Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"No, I don't play any musical instrument at all. I prefer someone playing for me so I can dance."

Ah...How boring...A girl so charming that she isn't capable of doing anything other than discussing her own preferences. She likes to have things done for her, but does nothing at all to deserve such...Ah, I really must calm down. It is such a miracle that Elias isn't at all like his sister, from what I have seen. Alastair thought. He became more and more uncomfortable as Lily chattered about all the music that Alastair despised. Luna was annoyed as well; she would much rather suffer through Alastair's screamy music for hours rather than bear a two-hour concert with Lily.

"-Have you ever heard about the Wizarding rock band, the Pirates?"

"Yes, I have." Alastair replied, a pleasant smile on his face as if he adored their music. They should burn in the pits of Hell. He thought. I've heard too much of them. Why must young men and women have such ghastly tastes in music?

Why are those monstrous things called songs to begin with? Luna thought. And is Lily even capable of hearing anything? I understand that people have different opinions, but how can someone related to him be so in love with something so terrible? She remembered the music that Elias usually played when they were together, so grateful that he had completely different tastes.

"...They played at Sassy Serpents Nightclub in Knockturn Alley about five months ago...I missed their performance because I was invited to a gala."

"What a shame." Alastair replied sympathetically.

"...Anyway, Arianna Grande is coming to London next month, I have already booked tickets with my friends, have you heard her song Dangerous Woman, it is so far one of my favorite-"

Alastair was about to reply that 'One Last Time' was his favorite song of hers when he was overwhelmed with gratitude for Elias's interruption.

"Ehm Lily," Elias interrupted. "Is the concert going to take place in the Wizarding area in London?" He was trying to change the subject.

I don't even care that that was a useless question. I want him to say that we are permitted to leave! Alastair thought, becoming frustrated with Lily. But I cannot say that we have to, because I made the largest mistake possible by assuring Lily that our schedule was clear. There is no 'important thing' that we must attend to that can save us from this girl. Has she lost her head?

"No, Arianna Grande is a Muggle artist-"

"When did you manage to book tickets?, Muggles can be quite crazy about concerts in London..."

"It was during the study visit for the Muggle studies class we made with professor Rowle-"

"Who is going with you to the concert?"

"Clarry and Pegah. I only managed to get three tickets because it was almost fully booked-"

"Well, you're lucky enough to get tickets to yourself and your friends," Elias smiled, his expression full of relief that he was not invited to an annoying pop music concert. "So what kind of musical instrument do you play, Alastair?"

Alastair turned at Elias with a very grateful look in his eyes, then responded modestly "I am able to play the violin. And the triangle." he added in a more humorous tone.

Luna appreciated his humor, even as this visit seemed to stretch on for hours. Anyone can play the triangle. She smiled.

"Mr. and Ms. Shadowwalker..." Alastair began elegantly, "...I am so grateful that you regaled us on this most memorable visit. I wish to share many more delightful days with you in the future. Until next weekend." he stood from his seat, and Luna followed his example, hoping that it would work.

"It was an honour." Luna said, nodding as if she agreed whole-heartedly with Alastair's words.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"It was such an honor indeed," Elias stood at the same time as Alastair and Luna did. "I cannot thank you enough for your visit. We will see you both next Sunday..." He followed them to the door.

"Eh...already so soon?" Lily burst out and jumped from her chair and followed them out from the dining room. "By the way, Alastair, you mentioned that you have carriage that could take us to that theater, which hour and where shall we meet? Shall we say that we meet at Luna's place at one o’clock?"

Elias' face turned red of shame, feeling embarrassed by his sister's sudden outburst. …Merlin....she is already aware that we have a family carriage that we could use and our parents will be home a couple of days before Sunday the coming week...sigh..

"Goodnight, I wish you pleasant night" He said after they had agreed on which time and where they would meet next Sunday and shook hands with Alastair and then kissed Luna's hand.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"It was such an honor indeed," Elias stood at the same time as Alastair and Luna did. "I cannot thank you enough for your visit. We will see you both next Sunday..." He followed them to the door.

I'm so relieved. Alastair thought, refraining from releasing the breath he had been holding in a large sigh. I just hope that Lily won't complain and talk her brother into-

"Eh...already so soon?" Lily burst out and jumped from her chair and followed them out from the dining room. "By the way, Alastair, you mentioned that you have carriage that could take us to that theater, which hour and where shall we meet? Shall we say that we meet at Luna's place at one o'clock?"

"I see we are on a first name basis, now? I am honored." Alastair smiled genuinely to Lily before replying to her question. "My sister's manor is a fine meeting place, although I would prefer three o'clock as the time. " Didn't your parents teach you any manners at all? Calling me by my first name after we have just met today? At least I was decent enough to address you as Ms. Shadowwalker. Alastair thought in disapproval.

"Goodnight, I wish you pleasant night" Elias said after they had agreed on which time and where they would meet next Sunday and shook hands with Alastair and then kissed Luna's hand.

"A pleasant night to you as well." Alastair replied, giving Elias a subtle and brief meaningful look while they shook hands. The look meant 'thank you for assisting us in leaving the manor and not allowing Lily to extend our visit any further'. "And a pleasant night to you, Ms. Shadowwalker." he turned addressed Lily.

Luna smiled warmly to Elias when he kissed her hand, wishing to embrace him or kiss his cheek, but remembering that Lily and Alastair were also present. "Goodnight, Elias." The look she gave him had a subtle hint of what she had truly wanted to do, but her reasons were obvious. "Goodnight, Lily." she said, giving her a warm smile before turning to leave with Alastair.

"Nothing was wrong with the ring." Crystal said.

"Nothing was wrong with the ring?" Rosaleya repeated, overjoyed.

"Nothing was wrong with the ring." Crystal repeated for the fifth time.

"Nothing was wrong with the ring?" Rosaleya repeated absent-mindedly, distracted by her joy and clearly daydreaming about something.

"Are we going to do this all night?" Crystal asked jokingly.

"Hmm?" Rosaleya seemed to return to the present time, taking the ring from Crystal's outstretched hand. "Oh, thank you so much for having it examined." She looked at it from every angle, admiring it before trying it on her left hand, then every finger on her right hand, with the exception of her thumbs and pinkie fingers. "Hmm...Which finger would you wear a ring on?" she asked, looking up at Crystal.

"I don't know...I can't think about it. If you give me a ring, then I'll just put it on normally; sometimes I forget how to do something until I'm actually doing it, and then my hands seem to know what to do. It's like that with the dresses; I can't explain how I make them." Crystal replied, taking the ring from Rosaleya and putting it on. "Well, I guess I like wearing it on my ring finger on my left hand."

Rosaleya tried that when Crystal gave the ring back, and nodded. "Utena Tenjou wears her ring that way, on her left hand."

"Who is that again? Their names all sound similar." Crystal said apologetically.

"Utena Tenjou is the protagonist with a ring like this, that was inspired by the 'Prince'." Rosaleya replied, with a somewhat disappointed tone. "Goodnight."

"Wait, why are you going to bed so early?" Crystal asked. "Will you even be able to fall asleep at this hour?"

"Yes, I will. I'm going to go to bed early every night until the first day of Hogwarts, so that the time goes by faster. Goodnight."

"...so, it is really nothing to worry about. Do you have any other questions for my, dearest?" Alastair asked patiently.

"I was just worried about those things that Lily said, but I feel better after you explained. Tell me, how can you be 'bad at planning' like she said? That is my final and most puzzling question, because you have never been a poor planner in my eyes. Everything you've ever done has-"

"-I didn't use my head when courting Ms. Monroe." Alastair replied quickly. There was a remorseful look in his eyes that Luna hadn't seen in his eyes in a long time.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, then Luna asked "Why did you take it so far with Aislynn?"

"I do not wish to share that with you."

"I understand. After all, we agree a long time ago on 'saying nothing' rather than lying. I will respect your privacy." Luna replied, turning away. "I'm going to bathe, so you should leave the room."

"Of course." Alastair stood as well, gently closing Luna's bedroom door on his way out.

"So then, what did you do all morning?" Crystal asked curiously as Rosaleya came down the stairs to start her shift.

"I studied some more. I want to be one of the top students, so I've been reviewing all of the most important stuff I've learned." Rosaleya replied. "I'll take over here for now." she sat on the chair behind the checkout counter.

"Thanks." Crystal smiled, walking away to work on another custom down upstairs.

Rosaleya studied in between helping customers, and she would pause her reading every now and then to admire her ring and ponder what sort of 'prince' she would love the most. She hoped that her 'prince' would turn out to be someone similar to her ideal 'prince'.

Eventually, afternoon turned into evening, and Leigh came by to take over for the night shift.

"I just have one more thing for you to do today." he said kindly.

"What?" Rosaleya asked curiously.

"That customer over there-" Leigh pointed to a man that was wearing an unusual white mask , a black floor-length cloak that concealed his clothing underneath, a top hat, and dark brown hair that reached to just past his shoulders "-that has been here since the morning "He's just been staring at the accessories, and he has rejected my offer, as well as Crystal's offer earlier to help him. Perhaps you could give it a try?" he said encouragingly.

"Oh. Okay. I don't know why I didn't notice him earlier." Rosaleya said, getting up and walking over to approach him. Maybe I was just too busy with my studying. She thought.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Why there are no knife and fork?!" Cooky!"

"Lily, please..."

The house elf entered the dining room, but his master ordered him kindly to leave.

"My dear, you are supposed to use these chopsticks to eat sushi-"

"Why?"

"It is a Japanese dish. Their dishes can only be eaten with the use of chopsticks. I will show you how, it is quite easy..."

"But who has decided that I must use these stupid sticks to eat food. I can use fork and knife if I want! Cooky!"

Once again the house elf entered the dining room with such a hurry upon hearing his mistress nearly yelling.

"Bring me normal cutlery. A knife and a fork! Now!"

"As you wish, mistress," The house elf bowed for Lily and hurried to the kitchen to bring a knife and a fork.

Elias sighed inwardly, feeling both annoyed and relieved. He was feeling annoyed because his sister was narrow-minded when it came to understand and accept other cultures. And he was feeling relieved that Luna and Alastair were not present.

"Well, you have soy sauce and wasabi to dip sushi bites with and also pickled gingers to eat along with the dish..." Elias explained. He had ordered all kinds of sushi for his sister to try out. "My favorite one is salmon sushi…" He used chopsticks to elegantly put the sushi on her plate. He almost cringed when she cut the sushi bite, using her fork and knife. He cringed even more when she stabbed the sushi bite with her fork. She tried the first half with soy sauce and the second half of the bite with a little bit of wasabi. Elias had warned her that it was very spicy and hot, so she took as little as possible since she despised too spicy and hot food.

Lily chewed every bite with a frown. It was hard to tell from her expression if she liked sushi or not. When she had finished, she tried a piece of pickled ginger. She had the same weird frown as she chewed it.

"Do you want to try the-" Elias began with a smile.

"No thank you!" Lily interrupted with a disgusted face, not letting him finish his words. "The rise is so sour and sweet, and the salmon is so slimy. And the pickled ginger did not taste any better. Such a horrible dish!"

"Well...do not worry, I will have it all for myself. Would you like some pizza instead?"

"No thank you! I had pizza yesterday, I rather want hamburger with fries. And I want a real hamburger, not those fake from that muggle restaurant...eeh I forgot its name, anyway…"

"Got it! I shall order it from a wizarding restaurant. I will be back within ten minutes..."

Vincent folded the pinky dusty colored parchment and placed it back in its envelope after he had read the letter three times.

…How did she manage to send this…? He thought confused.

He watched the sun leave the horizon before he entered the cottage where his parents and grandmother were gathered, waiting until it became dark outdoors before they went out.

"I need to leave and get home," He announced.

"What do you mean?" His father asked. "This is the first week of our vacation and we have planned to remain here for a month. Why such an urgent change of mind of yours?"

"Is it…?" His mother's eyes fell on the envelope that he was holding in his hand. He noticed where she was looking, and he immediately hid the envelope within his cloak. "Does she wish to see you?"

"No....Adela is fine, she has not asked me to leave Transylvania or come to see her. There is nothing in the letter that proves that she knows I am here..."

"Then," His grandmother spoke with such an authority. “...if you please, you remain here during the reminder of the vacation. Have you no manners? Leaving all of sudden?! If the girl has managed to send you a letter here, then you can use the same bat to deliver her a response."

Vincent clenched his fists but did not argue with his grandmother. Instead he took the piece of parchment, quill and bottle with blood which she handed him.

"Mhmm....this is what I call for real food...oh my, this is so good...I wish that I could have hamburgers and fries every day!" Lily sighed and took large sip of ice-cold water before she took another bite of her burger. She picked up three fries with her fork and dipped them in ketchup.

"I am glad that everything is to your liking," Elias smiled and refrained from rolling his eyes at his sister's comment. ...You say that every time....you wish that you can have your favorite food every day....but whenever I ask you the next day what you like to eat, you prefer something different from what you ate the previous day...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Hello," Rosaleya began, putting on a helpful and happy smile for the customer.

The man didn't seem to hear her, and kept staring at the accessories. Silence passed between them for a full minute, and then Rosaleya couldn't take it any more.

"I really like your mask!" she said honestly, not speaking loudly, but rather energetically. "Combined with the top hat, you remind me of Kagetane Hiruko from Black Bullet. Did you do that on purpose, or does it sound like I'm speaking a different language?" she had a hopeful look in her eyes as she awaited a reply. I wonder if he is dressed that way under his cloak, making the costume complete...

Rosaleya waited another minute, before realizing something; the man was wearing headphones. They were discreet, and wireless, but she could tell what they were after taking a careful look at them. She laughed for a moment, realizing that he probably hadn't heard Crystal or Leigh's offers for help. After gently tapping him on the shoulder, he took one earpiece out and turned to face her, still silent.

"May I help you with something?" Rosaleya asked, struggling not to let her smile turn into more laughter.

"I like masks." the man replied, turning back to the accessories; there were only two masks, and they weren't very exciting in Rosaleya's opinion. His voice didn't sound like an older man like Rosaleya had expected; he sounded younger, closer to her age.

His voice sounds so smooth and handsome! Not at all what I expected! He sounds so charming! It immediately makes me so unbearably curious as to what he looks like under the mask! I'm imagining someone so handsome...Oh, I have to focus! "We have some more masks in the back, but they're mixed in with a ton of the other boxes; some items never come in one box and it can take time to sort them out. I'm going to sort through them tomorrow morning, so if you come back in the afternoon they'll be on display, I promise." she finished seriously, in a way that told him that she wasn't lying, and would try her best at the task. I hope that Dad won't get angry with me for letting him leave without helping him. I just can't go through all of those boxes this evening! Besides, I doubt that this customer wants to wait two hours when he could just as easily come back tomorrow.

The man tipped his hat to her, put his earpiece back in, and turned to leave. He seemed to pause halfway between Rosaleya and the door, and turned back to her. He lowered his gaze to her hand, and Rosaleya looked down at it quickly, thinking that perhaps there was a spider or another sort of bug on it. She carefully examined her hand, looking back at him when she saw that there was nothing there except for her ring.

But the man had already left somehow, without making a sound.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Tap...tap...tap...

Adela turned around in her sleep, her eyes closed. She had been trying to get some sleep every night since she had visited Vincent's great aunt. However, she had been sleeping unevenly, waking up and falling asleep several times during the nights.

tap...tap...tap...

She opened her eyes, slightly annoyed by the tapping sound and wondered where it came from. She remained in her bed, wide awake. She wondered if it perhaps was a dream after all.

...tap...tap...tap...

She sat up in her bed and fumbled for her wand.

"Lumos..."

..tap...tap...tap...

She hurried to the window and opened it. Something black fluttered quickly inside and dropped something at her feet on the floor. She did not have time to see what the fluttering thing was, because it was gone within the matter of seconds, fluttering out of the window, vanishing in the darkness of the night.

Adela closed the window and lowered her wand. A small creamy colored envelope was laying on the floor. ...did I just get an owl…? ...but that was not an owl...but something black that fluttered so fast... She thought confused. She bent down and picked up the envelope. She walked over to her desk and lit all her candles. In the dim light of the candles, she discovered that the letter was addressed to her, though something seemed off with the ink that had been used to write her name.

...it is dark...yet not black...it looks like...Merlin's beard...it looks like dried blood... She dropped the envelope on her desk, feeling sick when she realized that the person who had sent her the envelope had used blood instead for ink. ...If it is a doing by my brothers...I... She gathered courage and picked up the envelope and ripped it open, finding a folded yellowish colored parchment.

…oh...

Her heart skipped several beats when she read the content and the sender's name. She did not care anymore if the entire letter was written in blood.

...Three more weeks...just three more weeks...and I will see him... She smiled.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

The next day, Rosaleya tried her best to collect all of the masks and have them on proper display. She had just finished when the man from the other night entered, wearing the same things. He tipped his hat to her upon seeing her, and she gestured to the masks on display as if to say 'I told you I promised'.

He nodded, and stepped past her to look at them closely. He carefully examined each one while Rosaleya watched curiously. She didn't speak to him, for she saw that he was wearing his ear pieces again. He seemed to move smoothly to whatever music he was listening to; Rosaleya imagined it to be classical music for his movements were slow, carefully planned, and graceful. There was something otherworldly about him that she couldn't place; an enchanting aura that made her wonder if it was just her imagination.

He had chosen two masks, before turning to Rosaleya. "Which one looks the most interesting to you?" he pointed to the display.

Rosaleya walked closer to the display and handed him the mask that she thought was the most mysterious and interesting. This one had caught her eye when she had found it in its box, and she immediately found herself wondering what sort of story would accompany such a mask.

He took it, uttered a gentle word of thanks, then approached the cash register where Crystal was sitting.

"He can't hear you because he has his ear pieces in. He's listening to music." Rosaleya explained. "That's why he 'ignored' you and Dad yesterday; he just didn't hear you."

"Oh. Thanks for the warning." Crystal replied, writing a note to the customer informing him of his total, with the twenty percent discount on masks today. She also told him that they would have new masks on the sixth of August, also with a twenty percent discount, if he wanted more masks.

After reading the note, he paid what was due while Crystal carefully put his masks in a bag. Afterward he tipped his hat to Crystal, then again to Rosaleya.

When he had his hand on the door, Rosaleya tapped him gently on the shoulder. He let go of the door to remove one of his earpieces, turning his head in her direction. "Yes?" he asked calmly.

If I don't ask him now, he might not come back for the next sale on masks. I really want to know- "What is your name?"

"What name do you like for a man?" the man replied.

Rosaleya was silent for a moment, guessing that if she answered his question than he would answer hers. "I like the name Edmund Dantes."

"Then my name is Edmund Dantes." the man replied. It sounded as if he was smiling, but it didn't sound like he was being sarcastic.

"But-" Rosaleya tried to say, but he put his earpiece in and opened the door.

"I'm going out; I'll be back soon!" she called to Crystal, who nodded, the look in her eyes showing that she understood what she was going to do.

Rosaleya left the store as well, turning her head this way and that, her heart racing. Soon enough she sighed in disappointment; he was nowhere to be found. But he was right there! There's no way; in the time it took me to tell Crystal that one thing, he is already gone?! Oh wait; he probably apparated or something...Fudge!

On Wednesday, Celeste stood in the same meeting place as their previous date, with a portal ready. Dante stood in an alert and threatening position beside her in his tiger form, warning passers-by not to approach them.

Celeste greeted August with an elegant curtsy, while Dante bowed his head to him in respect. "I was pondering an amusement park for today's date. Do you have any objections?" she asked with a smile. "Keep in mind that you are not allowed to turn down my suggestion unless you have one of your own." she jested.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Good day, my lady," August greeted Celeste when he arrived at the meeting place in Knockturn Alley. "Good day, Dante," He also greeted the tiger as if he was greeting a normal human being.

"I was pondering an amusement park for today's date. Do you have any objections?" she asked with a smile.

"No, why?" He smiled, wondering why on earth she wanted to go to an amusement park. ...Perhaps...she still....perhaps she is in her early twenties...and still enjoys carousels...I have not asked her about her age...I hope that she won't feel that I am too old with my twenty seven years...I really want to ask her about her age, but not right now when she suggested to go to an amusement park...she might misunderstand my intention with asking...I shall ask another time…or use the question in a response to her, if she ever asks me first...

"Keep in mind that you are not allowed to turn down my suggestion unless you have one of your own." she jested.

"Of course, " He assured her with a laugh. "Well, if you desire to go to an amusement park today, we shall," He smiled.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Celeste returned his smile, happy that he didn't find it too childish. One man flat-out refused to go. He was so closed-minded, thinking that they were only for children and foolish young people.

The portal opened to an unused indoor stage with dim lighting. Since they had just been out in the sunlight, it took a moment for their eyes to adjust, during which Celeste was explaining. "When I was younger, I thought that I had to stay away from amusement parks because they were meant for children. Even though I really loved them, I didn't want to appear childish and immature in my Master's presence. But Master taught me that that isn't true, and my brother and I have frequented them ever since. Are you one of those people that get sick on roller-coasters or Ferris Wheels?" she asked, leading them outside into the amusement park now that they could see where they were going.

It was a lovely day, not too hot, and only the employees and a few teenagers were scattered about the park.

"We came on a weekday, so it's not too crowded. As long as we leave by three-thirty, when people start to get here, we'll be fine. I don't like long lines." she said as she took off her cloak for the first time in his presence. She folded it in half repeatedly, and each time it became smaller until it resembled a handkerchief, then placed it in her pocket. She was wearing casual Chinese attire and slippers.

"It's twelve o' three. Which ride would you like to try first?" she asked, looking around at all the rides and wondering which one he would choose. "We'll take turns choosing them." she added before he had replied. She had an excited look in her eyes, although her voice remained calm; she was happy to be there with him.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"To be honest, I have never been to an amusement park before..." August replied. ...I have heard of them...I still remember before I went to Hogwarts, our neighborhoods used to talk about going to the amusement park, enjoying rides...

"We came on a weekday, so it's not too crowded. As long as we leave by three-thirty, when people start to get here, we'll be fine. I don't like long lines." Celeste said as she took off her cloak for the first time in his presence.

August nearly dropped his jaw. He could not take away his eyes from her and was confused that she chose to take of her cloak now all of sudden. What more surprised him was her attire. He has not seen that kind of attire before. He tried not to stare and forced himself to look away. ...What an odd attire? What am I supposed to tell her? That she is beautiful or that her attire is lovely? She has a lovely face and appearance, but I don't understand her attire...

"It's twelve o' three. Which ride would you like to try first?" she asked, looking around at all the rides and wondering which one he would choose. "We'll take turns choosing them." she added before he had replied. She had an excited look in her eyes, although her voice remained calm; she was happy to be there with him.

"Well, what about the Ferris wheel?" He suggested tentatively, smiling.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"That is a good place to start." Celeste agreed with a warm smile, offering her hand to him so that they could hold hands on the way there. "Have you been to London's Eye before?" she asked as they walked. That might be why he suggested the Ferris Wheel; because he has been to London's eye and he liked it so he knows that he likes Ferris Wheels. But I'm just being imaginative; I know that that might not be the case. I do hope that he enjoys this date just as much as I will. She thought, reaching into her pocket to show their day passes to the employee operating the Ferris Wheel. He nodded and gestured that they could pass. The day passes were much cheaper than paying for each ride individually. Celeste thought. She put the day passes back in her pocket before entering the Ferris Wheel compartment. Since there was no one else queuing up for the ride, the employee started it for them.

Once they were high enough, she looked out of the compartment, carefully surveying the park to decide which ride she would choose for her turn. She decided quickly, choosing a mildly exciting roller coaster. She planned to choose a more exciting one on her next turn once August had gotten comfortable with the mild one. It was then that she realized she was still holding August's hand. She let go with a surprised expression; it was evident that she hadn't been conscious of it.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"No I have not been to London's eye, but I have seen that Ferris wheel from a distance..." August replied.

...Now I understand why she holds hand with me...and now she is holding my hand during this ride...I have no doubts that she might be in her early twenties...perhaps no more than eighteen or nineteen... August thought with a smile. ...such a sweet innocence yet she can be so dark...such a charming young lady...

He smiled slyly and charmingly when Celeste suddenly let go of his hand with a surprised expression. She had been holding his hand even when they had entered the compartment and taken their seats and then reached high enough to get a view of the entire park.

He reached out for her hand and hold it in his both. He did not spoke a word but kept his sly and charming smile. His expression said everything. If she enjoyed holding hands during the ride, he would not mind holding her hand.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I like that smile. I also like a man who is straightforward instead of shy." Celeste smiled softly.

Dante was lying on the ground near the ride, in a shady area. He had been carefully studying August's reaction when Celeste had removed her cloak, and hadn't stopped staring at him until he had entered the Ferris Wheel compartment.

When they left the Ferris Wheel together, still holding hands, he resumed his staring at August.

"So, it's my turn now." Dante heard Celeste saying. He didn't like the combination of the excited look in her eyes and August's sly smile, although he kept following them calmly as she led him to a mildly exciting roller coaster. "I like these-" Celeste said as she flashed their day passes at the employee. "-although not as much as flying."

The employee assumed that she meant flying on an aeroplane, and found himself wishing that his wife was as beautiful as Celeste. "Enjoy the ride." he said as warmly as he could without sounding strange.

Celeste ignored him, having eyes only for August, and the employee found himself feeling jealous of him.

"What did you think?" Celeste asked August when the ride was over. She stood up as soon as the safety bar was raised, and they left the ride together; she had been holding his hand throughout the whole ride, and still was now. "I chose a mild one so that you could get used to the fast movements of these rides. But the next time, you won't be so lucky." she teased.

"Well, what is your next choice?" she asked, trying to guess which one he would choose. The carousel. I bet that he will choose the carousel. Hmm...what shall I choose after his choice? She thought. Dante was following discreetly behind them, staring at Celeste's hand held in August's with narrowed eyes.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Hmm..." August smiled. "I like a lady with such a sweet innocence of yours with the combination of the dark side..."

"So, it's my turn now." Celeste said when they had left the Ferris wheel and lead him to a mildly exciting roller coaster. "I like these-" Celeste said as she flashed their day passes at the employee. "-although not as much as flying."

"Really? And I who was thinking that we were going to try out all the rides here," August laughed, clearly being very confident about that none of the rides would make him feel sick at all.

He did not notice that the employee suddenly got interested in Celeste and mainly ignored him because it was in his nature to be arrogant.

"What did you think?" Celeste asked August when the ride was over.

"It was interesting..." August laughed. "Different from a Ferris wheel..."

She stood up as soon as the safety bar was raised, and they left the ride together; she had been holding his hand throughout the whole ride, and still was now. "I chose a mild one so that you could get used to the fast movements of these rides. But the next time, you won't be so lucky." she teased.

"Oh, so we will be flying the next time, won't we?" He teased back.

"Well, what is your next choice?"

"The carousel," He suggested.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Yes! I guessed right! Celeste thought slyly. "Sure." she replied.

After flashing their day passes to the employee, Celeste selected a type that resembled a bench so that they could sit next to each other. She seemed to enjoy the ride with a distant look in her eyes, as if she was recalling a pleasant memory she had once had on a carousel.

Afterward, she led him to a much larger, longer roller-coaster that had a lot of ups and downs and also went upside down at three points.

"Prepare yourself." she said gravely, holding his hand a bit tighter as the safety bar was lowered. "It was nice knowing you, while you were alive." she teased, smirking as the ride started by climbing up a steep hill of tracks; they would soon be soaring downward and spiraling upside down during their descent.

Dante assumed that August would keep up his brave front, to the bitter end.

"Are you still alive?" she teased when the ride was over and the safety bar had been raised.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I am always prepared," August replied with a smile, finding it amusing that Celeste teased him for a silly ride. ...Whatever, this ride is nothing...compared to flying on a real broom... He thought nonchalantly.

August lost all his senses and nearly lost his breath during the ride, not knowing when he was upside down or right side. He did not like the fact that he had no control over the ride. He could literally have been riding a broom controlled by his enemy.

"Are you still alive?" she teased when the ride was over, and the safety bar had been raised.

"I guess I am fine, " He laughed, but felt his stomach revolting so hard for a mere second. …Bloody hell! I feel like I am going throw up anytime soon...

He took a deep breath before he stood up. The sudden protest in his stomach was gone within a few seconds and to his surprise he could walk steadily. This encouraged him to choose another crazy ride in the park.

"Well, I guess it is my turn, isn't it?" He smirked. "I choose the tower...." He gestured towards a different kind of ride from the roller coasters.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Celeste stood up nonchalantly as if they had just finished another round on the carousel. She had a wild, thrilled look in her eyes, having deeply enjoyed it.

"Well, I guess it is my turn, isn't it?" He smirked. "I choose the tower...."

"Smirking after a ride like that, then suggesting another?" she laughed softly in admiration, taking his hand and happily leading the way. She was walking a bit faster than before in her excitement, but only Dante noticed her increased pace. He found himself wondering if Celeste would exhaust August to the point of sickness. He knew that she had a lot of energy when she was in a good mood, and she was often in a good mood.

This one will give me another chance to survey the park from a high point and make my next choice! She thought as the safety bar was lowered for The Tower.

The employee gave August a sympathetic look as he started the ride; she had seen them ride the roller coaster, and now this ride, and she had also seen the amount of energy that Celeste had left. Being a woman that hated 'crazy' rides, she found herself worrying about him, considering that there were still other 'crazy' rides that they hadn't tried yet.

Celeste seemed to calmly survey the park during the ride, clearly more interested in deciding what they would do next. This type of ride didn't excite her at all.

"This ride always seems to annoy me..." she said boredly after the ride was over and the safety bar was raised. "....right when it feels as though something interesting is going to happen, it's like the ride changes its mind and goes in a different direction. Like an indecisive person." she laughed softly, before switching to a more serious tone. "Do you need a break, or can you go onto the next one?" She herself had relaxed during the last ride and was now ready to go onto another exciting ride.

Celeste smiled happily, and led him to her next choice: the Pendulum Ride .

"Are you certain?" she asked seriously. She didn't want him to get sick.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"…Well these rides are nothing compared to broom flying..." August said in a very low tone and chuckled.

He did not even glance the slightest at the employee who gave him a sympathetic look because he never cared about receiving sympathy from strangers, and in particular from muggles.

"This ride always seems to annoy me..." Celeste said bored after the ride was over and the safety bar was raised. "...right when it feels as though something interesting is going to happen, it's like the ride changes its mind and goes in a different direction. Like an indecisive person." she laughed softly, before switching to a more serious tone. "Do you need a break, or can you go onto the next one?"

"I am fine, go ahead and surprise me with your choice of ride," He smiled. He had a worried feeling in his stomach during the ride, because he was pushed down the ride by such a force, however since he had not turned upside down at all, he was not feeling dizzy or sick at all when the ride was over.

Celeste smiled happily and lead him to her next choice: The Pendulum Ride.

"Are you certain?" she asked seriously.

"Of course, I am," He smirked. He had a very confident look in his eyes and still holding her hand, he walked firmly towards the entrance of the ride where he stopped. "Unless if you need a break?"

He would only take a break if she desired and waited for her answer.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Of course I am," He smirked. He had a very confident look in his eyes and still holding her hand, he walked firmly towards the entrance of the ride where he stopped. "Unless if you need a break?"

Celeste laughed in response, taking his last sentence for a joke. She found herself deeply admiring his confidence, and the way that he had taken the lead to the next ride.

After that ride was over, the wild and excited look in her eyes had returned. "Your next choice?" she asked as the safety bar was raised, biting her lip in excitement. I'm having so much fun, and there isn't a negative thought in my mind at this moment! It's so nice...I love this feeling.

Celeste planned to choose the boats next.

 

[Hikari Chan]

When the ride was over, much to August's relief, he remained sitting even when the safety bar was raised. He did not quite hear Celeste speaking, asking about his next choice.

The revolting feeling came back in his stomach and he swallowed hard to avoid throwing up. The feeling in his stomach vanished within a few seconds, but he was to dizzy to stand up. He knew he had to leave the ride, but he was impotent to stand up because of his dizziness.

"Celeste...I... I am sorry..." He spoke after a few seconds. "I am feeling very dizzy at the moment..." He stood up while holding the safety bar with his right hand to support himself. He placed his other hand at his forehead, massaging it softly as if he was trying to get rid of hid dizziness.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Oh..." Celeste said, her eyes widening in concern as she remembered that August was still a human, and that he had never experienced these rides before. "We will take a break for as long as you need to." she said calmly, putting a hand on his shoulder. Not as if she was pitying him, but as if to remind him that she was there for him.

She briefly shared a look with Dante as she was deciding what to do, and at the same time the male employee operating the ride rushed over to assist August. Celeste turned to him and addressed him in a very direct, calm voice "Stay where you are" and the man obeyed.

Then, she nodded to herself, as if confirming something. "Nova?" she said out loud "I summon you." she whispered so that August couldn't hear her.

"Your wish is my command." Nova replied with a smile, walking up to her. Everyone, including August, would remember that Nova had been in line waiting to ride the Pendulum next.

"Please help me get him to a shady area somewhere. I'll get him some cold water."

"Of course." Nova nodded before August could speak, picking him up and jumping softly to the resting area nearby. It was a collection of benches on a grassy area, shaded by multiple trees. He put him down in a sitting position, then lay down on the grass with his hands behind his head and his elbows pointed outward. Dante arrived a second later, lying down next to him on the grass.

When Celeste returned with three cold bottled waters, she opened one bottle and handed it to August before turning to Nova. "Did you clean the Muggles' memories of the spectacle we made?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Thank you for your help." she said gratefully, sitting next to August.

"You are most welcome."

"This is one of my comrades, named Nova. He was at the Summer Feast." Celeste explained for August.

"Hello August." Nova said, as if to say that he already knew who August was and didn't need an introduction from Celeste. He remained lying lazily on the grass.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"A pleasure to meet you Nova," August replied, not remembering that he ever met this certain Nova at the summer feast. He was feeling to dizzy to remember if Celeste had told him anything about her comrades at the feast.

He drank half of the bottle and enjoyed the feeling of the cold water running down his throat. That feeling was very calming and relaxing. He soon become more aware of his surroundings. Before he had been to dizzy to even notice what happened as soon as he stood up from the ride. He could not recall how he had been brought to the resting area because it had happened so quickly as if he had only taken one step from the ride.

...so, it is my turn to choose a ride now, isn't it...? He thought as he surveyed the rides in the distant. He felt a bit bad because he had suddenly become so dizzy of the last ride and disrupted the fun for Celeste. ...but the tower did not make dizzy at all....it was this annoying spinning pendulum ride...I felt as if my head and guts were spinning around...Merlin's beard... He finished his water and remembered a certain a ride he had seen somewhere in the park.

...I think I saw those giant teacups somewhere, that ride must be close....hopefully they will be relaxing...

"Thank you for the water, Celeste," August smiled softly and put his hand atop of hers, not caring if Dante or Nova were present. "It was very refreshing, and I feel better now. My head is clear, and the world is not spinning around for me anymore," he laughed. "Shall we try out the giant teacups?" He suggested.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"We won't try any more rides today." Celeste smiled in return, standing up. "We'll leave the park; it's been two hours, which is more than enough." she wasn't asking, but insisting that they leave the park afterward for obvious reasons. "Do you have an appetite?" she asked.

"I would love to visit The Garden again with you."

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Alright..." August smiled, feeling relieved that they won't try any other rides and that they would leave the park. "Where would you love to eat?"

"I would love to visit The Garden again with you."

"Alright," He stood up and waited for Celeste to summon the enchanted door that would take them to their next destination, which was The Garden. In other circumstances he would not have minded using portkey, floo powder or apparition, but after the last crazy ride he was feeling too sick to try any of the former methods of traveling. He knew he will need to apparate when they return to Knockturn Alley later, however he believed that he will feel much better by then. He totally ignored the worried feeling in his stomach at the moment and thought that he was just feeling to hungry.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Alright," August said, standing up.

Nova stood from his place as well. "Goodbye." he said, addressing everyone at once with a pleasant smile. "Goodbye." Celeste replied, returning his smile before returning her attention to the door.

Dante let out a low, benevolent growl as a goodbye to Nova.

As Celeste opened the door, Nova walked off in the direction of the ride that had caused August's discomfort. Dante's gaze followed Nova for a second before he followed Celeste through the portal. It appeared near the Garden's entrance, so they didn't have to do much walking.

"Welcome. Your table has been reserved ahead of time." one of the waitresses led them to the same table they had occupied last time.

Celeste thanked the waitress once they had been seated, using a formal tone. Dante had separated from them, walking off to a different part of the restaurant.

Once the waitress had returned with cold glasses of water and menus, Celeste discreetly put a vial of neon green liquid in August's hand.

"If you want your meal to stay in your stomach, I strongly advise you to take this." Celeste said firmly, before drinking one herself. Not that I need it, but Asmodeus once said that it is better to be careful in the present time to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.

Meanwhile, Dante rejoined them, sitting on his hind legs near Celeste's chair.