the hem. Tenuous part of the edges of the rose petals and the hem of the dress were glittering in a darker shade of pink. Tenuous glittering bands, in same shade of pink, marked the waist and formed the heart shaped neckline. ...one thousand and five hundred bloody pounds for this dress...

Adela was standing in a high-end store which only sold high fashion ball gowns. She had been there for nearly thirty minutes, lingering around the pink ball gown which she had fallen in love with. She did not take notice of the sales personnel who was looking at her until one of them started to sigh audibly.

In the corner of her eye, Adela could see the seller nearing her with high heels that clicked annoyingly at the marbled floor.

"Do you need any help, miss?" The seller asked with a high-pitched voice.

…To buy it or buy it not...that's the question.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Yes, custom gowns are possible." Crystal nodded. "In the event that you don't find exactly what you are looking for, you can always describe exactly what you want, and it can be made within a week or less. I would select three gowns that came close to what I wanted, and point out what I liked about each one so that the tailor there could make what I wanted." she thought aloud. I could definitely make a dress in less than a week. We only have one other custom gown that I'm working on right now, so it'll be easy. I honestly expected more, but it looks like everyone is happy with what I've already designed.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Well then, shall we leave this place? I need to place my order for the gown, and I am growing hungry!" Aislinn laughed. Having finished her bottle of water, she proceeded to walk towards the entrance of the arcade.

"I would like to try this gown," Adela spoke.

The seller rolled her eyes, thinking that finally her customer seemed to be interested in buying something.

"You cannot try the dress on the display, we need to take your measurements and you have to place an order on it, which usually takes about two weeks-"

"Two weeks? I need the gown for Sunday next week!"

"I am sorry miss, placing an order and having the finished garment delivered here to you always take two weeks. There is one store which sells fast fashion gowns, if you are in hurry, just two streets down this road, anyway I am happy to help you if want to place an order on this one. It is a very beautiful gown indeed, you won't find-"

Adela stopped listening and nearly stomped out from shop and slammed the doors behind her.

"Tsk! Two bloody weeks to get a gown...Muggles are so behind," She thought aloud but then bit her tongue, remembering that she was in a muggle area. …I have no other choice than paying a visit at Madam Malkin’s ...I remember exactly how the dress looks like, but the problem is that I don't want to run into Vincent before the feast...perhaps I won't see him if I... Adela nearly ran across the street, the cars honking at her for crossing the road where she should not cross. She hurried inside a fast food restaurant which was located several streets down and went immediately to the ladies’ room. The customers who were having late lunch glanced oddly at her.

A loud yet soft crash was heard when fabric rolls fell down from the shelves. Adela struggled to get up from the mess she had caused when she had apparated inside Madam Malkin’s shop, just when the doors had closed behind Faeryn and Endewyne who left the shop. Adela had miscalculated the distance to the shelves and crashed into them by mistake.

"Merlin's beard!" Madam Malkin turned up behind some draperies, wondering what was going on in her shop.

"Apologizes...I eh lost balance," Adela spoke nervously, feeling flustered about the silly situation she had caused. "I will clean up-" She raised her wand, though madam Malkin was faster.

"You better be buying something today, miss!"

"Did you forget something?"

"No, I just..." Faeryn looked confused at Madam Malkins' shop. The afternoon sun blocked out the view through the windows of the shop, making it looking dark inside and therefor Faeryn could not see what was going on inside while looking at the windows from a two meters distance. ...I did hear something, perhaps it is just madam Malkin being clumsy... "Let's go..."

"But you know I can not be in the sunlight, dear. Why don't you invite Aislinn?"

"She has already received a personal invite..."

"Well what about inviting one of your human friends hehe...what was their names..Rosa eh...Adele?"

"Her name is Adela, mother, but she has also received an invite...but the feast starts at seven o'clock in the evening, you should be fine if you shade yourself with an umbrella..."

"Hehehe...you usually do not ask me to tag along when you go to parties, you want something from me? But what about Rosa?"

"I do not know any Rosa, mother. Anyway, I love your company…and it is not a usual party where I meet my friends...this one is different…"

"Hehehe, I see..."

"Please..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Sure, we'll go right away. " Crystal nodded happily. "We'll apparate from the bathroom." she added in a more discreet voice.

"Hello, welcome to Darkest Creatures!" Rosaleya greeted them with more cheer than usual.

"Hello." Crystal smiled. "Is the tailor here?"

"No." Rosaleya answered. You said to answer no to that question if you asked.

"So," Crystal turned to Aislynn after she had greeted Rosaleya "if you don't find what you're looking for, you can just describe what you want to me, and I'll tell the tailor when she comes back."

This always works; no one knows, besides Rosaleya and Leigh, that I'm the 'tailor'. I prefer it that way...

"I will make sure to let her know that it is of top priority that it's finished in time." she stated importantly, a responsible look in her eyes, her hand at her heart as if she was promising it to Aislynn.

She is always jovial with customers...That, and her work is splendid; the shop thrives off of her pieces. Leigh thought, hearing her greet Rosaleya. He was upstairs, taking down boxes of men's shoes from storage. We didn't sell these few pairs last summer; I forgot they were here. He thought, picking them up and placing them in a different area so that he could put them on display tomorrow.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Sure," Aislinn nodded with a smile. "Allow me to take a tour in the women's section first, please." She walked away to the women's section, glad that Alastair was not with her at the moment and also fearing that he might enter the shop any minute to purchase something to wear for the feast.
..I don't want him to see or influence the choice of my dress, I rather want to surprise him with it on the feast, if he asks me if I'd like to go shopping with him later I will simply tell him that I have already prepared a gown.....violet and black...violet.....

She did not find he exact design or the exact colors she preferred and therefor picked the one she liked the most and brought it to Crystal. Aislinn laid down the gown on the cashier and explained:

"First of all, I want the red to be replaced by violet. Second, the black shoulder sleeves can be there but preferably without the big rose and bow."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Alright." Crystal nodded, raising her hand and putting her index finger up as if she was counting "Number 1, replace the red/hot pink with violet. Number 2-" she extended her middle finger as well "-forget the rose and bow. Anything else at all?" she smiled, lowering her hand. Her two fingers remained extended, to remind her of the alterations. "Oh; did you try it on?" she remembered that crucial detail, handing Aislynn the gown. "We have to make sure that it's the right size. That way the tailor can basically copy this gown to fit you. There are a few other sizes of this one available, if this one doesn't fit."

"Ok. Can I suggest taking a look at the accessories section?" she added. "If you're buying a gown before the date of the Summer Feast, all accessories are half-price. Some really long gloves would look nice." she suggested. "If you don't already have any. " I would choose velvet gloves, or something that looks similar. A simple necklace/choker...And earrings.

"You will be informed when it is ready." Crystal said, folding the gown Aislynn had referenced and handing it to Rosaleya, who put it in a cabinet under the desk. I'll start on it the moment we get back from Chinese...We'll keep it there so that I can make an exact copy, with, of course, her alterations. I'm so hungry now; as if I wasn't already hungry before! "For now, you said something about a buffet?" she smiled excitedly.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Anything else at all?" Crystal smiled.

"Eh…no....I don't think so..." Aislinn began.

"Oh; did you try it on?"

"Merlin's beard, I actually forget to do that!"

"We have to make sure that it's the right size. That way the tailor can basically copy this gown to fit you. There are a few other sizes of this one available, if this one doesn't fit."

"Alright," Aislinn nodded seriously, walking back to the women's section. Once inside the fitting room, she tried on the gown and discovered that the dress was one size to big for her.

"I need one size smaller than this one," Aislinn explained for Crystal once she was back from the fitting room. "I need size 10 and not 12" (UK sizes)

"Ok. Can I suggest taking a look at the accessories section?" she added. "If you're buying a gown before the date of the Summer Feast, all accessories are half-price. Some really long gloves would look nice." she suggested. "If you don't already have any. "

"Well...I was thinking about a pair of earrings... Though I will look among my accessories first. If I don't find anything suitable, I can buy some when I come back here for my finished gown..."

"You will be informed when it is ready." Crystal said, folding the gown Aislinn had referenced and handing it to Rosaleya, who put it in a cabinet under the desk. "For now, you said something about a buffet?" she smiled excitedly.

"Obviously I did," Aislinn laughed, her mouth watering. "Rosaleya, would you like to eat buffet with us? It is going to be in a Chinese restaurant in a close muggle area..." She looked at Rosaleya and then at Crystal with the look which was wondering if Rosaleya's father would question his daughter for eating at a nearby restaurant.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Crystal sighed. Aislynn, you don't know what it's like with Leigh...Rosaleya calls him the Warden when she's angry.

"Sorry, but I can't do that." Rosaleya politely declined Aislynn's offer. You don't have to rub it in; I get it! You can walk around and go eat Chinese, and a buffet, at that! What didn't you hear earlier about how I basically never leave this Alley? Oh, never mind; I'm not angry at you, just at... Rosaleya looked upstairs, where her Dad was going through the boxes, suppressing a disappointed sigh. Buffets are my favorite...And Chinese is the best...

"I can bring you back lots of good food." Crystal promised Rosaleya. "And I'll put a spell on it to make sure that it's still hot."

"Really? Thank you." Rosaleya smiled gratefully. I'll still miss out on the atmosphere of the restaurant, but the food is half of the fun, right? "Bye!"

"Bye." Crystal said, with a 'sorry you can't come' look in her eyes.

"I can't wait to see what this buffet tastes like." Crystal said once they had left the store. "You have really good taste, and you've been there before, so it's definitely going to be one of the best." Of course I feel bad for Rosaleya, but sulking isn't going to change anything...

"You desire another wish?" Nova inquired when Reign approached him.

Reign nodded.

"What do you wish for?" His tone changed from inquisitive to businesslike in an instant.

Reign handed him an envelope.

"Ah..." Nova nearly exclaimed, finding a long, detailed description inside. "...I see you are as meticulous as always; never missing a detail."

After taking perhaps twenty minutes to read it, he sighed. "Of course. Now, for my favor..." he put a finger to his chin in contemplation.

The whole time, Reign had been standing patiently. Silent.

"I desire an evening spent in your company; your food is magnificent." Nova said simply, in a way that suggested he couldn't think of anything better.

Reign bowed to him, and walked away.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Seriously, it is very close..." Aislinn said with raised eyebrows. "Only two streets away from Diagon Alley..." ...I don't understand Rosaleya's father...why is he so over protective…?

Aislinn led the way to Diagon Alley out from Knockturn Alley and then proceeded to the brick wall which led out to the muggle area. The same way she had walked a couple of hours earlier when she had taken both Crystal and Rosaleya to London's Eye. As soon as both Aislinn and Crystal left the brick wall behind them, Aislinn proceeded to walk the same direction as if she was going to London's Eye, but stopped after she had walked down two streets.

"See how close it is…" Aislinn said with a smile, pointing at a small Chinese restaurant with big windows and a sign of its name, Mao Mao, above the door.

They entered the restaurant which had the typical Chinese decor: red and golden colors, lanterns hanging down from the high ceiling. Swirling pattern of golden and red lotus flowers decorated the black walls. It was not crowded yet a couple of guests were occupying the black tables and chairs, having an early dinner during this hour of the day.

The scent of food, which was displayed at the cashier, was lovely. ...Ahh... Aislinn thought happily, her mouth watering.

Aislinn hurried ahead to pay both for her and Crystal and picked two large plates and a large plastic box, handing one plate and the box to Crystal. She had also payed extra for Rosaleya, since Crystal was taking some food to her, though Aislinn did not mention that, instead she said:

"You can choose to eat here or take food with you as well, should you wish to eat elsewhere. Not all the restaurants have this opportunity."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Hey!" Crystal nearly exclaimed, when Aislynn rushed ahead. "No fair!"

"You can choose to eat here or take food with you as well, should you wish to eat elsewhere. Not all the restaurants have this opportunity."

"Thanks." Crystal nodded. And the box is for Rosaleya...Well, if she is insisting on paying, I guess that repeatedly insisting is kind of like Leigh lecturing Rosaleya on why she can't leave the Alley...In one ear and out the other, it seems. "The buffet looks amazing." She said nothing more as she began putting a small amount of everything into her plate. She sat down and tasted everything, then put Rosaleya equal amounts of everything that she had really liked, complete with a warming spell. "Thanks; this was wonderful." she sighed after her third plate.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"You're welcome...oh my I am so stuffed..." Aislinn sighed contently, trying not to burp. She had eaten a lot. She had filled her plate with small amount of everything and went back and forth to the display of food to get more food. Since she had put small amount of everything for each time, she went to fill her plate, she had lost the count of how many times she had went to the display of food.

...Rosaleya will miss the fun with eating buffet…Eating at home is not the same thing as being at the restaurant. She will only get one box of food and not being able to refill like I and Crystal did...

"Oh..." Adela exclaimed delighted.

She was standing in front of a floor length mirror, wearing the gown which she had dreamed of buying. Exactly just as the one she had seen in the muggle store.

She took it off and put on her causal black gown, giving the pink gown to madam Malkin who folded it neatly and packaged it. The time has flown during the time her gown was being made and she had been so distracted by her new gown that she had forget about the time. When she was paying for her gown, which obviously seemed much cheaper than in the muggle store, she looked up at the clock above the cashier noticing to her dismay that the time was quarter past seven.

"Merlin's beard!" She exclaimed. She threw her galleons on the cashier, much to madam Malkin's dissatisfaction, thanked madam Malkin before grabbing her package and rushing out from the shop. As soon as Adela set her foot outside, she apparated at the instance.

Apparition partly worked at Hogwarts, it was only allowed when the seventh years needed to be taught in apparition in the Great Hall, otherwise no one was able to apparate back and forth to the castle, but just outside the gates. Adela ran all the way from the gates to the entrance of the castle. She groaned aloud at the thought of walking up all the stairs to the Ravenclaw Tower. She had no choice and cursed the fact that she was going to be very late to the meeting.

...why did I not go to Madam Malkin’s earlier? Muggle shops always open at ten o’clock, but on the other hand it took several hours for madam Malkin to produce the gown I desired...I should have visited her tomorrow instead...oh well...

Adela left the package in her office and tried to run with her tired legs to the East tower where the music room was located.

"You are one hour late," Elias remarked calmly, checking his pocket watch. "To be exact…"

"I have no doubt she was meeting him," Faeryn commented dryly.

"Miss Travers, I believe that miss Dolohov can speak for herself unless she is suffering of mutism."

"So how was the date?" Faeryn was not asking, but speaking with a sarcastic tone, totally ignoring Elias.

"I actually went shopping for the summer feast today..." Adela spoke with a thin voice, on the edge of bursting out into tears. "I was getting a custom-made gown at Madam Malkin’s-"

"We also went to Madam Malkin’s to get custom made gowns," Endewyne interjected.

"But we were on time to the meeting-" Faeryn filled in.

"Enough!" Elias spoke calmly yet with a severe tone. "You are adults, yet you are acting like..." He muttered under his breath, speaking more to himself than to them before speaking out aloud: "Miss Dolohov has a satisfying excuse to why she arrived late. Now, let's-"

"So it is alright if I arrive late to the meeting tomorrow?" Persephone asked cheerfully, yet she was joking as she was trying to ease the tense atmosphere between the girls and Elias.

"Seriously..." The right corner of Elias' mouth was twitching as he was trying to refrain from laughing.

A weird noise emerged from the corner of the room, as if someone was coughing and sneezing at the same time. It was Melody, who had grown comfortable in the company of the others, stifling her giggling.

"May we please resume our training? Since it is Friday tomorrow, I will give you all day off and we will resume our meetings from Saturday," Elias suggested, hinting on that the rest of them should go shopping for the summer feast tomorrow.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Hey," Crystal began "are you excited about the Summer Feast, or is it 'just another party?'...I'm excited." she added before Aislynn answered. And I'm really happy for you that you have a date to go with. . . Right now, I hate all men in existence. Right now...they're all selfish jerks, no matter what. She suppressed a long, tired sigh.

"Well, thanks again." she smiled, standing and picking up Rosaleya's box. "I'll tell Rosaleya that you hope she enjoys the food." she added. "I've got to get to work; I get the late night shift tonight." she sighed, walking away. Not really; I got the morning shift. But, I really have to get to work on her gown! I want it to be perfect for my bestie. She smiled to herself.

"Okay, Rosaleya. Leigh's at the register tonight since I was there in the morning, and you don't have to do your full shift because..." she gestured to the bulky bag that had been part of the 'excuse' earlier. "So, I need some 'terrible music' to start making Aislynn's gown." she raised her wand, pointing toward the door "Silencing charm, on!" she commanded jokingly, then actually performed the spell. "And let's go all around today; we'll start with classical-" she opened a cabinet and pulled out the fabrics needed "-then go to ballads, then gradually pick up the pace to screamy music, got it?"

Rosaleya nodded, then put on the first classical piece. "Thanks for letting me watch you work; it looks really nice; very professional." she praised.



"Ah..." Crystal sighed, her eyes closed. She was deeply enjoying the first few notes. "Thank you." she smiled a moment later, returning to the task of getting all of her materials onto the desk. "This room is so organized and clean; I owe the thanks to you. It's the room I work in to make this stuff we sell, but it gets annoyingly messy every time I finish working. So, I cannot thank you enough for organizing it and cleaning it without fail."

"Any maid could do it." Rosaleya scowled, genuinely believing that she deserved no praise at all.

"But not the way you do. And not with as much attention to detail, I can assure you."

"Thanks." she smiled, putting on the next song just as Crystal moved on to the next step.



"Oh..." Crystal sighed again "you're doing wonderfully tonight; this one..." she spoke softly.

I'm doing good, yay! She hasn't heard these before; good thing! I like to surprise her with whatever I can...And if she's enjoying some of my favorite pieces, then we have similar taste, and that's always good. We can usually agree on musical pieces. Both of us seem to like every style of music there is. Except... she nearly cringed at the thought of rap or other disgusting excuses for music. Who the hell likes that crap?! "It would be amazing to actually play the violin, right?" Rosaleya said, imagining herself in an elegant gown, her hair done perfectly, up on a stage playing the violin solo of the current song.

"A friend of mine knows how to play; very well, at that." Crystal nodded.

"Oh, right. What was her name...? Lora?"

"Luna..." Crystal laughed.

"Yeah...I'm terrible with names." Rosaleya admitted.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"...Kind of excited..." Aislinn laughed. ...I am excited about to go to a feast with Alastair and Crystal otherwise I would not attend it...I never go to parties unless if I am going with a friend or if I am obliged to attend it...

"Well, thanks again." Crystal smiled, standing and picking up Rosaleya's box. "I'll tell Rosaleya that you hope she enjoys the food." she added. "I've got to get to work; I get the late-night shift tonight." she sighed, walking away.

"Well, I will see you soon..." Aislinn called out. …Late night shift work? Do they have that at Hogwarts? She thought confused but then she realized what Crystal meant with late night shift. ...oh, it must be her turn to walk and guard the hallways at Hogwarts tonight...have they not employed a care taker? ...perhaps they will do that for next year...oh well, I guess I will get home then...since I have nothing to do... Aislinn rose up from her place after Crystal had left. ...Alastair has to notify me when our next mission is. I wonder what he is doing right now... Aislinn went to the ladies’ restroom and from there apparated home.

…I need to settle things between me and Vincent before the feast...it would be so embarrassing if he started to argue with or being disrespectful towards Alastair next Sunday... She entered the manor, but she only met her grandmother and Vincent's mother in the family room. The rest were still sleeping, and Vincent was nowhere to be seen.

...is he avoiding me or is it just a coincidence that he has never been here every time I came since the last time when I led him to Darkest Creatures…?

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Alright; we're done for the night." Crystal announced. "Don't clean anything up; just put a piece of paper on the door notifying Leigh that I'm working on something and, basically, not to enter. I'm going to go take a hot shower and get to sleep. I just want to pick up right where I left off tomorrow."

"Got it." Rosaleya nodded.

"Thanks. Goodnight."

"Goodnight. Thanks again for today." Rosaleya smiled.

Crystal said goodnight to Leigh when she passed him; he was closing up the store for the night.

"Oh, yes yes...goodnight." he mumbled, hardly looking at her as he began sweeping the floor manually.

Meh...It's actually better when he doesn't pay attention. He's not that much fun when he does, anyway. She opened the door and left the shop. Ah...the weather is very nice tonight...I'll walk until I reach Diagon and then apparate to the manor from there. I asked Luna to leave me some of whatever she makes for lunch or dinner tonight. She makes me some whenever I ask; that's really nice. It's also nice to walk on my own when there are no people around; except for the pub, which never closes... she looked at the only noisy place in Knockturn Alley, which emitted bright light from its windows. I wonder how the shifts work there? Anyway, I am excited to eat some more good food...That never gets boring, especially when it's Luna's.

"Thank you, once more, for that wonderful dinner." Luna said as Alastair held the manor's front door open for her.

"My pleasure, my lady." Alastair smiled. "As I stated before, I have business to attend to. I do hope that you enjoy your night."

"And you as well. I hope that your business goes smoothly." Luna replied before he closed the door.

"Oh. Well, Chinese twice in one day is never a bad thing." Crystal said to herself, surprised when she found one of Luna's plates full of different types of Chinese food, and a note next to it. The note explained that the food was Crystal's. Also, that Luna hadn't cooked that day, but joined her brother for dinner at a buffet. The food had been divine, and she knew that Crystal would enjoy it. "Hmm..." After a few bites, she was astounded. This is different from the food Aislynn and I ate today...This one is even better! And the time before with Aislynn...I didn't know that Chinese food could taste any better! I have to ask Luna where they went! I'll take Crystal there...This is just....No words! No words can describe it!

"Wakarimashta, Natsumizaka-sama. (I understand, Mr. Natsumizaka.)" Alastair bowed, and then left the office. This is such an important mission...I found it odd, at first, that the Director was asking for me for this mission and no one else. And that he insisted on briefing me himself. But now...I can see that this is among the most important missions I have been assigned.



"Good morning." Crystal said, entering the kitchen.

"Good morning." Luna replied, looking up from Wuthering Heights. She was seated at the kitchen table, sipping a cup of tea.

"I need to get to work soon, I'm working on a custom-gown for Aislynn. But I wanted to ask a question first." Crystal sat down beside Luna. "That Chinese that I ate last night was..." she made a gesture with her hands. That, combined with her facial expression, said that it was the most amazing Chinese that she had ever tasted. "So, I need to know where you got it from so that I can frequent the place."

"Oh...I told you before that Raven owns the carriage that you often see outside?" Luna asked.

Crystal nodded.

"Last night, Alastair and I flew to China by way of that carriage, and dined at a six-star hotel which had a buffet that night. He knew the owner, who charged him half-price. Although..." she continued, guilt in her eyes "...even with the discount, it still cost a fortune."

"Psh." Crystal waved her hand nonchalantly "Money isn't a problem for me. But...can I use the carriage?" she asked. "I mean, wonderful food, but...not worth a fifteen-hour airplane/broom ride there and back, you know?"

"Most airlines take approximately eleven hours and thirty minutes non-stop from Beijing to London. The fastest one-stop flight between Beijing and London takes close to 13 hours . However, some airlines could take as long as 38 hours based on the stopover destination and waiting duration." Alastair explained quickly without taking a breath. He had entered the room wearing an expensive-looking business suit that was entirely black.

"Oh, good morning." Crystal said, surprised.

"Good morning, Ms. Thorne." he nodded politely. "Luna." he nodded to her as well, before sitting opposite Luna.

"Where were we?" Luna asked.

"The carriage?" Crystal asked hopefully.

"Yes, you can use it. Raven pilots it. " She informed her. "Don't ask her how she does it; she finds it annoying to have to explain." Luna added. "Simply be certain to ask her if anyone else has scheduled a flight that day so that there are no problems. Alastair and I travel quite frequently."

It is quite interesting how she chose to answer... Alastair thought.

That's so cool! I get Chinese whenever I want! Crystal thought. "Thanks." she replied appreciatively, her voice calm as she stood to leave.

"Any one more piece of information-" Luna said before she left "-if you have any problems in any areas, cities, or countries you are not familiar with, Raven is quite well-informed. You can ask her for assistance, and she can provide you with nearly everything you may need."

"Wow...She's an amazing personal assistant. " Crystal said, more to herself than anyone, as she left for work. She is wonderful at her job, and seems to be ready for anything. Now, I'm spending all of today on that dress...I will be ready before Saturday afternoon, that way, if Aislynn decides that she need anything else done, I can handle it before Sunday.

"Yes, she is." Luna nodded, although Crystal had already left.

"Personal assistant?" Alastair asked curiously.

"Yes; she believes that Raven is the best personal assistant in the world, quite literally. And that she prefers costumes when she is at the manor." she referred to the dress that Raven usually wore, as opposed to the more professional attire she wore at Hogwarts when teaching classes.

"Ah...So, I wished to speak with you about this Summer Feast. Is it of any true importance to you?"

"No. Elias has invited me and I had no reason to decline." she answered simply and honestly.

"Have you attended it before?"

"No, this is the first I have heard of it. I have no idea if it is an actual feast, or only a feast in name. Like when the Muggles say 'romance novel' and the book is void of any romance."

Alastair laughed softly. "I assume that you have already chosen your attire. I, on the other hand, have not. I shall leave it to Ms. Monroe to decide upon it today."

"Hmm...Have you let her choose you attire before?" Luna asked curiously, remembering the ball in France with Elias. "I allowed Elias to choose mine for a ball, and it was wretched. A deep red gown, off the shoulders, with a petticoat." she frowned. "I shan't forget such a travesty of a gown."

Alastair laughed again. "Ms. Monroe selected a less-than-admirable costume for a costume party we attended" He remembered Asmodeus's party. "and a friend of mine noticed immediately that I had not chosen my own costume. Although she seemed to enjoy selecting it, and she seemed to believe that it was a fitting choice."

"It was the same with Elias." Luna agreed. "What to do?"

"She seemed..." Alastair began, remembering Aislynn's smile as they had danced together.

"He seemed..." Luna began, remembering Elias's face when they had received the trophy.

"...So happy..." they said together.

They shared a look of surprise.

Then Alastair asked "Could you please deliver a message to Ms. Monroe for me when you see her? I wish to choose our attire for the Summer Feast together."

"Of course." Luna nodded. "But, may I ask; why don't you use the emerald in your wand?"

"It broke." Alastair said simply.

"Oh. How? Perhaps I could fix it?" Luna asked helpfully.

"I broke it. I shall explain my reasons later." Alastair said nonchalantly.

Luna laughed. "Your humor is welcome this morning."

Alastair smiled, and stood to leave.

Luna returned to her reading. He doesn't want to tell me, he doesn't have to. We can keep secrets from each other, as long as we acknowledge that they are there. "I don't wish to share my reasons." A simple sentence is all it takes. We agreed on that long ago...

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn woke up to the songs of the birds. She had fallen asleep, letting the door of her tiny balcony being slightly open to let in some air. She looked at her wand, but the emerald was not glowing hence she knew she had not received any message yet. Glancing at the clock on her bedside table, she took the note of the time which was ten o'clock.

…he must still be sleeping at this hour...I shall wait until he wakes up so I can talk with him.... She thought with sigh.

Standing in front of the displayed cactus in the muggle plant shop, holding his chin between his forefinger and thumb, Edward pondered which cactus plant to purchase. He noticed that the shop assistant gave him odd looks which he assumed was because of his attire and appearance; he was dressed in full black, wearing leather trousers and a leather jacket, a t-shirt under his jacket with a cloak shrouding him. He was holding his motorcycle helmet in his left hand. Alexander had made him to get a helmet at last, to the sake of the International Statute of Secrecy.

He reached his right hand towards a small pot with a subtle looking cactus. …Her favorite kind of plant. Herbology was not really my thing at Hogwarts, and not really her thing, yet she managed to take care of both non-magical and magical plants including this one funny kind while I managed to kill every d**** plant, hehe…I wonder what kind of plant or flower Aislinn favors....

"I am taking this one," He turned towards the shop assistant, who was giving him suspicious looks holding up the cactus of his choice to show her what he wanted to purchase.

He walked towards the cashier, trying not to slip at the overgrown plants which leaves, and branches were nearly wriggling all over the floor. He watched impatiently as the shop assistant wrapped the cactus with its pot in newspaper. ...that is so unnecessary... He thought but did not say anything. Instead he thanked her and paid with muggle money before leaving the shop.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Yes, all day." Crystal nodded. "Until it's finished."

"Well, I'll be right here with you. What is the music going to be like today?" Rosaleya asked.

"Soft rock for the first hour, then I'll see how I feel." Crystal decided.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn got up and took a long bubble bath, spending almost two hours in the bathtub before getting serious and ending it with a normal shower. She dressed in casual clothes and went down to the kitchen as if she was at Luna's manor. But when Aislinn entered the kitchen she was reminded that she was at her own manor. But something different in the kitchen caught her eyes. It looked like as if it had been used by a human rather than a vampire.

There were washed plates, cutlery, goblets and cups placed in the plate track. She looked suspiciously at the cupboards and opened them one by one. Clean pots, saucepans, frying pan, plates, bowls, trays, goblets and cups occupied the majority amount of the cupboards. Clean cutlery was found in the kitchen drawers. The remaining cupboards contained fresh bread, biscuits and several jars with different kinds of tea leaves and beans and snacks and another jar with coffee. She found potatoes and root vegetables. But what most surprised her was the cupboard, which was stocked with wine bottles, which she assumed to be filled with blood, because in that cupboard she found a couple of bottles with firewhiskey.

She picked one bottle of firewhiskey, opened it and sniffed carefully. ...if I am not dreaming, this is bloody real firewhiskey... She refrained from taking a sip from the bottle. Instead she sealed it and placed it back in the cupboard. Lastly, she opened the pantry, which was divided into two parts, to her surprise were filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products in the upper part. The lower part contained frozen pasties, chicken and meat, fish and seafood.

And the pantry was magically enchanted.

Aislinn had to pinch herself hard in her arm to make sure she was not dreaming.

...I don't get get...none of my relatives know any magic and the only one who is immune against the daylight is Vincent...could it be him trying to impress me by doing this to show me he can be a human despite being a vampire? He knows I like firewhiskey and getting groceries is not a problem for him since he has daytime ability and can go where he please. But the magically enchanted pantry does not make sense... Aislinn shook her head in confusion. ...Perhaps he has a human friend who knows magic? ...I must interrogate him about this!

Aislinn walked out from the kitchen and entered the hallway just in time to see Vincent leaving the house, the front doors closing behind him.

"Vincent!" She called out, but it was too late. When she opened the front doors, he was already gone. ...oh well I shall leave him a letter... She thought with a sigh.

Edward entered the cemetery in Cokeworth, holding the cactus plant tenderly in his hands. He had unwrapped it and burned up the annoying newspaper away with a simple incendio. A few wizards and witches visited this cemetery, though today it had more visitors, who were visiting their deceased loved ones, due to the warmth summer weather. Edward stopped at the entrance, trying to remember where the grave of his beloved wife was located. It had been about twenty years since he had been in this cemetery. He had made sure to hid it well from the aurors to dig her up and burn her to ashes and from others who might profane the grave of a deceased deatheater.

...unless if they did not find out that the replicas of my and her body were just fake...but I don't think they did, because if they had found out anything, then they would have announced us as fugitives rather than dead...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Looks like we'll be finishing this gown ahead of schedule." Crystal smiled, standing back.

"Wow...You'll be done before five; I thought we would be here all night again." Rosaleya commented.

"Yeah...But I'm hungry again. We'll have to take a break."

"More like ice cream hungry or food hungry?" Rosaleya asked.

"I want a meal." Crystal decided. "I'm going to go get some of that amazing bread from the bakery. We'll have avocado and turkey sandwiches."

"Oh, avocados are the best in sandwiches! And sprouts." Rosaleya said dreamily.

"It's twelve o' four...I'll be back soon. Do you want anything special?"

"Hmm....Could you bring more of those chocolate-covered sticks?"

"Sure. See you in a few!" Crystal waved, picking up her coat on the way out.

"I'm back! I made the sandwiches at Luna's place so I didn't need to stop by any stores; she has everything, always. She never runs out. The only things she can't keep stocked all the time are things that no one uses regularly. Then she makes special trips to the grocery store in addition to her normal ones, when she's making a special meal."

"You don't spend so much time over there that you'd know that much." Rosaleya said after a moment.

"Nope; I ask her, and she tells me whatever I want to know. She's very honest; something that I didn't expect the first time I...This sandwich is the best, isn't it?" Crystal asked, changing the subject.

"It is; thank you." Rosaleya smiled. "Avocados and sprouts, and this bread...are so perfect."

"Oh, I forgot; I did go to one store." Crystal handed Rosaleya the chocolate-sticks that she had requested.

"Thanks again."

"How are you going to avoid actually eating if it's a feast? That seems to defy logic!"

 

[Hikari Chan]

After a long search, he finally found the grave. It was clean around it like it was around the other graves. The cemetery had not been abandoned during these years, it had been and was still taken care of the same old caretaker. Edward went down on his knee in front of the arch shaped tombstone.

Rosalie Melbone

1899-1970

In beloved memory

He picked out his wand and waved it in front of the tombstone. The anagrams of the name and years rearranged the letters and the numbers, revealing the real name and correct years of birth and death of the resting.

Isabelle Monroe

1970-1998

In beloved memory

He placed the cactus tenderly in front of the tombstone and suddenly he was brought back to Hogwarts 1984...

...It had been a long day and Edward had just finished his dinner in the Great Hall. He had noticed that one of the students had been missing both during the breakfast, lunch and dinner today and the previous days during the week. It was obvious who it was. Everyone was gossiping about it. The accident during a potion lesson which had left professor Snape so furious that no one dared to approach him afterwards. The fourth-year student who had ended up with a skin condition that left part of her skin looking like snake skin and refused to heal to normal.

Edward went ahead to the Slytherin common room, finding the girl deep engulfed by a book, History of magic. Her long hair fell around her face, covering it almost and hiding her weird skin condition.

Since they were both alone in the common room and the rest of the Slytherins were still eating, he seized the opportunity to speak to her, because he had, since the beginning of the school year, wanted to ask her out for the Yule Ball. October was nearing its end and less than two months were left to the Yule Ball.

"Good evening, Belle!" He greeted her. It was a mistake, especially to call her Belle, because she cringed at the sound of being called by that name.

"It is Gaunt, mister," She said coolly, looking briefly up from her book. "Gaunt, Monroe, Gaunt, Monroe...understood?" She rephrased her last name and his last name, repeating, in order to explain him the manners of how they should address each other.

She closed her book firmly and left before he could speak anything, leaving him speechless.

But he did not give up. A couple of days later, their paths were crossed. She was on her way out from the fifth corridor while he was on his way in.

"Good afternoon, miss Gaunt," He greeted her, putting on his best smile.

"Good afternoon," She replied, seemingly surprised about the encounter and his politeness.

He remained standing in the doorway as if he did not want to let her pass by.

"Do you want something?" There was a slight annoyance in her tone, because he was blocking her way.

"Wouldyouliketogototheyuleballwithme?" He spoke very fast.

"What?" She looked confused at him.

"The-the Yule ball, I erhm…just wanted to ask you out for the Yule Ball..." He managed to speak a bit calmer, and smiled charmingly, being so optimistic about her answer, believing that she would accept his invite.

"Are you making fun of me?" She hissed, giving him an angry look. His smile faltered drastically. He was very surprised by her reaction, so surprised that he became speechless. "You ignorant moron! My poor parents who cannot afford me anything but second hand school uniforms and books, how do you expect them to afford me a ball gown? They can hardly afford to put food on the table every evening. Out of my way, I don't want to be late for my next class!"

He automatically moved out of her way, allowing her to walk past him. He remained standing, feeling impotent to move or speak for a couple of seconds. Instead of making her happy he had angered and disappointed her. He sighed heavily.

The rest of the weeks passed as usual and he did not try to approach her or speak to her since the last encounter they had. The day of the Yule Ball arrived and his suit for the event was folded neatly in his coffer. He waited till almost everyone had left the common room. Only the first and second years and another fourth year, who were not going to the Ball, remained in the common room. He ignored everyone else, who had remained, as he neared her. She was sitting with a book as usual, far away in a corner, for herself while the other students sat the opposite end of the room because they found her skin condition scary and tried their best to avoid her at any cost.

"What are you doing here?" She immediately looked up from her book as soon as he sat down in front of her. "I thought you were interested of attending the Yule Ball," She said dryly and then nodded towards the fourth-year student who was sitting far away from them in the common room. "You could have invited her, miss Bedingfield."

"I could," Edward pretended to agree with her. "I could have invited any other girl but you. But would it not be awkward if I tried to dance with anyone else while having you on my mind?"

He noticed her becoming a bit nervous, since she shifted her legs and looked down at the open pages of her book.

"Look, I don't care if you don't have a ball gown or not," He continued, seizing his chance. He went down on his knee and said: "I would never enjoy attending the ball without you. It is either with you or I rather remain here-"

"You don't understand-" She began, looking at him with a frown.

"Isabelle, please," He pleaded, not caring that she preferred to be called by her last name. He rose up and extended his hand towards her.

"I have homework-"

Since she did not correct him when he said her first name, he became more encouraged and continued:

"I can help you with your homework after the ball-"

"But I can't dance-"

"Do not worry, I can teach you to dance," He smiled, taking away the book from her and taking hold of her hand, forcing her gently to get up from her place.

Before she could protest, he swirled her around in a waltz perfectly in line to imaginary music, not caring if the other students were giving them odd looks.

"Excuse me, please..." She released herself from his grip as soon as the dance was over and nearly run away, almost slamming the door to the girls' dormitory behind her. Edward remained behind, looking baffled and speechlessly after her. 'Perhaps I was to fast-forward?' He thought with a sigh and sat heavily down, taking the exact place which, she had been occupying earlier and picked up her book. He could not forget how flustered she had been feeling just a couple of minutes ago yet he was smiling like a love struck fool, because she had not refused him but rather allowed him to invite her to dance to silent music, even if the moment had been short lived. He turned over the leaves in her book, recognizing the content which he had had two years ago in his Arithmancy class...

"...In beloved memory..." He spoke softly, literary speaking to the grave as he stood up.

After having a late breakfast at home, Aislinn went to Luna's place, expecting to find Alastair there. She walked over to the center of labyrinth first and when she found it empty, she walked over to the manor.

"Good afternoon," She greeted Luna cheerfully upon entering the kitchen.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Good afternoon," She greeted Luna cheerfully upon entering the kitchen.

"Good afternoon." Luna replied, looking up from her book "Alastair kindly asked me to relay a message to you; he wishes to choose your attire for the Summer Feast together. He can be found in his room in the manor." she added helpfully.

Luna nodded, then returned to her reading once Aislynn had left the room.

Alastair looked up from the book he had been writing in. "One moment, please." he replied calmly to the knock at the door. He opened it a moment later, a jovial smile on his face. "Good afternoon, my lady." Alastair said kindly, stepping outside of his room and closing the door behind him. Admitting her entrance would be a mistake; my room is hardly an appropriate place to converse.

"Simply put, I wished to discuss the matter of our attire for the Summer Feast." he began. "I am certain that you can decide what you shall wear, yet I cannot. Could you possibly assist me?" he asked, an honest look in his eyes. "You did so well at the Asmodeus Plaza that I am certain you could do the same now." I wonder what she will wear...She always dresses spectacularly.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Oh...Thank you..." Aislinn nodded to Luna and left. …How could I be so ignorant and forgetful and just going ahead picking out a dress for me, oh well I did not expect that he wished us to pick our attires together...is it like that in relationships? Do couples decide together what they shall wear for a special event or occasion? I wish I could ask my mum...did she and dad picked out outfits together? But neither mum nor dad is here, and I don't dare ask grandmother, she will just misunderstand everything and think...where is Alastair's room by the way?... Aislinn stood in the corridor looking around with a frown. ...If siblings are best friend then their rooms should be close to each other... She suddenly thought and laughed at her own conclusion.

She walked over to the next door and knocked. She could not help but grin when she heard Alastair's voice behind the door.

"Good afternoon, my lady." Alastair said kindly, stepping outside of his room and closing the door behind him.

"Good afternoon Alastair," Aislinn smiled.

"Simply put, I wished to discuss the matter of our attire for the Summer Feast." he began. "I am certain that you can decide what you shall wear, yet I cannot. Could you possibly assist me?" he asked, an honest look in his eyes. "You did so well at the Asmodeus Plaza that I am certain you could do the same now."

"Really?" She looked uncertain for a second, wondering if her dad ever had asked her mum to pick something for him to wear. "Well..." She smiled nervously, blushing deeply. "I... I actually already chose something to wear.." She confessed. "I am sorry, I mean, I... I am so forgetful and ignorant…I am sorry..." She started to mumble for herself, looking down at her feet, her cheeks red of shame.

..why the bloody hell did I not wait till today and we could have ordered custom attires together...

"I already ordered a custom gown at Darkest Creatures yesterday afternoon...uhm…it is black and violet so what do you think about wearing a black Victorian suit with violet details?"

It plinged when the door to the muggle plant shop opened and the shop assistant looked up expecting some new customers but was surprised to see the same odd customer.

"Good afternoon...I have decided to buy some more cactus," Edward nodded. "For home, the first one was for my late wife..." He explained and walked over to the shelves where different kinds of cactus were displayed.

He picked out a big oblong and flat pot with cute tiny cactus in several shapes and colors and brought it to the cashier.

The shop assistant tried to avoid eye contact with the odd customer as she wrapped his choice of plant with newspaper and charged him.

"Have a nice day," She forced herself to say since it was expected from her to act, according to the policy, as a shop assistant should do towards customers.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Really?" She looked uncertain for a second. "Well..." She smiled nervously, blushing deeply. "I...I actually already chose something to wear..." She confessed.

"Oh?" Alastair said, visibly surprised. Did I wait too long to choose our attire? Did she, perhaps, think that I wouldn't ask her and that she should handle it herself? I only found out that such an event existed yesterday, and yet, I could have acted sooner...The fault is mine.

"I am sorry, I mean, I...I am so forgetful and ignorant..I am sorry..." She started to mumble for herself, looking down at her feet, her cheeks red of shame.

"No, my lady." Alastair insisted genuinely, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "The fault is mine; I waited too long to select our attire, and henceforth you acted on your own. Forgive me; I should have planned properly." he bowed in repentance, then stood once more "Do tell me; " he smiled, his tone switching abruptly from apologetic to charming "what spectacular gown have you selected for yourself?"

"I already ordered a custom gown at Darkest Creatures yesterday afternoon..." So Ms. Thorne is making her a gown of her specific choosing...I do wonder if Ms. Monroe would appreciate a mirror such as Luna's?

"...it is black and violet so what do you think about wearing a black Victorian suit with violet details?"

"That would be charming." Alastair nodded. Telling me what to wear is the same as choosing my attire for me, so there should be no need for any further interactions regarding our ensembles for the Summer Feast. "There is another matter that I wished to discuss with you." Alastair said, as if he had remembered something. "I wished to know...How shall I put this?" he sighed. "Luna and I are quite close; with the exception of a few things, we know everything about each other. Asmodeus knows everything, down to the last detail. I wished to know if you had anyone whom you were just as close to?" he asked, hoping that he wasn't overstepping his bounds in asking. I recall that her parents are deceased. . . And I do not believe that she shares the same bond with Vincent as Luna and I...But does she have anyone whom she can be as open with as I am to Asmodeus?

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn smiled, feeling revealed that the matter about the attires for the summer feast was handled easily.

"There is another matter that I wished to discuss with you." Alastair said, as if he had remembered something.

She looked seriously at him.

"I wished to know...How shall I put this?" he sighed.

...What does he wish to know?? Her heart started to beat faster.

"Luna and I are quite close; with the exception of a few things, we know everything about each other. Asmodeus knows everything, down to the last detail. I wished to know if you had anyone whom you were just as close to?" he asked.

...oh...well if Vincent did not act like a moron, he would he have been a close person to me, like a brother...if my grandmother was not an old fashioned woman who misunderstood everything, I would have been closer to her.....I am friends with Crystal... but eh, we are not really close in that aspect... and Raven...I feel like she is more like a guardian than someone close...

"...I…no one.." Aislinn replied honestly, shaking her head. "…besides you. I only feel close to you," She blushed.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

A gentle smile played across his lips, and a loving look shown in his eyes.

He bowed to her. "I am honored to hear you say such words." he said genuinely, his right hand in a loose fist, pressed to where his heart was. His eyes were closed, as if he were savoring that moment.

This moment; the moment that can never last forever...

"Are the rumors...the legends true?"

"Yes. I can grant any wish, without rules or restrictions." Nova answered, smiling.

They sat in the living room; on armchairs that were positioned so that they faced each other, with the coffee table in between them. The lady had summoned Nova to grant her a wish.

"And I don't have to sell you my soul; I only owe you a favor?" the lady asked, not believing her ears. She was desperate to save her husband from the illness that the doctors had told her was fatal. Her husband had been diagnosed with lung cancer, and she would have gladly sold her soul in exchange for his complete recovery.

"Yes, that is correct. Also, you must be very precise. For instance, do not say 'I wish to win the lottery'. Say 'I wish to win the lottery, by just means, the next time that I purchase a ticket.' Otherwise, you would win by cheating, or you would win every time you played, which would lead to incarceration regardless of whether you won by just means or not because you would appear to have cheated. Do you understand? In addition, if you intentionally fail to complete the favor I request of you, your wish's effects shall disappear, as if it were never granted in the first place."

"I understand...Thank you so very much, Lucifer, I never knew that you could be so reasonable!"

"My name is not Lucifer." Nova said, holding back his anger, although his smooth voice faltered considerably.

"The Prince of Darkness?" the lady asked, trying to remember other names. "Satan? Mephisto-"

"Please, stop." Nova interrupted. "There are seven princes in Hell, each representing one of the seven deadly sins. Lucifer, who represents pride, was the most powerful of us all. Asmodeus is the second-most powerful, who represents lust. Leviathan, represents envy. Beelzebub represents gluttony, and Belphegor represents sloth. Satan represents wrath, and he is a most unlikable fellow. " He said with a warning tone "Never summon him. Finally, I am Nova, representing greed. I am more commonly known as Mammon. Now please, I have grown tired of these explanations. Do make your wish." he sighed.

"Yes yes!" the lady nodded, a bit too fast. Clearly, she hadn't been following Nova's explanations very well at the last part. "I wish...that my husband's cancer is cured...permanently...and that it never returns. The lung cancer, or any other type of cancer. Is that enough?" she asked worriedly.

"Yes, you didn't forget anything. Well, now all you have to do is agree to the favor I request..." he placed a finger to his chin in thought..."Ah...For my favor, I desire a new suit for an upcoming event. Purchase me one? Here are my measurements. Every piece must be of the highest quality, and the colour must be black. The only exception is the cravat, which is to be stark white. Have it ready before midnight, this Saturday. Oh...if that's alright with you?" he asked politely, an innocent look on his face.

"Oh...Yes, yes, of course it is!" the lady assured him, glancing at his measurements which were neatly written on the paper he handed her. "It would cost quadruple the amount in medical bills for my husband, so I am actually saving money! There is no problem, I promise! It can be ready for you, I swear!" she spoke quickly, taking no breaks in her speech.

"Really? That's very kind of you." Nova smiled appreciatively. "Well, " he stood from his chair "I feel so certain that the next time you and your husband visit the doctor, his cancer would have disappeared completely. As if by...magic." he said slyly.

"Oh...thank you!" the lady sighed, clutching her heart.

"Make certain to summon me for more wishes in the future. No one else is as reasonable as I, I swear it. And, if a friend of yours happens to have a problem, do refer her to me?"

"Yes, of course! I just can't believe-"

And Nova had disappeared into thin air, soundlessly.

"Tch...Muggles are so ready to give whatever they can for whatever they want...That's where I come in..." he smiled, taking a seat in his plush throne-like chair. "I get to grant wishes with no effort, in return for whatever I want. It's so easy...And really, it's not like Alastair ever makes a bad decision. It's Satan who is despicable; he always uses trickery and plays with words and...It was him, and Lucifer who dirtied Hell's name in the Human Realm...And that glutton! Good thing that his daughter took over for him; she does a much better job. I just WISH that humans would stop summoning Satan! And who told them that the Prince of Darkness, Satan, Lucifer, and all of the other names went to the same person?!"

"I see. Is there anything else I can do for you?" a young girl asked. She was dressed in a maid's uniform, and she carried a tray of food for Nova. It was steaming hot beef stew, with a side of bread and a glass of water.

"Oh, you even went through the trouble of making me a meal in addition to the cleaning? That was very kind of you, but I only eat human souls. No no, not yours." he clarified quickly, a kind look in his eyes. "For now, your favor to me is complete; my castle is completely clean now. You can go back to the Human Realm. No one will realize that you have been gone, so you can simply pretend that you never left. Isn't that simply spectacular?"

"I...Can I please have...another wish?" she asked pleadingly, nearly whispering the last part.

"Another wish? Well, you can have as many as you like. What do you wish for? And details! Do not neglect the details!" he reminded her.

"I wish that I can come back here one more time, and you can please show me around? I want to stay here for an entire day, and see all of the best things there are to see; I wish to explore this world. I came here for the favor; I never left the castle. The only view I got was through the windows, and what I saw was like a dream. And I want you to show me around, and share with me what you like to do." she said, looking down at her feet in embarrassment.

"I do hope that you are not developing any feelings with me?" Nova asked, his tone warning her of such feelings. He gave her a very stern look.

"I...Well, I-"

"I am a demon, and must be shared with all humans. I do not have time for such things as relationships; I want to grant as many wishes as I can, and that is all."

"I...I don't believe that." she said bravely, meeting his gaze with a loving one. "You are the kindest person I have ever met. And you have granted my wish without any tricks or schemes or taking my soul. Everyone has the ability, and the desire, to love, and to be loved. And you-"

Nova had been listening with a polite smile, although the look in his eyes was the definition of boredom. Now, his expression changed abruptly. A dangerous look was in his eyes, and his voice sounded commanding when he said "Come no closer. I shall grant your wish, pending that you agree to my request. My request is for you to never look at me with those loving eyes again. No one loves me, so do not lie!"

"I..." she seemed shocked by his words. "I didn't lie, and I do not agree with your favor."

"Then you shall receive no wish. Summon me again when you are prepared to act appropriately, and have banished all foolish thoughts from your mind." He waved his hand, and she disappeared into thin air, appearing back at her home again. Your wish...what you summoned me for...you wished that your mother would have enough money to quit both of her full-time jobs. That girl's mother was working herself to death, working all day and night on two different jobs, hardly sleeping. Her aunt was 'in need of money' as well; a lazy woman who manipulated the mother to keep lending her foolish sister her own hard earned money instead of keeping it for herself and her daughter. She wouldn't have lasted long going on that way, every day...And the girl was cleaning houses without her mother's knowledge so that she could pay for their grocery bills. She was sixteen, and balancing her 'job' with her schooling. I only wanted to help them, not have this turn into Beauty and the Beast. he thought in disgust. Everyone has a problem, and not all of them are caused by the sort of villains that DiVilliers handles. Some of the humans need help because their problems cannot be fixed with a death or an arrest. "Everyone has the ability to be loved...? And to love? Do they?" he asked the empty room. "Do they?"

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn smiled lovingly, touching Alastair's shoulder softly. ...seriously, he does not need to bow for me... She blushed.

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss with me?" She asked.

After finishing her long letter of complaint and putting it in the envelope, Ms. Taylor wrote down the name and address to the Minister of Magic. Suddenly she looked at his name, finding it very familiar.

She let out a howl when she noticed that the Minister shared the same last name with the headmaster. She was about to tear the envelope with its content apart when she suddenly changed her mind. ...I have not mentioned the girl's name or professor Pyrites' name or any other names in the letter. If the minister is related to the headmaster and his annoying sister, he might favor them both...Good thing that I did not spell out any names...let's send this away and hope the luck is on my side...

...why the bloody hell can I not use magic for cleaning!... Lily thought mortified as she, using a cloth wiped off dust manually like a muggle from the bookshelves in professor Pyrites' office. So this is what I have to do for my detention...I wonder what Ms. Taylor got to do yesterday, obviously cleaning...a job that is suited for an elf...pfff...

"I am done," Lily announced calmly after spending one hour of wiping off all dust from all the bookshelves. She walked over to the professor who was sitting behind his desk and reading the Daily Prophet and enjoying a cup of cappuccino. The smell of the delicious drink made Lily's mouth water. ...I am carving for coffee…sigh...

"But you did not clean the windows?" He asked, looking up from his Daily Prophet.

"No, only the bookshelves," She replied honestly, wishing that she could have been lying in this situation.

"You have to do the windows as well," He nodded, his eyes in the newspaper he was reading.

...I hate you, you-...

"Of course," Lily nodded, smiling innocently but her hand was clutching the cloth so hard that her hand nearly quivered of anger.

...I wish I could strangle him with this cloth......oh I want coffee...