Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Hikari Chan]

"Merlin's beard!" Clarissa stood and examined her gown in the girls' dormitories. "Just exactly as I imagined it to be..." She sighed happily. "I cannot wait to wear it..."

"You ought to put it on now. We need to get ready for the graduation..." Pegah spoke while she was writing down a few paragraphs of gratitude on a piece of parchment.

Once again, thank you very much for the gown. It is exactly like I imagined it and was able to describe. I appreciate your hard work and dedication for making us who are in need of attires, customized garments. Thank you for making my dream come true. ~ Miss Pegah Ferydoni

"Are you still in your nightgowns?" Lily peeked her head inside, wondering what Pegah and Clarissa were up to.

"I just finished my letter to professor Ravenna, though I am ready," Pegah announced. "But I think Clarry has not done her hair or make up yet..."

Lily eyed Clarissa's blonde frizzy curls. "I think Summer and Rhaine can help you," She suggested and left. ...That hair potion is mine, I cannot share it with anyone, not because I am selfish, but it is a rare item which I don't have intention to use that much but only a few times... she thought reasonably

A couple of minutes later the twins entered the dorm. Summer was excellent with doing make up and colored Clarissa's lips to match the color of her dress and gave her black winged eyes. Her eye-shadow had several shades, going from black to maroon. She also added some highlights to her face. Rhaine on the other hand was specialized in styling hairs. First, she straightened out Clarissa's hair completely and put it up in a hairdo which was a bit loose and messy but yet charming.

"Hurry..." Lily said impatiently, peeking her head inside the dorm.

"We just finished," Rhaine grinned, holding up a handheld mirror for Clarissa to examine her final look.

"I feel so special today," Pegah smiled after she and Clarissa had dropped their letters in the box outside the staff room. "It is a different feeling, not like a usual ball. I cannot put a finger on it, but it feels like it was like yesterday when I was sitting on that footstool and the sorting hat was placed on my head-"

"Don't tell me you are missing those days?" Lily laughed. "I am so happy that school is over!"

"Of course, I miss the years I spent here as a student…"

The Great hall was decorated and arranged for the graduation ball. The long tables were replaced with a few tables with refreshments and chairs alongside the walls. Floral garlands in the colors of red and gold, green and silver, blue and bronze, black and yellow, to represent the houses, decorated the walls.

...I am relieved that we managed to reach this far, to have the students graduated and keep this school going on under our control…especially when only one quarter of all the students are Slytherins... Elias thought, standing in front of the twenty-three graduating students, before he spoke them

He hold his speech for approximately three minutes, remembering the day he had graduated. ...It was ten years ago and I was young and full of anticipation...that time feels so distant now...Today is their last day at Hogwarts and tomorrow they are not students anymore but young adults seeking out in the wizarding world, making careers...

"...Yesterday you were merely students, struggling with your exams, today you are starting a new phase of life, full of anticipation and excitement about what the future might hold for you....Now, I'd like to give the word to professor Wilkes"

The students applauded when he finished his speech. He left his place for Melody who sat down on a stool with her acoustic guitar in her arms. She was dressed in a light teal summer dress, with a brown belt around her waist, and wore a flower wreath made out of the summer flowers, with her hair down. She played and sang one song for the graduating students. It was a song about the summer, the graduation and the coming future, both sad and happy at the same time.

When she was done, colorful confetti rained over the students, who were screaming and cheering in excitement. At the same time a team consisting of some of the professors, started to play music for the students' entertainment and enjoyment.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

His name was Nova. I remember that, because I thought it was an unusual name. It means 'star' in Latin. I know that because Dad made me...never mind that now. So, what should I do? She raised her hand dramatically, as if she were reaching to the sky to grab a lost balloon. "Nova, demon of greed, I summon you!" Argh! This feels stupid...This isn't an Anime! What should I try next?

Nova appeared. "What did you summon me for?"

That worked?! "I...I wanted to thank you...for granting my wish."

"Oh." Nova was pleasantly surprised. "Do you have any questions at all?"

"Yes....How long does this last?" Rosaleya asked. "Not midnight, or anything stupid, right?" she asked worriedly.

"No; you said forever, so that means just that. Everything that you specified." he reminded her.

"Can I get more wishes if I agree to pay for them?" Rosaleya asked.

"Yes. Provided that you accept the favor I ask, as I said before, your wish will be permanent."

"You said that Reign had to do a favor for you; he didn't have to sell his soul, did he?" she asked, feeling unbelievably guilty.

"Come now-" Nova said reasonably. "-do you even think such a person exists, who would sell his soul for the happiness of someone he doesn't know?"

"No." Rosaleya shook her head without hesitating. "Definitely not. So, what did he have to do?"

"Something so small, I promise. " Nova waved the subject off, moving on. "Do you have any other questions?" he asked.

"Hey; I want the answer to my question first; what did he have to do for-" Rosaleya insisted. She didn't raise her voice, but she spoke forcefully.

"-You know that Summer Feast tomorrow?" Nova asked.

Rosaleya nodded.

"I will be there; so will other demons, Reign included. He merely has to dance with a lady of my choosing; he is quite the antisocial demon, so I enjoy seeing him have to deal with people." Nova explained, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Hmm...So Reign is the Kuudere type..." Rosaleya said aloud.

"What is 'kuudere'?" Nova asked, pronouncing it oddly as if it were in a foreign language.

"It's a kind of Anime or Manga character who basically is aloof or socially distant, and doesn't speak much. They tend to express their opinions bluntly instead of beating around the bush, but despite their extremely cold exterior they actually really care about others...Well, others that are important to them." she explained quickly, sounding as if she was reading out of a dictionary.

"You made that up; now how do you know Reign so well?" Nova asked disbelievingly.

"No no, it's a real thing." Rosaleya assured him. "Anyway, thank you...I can't explain to you how much it means to me. I really-"

"Although I granted the wish, Reign still paid for it, so you should take care to continue your appreciative speech with him, tomorrow." he said. "Now...what are 'Anime' and 'Manga'?"

Rosaleya stood completely still for a moment. "Never mind." she insisted.

"Very well, then. " he nodded. "I do hope you enjoy your wish to it's fullest. By the way; the embrace we shared last night was so very sweet; I suggest that you continue speaking and acting as if you are in a dream. Care not what others think, for you will have the best time if you do as you wish." he smiled kindly.

And then he was gone.

Rosaleya smiled, enjoying a sweet feeling she felt in her chest. Then, she remembered Crystal.

"Once again, thank you very much for the gown. It is exactly like I imagined it and was able to describe. I appreciate your hard work and dedication for making us who are in need of attires, customized garments. Thank you for making my dream come true. ~ Miss Pegah Ferydoni" Luna read aloud, then looked up at Raven. "This one is by far my favorite." she commented honestly. It was the last letter she read from the collection. "I shall keep it as a reminder of why I do these little, unnecessary tasks. "

"What shall I do with the others?" Raven asked, looking at the rest of them boredly.

"Burn them." she said nonchalantly. "Although they are all rather sweet, I would be a frivolous person to keep all of the things that were sweet. Besides; Ms. Ferydoni's sums up the others' feelings quite well."

"Hmm. Very well, then. Tell me what to wear at the party tonight. You chose my professors' robes and the thing that I wore to the Torture Party; I like the gown I always wear, but that's out of the question." she sighed. "Apparently, this 'ball' is supposed to be very formal, so..."

Crystal, Luna, and Raven applauded after Elias's speech.

Short and not boring! A good speech. Crystal thought.

Alastair's not here because he has nothing to do with the school. I'll just have to talk to Luna to pass the time. Raven thought.

I wonder how long in advance he had that planned? Or did he make it up just now? Either way, it was exactly what the students, or rather, former students would have wanted; concise and relatable. Luna thought.

Crystal's hair was down, styled with soft curls, and she had red lipstick that was the perfect dark red so that it suited her face and skin tone. She wore an all-black suit, with the exception of the dress-shirt, complete with a top hat and a bow tie.

I couldn't pick a girly outfit so I just chose to dress like a guy; I think it looks cute, though. I even put on lipstick and did my hair so that it looks more feminine. She thought.

Raven wore a sleeveless midnight blue gown with black rose petals ornamenting the heart-shaped illusion neckline, the waist, and the edges of the skirt. She also wore earrings with crescent moons dangling from a silver chain; the moons were glowing faintly like real moons. Finally, she wore long black velvet gloves. Her hair was in an elegant bun with a fringe cleverly covering her eye. I don't have to change my attire again for the Summer Feast, do I? She wondered, hoping that he didn't have to.

Luna wore the same gown she had worn to the opera with Alastair recently, with the same long black velvet gloves and simple choker as before.

Except that she changed the mermaid-style bottom to something less distracting.

)

Alastair had insisted on doing her hair for that day. He chose an elegant style, choosing to make creative, intricate-looking braids at the back whilst making it look simple from the front.

)

Alastair praised my appearance before wishing me a good time and returning to his reading. I suppose, or rather I hope, that Elias will deem it appropriate as well. I believe that if I wore this to an opera, it should be acceptable at a ball such as this one. Luna thought.

Luna and Raven shared a table; Luna drank lemonade and Raven drank a water with a lemon-wedge inside of it.

Crystal sat alone, prepared to flash any male who chose to attempt to sit by her a nasty glance. I'm done messing around; all of them can go stab themselves to death. Just leave me alone and let me relax without talking about yourselves and almost begging for verbal praise and adoration, while all the time you're thinking about me keeping you company in your bedroom afterwards, isn't that right? Crystal thought angrily. She calmed herself by imagining a scene where one of the male professors tried to flirt with her and she scorned him for it. Hmm...What would I say to him? She wondered with a smile.

All three of them applauded again when Ms. Wilkes finished her song.

A lovely song. The pacing and melody weren't bad, and the lyrics suited the occasion. I must find the time to praise whoever wrote the song; was it Melody herself, or did she receive assistance? Luna wondered. And who thought of the confetti? That was quite imaginative.

Crystal wasn't listening to the music; she was too busy fantasizing.

Raven was generally bored with the whole event, so she only felt indifference.

For a while, all three of them remained in their own thoughts, before broke the silence.

"Luna?" she asked. "Do you want me to tell you what anyone is thinking?"

Luna thought for a moment. "Why not? It would be an interesting party game for the both of us. Tell me..." she looked around the room "...what Thorne is thinking."

"She's thinking-" Raven paused, reading her mind "-that she would rather tell the next 'gentleman' with flirting on his mind that she would rather...oh my." she burst out in laughter, although it was quiet laughter so that no heads turned in their direction. "She is planning to tell them that she isn't interested in men and would rather share a kiss with a wall."

Luna laughed as well. "I wonder how that will work out."

"Who else?"

"Hmm...Lily's mind. Tell me what she is thinking." Luna decided, interested.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Alexis entered the Great Hall from a side door, just in time when the confetti started to rain over the cheering graduating students. He smiled, seeing his sister playing the flute so professionally and charming. He scanned over the place where the rest of the professors were sitting. Those who did not play music and waited on their turn, occupied one table together. The headmistress and professor Ravenna were sitting together. Professor Wilkes and professor Gibbon, obviously being best friends, were sitting together. Quinn and Blake were sitting together with the Carrow sisters. Rockwood, Rowle, Mulciber and Nott were gathered with his two older brothers Andrew and August at one table. Professor Thorne was sitting alone.

"Hey, would you like to sit with us?" Alexis asked with a smile, pointing at the larger table as he took a chair from where Thorne was sitting.

"So, have you not found someone you like yet?" Pegah asked both Lily and Clarissa at the same time, out of curiosity.

They were both enjoying some butterbeer while the others were dancing. The twins were sharing a dance since the other houses were a bit anti-Slytherin.

Clarissa did not reply and glanced at Lily's brother who were playing the piano. She sipped her butterbeer and remained quiet, already knowing what Pegah would tell if she once again mentioned that she had feelings for the headmaster.

"...eeh…no.." Lily shook her head. "I trust my father in finding a suitor for me..." …I have the best father in the world. He cares about my happiness and spoils me a lot. Why do I even need to find a date on my own? I know my father can find me the best suitor... "...Besides, I will be spending the summer here, learning a new way of apparition and then an extra year to learn cooking with magic...so love can wait," she added with a laugh. "I am not in a hurry...what about you Pegah, you mentioned that your parents arranged something for you?"

"Oh well, they cancelled that because of my career choice," Pegah sounded very happy about it.

"But, you could still date and be engaged while doing your career here. I mean like-"

"I know what you mean. But my parents were thinking differently, like that I should get married immediately after the graduation and move into my new home which is far away from Hogwarts..."

"Oh but did you not meet the suitor or got to know who it is?"

"I have met him a couple of times before. It is my arrogant ten-year older cousin..."

"And what's wrong with him?"

"Well…wait until you see him at the summer feast. He will come as my father's guest since both my parents received an invite each. I will be my mother's guest..."

"Oh....Clarry, why are you so quiet and look so downhearted today?"

"What eeh? I am just enjoying my butterbeer-"

"Oh come on, this is your greatest day today! Your graduation, cheer up a bit!"

"I am cheering-"

"Not enough! Let's dance some boogie woogie," Lily suggested when the music changed pace, dragging her friend over to the dance floor with an excited laugh.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Hey, would you like to sit with us?" Alexis asked with a smile, pointing at the larger table as he took a chair from where Thorne was sitting.

"No, thank you." Crystal said politely .Hmm...I like the outfit I'm wearing today, but I originally planned on wearing a gown to the Summer Feast...What to do? she thought seriously.

"What are you thinking about?" Raven asked Luna.

"I'm thinking about the end of this party. When it is over, I needn't linger in this castle, but return to my reading for the remainder of the night. I am also wondering if I should approach Elias during this party, or not."

"Why would you want to approach him?" Raven asked, with the obvious intention to assist Luna with what she needed instead of her asking Elias.

"Simply to know his thoughts about this event. It is significant, considering that we didn't have a full revolt instead of a ball; after the takeover."

"I understand." Raven nodded. "What are your thoughts?" she asked a moment later. I was so slow to realize that this isn't just another boring party; what it means to her...It is actually very important. This marks the end of the year; the year that she 'took over' Hogwarts. The year that we met, and that she managed to run this school the way she wished it had been run. The year that she became the friend of so many children, whether directly or indirectly. The way she changed the classes and the way they were taught. The custom dresses and alternate way to apparate. And...

"Ms. Miller, do you have my suit prepared?" Nova asked politely.

"Oh, of course, Sir." the lady smiled, getting up from her seat in the living room to retrieve the suit from the closet. She had been reading a magazine about different homes available in the area. "Here it is." she handed it to him with a relieved smile; it was hung neatly on a hanger, still in the plastic that suggested she had had it dry-cleaned as well. "I cannot thank you enough; my husband is outside in the backyard, admiring the sky. We were so worried; but the doctor was as surprised as we were when the tests came back negative."

"I am happy to hear that." Nova said, taking the suit from her. "And, as always, I get my reward." he looked down at it happily.

"I still cannot believe that all you wanted was a suit." she said in disbelief.

"What would I do with your soul?" Nova asked reasonably. "Answer me this; if someone told you that you could either have a wonderful dessert, or a wonderful dress, which would you prefer?" Giving her no time to answer, he went on, "The dessert would last only a moment, while the dress....you could wear it over and over again and enjoy it for far longer. So once again, why would I want your soul?" he said, not asking this time.

"Oh..." was all she could say.

"Goodbye." Nova smiled, disappearing.

"A dessert or something that lasts longer...Satin eats the souls he takes?" she wondered aloud.

 

[Hikari Chan]

As soon as soon as the music changed pace and Adela took a pause from playing music, Alexis rose up from his place.

"Where are you going?" August looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "You have barely sitting for five minutes."

"Ehe...I-"

"Sit!"

Alexis sat down obediently.

"Have some wine..." His older brother placed a goblet of red wine in front of him.

"No thank you, I'd prefer pumpkin juice or butterbeer or some lemonade-" Alexis replied.

Everyone laughed at him.

"My dear brother..." August spoke with a smirk. Andrew who sat opposite his two brothers was sneering. "…when you are going to grow up and act like a man…"

Everyone else at the table snickered at the remark August had made.

Alexis remained silent, not commenting anything. Instead he exchanged the goblet of wine with a goblet of pumpkin juice and enjoyed his drink in silent.

...I wish I could have chosen another table or just sat down where Thorne or the other professors are sitting. But Thorne is sitting alone. Wilkes and Gibbon looks like they are engaged in a private girly conversation. I don't have the courage to sit at the same table as the headmistress unless if she invites me to. And the table which Blake, Quinn and the Carrows are occupying is full. And besides they are all women, not because I mind women. I don't have anything against them. But if I sit at a table where a woman is sitting alone, both August and Andrew will think that I am trying to flirt, which I do not have the intend to do, or having a love interest, which I do not have. And afterwards they will believe that I have failed in attracting a woman...if I sit at a table were a group of women or sitting, my brothers will instead believe that I am-

"Again, let's dance again!" Lily laughed when the dance was over.

"Oh please, one dance was enough-" Clarissa laughed.

"Who sits during a party?" Lily kept holding Clarissa's hand and dance-walked over to Pegah and dragged her over as well. "It is our biggest day and it only happens once in our life!"

Soon the twins joined them, holding each other’s hands and danced together to a more rocky music. They laughed so hard when they nearly slipped over their long skirts and few times stamped on each other feet.

"Merlin's beard, I'm getting thirsty-" Clarissa was trying to find an excuse to leave the dance floor, but Lily did not allow her to leave.

"Problem solved," Lily laughed when she used accio to get five goblets of sparkling wine.

"It is not pumpkin juice or butterbeer?" Rhaine said, examining the content in her goblet suspiciously.

"So? We can drink anything they have provided for the party," Lily grinned, taking a large sip and then started to dance again, holding the goblet in one hand and holding up her skirt a bit with her other hand to avoid slipping.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Students drinking; " Raven alerted Luna tiredly "should I do something?"

"No; let them be. They will either make complete fools of themselves and regret it later, not daring to repeat their blunder, or satisfy themselves with a single glass and avoid the first scenario. Either way, it is not my choice to make. If I were in her place, I wouldn't risk embarrassing my respected older brother."

Raven laughed. "You treat everything like it's so serious; it is both interesting and amusing to hear you speak that way."

 

[Hikari Chan]

Meanwhile, when he was not playing any music, Elias walked over to the table where Luna and Ravenna were sitting.

"Greetings, my lady...greetings, professor Ravenna," He greeted them both and took his seat in front of them. "We will soon announce the end of the party, the graduates are aware that it will only last to six o'clock this evening, because they were informed about this by receiving a formal invite for this graduation ball a month ago. Their trunks are in the entrance hall thanks to professor Alexis Dolohov, and I expect their parents and family members arrive around six to take them home. To make the ending even more special, the head of houses are going to hand out the envelopes with the grades and diplomas to their students when they walk out through the main doors of the Great Hall..." He paused for a moment, his thoughts wandering elsewhere. He smiled charmingly towards Luna and then continued: "There's an opera at Serpents' Garden tonight, not just a simple opera, but a play as well. Would you like to join me, please? We will also have time to eat supper before it starts. The musical will start at nine o'clock tonight..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"That sounds like a delightful plan; I expect nothing less from you." Luna praised with a warm smile.

He smiled charmingly towards Luna and then continued: "There's an opera at Serpents' Garden tonight, not just a simple opera, but a play as well. Would you like to join me, please? We will also have time to eat supper before it starts. The musical will start at nine o'clock tonight..."

"What a charming invitation." Luna remarked, pretending to consider it; she already knew her answer. "It sounds enticing." she smiled. "How kind of you to invite me; I have a fondness for both plays and musicals; operas as well. How could you tell?" He met Alastair recently, and now he is inviting me to an opera...Considering the order of those events, I can only assume that either Alastair told Elias of my fondness for those sorts of events, or Elias simply made a very good guess.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Oh…" Elias laughed. "I already know you like finer things, that you would not say no to an opera play..."

Meanwhile, the doors to the Great hall opened by themselves, being charmed precisely at six o'lock when the graduates had enough of dancing and were chatting with each other and enjoying some refreshments.

Adela was now playing the trumpet alongside self-playing drums while the four head of houses, Flynn, Faeryn, Ivan and Melody handed out large envelopes to each of their students, wishing them good luck.

"Is there something else if you wish to take care of or need to do, before we leave?" Elias asked Luna.

..I just hope she does not change her charming attire...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Only to say goodbye to the other professors." Luna smiled, standing from her seat. "A moment, if you please." she said, passing him as she neared Crystal's table; the entire night, she had merely sat on her own. She had, of course, indulged in different beverages, but she had been smart to abstain from any alcoholic beverages.

She visited everyone's table, and each individual group that was standing, wishing everyone a pleasant night. To the professors, she thanked them genuinely for their hard work, and for attending the ball. To the students, she praised their work as well, and wished them good luck on their future endeavors. To Lily, she smiled and said "I look forward to the summer." before saying goodbye.

I do not think that there is anything else that needs to be done tonight. In addition, I did wear this very attire to the opera with Alastair, so we can go straight from here to dinner, to the opera, as he said. She thought as she returned to Elias's side.

"That was all; thank you." Luna said, smiling softly. Through her calm gaze, her eyes shown tremendous excitement for the night ahead.

"I wish you a pleasant night." Raven said politely to the both of them.

Luna heard Elias's previous words in her head. I already know you like finer things, that you would not say no to an opera play... She smiled to herself. He sounded a bit like Alastair there...Charming and decided...resolute like Alastair.

Great; this boring party finally came to an end! Now I can go get some of that Chinese that Luna brought back from her trip with her brother; I'm starved. Crystal thought as she stood from her seat.

"Excuse me;" Raven said politely, approaching Crystal, "is it your intention to travel to China tonight for supper?"

"Yes; can you read minds or are you making a coincident suggestion?" she asked curiously.

"The latter. Luna did inform me that you were given permission to use my services when travelling. And since neither you nor I have eaten during the entirety of this party, I thought it would be a nice opportunity for you and I to socialize for a change." Raven stated confidently.

"There's a reason for your confidence;" Crystal smiled happily "you're completely right! I'm both hungry, and I really want to get to know you better. Tonight will be a nice night." she said excitedly, not watching the volume of her voice. In her excitement, she had spoken rather loudly.

Neither as quiet, nor as reserved as Luna. However, I was told to both 'take care of her' and 'do as she asks' when we were travelling. What a bother; I would much rather offer my services to Luna, Aislynn, or Alastair. Ms. Thorne is simply too loud for me. "What shall I address you as?" Raven asked politely as they made their way toward the exit.

"Just Crystal. Can I call you Raven, or do you want Ravenna or Ms. DiVilliers instead?"

Raven sighed. "Just Raven is fine." DiVilliers is just my alias; besides...it's a terrible name. A name that represents all of the injustice that that family inflicted upon those children.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I will see you in two days," Lily laughed excited, hinting on the summer feast, before leaving the Great hall.

Elias waited patiently till Luna had spoken to every professor. Meanwhile all the graduates had left the Great hall and were on their way home.

"That was all; thank you." Luna said, smiling softly. Through her calm gaze, her eyes shown tremendous excitement for the night ahead.

"You're welcome," He smiled.

"I wish you a pleasant night." Raven said politely to the both of them.

"Thank you, professor Ravenna." With the time that had passed since the encounter at Azkaban, he had slowly processed the fact who and what kind of being Ravenna was. Being used to ghosts and magical beings in the wizarding world he had literary classified Ravenna as a magical being from another realm.

"Well, let's apparate your way..." Elias said to Luna as soon as they were outside the gates of Hogwarts.

"Well, what about us?" Avery spoke out aloud after both Elias, Luna, Raven and Crystal had left.
"We all have summer holidays and can leave-?"

Melody and Mary Jane who were cleaning up after the ball, gave him an odd look.

"Not really, mister!" Quinn interrupted calmly. "You are professor, you ought to prepare during the summer for the next coming school year."

"What do you mean?" He looked mortified.

"We need to send owls with letters of acceptances to the first years and shopping list to them as well to the other students who are coming back after the summer. What are you teaching?” I forgot...sigh...

"Alchemy-"

"Right, you need to decide which study books you want your students to use...then, you may take holidays. And it concerns the rest of you as well!" She raised her voice at the last sentence.

Some just nodded briefly, giving the air of that they already knew this and did not need any reminder while others nodded very seriously.

"Isn't Elias the headmaster?" Avery asked Macnair quietly when Quinn had left.

"Obviously he is…"

"Then why doesn't he decide the literature and school material for every subject?"

"Why? Because it is our own responsibility as professors!" Persephone interjected.

"You won't be suited any work, if you wish someone would do everything for you," Rowle cracked up and everyone else laughed.

Meanwhile Faeryn was looking around and noticed that Adela had left the Great Hall silently.

"Where do you think she went?" She asked Endewyne.

"Probably to her office?"

"Are you sure? What if she-?"

Endewyne shook her head. "I saw Alexis following her on the way out from one of the side doors..."

"Oh..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Thank you, Elias. It has been another wonderful time. After the Graduation Ball, a spectacular dinner and a riveting opera, " Luna smiled, "I cannot thank you enough for such a memorable evening."

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Come in," Adela answered dryly to the knock on her door. She already knew who it was.

Alexis entered, smiling towards his sister.

"Did August send you?" She asked with a frown, not smiling at all.

"No, absolutely not! I literary ran away from him and Andrew..."

"Oh…" Adela seemed to relax a bit. "Do you want something?" She asked, still not smiling.

She was not fond of her brothers that much. August liked to control everyone while Andrew always took his side. Alexis on the other hand was difficult to trust. He was mischievous and sneaky, and he often seemed to find his way around August and Andrew and dodge them both.
He had also spent more time with them than with Adela due to being sorted in different houses, she in Ravenclaw and they in Slytherin.

"I wanted to praise your performance-" Alexis began and went on rambling about how he had enjoyed watching her playing the flute and then the trumpet.

She rolled her eyes, almost not listening to him.

"What do you want?" She repeated her question with the air of impatience.

"Do you have any plans tomorrow?"

"No.."

"Ah! Care to join me on lunch in Knockturn Alley?"

"I'd prefer not to put my foot there-"

"Oh, of course, I am sorry, how could I forget? You are not used to that place like me, August and Andrew. Then…shall we say Diagon Alley? It is an innocent place-"

"No, please, not even there!" ...is he playing dumb or is he totally ignorant about it? I bet he is aware about the relationship I have with a vampire, thanks to Faeryn who had to run to August and tell him everything...I don't want to run into Vincent tomorrow or any time before the feast... Adela thought with a sigh. She noticed how Alexis' smile faltered but since she did not know him that well, she could not trust him and hence not knowing if he was showing his true feelings at this very moment or just trying to fool her. Thus, she hurried to add: "We can have lunch anywhere else, but not in Diagon Alley or Knockturn Alley tomorrow." She forced a smile.

"So, you are suggesting Hogsmeade or a muggle place?" His expression was hard to read.

"...Or Serpents' Garden..."

His face broke into a smile and his eye shone of joy. "I don't care which place you'd prefer to go to, as long as I can spend the day with you! I will see you at the gates of the castle around nine tomorrow! Good night!"

Adela sighed aloud when the door closed behind Alexis. ...Did he not just suggest lunch tomorrow? Why do we have to meet at nine in the morning? She thought with a frown. ...I wonder what he is in intent...Merlin's beard, why did I agree to this... She shook her head and wondered how Alexis would have reacted if she had rejected him.

"No need to thank me," Elias smiled, bowing for Luna. "I am overjoyed that you enjoyed the dinner and the play." …A perfect way to end the last day of Hogwarts...Now I can take a long holiday while I can trust Quinn to take care of some things for me before I need to be back the first September.. "Good night my dear," He kissed Luna's hand softly.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Good night, Elias." Luna replied.

Rosaleya awoke at half-past seven, slowly opening her eyes. She felt the way she usually did when she first woke up; like she wanted to close her eyes again and go right back to sleep.

But this morning, she sat bolt upright as if she had been shocked, and looked around her room.

Yesterday really happened...Dad really changed...Because I made a wish!

She smiled excitedly, and immediately got out of bed.

"Good morning." she said to Crystal when she came downstairs.

"Good morning; I can't wait to see Aislynn's reaction when she picks up the dress today!" Crystal smiled. "The other customer that ordered a custom gown already picked hers up. She was pleased." she added in a sarcastic voice.

"What do you mean?" Rosaleya asked. "I didn't see a single thing wrong with it!" she was visibly confused. I would literally bet a large bag of galleons on the quality of that gown! What happened?!

"Oh, it was Mrs. Jones." Crystal said darkly.

"Oh; that ___ that always complains about every single thing no matter what?" Rosaleya remembered, annoyed. "Of course she would be dissatisfied; when she dies, she will complain about the wording of her epitaph as she burns."

"Nice." Crystal laughed.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Adela chose to wear the same gown she had worn yesterday, the one with floral pattern and long sleeves, knowing that August despised the colors and the pattern. ...In case if Alexis is trying to fool me into something...and both August and Andrew are invited into his silly game... She thought suspiciously. ...Or perhaps no one of them will turn up at all...

She was half expecting to see her three brothers and half expecting to see none of them at the gates but was surprised when Alexis met her. Though she did not let her guard down.

"Good morning!" Alexis greeted her jovially.

"Good morning..." She replied hollowly, forcing herself to smile.

"Shall we?" He took her hand and apparated away with her to Serpent's Garden before she had a chance to reply.

"Did you eat any breakfast?"

"No.." Adela replied without thinking and at the same time regretted her words. ...I should have lied...

"Neither did I," He laughed as he walked by her side and holding her hand.

...Merlin's beard... She thought for herself, wondering if he would believe her if she used the excuse that her hand was sweaty so that he could let go of her hand.

He led her to the Rose Café and ordered almost everything on the menu. Raspberry flavored tea, vanilla muffins, waffles with whipped cream and fresh berries, freshly pressed orange juice and boiled eggs, oatmeal biscuits, cheese buns and a bowl with bits of dark chocolate.

It was typical Alexis. No matter what he ate for breakfast, he had to eat one boiled egg every morning as well.

"Bon appetite!" He said jovially, speaking the French words with an English accent.

"Thank you..." She said quietly, taking one oatmeal biscuit. ...Is he trying to buy my trust or something...

"August and Andrew don't know about this..." Alexis suddenly said after five minutes had passed in silence.

...What does he mean? ...what is he trying to tell me with this.. Adela thought confused, but she remained silent and continued to eat. She was to hungry to ponder about the matter.

"..And I hope you won't tell them about our day together.."

"I never talk to them.."

They ate in silence for the rest of the meal and remained sitting, each of them seemed to think about something, while Adela was sipping her tea slowly.

"Good afternoon," Aislinn called out as soon as she entered Darkest Creatures to pick up her dress and purchase a pair of matching earrings.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Good afternoon." Crystal smiled, visibly overjoyed at Aislynn's arrival.

"Hi." Rosaleya smiled, waving.

"I have your dress right here." Crystal said, laying a wrapped package on the counter. "It'll wait for you until you've finished shopping."

"Guess what; Dad says that I can go to the party." Rosaleya said excitedly to Aislynn. "I'm so excited; it'll be my first one!" she said dreamily. She retreated to the seat next to the counter to give Aislynn some space. She's here to shop, not to socialize. That's what the party is for; but I couldn't contain my excitement! I really wanted to tell her.

"It has been two months since you first arrived here." Nova smiled. "At first, just becoming familiar with this world's oddities took so much of your time. However, you quickly grew accustomed to them, and since that you haven't made an effort to leave. You have become my protege, and it has been an enjoyable experience for both of us."

Stephan nodded, "Yes, it has. I do not want to leave this place, not for all of the money in the world. Not for anything. And you are...different from what I imagined a demon to be. You are, actually, the exact...the polar opposite."

"That is very kind of you." Nova smiled. "But did you know that it has only been approximately two days in the Human Realm?" he smirked.

Stephan nearly dropped his fork; they had been indulging in grilled salmon and vegetables at Reign's home. Reign sat in the corner on a cushion, enjoying the view through the window as he looked into the future.

"Yes, not only that; but I do believe that your hair looks marvelous at this length. And the clothes truly suit you."

"That's...." Stephan began incredulously.

"Ah; I told you that time runs differently here, but you did not listen." Nova laughed. "Now now...calm yourself. The true purpose of this conversation is to inform you that I will be leaving again. I will be attending a Wizarding party with Alastair and Reign. Damien was going to go, but changed his mind at the last minute. Reign declined my offer to go as his lover." Nova continued nonchalantly.

"Why...why would you want to-" Stephan began uncertainly, looking from Reign to Nova.

"Reign is antisocial; it would only be a charade, I promise." Nova laughed at Stephan's reaction. "Really, after two months with me, you really couldn't tell?"

"I...I thought that I was mistaken." Stephan admitted.

Reign smiled.

"You would be able to tell; believe me." Nova said, before changing the subject. "You wouldn't want to come, would you?"

Stephan pondered the matter for a moment. Demons are different from humans. Everyone here is so...I want to say humane, but that would be odd...Personable? That would be a good word. But am I ready to be around humans again? What if I stay with Nova the whole time? No...It's too difficult; I simply don't want to leave this place now, if ever. "No, thank you." Stephan said softly. "I would rather spend a day with Satan."

"Don't say that!" Nova insisted, irritated. "Just say no, but don't say his name. He's disgusting; I've already told you. He takes advantage of people when they are in difficult situations, he plays with words to get what he wants, he enjoys seeing the innocent suffer and the wicked enjoy themselves, and he owns a harem! Do not say his name; it brings all of that to mind, and more!" Nova complained without taking a breath.

"I...I just thought that he was obnoxious; I didn't know all of that." Stephan said apologetically. Then, after a moment. "What is a harem?"

Nova clenched his fist, and for a moment his countenance was the definition of annoyed. Then the lines in his face smoothed out again, and he spoke calmly.

"That word is not to be used at the table. I will tell you what it means later. For now, enjoy your meal, and decide if you wish to stay at my manor or Asmodeus's while I am gone."

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Really…?!" Aislinn was visibly surprised. "Is he coming with you?" She wondered out of curiosity and then walked over to the shelves were the assortment of accessories were displayed. She picked a pair of black pearl earrings with violet roses dangling from the black pearls in black chains.

"I will be taking these with the dress," She announced, placing the earrings on the cashier.

"There's a play which will start soon," Alexis said, suggesting that he would like to see the play with Adela, gesturing at a poster of Midsummer Nights' Dream, when they had left Rose cafe and walked past the magical theater.

"I..."

"Isn't that play you always have wished to see, but August forced you to see The Tempest instead?" He laughed.

"Yes...because he preferred the latter one..." She remembered dryly, talking mostly to herself. ...To show me that if Prospero could happily marry off his daughter Miranda to Ferdinand, he could happily marry me off to Mulciber...tsk...

Alexis only laughed and proceeded towards the entrance of the magical theater. "Come, I know you will enjoy this one..." He had to grab her hand and almost drag her with him otherwise she would have remained behind, because it seemed that she did not care about the play she had desired to see.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I will be taking these with the dress," She announced, placing the earrings on the cashier.

Crystal, having already placed the wrapped dress inside of one of the store's bags, smiled. "I don't see anything." she winked, hinting that she was giving Aislynn a further discount as she placed the earrings inside the bag with the dress. "That'll be..."

"I'll see you at the party!" Crystal smiled, to Aislynn as she left.

"Me too!" Rosaleya smiled, waving as well.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn counted her galleons, one by one, making sure she paid the exact amount for the price. She placed one bag filled with galleons on the cashier.

...five thousand galleons for a custom-made dress...this costed me more than any dress in the store, even much more than a custom-made at Madam Malkin’s. But it was worth it, especially when I got the earrings for free hehe...

"I will see you both," Aislinn grinned excited. She grabbed her bag and walked out satisfied from the store.

"Did you like it?" Alexis asked when they walked out from the magical theater a couple of hours later.

"It was amazing," Adela smiled. "I could never imagine that I would get the chance to see that play."

He smiled and reached out for her hand, but she immediately crossed her arms, visibly not wanting to hold hands with him. His smile faltered for a second, but he managed to maintain a cheerful expression for the remainder of their walk in the village.

"Would you like some sorbet?" He asked her a couple of minutes later.

"Thank you, but no thank you...I am so full of the meal we had in the morning, perhaps later.." She replied politely. She flashed a soft smile towards him and then confronted him: "So what do you want from me?" Her tone was very serious. She sat down on the edge of the grand fountain in the village while he remained standing in front of her.

"I just wanted to spend a day with you-"

"What do you want from me?" She interrupted him, repeating her question.

When he remained silent, seemingly speechless, she continued: "Be sincere with me..." She could hardly address her brothers as brothers or by their first names, because of the distance she felt to them. "What are you trying at? It is not really like your habit, inviting me for leisure, enjoying a meal at a cafe or restaurant or going out somewhere..." She stood up.

"True, you might find it strange and being suspicious about it, but I never had the opportunity to spend time with just you until today. August always interfere…you know he likes to control everything until our lives changed in conjunction with being imprisoned in Azkaban-"

"He is still trying to control-"

"I know! I am aware of that. But it is different now. Each of us are independent, thanks to being employed. But why, are you treating me like a stranger? Before our time at Hogwarts, and during every holiday we used to live together with our mother under the same roof. And we continued to do that after she passed away until we were thrown into Azkaban. So why are you treating me like a stranger? You have been quiet the entire day, hardly saying anything but replying curtly whenever I spoke to you…"

"…Because none of you have ever treated me as a family member but as a stranger..."

"That's nonsense Adela-"

"It is not!" Her voice was calm, but hot tears were streaming down her cheeks. "Before Hogwarts, the three of you always excluded me out from your company. And things did not become better when we were sorted in different houses. You even refused to admit me as your sister because I wasn't sorted into bloody Slytherin-"

"Do not blame me! It was August-"

"Why are you putting all the blame on him? You were such a coward, obeying him, never having your own choices. I won't be surprised if it was him who ordered you yesterday to ask me out for lunch and leisure, so that you could persuade me into marrying your bloody friend Mulciber. Because he failed with that mission, he sent you to fulfil his selfish desires-"

"Adela, please, that's absolutely not true, I-"

"Enough! I don't want to hear any excuses."

She nearly ran out from the village, rushing past him, and apparated away.

"Adela!" Alexis called out, but she was already gone. He sighed heavily and suddenly noticed that a couple of people was staring at him. "The bloody hell!" He muttered for himself. We got everyone's gloating attention on us because of our fight...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I can't see you; but I can sense you. I will find you soon!" Asmodeus smiled, searching throughout the garden. He looked serious despite his jovial tone.

Malice smiled from her hiding place; she was sitting on one of the oak trees' high branches, her legs crossed elegantly and a cup of tea in her hand. Hide and Seek; another game I enjoy playing with him. He can't sense my presence; he's just saying that to make me uncertain of my chosen place. In the beginning, those words would cause me to move to change my position, or worse, become uncertain and distracted so that he could feel my presence.

She is doing very well this time...If I don't find her quickly, I will run the risk of losing our bet. Asmodeus thought as he searched. After a few minutes of searching, he felt as if he had looked everywhere. He pondered all of the possible places she could have hidden one more time, reminding himself that for this round she was only allowed to hide in the gardens.

He isn't going to find me; his facial expression is everything right now. He's about to give up. Malice thought, accepting her triumph.

Suddenly, he smiled, and walked to the large oak tree. "Found you." he sang slyly, looking up, right into her eyes.

"How?" Malice asked, both confused and hurt. "I did so well."

"You did." Asmodeus agreed smilingly. "Until the last part where you became so distracted by your victory that you forgot to mind your aura again."

Malice laughed. "I will remember that for next time. For now, I have lost our bet."

"Now you have to play a game of my choosing." Asmodeus's eyes glinted mischievously.

The winner got to choose the next game... Malice thought. I should have chosen a different prize for this game's winner.

"Mr. DiVilliers-" Stephan began politely, approaching Asmodeus "-good afternoon." he held out his hand to shake.

"Good afternoon, Stephan. Still too formal, I see." Asmodeus replied.

"I wish to remain here during the time that my master is in the Human Realm for the Wizarding Summer Feast. Is that possible?"

Asmodeus smiled kindly to him, and looked up at Malice.

Malice nodded, approving Stephan's request.

"Very well; it will be arranged. Allow me to prepare one of the guest rooms for you." he said seriously, pausing a moment. "It is prepared; everything is ready for you." he nodded a second later.

Nothing had happened; he had been joking.

"On one condition." Asmodeus added as Stephan started to walk away. He stopped, and faced Asmodeus.

"Yes?" he said. He had never done a favor for Asmodeus before; he wondered if it would be like any of Nova's favors.

"You must wear a costume of my choice for an entire evening." he said, in an uncanny imitation of Nova's voice.

Again, it was clear he had intended for Stephan to laugh. However, the only one who laughed was Malice. She laughed quietly, so Stephan did not hear her, and therefor knew nothing of her presence.

"In all seriousness; I have three conditions." Asmodeus continued seriously. "Firstly, abandon the name 'DiVilliers'. Banish it from your mind; it reminds me of both my brother, and my father...Two people I would rather forget. Secondly, try to smile or laugh at least once in your life, hmm? So many demons here have had difficult pasts, but that doesn't mean that we do not smile. I am not asking you to forget what happened," he said kindly "only to accept it and allow yourself to enjoy other things without those memories dominating your entire existence. That's simply no fun." he smiled warmly. "Thirdly; be prepared for dinner every night of your stay when the dinner clock goes off. There are multiple clocks with different chimes for different purposes. The dinner clock is in the main hall, and not difficult to notice. Dinner is the only meal that requires everyone currently in the house to dine together. The other meals are optional...That brings me to the question I had. I needed to know if there were any foods you were adverse to."

"I don't eat souls; I am still a human." Stephan informed him. "Also, I am not very fond of the Human Realm's broccoli, meat pies, or eggs."

"Who made them for you?!" Asmodeus demanded, his tone so serious it caused Stephan to jump, even from the six foot distance between them...

"I...The woman at the orphanage." Stephan replied honestly.

"You simply must taste those things again; I can guarantee that she did not make them correctly. I shall invite the finest chef in this realm to serve us tonight!" Asmodeus insisted, his tone sounding very official, as if he were making plans for war. What a tragedy! I can simply imagine the terrible tasting eggs that must have tasted either under-cooked or too dry, or, in the case of boiled, green. And the broccoli could have been overcooked, or simply cooked properly, but under-seasoned...And there are infinite ways to ruin a meat pie!

He has never tasted those things in his life; tonight will be the first true time. Malice thought. Although Asmodeus cannot cook, He is truly the finest. That is not a matter of opinion; it is a fact.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"You should be fine with this amount-" Alexander said, handing Edward a vial with a couple of hair-strands. "It is up to you to buy your own Polyjuice potion, I am not funding you that. I already had a lot of trouble getting you the most important and valuable ingredient."

"Well, thank you," Edward replied dryly. …Tsk...valuable? of course, you fund me with something that does not cost you a single galleon...I could have collected this myself without any trouble... "By the way whose hair is this?"

"A random muggle who won't attend the feast."

"Ah..."

…Perhaps I was to pushing today... Alexis thought when he was back in his office at Hogwarts, having nowhere else to go. The castle had become his home just like it had been before. ...She was feeling awkward in my company and it did not end as I had imagined it. It will be so awkward at the feast tomorrow... He scratched his left cheek while staring out of the window in his office. He was distracted by his own thoughts, not really seeing the scenery outside. ...But I shall no worry, there is always a rainbow after every storm... He smiled.

...Will he attend the feast? Alexis suddenly thought. He is not a wizard, but still a magical being and Adela might invite him as her guest. It would be enjoying seeing the reactions of my brothers and the two silly friends of her when he arrives to the feast, that if he does....

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"So...the Samurai Cosplayer paid for your wish, and you wished to have your Dad become less strict?" Crystal asked disbelievingly.

"Yes; I already told you, I didn't make it up." Rosaleya insisted. "I'm eighteen; if I was going to make something up, don't you think I would have tried harder?" she said reasonably.

"Can you summon him again?" Crystal asked. "I want to ask him."

"I don't blame you for not believing me; I didn't believe it, either." Rosaleya said, standing up in preparation for the summoning. They had been seated on Rosaleya's bed as she told Crystal everything that had happened regarding the wish. They had finished their work around the store, and tomorrow, both of them got a day off.

"Nova, I summon you!" Rosaleya said dramatically, making a dramatic gesture with her arms. She had a cool smile across her face; she was both looking forward to seeing Nova again, and looking forward to Crystal's reaction.

"Good evening." Nova said politely to Rosaleya, first appearing with his back turned to Crystal. "Good evening." he repeated kindly, turning around. "Which of you-" he looked from one to the other and back again "-wanted to make a wish?"

Crystal's eyebrows were raised, while in contrast Rosaleya was smiling happily.

"It's so nice to see you again." she smiled. "I told my friend Crystal about what happened, and she only half-believed me. So, she wanted me to summon you to prove it. Can you grant her a wish as proof?"

"Of course." Nova smiled kindly to Rosaleya, then addressed Crystal "As long as you agree to carry out the favor I ask in return."

"What kind of favor?" Crystal asked defensively, subconsciously crossing her arms around her chest to shield herself.

"No no; never that kind of favor at all!" Nova hastened to say. He explained the rules.

"Demons exist!" Rosaleya sighed quietly behind Nova, a dreamy look in her eyes.

"And you do this...why?" Crystal asked. "You can't be that unselfish after just introducing yourself as the representative of greed."

"Ah; I am greedy!" Nova insisted. "I get the favors from every human; I am summoned multiple times a day, you know...I think the number reaches no less than a hundred most days." he said thoughtfully. "And, for every wish that is granted, Satan gets one less soul to eat, so I am angering him as well!"

"It sounds like you're trying to convince yourself as well, but whatever." Crystal laughed. "I don't want anything important at the moment, so let's just say that I..." she thought for a moment. I don't really want anything right now...It just has to be something small to prove that he can really grant wishes. None of that 'millions dollars' or 'true love' bull. What about something so random that even he didn't expect it? Hmm...what about something for Rosaleya? "...I want every volume ever published of the Fushigi Yuugi manga series for Rosaleya."

"Really?" Rosaleya said dreamily, "That's so nice of you!" I hate reading manga online; it's not the same...And I've really been enjoying the series so far; it's like an audio book with annoying people reading it and then the actual book! I can't believe that she is making this wish!!!

"Very well. Any other details?" Nova asked, reminding her that she had neglected some.

"Oh...I want them brand-new, and that no one will steal them, or that she won't accidentally spill water on them or food on them, I guess."

"I wouldn't read and eat at the same time." Rosaleya retorted. "Nothing that would put the manga at risk."

"Fine, then...I think that's it." Crystal shrugged. "Oh, and I want them right now, and they won't disappear like Leprechaun gold later." she nodded, certain now.

"Very well." Nova laughed, amused by the wish. "I desire..." he thought for a moment, with his finger to his chin. "...you to dance with me at the Summer Feast. " He smiled. "I will be attending, as well as three or four other demons."

"That's it?" Crystal said. "One dance?" Not my soul, or my body, or anything else completely difficult and out-of-the-question? I seriously expected him to go all 'Satan incarnate' on us, but he just wants...

"Oh, yes. And after that dance, you must compliment my attire in front of one of the other demons. You see, I am greedy." He insisted."I asked for two things."

Both Crystal and Rosaleya laughed again. "Sure, but how will we know who the other demons are?"

"Simple; I shall tell you." Nova said, switching to an explanatory tone much like Alastair's. "Reign, the man dressed in formal Japanese clothing that entered the store recently, is the second demon attending. Lord DiVilliers is the third, and the fourth, though it is not yet certain of her attendance, is the representative of envy. Believe me, you shall recognize her right away." he assured them. "That will be all; I do wish you a pleasant night." he said to both of them. "And perhaps...perhaps, you will find the very manga you desired in the next room." And with that, he disappeared.

"He's real, or he's crazy." Crystal said to herself as Rosaleya bolted from the current room to the next room over.

Crystal followed at one-third of her speed, and heard a scream of joy as she walked.

"Yes! They're real!!! Nova, thank you!"

She sounds so happy; Crystal thought, amused like there's really a billion pounds sitting in that room instead of- she entered the room to find Rosaleya inspecting the manga.

"They're all perfect, and the artstyle is just as amazing as the fact that they're really here! I can't thank you enough; I didn't think to wish for that!" she embraced Crystal appreciatively.

"Hey-" she said after a minute "-can you please help me move these to my room?"

"Sure." Crystal smiled, picking up a stack.

Rosaleya did the same. Hmm...I wonder if I gave him a list of manga and specified that I wanted each one new and impervious to water and food and to not disappear and all that...Would it be counted as one wish?

She gets another wish gifted to her, and all I have to do is dance with him and give him a compliment? Crystal smiled. You're not greedy at all; you just tell yourself that. Who chose him to represent greed? And if this is just how it is; with the representative not really representing the sin, then I wonder what Envy will be like. And he seriously named Lord DiVilliers...Luna's brother, as a demon? She probably knows, but of course she didn't tell me because I wouldn't have believed her even if she tried her best. I wonder what sin he represents? Or if he even represents a sin? Or if Reign represents a sin?

 

[Hikari Chan]

I wish I could have invited him as my guest....I wonder if he really received a personal invite or not...it will be his loss if he has not and thus won't come...but oh I almost forget that his cousin might invite him…well, let's assume that he will be present at the feast tomorrow...

Adela tried to think of different scenarios that could possibly happen the next day but she was distracted by her gown which she had prepared for tomorrow by displaying it on a mannequin in her office. Since she had arrived after today's events at Serpents' Garden, she had locked herself inside her office, refusing to see anyone and then picked out everything she would need for the feast. Besides the gown, she had also put out her low heels. They were pink colored and bought at the cheapest price she could found in a muggle shoe store. She had also prepared her cheap fake pearl accessories; a necklace, a pair of earrings, and two identical bracelets, by enhancing them with magic so that they looked like real rather than fake pearls.

She was too early with her preparations, and the reason was that she needed to distract herself with something rather than thinking about today's events. Though now when she had nothing to do, not wishing to see anyone because she was still feeling irritated by her brother Alexis, her thoughts wandered to the earlier events of the day.

...why did I even agree on meeting him today. I could have refused his invitation... She shook her head in confusion and summoned a couple of parchments and her coloring pencils to distract herself with some work. ...and I might get some ideas to my classes after the summer holiday... She thought hopefully.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Malice, my dearest." Asmodeus said, knocking on Malice's bedroom door. "It is dinner time. I had your favorite prepared."

She opened her door at once to see Asmodeus standing happily in her doorway. There was a look in her eyes of mixed excitement and hunger. "Did you really?"

"Yes; by all means, enjoy yourself." he smiled, stepping back and gesturing his hand grandly in the direction of the hallway.

"Thank you." she said elegantly, giving him a graceful curtsy before walking past him.

Asmodeus followed behind her; he could tell that she was resisting running straight to the dining table in all of her excitement. "I give you permission-" he said knowingly "-to run there."

"Like a child?" Malice said, disgusted at the thought.

Asmodeus laughed, picking her up playfully and running there with her.

"Father!" she said in surprise. She was trying to sound disapproving, but her laughter afterward negated her efforts.

"Here we are." he put her down in her chair gently. "Enjoy, dearest. There is plenty more, if you so wish."

He sat down himself as Malice picked up her fork and knife. He watched her with a fond look in his eyes, his elbows on the table, and his hands steepled with his fingertips touching his chin.

"It's perfect." Malice said after tasting it. "Thank you, father."

"Ah...such perfect words. The joy I feel at hearing them is incomparable."

 

[Hikari Chan]

"For heaven's sake Lily!" Elizabeth looked aghast at her daughter.

"What's the matter darling?" Alexander just entered the manor after just being outside for a couple of minutes, expecting the rest of the family to meet him outside so that they could leave together. "Everything is ready. We just need to be there before the guests arrives..."

Elias, dressed in his best attire, black formal dress trousers, a white silky dress shirt, a black Victorian brocade jacket with silver buttons and a black cloak stood in the background, tried to hide his facial expression and suppress his laughter. He was both surprised and amused to see his sister wearing a yellow ballgown. His mother was dressed in an old rose-colored Victorian gown with long sleeves and high neckline along with white real pearl necklace, bracelets and earrings. His father was dressed in a black Victorian ascot, his shirt more of an old rose color and a top hat, his grey hair tied back with a black silk ribbon.

"I bought Lily a pink gown for the feast but instead she wears yellow. Of all colors! yellow?"

"Oh, how come that she owns a yellow gown? Did you purchase that for her?"

"Well...she was insisting for a weird reason that she must have a yellow gown, thus I bought her the yellow one on expectation that she would wear the pink one for the feast..."

Alexander looked slightly confused and turned towards his daughter: "Why did you ask your mother to get you a yellow besides the pink one?"

"Because there is a princess who wears a yellow gown at a ball, and she dances with a beast who is actually a prince that has been bewitched and…and... and..." Lily replied excited.

"I see..." her father chuckled, finding his daughter's reasoning amusing. "Let's leave, we have to be at place before the guests arrive, since we are the hosts and need to welcome every one of them..." The tone of his voice suggested that he did not wish to hear any discussion about which color his daughter should wear or not to wear.

Elizabeth clenched her teeth but followed him outside without any other word. She did not even turn around or held up the door open for her daughter.

"You look like a Hufflepuff!" Elias laughed out aloud and hard during the few seconds when he was left alone with his sister who was on her way out.

"No, no I don't. I look like a princess!" Lily retorted, turning around facing him.

"Of course, a Hufflepuff princess. I shall introduce you to a bewitched prince at the feast," He continued to laugh.

She decided to ignore him and walked out of the manor, nearly slamming the door at his face when he just walked behind her.

The summer feast was arranged in a grand garden, surrounded by high green hedges, where small white flowers grew. The ground was paved with small flat grey stones expect for the small grass spots surrounding the cherry, apple and pear trees and the sides of the hedges. Other parts of the ground were paved with small rustic colored stones, indicating the walkways at the large place. A low, yet large and round fountain was placed on the middle of the garden. A gazebo, especially arranged for certain guests, could be found in the north west corner of the garden. Elias had notified his father in beforehand who he had planned to invite for the feast and thus Alexander had made sure that the place would be suitable for all kinds of guests. There were also long tables covered with white cloth that reached to the ground, with drinks and food for everyone. It had been prepared by the house-elves who had left after the hosts had arrived, confirming that everything looked beyond perfect. There were groups of smaller and round summer tables with chairs of Victorian design for the guests who liked to sit. Crystal vases with summer flowers decorated all the tables. In the north east corner of the garden, a music orchestra was already on place, preparing to start to play music as soon as the host ordered them to do. A large place, where the ground was only paved with the grey stones, was suited for the dancing area. A couple of arched openings in the hedges led to other gardens, which were smaller and only contained fruit trees, fountains and walkways. The place was magically enchanted to keep it hidden from muggles hence there were no guards

"So the first dance is with me? But I only agree to dance with a real Slytherin girl," Elias teased Lily, trying to keep his voice as low as possible so that only his sister heard him but not their parents.

"You can dream about to have a dance with me this feast!" Lily made a face at him.

"Oo…Oo…Oo..."

"Elias!"

"Yes, mother?"

"Leave your sister alone or I will banish you to any of the smaller gardens."