Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Hikari Chan]

Melody was surprised by the sudden turn the dance took when Reign stopped abruptly, and his eyes grew wide in surprise. Then the dance continued as usual and she could not help but wonder what happened in that moment, but she was feeling too shy to ask him and knew that she would not open her mouth unless he addressed her.

"Where's Lily?" Clarissa asked.

"I don't know. I lost sight of her when she went away to teach Rosaleya to dance and my mother caught me off-guard. I think she is still with Rosaleya somewhere..."

"Who is Rosaleya?"

"A girl we met a moment ago..." Pegah picked out her wand and sent away a Patronus message to Lily.

It was clearly visible on Lily's face that she was on the edge to burst out in laughter. Yet she managed to suppress it. Not a wizard... She thought confused, glancing oddly both at Rosaleya and Nova.
...I know that my father took measures in securing this place magically and thus hiding it from muggles...Only magical people and beings and squibs can enter here...just like Hogwarts...eh Rosaleya or Nova must be joking...

"Hmm...I need some time to think about a wish," She replied and in that moment a shimmering snake Patronus reached her.

'I am with Clarissa. Our table is three tables away from your parents'. Where are you?'

Lily picked out her wand from her right glove and summoned her Patronus in the shape of a shimmering butterfly with rounded wings.

'I am with Rosaleya, she just introduced me to her friend Nova, why don't you two come to us?'

Two minutes after she had sent her Patronus, she received another one by Pegah.

'Why don't you come to us? It will be easier to leave if I am surrounded with more friends than just Clarissa. My cousin...you have no idea...'

"I will be back soon," Lily promised both Rosaleya and Nova and went to see Pegah and Clarissa.

"Who were you sending your Patronus to?" Alborz hovered over Pegah like a dark cloud.

"To my friend Lily," Pegah snapped.

"Mind how you speak to me! I am older than you and besides a woman should not raise her voice-"

Clarissa's parents glanced annoyed at the man who suddenly had approached their table uninvited and looked at him as if he lacked both manner and courtesy.

"Ekscoase muuahh!" Lily burst out in a very bad French and pushed Alborz aside, literary knocking him off that he almost lost his balance and was on the edge to trip and fall. He managed to maintain his posture in the very last minute, taking a few steps backwards in the process.

Lily stood with her back against him and blocked out his view from Pegah. She greeted Clarissa's parents and then remained standing as she spoke to both Pegah and Clarissa.

"I just want your company," Alexis replied modestly. "If you don't believe me, you can test me with veritaserum." He hurried to add when it seemed that Adela doubted him.

She remained quiet and observed the dancing guests. She could not help but wonder what he also wanted from Vincent. But she did not ask, knowing that Alexis would just give her another excuse.
...I wonder which phase in my life was the worst...the life after my mother passed away, or the short time I spent in Azkaban or now...

August smiled, enjoying the lady's humming. He had forgotten Adela momentarily and did not notice her sitting alone with Alexis. Th night was charming, and the tomorrow seemed far away. If he had seen her alone with him, he would have wondered why Mulciber did not approach her, not knowing that the latter one was a coward who feared that the vampire would haunt him down if he tried to approach her.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

When their dance ended, Reign bowed to her elegantly, silently thanking her for the dance. Then, he stood straight, and, his eyes never leaving hers, opened his hand as if he expected some invisible bystander to hand him something. Melody's drink of choice appeared in his hand, and he offered it to her. When she took it, he repeated the process for himself: water in a wine glass that was slightly tinted, so that his drink did not appear to be water, but rather a light-coloured wine.

"Hmm...I need some time to think about a wish," She replied.

Nova raised his eyebrows, pretending to be interested.

Rosaleya waited hopefully, but turned in awe to the shimmering snake patronus. Wow... she thought, when Lily summoned her own, It's so beautiful...And a butterfly patronus is so elegant...I wonder what memory she is using to conjure it. I wonder how long it took her to master this spell. She's doing it so casually, like she's done this so many times before...

'I am with Rosaleya, she just introduced me to her friend Nova, why don't you two come to us?'

Nova nearly sighed audibly. More disbelieving, annoying humans. They'll all laugh and then write me off as a crazy person. How bothersome they all are, each the same as the last!

'Why don't you come to us? It will be easier to leave if I am surrounded with more friends than just Clarissa. My cousin....you have no idea...'

Again, Nova nearly sighed, but this time from relief.

"I will be back soon," Lily promised both Rosaleya and Nova.

"Okay." Rosaleya nodded.

"She won't be back." Nova said nonchalantly once she had left.

"You don't think so?" Rosaleya asked seriously.

"They hardly ever do come back. You, young lady, are the rare exception. Very few choose to believe, and it becomes so tiresome that I end up wiping their memories so that they don't gossip and dirty my name in their foolishness. You wouldn't mind if I did that to your friend, would you?" he asked politely.

"No; she's not my friend, she's an acquaintance. A friend is someone that you can trust and admire, that helps you out when you need it and is considerate and considers your interests before making stupid decisions."

"Indeed." Nova smiled. "I like the way you think. If you wish, you are more than welcome to spend the entirety of the night at my table." he said jovially.

"That would be nice; if you're sure that I'm not intruding on you and Reign's fun." Rosaleya said.

"Oh, believe me, you're not. I've been asking different ladies at this party if they would like a wish granted, to find an open-minded person for my comrade to share a dance or two with. And finally, I found Ms. Melody." he nodded to Reign, who was handing Melody a drink. "Do you know her?"

"No. But I'm glad that at least one person here believes you. I can't imagine what it must be like to have such an amazing power that no one believes."

"'Tis such a tiring ordeal!" Nova sighed dramatically, putting a hand to his forehead for extra effect.

Rosaleya laughed. "It's so nice of you to go through all of that trouble for him. You seem like the sort of friend I was just describing."

"I am honored that you think that way." Nova said, in the same dramatic voice.

"If you're convinced that Lily won't be back, I'll go tell her not to worry about it. Then I can come back and sit here? I would really love to hear more about where you come from." she said excitedly.

Nova smiled, agreeing.

And a few minutes later, Rosaleya stood near the table where Lily and her friends were conversing. Standing close enough so that they would notice her eventually, but not immediately, she tried to figure out the best possible way to approach Lily. She was too distracted by her nerves since she barely knew the girls, so it proved a difficult task.

"The night is charming, and the company even more so. Shall we procure another pair of drinks?" she asked August after a few more dances.

"Another Black Mead, please." she replied. Food and drink in this world are so bland compared to Hell's food. It's humorous to see a human's reactions to our food, not to mention that we have more variety than this world.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Oh...thank you," Melody said gratefully, taking the goblet Reign handed her. She was impressed how the choice of her drink had appeared in his hand.

...How did he know I enjoy butterbeer... She thought curiously. ...so he enjoys wine...

"Rosaleya!" Lily exclaimed delighted when she noticed Rosaleya. "Clarissa, this is Rosaleya whom I taught to dance waltz," She said proudly. "Rosaleya, this Clarissa, a friend to me and Pegah."

Clarissa shook hand with Rosaleya silently, mostly staring with awe at her attire. The tips of her fingers itched as if it longed to touch Rosaleya's gown and hairstyle, though Clarissa managed to refrain from touching the girl, keeping her hands folded behind her back.

"We were just about to return to your table," Lily announced to Rosaleya. "Now that we are three girls that can accompany Pegah…" Lily had already forgot about the wish thing. "…Let's go…"

"Of course," August nodded. "What would you love to drink this time?" He asked.

"Another Black Mead, please." she replied.

He summoned two goblets from a nearby table, one goblet with red wine for himself and one goblet with black mead for her.

Noticing that it was not much time left, only two hours left to midnight, he brought up the subject because he was not sure when they would part.

"The charming night is nearing its end..." he began. "So, before the midnight arrives, I want to tell you that I desire to see you for dinner, Saturday the 14th, at seven o'clock at Silvery Serpents in Knockturn Alley."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"The charming night is nearing its end..." he began. "So before the midnight arrives, I want to tell you that I desire to see you for dinner, "

Happiness shone in the lady's eyes.

"...Saturday the 14th, at seven o'clock at Silvery Serpents in Knockturn Alley."

"A charming night indeed." she agreed. "I shall see you then. For now, just one more dance before I leave?" she smiled, with the air of someone who wouldn't accept no as an answer.

When they finished their drinks, Reign bowed and offered Melody his hand again. "May we share another dance?"

He remained silent during their second dance, and danced a third one with her without pausing to ask her permission. Then after their third, he bowed to her, silently thanking her for their dances thus far.

"Could we see each other again, after tonight?" he asked, looking at her with hopeful eyes. He spoke in a way that said he would like her to choose the time and place. Considering the time, it wasn't very odd for him to ask; either one of them could leave soon.

"Rosaleya!" Lily exclaimed delighted when she noticed Rosaleya. "Clarissa, this is Rosaleya whom I taught to dance waltz," She said proudly. "Rosaleya, this Clarissa, a friend to me and Pegah."

"It's nice to meet you." Rosaleya shook Clarissa's hand. "All of you have such pretty names."

"We were just about to return to your table," Lily announced to Rosaleya. "Now that we are three girls that can accompany Pegah...Let's go..."

"Ah..." Rosaleya said, not having expected this. "Well, actually, my friend invited me to sit with him, and he's an excellent conversationalist, so I did not decline. It was nice to meet all of you." she finished politely, and started to walk away. I think that it was a mistake to tell Lily...Or rather, to try to tell Lily. Her friends are going to be the same...Oh, I'm so excited to hear what Nova has to say! I've always wished that demons and fallen angels were real, and now I know that part of my wish has come true. He's free to erase whatever he doesn't want her to remember; I really don't care. After all, we're just acquaintances. I barely know her. For all I know, she could be the Himedere character.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"As you wish," August smiled and once again they danced.

"Sure," Melody smiled, her cheeks red of excitement. "Where and when would you like to see me?" She asked, having no idea about a time and place for their meeting. "I just cannot decide right now," She explained with a laugh. "I am always at Hogwarts and I often go to Hogsmeade, so may you send me an owl with when and where you'd like to see me, please?" She looked hopefully at Reign.

"I actually promised her and Nova, that I would get back to them," Lily spoke in a low tone, only audible for Clarissa and Pegah, her eyebrows raised.

"Whatever, Lily, let's ignore her," Pegah shrugged. "Why did you even waste your time teaching her dancing?"

"Because I was curious about her. I wanted to get closer to her so I could ask her where she bought her charming gown and seize my chance to read her fortune, hehe…"

"Seriously, you can read mine, please!" Clarissa burst out.

"Alright," Lily smiled. "When we get back to Hogwarts for smoke apparition classes, I will read your both fortunes!"

"I will pass," Pegah rolled her eyes.

"Luna..." Elias smiled when they had finished their last dance, standing close to the murmuring and rippling fountain. The guests had finished their last dances and enjoyed refreshing drinks. The music had changed to a more classic, calming and yet romantic kind. He had not grown tired of dancing.

Vincent stood with his mother on his left side and Adela on his right side. He surveyed the scenery, noticing Alastair with Aislinn by his side. He looked with such hatred at Alastair, brooding over why Alastair was smiling at him. It angered and bothered him that his rival looked so careless and just smiled. Vincent looked away and this time he noticed Rosaleya with the company of a man with purple eyes, whom he scarcely cared about. Instead he just glanced eerily at her, smirking, his expression telling her that it was her loss that she pushed him that day in the store.

Elias went down on his knee, taking out the small box from his left inner pocket, opening it and holding it up for Luna

"..Luna Lestrange, would you marry me and promise to love and honor by my side...till death do us part?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"It has been a pleasant night." the lady curtsied to August upon the completion of their dance. "Until the fourteenth." she promised with a smile, walking away.

"Hell sounds like a dream..." Rosaleya sighed, wishing that she could go there herself. "It must be so wonderful to actually live there. But then, why would you visit Earth besides to grant wishes?" she asked, puzzled.

"Usually-" Nova smiled "-to remind myself how wonderful Hell truly is. But this time, it was for Reign. When we visit, we try not to eat or drink, unless it is flavored so strongly. For instance, Envy's representative was here tonight; the lady with wolf's eyes and darker hair."

"Oh...Too bad I didn't catch a glimpse of her; that would have been amazing to see."

"Anyway, she drank Black Mead, which has a very strong flavor. Reign drank water so that his acquaintance wasn't drinking alone. Even water tastes different." he remarked.

"I like how open you're being about this...Wouldn't this be a secret?"

"Who are you going to tell? Your closest friend had trouble believing in me-" he referenced Crystal "-so who could you possibly tell?"

"You're right. I won't ever try to convince anyone again." she nodded with a smile. She caught sight of Vincent's eerie gaze a few times, each time looking away, back to Nova, as if Vincent was completely insignificant.

"Sure," Melody smiled, her cheeks red of excitement. "Where and when would you like to see me? I just cannot decide right now," She explained with a laugh. "I am always at Hogwarts and I often go to Hogsmeade, so may you send me an owl with when and where you'd like to see me, please?" She looked hopefully at Reign.

Reign nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Once more?" he asked, bowing and offering his hand to her a final time for one last dance.

Upon its completion, he bowed to her "Until next time." he promised, then walked away in the direction of Nova's table.

"Luna..." Elias smiled when they had finished their last dance, standing close to the murmuring and rippling fountain.

"Yes?" she asked, her eyes full of anticipation for his 'surprise'.

While Alastair was dancing with Aislynn, he caught sight of Elias going down on his knee, taking out a box from his pocket.

For a second, it seemed that the music stopped, and all of the guests disappeared; all that remained in the garden was Luna and Elias, and Alastair. He could only hear the sound of his own heartbeat as Luna's face brightened with joy and surprise, and he saw her mouth move to form the word 'Yes.'

All of this happened internally; on the outside, there were no visual cues of his thoughts.

"Yes." Luna said, not even looking at the ring, but into Elias's eyes. "Because I know that you will, too." she smiled.

This was his surprise? I couldn't have imagined this as his surprise. And I couldn't have asked for a better time or a better place; everything was planned perfectly. At first, I thought that he was perhaps joking, getting on his knee like that. But this.... now she looked at the ring ...and it looks so beautiful. What lovely taste he has. I despise gold and diamonds, preferring emeralds and sapphires and the like. A man that I would not mind spending the rest of my life with. I'm going to give up my worrying. If either Alastair, or Elias did anything for me out of obligation, they would have stopped long ago. I think I can leave my worries behind me now...Oh, I can't wait to share this news with Alastair. And now she looked in Alastair direction. She saw him smiling to her; his expression said that he was happy for her. He saw...He's always been so observant.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Elias stood up and put on the ring on Luna's left ringer. He then held out the small square box in his right palm so that she could take the second ring and put it on his left finger in return.

Macnair raised his goblet of wine, honoring his friend, before he devoured all the content at once.

Avery was staring with an open mouth, almost forgetting his fourth piece of cake.

"Is that Monroe?" Endewyne spoke quietly to Faeryn. "...The girl with our dark mistress' brother..."

"…Who? oh...yes, it is...I hardly recognized her..."

"…seems like she has become more of a lady now..."

"…with those inked arms and neck? She still looks like trash and the gown is out of place. It does not suit her. Why is she even trying to be or look like something she isn't?"

"Don't you know, Faeryn? It is so obvious, to be with a handsome man like our dark mistress' brother..."

"Do you think it will last between them? I mean will we ever witness him propose to her like Elias proposed to our dark mistress?"

"Perhaps...if he does not choose to propose to her in private. That if it really happens, if it has not already happened...I wish I could get closer to see if they are wearing rings or not..."

"Why so curious?" Faeryn laughed quietly.

"Because I cannot picture her with him...I mean look at him, how he looks like...so handsome and charming...and look at her...her attempts to look like a lady...but..."

"...failing and instead looking like trash..." Faeryn filled in.

A loud cough from behind made the two girls turn around. An old man in his sixties was coughing. And when he seemed just fine, he picked out his pocket flask and drank loudly, slurping his liquor.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna embraced Elias happily, whispering in his ear "I dreamed that this would happen; however, I never could have imagined how exquisitely planned it would be, or how wonderful I feel, at this very moment. To know that you are sharing these feelings is what makes me truly happy."

"My lady-" Alastair smiled to Aislynn "-shall we congratulate my dear sibling?" He wasn't asking, but saying that they should do so.

"What a surprise." Luna laughed. "I couldn't have expected this."

"What a surprise, indeed." Alastair smiled, nearing them. "Best wishes." he smiled lovingly to Luna, who smiled warmly in return. Turning his attention to Elias, he extended his hand to shake "Congratulations." he said warmly, his voice appreciative. "You have made my sibling very happy. I have no doubt in my mind that your loyalty and love for her will last for all eternity. You have filled the only place in her heart that I could not, and for that I thank you from the depths of my heart." He has made her so happy; he has done the only thing for her that I could never do. He wouldn't dare think of being disloyal to her in any way. He won't lie to her. He wouldn't ever hurt her. He will try his utmost to keep her best interests at heart. He will take care of her if she becomes ill, and protect her always. He will. All of these thoughts, he conveyed with the warmest smile he had ever given, to Elias.

"Why is Lord DiVilliers so angry?" Nova wondered as he and Reign distanced themselves from the garden; they had bid Rosaleya a pleasant night and left the garden as the proposal took place.

"What do you mean?" Envy asked; it appeared that she had been waiting just outside the exit for them.

"You were waiting here so that we could all leave together? How thoughtful of you." Nova smiled. "As I was saying, he seemed rather...well, angry....or perhaps, aggrieved?"

"Hmm? He looked genuinely happy." Envy stated matter-of-factly.

"I know he looked happy, but...I don't know. I just feel as if something is deeply troubling him. I can't tell what it is, but he started feeling this way just moments ago..." Nova said uncertainly.

"So, how did the party go for you two?"

"Rather well; Reign met someone that he's going to see again." Nova said, temporarily distracted. "At least something useful came from tonight. Otherwise, I conversed with a charming girl who believed my stories." he said, satisfied.

"Why is it what magical people are more difficult to convince than Muggles?" Envy wondered aloud.

"I don't know; you'd think it would be the other way around." Nova shrugged. "How did your night go? I saw you waltzing with a charmer; the micromanaging narcissist. I didn't think that you'd go for that type." he joked.

"Hmm...He hasn't proven to be a narcissist, yet." Envy said thoughtfully; she didn't deny that it was a possibility. "We're going to see each other in Knockturn on the fourteenth. I'll have to go there beforehand to know how to dress."

"Says the lady that wore a cloak to a ball." Nova said quietly, yet loud enough so that Envy still heard him.

"I did wear a proper gown; however, I simply chose to keep the cloak on." Envy smiled.

"Why ever would you do such a thing?" Nova inquired, still using his playful tone.

"I wanted him to be interested in me, not my body. This way-" she gestured to her cloak "-you cannot tell if my body is alluring or unattractive." Never mind that it is the former; I couldn't have him getting distracted.

"A wise decision." Nova said dramatically. "Now, to the Demon Realm!"

Envy laughed.

Reign had been following behind them silently, his eyes on the moon, a fine-tipped paintbrush and a scroll floating by his side, writing quickly in an elegant style. He was composing his letter to Melody.

"Shall we?" Nova asked, offering his arm to Envy.

"We shall." she declared dramatically. Together, they linked arms, and jumped. They disappeared when they reached the perfect height.

Meanwhile, Reign opened his hands, and the parchment laid itself neatly in his palms. He read it through, and then placed it in an intricate scroll case. He jumped with the case held firmly in his hand.

The scroll's contents:

To Ms. Wilkes,

I greatly enjoyed the dances we shared at the Summer Feast. Hence, I wish to share another charming time with you on the second of July. If you share this wish, please meet me by the Hogwarts lake at seven-thirty in the evening for dinner.

Reign

The scroll was enchanted to appear empty unless Melody was the reader.

He returned home directly afterward, greeted cheerfully by Diana.

"Reign, you're back!" she embraced him energetically. "Tell me, did you have a good time?" she asked, excited to hear every detail.

They went out into the gardens together, so that they could walk and converse...Or rather, so that Diana could talk and Reign could listen.

Many, many questions later...

"It sounds like you had such a good time." she smiled, sipping black tea. "I'm happy that you finally found a human. Tell me, is she more of a meal or a friend?" she asked, inquiring if Reign was after her soul or her friendship.

"If you don't mind, Miss Diana, Reign is growing tired and wishes to rest." Nova said, attempting to sound haughty. "He isn't to be bothered by the likes of you."

"Yeah, he's probably tired and hungry..." Diana said, realizing that she was being rude. "See you later!" she smiled, leaving.

"Have you decided when and where you're going to meet her?" Nova asked gently. "And what food you would like to share with her?"

Reign nodded.

"Are you going to be fine transporting this world's food over there?" he asked, offering his assistance.

Another nod.

"That's all I wished to know; have a relaxing night." he sighed, looking in the direction in which Diana had left in relief. He left as well, bidding farewell to the lady that guarded the portrait.

"Thank you for offering him your assistance; it was so kind of you." she said gratefully. "And for reminding that lady-" she meant Diana, using the term 'lady' quite loosely "-that Master needs his rest."

"Any time." Nova smiled. "Have a pleasant night, Ruka." he bowed, walking through the portrait.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Of course," Aislinn replied, following Alastair.

Faeryn and Endewyne turned away and made their way towards the entrance.

The old man looked after them and suddenly he moved his mouth as if he was speaking to himself.

The two girls stumbled and tripped. Most of the guests stared at the two girls who were struggling entrance.

The old man chuckled for himself as he enjoyed a glass of firewhiskey as if nothing weird had happened.

Elias embraced Luna in return, a soft smile on his face when he listened to the words she whispered in his ear. Everything else, the music and the sounds of the guests socializing and nearing them felt so distance at the moment when he only heard her words. He felt so overwhelmed by everyone who came to congratulate them that he nearly got speechless. On the top of that, since he had been distracted with Luna, he had hardly noticed Aislinn and did almost not recognize her when she was standing beside Alastair, that it never crossed his mind during that moment, that the lady with Alastair was Aislinn.

"Thank you…Thank you..." Elias shook hands with Alastair, feeling so overwhelmed by his words.

In that moment Vincent had approached them and stood close, studying Alastair as he brooded over the fact his rival was not bothered by his presence at all. He suddenly felt that he was less powerful as a vampire, that a wizard like Alastair was more powerful than him which made him sulking deep inside while he kept his usual smirk on the outside.

"Congratulations my friends," Vincent extended his hand to Elias and then to Luna, to shake hands with both.

Then everyone of them, Rockwood and Vivienne, Quinn and Blake, The Pyrites, The Dolohovs, Rowle, Macnair, Avery, Mulciber, Selwyn and Nott congratulated both Elias and Luna

"I congratulate you..." The old man spoke to both Elizabeth and Alexander at the same time. "Tying ties with the late Dark Lord..."

Elizabeth looked at him, wondering where she had seen him, because she did not recognize him.

"Thank you..." Alexander nodded. "It is such a honor indeed..."

"Ah…you are lucky…" The old man said. "I don't doubt that if the late Dark Lord had a son too, you would have married of your daughter to him as well, two birds with one stone I would say, wouldn't you eh?"

"Of course, it would have been such an honor as well..."

"eh...tell me..." The old man whispered in Alexander's ear. "Who is that young gentleman with my daughter?"

"I don't know him, it must be a guest of hers or perhaps my son invited him…"

"Hmm....anyway...I will be taking my leave...since I have almost finished my medicine as well...well…I wish you a good night..."

"Good night, I will see you at the office tomorrow..."

"Who was that?" Elizabeth asked her husband, when the old man had left, confused by their odd conversation.

"I will tell you later, not here please..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

In that moment Vincent had approached them and stood close. Alastair matched his smirk with his usual friendly smile. He knew that he wouldn't be able to see it, but he was enjoying his victory internally, surmising that if it hadn't already worked, the effects of Reign's strategy would soon take effect.

"Congratulations my friends," Vincent extended his hand to Elias and then to Luna, to shake hands with both.

"Thank you." Luna smiled happily, shaking his hand. She said the same to everyone else who wished to congratulate them, seeming genuinely happy.

When everyone had congratulated them and she was certain that there would be no more people, she turned to Elias. "I've grown tired and wish to retire to my home. Shall we meet again tomorrow?" she said. "Tell me where." she insisted with a smile.

"Of course. I shall see you then. Have a pleasant night, Elias." she smiled, turning to Alastair to bid him a good night as well.

After Alastair had bid Luna goodnight, she thanked Aislynn, and left.

Alastair turned to Aislynn. "What do you wish to do now? If you wished it, we could dance until dawn. Unless you've grown tired." he smiled. He will protect her, and never betray her. He won't ever lie to her and will keep her best interests at heart. She looked so happy; her aura was giving off strong feelings of joy.

"Very well." he bowed. "My lady, I thank you for this charming night. Shall we go to the carriage now?" he offered her his arm.

"Well, how was the party?" Crystal asked with a smile.

"It was alright, for the most part." Rosaleya said. "I did get to talk with Nova about the amazing place that he comes from." she started excitedly, speaking a mile a minute "I interacted with a Kuudere and a Himedere, and a bishounen. I learned how to waltz, and I had a lovely dessert. And I felt like a queen in that gown, with the way you did my hair and everything...Oh, I can't thank you enough." she embraced Crystal appreciatively. "Thank you so much!"

"Well, I'm happy that you liked the outfit I planned for you." Crystal smiled. She proceeded to tell her that if she hadn't made the wish to Nova, she would have attended the party anyway. She told her all about the surprise plan she had concocted the night before, and her determination to put it into action.

Rosaleya was, of course, even more grateful than before.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"As you wish," Elias smiled, having no plans the next day. "One o'clock at Rose Cafe in Serpents' Garden tomorrow?" He expected her to choose a table there since he knew she would arrive earlier than the appointed time as usual.

"Of course. I shall see you then. Have a pleasant night, Elias." Luna smiled.

"Sweet dreams, my dear."

"I wish to retire for tonight," Aislinn replied.

"Very well." Alastair bowed. "My lady, I thank you for this charming night. Shall we go to the carriage now?" he offered her his arm.

…Despite Vincent's childish behavior, Alastair still thanks me for this night... She thought, feeling embarrassed.

She took his arm and walked with him to the carriage where Raven was waiting for them.

After they entered the carriage, Aislinn turned towards Alastair and said:

"I cannot thank you enough for tonight. I had such an amazing time..." She held his hands and looked lovingly into his eyes.

"Vincent? May I have a word with you?"

"Sure...but make it quick!"

"Of course, I am aware that you have noticed the young gentleman Aislinn danced with, do you know-"

"Alastair DiVilliers!" Vincent nearly spat. "Why do you bring this subject up with me?!" He turned on his heal and vanished downstairs. Two minutes later the door to the utility room slammed.

"Good lord, who is slamming the doors?" Victoria Monroe walked out from the family room.

"I just wanted to ask Vincent if he knew anything about Alastair DiVilliers, but he got a bit upset when I brought up the subject…"

"Why? Mr. DiVilliers was here visiting a month ago or so..."

"I know, I just wanted to know more about his background, from where he comes, his family and-"

"He is a fine gentleman, a brother of miss Lestrange. Though, why have you suddenly become so interested in him?"

"Because I feel concerned about Aislinn. Is she happy-"

"Talk to yourself! You abandoned her for your own interests when she was only four and now-"

"Please, do we need to have this discussion again?! I had no choice than to flee and save myself. I bet she will be more understanding than you if I told her-"

"Understanding eh? I don't think so. Don't get too excited about it. It is the best that you never see each other at all otherwise you will just hurt her feelings..."

Edward stared annoyingly at the door that closed calmly behind his mother. But two second later, he was smiling triumphantly.

"Miss Lestrange's brother?" He seemed to taste the words as he spoke them aloud for himself. "I bet you did not know that, Alexander," He laughed triumphantly, believing that Alastair was the son of the Dark Lord and has taken the name DiVilliers to mask himself. Despite that Alastair told Aislinn's grandmother about Luna being adopted into his family, she literary missed to tell him the details, being distracted by the fact that he was suddenly interested in his daughter and her date and becoming angry with him because she believed him being selfish.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair prepared breakfast for himself and Aislynn, then placed everything in the labyrinth's center. He made a savory breakfast and a sweet breakfast: a gourmet omelette with toast and bacon with mixed fruit juice, and a crepe with fresh mixed fruits and fresh cream and chocolate milk, setting them at opposite ends of the table. He stood in between the two chairs, waiting for Aislynn; everything had been prepared before either Luna, or Aislynn had risen.

He had left a note explaining that he wished to see her for breakfast in the labyrinth's center when she awoke. It was attached to the wall just outside her door, at the perfect height so that she noticed it immediately after she opened her door.

For Luna, he had left a savory breakfast muffin by her bedside table; it was both light and substantial since he didn't want her to skip breakfast. A note beside it explained that he hoped she would enjoy it.

Thank you, Alastair. Luna thought after reading the note when she awoke.

"My lady." Alastair smiled, bowing to Aislynn when she arrived. "It is lovely to see you on this pleasant morning. And what a charming attire you wear." he kissed her hand. "As you can see, I have made both a savory, and a sweet breakfast, unable to decide on which I wanted. Please select one, and I shall enjoy the other."

"Would you like to order anything, Miss?"

"No, thank you." Luna replied politely. "I'm waiting for someone."

"Oh, I understand. I'll be back when he or she arrives, then." she waitress said, walking away.

Luna had arrived at twelve, deciding to read until Elias arrived. She had not chosen Wuthering Heights, but something that Alastair had given her instead. She had selected a table where her back was facing the back wall and she could clearly see the entrance; unlike the corner table that Elias had selected the previous time.

When Elias arrived, Luna greeted him calmly, her eyes filled with joy. "Yesterday feels like a dream, does it not?" she smiled when he took his seat. "I felt as if you would propose, but not so soon. I expected it after another year at the earliest, so that explains the surprise I felt when you proposed. " I am relieved that we spoke with your parents beforehand, so that everything went smoothly. "Furthermore, I admire how well you planned everything."

Reign sat under a Chinese-style pavilion which he had built by the Hogwarts lake, enjoying the view. He had chosen to arrive a half-hour early to make preparations. He had chosen a table of polished wood, with comfortable cushions on which to sit. He had decorated the table with Melody's choicest meal for dinner, and drink, using the same tinted-glass trick for his water. He donned a similar kimono than the previous night, but his hair wasn't tied in its usual way; instead, it was down. As usual, his kimono blew softly even when there was no wind, and his hair seemed to be enchanted the same way today.

"Good evening." he greeted softly when she arrived.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"It is lovely to see you as well," Aislinn smiled happily. …So happy to find the note on the wall beside my bedroom door and now this delicious surprise... "Oh this is so sweet of you..." She was wearing the black laced summer dress she had bought at Darkest Creature a time ago.

"But both looks so tasty that I don't know what to choose," She laughed. "Well…I will take the sweet..." She finally decided after two seconds of consideration when she noticed the chocolate milk.

Elias smiled happily. He had managed to accomplish one of his plans. ...To make it to a dream that was realized last night...

"Thank you, thank you.... That is what I meant to do. To surprise you my dear.... you know, I also feel as if yesterday was a dream..."

One of the waitresses strutted over to their table, asking them eagerly what they would like to eat and drink.

"Just rose tea, please," Elias replied, his eyes on Luna, mentally asking her what she would like to eat and drink. He did not have any appetite at all.

A group of professors were gathered outside the staff room, looking curiously at the hovering scroll.

"Melody, there's a uhm letter for you I think..." Mary Jane called out to her friend who was walking down the corridor, nearing the staff room.

Melody came closer and noticed the scroll and the note attached to it, hovering outside the staff room. For Melody Wilkes. She read on the note. She took the scroll carefully as if was made of glass. Her hand was shaking and her heart beating fast. She had not been expecting a letter delivered to her like this and so soon. She hardly expected to receive any owls since she never used to receive any. Though she knew she would receive a letter sooner or later, since she had asked Reign to owl her.

She held the scroll close to her heart, nearly hugging it as she walked away. She wanted to be alone while opening the scroll and read the letter.

"Did she just touch something without checking it?" Persephone dropped her jaw. "What if it is cursed. What a foolish girl-"

"Oh she seems fine; do you think anything cursed can enter the walls of this castle?" Mary Jane interjected.

"Being precarious does not hurt. Thinking too innocent may cost your life," Persephone laughed.

The rest of the professors who were around laughed as well.

Mary Jane remained silent, glaring at everyone else before walking away.

"Sit," August ordered. He was standing, facing the window as if he was looking out at the scenery, with his back against the rest of his office. Andrew was standing beside him, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, and to the contrary to his older brother, facing the office.

Alexis sat obediently down, taking one of the vacant chairs in front of the desk, literary turning his back against his two older brothers.

"You called me, what-"

"I am the one asking questions. Tell me, Alexis, did you enjoy the feast last night?"

"Of course…I hope you enjoyed it as well, why don't you sit-"

"Silence..." August turned around and walked over to Alexis. He remained standing, hovering over his younger brother from behind with a severe look in his eyes. "I am so disappointed in you. Instead for encouraging our sister to get closer to Ivan, you choose to befriend a vampire?"

"I can explain-"

"You better do!"

"I thought that if I get closer to the vampire and get to know him, I will get to know his weaknesses and by that it will be easier to eliminate him without breaking any of the wizarding laws. Once he is gone, then we can think about marrying her to Ivan."

"I see. What a cunning idea..." August praised his brother, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Adela will be here soon. We will discuss how to get rid of the vampire later with Ivan. As for now, I desire you to stand by my right side while I take my place behind the desk. Andrew, please take my left side."

"As you wish," Alexis bowed on his head and once again he obeyed his brother.

A moment later, Adela entered the office of her brother August, finding him sitting behind his desk with Alexis and Andrew standing on each side beside him.

Her face was expressionless as she entered the office. She did not even greet anyone of them, but entered silently.

"Haven't your mother taught you how to greet in the mornings, Adela?" August taunted her.

She remained silent, meeting his gaze defiantly.

"Sit!"

She obeyed, taking one of the chairs in front of his desk, sitting down on the same chair Alexis had been occupying a moment ago.

"Alexis, two goblets of wine, please. There's a bottle and goblets in the cupboard-"

Alexis was on his way to obey his brother when he was stopped halfway. "Oh wait, I forget…Adela can not drink wine..." August sneered at his sister.

Adela looked confused at August, not understanding what he was meaning.

Alexis froze on his place, not knowing what to do.

"What's the matter with you? Did I not tell you that I want a goblet of wine? Andrew, please prepare a goblet with Adela's favorite drink," August was still looking at his sister, sneering.

Alexis obeyed and poured a goblet of wine to his brother and placed it in front of him. Andrew crouched down and rummaged in the cupboard to the desk. When he stood up, he was holding a goblet which he placed in front of Adela.

Adela looked confused down at the red content in her goblet.

"What's the matter?" August asked with a sneer. "Isn't that what you favor to drink?"

It was blood in the goblet. Muggle blood which Andrew had stolen from a transfusion from a muggle hospital in the middle of the night after the feast yesterday. The odor was strong enough for Adela to sense it. It reminded her about the mistake she had done at the feast last night, picking up Vincent's goblet instead for hers.

"Drink it!"

"Never!" She retorted defiantly and stood up. She hurried to leave the office and slammed the door behind her.

"Such a waste..." August commented scornfully. "Andrew, you may return the blood from where you stole it. I will later teach Adela how to respect her older brother..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"But both looks so tasty that I don't know what to choose," She laughed. "Well...I will take the sweet..." She finally decided after two seconds of consideration when she noticed the chocolate milk.

I had a feeling... Alastair smiled, sitting opposite Aislynn, looking down at the savory breakfast before him.

He waited for her to taste the food before asking if it was to her satisfaction. When he received confirmation, he indulged in his own meal. "May I share our schedule for today?" he asked after he had taken a few bites, awaiting her permission. "We are to accomplish a mission," he began, "and then spend the day together in any way you choose, anywhere you choose." he smiled charmingly, reminding her that they had the entire world open to them. "That is, if you have no other plans." he added respectfully. "So tell me, what do you desire to do today?" Another charming day with Ms. Monroe.

"Just rose tea, please," Elias replied, his eyes on Luna, mentally asking her what she would like to eat and drink.

"Lemonade, more sour than sweet, preferably with mint." She replied. She was still satisfied from the breakfast Alastair had made for her.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Mmm this is so delicate," Aislinn said with a dreamy look in her eyes as she tasted the crepe.

"May I share our schedule for today?" Alastair asked after he had taken a few bites.

"Sure..." She smiled.

"We are to accomplish a mission," he began, "and then spend the day together in any way you choose, anywhere you choose." he smiled charmingly, reminding her that they had the entire world open to them. "That is, if you have no other plans." he added respectfully. "So, tell me, what do you desire to do today?"

"To accomplish the mission and then spend the rest of the day...eh…I don't know where we are to accomplish the mission, though I was thinking we could spend the rest of the day in a nearby town or village if there is something fun to do.." She tried to explain to him when she suddenly got an idea. "…And oh, I would love to end the day with a Chinese dinner!" She exclaimed hopefully, hinting on a romantic dinner night with him, hoping that she was not asking for to much.

"Did you finish Wuthering Heights?" Elias asked smilingly, as he had noticed Luna reading another book when he had arrived.

It did not take long until they were served what they had ordered, only a few seconds, because they had only ordered drinks.

He took a sip of his tea, indulging the sweet taste of red rose.

"I have not finished Count of Monte Cristo yet; I still have a lot to read. I am currently in the part where poor Edmond is imprisoned...It is an intriguing book indeed..."

As soon as Melody was alone in her office, she opened the scroll and read its content.

To Ms. Wilkes,

I greatly enjoyed the dances we shared at the Summer Feast. Hence, I wish to share another charming time with you on the second of July. If you share this wish, please meet me by the Hogwarts lake at seven-thirty in the evening for dinner.

Reign

"Oh, it is already today," She thought aloud and surprised. She had not expecting it to be so soon and she got so overwhelmed by the invite that she had no idea what to dress for the dinner. ..It is a dinner by the lake...eh picnic? hmm...

She chose to wear a light blue tunic, reaching to her knees, with long flare sleeves, along with a pair of light washed trousers, brown sandals and a floppy sun hat, believing that she would attend a traditional picnic by the lake. She dressed up in her chosen attire and sent her Patronus, the shape of a rabbit, to her friend Mary Jane, asking her to come to her office to give her opinion about her outfit.

"I think you look good," Mary Jane nodded approvingly after she had seen her friend. "Dinner by the lake sounds definitely like picnic…"

"Luckily, we got a upper hand here.." August smiled proudly towards Alexis, when they both were gathered with Andrew and Mulciber in his office. "We'd love to hear your plans."

It was an order and Alexis were nearly taken by surprise because he did not have any plan, yet he managed to keep his mask.

"I basically told you earlier today," He began. "To get to know the vampire to get to know his weaknesses in order to eliminate him from Adela's life without breaking any of the wizarding law-"

"We already know that!" August interrupted with an annoyed tone.

"...and it needs time..." Alexis finished, feeling unbothered by August's interjection. "…I also need to get closer to Adela to understand her as well and to get close to them both...it will make everything else so much easier to perform-"

"How much time do you need?"

"A couple of months...but it might take longer depending on how often they see each other...the fact is that we may not need to worry about them getting closer to each other and marrying. Perhaps they are only interested in being good friends, no more or less, because vampires have low infertility and the females need to drink a lot of blood during their pregnancy. Imagine a female human becoming pregnant with a vampire, she then needs drink loads of blood in order for the fetus to survive and get born healthy, but the mother might not survive the birth. Thus, I don't think Adela will be so happy about marrying a vampire. I mean, she got so upset when we gave her a goblet of blood today and yesterday, I witnessed how disgusted she got by drinking blood. They both had left their goblets at the table before they went dancing and when they come back, they seemed unaware when picking up wrong goblets. So, I don't think Adela would be so happy about marrying him with the respect to what I just told you. But we don't know yet, these are only speculations and we will learn more about this when I spend more time with anyone of them and possibly the both…"

"Ah! Excellent observation, Alexis!"

The hours went so slowly during the day, especially for Melody who was anticipating the dinner.

When the evening arrived, she tried to walk calmly down to the lake, feeling to excited that she wanted to strut around.

She was visibly surprised when she saw the pavilion by the lake. She had been expecting a picnic cloth with the meal displayed and Reign sitting on the ground. Instead he sat under the pavilion, enjoying the view. ...oh...

"Good evening." he greeted softly when she arrived.

"Good evening," She replied quietly, her eyes falling on the displayed food.

She was surprised that her favorite was displayed along with pumpkin juice. ...How does he know... She thought curiously.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"....though I was thinking we could spend the rest of the day in a nearby town or village if there is something fun to do..."

Hmm...I see what she means...I will plan something lovely for her.

"...And oh I would love to end the day with a Chinese dinner!" She exclaimed hopefully.

That makes things far simpler...Now I know precisely what she desires for this evening.

"I understand. A Chinese dinner does sound lovely." he smiled romantically, meaning that he had understood her desire perfectly.

After their successful mission...

"If you would excuse me a moment to file the mission reports?" Alastair asked, parking the car just outside the Agency building. "I shan't be more than a minute." he promised, leaving Aislynn alone in the car.

He returned precisely three minutes later; it had barely felt like any time at all. "The reports have been completed, and the Director wished for me to give this to you." Alastair said, handing Aislynn a plain envelope. Her name was written on it in Japanese, and then below it in English, in a different colour ink. Inside was three times the amount of yen she had received the last time she had been paid.

"The yen you received last time was only half of your weekly payment for your chosen payment schedule." Alastair explained. "The Agency wasn't doing very well a week ago, so it had to cut its Agents' pay in half to keep from closing. The Director is also giving you next week's pay in advance as an apology." She is no doubt curious as to what caused the Agency's financial crisis and fixed it within only a week. He started the car, and explained as they drove to where Raven waited with the carriage. "My father used to work for the Shiki Agency before he became successful in his financial business. Only mother knew it at the time, but the reason father was so successful so soon was because he stole his startup capital from the Shiki Agency. He was one of the top Agents, working his way up the ranks until he finally had Mr. Natsumizaka's trust, and then he stole nearly all of the company's money, and disappeared, returning to Rouen. That is why my mother and father were banned from Japan." he sighed. "From then on, the Director had difficulty running everything. He was able to sell off the assets of the criminals that were caught, but still, it wasn't enough. The problem worsened until he had to cut the Agent's pay in half. And so, with the money that Eric gifted me through his winning lottery ticket, I invested that in the stock and options markets, tripling the funds with the skills that Asmodeus taught me. And I returned all of the money that father stole to Mr. Natsumizaka on that day that I told you I had some 'errands' to run." he finished. "And I still have more to spare. Apologies if you did not follow." he apologized suddenly. She didn't know what Geisha and sushi were...For heaven's sake; it must sound like balderdash to her; using words like options and stock markets and startup capital! Do Witches and Wizards even trade in financial markets? Do they have one of their own? More importantly, Aislynn doesn't know what they are, you fool! He scorned himself internally.

"Did you finish Wuthering Heights?" Elias asked smilingly.

"No." Luna said, showing Elias the plain cover of the book; the one Alastair had been writing in. "Alastair wrote me a story from his own imagination. I had lamented the fact that no wonderful fictional novels were within my reach, just before you gifted me Wuthering Heights. He went through the trouble to write me a story, so for the time being, I set Wuthering Heights aside." she smiled, looking down at the book.

"It's just for you." Alastair smiled, handing Luna the finished product. "The cover is plain, further adding to the novel's aura of mystery." he said dramatically. "I know that you will enjoy it." he kissed her hand lovingly.

"Thus far, and I am surprised to admit it; Alastair's book is far richer than any novel I have ever read. I do not know how he managed to imagine such an incredible story."

"I have not finished Count of Monte Cristo yet, I still have a lot to read. I am currently in the part where poor Edmond is imprisoned...It is an intriguing book indeed..."

"Edmond..." Luna remembered how she had sympathized with him throughout the pages when he was in the prison. "I discarded the description that the novel gave me when I read it, and pictured him as someone suave and mysterious. Admittedly, he ended up looking so much like you, in my mind's eye." Luna laughed softly, then sipped her lemonade. "It's odd, but Edmond was still my favorite character, to the very last page." she sipped more of her drink, pointedly stopping herself from speaking any more about the book. A real-life version of Edmond. I forgot that I had imagined that while reading it until today...

"I hope that everything is to your liking." he said, gesturing to the cushion opposite him.

"You have wonderful taste." Reign complimented. The way he said it, you couldn't tell if he meant her attire or the food, or both. He ate elegantly, his manners pristine; although it was odd how he used chopsticks to eat this meal. In his opinion, the compliment went to her for having the wonderful taste to enjoy such a healthy and delicious meal, and also that it was her favorite meal. He had met other ladies who took pleasure in disgustingly greasy fast foods, or ones that didn't eat at all to preserve their 'image.'

In the background, enchanted Chinese instruments played relaxing and enchanting music.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Ah…" Aislinn nodded, understanding what Alastair just had told her. "I understand. I had classes in Wizarding Economics and Necessities at Hogwarts, and I learned about the economics, trades and commerce in the wizarding world, but it was never my thing. Trying to understand the numbers in this context is such pain..." She told him with a laugh.

Elias laughed heartily, finding it amusing that Luna saw him as one of the characters in Count of Monte Cristo. He also became curious about the book Alastair had given her, wondering what kind of story could be richer than all the fictional novels he had read.

"Besides reading and drinking lemonade..." He spoke after two seconds. " What do you enjoy doing during the summer?"

"Adela?" Alexis looked up from the bottom of the stairs to the Central tower, seeing his sister walking down the stairs. Her face was stained with tears. It was clearly visible that she had been crying. At the sight of him, she turned furiously around and proceeded to walk upstairs. But he was faster as he rushed up for the stairs and embraced her. She did not care for hugging him back and instead she tried to loosen herself from his grip, but he kept holding her and did not let her go. She gave up and let her arms hang down as if she was lifeless.

"I am so sorry, Adela," He whispered in her ear and caressed the back of her head lovingly and affectionally. "I never knew...I mean..." He released her from his hug so that he could look into her eyes. "...look, I never knew what August had planned...the blood..."

She remained silent, giving him a sour and unbelievable look.

"Believe me, Adela...I never knew...if you-"

She slapped him across his face just when he was about to use his veritaserum line as usual.

Hurt and shocked feelings flashed in his eyes for a mere second. He put his hand against his cheek, not believing what just had happened. She walked past him with the air of that she had had enough of him, Andrew and August that she only felt hatred towards them.

"I hope that everything is to your liking." Reign said, gesturing to the cushion opposite him.

"It looks so nice..." Melody replied kindly, meaning both the pavilion, the decor and the meal, and sat down on the cushion opposite him.

They started to eat, and she took the first bites of her food, finding the taste so rich and delicate. It was so delicious that she got speechless. Merlin's beard! Has Reign prepared this…? She thought amazed. …then he must be such an incredible chef...I know how to cook food...but the meals I prepare…Mary Jane always praise me for the food I cook...but in comparison to this...no, this taste like heaven...oh my...

"You have wonderful taste." He complimented.

"Thank you..." She replied politely, not knowing if he meant her attire or her choice of meal. …What does he mean? wonderful taste?... She thought confused but then came to the conclusion that he perhaps meant her attire and blushed. ...Of course...I have never told him that I enjoy veggie bowls and pumpkin juice and butterbeer....he can hardly know that unless if he has very good instincts....or he must be a good guesser, guessing that I am the sort of girl who despise other alcoholic drinks and getting drunk at all and that I love eating healthy...yeah...it must be clearly visible on my appearance...

During the meal, she studied him quietly, especially studying his choice of cutlery with great interest. She found it both strange, interesting and exotic that he used to eat with sticks.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I'm relieved, my lady." Alastair sighed. I did not know that such a class existed at Hogwarts... He thought, surprised.

Once they had returned to the carriage, Alastair politely excused himself, closing the door to his room. He took his seat in the main area only four minutes later.

They landed not far from the Japanese temple they had visited recently. "This way, my lady." Alastair smiled, offering Aislynn his arm once they were outside the carriage. 'I cannot wait for you to see what I have planned.' his smile said.

He led her through the gardens this time instead of through the halls. The fresh air and warm weather, coupled with the bright moon and countless stars, only added to the garden's beauty. All of the sliding doors for the temple were open, but only one room was lighted. It was this room that he seemed to be leading her to.

"This is my favorite temple; the most beautiful of them all." Alastair explained. "The owner is very kind to allow me to do as I please within it, is he not?" he asked with a smile when they reached the room.

Many candles floated throughout the room, all shaped like water lilies. The open doors provided a perfect view of the garden and the moon, and the fresh air could be felt as well. A low table was laden with many Chinese dishes, as well as a tall jug of iced water. The variety of the dishes was perfect; visiting a buffet could not have given them more options.

"Please be seated, my lady." Alastair bowed, gesturing to a stool on one side of the table; he remembered how she had preferred a stool rather than a cushion last time they sat at a low table. There was a cushion for Alastair on the opposite end.

I imagined Edmond looking just like him, yet with his long hair tied back in a low, slightly messy yet charming style, and wearing that ensemble that I loved a few days ago.

"Besides reading and drinking lemonade..." He spoke after two seconds. "What do you enjoy to do during the summer?"

"Hmm..." Luna thought back to previous summers. "I enjoy traveling during the summer..." she began, remembering Alastair taking her to beautiful places "Nothing too extravagant." she specified quickly, remembering the hotel that they had stayed at when Elias had taken her to France. "Cruises are nice as well..." she recalled one of her birthdays, when Alastair had surprised her with a cruise for the weekend. "I enjoy swimming, although I only do that alone." Unless it is with Alastair. The only one I would trust not to look at me in any way but a brotherly way...The thought of a public pool sickens me. That may be a problem with Elias...Perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned swimming at all? "Operas, musicals, and plays have always been enjoyable, regardless of the time of year." she pushed swimming from her mind. "Speaking of the theatre-" she suddenly had an excited look in her eyes, despite her calm tone "-there is a lovely place that I would love to visit with you...The Theatre of Game, in Venice. Have you heard of it?" she asked curiously. That would be...Hmm, I wonder if Elias is as creative as Alastair? I wonder if it would be as wonderful as the few times I went with Alastair?

Reign enjoyed the view of the lake during the meal, greatly appreciating the fact that Melody was quieter than Diana. It was pleasant to enjoy a meal with a lady who did not bother him with an array of questions.

When they finished eating, he stood from his seat, offering her his hand to help her stand as well. "I wish to visit an even lovelier place with you. Do you share this wish?" he asked.

"Please wait for me at the gates." he bowed to her. He waited until she was headed for the gates with her back to him, before swiftly beginning the cleaning process. He made the dishes disappear by gesturing to them, and then proceeded to do the same to the cushions, the table, and eventually the pavilion. Every time he gestured to an item, he moved in rhythm to the music, creating an elegant and mysterious dance. The instruments were the last to disappear in the most elegant move of the entire dance. He landed elegantly next to Melody two minutes after they had parted. "Shall we?" he asked, offering her his hand as if his landing had been a normal and mundane feat.

"Malice, I expected you to have apologized already." Asmodeus spoke with a disapproving look in his eyes. "You owe Ms. Monroe an apology."

"I was in the process of writing one." Malice held up the letter and quill in her hands. "So that I could remember it and speak it to her tomorrow."

"That will do." Asmodeus smiled, his tone satisfied and his eyes surprised.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I have actually been in Florence and Venice, but I...I think I must have seen a Theater somewhere in Venice once but I don't remember being into one....swimming.....cruise..." Elias spoke mostly to himself as he was thinking about everything Luna just had told him and then he turned his attention towards her and said: "I am free the entire summer, almost the entire summer. I have promised Lily to take her out on a nice dinner for her birthday, the 14th July and I am aware that you have promised the students to teach them a different kind of apparition during the summer. So, I was thinking we could go to Venice 3rd July and visit the Theater of Games. Instead for taking the magical carriage like when we went to France, we will take a magical cruise to Venice...and we could stay there for a couple of weeks and enjoy the food, the Theater of Games and also attend on visiting Florence and Rome and be back 13th July. How does it sound?" He did not mention that there was a magical spa in the current village they were at. The magical spa had a public swimming pool and separate swimming pool and spa treatment for men and women and sections for couples with smaller pools and where they could enjoy candle light dinner if they preferred that instead for the public cafe restaurant. Going alone to separate swimming pools would be boring in his opinion. He rather liked to enjoy a relaxing bath and candle light dinner with her, which would be more suitable after their marriage.

"Oh..." Aislinn was amazed by the decor, the scenery, the atmosphere of the temple and the countless of displayed dishes. "Who is the owner?" She asked out of curiosity.

"Yes..." Melody replied without thinking, her curiosity taking over as she wondered what kind of place Reign wished to visit together with her.

"Please wait for me at the gates." he bowed to her.

"Sure," She nodded and walked towards the gates where she waited for him. ...Are we going to Hogsmeade? or perhaps to a garden or something... She thought. …At this hour of the evening…hmm perhaps an exotic place... She thought amused, trying to figure out where he was taking her.

"Shall we?" he asked, offering her his hand as soon as he arrived to the gates.

"Eh where are we going?" she asked curiously with a smile, taking his hand carefully as if it was made of glass. The tone of her voice hinted that she would not go anywhere else outside the castle, if she did not know what kind of place it was.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I am free the entire summer, almost the entire summer. I have promised Lily to take her out on a nice dinner for her birthday, the 14th July and I am aware that you have promised the students to teach them a different kind of apparition during the summer."

Yes, although I don't expect to teach them for longer than an hour on the apparition, and another on Cooking with Magic...Both lessons I had planned to teach in the mornings so that I could have the rest of the summer days to do as I please.

"... So I was thinking we could go to Venice and visit the Theater of Games. Instead for taking the magical carriage like when we went to France, we will take a magical cruise to Venice...and we could stay there for a couple of weeks and enjoy the food, the Theater of Games and also attend on visiting Florence and Rome and be back sometime in the beginning of July. How does it sound?"

It sounds like you're trying to fit everything I love into one trip. Luna thought, amused at his suggestion, yet charmed as well. "It sounds charming, and quite close." she smiled at the thought that it the vacation that sounded too perfect to be true would begin tomorrow. "May I inquire what you enjoy doing during the summer?" she returned his question curiously.

"Who is the owner?" She asked out of curiosity.

"Reign." Alastair smiled, kneeling on his cushion. "He purchased it as a birthday gift..." he explained, his eyes portraying the surprise and disbelief he had shown on that day "He found out which temple was my favorite, " By making a wish to Nova to find out. "and he promised me that I could use it whenever I wished, for whatever purpose I wished. That was his gift to me." he laughed softly.

As usual, he chose not eat until he had confirmed his lady's satisfaction. "Is everything to your liking?" he asked after she had tasted the food.

"Eh where are we going?" she asked curiously with a smile, taking his hand carefully as if it was made of glass. The tone of her voice hinted that she would not go anywhere else outside the castle, if she did not know what kind of place it was.

Reign spoke the name of her favorite place with certainty in his eyes, as if it had been decided from the beginning.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I enjoy traveling," Elias replied. "…visiting other wizarding areas in the world, going to the beach, having picnic there and bathing in the sea..." He paused for a minute, seemingly to wonder what he enjoyed doing during the summer. "…reading a good book, which I am obviously already doing..." He added with a laugh, hinting on Count of Monte Cristo. "And I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible..."

"Ah..." Aislinn nodded. "That's a nice surprise..." ...oh...when is Alastair's birthday? She suddenly thought as she tasted the food. …Do I have time to prepare a surprise for him...and what kind...oh my...

"Is everything to your liking?" he asked after she had tasted the food.

"It is delicious," She smiled. ...I think the best is to ask Luna about his birthday...if I ask him, it might ruin the surprise...because he is not supposed to be aware of it...

"Oh..." Melody was visibly surprised. ..How come he decided to take me to Stromness, Orkney...I have never told him about my favorite things or places to visit...yet he seems to know...perhaps it is visible on me...He must have very good instincts and be able to read of a person's preferences by just looking at the appearance.. She thought reasonably.

"We need to apparate..." She said when they were outside the gates. "Or do you prefer to go there with a portkey?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna smiled; she had found his ideal summer to be both interesting, and similar to hers, which was quite pleasant.

"I'm excited already." she laughed softly, meaning that their vacation would start tomorrow and she would have difficulty waiting. She moved to take another sip of her drink, but stopped halfway, replacing the glass on the table. "I have a request." she said seriously. She explained briefly about the precise way she had pictured him whilst reading the Count of Monte Cristo, and when she finished, she conjured something that he could tie his hair with. "Would you mind, possibly, using this?" she asked politely, handing it to him. "I have grown quite curious as to how you would look if you wore it that way, in addition to the outfit you called 'simple' a few days prior." I do hope that he does not find this odd?

Since I absolutely would not accept the temple itself, he insisted on the right to do as I pleased within it when I wished. Alastair thought.

"So tell me, my lady, would you object to having tea with Malice on the morrow? She seemed quite excited to see you again; " he smiled, as if it was obvious why anyone would want to see such a lovely lady again "though she wished to meet you in this world."

"We need to apparate..." She said when they were outside the gates. "Or do you prefer to go there with a Portkey?"

"Portkey?" Nova had asked, surprised that Reign had inquired about it. "It's something that wizards and witches use to get from place to place at a specific time. With a simple incantation, it's basically an alternative to apparition, which is the worst, and smoke apparition, which is frowned upon for some reason." he shrugged.

Reign nodded.

"No, that is not necessary. " he paused for a moment.

"No, what we call 'jumping' wouldn't make sense to humans...Just call it 'flying'. It will work much better, believe me." Nova advised. "Just explain that you can't do it for extended periods of time; the way you do it, it will make sense. You basically are flying."

"I am able to fly. Please hold my hand tightly." He said, looking into her eyes as if asking permission. He was too serious to be joking, and his eyes also asked her not to regard his words as a mere jest.

He looked to the sky, concentrating for a moment on his intended destination. Then, a second later, both of them were soaring upward. He held her hand firmly without causing her any discomfort. There was a calm, strong look about his countenance, which eliminated the fear that he would let her go accidentally. For their current speed, they were not caused any discomfort by strong winds, motion sickness, or anything else. It felt as if they were slowly floating in water rather than flying; this contrasted sharply with the waters and houses moving quickly far below them. "Are you feeling well?" he asked kindly, looking into her eyes.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"hm..." Elias took the conjured ribbon by Luna with a smile. He tied his hair from behind, trying to make a bow with the ribbon though ended with a simple tied knot. A few hair-strands that were in different lengths and too short to be tied fell down to the sides of his face. He conjured a mirror and studied his reflection for a couple of seconds. "What do you think?" He asked her, still holding the mirror in front of him. "Is it as you imagined it?" He smiled.

"I have no obligation at all," Aislinn replied with a smile. "As long as she chooses a place in this world, otherwise I have no idea..."

...tea? …Do I have to drink tea tomorrow when it probably will be so warm as usual since it is summer... She thought as she enjoyed the food. ...I hope she picks a place where they have all sorts of beverages...

She drank a glass of iced water and smiled towards Alastair. It was such a delicious meal that she filled her plate for a second time. And with the view they had, she felt she did not want to leave the place so soon.

"Oh...so you are able you fly without any support like the late dark lord?" Melody was not really asking. "There are a few wizard and witches who are able to do that, it is a very rare ability...well, okay...let's go…"

"Are you feeling well?" Reign asked kindly, looking into her eyes, when they were up in the air.

"Yes…but...I feel rather odd about this..." She chuckled. "I mean we are not really flying but floating straight forward....it is like literary walking in the air…almost…" She giggled, finding their way of traveling amusing and interesting. She looked down, enjoying the view of everything that had grown so small in size from her view. This is the first time I witness such kind of magical ability, floating upward and forward…I have never heard about it in the wizarding world...it must be from the exotic place he comes from...a very exotic place...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"What do you think?" He asked her, still holding the mirror in front of him. "Is it as you imagined it?" He smiled.

Luna shrugged her shoulders calmly, suppressing her urge to look far more enthusiastic, and instead sounding impartial. "Usually, the loose strands of hair add to the charm; having it one length would be a bit dull. Do you dislike it?" she asked, hoping that he wished to wear it that way more often. A voice and face that show an impartial opinion. If he dislikes it, I will be contented with the memory of this moment and my imagination. If he is fond of the look, then hopefully he will wear it more often. I cannot force my opinion onto him; it would be the same as Elias showing great pleasure in my wearing red, like at the party in France. How I dislike that colour! However, if he loved it, I would have to suffer silently.

"I mean we are not really flying, but floating straight forward...it is like literally walking in the air...almost..." She giggled.

"We could walk instead, however, this is more efficient. Please prepare yourself." he said gently, as they started to float a bit lower.

It felt more like the ground was nearing them as they remained where they were, rather than the other way around. And just as they had reached their height quickly in the beginning, they were back on the ground in an instant, having landed gently and gracefully. Now, he let go of her hand and reached inside one of the folds of his kimono to hand her a scroll. It was the same sort he had written her invitation on, except that this one did not come inside of a case. On it was a list of her favorite things to do in the area, in order of the shortest to longest time to complete each activity.

While she read it he observed the sky and the grass; they had landed in a field not far from the town, but still far enough so that no strangers observed their landing. Within less than ten minutes of walking, they would be in the middle of the town. "Which would you like to do first?" he asked after she had read it through.

Alastair ate four plates, enjoying everything to its fullest.

"This excellence was from Reign's garden." Alastair explained, gesturing to their now empty plates. "No matter how hard I try, I know that Earth's finest food could never come close to Hell's perfection." he eyed Aislynn with an adoring look in his eyes. "Only the finest for you." he smiled warmly, as the plates began stacking themselves. They vanished the moment they had formed a single, tall pile which had nearly reached the candles floating above them. "We can remain here as long as you so desire-" he looked outside, his eyes relaxing at the view "-or even rest here until morning." Whatever she desires. Whatever she needs. Whatever makes her happy.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Dislike it? No, why? On the contrary, I like it…I am just too lazy sometimes that I have never thought of tying my hair so elegantly," Elias confessed with a laugh.

"What colors do you favor to wear? Besides green and black..." He asked and finished his tea. "Would you like another drink by the way?"

Melody took the scroll with a confusing look. Her eyes widened in surprise when she read it through.

"Well...we will take a walk...in the town...window shopping and then walk down to the port and the beach and enjoy the view of the sea..." She literary read from the scroll, trying to resonate that it was visible on her what she liked to do. ...if I am that easily to read...like and open book....Merlin...I am feeling so uncomfortable about it...I'd like to ask him how he know about all my favorite things...but I will consult with Mary Jane first..

"Oh…" Aislinn blushed. ...and that's must explain the delicate taste and why I devoured three plates... She thought for herself.

"We can remain here as long as you so desire-" Alastair looked outside, his eyes relaxing at the view "-or even rest here until morning."

"Uhm...may I?" She gave him an odd look, wondering how she should phrase her request without sounding ridiculous. " May we sit in front of the scenery and I rest my head on your lap?" She felt stupid when she heard herself speaking and frowned. "Eh..." She shrugged and blushed at the same time, wondering if he had understood what she had meant.