Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Alright, Stephan, this is your last chance!" Athena smiled. "You can do it, you just have to focus." She gave him a thumbs up. More than her smile, it was the confident look in her eyes which said 'I believe in you' that comforted him. Even when I'm trying to be independent, I have to use an imaginary version of her to calm down? Am I being pathetic or what? Stephan took a deep breath with a smile, then exhaled slowly. "When I'm embarrassed, I laugh. It's actually, believe me when I tell you this, much better if you make fun of yourself...a bit. Pretend that you're a spectator watching yourself mess up. The ladies I've charmed in my past all enjoyed our time more when I was less harsh on myself." Asmodeus replied. "Apologizing for everything is actually a huge turnoff for women. Unless you've hurt someone, it's not necessary. No, it's not cheating to use their help, in reality or in my mind. "Medicines will help." Asmodeus said. "Thank you, miss." Stephan smiled earnestly. "I was acting so silly during the first dance." He chuckled. The look in his eyes changed now from robotic and determined to confident and chill. His dance was so smooth that he impressed himself. Hey, I'm doing good! This is great! He didn't allow himself to worry that he might mess up the next two, three, four or five steps. He actually started enjoying the dance, and his face held a radiance that increased his charm. He almost stopped wondering if Rosaleya and Soren had shared their first kiss yet, or if Soren's arm rested closer to Rosaleya's shoulders or lower back as they waltzed, pushing those thoughts further into the back of his mind.

When Soren switched with me during the tango...I was supposed to be dancing with Stephan...Athena watched Stephan begin a second dance with Lily. ...Why hasn't she turned him down, yet? I felt for sure she would turn his nose at him...what- She caught a glimpse of Stephan's face, noticing the happy glow that only seemed to show itself when he was in her presence. -oh, she thinks he's cute. That must be it. I hope she's not trying to prank him by playing with his feelings or anything. That would be really...messed up. He's doing an amazing job adjusting to dancing with a new person. She tried to give him a supportive thumbs-up when he turned her way again, but his focus was on Lily, so he didn't notice.

...It's highly unlikely that I will grow weary by midnight, but in order to ensure that my lady is nowhere near the festivities, I will inform her that demons don't require the host to remain present until an event's conclusion, and yawn a few times to cement my fatigue. That way I won't have to lie to her, I will just hint at it...Alastair thought as they danced. ...my one job tonight is to escort her back home with plenty of time to spare before the next event's inception. Although I am the host for the dancing event, the torture event is hosted by...

"Tell me about your most recent paintings." Malice said.

"Celeste painted a lovely one, of a two headed dragon," Dante began fondly "with one head devouring the other while crying tears of pain; the one being eaten is wearing a blank expression. The underlying theme is...why don't you guess?"

"A double sided personality, one is toxic, harming the other, more innocent personality which wants to do good but cannot because-" Malice began in a poetic, heartfelt tone.

Ah, you're so wonderful to converse with...You and Asmodeus truly deserve each other...I can see why you work so well together. You're a joy to be around. Dante thought as he listened to her answer.

"...so it won't ever truly be forgiven, but maybe the other head understands-your rhythm is a bit off...point five seconds." Malice said, noticing that Dante's eyes suddenly stopped following hers and turned to Celeste's instead. "Would you stop fantasizing about killing him?"

"How-" My face says nothing!

"-Your blood-lust aura is so thick it could suffocate him."

Asmodeus...you taught her to read auras too well.

That, and your brow furrows a certain way when you think about him, or even look his way. "Have you two been arguing more frequently as of late?"

"Nnn-ye..." Dante trailed off, then his lips tightened. "It's not even about that sentient garbage...I..." he inhaled sharply, turning away as if he was about to sneeze, then yawned instead. I've been...feeling lonely again. "I know she enjoys her time alone, but I've been stealing it from her." Whenever she gets a new boyfriend I feel even more lonely. I can't help it, it feels like it's choking me.

"You can always-" Malice was about to offer her own company as an alternative.

"-breakfast at the morgue isn't my idea of a pleasantry!" Dante snapped, letting go of her hands mid-dance.

"-I don't do that every morning." Malice replied calmly, making to take hold of his hands again. He didn't fight her, allowing her to continue dancing with him, and falling into step without comment. After five seconds of silence, she continued talking, seeing that he didn't want to speak. "I can read you stories that you like...we can paint together...we can select missions together, father gave me permission, finally, to go on missions without..."she trailed off, knowing that mentioning Alastair's name would further irritate Dante "...I have to decorate my Christmas tree soon, and I have to prepare my crossword puzzles. I want to do that with father and Rosaleya as well, so you're welcome to joi-"

"-that's not necessary." Dante snapped again, pulling his hands away quickly as if he'd been electrically shocked, then left the dance floor definitively this time. Always with the outsiders...He thought about Rosaleya. ...that girl...her personality is so fickle I can't even keep track of it. How many personalities does she have inside her head?! Why can't it be just a lovely time with Asmodeus, sister, Malice, Reign, Damien, Nova and I? Why must we entertain fools amongst us? And why can't things go back to the way they were? He recalled his fondest memories of the them all spending time together, or most of them visiting fun places in the Human Realm. Spending whole days together, and then sleeping at either one of our houses wasn't a rarity. Then we'd wake up together and do fun things again. But whenever she meets someone...A balance scale with one heart on each side stood on a kitchen counter. Labels declared one side for him, and the other side for Celeste's boyfriend. His side had a smaller heart, and her boyfriend's side had one that almost weighed its pan down to the counter supporting it. Or maybe...? On her boyfriend's side, the heart's weight increased abruptly. The pan hit the counter with a deafening bang. The velocity caused his heart to fly off the scale, landing in a nearby meat grinder that instantly turned on, grinding the heart into paste thick paste. He found his hand gripping his accelerating heart; his costume's armor had prevented his nails from piercing his skin, and he accidentally bumped into a demon lady he was trying to pass to return to his table.

"Please say sorry, at least." The demon lady, dressed as Megara, smiled gently.

"I'm sorry." Dante apologized through gritted teeth. His head turned away from her on its own, his eyes fixing on the moving carvings on the walls.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She offered kindly, noticing his irritation.

"No."

"It's better to speak with a friend on these matters. Oh dear, why are you so intent on looking away?"

Dante was surprised to hear the lady use Nova's voice so suddenly, so he turned to her at once and once Nova began laughing he realized it had been a prank. He joined him in his laughter.

"Gotcha! Come on, let's talk." Nova smiled, getting a firm grip on Dante's hand and leading him back to his table. "Malice told me you were acting rude again. Naughty child." When they returned to the table, he slapped Dante on the back of his head, not too hard, just enough to equal his disrespect to Malice. "Say it."

"...I'm sorry Malice." Dante apologized.

Malice crossed her legs, staring at him with an unreadable expression.

"Okay, I'm really sorry." Dante's tone changed; he had calmed down again.

Malice didn't allow her face to tell him if she forgave him or not.

"She's had to fight me for free time to compose her music and paint." Dante hid his face in his hands. "Disgusting. She shouldn't have to."

"Oh, and I thought I was one of your favorite friends." Nova said quietly to himself. I have to hear about it afterwards, always. He never visits me when he gets into this mood. "She shouldn't have to." Nova agreed.

"She shouldn't have to." Dante agreed. "I know she feels guilty if I make that face, so I've started overusing it."

"You should hang out with me; you'll be so tired you won't have time to even say hello to her; you'll be dreaming before your head even hits the pillow." He promised. "And talk to Asmodeus. He's helped me recently." Nova assured.

Stephan noticed Rosaleya and Soren swirl past, and for a millisecond he worried he might become distracted again. But he focused on Lily, and everything continued smoothly. At the conclusion of their dance, he felt his heart beating quickly and his cheeks slightly flushed. "I cannot thank you enough for the second chance." He held his hand to his heart, wishing he could calm it with a single touch, as he bowed his head to her. "May I ask you to dance again later tonight?" His eyes informed her that he wished for a break for a few dances. I can take a break, and if she didn't hate it, maybe we can dance again? I'll have time to dance with demon girls in Hell...but tonight...

"Nova's sitting down again!" Jade informed as the dance ended.

"I'll be back with you in a minute...I just remembered I wanted to talk with Nova about something." Rosaleya said.

Soren smiled, and nodded. I don't mind her leaving once if it's something that's truly bothering her. He pictured dancing with her until the next event started.

As soon as Rosaleya was out of earshot, Athena tapped Soren on the shoulder. "Hi. Let's dance."

Soren turned around, and replied. "Until she returns."

"Of course." Athena replied as if it was obvious.

At the start of the third waltz piece, Reign stood and offered his hand to Melody with an elegant posture.

"You wanted to know why she didn't love you 100%, right?"

"Yes." Soren immediately offered her his hand.

"Turns out-" Athena took his hand, and they began dancing to the second waltz song. "-she has Yandere versions of Christmas songs that she plays even when it's not Christmas, and files with the lyrics, and when it is Christmas she loops a playlist of them. Any anime with even a minor Yandere character or a psycho is marked as 'completed' on her list...oh, and she's listened to every Japanese or English song with lyrics about Yandere or psycho characters, including Vocaloid songs. Does that help you?" She shrugged as if it was obvious what his reaction should be. "And if you really want more, she writes a review for every character she likes, which includes a pros and cons list if she were to theoretically date them...Oh, and-"

"-How exactly did you come by this information?" Soren asked. She wouldn't tell Athena all of that, would she?

What's with those suspicious eyes? "She'd already made a wish to make going through the history, files, or pictures impossible to anyone else..." She smiled innocently. "...but she didn't think of preventing them from being accessed remotely. I just wished to have all that on paper-"

"-I didn't ever mean for you to disrespect her privacy like that." Soren halted their dance immediately with a disapproving look in his eyes.

"Hmm...sure." Athena rolled her eyes as Soren led them off the dance floor. "Then why didn't you bar it when you asked me for help? You didn't forget, you just didn't want to suggest it yourself." She held up her hand, holding one finger up for every reason to why he shouldn't admonish her right now. "You didn't invade her privacy. Even if you told her what I did, she wouldn't be angry. I can confess right now to prove it, and she won't ever know that you asked me to find out." She waved her three fingers in his face, then crossed her arms confidently. "It's not like knowing what she really wants from you is such a crime, right? Are we going to use this info to hurt her?"

"That's not-"

"-Are we going to use this to blackmail her?"

"No,-"

"-You want to make her as happy as possible when you're together." Athena shrugged. 'This conversation is unnecessary.' her expression said.

"..." Soren looked away, opened his mouth, but ended up sighing instead. He tightened his lips, and remained silent, his gaze fixed on the nearest cauldron, which was emitting golden sparkly smoke.

Athena laughed through her nose. Of course he wants to know what else I found. She continued.

Meanwhile, Nova requested a hug from Rosaleya once the demons only event began in exchange for her wish. "I'll use the same table I have here, so give me no warning, and just hug me."

"I agree to your terms." Rosaleya nodded. I don't get why he wants me to hug him at a certain time, though. Is the event stressful for him?

"Then...it's a deal." Nova assured, handing her paper back.

She replaced it in her pocket.

"...and don't you remember her reaction to the younger you eating all weird? She loves weird things." Athena assured. I won't tell him about the pictures I found...there was nothing inappropriate in there, but I think she should tell him about those when she's ready. I was surprised to find that she took so many of him, I really didn't see her as that type of person. "She even wrote a pros and cons list for each Yandere type, marking her favorites with her own stamp of approval. She hates the type that will ruin their love's relationships so that they'll be the only thing they can rely on. She also hates the controlling type; a little note I remember was 'like Dad' under that one. And..."

Athena had nearly finished covering Rosaleya's opinion on the other Yandere types when Soren suddenly noticed Rosaleya conversing with an older demon lady at the opposite end of the room. His eyebrows shot up when he noticed the lady had a firm grip on Rosaleya's wrist as she whispered to her. She's emitting an extremely disgusting aura...it's sickening...something like the joy one would get from intimidation...and it's mixed with pride...but Rosaleya's is...bored? Even through all her makeup, he noticed who the lady was. How did one of The Five enter here?! Did the king not notice her? Did he invite her? Or did she somehow enter without being seen? Or perhaps...He went through all the scenarios in his head as he swiftly made his way to Rosaleya. ...because there is no way that he would let number two enter willingly! Unless...she blackmailed him?! Or the law has changed? He could see that Rosaleya was meeting the lady's disgusting smirk with a threatening glare. Her aura just changed-she's nervous even though her face isn't revealing anything! Fear as well? She's so brave to still be glaring like that...whatever that lady is threatening her with...don't worry, my Yin, I will be right there! I wonder what Rosaleya is afraid of? She's so brave...by the woman's posture, it's something in her pocket that she's using to scare her.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Yeah sure," Lily nodded with a smile, feeling very satisfied that the second dance had gone much smoother and better than the first one. "Thank you for this dance!" She bowed on her head.

...he must have been nervous during the first dance with me because of my presence. We have not tried to get to know each other since the first time we met during that meeting with my brother at Hogwarts. Dancing worked as an ice breaker indeed hehehe...oh! Miss Taylor is dancing...but she does not look that satisfied...hehe serves her right...Lily thought as she happily walked over to Persephone to ask her for a dance.

"Sure, though on one condition," Persephone smirked. She neared Lily so that she enclosed the distance between them and put her arm around her shoulders. They were almost of the same height, Persephone was just a couple of inches taller than Lily. The former one titled on her head and whispered into the ear of the latter, without looking away from the crowd. "...Do you see the guest with the skull head and black suit?"

"Yes, what about him?"

"You have to ask him for a dance..."

"Who is he?" Lily shook of Persephone's arm and stepped away. She eyed her former professor suspiciously.

"I will tell you after you have shared a dance with him...and I will also dance with you of course. Do we have a deal?" ...It's funny to test how smart this girl is...if she is a genius she would already know who he is...even if she has no expectation of him coming to this party since she knows he refused to get a costume that day we went on a shopping tour...if she has no idea who he is...then she must be so dense hehe...

Lily remained quiet for a moment, seemingly frustrated over why Persephone was treating her that way. ...She would not refuse a dance with me...has she drunk to the extent that she is finding it fun to tease me tonight... She looked momentarily at Persephone who took a sip of her drink which suspiciously looked like red wine.

...Well...well... "Alright...deal!"

...this party is just a waste of time...I regret coming here...should I just try to sneak out of-

"May I have the honor to dance with you, mister?"

Flynn nearly jumped of surprise and was about to drop his butterbeer, but took a hold of his glass at the last minute. His heart was beating like crazy because Lily's sudden approach had scared him.

...why is she asking me for a dance? ...she could not have recognized me, could she? He thought, glancing suspiciously at Lily who looked at him with innocent and pleading eyes. ...no, she clearly does not know who I am, otherwise, she would not have looked so innocent. She would probably have an ulterior motive if she knew who I was...I guess my costume must be attractive, Merlin's Beard...oh well, I will just humor her then...it would be fun to see her expression after I reveal my identity...

Melody took Reign's hand without any hesitation. Because she found it tedious to carry a fan around with her, she left it on the table. Mary Jane, who was keeping an eye on her friend the entire time, noticed what Melody did, but she was to slow to react. All of sudden she realized that Melody had left her fan on the table. It was already too late to do anything because Melody was already occupied with dancing.

Eugenie, who was getting bored because of sharing a second dance with the same guest, pondered about how she would excuse herself in the middle of the dance. Her partner was not horrible. On the contrary, he was a young fine-looking wizard from the Ministry of Magic. However, she had no interest in any other man than Mr. Pyrites. Earlier, when Lily was dancing with Stephan, Eugenie had begged miss Pyrites to tell her who her brother was among the guests, but miss Pyrites had only smirked and hinted her that she should occupy herself with dance and try to switch dance partners with Lily. If Miss Taylor managed to switch dance partners with Lily, miss Pyrites would reveal her brother to her. When Eugenie noticed Lily swirl past her, dancing with a guest with a strange-looking costume, she decided to give it a try.

"The Minister's daughter is quite popular, isn't she?" Eugenie began carefully.

"Uh...oh...eh..."

She noticed how her dance partner started to stammer and blush slightly.

"Do you admire her?"

He remained silent, averting his eyes.

...Well...I should take his silence as a yes... "I will help you get closer to her. Before this dance is over and another piece of music starts to play, let's dance closer to her and you will have to muster up your courage and knock on her partner's shoulder, then ask him if we could switch, please."

...Merlin's beard...why does he want to switch partners? Did miss Taylor recognize me and urged her dance partner to switch? Or is it my costume that attracted her attention? Hmm...well one dance with her won't do any harm, as long as I do not reveal myself to her...

Eugenie could almost not believe that luck was on her side tonight. Everything was going according to her desires and she could not wait until the dance was over to find out where Mr. Pyrites was among the guests.

Lily rolled her eyes and could not understand what Eugenie was looking excited for. ...It's just a dance that will end soon. She probably fell in love with a weird looking costume pft... Lily snorted to suppress her laugh. ...Well, I shall just return to miss Pyrites now when I have completed her request...

"Excuse me," She ignored the hand that reached out to her for a dance, and walked away, leaving the young wizard baffled. She did not care about sharing a dance with him after she had seen the cheesy look in his eyes. She had not planned to find a suitor at the Halloween Party, but just to have fun with her friends.

She returned to Persephone who gave her a thumb up for her courage for completing the request.

"We'll dance when the next piece of music will start," Persephone smiled.

"So...who is he? That mysterious man with a skull head...hehe..." Lily could not hold her curiosity any longer.

"Well...did you not find out? haha..." A teasing smirk played on Persephone's lips.

"No...was I supposed to? He was mute, he never spoke a word..." Lily was about to lose her patience and could not understand why her former professor was teasing her so much.

"You have danced with him before at the Summer Feast, yet you could not recognize his eloquent moves in a waltz. Merlin's beard, you are so dense!" Persephone laughed.

"...I have danced with him before...?" Lily spoke slowly, recalling the events of Summer Feast. ...Merlin's beard... She clenched her fits when she realized whom she had danced with a moment ago. "You?!" She gritted her teeth.

"Yes?" Persephone was still laughing. "You enjoyed it, didn't you? hehe...You were even disappointed when you had to switch partners that you ditched the other young man. I saw everything that happened."

"I was not disappointed," Lily retorted. "I was just happy that it was over and the reason that I left the other man was because of-"

"Excuse me!" Eugenie cut in and glanced annoyingly at Lily, giving her the look that told that she wished that Lily could leave her alone with Persephone.

Lily ignored her as usual and remained where she stood. She refused to leave just because of Eugenie's appearance. ...She is so rude, cutting me mid-sentence and wanting me to leave...

"Well, that was quick, wasn't it?" Persephone smiled. "You could have shared another dance with the skull head. It is such a pity that he is gone now and I cannot see him anywhere. What a bummer!" She laughed.

"I do not care about him. I only choose to dance to complete your request. So, please, tell me where your brother is!" Eugenie pleaded.

"You just danced with him!" Lily blurted out and burst out in laughter.

"What?!" Eugenie looked confused, her eyes wandering from Lily to Persephone in bewilderment. The latter one only nodded as response and smiled.

It took a couple of minutes until Eugenie realized what had happened earlier. She let out a howl, making the nearest guests turn around and glancing oddly at her.
"How dare you dance with my man! How dare you touch him with your filthy hands!" She nearly spat as she roared at Lily who was shaking of laughter. Both their faces were red. The former one was red of anger while the latter one was red of amusement.

"Your man?" Lily smirked slyly. "What do you even know about him? Have you ever seen him without his eyepatch-"

"Miss Shadowwalker!" Persephone put a hand on her shoulder, signaling her that she should keep silent. "That's enough!" There was a warning tone in her voice and a cold look in her eyes. ...I did not clear Lily's memory that other day, trusting her that she would keep my brother's eye condition secret. And I know she won't reveal his secret to anyone. Not even to miss Taylor. She is just making use of it to make her jealous...but one wrong word can reveal the secret...
"If you want to win a man's heart, you should behave," Persephone spoke, not making it clear if she directed her words specifically to Eugenie or to Lily.

...pft...I would win for sure if I ever competed with miss Taylor...I am just making it easier for her to win since I have no interest in Mr. Pyrites. I just hope he will fall in love with another girl than her...

Eugenie glared at Lily with a murderous look in her eyes. The right corner of Lily's mouth trembled slightly. She gulped hard as she swallowed another fit of laughter and dragged Persephone to the dance floor as a reminder of the promised dance.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

“I want to speak to you for a minute.” A beautiful demon lady dressed as a geisha smiled mysteriously.

“I’m not interested in speaking with you.” Rosaleya replied politely, turning away.

"I just want a minute.” The lady insisted, grabbing hold of Rosaleya’s wrist “And you want that picture that your extension took of Soren in the dormitory shower to stay a secret, right?”

"Such a perfect picture!" Jade smiled.

“No idea-” Rosaleya denied with a bored expression, trying to pull her hand away “-what you’re-“

“-Don’t even try. I know that you use it often in the girl’s bathrooms at the end of the night to-well, you wouldn’t want him to find out, would you?“ The lady spoke quickly with a smirk.

"Deny deny deny. She has no proof. And just who does she think she is?" Jade rolled his eyes, bending the lady's thumb so Rosaleya could wrench her hand free. "Snap!" He twisted it so that it broke with an audible crack.

"Don't touch me again." Rosaleya said coldly, making to walk away again as the lady growled in pain, clutching her broken thumb with her other hand to heal it. Blackmail! What a _. Even if I don't admit to anything, it's wrong for her to try to force me to do anything by threatening me. If it's not Dad, then I don't have to listen to anyone threaten me, ever. Well, I'm working on the Dad problem...gradually...

"Sweet line!" Jade clapped.

The lady grabbed Rosaleya's shoulder with her healed hand, gripping it firmly while reaching into her pocket with her free hand. "I will slip a scolopendra into your 'armor' if you try to leave again." Her confident tone hadn't changed.

"I'll take care of it before she even gets the chance!" Jade flexed his muscles with a cheery smile, making to break the lady's arm this time.

The thought of a scolopendra in my clothing makes me sick. "You probably don't even have one." Rosaleya replied.

"Here." The lady pulled it out, holding it directly in front of Rosaleya's face before Jade had the chance to act.

"I'll protect you!" Jade slapped it away, burning it with a quick spell, but he was unable to touch the lady. His fingers stopped an inch away from her at any angle.

Rosaleya realized she was reduced to moving in slow-motion, and their surroundings had suddenly been replaced with pitch-black nothingness.

"You're going to speak to me, or else you won't leave this place." The lady smirked, holding the pictures Rosaleya had taken of Soren up as proof.

"OOooooooooooooooooh, scAry!" Jade laughed.

"Then I'll stay here." Rosaleya was happy that her mouth could move at regular speed. She smiled defiantly.

The lady's face darkened. "Don't you know about the list of The Five? You should be shaking right now because I'm number two!"

Jade shook his hips, using his mouth like a trumpet for a salsa song. "Dun DUN dun dun dun dun dun dun da-dun! Also, she said 'I'm number two' with a serious face! That's a great opportunity you're missing for a _ joke!"

Rosaleya didn't answer, and stopped listening as the lady went on. It's funny to see her get irritated when I'm not giving her what she wants. She's one of The Five, huh? How is she number two if she doesn't even look that scary? Hmm, I wonder why I'm not scared right now, though, 'cause she could still be a scary person without looking scary. I'm in a strange place with a stranger who's more powerful than me to the point of affecting my extension, but I'm having a hard time taking her seriously. I know no one's, well, probably that no one's coming to save me, but...it's like she's a little kid having a temper tantrum...Oh, and I was supposed to be thinking of a way to escape or something. I don't want to miss the torture party...

"...of course, there’s nothing wrong with a nude picture with the steam hiding his _, but have you considered that he might imagine more pictures, perhaps less appropriate ones, that you might’ve been keeping from him as well after these are revealed? Can't you imagine him losing trust in you despite an understanding front? Oh, what about that picture you have of him sleeping nude at home? Even with the sheets doing the censoring, that’s pretty bad. I know that you had your extension follow him home, you little perv-“

...Oops! I actually stopped listening to her. What was she saying just now? Meh, it doesn't really matter, I guess. Why do I feel so bored right now? I was feeling something like that sick feeling in my stomach whenever I get scared when she showed me the scolopendra, but now... "-The blackmail stuff was a bad segway into whatever you want from me. I'm so curious now though, what do you want? Maybe I can just give it to you?" Rosaleya shrugged in slow motion. And this feeling of indifference is even more weird!

Jade laughed when the lady's face grew red with anger.

"You weren't even listening were you?!" She furrowed her brow.

"You weren't even listening were you?!" Jade mimicked her with a voice that was too shrill to even resemble hers.

Rosaleya couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm going to expose your secrets to your boyfriend if you don't answer my questions!" Valerie gritted her teeth.

Rosaleya rolled her eyes in slow motion. "Could you just tell me what you want already?"

Valerie pursed her lips. "I want to prove to you that your boyfriend won't love you if-"

Rosaleya felt the hilt of a sword being placed gently in her hand, and she gripped it tightly as she heard Soren's voice in her head, "Her attempts at causing chaos between us are futile, for our love is much too strong to be weakened by someone like her.”

"-you reveal the-" Valerie continued, only to be interrupted by her own death.

"Oh my gosh that was so cool I really cut someone in half for real!" Rosaleya laughed as the blood seeped into the flooring. In a split-second, the body hit the ground with a soft thud and their surroundings returned to normal. "Wow..." Everything had a surreal effect, so she had a hard time believing any of what just happened was real.

"Ding dong, the wicked witch is dead!" Jade sang.

"Was this demon bothering you?” Soren asked with a sly smile, taking his bloodied sword from her hands and wiping it down with a cloth before sheathing it.

"She's gone where the goblins go beLOW, below below..." Jade continued singing as they conversed.

"Oh, cool! You really just did that?" Rosaleya looked from the sword to the lady's corpse with raised eyebrows to confirm it before smiling. "I don't know what just happened. How did you hand it to me in that place? What did she-do you know what just happened?" She looked around, noticing that no one was reacting to the corpse, and received a thumbs-up from Crystal, who appeared to have seen nothing. After returning it, she turned back to Soren with hopeful eyes.

"She is number 2 of The Five demons." Soren replied, embracing her. "I don't know her purpose for appearing here tonight, but she's known for using her illusion magic to overwhelm her victims with crippling fear." She's so brave she didn't even hesitate to... "How did you know to kill her? I didn't even say anything."

"Something told me to." Rosaleya shrugged. "So, I wasn't feeling fear, just bored, because her magic didn't work on me very well?" She asked herself, and nodded slowly a moment later, feeling that it was an accurate explanation. "Cool!"

Soren explained that number two hadn't used her real body, but a fake that she was controlling instead, like a robot made out of synthetic flesh and bone, so Rosaleya hadn't really killed anyone. "Her powers work long distance." He surmised.

"Oh, okay. She wanted me to tell you about something. Apparently, you'll lose trust in me if I tell you." Better tell him now before my indifference wears off. It's a really weird feeling, and it's still here even after her 'robot' is 'dead'...but I feel like it's going to go away soon, so I might as well use it for something useful.

"Impossible." Soren promised with a smile.

"...Dun, dun, dun, dun dun....As mayor of the Munchkin City, in the county of the land of Oz, I welcome you most regally..." Jade continued in a funny voice.

Rosaleya took a deep breath. "I took some pictures of you, nothing revealing, everything's censored, so that I could admire them and admittedly use them to-"

"-stop." Soren held up his hand, and Rosaleya caught herself in the middle of her next word. "You too pictures of me, without my permission?"

"Yes." Rosaleya nodded, looking at the floor and with a hand to her stomach. And all at once, my stomach feels sick again. I'm a huge pervert, aren't I. It was wrong. He's going to be disgusted with me and never talk to me again. How could I have these thoughts about my perfect, innocent bishie? I was too selfish. I couldn't be satisfied with my dreams, I just had to see him in _ positions when I was awake, too, didn't I? Selfish selfish selfish! "...'Yin?' he laughed through his nose, with a look of pure repulsion and disgust. "You're not 'Yin' to me anymore. I'm disgusted I even called you that." He tilted his head backwards a bit and looked down at her. "Get out of my sight you disgusting _." Rosaleya's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry I got carried away! Please-" she tried to grab his wrist. "-don't touch me!" Soren growled coldly, wrenching his hand away. "I..." Rosaleya stared in shock as Soren walked away forever, then collapsed in a fit of tears. Athena came to comfort her, asking what had happened, and after hearing the explanation, she removed her hand from Rosaleya's shoulder as if she was carrying a deadly disease. "Ew. Jeez, I never saw that coming. You're frickin' gross. Don't even talk to me anymore." Athena walked away as well.

"...undeniably, and reliably dead." Jade took a deep breath.

"And you were looking at them all the time? Maybe multiple times a day, and integrating images into lewd daydreams, or actual dreams?" Meaning that she was thinking about me while awake and asleep, even when we weren't together?

"Yes." My extension doesn't regret it...inside, I know I don't regret it as much as I should, but for him to still be celebrating my fake kill instead of even pretending to care about this conversation is pretty cold, right? Why am I being like this?

"May I see them?" Soren asked.

His expression is curious...he doesn't believe me? Or he thinks they must not be that bad because he underestimates how much of a pervert I am. "I don't have them with me right now, but I can show them to you later...or-"

"And she's not only merely dead, she's really most sincerely dead! Dun dun dun dun dun DUN dun dun!" Jade sang, handing the camera to Rosaleya. "I had it on hand; I've taken a few pictures of tonight's outfit already." He explained seriously.

"Here." Rosaleya handed it to Soren without looking into his eyes.

"Meet my eyes." Soren said. He calmly viewed them all with a calm expression.

Rosaleya didn't notice, but the right corner of his mouth was subtly curving upwards. Once she had met his eyes, it became too difficult to look away, because she knew it would be even more difficult to meet them again after looking away. "I'm sorry. I'm... so sorry." Rosaleya said.

Soren handed the camera back to her. "Was that all of them?"

Rosaleya nodded. I imagined him smashing the camera in anger. She handed it to Jade, who had just finished the song, with her eyes still on Soren.

Soren embraced Rosaleya.

Rosaleya's eyes widened. Is he going to do that hug-thing that Dad does when he's angry and squish me? I'm so confused about his reaction.

"You're lying. You're not sorry." Soren said softly.

Come on, self! You're not even sorry? What's wrong with me? Rosaleya thought, her hand moving to slap herself.

"And-" Soren caught her hand firmly yet gently and embraced her a bit tighter. "-I'm not angry with you. I'm honored that you would dedicate that much time to thinking about me, even dreaming about me. I'm touched at the level of care you've put into each picture, picking the best angles and getting the timing perfect for censoring. I don't mind if you keep them, and take more whenever you want...just let me know when you do, okay?...I'll even take some for you." He breathed.

He sounds so frickin' Yandere right now I can't tell if he's messing with me or not!

Jade used his sleeve to wipe a bit of blood from his nose.

"I haven't been able to stop thinking about you, either." Soren continued. "My power lets me take pictures of whatever I can picture in my mind,"

"That's awesome!" Rosaleya replied.

"so I used it to get hot pictures of you because I didn't want to invade your privacy. I've been dreaming about you non-stop, too. But I did do something else I'm not too proud of." He gently disclosed the mission he had entrusted to Athena and detailed the information she'd returned with. "I didn't tell her not to search through your items on purpose...her words were true. So...we're equal now..." He held her at arm's length to see her expression. "...aren't we?" He asked hopefully.

He's asking me to forgive him? "You're really not angry?" It's a joke, right? He's actually trying to mess with me before leaving me in disgust?

"You're not?"

"No." They both replied at the same time.

"I won't kill every man you glance at," Soren smiled. "and I won't ruin every relationship you have so that you only look at me. I won't watch you 17/7 [with 7 hours of sleep], and I won't kidnap you, either. But I do want to collect some things that remind me of you, kill together on Shiki Agency missions, reveal a bit of my jealousy when you don't spend enough time with me, hug you all the time, collect thousands of pictures of you, cook for you and taste your cooking, reread the journal I'm keeping of all your likes and dislikes, and go through every item on your 'Grownup List' together..." He held both her hands in his and kissed them once without breaking eye contact. "And now that there are no more secrets between us, it feels a bit better, right?" He let his lips rest on her hands while awaiting her reply.

"Yes." Rosaleya nodded. It feels so much better than when Dad kissed my hands. Also, YANDERE LOVE CONFESSION!!!

Jade wiped more blood from his nose.

"Can we keep dancing when I come back from the bathroom?" Rosaleya asked.

Soren smiled warmly.

In the bathroom stall, Rosaleya took a few deep breaths. What I did was wrong. And what Athena did...I don't like that, either. But Soren said...we're equal now. An eye for an eye, a butt for a butt.

"That's not the real quote." Jade informed softly. "You just watched too much GTO."

So we can just move on, I guess. Dad always used to go through my things...that's why I hate it. Strangely enough, I'm not embarrassed about what Soren and Athena found...I'm just angry that she did that...but I have no right to be angry after what I did. Move on. Move on move on move on. "Move on move on move oooon." She whispered quietly, inventing her own tune. "Hmm hmm hmm." She used her knuckles to knock quietly on the stall door. "Move on move on move on...you've got a Yandere now...He's just the right type..."

"You okay?" Crystal asked from the bathroom entrance.

"Yes." Rosaleya replied, opening her stall then approaching the nearest sink. Oops, I accidentally knocked a bit too loud those last few times.

"Can we take a short break?" Claudia asked as they finished another dance.

"Not yet, please." Easton briefly kissed Claudia on the lips, and somehow it turned into a more passionate kiss.

Rosaleya saw this, and looked away.

"Does it make you jealous?" The Masked Man asked, matching her pace as she walked back to Soren.

"No." Rosaleya replied, speeding up. I'm not stressing about it because I have Soren. It's easy to want what Claudia and Easton have, but I've already got that, so I'm not jealous. And now that we've shared our secrets...I love Soren even more. I'm so happy that he gave me the best Yandere love confession ever-

"-Recorded it!-" Jade proudly held up the camera with a smirk, then wiped a bit of blood from under his nose.

-and now I know for sure he's comfortable with my perv side...Asmodeus was right...it's normal for my age, and Soren did understand! He said it's more so for boys than for girls, but girls still have those feelings. It's in our nature. Besides, we both have strong will power, so it's not like we're going to do anything crazy and get carried away. No way! I want my kid to have the perfect parents, and that means we have to be able to work together, get through day to day troubles together, and laugh together, too, and never, ever fight like Mom and Dad did. I should've believed Asmodeus's advice from the beginning. If I had told Soren about this a while ago it wouldn't have bothered me. But why did it secretly bother me so much if I didn't even feel that bad about it? Well, it was kind of uneven...sometimes I would feel really bad about it, but most of the time I wouldn't really feel that bad at all. Oh my gosh, Soren's PERFECT! She thought as she embraced him the moment she was in hugging range.

"Hi." Athena said to Stephan as he left Nova's table; his break from dancing was over. "You wanted to try going it alone the whole night, but you can extend your break a few more minutes, right? After all, I did promise to tell you about my past love and the current one that finally helped me move on 100% today, right?"

"Yes!" Stephan replied with an excited glimmer in his eyes.

"Do you wanna dance, once-" she promised "and hear about it?" She offered her hand to him in an invitation to dance.

Soren took her hand, and they began their dance. No matter what, it's the easiest to dance with Nova and Athena.

" The person I assaulted with a kiss, and kept pestering...the person I had to move on from...it was Rosaleya. It was so stupid, I know." She forced a laugh to try to relieve some of her embarrassment, but it didn't work. "It was wrong." She shook her head. "Especially in Hell, well, even if the punishment for breaking that law wasn't death, it would still be wrong. Demon kids are taught really young that it's wrong and why, and the ones that still have those thoughts are sent to hear special lectures and counseling. Prince Asmodeus helped me out with that; he was great. Homosexuality in books is legal, and as long as there's a blunt line between fiction and reality in the reader's mind, no one treats the writer weird. The only restriction when it comes to non-fiction is that the homosexual characters can't get a happy ending unless the book is going to be sold in the 'fiction' section. And homosexuality is just cause for the death penalty. I never thought those laws were annoying growing up, but I never thought I'd have those feelings, either. "Anyway, the whole process took less than six months. He helped me define that blurred line between 'friends' and 'lovers', and I moved on. Rosaleya didn't get angry, I'm so grateful that she even let me stay as her friend. When I look back, of course, I'm really ashamed of what I did, and that's all that matters now, right? I was confused and I took a wrong guess at what best way to prove my love was. I love her as my best friend, and that's that."

"You wouldn't ever do anything like that again..." Stephan half asked, half stated. I was doing stupid things while I was in love with Rosaleya, too, so I guess it's not too bad that she did those things...it's good that she moved on, though, because I don't think I could still like her as a best friend if she was still...thinking those things were okay.

"Never." Athena tried to show him her determination with her eyes. "Never." She tried repeating it more boldly.

"And who was...the person you fell in love with after that?" He asked.

Athena remained quiet for a few seconds with a distant look in his eyes. Should I tell him now? When she focused her eyes on him a few seconds later, she realized his attention was no longer hers; he was staring at Lily Shadowwalker, clearly imagining dancing with her again.

"I'm going to get another drink." Athena smiled, just as their dance ended.

"Okay." Stephan said absent-mindedly, making his way to where Lily was laughing heartily.

He's more distracted than I would like him to be while I reveal that last part. Athena thought, summoning a butterbeer and downing half of it in one go.

"Miss Shadowwalker...would you honor me with another dance?" He smiled happily, offering her his hand. My confidence feels amazing...I can't wait to dance with her again. Dancing with her is like drinking a new flavor of tea from Reign's garden...of course, I have my favorites, but a new one always interests me. Maybe...this new flavor...can become one of my favorites? He pictured Athena as a spicy ginger tea, and Nova as a fruity mixed berry tea...since milk could, to his knowledge, be paired with most teas, he would be milk in this scenario...for now, Rosaleya can be a really bitter black tea that can be sweetened with the right ingredients...the sugar can be 'time'...and maybe Lily can be my cinnamon tea? Anyway, I have to ask her if we can spend time together tomorrow, for lunch or breakfast...I can wish for a good meal for us...and...after that, I'll ask if we can spend more time together the next day...and then after a few times, I'll ask if we can spend every day together, one meal a day that she can pick...

Would he even blink...when I tell him I'm in love with him? Athena thought, watching him speak to Lily with such a happy and confident expression.

"When we first met," Celeste smiled to August at the conclusion of their dance. "I was wearing this dress under my cloak. It's my favorite formal dress, so I wear it always when it fits the occasion. There is no need to have so many gowns, only a lovely few are truly necessary." Just like friends. "Reign gifted me this gown and the shoes, on one of my birthdays. The umbrella and weapons were gifts as well, for another birthday, and Christmas." Alright, no more delaying it. Just say it! "I would like a short respite to acquire drinks and talk. Which drink would you prefer?" She summoned a black mead for herself without breaking eye contact with him, taking hold of it and sipping it easily. Her tone suggested that she wanted to summon one for him.

Celeste held her breath, then spoke bluntly "There are important two things we need to discuss. I would like to speak outside." She turned, making for the entrance with a quiet sigh. The first difficult test for the night. Once outside, she asked calmly "Firstly, have I angered you by speaking with the vampire so openly?" And second, I will show you my 'cursed body'. Asmodeus and Dante did an excellent job of transforming it. Malice had some lovely ideas. Usually, if a man has made it this far, they shrink away from the thought of remaining at my side if I am not beautiful on the outside. I wonder, August, if my skin was a disgusting color, covered in warts and pustules and wrinkles, would you still love me? Please...stay with me.

"Excuse me." Soren ended their dance and made for the exit, most likely to use the restroom.

"Lady Rose, may I have the honor of dancing with you?" Eric bowed elegantly like Alastair.

He really cosplayed as Len Kagamine?! Kawai kawai kawai! "Yes." Rosaleya nodded. Soren won't mind if it's not with someone annoying like Mr. Mask. "You look so cute."

"Thank you-" Eric replied modestly.

I wonder what it will be like to dance with him? Rosaleya thought as she took his hands.

"Sing something." Jade jested. "Oh, I want to pinch his little cheeks."

"-you don't look like a clown tonight."

Rosaleya laughed, remembering their last encounter. "Lucky me."

Eric smiled.

I thought that maybe since he was young he wouldn't dance as well as Soren...or maybe that because he's shorter than me it might be awkward...but he's actually really good. Not as good as Soren, or Athena, but still really good. "You're really good."

"Thank you, Lady Rose. But you're far better."

"Don't be so modest!" Jade rolled his eyes.

"No way." She refused, shaking her head. "Your cosplay is spot-on, too."

"You're a perfect light-skinned Casca." Eric replied.

So the modesty thing does get annoying after a few times. "Why did you pick Len Kagamine to cosplay?"

"You said that I resembled him. I didn't believe you until I dressed that way." Before that, I thought I could never look as brilliant as Lord Alastair. But I found...I like the way I look now. My mannerisms, however, could never beat Lord Alastair's. He is too perfect.

"I actually prefer it when you act like yourself. Could you stop acting so formal with me, please?" Except for calling me 'Lady Rose' because that's so cool!

"They have banana cream pie at the food table." Jade said.

"And have you tried the banana cream pie here, yet?" Rosaleya asked. Len Kagamine's favorite food is bananas. I think that's why Jade made that joke.

"They do?!" Eric seemed excited suddenly. "Really?" He turned his head in the direction of the food table but was disappointed when he realized it was too far away to confirm his partner's statement.

So if banana pie made him drop the act, I guess he likes it too? That's too adorable! "Yeah, really!" Rosaleya laughed.

They didn't talk much after that, and Rosaleya started to daydream a bit. "Soren McCunnen, you've won your bet on villain Number 504. Here is your prize." The host, Nova for some reason, was dressed in a colorful suit like a game show host. He handed Soren an unconscious victim in good health. "We knocked him unconscious before he died. Enjoy your winnings, Sir." Back at their table, Rosaleya pulled the chair out for Soren and Jade removed the candles and tableware. Soren roughly dropped the body onto their table and sat down. He made a small incision in the man's chest before waking him up. As the man realized what was happening, Soren plunged his hand inside the villain's chest and pulled out his heart. With adoring eyes fixed on Rosaleya, he ate the heart in large bites as it was still beating somehow, even though only one artery connected it to his victim. Rosaleya could almost hear the man's screams in her ears. Her eyes softened as she saw the light die in the man's eyes, and her heartbeat quickened. Soren licked his lips, and removed the man's left eyeball with his index finger and thumb, offering it to Rosaleya with an optic nerve dangling from either side. "Wanna try? We can do the Lady and the Tramp thing with the optic nerves." Soren isn't a 'ghoul', I know. But, it will be really cool to see 'ghouls' at the party. Suddenly, she felt that she bumped into someone. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I accidentally let myself daydream again!" She realized who she was addressing before she finished her sentence, but she was unable to stop herself from completing it and laughing nervously afterward. I run into Vincent now?! And why like this?! How do I start with the apology if I just apologized for something else and...

 

[Hikari Chan]

...Merlin's beard...that couple have no shame...kissing so passionately in public... Endewyne thought, looking away with a frown. She noticed how Faeryn was staring at the kissing couple with a shocking face. Alexis was wiping off his nose, which was bleeding, with his handkerchief. He met Endewyne's eyes for a mere second and they looked awkwardly at each other for a mere second before they broke eye contact at the same time.

...eww what the bloody hell...Merlin, do they have to kiss like that in public? Aislinn tried her best to ignore the kissing couple as she swirled past them while waltzing with Alastair. The problem was that she could still see them in the corner of her eyes. She felt the color rise to her cheeks, making her face red as a tomato. Since she had noticed the kissed couple, she was unable to keep eye contact with Alastair and averted her gaze, looking somewhere at his collar.

Melody danced flawlessly as she waltzed with Reign. She was moving her feet accordingly to his movement. She had danced with him before at the Summer Feast and she had never stepped on his feet by mistake. But when she suddenly caught sight of something unusual in the corner of her eye and slightly turned on her head of curiosity, she became too shocked that she stepped on his feet by mistake. Her face turned red of embarrassment as she mumbled an apology and looked down on the floor. ...Merlin's beard...they have no shame...no shame at all...

...Merlin's beard...why did I even look, now I cannot get that scene out of my head...Adela looked down in her goblet, her face red of embarrassment. Her eyes had fallen on the kissing couple by mistake and she had quickly looked away.

"Adela..."

She felt Vincent's hand atop of hers, but she could not bring herself looking into his eyes. "Mmm...." She mumbled quietly and stood up all of sudden.

"Where are you going?"

"I...I...need fresh air..." She nearly stammered.

Lily and her friends were sipping butterbeer, watching the kissing couple like muggles eating popcorn and watching a romantic movie on the television.

"They are both ugly, yet they kiss with such passion as if it is the end of the world today," Lily commented.

"So shameless!" Rhaine commented, rolling her eyes. "They should get a room!"

"I wonder how it would feel like..." Clarissa sighed with a dreamy look in her eyes.

"You want to kiss an ugly man?"

"Eww no! I want it to be with someone handsome!"

"Look at you, staring shamelessly at the couple who are kissing," Macnair blocked their view. "And you complain just because we allow some fine magazines at Ho-"

"Those so-called fine magazines are disgusting!" Lily retorted. "Watching a couple kissing is different. Making babies is different. Having a romantic relationship is different. Totally different from those disgusting magazines!"

"Do you know that you are not making any sense, don't you?" He laughed. "Are you going to wear a blindfold when you have-"

"Macnair! Enough!" Persephone interrupted, glaring at him with a look that warned him from continuing anymore. "By the way, where's Lachlan?"

"Well, he had to run off to the men's restroom because he got too excited watching the couple over there kissing so passionately," He laughed.

"Psst....have you ever kissed your cousin?" Clarissa whispered to Pegah.

"No, absolutely not!" Pegah did not care if anyone else heard her. "I will never do that!"

"What will you never do?" Lily asked with a mischievous grin.

"She will never kiss anyone!"

"Then she'll never get babies!"

"Who will never get babies?" Avery had just returned from the bathroom. He looked confused at the girls who were laughing.

"As you wish," August nodded with a smile. "A goblet of red wine, please..."

"There are important two things we need to discuss. I would like to speak outside." Celeste turned, making for the entrance with a quiet sigh. He followed her outside and wondered why she had to bring up things that were unrelated to the festivities on the day of a feast. Once outside, she asked calmly "Firstly, have I angered you by speaking with the vampire so openly?"

...ah perhaps she noticed how I was glaring at him that she must be feeling nervous about the conversation they had...but why did she not talk with me about it immediately afterward...?

"No...I was only surprised but not angry when you spoke to him...what actually angers me is when you embrace other men," He confessed. He had not planned to tell her that because he did not desire to destroy the mood of tonight. But since she had brought the subject up he had to explain for her. "As for the vampire...I feel hostile towards him because he is dating my sister and I do not approve of their relationship...well...hehehe..." he could not help but laugh bitterly. "...I just realized that I am no better than your brother who does not seem to like me...

"With pleasure!" Lily smiled and finished her butterbeer, before joining Stephan for another waltz.

"You..." Vincent glared at Rosaleya who had bumped into him when he was walking with Adela towards the entrance. His eyes turned dark of anger when she started to laugh.

"Oh miss Fairbrook! What a coincidence!" Adela smiled, seemingly forgetting about what she had seen earlier. "What's the matter with you?" She looked up at Vincent, noticing the dark look in his eyes.

"Rosaleya bumped into me and now she is laughing!" He answered with a cold tone. He was responding to Adela's question but directing his cold tone towards Rosaleya. "She is being rude!"

"Oh come on, she did not mean it. She was probably thinking about something else that she did not notice you and besides, she already apologized," Adela tried to calm him down and then put a hand on his cheek so that he turned his head facing her instead. "She is one of my students hence I know her very well. She is never rude," She spoke softly to him.

"Hmm..." He put his arm around her waist and twirled some of her hair strands around his finger. For a moment, he looked at her as if they were the only ones existing at the party, but then he let go of her hair and looked at Rosaleya instead. "Fine, I will forgive you this time," He spoke calmly. There was no hint of anger in his eyes anymore.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Hmm? Why is she suddenly trying not to meet my eyes? Alastair looked around, and couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. Perhaps she is having a day dream about our future together? He felt a pang of guilt. Or perhaps she is growing tired of dancing and wishes for a break, yet she doesn't want to ruin my fun by asking me to take a break? That is more likely. "My lady, do you desire a respite? I apologize if I've made you dance to the point of exhaustion. I should've considered your feelings." How could I? I didn't how exhausting her activities might've been before we paired up for the mission...And the mission itself might've taken a bit more energy than she'd have liked? How could I?!

Since it wasn't unusual for Claudia and Easton to share a passionate kiss in public, Alastair didn't view it as something strange and didn't give it a second thought. He also didn't notice that a few of the human guests were viewing it with mixed reactions.

Luna was too lost in Elias's eyes to notice Claudia and Easton.

Reign gently lifted her chin until their eyes met, and smiled gently. "I felt nothing." His tone and expression explained that he had magically protected his feet against such an event, just in case. Without leaving her any room to apologize again or doubt his words, he smoothly led her into their next dance.

"No...I was only surprised but not angry when you spoke to him...what actually angers me is when you embrace other men," He confessed.

At this, Celeste was visibly confused. Who did I embrace? She remembered that she hadn't greeted Reign or Easton with an embrace tonight, and that she had greeted August's family and friends formally. And I didn't embrace the vampire, either...who did I embrace? Was it someone before tonight, and he's been holding back until now? Embracing Nova had become so normal to her that she thought of it the same way as hugging Dante; she couldn't even remember it.

"As for the vampire...I feel hostile towards him because he is dating my sister and I do not approve of their relationship...well...hehehe..." he could not help but laugh bitterly. "...I just realized that I am no better than your brother who does not seem to like me..."

I'm relieved he wasn't annoyed at me speaking to a vampire, but for interacting with that particular vampire. Celeste replied honestly without hesitation. "He despises you and daydreams about ending you in painful ways quite often. But he won't-" she said with a nonchalant chuckle that ensured her certainty on the matter "-because you bring me joy. He calmly voices his displeasure about our courtship multiple times a day, as he did with the failures I've tried to love. He hates seeing my heart get hurt, and he also loves monopolizing my free time." She laughed softly. "He's never lectured or scolded me for my choices, nor has he ever attempted to ruin my relationships." I can go into detail about why, but it doesn't matter right now. Besides, I don't feel up to it. "But besides overtly glaring in your presence he won't do much else, so I don't mind. I'm not in the position to advise you on your private affairs since I am unaware of the intricacies of your relationships..." She held her hands up to stop him from misunderstanding her words. "...but in your position I would act as my brother does, without the glaring. Often, when I'm suffering with the brief heartache between potential spouses, my brother will spend time with me and cheer me up, and I'm grateful to him for that. He never has, but if he were to suggest a partner for me, I would give him a chance without hesitation, with an open mind." She gestured that she didn't need a reply for her advice. I would prefer it if he thought about my words instead of replying immediately afterwards. I don't know how he's handling the situation, but I would hate to think that he was treating the vampire or his sister harshly for their choices. The point of the story is: you should be there for your siblings, and care for them without expecting anything in return. And if you do it enough, they'll eventually be open to suggestions of yours without hesitation. Unless they're incredibly unintelligent, in which case they don't deserve your advice or even a sideways glance. "Who did I embrace earlier that bothered you? I can't remember embracing anyone." She added before he could speak. She allowed her confusion to show to prevent a misunderstanding. I'm not denying it at all, I simply cannot remember. After he answers, I will begin my second test for the night.

"Thank you, Miss." Stephan smiled at the completion of their third dance in total. "Would you join me for another?" He asked. His eyes nearly glowed with excitement. This is so much fun! Please dance with me more! But if I said that, she might think of me as a child...I want to stay in character around her tonight.

"Rosaleya bumped into me and now she is laughing!" Vincent answered with a cold tone. "She is being rude!"

Should I apologize again?! Why is he so angry?! Come on, luck! She cursed her luck inwardly, blaming the current situation on it as if it were a living being. "I-" she had just opened her mouth to apologize again and explain that it was a misunderstanding when Adela interrupted her. Thank you!

"Relax." Jade embraced her from behind.

Rosaleya sighed in relief. He's on my side for this one. It's difficult when he argues with me.

"-Oh come on, she did not mean it. She was probably thinking about something else that she did not notice you and besides, she already apologized," Adela tried to calm him down and then put a hand on his cheek so that he turned his head facing her instead. "She is one of my students hence I know her very well. She is never rude," She spoke softly to him.

"It pays to be polite to teachers." Jade rolled his eyes in the Masked Man's direction. He had gone back to massaging his head with his hands with his elbows on his table. Since no one paid the Masked Man any attention, it was as if he was invisible to everyone except Rosaleya. "And to not mess with the head of every student that tries to befriend you. Anyways, I'm right here. Chill, and just tell Vincent what you're thinking. He can't dislike you any more than he already does." He rolled his eyes. "There's no way you'll mess it up that bad. Maybe he's just a Tsundere."

"Fine, I will forgive you this time," Vincent spoke calmly. There was no hint of anger in his eyes anymore.

I hate Tsundere characters. "Thank you." Rosaleya sighed in relief, her eyes to the ground.

"But my point is, maybe it was a misunderstanding. I feel like he was surprised when you said 'Muggle' because it meant that you weren't one. What if I couldn't tell whether someone was human or magical, and I wanted to have them for dinner? It would be totally understandable if I made a mistake, right? Would you forgive me?" Athena asked.

"I would." Rosaleya admitted. "But do you mean-"

"No no, he's acting like a prick, I'm not saying that's okay, just...maybe there was a misunderstanding. I get that you were angry about it, because it was your first crush 'nd all, but think about it from his perspective."

She bravely made eye contact despite how difficult it was right now. She spoke quickly, as she felt like Vincent might turn away in annoyance or boredom at any second "That time at the store....I'm sure you remember it...I'm sorry that I overreacted. I was being stupid, wasn't I?" She waited for a response, expecting everything from the most harsh reply she cold think of, to him simply agreeing before listing off all her worst attributes. She fingered her ring behind her back while remembering a few times where Soren had been visibly hurt when she rejected food he offered since he extension wasn't present. Maybe I hurt his feelings? Is he that sensitive? "No no, he's acting like a prick, I'm not saying that's okay, just...maybe there was a misunderstanding." ...I've tried imagine myself in that situation, but I can't, because I would've checked everything before attacking someone...but I don't want to be like Dad where I immediately take everyone's mistakes personally...and Athena said herself another time that if she was hungry she might've made the same mistake... "I don't want to miss out on being friends with someone cool because I acted silly." She added before he replied, but she said it too quietly so she couldn't tell if he heard her or not. And I was scared of Asmodeus when I first met him...I remember I was so worried that time we were in the elevator together at his house...but the more we talked, the more I started loving him. He's the coolest person I've ever misjudged. And Athena, too. I spent a lot of time doubting her. The more she replayed 'the incident' in her mind, the more rude she remembered herself acting towards Vincent. Suddenly, she had a pleasant picture pop up in her mind of Vincent accepting her apology and apologizing as well, and then they both moved on and became friends. Hey, that's too hopeful right now! And her imagination continued feeding her harsher replies for Vincent.

"Nice. If he tries anything stupid, I'm riiight here." Jade assured.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Yes please," Aislinn replied, still avoiding eye contact with Alastair. "I am thirsty..." She mumbled and walked over to the tables. ....I need firewhiskey....is there any...? ...ah...how considerate of Alastair. There are all kinds of drinks... She downed one goblet of firewhiskey at once with a trembling hand and then picked a goblet that contained sweet cherry drink before turning around to face Alastair.

"What would you like to drink?" She asked him nervously with a flustering look in her eyes. Her hand was still slightly trembling ...it is not that we have never kissed...but that couple was too shameless...kissing in public...Merlin's beard...I wish I could forget that embarrassing scene...The woman's attire is charming, but her actions are disgusting...Does Alastair know all the guests here? What kind of bunch did he happen to invite...?

Melody blushed and felt loss at words. ...he did not witness that weird couple, did he? Merlin's beard, that was so embarrassing...I wish I never had seen them...how could my eyes fell on such an embarrassing scenery...but even if I keep my eyes on Reign, I cannot help notice my surroundings...Am I easily being distracted or am I just too sharp? I do not know...

...Merlin's beard, does she have such a bad memory, that she cannot even remember which guests we greeted together...August sighed inwardly. "You embraced two of the guests who you introduced to me," He began explaining awkwardly, meeting her eyes calmly. "The first one was wearing a red hat with a purple suit and the second one was the one with long silver hair and yellow eyes..." He paused momentarily, trying to recall their names since Celeste had introduced him to a lot of guests. "...It was Nova and Damien..." August did not avert his gaze, but he felt awkwardly silly because of the current situation. He wished he instead had brought it up the moment immediately after she had embraced Nova. Now August almost regretted that he let it slide and allowed it to go as far as the embrace with Damien and even let that slide as well. The reason August did not talk with Celeste about it first was that he did not wish to destroy the mood at the party and instead seized the moment to talk about it when Celeste asked him if they could speak in private. He wondered if he did the right thing or if he should have done differently.

"Alright," Lily laughed. "I will dance with you until one of us grow tired or when you desire to dance with someone else or until when the music change to something different. I will be leaving around eleven o'clock anyway. By the way, would you like to eat or drink something?"

The awkward interruption had made Adela forgot about the weird couple that had been kissing shamelessly in public. She smiled and wondered why miss Fairbrook was still standing with her and Vincent. ...Why does she not leave and enjoy herself at this party? Perhaps she has something to ask about? Something related to Magic of Art, but I rather answer her questions regarding classes later, the next day. Or perhaps she is lonely at the party, but I saw her dancing with someone earlier. Perhaps she wants to apologize again for bumping into Vincent? Did she say something right now? She spoke too quickly...

"I don't want to miss out on being friends with someone cool because I acted silly."

...is she trying to befriend someone at the party, but needs my help because she happened to mess it up? Adela thought confused, however, what Vincent said next confused her even more.

"What are you talking about? When and at which store did we meet before?"

"We met miss Fairbrook at a store several months ago," Adela reminded Vincent. "I cannot recall the store's name, however, I remember it was in Knockturn Alley and that miss Fairbrook was the cashier girl. You dragged me into that store, while I was still eating ice cream. Miss, we should be the ones apologizing to you for-"

"I remember now..." Vincent interrupted Adela. His eyes flashed darkly as he remembered the incident with Rosaleya. "You pushed me so harshly at that time and now you apologize about the incident a half-year later? It's fine, I forgive you for pushing me, now after you finally admit your mistake, perhaps I scared you since you just are a mere human..." His lips curled upward in a creepy smirk. "However, you are asking me the impossible now. You see, I have a fiancée. After you confessed your love, you just pushed me away and even asked me to leave the store. And now you regret your actions back then and want to be with me. Had you apologized to me instead of asking me to leave or tried to resolve the issue with me the other day I returned to the store, I would have reconsidered your request."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair picked up a sweet lemonade for himself in reply. "Would you prefer to rest a bit in a more private place?" He gestured toward the mezzanine floor. How could I be so selfish?

"You embraced two of the guests who you introduced to me," August began explaining awkwardly, meeting her eyes calmly. "The first one was wearing a red hat with a purple suit and the second one was the one with long silver hair and yellow eyes..." He paused momentarily. "...It was Nova and Damien..."

At the same time, Celeste asked "Nova and Damien?" She paused for a moment to realize they had spoken at the same time. "Yes...an explanation..." She said to herself, nodding slowly as she saw it from his perspective. She took a moment to properly formulate her words. It's better to avoid speaking without thinking in this situation...I don't want my words to come out the wrong way. Nova and Damien...She thought about the relationship she had with them carefully. I will use the same explanation for both embraces. I've always embraced them ever since we became close friends, and I'm not going to change that. August must be thinking something like 'It all starts with an overly-friendly embrace.', but he doesn't know how close we all are...Perhaps he doesn't have close friends like I do...and I suppose it's a bit too hopeful to hope for a close friendship between August and my friends. Celeste looked August in the eyes with an assuring, confident expression. "I cannot explain the history my comrades and I have in a few sentences," she smiled softly "but I promise you: any embraces I share with them are nothing more than a siblings' greeting'. And if I did not know them so well, we would've shaken hands and moved on. You have my heart for as long as we are together." The look in her eyes was so intense that she was certain August would feel her dedication to their relationship. She paused for a few moments, then added, "And if anything I ever do bothers you, bluntly verbalize your feelings. 'Emotions have no place in a logical discussion.' Master says." Celeste laughed quietly. "So I won't get angry."

"Alright," Lily laughed. "I will dance with you until one of us grow tired or when you desire to dance with someone else or until when the music change to something different. I will be leaving around eleven o'clock anyway."

I have to leave soon after that as well, so I get to spend almost the entire party with her! Stephan tried his best not to allow his childish excitement to show, calmly smiling instead.

"By the way, would you like to eat or drink something?"

"Yes, please. Would you prefer to go together-" he tilted his head in the direction of the food and drinks tables "-or shall I go alone and bring whatever you want?"

"Alright. Now that you're feeling better, I'm bored." Nova stood, and stretched in three different positions, as if he had been sitting for hours. "Who wants to dance with me?"

"Too much energy." Dante said under his breath, shaking his head in reply.

"I can read later." Malice closed her book, tapping it while giving Dante a look.

"I won't let anyone steal it." Dante promised, sighing as he levitated the book closer to him to keep a 'closer watch on it' as Malice preferred.

Malice left to dance with Nova, and Dante thought he'd keep himself busy by leafing through the book. Complete Collection of Torture Techniques from the Beginning of Time. How many times can she re-read this? He quickly grew bored, as he had already tested the majority of the information first hand. Perhaps I should've brought a book? He glanced at Nova and Malice dancing momentarily. When they return, I'll wish for one to keep me busy.

"...so I appeared again with a Pet Collar, and put it on for him. Max told me about his owner, who was neglecting to feed him and take him out to use the bathroom regularly. He'd used the excuse 'I was busy' too many times, when he only had a part-time job teaching karate at a nearby university." Nova shook his head in disapproval. "He earned enough from the job to support himself, and he didn't have any family to worry about. He'd waste the rest of his time dating, and then he'd come home and punish his Max for relieving himself in the cage. Where else was he supposed to go?" He shrugged. "On top of that, whenever he let Max out to feed him, the poor dog would be so hungry he'd steal the owner's food off the counters. So guess what Max's wish was."

"To run away and be found by a better owner?" Malice guessed.

Nova shook his head with a smile.

Malice thought about it. "The same thing, except he wants the house to burn down with the owner inside?"

"Nope. Max wished for a HUGE pair of chompers so that when his owner let him out of the cage, he would chew his arms and legs clean off!"

"Wow!" Malice's eyes sparkled, imagining the scene.

I knew you'd love this story. "I was thinking of you as I watched him scream in pain."

"And then?"

"I returned everything to normal, and made the owner think it was just a very realistic dream. He hasn't mistreated the dog since, and it's been nine days. The dog summoned me five days ago to assure me that everything was still going well, and he wanted to talk a bit. I told him about you."

"Can I meet him?" Malice asked eagerly.

"Of course." Nova smiled.

"You pushed me so harshly at that time and now you apologize about the incident a half-year later?"

"It's now or never!" Jade sang.

"It's fine, I forgive you for pushing me, now after you finally admit your mistake, perhaps I scared you since you just are a mere human..." His lips curled upward in a creepy smirk.

"How wrong you are!" Jade said. "You have no idea! Cute smirk, though."

Rosaleya smiled innocently. That is a cute expression.

"However, you are asking me the impossible now. You see, I have a fiancée. After you confessed your love, you just pushed me away and even asked me to leave the store. And now you regret your actions back then and want to be with me."

"Nope." Jade shook his head.

"Had you apologized to me instead of asking me to leave or tried to resolve the issue with me the other day I returned to the store, I would have reconsidered your request."

"I doubt it." Jade rolled his eyes. "He's a bit full of himself, isn't he?"

Rosaleya was confused for a few seconds. Why does he think that I'm in love with him?

"Your words sounded like a Dandere love confession. Of course he's confused." Jade laughed. "That reaction was priceless, so of course I didn't correct you from the beginning."

Rosaleya raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Oh, I'm so sorry I wasn't clear." She said genuinely. "I just want to be friends, that's it." She cut her hands through the air in front of her to emphasize her point. "I was acting stupid then, and I don't have any romantic interests in you now." She assured calmly. Misunderstanding: cleared! Apology: accepted! "Can we be friends? Just friends? Like, hanging out and talking and nothing more?" Clarity: 100%. "I understand if you find me to be too uninteresting...As a mere human, how can I compare to a vampire, right? But please consider my request before replying too harshly." She boldly met his eyes. I'm not going to chicken out and stare at the floor as I wait for my reply! Demons are cool, but vampires are still awesome, too! Why not have both as friends? I don't think he would believe me if I told him I was a demon. Besides, there's a professor right here, so she might get scared or something, if I manage to convince them. Maybe if Vincent says yes, and he turns out to be just a harmless Oujidere, he might be interested and believe me when I say that I'm a demon. But...this is my last attempt to be friends with him. If he does something stupid now, I'll write him off as a stupid Oujidere that isn't worthwhile. If I have to apologize and put up with stupid insults- She heard him say 'mere human' again in that annoying tone. -then I might as well be hanging out with Dad! Wait, Dad would've done worse. She recalled some of her father's worst insults. Vincent's not that bad. Nevermind.

"A 'mere human'? Even while you're in this annoying apologetic schoolgirl mode, that's going a little too far." Jade agreed. "But you were the one who repeated it, meaning that you agreed with him. That wasn't the best decision."

I was trying to assure him that him insulting me like that didn't bother me. Maybe that wasn't the best way to do it...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Yes, please. And some fresh air as well. I need to clear my mind," Aislinn said. "May you accompany me, please?" This time she was able to meet Alastair's eyes.

August listened to Celeste's explanation, trying to process everything slowly. ...I have never embraced friends, let alone my sister or brothers...my mother probably used to embrace me when I was a child, but when I become older, I only greeted her by kissing her forehead and her hand... He thought as he was trying to understand the sibling relationship Celeste had with Nova and Damien. Her calm response and confident and assuring expression had eased his mind. Even if he did not have similar relations with friends as she had with hers and even if it was hard for him to picture himself in the same situation with his friends, he believed her words. He was thankful, not only because she had been honest and explained to him, but he was also thankful that she would not get angry if he ever spoke about emotional things.

"I understand," He smiled softly. "I had actually planned to speak with you after, and not during, the party. Anyway, there's something else of importance you wish to discuss with me, isn't there?" He had been sharp and never missed when she had mentioned the word firstly at the beginning of their conversation.



"Let's go together," Lily suggested. She would not order Stephan around, since she regarded him as her equal for being a wizard and not a house elf.

"Can we be friends? Just friends? Like, hanging out and talking and nothing more?"

Adela's eyes widened in surprise. ...just hanging out and talking...huh? what does she even mean? That's what I and Vincent used to do in the beginning. Hanging out and talking...until...Without realizing it, she took hold of Vincent's right arm, nearly clinging to him. She did not mean it or realize it, but she was giving miss Fairbrook a hostile look. Vincent noticed the tense atmosphere and how Adela was reacting all off sudden. ...hehe...Adela is jealous...He thought, glancing at her with a playful smirk. ...how cute...

"Well...if you are a friend of my cousin, you are my friend as well," Vincent replied Rosaleya. "I will remember to invite you to my wedding...and any other social gathering I have with friends...well, if you excuse us, please...I need to leave for tonight..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"May you accompany me, please?"

"Of course, my lady." Alastair replied, offering her his arm to link.

He led her outside and up the stairs around the side of the pumpkin, to the mezzanine floor. He chose a table next to a particularly large moving carving with carved killer whales moving through it, for plenty of fresh air as Aislynn rested. He remained quiet, intent on allowing her to rest undisturbed.

"I understand," He smiled softly.

So sweet! I'm thoroughly enjoying this moment. Because I didn't use my emotions in the discussion- She thanked Asmodeus quietly -we were able to clear up the issues at hand. Perfect. She sighed quietly in contentment.

"I had actually planned to speak with you after, and not during, the party."

And now he knows that he never has to bottle up his feelings, even for a short while.

"Anyway, there's something else of importance you wish to discuss with me, isn't there?"

Celeste laughed suddenly. I felt so happy about our moment here that I almost forgot...Well, I clearly remember writing 'The diagnosis revealed that the illness will pass the contagious stage by November,' in one of my letters, and 'My illness has reached the stage where I can disguise it magically, so luckily there will be no trace of it at the party,' in another, so that will shorten the explanation here. "Just as Muggles can 'catch a cold' in the winter, beings of my species can 'catch a curse'. We call them 'curses' because they're more like curses than normal sicknesses. We've-" she meant 'her species' "-found cures for all known 'curses', but a problem arises when a new one appears. My brother decided to tell you it was a sickness, and I did the same in my letters because I felt certain you wouldn't understand otherwise. And, I wanted to explain it to you properly in person. I've caught a few unknown curses before, and they were cured by my Master, but when I attempted to explain my condition to a few of my potential spouses..." She sighed as if to say 'you can imagine what happened'. That's where we got the idea for this test. "This one is proving to be the most difficult, and even my wise Master has been unable to find a cure yet." I added the 'yet' so that he understands we're still 'researching a cure'. She sighed with a slightly pensive expression. Another test that they usually fail. I have high hopes for you, August! Everything is going so well, please don't let it stop now! With her hand an inch away from her skin, she hovered it above her feet, legs, arms, neck, and lastly, her face. Her skin was a sickening vomit green, with various white and brown pustules of different sizes on her arms and legs. Thick, three-inch long straight black claws replaced her finger and toe nails, and the surrounding skin cracked like dry earth. Purple and black veins popped out of her neck, and the skin on her face was grey like a statue, peeling and flaking off slowly like tree leaves in the winter. Her hair was thin, dry, and dull, with a few strands near her forehead starting to turn grey.

"Luckily, this curse brings me no physical pain. However, I cannot maintain the concealing spell in my sleep no matter how hard I try...and the time it lasts during the day is becoming shorter every time I cast it. It's taking more energy as well. Every week, something new appears." The same symptoms as the last real curse I had. Asmodeus and Dante helped to make this one look more hideous for the test, but now I worry that they got a bit too creative? No, making the test easier for him would be cheating. All he has to do to pass is make the right choice. It's not too difficult. "Yesterday, these pustules appeared on my arms..." And here goes the second-most difficult test! "...What if we cannot find a cure soon? Will you be comfortable resting you at night, with this lying beside you?" She gestured to herself, laughing bitterly. How many times have they failed because they valued my outward appearance more than me? I was so happy that I thought I'd found someone, but they failed miserably. It's good that I'm worried he'll fail: it's making my story seem far more convincing with my realistic expressions. "Or do you share my hope that we will find a cure?" And do you have the patience to wait by my side? All you have to do is say 'yes'. It's extremely rare these days to catch a curse that isn't easily curable, and since he doesn't know that, he shouldn't doubt that this is real. Celeste wondered if he would vomit and run away, and later send a letter that they could no longer be together like the last time she'd tried this test. That was the most cowardly breakup I've ever experienced. I thought that wearing a cloak to conceal my body would prevent superficial humans from being with me for my looks...but Asmodeus insisted that my face was still too beautiful for that to be an adequate test.

Rosaleya was surprised by her sweet teacher's suddenly hostile look. Huh? Did I say something unclear again? How?! I thought I was super clear! I said 'friends' a bunch of times! If she's acting angry, then his reaction must be much worse! She made eye contact with Vincent again, and caught the look he gave Adela. Maybe he's the type of dense guy that will get the wrong idea, even if you say 'friends' a bunch of times. And she's trying to stop him from accidentally getting the wrong idea. If they've come this far in their relationship to be acknowledging each other as future husband and wife, it makes sense.

Soren noticed Rosaleya was speaking to Vincent the moment he left the bathroom. She listened to Athena's advice. He thought disapprovingly. I suppose suddenly picking her up and walking away with her would be a bit too much. He thought as he neared them. Perhaps simply taking her by the shoulders and steering her away from them would be more appropriate?

"Well...if you are a friend of my cousin, you are my friend as well," Vincent replied.

Rosaleya tried to remember who his cousin was. Why isn't it coming to me right now? I should know this.

"Monroe." Jade reminded helpfully.

Thank you.

"I will remember to invite you to my wedding...and any other social gathering I have with friends...well, if you excuse us, please...I need to leave for tonight..."

"Thank you." Rosaleya replied gratefully. "Good bye." He didn't turn me down. This went better than I expected. Rosaleya thought as she watched him walk away.

"Did it go well?" Soren asked.

Rosaleya felt his hands on her shoulders, shrugged them off, and turned around. "Yes. Now I don't have to feel weird around him anymore. Athena was right: he's a _, but it was a misunderstanding. Don't worry, you're way less annoying than him." She joked. "Seriously though, I just apologized a bunch of times and put up with a few insults, which isn't my idea of a good time." She smiled.

"Then..." Soren offered her his hand to continue dancing.

Rosaleya grinned, and took it. Dad would've been so angry if I went against his advice, even if it was something to make me feel better, he wouldn't have approved. Soren understood, even if he was against it, that he shouldn't force his opinion on me. Like that one time with Dad, it was horrible when...

"Yin?" Soren asked.

"Yes?" Rosaleya shook her head once to focus on him instead of her thoughts.

Tonight, I want your mind to stay with me... "Remember the gingerbread dream?"

"Yes!" Rosaleya laughed as soon as the loveliest moments from that dream replayed in her mind's eye. "It was the best Candy-Gore dream I've ever had, pun-intended." She grinned.

"So that's your favorite?"

"Yes. It would be super cool if real gore was super colorful like that. That's why, if I daydream about gore, it almost always smells like sweets and looks unnaturally bright and colorful. I daydream about normal gore, and it's still cool, but that's rare because Candy-Gore is my favorite. I didn't know what it was until a few weeks ago, when I was looking up different types of gore artstyles. I was really happy to find out about this one."

"I see." Soren nodded. So now I know what to get her for her birthday. He smiled. As if I would miss out on the opportunity to make your special day feel even more special. I will find a way to give you gifts without making you feel uncomfortable.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Are you leaving as well? Adela?"

Hearing him calling her name, made her heart skip several beats. She stopped in her tracks, realizing that she almost had been rushing towards the entrance.

"Not yet, I said I needed some fresh air..." She turned around, slightly flustered. "You aren't leaving, are you?"

"Actually, I am..." His words surprised her.

"Oh..."

"Well...I am thirsty and I need to..." His voice died out as he tried to explain for her when he saw her sudden crestfallen look.

"Ah!"

Her sudden change of expression nearly made him flinch of surprise. ...She is not thinking about coming with me, is she?

"Then I will walk you to where you need to....you know...take your leave..."

...I nearly forget about her illness...the reason why we could not meet the last time...I remember that she wrote about it in one of her letters to me...now when I recall those letters, I also remember that she promised me to reveal her disease to me at today's party, however, I thought her Halloween costume would look like the disease from what I understood from one of her letters...but her lovely costume does not look like a disease, hence I almost forget about it the moment we met earlier this evening...

"...my wise Master has been unable to find a cure yet."

August's eyes widened in dismay when Celeste's appearance changed all of sudden. His body went stiff and he only saw her mouth moving as she continued to speak, however, his mind had gone blank and he could not register any word she spoke. He did not come to his senses until he heard a faint sound of familiar voices in the distance. He reacted in the blink of the eye, dropping his goblet, spilling wine on himself and staining his clothes in the process, as he pulled her close to him and covered her with his cloak. He did not release her until the distant voices died out in the dark.

"Does it hurt?" He asked her, his eyes were slightly flickering nervously as he could not really meet her eyes yet he tried not to stare at her pustules. He was totally unaware of the spilled wine and his stained clothes. He was feeling nervous, not because of what she looked like. The wizarding world was not an innocent world. Yet he had not been expecting her illness to make her look like half-ghoul and half-inferius, hence why he had been taken by such surprise a moment ago. On the contrary, he was more concerned about hurting her feelings. Every woman desired to look beautiful and an appearance could mean anything for a woman.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Is he trying to show me that he supports me despite being disgusted by my appearance? Celeste thought as he pulled her close. That must be why he reacted so suddenly to my question- She suddenly became aware of the other voices nearby, and understood August's logic. She noticed that his spilled goblet had contained wine, and planned to offer him a vial of magical stain remover once their conversation was over. -I'd say it's turning out rather nicely if he'd rather pull such a disgusting thing close than join in the mockery or bullying with strangers. It would've been far easier for him.

"Does it hurt?" He asked her, his eyes were slightly flickering nervously as he could not really meet her eyes yet he tried not to stare at her pustules.

Celeste gently pushed herself away from him, explaining "I've taken magical precautions so that only you and my comrades can see this. Don't worry." She took a few steps back to stand in her previous spot. I only remained underneath his cloak to formulate that explanation. Asking me if it hurts means that he wasn't listening at the end...he was probably formulating sentences that showed he supported me. How kind. "You don't have to face me as we speak; even glancing at my reflection can make me cringe." It's true, seeing myself like this is terrible when it's a real curse. Even when I paint such gory scenes that often come from my real-life experiences...how comical. She continued after giving August a few seconds to either turn around or look away, calmly summarizing the last bit of her speech by sparing the dramatic questions at the end and only including the information itself. "You don't have to give me an immediate reply. My Master is amazing...I have faith in him...he will try his best to find a cure for all ailments that afflict us." She meant her comrades when she said 'us'. Choosing an optimistic view on the situation isn't giving him an easy answer; he still has to choose to love me regardless of whether it's cured or not, and he still must choose to put his trust in a person he's never met before. There is no proof to him that Asmodeus is as wonderful as I describe him. It actually worked out well that he wasn't listening at the end. Now that I'm standing here, I realize that Dante's suggestion of adding dramatic questions at the end should've been ignored.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"...oh?!" She must be using magic so much magic to conceal the curse from herself and everyone and also to keep it hidden from others while revealing it for me and her family members and friends...
He averted his gaze for a mere second and then faced her again. Her appearance was no different from an inferi or a ghoul. He was feeling relief that the curse did not bring any pain to her, yet he could not bring himself to tell her that because he understood that it was not enough for her and that she wished to look young and beautiful instead of something so cringe ...No young woman would be happy about a curse damaging her beauty...

"You can always try the wizarding world..." He said instead as he moved, suddenly feeling the wet spot on his attire. "...we have countercurses for every curse, magical medicines for diseases..." He waved his wand at the wet spot on his attire, cleaning and drying it magically. He was still unaware that he had spilled his wine. "...But I do not doubt that your master will be able to cure you. If there's a cure to everything in the wizarding world, there's probably a cure to everything in your world. Is there something else you wish to tell me about?" He asked as he tucked his wand within his cloak.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"If there's a cure to everything in the wizarding world, there's probably a cure to everything in your world. Is there something else you wish to tell me about?"

Celeste's first thoughts came with a rush of relief, and she wanted to relieve him and tell him it was all a test. However, before her facial expression changed she recalled Asmodeus's warning.

"Don't tell him it was a test as soon as he passes." Asmodeus reminded as he added the 'pustules' to her skin. "Let your relief show, then let him finish the other tests you have planned tonight. After the final test you will tell him everything and he will understand. " He noticed that she didn't understand why she had to wait to tell him, but refrained from asking because she trusted his plans. Whether she had forgotten the reason or had never understood it in the first place, Asmodeus chose to explain. "Not relieving him of the news immediately will leave room for multiple avalanches of negative second thoughts. Let him work at avoiding those during the remainder of the tests." He pressed to fingers to his heart before continuing with the pustules "Don't let yourself feel too relieved in case he is crushed by those avalanches later."

"Or suffocated." Malice added, adding purple veins amongst the black ones. "Since the negative thoughts might also affect him slowly."

Celeste breathed a heavy sigh with closed eyes as relief washed over her. Not too much relief. She told herself. Second thoughts can be more powerful than the others. She returned her appearance to normal and embraced August, putting one hand to his heart to feel it beating. "That is such good news for me: now I'm certain you have one." She laughed softly. She remained embracing him for a full minute before taking a step back. She realized she was holding his hand. I wasn't even aware that I'd taken hold of his hand as I backed away. She thought in surprise. Her broad smile told him she was ready to return to the party.

"I'd love to eat something now...something light to continue our dancing." Her gaze asked him if he'd like to eat something as well as they passed through the pumpkin's entrance.



"I'll go walk around a bit." Malice said, parting from Nova as the song ended. "I'll return when the festivities begin." She thanked Dante for protecting her book, tucked it under her arm, selected a variety of mini quiches from the food table, and made her way to the exit. I thought that the next event would give me enough incentive to stay at the party, but I'd forgotten how boring just dancing can be. As she walked past Soren and Rosaleya, she caught a few lines of their conversation, hearing the words 'candy' and 'gore' used together more than once.

I'll ask her about that later. Malice thought, passing by Celeste and August. Their eyes met for a moment.

'He passed the test!' Celeste's expression said.

'I'm happy for you, I didn't expect that.' Malice's expression said. She continued walking normally until she was several feet away from the pumpkin, then turned back to ensure no one was watching her. She could jump to the average height for a demon, but for shorter periods of time than most. After her first jump, she landed in a quiet area still far enough from the city. She used magic to conceal her costume, so that a Muggle would only see normal clothing and skin: a white beret to compliment her low side ponytail, a white t-shirt with a knee-length black jumper over it, and black ankle boots with a quarter-inch heel. Then, she jumped out of the quiet part of London, landing in the nearest bustling area. She walked around for a bit, glancing at shop displays and catching the smell of street foods, while analyzing the auras of several passers-by. She made her way to the River Thames, and enjoyed the view of the water reflecting the golden sunlight. She unwrapped the handkerchief in which she'd stored the quiches, and savored their taste. She noticed that there was a street performer nearby, playing the acoustic guitar while singing in French. He had a nearly trimmed, short greying beard and a receding head of course greying hair. He wore dark jeans and a white t-shirt. His most memorable feature were his eyes, marbled dark and light green. Malice neared the man, whose attention was mostly stolen by another street performer nearby, riding a high unicycle. She didn't care much for him, finding the guitar man's passion to be more interesting. She carefully waited until he was in between verses before speaking. "Do you mind if I join you?" Malice asked.

"If you can play or sing. I do not mind." The man shrugged as he strummed. He spoke with a thick French accent. As he began singing the third verse, Malice walked away to a place where she wouldn't be seen.

"...happy ending for her, not to mention having a free pass to the amusement park whenever I show up." Nova laughed. "Oh, excuse me, I'm being summoned."

"Sure." Dante nodded. Celeste made a wish that Nova wouldn't get any wish requests from anyone but her friends to let him enjoy the party...oh Malice, have you gotten lonely already? He smiled, imagining her to be bored to death. And you make fun of me for getting lonely too easily.

"What is your wish, little miss?" Nova asked with a smile. "You know, I always find your little disguises to be so amusing." They're so adorable.

"I wish to have my piano right beside that man, without anyone finding it strange that it suddenly appeared. Have the audience remember that it has been there the entire time, but no one's been playing it, and have the guitar man believe that I had two men place it there after he agreed to play with me." She considered making a wish for the unicycle man to suddenly fall and twist his ankle, so that his large audience would then move to the guitar man, but she decided against it. When we start playing together... She took a moment to picture how she wanted the audience to react. Well, if I need to make that wish, I will. She remembered the man's guitar playing. "And I wish that his E and G strings were tuned properly. That is all."

"That sounds like two wishes to me. Do you agree?"

"Yes."

"Then I want..." Nova put his finger to his chin.

He already knows what he wants.

"...you to give him one of your quiches after you're done playing alongside him. And for my second request...dance with me again when you return to the party."

"I accept your terms. Thank you." Malice curtsied.

Nova bowed dramatically.

Malice smiled, then turned away, immediately catching sight of her piano. She summoned Nova again, turning back around as he appeared. "I wish that he would call me 'Malice', not 'Alice'-" she cringed momentarily "-and that he and everyone else who hears my name will not find it strange."

"Okay...hmm..." There's nothing else I want right now...something for tomorrow, then...Ah! "Take Rosaleya to your house and have a bit of fun with her-" he bent forward and whispered in her ear to be dramatic "-I'm sure that she'd like to have a bit of fun with you, playing the way you'd like."

"Really?" Malice asked, thinking that perhaps he was joking with her. I thought she seemed interesting, but I didn't know- "Are you certain? How do you know?"

"I heard her asking Asmodeus if it was normal to have her...err...tastes. She's just like you." Nova backed away and gave her two thumbs-up with a smile.

"That's more of a gift for me. That's very kind of you. I accept your terms." Malice curtsied elegantly.

Nova smiled, and disappeared in a shower of quid. They fell in slow motion, giving Malice plenty of time to pick them up before they touched the floor.

Malice saw a real white beret fluttering down from where Nova's head had been, and calmly caught it before it fell, dragging it through the air to catch the coins.

"Will you be singing?" The guitar man asked her when she returned.

"Yes." Malice replied, setting the beret on the piano bench before taking her seat. "Do you know..." she named off a French Muggle song she liked.

"I am not familiar with that song." The man replied. "Do you know..." he named off three songs he imagined would suit the piano and guitar, as well as both their voices.

"Yes, I know the second one." Malice replied, neatly taking her seat on the piano bench.

"Your mother is fine with you playing beside a stranger?"

"She doesn't care, as long as I come back home safe." Malice thought of Asmodeus with a smile.

"What is your name?" The man finally seemed certain that she was serious about playing with him. He hadn't seen the money.

"Malice."

"Then, let us play, Malice." He smiled.

The man began playing the first notes on his guitar. Eight seconds later, Malice joined in, delicately playing the keys at the right side of the piano. They gradually blended with the deeper keys at the left, creating a serene and smooth melody. The guitar man began to sing and Malice joined in two lines later. Neither of their voices were very notable, but they sang so smoothly and passionately that their performance would be remembered long afterward by their slowly growing audience. Even the unicycle man stopped to watch.

Something about this man...feels very interesting to me.

"Okay, I need a break." Rosaleya said as they finished another dance. "I'm going to get something to eat."

Soren followed her to the food table. He chose a tender steak and a bowl of mashed potatoes. He hesitated, then picked up a ramekin of mushroom gravy as well.

Rosaleya picked up a potato and leek soup, and a glass of orange juice. I'm in the mood for the sour type of orange juice instead of the sweet kind. I hope this is that kind.

 

[Hikari Chan]

August was caught by surprise when Celeste embraced him and pressed her hand against his chest all of sudden. He felt flustered of her sudden action and his heart began to beat faster. He was feeling slightly windy as if his breath had been knocked out when she broke the embrace.

...I remember in one of her letters, that she mentioned that she would use her curse as a Halloween costume. I wonder why she did not? Was she worried that she would scare me or other guests away? She told me she gets hit by the curse once every year and that every time she tries to explain about it her suitors, they get scared and abandon her. But what can look worse than an inferius or a ghoul? Tsk...she did not try to date muggles before, did she? The former can be only used as a puppet in dark magic and thus controlled by a wizard while the latter is pretty harmless. She could make use of her curse to scare muggles and blood traitors hehe...August smiled slyly as they walked back to the pumpkin entrance.

At the party, his eyes fell on Malice, but he did not care why she was looking happy. He did not even notice Celeste's expression.

"I do not have an appetite for food at parties, however, I enjoy drinking," He explained for her as he picked up a second goblet of red wine. He was not a heavy drinker and never allowed himself to become drunk like Avery or Macnair. Instead, he preferred to sip his drink slowly, hence why he did not finish his first goblet but spilled out the third quarter of its content by accident.

"Walk me to the gates, please?"

"But...I do not feel that I am welcomed here..." Vincent did not forget his first and last visit at Hogwarts.

"It's just to the gates, you're not going to enter the place," Adela assured him, squeezing his hand and almost dragged him with her, but after a couple of steps when they come closer to the gates she noticed that things were not as usual. She suddenly stopped in her tracks, making him almost lose his balance and nearly fall that they ended up in a weird embrace. "...I am sorry...but we should stop here..." She apologized, looking down at the ground.

"I told you so, but you did not listen..." He sighed as he straightened his back and pushing her away. He tried to be gentle, despite the hunger which was killing him. It took all his willpower to hold back to not bite her by accident. He immediately turned his back at her and hurried to get away from her.

"Let's meet tomorrow in Knockturn Alley, at six o'clock..." She called after him. He raised his hand as an affirmative response and vanished in the dark night.

She did not turn around until he was completely out of sight.

At the gates, Adela met Quinn and ten other wizards whom she recognized as ministry officers from their badges and attires. Magical light balls hovered over their heads, casting a dim blueish ghastly light in the dark.

"Dolohov," Quinn nodded curtly. "Someone was with you a moment ago...?" She was holding a scroll of parchment with a list of names and a self-inking quill in her hands and crossed out Adela's name on the parchment.

"It was Mr. D'Arcy, the vampire who was here on a guest lecture some days ago," Adela explained with a thin voice.

Quinn remained quiet, her face oddly pale and expressionless, as she gestured for Adela to pass through the gates.

"You'll meet the Minister of Magic and other officials from the Ministry of Magic when you enter the castle. Everyone is gathered in the Great Hall. We will explain soon what's going on when the rest of the professors and five other students have returned from the party," Quinn spoke quietly and calmly as she was still facing the dark shadows and trees outside the gates. Adela stopped in her tracks for a mere second, wondering what on earth could have happened that have called for the attention of the Minister and the officials of the Ministry of Magic, before quickening her pace ...Something unusual must have happened...did some students vanish in the Dark Forest? ...or did another enemy appear to take revenge on us because we defeated Potter and his squad? ...Quinn seems to be so calm and collected...yet she looked paler than a ghost...

Lily stared oddly when she noticed Rosaleya and her companion choosing boring food to eat at a party. When there are so many sweets and delicious treats to enjoy at a party, they pick food that is meant for dinner? She had finished her cupcake and sweet drink a moment ago and was currently enjoying a slice of velvet cake. ...I wonder if the choice of food at this party was Mr. Alastair's idea since he is the host or did someone else suggest that to him? Pft...no wonder why miss Rosaleya acted so oddly when I invited her to eat some delicious treats at the Summer Feast...I doubt that she has ever drunk butterbeer or any fancy drinks...Mmm, this cake is so good...when I finish it, I will have some parfait...

"Alastair..." Aislinn broke the silence and reached for Alastair's hand. "May you bring me some dessert, please? I am craving something sweet. And bring something for yourself as well," She smiled. She did not wish to return downstairs where it felt so stuffy. She cringed at the thought of seeing the odd guests, especially the shameless couple, once more.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I do not have an appetite for food at parties, however, I enjoy drinking,"

He's going to get hungry eventually. Celeste thought, smiling to to him as though she believed he would keep to this rule of his. For now... She picked up a plate of grilled scallops and a rocca salad. "I won't be long." She meant that she didn't want to take a long time to eat because their break had gone on for long enough already and she was eager to return to their dancing.

"Alastair..." Aislinn broke the silence and reached for Alastair's hand.

Alastair gave her his full attention. "Yes, my lady?" Is she ready to return? No!, don't be selfish! We came up here because I pushed her over the edge of exhaustion! How can I even think of resuming my selfish actions?! She's most likely about to inform me that she wishes to leave the party. I've ruined this day for her, haven't I?

"May you bring me some dessert, please? I am craving something sweet. And bring something for yourself as well," She smiled.

Alastair looked surprised for a half second. "Of course, my lady." I can't ask her what she wants, with the say she said 'something sweet', she expects me to select something for her...I know she loves chocolate, that's why I had the chefs prepare over twelve chocolate desserts...and the cherry drink she loves...and her Firewhiskey...and...I'm certain I can select something for her. Oh, I've got the perfect idea that will most certainly satisfy her craving for chocolate! He rose from his seat, and left.

How do I choose? Well, that is simple. Alastair selected one plate of each dessert: chocolate donut, chocolate-filled croissant, chocolate ice cream, chocolate milk, chocolate pudding, and chocolate mousse. He levitated these behind him, and gently laid them out onto their table upon his return. He bowed to her, and spoke softly. "My lady, I was in the mood for quite a bit of dessert. However, I do not have a specific desire for any particular dessert. Please take whatever you wish, and I will gladly enjoy the rest."

It's cool how she's acting so rebellions, standing at the table like this. It's fun. Stephan thought. He had savored a lovely raspberry tea, then a blueberry cookie, a raspberry chocolate chip cookie. When he saw her eyes move to a parfait as she finished her velvet cake, he decided to try it as well. "This is fun." He smiled to her as he raised his first bite to his mouth. This is my first time trying a parfait. It's so tasty. I like the layers. He thought as he subconsciously made an adorable expression.

"Would you honor me with a dance?" Nova asked the closest available demon lady.

She was dressed as Glinda from the Wizard of Oz. "Of course." She replied in a regal tone. She looked to be about forty in human years.

"I'm fighting a strong urge to climb the walls. I have too much energy. Have you ever found it painful to sit still?" Nova asked.

"You sound like my daughter when she was younger." The woman laughed.

"That reminds me of a wish I granted a few months ago..." Nova began another story.

As Luna danced with Elias, she realized that she should schedule a talk with him soon about their wedding. We will go over the plans I've made, and adjust them to his taste. Compromises will be made, and both of us will be happy. Luna thought, picturing herself in white. I wonder if he will feel strange when I inform him I wish to wear a black wedding gown? I don't even think it's necessary to wear a white gown if I can't remember why it's supposed to be white in the first place. I'll have to research it when I return home.

"...I can cross off 'dance with a 'prince'' from my Grownup List." Rosaleya laughed. "Thank you for making an item dream come true. This is an amazing day for me. I'm feeling so happy. All the practice paid off."

Soren nodded happily. " 'Happy'...that word reminds me of Happy Sugar Life. Have you read it?" I can't start up with some cheesy lines about how 'happy' isn't nearly close enough to describe what I'm feeling right now. She already knows, so it would just be repetitive.

And they began an in-depth discussion of the anime instead, since Rosaleya hadn't read the manga.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Take as much time as you want," August smiled in return and drew out a chair at a vacant table for Celeste. He gestured for her to sit before he took the seat in front of her. I never have appetite for food at parties, let alone desserts and anything sweet...He thought as he glanced at the headmaster's younger sister, wondering if her parents have taught her any table manners. ...There are chairs and tables for everyone at this place, yet she is acting as if she has never eaten any desserts before...I can not believe that someone like her is related as a daughter to the minister of Magic and sister to the headmaster of Hogwarts...

Edward's eyes followed Alastair closely behind his mask, as soon as his eyes fell on him by the food table. He watched him picking a selection of various chocolate desserts and drinks and levitating them behind him as he returned to the stairs that led to an upper floor in the party room. He had observed him earlier, leading Aislinn upstairs after their last dance ...I am happy that he is treating her well, bringing so many desserts to her by himself hints that he seems to spoil her a lot. I hope that he also accepts her flaws and respects her despite her actions...it was not really ladylike of her to down a drink in one go while standing by the food tables before taking another goblet of drink with her upstairs. Isabelle would never do that...He smiled softly behind his mask, reminiscing the first time he had invited Isabelle for a party.

It was a late summer day, in the year of 1986. The platform nine three quarters was buzzing with the hundreds of young Hogwarts students who were getting off the train.
"...but-" The sixteen-year-old Isabelle hesitated for a moment.
"Please, I have told my parents everything about you. They would love to meet you! Are your parents picking you up from the station?" The young Edward with pure black hair, spoke, his voice full of excitement.
"No, I have to walk home as usual,"
"Then come with me, please! My father is waiting outside. I bet you have not ridden a muggle car, have you? We will go to my place and he will help you send an owl to your parents, explaining that you are my guest at my graduation party!"
"Please, I do not want to be a bother. Besides, I do not have any fancy or suitable clothes..."
"Oh, you will never be a bother to us! And do not worry about your clothes, the party won't start until sunset and I also need to change my attire!" He grabbed her hand before she had time to protest anymore and he almost dragged her out to where his father had parked his muggle car outside the Kings Cross Station. It was still warm outside that summer day and Edward thought her face was red because of the heat, yet he did not understand back then that she had been feeling very flustered and embarrassed to enter his home, dressed in her ragged school uniform. But little did his mother or other family members care about Isabelle's clothes. Lady Monroe was already feeling fond of the girl at first sight and it did not take long until Isabelle grew comfortable in the company of Edward's cousin-in-law and by the late-night, the two girls had already become best friends.
"Natalia, I'll leave Isabelle in your care. Please make my girlfriend look pretty for the party!"
"With pleasure!" Natalia laughed softly, already leading the embarrassed and speechless Isabelle out from the parlor.
"Meanwhile I will also get myself ready!"
"Excuse me, young man! Where do you think you are running off to?" His mother interrupted him before he even had a chance to take any step towards the doors of the parlor.
"Nowhere in particular, but I would like to change into my new black suit-"
"Explain what you mean by girlfriend?" She interrupted him again, this time with a harsher tone.
"Well, Isabelle is a girl and she is my friend, so that makes her my girlfriend..." He had an innocent smile, but the mischievous look in his eyes did not slip his mother's sharp eyes.
"For how long have you been seeing each other?"
"Well, the first time I saw her was at the sorting ceremony about five years ago and then I have seen her quite often since she got sorted in the same house as me-"
"I meant when did she become your girlfriend?!" His mother asked with a furious tone. She was about to lose her patience. His cousin looked away, hiding a quiet laugh.
"Oh, about two years ago...

"Of course it is fun!" Lily giggled. "Enjoying delicious treats is the best thing besides dancing at parties! I mean, who would eat soup or other boring food when partying. It's like one would choose to drink water instead of cocktail drinks when going out for a dance!" Lily spoke loudly and laughed.

"Oh...thank you..." Aislinn was surprised to see Alastair bring so many desserts, all of them consisting of chocolate, that she almost become speechless. "You're going to give me a sugar rush!" She giggled. "Let's share everything in half. Let's start with the chocolate-filled croissant, half for you and half for me!" She pointed her wand at the chocolate-filled croissant and spoke the incantation of the diffendio spell.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Of course it is fun!" Lily giggled. "Enjoying delicious treats is the best thing besides dancing at parties! I mean, who would eat soup or other boring food when partying. It's like one would choose to drink water instead of cocktail drinks when going out for a dance!" Lily spoke loudly and laughed.

Rosaleya's been drinking water after almost every dance...She's also been taking a bunch of bathroom breaks as a result. Stephan laughed as well, nodding as if he agreed with her. "What is your favorite cocktail here?" He asked. "I haven't tried many." He flashed her a subconsciously charming smile, indicating that her answer would be a recommendation for him. Just when I think I've tried a lot of new foods, more appear...it keeps happening.

"Excellent plan, my lady." Alastair smiled, dividing the other desserts in half all at once, finishing by the time she split the croissant. He took his seat, picking up the chocolate croissant with a quiet, relieved sigh. Her giggle indicates that her mood as lightened enough for my guilt to ease. I think I'll enjoy the second part of my plan now.

His smile didn't fade until they were done with their sweet feast. "My lady," He began, stacking the empty plates and sending them downstairs with the wave of his hand "I would enjoy the second half of the evening far more if I could spend it...solely in your company, and put that party out of our minds." He waved his hand, as if the festivities on the floor below were in an entirely different part of London; a party that now had nothing to do with them. "May I pour us a drink, my lady?", smoothly hinting that he would pour more than one if she agreed. His pleasant smile informed her that he truly wished for nothing more than her company tonight; he wasn't trying to humor her. "Until such a time as you wish to rejoin the party, of course." He added with the slight bow of his head. "We can go back there." He joked. Making it sound far away will take any pressure off of her to rejoin the party on my account. Do not force yourself, my lady, for that is not my intention.

When she agreed, he placed two rocks glasses on the table with the same Raven design as a pair downstairs. He filled them with Firewhiskey, neatly slid one across the table, and it stopped before her without creating even a ripple on the surface. He rose his own glass to her with the slight twist of his wrist, creating the pleasant sound of ice cubes tap dancing in their glass. She never drinks hers with ice...but if I am to drink Firewhiskey, I'll do my best to enjoy the contrast between the burning liquid and chilling cubes. His eyes met hers with a charming expression. "To you." He toasted, and they drank together.

An internal grimace followed, but he grinned wider instead. He poured them another round of drinks, deftly replacing his with a glass of Firewhiskey-colored water the moment Aislynn turned her attention to her glass. A convenient way for me to avoid drinking Firewhiskey, and safely escort my lady to Luna's home before she makes the bad choice to stay for the second portion of the festivities. Alastair thought of the second event. When I return from Luna's manor, I shall make certain that the lady of the house intends to leave soon as well.

Time seemed to pass faster than Alastair expected, and soon he was noticing signs that Aislynn was growing more relaxed. Slightly longer blinks, and slightly slower sentences informed him that he would soon be escorting her home. He checked his pocket watch, noticing that a little over three hours had gone by. Wonderful. She had a lovely night, I didn't despise not dancing with her instead, and she'll leave before she doubts my sanity. He fought with himself again over letting her stay, but the voice inside his head shook its head vigorously. I cannot run the risk of letting her stay here during the second event. If any of the guests decide to allow their human dates to remain, then it is their choice to take that risk. I shall, of course, admire their bravery from afar. It's far better that way. Perhaps I can imagine what it would've been like to have my lady by my side as I watch those brave demons observe the reactions of their dates. When she grew a bit more relaxed with the next drink, he felt it was time to suggest it. "My lady..." He smiled gently. "...I've had a lovely night with you. However," He faked a proper slur, as one in his position would speak after his number of drinks "I'vegrown...a bit tired..." yes yes, speak a bit slower, like someone who has been drinking "...I think it would be best for us...to retire for the night before our wits beat us to it." He smiled, blinking slower than usual. He stood up straight, walking properly so that Aislynn didn't doubt his capability to escort her home. He stood by her chair, maintaining eye contact. "We'll fly home together, past the moon." He said with a romantic look in his eyes, even though they both knew he meant 'jump home'.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Well, my favorite one..." Lily pondered for a while, before giving Stephan a truthful answer. "It depends on...I only enjoy butterbeer while I visit Hogsmeade during school breaks and at special events at Hogwarts. While at other parties outside Hogwarts, I enjoy fruity and sweet drinks, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, melon, peach, cherry, apricot, pineapple, mango, guava, orange, passion fruit, lychee, cape gooseberry, pomegranate, of course, sweet pomegranate, I hate the sour kind...and same goes for grapes. If I would suggest a fruity drink for you, then my recommendation is that you try every kind of fruit I mentioned. I also like to drink fizzy drinks, you know those drinks with bubbles..." She went on mentioning all her favorite muggle brands for fizzy drinks. "...but it is not that often I have fizzy drinks, anyway, whether it is fruity or fizzy drinks, I prefer non-alcoholic. As for alcoholic kind, my only favorite is champagne. I have tried wine and I would not say I dislike it, but it's not really my kind of drink." She flashed him a smile as well.

Aislinn smiled happily and indulged in the sweet chocolate desserts and treats. ...I do not wish to return to the bottom floor, where it is noisy and loud, where most of the guests are so weird. I rather sit here with Alastair and enjoy the rest of the evening with him...

As if Alastair had read her mind, he spoke: "My lady, I would enjoy the second half of the evening far more if I could spend it...solely in your company, and put that party out of our minds." He waved his hand as if the festivities on the floor below were in an entirely different part of London; a party that now had nothing to do with them. "May I pour us a drink, my lady?", smoothly hinting that he would pour more than one if she agreed. His pleasant smile informed her that he truly wished for nothing more than her company tonight; he wasn't trying to humor her. "Until such a time as you wish to rejoin the party, of course." He added with the slight bow of his head. "We can go back there." He joked.

"...And I prefer to spend the rest of the party with you in solitude...yes, please, pour me a drink, my love, let's enjoy the rest of the evening together..." ...without the disturbance of other guests...I would rather not return to the bottom floor...I hope I am not being too selfish...

She became more surprised when she noticed him pouring firewhiskey for them both. It was so unexpected that she became speechless and did not really register the fact that he toasted, that she only lifted her goblet and downed it in one go. She had not been expecting him to drink firewhiskey as well. She let him pour another round of drinks, counting that it was her third goblet, but soon she lost the count on how many goblets of firewhiskey she had drunk after a couple of hours.

"My lady..." He smiled gently. "...I've had a lovely night with you. However, I'vegrown...a bit tired......I think it would be best for us...to retire for the night before our wits beat us to it." He smiled, blinking slower than usual. He stood up straight, walking properly. He stood by her chair, maintaining eye contact. "We'll fly home together, past the moon." He said with a romantic look in his eyes, even though they both knew he meant 'jump home'.

"Hmm...." She looked up at him, smiling happily. "Wouldthatbefine....? Imean...you'ethehost..." she slurred over her words. "...aewenot...ssssupposed....tototo...ssstay....tilleveyguestleavesssss...?"
If she had not been so drunk, she would have been feeling guilty for having Alastair drink so much with her.

"Ah...isthatsooo...how convenient..." She sighed of relief when he explained to her that he had prepared a second host to take the matters of the party in his place. "Then.... wewill fly...fly...home....sweet home...togethe...to the moon..." She giggled, not realizing what she was saying. Her legs wobbled as she tried to stand up. She tried to support her balance by taking aid by the table and as soon as she stood up, she placed both arms around his neck. "Obsss...not hee....!" She placed her right index finger on his lips and giggled, meaning that he should not try to kiss her unless after they had flown home. "Pleassse...lead the way..."

...Merlin's bloody hairy beard...how much did she drink...Edward nearly clenched his fists. ...Calm down...calm down.... breathe deeply and slowly...she does not know of my existence yet, and he would not leave her in my care because he does not know me at all...and it would be such a bad timing to reveal myself to her while she is not clear in her mind, hence I cannot do anything in this situation but hope that he does not take advantage of her during her current state. I cannot recall her becoming so drunk during the summer feast. My dear, why did you allow yourself to drink to this extent...?

Aislinn was clinging to Alastair's arm, as they descended the stairs, subconsciously allowing him to support her so that she would not trip and fall. She was so drunk that she did not realize that he was still sober. She was a bit louder than usual, as she spoke and laughed.
"Anothe refill, a lassssss one, of..ugh...fiewhishkey! Pleassse!" She held up her goblet, which she had been holding with her free hand the entire time, as soon as they reached the bottom floor, expecting Alastair to pour her a drink one more time before they would leave. "Then wewill fly ove the seven seassssssss, dance on the moon, and sleep unde the staaaaaas." She laughed.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"... As for alcoholic kind, my only favorite is champagne. I have tried wine and I would not say I dislike it, but it's not really my kind of drink." Lily flashed him a smile as well.

"Wine is not my favorite drink, either." Stephan avoided wrinkling his nose at the thought of the taste. He reflected on her words, then selected a strawberry cocktail.

"Hmm...." She looked up at him, smiling happily. "Wouldthatbefine....? Imean...you'ethehost..." she slurred over her words. ...aewenot...ssssupposed....tototo...ssstay....tilleveyguestleavesssss...?"

It took Alastair a second to decode her speech. I summarized this answer just in case. "Demon parties are often so long, that a minimum of two hosts are required to accommodate the guests. I hosted the first part." Right now, she doesn't need to trouble herself processing the specifics. I will answer any questions she has tomorrow.

"Ah...isthatsooo...how convenient..." She sighed in relief. "Then.... wewill fly...fly...home....sweet home...togethe...to the moon..." She giggled. Her legs wobbled as she tried to stand up. She tried to support her balance by taking aid by the table and as soon as she stood up, she placed both arms around his neck. "Obsss...not hee....!" She placed her right index finger on his lips and giggled, meaning that he should not try to kiss her unless after they had flown home.

Alastair laughed softly. Never, my lady.

"Pleassse...lead the way..."

"After we return, my lady, I'll pour another." Alastair said gently. He supported her until they were out of the general view of the other guests before carrying her princess-style, past the moon.

"Here we are." Alastair smiled, speaking softly as Raven opened the front door for him. He gave her a look, nodding to Aislynn.

"Of course." Raven helped Aislynn to the land of dreams with the wave of her hand. "I'll help her to her bed, change her clothes, remove the symptoms of her hangover, and leave a note explaining that I tucked her in so she doesn't worry." Raven spoke, reading off a checklist in her mind.

"Wonderful. Thank you, Ravenna." Alastair laughed softly.

Raven summoned a cloud for Alastair. "You're welcome."

He set Aislynn down gently. "Goodnight, my lady." He kissed her forehead softly.

Afterwards Raven grabbed two edges of the cloud and steered it upstairs.

I would've imagined that with Hogwart's lack of staff tonight Luna would've chosen Raven to guard the school instead. Alastair thought. True to his words, Alastair drank another Firewhiskey when he returned to the party.

"(It was a lovely time.)" Malice curtsied, speaking in French. "(Where will you be playing tomorrow?)"

"(Here.)" The guitar man replied.

Malice handed him a mini quiche, and they exchanged goodbyes.

Reign noticed Alastair drinking. He returned his attention to Melody. Without noticing, he'd begun smiling subtly whilst dancing with her.

"It's time." Nova smiled to Alastair. "Take care of your guest, unless you've changed your mind?"

"I haven't." Alastair replied, walking away. "May I cut in?" He asked both Luna and Elias at the same time. On the inside, he was avoiding any strange facial expressions due to the aftertaste of the Firewhiskey. Endure it.

"I don't mind." Luna replied calmly before Elias, meaning that she wanted to dance with Alastair regardless of Elias's reply.

"After this dance-" Alastair began as they started dancing.

"-yes, I'll be heading home for the night." Luna replied with a smile, recognizing his intention by his tone. "I haven't forgotten about tomorrow. I'll be up nice and early."

"Lovely." Alastair smiled softly.

Nova scanned the room, humming gaily. He caught sight of Celeste and August next, seated for their third break for the night. Celeste was drinking another mead. "We'll be starting early. Has your decision changed?" Nova smiled, timing his words with the break in her conversation.

"No. We'll be staying." Celeste smiled, pleased that the next event would be starting early. She completely forgot about whatever she'd been saying before, and turned completely serious. "August, this is our seventh date, so it's time to reveal my species, as well as that of my comrades. I need your solemn word that you will not share this information with any other humans, for our safety." She meant herself and her comrades.

When she received his word, she continued. As expected. We wouldn't get this far for him to say 'no'. "This is not a joke." She promised. "I'm a demon." She wouldn't break eye contact, looking closely for any sign of a reaction she didn't want. She waited for the questions to roll in like a murderous high tide. She found it highly unlikely, after the previous test, that he would run away now. That's good, at least. There are so many tests tonight. Such treacherous waters. She pictured herself with August on a tiny sailboat, trying to pass through dangerous waters. Every time she opened her mouth to begin a test, heavy rain would start as well, with thunder booming all around. But we've been sailing all night, and I've been navigating with a frown even in the calmer waters. She smiled softly. I always get a headache when I frown too much. She realized she'd been frowning as she asked was speaking, so smiling now and calming her face felt better. "I'm always in control; we don't harm others irrationally." She added calmly. I wonder what the reveal about my main power will be like. She debated over explaining every detail now, or waiting for him to ask questions, and remembering his reaction to the 'curse' test, she imagined that he needed time to process the information and would most likely miss whatever else she said now. I'll try letting him ask questions this time.

Reign gave Nova an expression that explained he already knew what Nova was going to inform him of before he even reached them. Nova nodded in reply, and turned away. The exchange happened so quickly that Reign doubted Melody had even noticed.

Nova scanned the room again. I think I got everyone...Rosaleya is a demon...Easton is a demon...Stephan is a demon but he didn't want to stay for the second event. "May I have your attention, please?" Nova asked, projecting his voice and standing where Alastair had stood before to give his announcement. "All humans not dating a demon will have the desire to leave the party in three..."

Ah, my wish...that's why I felt the desire to return here early. Malice passed the pumpkin's threshold. She recalled that she would have the desire to return near the time Nova made the announcement. She'd also wished that none of the humans that would be leaving would find the announcement strange. They wouldn't notice it, and suddenly have the urge to leave.

"two...one. Would the remaining dancers on the floor please take their seats?" Nova asked. This announcement is more for the other demons...otherwise Malice would've wished for the humans to suddenly feel like leaving when I did something quiet like tap my fingers on the table in a certain rhythm or wave my hands a certain way...perhaps even tracing a certain word on my table.

The musicians played a bit quieter as the majority of humans gradually cleared out, leaving twelve. The majority of those twelve already knew they were dating demons so the announcement did not confuse them.

Reign smoothly led Melody to a vacant table. His smile disappeared gradually as they walked. You are not affected by the announcement. He expected her to logically link the majority of guests leaving with the announcement, and how it didn't affect her. He waited for her to ask questions.

"I'm feeling it now. I did stay up late last night." Luna covered her mouth as she yawned. "I'll...say goodnight to Elias." She turned away, making for his direction.

"I'd like to escort you home." Alastair replied, following her. I want to be certain that you do not return. Nothing you've forgotten, nothing you needed to do before you left...nothing.

"C-can I see you again on Monday?" Stephan asked. Argh, I accidentally stuttered because I was speaking so fast! And I said 'Monday' instead of 'Sunday'. "I meant..." He was at a loss for words, reduced to looking at her hopefully to give him some sort of suitable answer. I don't know how long I have until the wish carries out its duty. Will she run away right now? I can't think! I was doing fine since that stiff dance and now...!

"...and that works?" Rosaleya asked, taking her seat.

"Someone probably made a wish to have the announcement sound normal." Jade replied.

"Wow, you did-it's perfect!" Rosaleya admired every fine detail in Jade's sketching.

"Yes, you did." Jade replied, putting the canvas away with the air of someone who'd left their work on display for too long without a compliment. "You sketched this yourself." He seemed insulted that she didn't credit herself for the work.

 

[Hikari Chan]

...huh? did he return after just escorting her away? And now he is cutting in between miss Lestrange and the minister's son....tsk tsk...not so gentleman-ish of him. Anyway, I won't meddle in anyone's business. For now, I will observe from afar...my dear, if he breaks your heart, I will make sure he regrets a thousandfold...

Elias was feeling slightly annoyed and surprised to be interrupted by Alastair in the midst of his dance.

"It's fine, I will be waiting for you..." He nodded to Luna. It was when Luna walked away with Alastair, that he noticed that Aislinn was not present. ...that's odd, did Monroe leave the party without Alastair escorting her home? Did they have a fight or something? Oh well, that is not any of my business anyway...

"Allow me to escort you home, please. Since I will be leaving as well," Elias said when Luna returned to him. He had not heard Alastair telling Luna that he would like to escort her. He just looked at him past her, giving him the look that asked why he was not accompanying miss Monroe.

"On Monday? We will probably see each other tomorrow and every day...since we are in the same house..." Lily noticed that her friends were leaving. "I am going to retire for tonight. I want to get up early tomorrow to practice Cooking with Magic. If you are not going to sleep away the morning or have other plans, you are welcome to join me. Have a good night!" And with these last words, Lily left the party, before Nova gave the announcement.

"Of course. You have my word that I promise you that I will not reveal anything about you and your comrades.

"This is not a joke." She promised. "I'm a demon. I'm always in control; we don't harm others irrationally."

August laughed heartily. "I guess we all have little demons inside of use. The Dark Lord was probably a demon himself." He laughed. "...Well, jokes aside..." He said after he took a sip of his wine. "Your confession now gave me a surprise. I understood from the beginning that you were not human. I thought first you were a different being from Earth, but seeing that you do not like to eat what this place has to offer, I merely guessed that you were probably a humanoid from a different planet. But I was not expecting you to phrase it as a demon." He was quiet for a couple of minutes, trying to process this new kind of information. ...it makes more sense why her brother is so hostile towards me, he probably despises humans as much as I despise lower beings....whatever, it means that there are four students that are not human at all at Hogwarts since she confessed before that these four students were the same species as her...or perhaps five...I wanted to introduce her to the masked student and see if she knew him, but I could not and still cannot find him among the guests. Anyway, I will solve that matter later. For now, I want to know what are they doing at Hogwarts, when they have a master who could teach them their own kind of magic? Why do they desire to learn magic by us human wizards and witches? hmm...they must be feeling inferior to us and to this world or else they would not ask to enroll at a wizarding school... "So...is your master, the Devil, or have I misunderstood?"

Melody looked confused around as she noticed how the majority of the guests were quitting the party. She did not see Mary-Jane around either. ...did she forget that we were going back to Hogwarts together? Why are most of the guests leaving? Is it already approaching midnight....or perhaps it is already past midnight because I just heard the announcement that the party was over...Merlin's beard, how time passes so fast...no wonder why Reign... She looked up at Reign, noticing how his smile faded. "What's the matter?" She asked and then quickly, to cheer him up, she suggested: "You may escort me to Hogwarts and we can meet again tomorrow..." ...we can probably meet every weekend if he wants...if my presence makes him so happy...I would not have any room to breathe, but that's okay...that's alright...

"Now...who is missing? Is everyone here? May I take a look at the list, please?" Quinn nearly snatched the parchment out of Flynn's hands. She did not mean to be so harsh, but the frustration she felt over finding a couple of dead students and another one missing, was getting on her nerves.

"We are still waiting for the headmaster, headmistress, professor Mulciber, processor Thorne, professor Wilkes, and professor Dolohov, and six other students-" Flynn began. At that moment Lily appeared by the gates. She was surprised to see so many guards. "...now it is five students we are waiting for..." He continued. "Miss Fairbrook, who needs to return with both professor Mulciber and professor Thorne, miss Lovett, Mr. McCunnen, and Mr. Dantes."

"What's going on?" Lily was confused. "What has happened?"

"Miss Shadowwalker, let me escort you to your dorm, please!" Quinn took Lily by her hand.

"What's going on? I can walk on my own-"

"Absolutely not, young lady! No student is allowed to stroll around on their own anymore!"

"What's the matter? What has happened?"

"Silence! It's not your fault, but something very serious has happened that it has affected all students of Hogwarts. We will explain everything later. Now, please, come with me!"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Allow me to escort you home, please. Since I will be leaving as well," Elias said when Luna returned to him.

"Alastair already insisted." Luna smiled.

When Alastair noticed the look Elias gave him, he smiled innocently, as if he didn't understand what Elias meant by the look. My goal is to escort Luna away from here. I don't want to spend time on anything that isn't absolutely important.

"I wish you a pleasant night." Luna hesitated for a split second, then embraced Elias warmly. Soon, I won't even hesitate once when I want to embrace him. I'm making excellent progress.

"On Monday? We will probably see each other tomorrow and every day...since we are in the same house..."

Stephan grew even more worried when Lily's gaze followed her friends. It feels like everything I want to say is slipping through my mind like sand...I can't even catch a single grain! Why?! "That's not..." He tried to say 'that's not what I meant' but he trailed off since he was unable to figure out how to word it differently.

"I am going to retire for tonight. I want to get up early tomorrow to practice Cooking with Magic. If you are not going to sleep away the morning or have other plans, you are welcome to join me."

"I will! Thank you!" Stephan replied, his face lightening in happiness and relief.

"Have a good night!"

"Goodnight!" Stephan smiled, watching her leave. I should be getting back as well. Since father is busy, I will go back with her. He saw Crystal standing up and making for Rosaleya's table.

"When Professor Thorne comes over here, tell her that you need to use the bathroom. Use the last stall-"

"-that's the one furthest from the main door, right?"

"Yes. Stay in there until I page you that Professor Thorne has left with your replacement."

"Do I need to do anything special or just stay there? And, how long do I wait to come out in case you forget to page me?"

"Trust me, I won't forget. Just don't make any noise." Soren replied.

"Okay." Rosaleya turned to Crystal as she approached their table.

August laughed heartily. "I guess we all have little demons inside of us. The Dark Lord was probably a demon himself." He laughed.

He wasn't. Does he think that I'm using the word figuratively? I'll let him finish.

"I merely guessed that you were probably a humanoid from a different planet."

It was Celeste's turn to laugh heartily. A different planet? You cannot sustain life on another planet, unless...oh, I suppose someone could've made a wish...Your own private planet...now I'm curious.

"But I was not expecting you to phrase it as a demon." He was quiet for a couple of minutes, trying to process this new kind of information.

Let him process and finish speaking.

"So...is your master, the Devil, or have I misunderstood?"

Celeste laughed softly, stood, and walked around to his chair. She removed a tiny pouch from her waist, and placed it on the table, loosening the strings.

She pulled out a small scroll from the pouch; black paper with white text. "I've explained this so many times that I eventually wrote it all down." She demonstrated how scrolls were normally read by unrolling one part and rolling the other, so that the words or images appeared to be moving gradually. Each question had a cherry blossom branch with white and periwinkle petals underlining it. Beneath each branch was a concise one-paragraph answer, then the next question. "I've added every question you could possibly ask by now." She assured. I'm not going to keep you in the dark. She thought of the way Alastair had handled his explanations to Aislynn. "You can scroll through yourself, or I can drag my chair here since I've nearly memorized the order." Her tone informed him that she didn't have a preference since she was happy he was willing to accept her despite being a different species. I can find his questions faster if he doesn't want to read all of it right now, since we're trying to enjoy a party after all, but he might want to read through the answers on his own.

Rosaleya listened to Jade hum the final verse of Sweet Parade as they waited in the last bathroom stall. The wall separating the last stall from the second-to-last stall suddenly became soft like jelly, and a girl that looked just like Rosaleya walked through. Rosaleya had been expecting a duplicate of herself to take her place, but it was strange seeing her in person. The girl smiled, waving her hand. She showed Rosaleya her pager, which was identical to hers. A minute later, they'd exchanged numbers. Then, the girl pointed from Rosaleya to the place from which she'd entered, and Rosaleya nodded, stepping through into the next stall. She heard the girl leave the last stall, wash her hands, and inform Crystal that she was ready to leave.

"'Kay. Let's go."

She really sounded convinced. Rosaleya thought. Should I feel bad about lying to her like this? Well...she's not my Mom or anything...and it's not like I can run the risk of her insisting on either staying or taking me back with her...It's fine. I'm not hurting her by doing this.

"Professor Thorne?" Stephan asked. He'd been hanging out near the bathrooms waiting for her. "May I return to Hogwarts with you?"

"Sure." Crystal shrugged. "I thought your Dad was taking you back, though. Isn't that how you got here?"

"Yes but...he's going to stay a bit longer than me, and I'm...tired." Stephan invented.

He's being very subtle. Rosaleya's double thought sarcastically.

Stephan pictured a large lion yawning; he's seen it on the discovery channel years ago, and he pictured it whenever he needed to yawn. He yawned, remembering to cover his mouth.

"Okay okay, let's go." Crystal walked back around to the bottom of the pumpkin's stairs, and sent her patronus to the other professor she was chaperoning Rosaleya with. "I'm feeling really tired. I've got Garnett with me, too. Let's get these students home." Then she sent it.

"You may escort me to Hogwarts and we can meet again tomorrow..."

She missed the clues. Reign hadn't foreseen that the second event would start early, so his plans had been thrown off. He took a second to look into the future, trying a multitude of different explanations. This will do. Offer her the invitation first, and answer her questions later. He summoned a scroll in his usual way. He'd prepared it earlier, painting a simplified maze modeled off the real one that would be used tonight, and concisely explaining the events soon to come.

...It is my wish that you also attend this party with me.

When she looked up from reading the scroll, she would find that his subtle smile had returned, giving him an air of mischievousness.

Rosaleya II: I wouldn't come back if I were you. The professors are going crazy over some s**t.

Prince Endymion: I'll call another 'me'. I have an idea of how I'd rather spend the winter.

Rosaleya II: Want me to tell the 'other me' about this situation?

Prince Endymion: I'll handle it.

Then, he paged Rosaleya.

Prince Endymion: Yin, you can come out now.

Lady Rose: Yay!

Prince Endymion: There's something going on at Hogwarts. Your double told me-

He hesitated, erased that message, then put his pager away. Tomorrow.

"Not a practical joke, hmm? This is the reward you get for running the school so well." Nagini thought hatefully toward the unknown culprit. "Can I eat them?"

They're most likely a student, although we can't doubt that it could be anyone... Either way. "No." She'd been about to start removing her makeup before she received Crystal's urgent message. "No." She said when she thought Nagini might try to argue.

"I didn't say a word." Nagini replied innocently.

Elias. Luna thought, touching her brooch. Are you listening? She waited for his reply before continuing. There's an emergency at Hogwarts. Crystal just informed me that two students were murdered. The culprit is unknown. If we act quickly we can wrap this whole incident up tonight. I need you to go to Hogwarts and assemble everyone in the Great Hall, no exceptions. I will handle the Hogwarts occupants who are currently at the Halloween Party; if I was the culprit I would use the party as an alibi. I will perform an investigation with Raven's help on the people inside the castle as soon as I arrive. Until I inform you that I cannot solve this problem I have full confidence in my plan, so do not worry. She removed her finger from her brooch. "Raven."

"Yes, mistress?" Raven asked, walking through the door so quickly that it was obvious she'd been waiting outside in case Luna needed something.

"Send every student and professor who is currently at the party a notification to return to Hogwarts immediately for an investigation. If they are guilty, they will come. If they are innocent, they will read the notification and forget what just happened the moment their eyes glance over the last period. Can you do that?"

"Yes, my mistress." Raven did so post haste. I love seeing her in these situations...I find that it's very difficult to believe it's been less than a year since all that battling because it feels like years. Sometimes it makes me want to start a war with another country's witches and wizards just to see Luna in action again.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"If that's your wish," Elias replied, meaning that if Luna wished Alastair to escort her home, he would not mind. Seeing Alastair only smile innocently and look as if he did not understand what Elias earlier meant with his look, only made him grew a bit suspicious. ...something has probably happened between him and Monroe, which would explain why he has insisted on escorting Luna home, otherwise, why is he not with Monroe instead... "Sweet dreams..." Elias returned Luna's embrace.

...hmm...and now mister not so gentleman-ish is escorting miss Lestrange out of this place...he has the face to butt in between her and the minister's son and takes her away from him...I will be staying here and see if he will return or not. That would be an interesting observation. Then I need to contact my mother afterward to see if Aislinn has returned home or not, it's not midnight yet so none has left the manor...after so many drinks, Aislinn is probably sleeping right now...so it would be safe to just enter the manor...oh I just remembered, my mother told me once Aislinn has a second place where she lives as well, miss Lestrange's place...she could probably be there...

"Are you taking advantage of the fact that I enjoy reading and doing my research?" August glanced at the scroll, but he was not in the mood to read and find answers to any possible question when he was at a party. "Fine, if I don't find the answer I am seeking, I will just ask you later..." He tucked the small scroll inside his inner pocket. "For now, I just want to enjoy the remainder of the party with you, please..." He gestured for her to take her seat.

"I...?" Melody was still feeling clueless. ...I do not understand...are we going to play games now and if yes, what kind of games, and is the maze is part of the games? Is that why most of the guests left because they are not interested in playing any games...? Well, I feel curious about this second event, so I will be staying...I just hope I won't have to walk alone inside a maze later...I am so bad with directions...but if Reign is joining, then I do not mind to explore the maze with him..."Alright..." She nodded, accepting Reign's invitation.

...Yes, I am listening...and I know...I am already at Hogwarts, taking care of the matters, of course as you wish...I will assemble everyone in the Great Hall...Elias sent his thoughts to Luna via his brooch. ...I had planned to inform Luna about the incident in the morning instead of disturbing her now, hence why I did not report to her at once, knowing that she desired to rest after the party...He thought after he removed his hand from his brooch. ...the head of houses are all here, but professor Wilkes. It seems that she has not returned from the party yet...I will have to ask professor Gibbon to take care of the Hufflepuff students instead, with the help of other professors...

Due to the incident, no student was allowed to wander on their own around in the castle or outside the castle. All of the students, with the help of the professors, were soon assembled in the Great hall. The silence among the students was heavier than a dark cloud and none of them dared to speak a word. The body of the dead student, who had been found dead in the boys' stall, was placed and covered with a white cloth on the floor in the Entrance Hall. Professor Flora Carrow and some healers from St. Mungos had just finished examining the deceased boy and noted the cause of death: poison. They had extracted it from his body for a sample for further investigation, however, they had not found the source of the poison anywhere. Another student, a fourth-year, also a boy, was missing and declared as dead. Young witches and wizards under seventeen years old were tracked by the Ministry of Magic, but since they could not track the student and not even his body, they feared that he had might vanished somewhere deep in the Forbidden Forest. The parents and family members to the two young boys had been called to Hogwarts at once the incident had been discovered.

"As an order from the Ministry of Magic, since this incident involved poison, anything that could contain and carry poison should be restricted...Potions should only be handled in the potions' classroom, food, and drinks inside the Great Hall only, and so on...do you understand?!" Alexander told his son. It was not a simple suggestion, but a strict order.

"Of course, I was thinking the same thing. I will discuss this further with Luna after she has done her investigation" Elias replied with a sigh.

"Just because she is not here at the moment, it does not mean she won't be here. It's weekend and she usually pays us a visit during such times..."

"I can assure she won't be coming-"

"What do you mean?" Lady Monroe turned very pale and felt short of breath all of sudden.

"Do not worry, it's not what you think. She was with Mr. Divilliers at a party. I was just observing the events from afar and she never noticed me. Nor did he."

"Oh...then I do not need to worry...she is probably too tired to pay me a visit today..."

...Should I tell her what more I observed and what I think about him or will I just make her anxious...

"What's the matter? Did something happen recently?"

"No...nothing...I am fine...I am just tired and need to rest..." Edward massaged his forehead and tried to frown less and smile more. ...I cannot make her worry...

"You should probably drink less..." She nodded towards his goblet of firewhiskey, wrinkling her nose. The sound of footsteps could soon be faintly heard and got louder in the corridor outside the kitchen, the closer it came.

"Excuse me?" Edward's cousin appeared in the doorway, knocking lightly on the door that was already wide open. "I hope I am not disturbing you or interrupting you in the midst of a conversation? Wouldn't you like to join us in the parlor?"

"Of course, I was just about to ask Edward to join us instead of spending time in this damp kitchen," Lady Monroe smiled.

Edward agreed, almost hesitating, and he ended up joining the rest of the family members in the parlor. Since he had observed Alastair return to the party after escorting miss Lestrange out from the place, he tried not to worry much more. He did not know that another event was about to take place and thought that the party had ended. He was just confused that it had ended a bit earlier than expected.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"All innocent." Luna took a moment to process the information. "Very well." She passed through the Hogwarts gates, walking quickly to the front doors. If it isn't anyone inside Hogwarts, then I will have no choice but to worry about an unknown enemy. And just when we'd all settled into our daily routines as if the sons and daughters of criminals were allowed to enjoy such peace. It was lovely while it lasted. Why would someone enter Hogwarts and commit such a crime? There are too many reasons. She nearly smiled. It's comical that I'm actually hoping for the culprit to be a student or professor...that way things can be handled much faster. I wonder if our wedding will have to be postponed in the case of an unknown enemy's second attack? Strange that that thought is running through my mind at a time like this. We're going to be together for quite some time, if not until death...the wedding is just another way of saying 'a party to celebrate our unification'. We just enjoyed a party together, so I can't imagine my feelings to be much different after the wedding. Besides; I've already got the most beautiful ring. She looked down at her ring, and soon entered the Great Hall. "Greetings." She addressed everyone at once from the entrance in a cold and formal tone. "The professors and students absent from this room have been proven innocent. I must ask for your cooperation during the rest of this investigation." Her tone made it clear that she wasn't asking, but expected it. "I shall issue a standard plea to reveal yourself now, culprit, if you are inside this room." She waited for three seconds. "I wouldn't come forth, either." She took a deep breath, then slowly walked around the room, closely surveying everyone she passed, students and professors alike. She had a fierce, sharp look in her eyes that could easily remind someone of her father. Raven shadowed her. Luna was only pretending to survey the students; it was a show to cover up the fact that Raven was reading through the mind of everyone she passed to find the culprit. When Luna passed Elias, she gave him a sharp nod for his help. Thanks to Raven, Luna had known since the day of their enrollment that some of the new students this year were demons. It had been her reason for suspecting that a student was most likely responsible for the crime. So her surprise was understandable when she had nearly finished surveying everyone, and Raven informed her that it was a wizard who had omitted the crime. When she'd surveyed almost every student, she felt Raven tap her on the shoulder, even though she wasn't walking closely enough to touch her; she'd signalled her magically. Luna stopped in front of a lanky sixth year who'd had his eyes to the floor during the entire investigation. "Your name, boy?"

The boy suddenly met her eyes with the intensity of a wild beast. "Adam Cattermole."

"Hmm..." One of the students. Wonderful. "Come." She looked to Raven, then nodded toward the boy.

Raven held him firmly by the shoulders, and followed Luna, who made for the door behind the professors' table. Once all three of them were inside, Luna began calmly giving Raven orders without breaking eye contact with the boy. As soon as one order was completed, Luna issued another. "Soundproof the room. Summon a chair. Restrain his wrists and ankles. Summon a knife. Seize the index finger of his dominant hand." She took a deep breath, and asked the boy. "What did you do?"

The boy described, in a smug tone, the incident from the Masked Man's perspective. Raven could not tell that an innocent boy's brain had been cleansed of real memories and filled with fakes. Luna felt that his emotions during the retelling were real.

"Why did you just tell me everything? If I was in your position, not that I'd be so sloppy as to get caught so easily...if I was caught, I'd wait until they threatened me with something truly terrifying, and then..." her tone hinted that she's confess then "...I would endure it." Her expression hardened. "Was it your intention to die like this?"

The boy didn't answer, looking away stubbornly.

Now you wish to keep quiet? Luna thought. Why would you tell me everything and then wish to keep your motives a secret?

"You won't kill me." Raven read his thoughts, relaying this information to Luna in Parseltongue. It was important for Raven's mind-reading powers to be kept secret. "At the very least I can endure a dementor-less prison for the rush I got tonight. I must admit I didn't expect to be discovered so quickly."

Luna was silent for a few moments. Unfortunately for you, you sought this 'rush' in someone else's territory. She took a deep breath, and released it slowly. As she did this, she allowed scenes of everything she wanted to do to him flash through her mind. "Put the knife away. Keep an eye on him." Luna stood, and left the room. She addressed the professors again as soon as she closed the door behind her. "I'd like to speak with the following within this room. The Headmaster, Minister of Magic, Professor Quinn, Thorne, and Flynn Pyrites, as well as the parents of the victims." She held the door open for then. A certain look towards the parents informed them that their attendance was optional. I wish to hold a small court hearing within this room. Mr. Shadowwalker will help conceal the truth from the papers just like with McGonagall's death. Elias is the headmaster, and I trust that Quinn, Thorne, and Flynn may offer valuable opinions as well. The parents should have the freedom to torture this boy to death if they so desire.

"Are you taking advantage of the fact that I enjoy reading and doing my research?"

"Perhaps." Celeste smiled softly.

"Fine, if I don't find the answer I am seeking, I will just ask you later..." He tucked the small scroll inside his inner pocket. "For now, I just want to enjoy the remainder of the party with you, please..." He gestured for her to take her seat.

"I'm surprised." She sat down. "I've never met a man who would rather enjoy the night than interrogate me to ensure his safety. Aren't you worried that you might be in danger right now? What with all these demons surrounding you..." She couldn't help but laugh; she didn't want him to answer to anything she'd just said."I suppose I'm just very lucky tonight. You're surpassing all of my expectations. My heart is certainly enjoying these strange reactions of yours." She noticed that now all of the humans that needed to leave were gone, and felt excited that the best event was only minutes away now. She reached across the table and opened her hand; she wanted to hold hands. "Demonic parties are very long, by nature. Most have two hosts, and when the second host takes over it often feels like a completely different party. I'm even more excited for the second half of this party than the first." Her eyes filled with an excitement so great that they were nearly glowing. "We haven't attended an event like this together, yet. This will be our first time." It's extremely rare that I ever get this far with my dates...I can barely contain my excitement. "So I'm overjoyed...however, if at any time you wish to leave, please don't believe, for an instant, that it will disappoint me if you lose interest."

"Alright..." Melody nodded, accepting Reign's invitation.

Reign opened his mouth to speak but Nova interrupted him.

He stood in the very center of the pumpkin, projecting his voice. "Ladies and gentlemen I would like to introduce our hosts for the party's second half-" he spoke into a full champagne glass as if it was a microphone "-Malice Hatter-" Malice moved to stand beside him, and gave an elegant curtsy to everyone at once. Nova looked around for the other host "-and myself." He grinned. "Who else would host?" He laughed.

"No one bought that." Celeste joked.

A wave of soft laughter through one third of the listeners.

"So for those of you who are new to this event, I will explain the rules and accept questions only when I'm finished explaining." He paused momentarily to let this sink in; it gave the impression that he'd been interrupted rudely while hosting before. "The room will begin to adjust itself gradually, so please stand by, and remain seated at all times." He spoke jokingly in a generic airline attendant voice, then returned to his normal hyper voice. The floor gradually began to split in half directly down the middle, with the exception of the tiles on which Malice and Nova stood, which were soon revealed to be connected to ridiculously tall pillars. The tables and chairs on which the guests were seated, as well as the musicians' area, were all raising gradually. The mezzanine floor was retracting into the pumpkin, and the ceiling's rim was dissolving into the air to become wider.

"This is so frickin cool." Rosaleya laughed, her eyes moving everywhere, trying to catch everything as it changed.

Soren had seen entire houses change multiple times, so Rosaleya's reactions were more interesting to him.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I am a wizard, what do I have to fear?" August laughed heartily. "Or perhaps I have become so numb because of the wine that I cannot feel fear?" He joked. "Let's see what this second event will unfold. I feel quite curious."

The professors exchanged looks with each other. None had been expecting a sixth-year student to be the culprit.

Alexander grew more curious about the incident and wondered if the boy had already confessed.

...did miss Lestrange find the culprit so fast...? within just a few minutes...it feels too good to be true... Flynn frowned, but entered as soon as he was requested to the room.

Quinn wanted to contact Cattermole's parents but decided to wait after she heard the entire story.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Once everyone was inside the room, Raven explained "I found these in his pockets.". She held Adam's cellphone, which only had the contacts of his mother and father, and one syringe with one-quarter of poison left.

"Leave them on the table, and try to find any evidence of the Erin Goldstein's whereabouts." Luna said. No one has found Goldstein yet, and I passed Phillip Turpin's corpse in the Entrance Hall. If Raven doesn't find any traces then Cattermole really did dispose of the body that way...

"Understood." Raven said before leaving and closing the door behind her.

"I'll summarize the boy's confession." Luna stated calmly. "He began concocting a poison he invented the night he heard of the Halloween Party. He carefully stole the items he needed from the greenhouses and potions classroom, and brewed it in a bathroom on the third floor. He had the potion ready two nights before the party, took what he needed, and vanished the rest. He chose to use the night where many of the staff members would be absent from the school in order to avoid being caught before he completed the crime. He chose a random bathroom with two other boys inside, and faked a conversation with a fictional lover on his cellphone. He joyfully bragged of winning a fight against the Whomping Willow after injecting the 'strength potion' she'd invented into a vein. He pretended to forget the syringe on the sink when he left the bathroom, knowingly leading Goldstein and Turpin to believe it was truly a strengthening potion. The syringe was three-quarters full, and an attached note defined the dosage as one quarter of the contents, once again leading them to believe that he'd truly taken a dose. As soon as the boys left their stalls, they fought over the syringe. Turpin was knocked unconscious by Goldstein," Which isn't surprising considering that Turpin was only a third year. "who proceeded to administer the poison himself, then to Turpin after realizing there was enough for the both of them. Meanwhile Adam was observing all this from outside the bathroom by listening in. He followed Goldstein as he ran outside with the syringe, presumably to fight the Whomping Willow. The poison took effect, and he died before he reached the tree. Cattermole then vanished the corpse, and left the one in the bathroom as evidence of what occurred. What confused me was why he would remain here, and confess so easily. And to only remove half the victims from the scene of the crime. When I asked, he suddenly went quiet."

Raven reentered the room, empty handed. "I wasn't able to find any traces of the missing student."

"Now that I have an audience I will tell you." Adam smiled, addressing everyone at once.

Luna allowed him to speak. Motive ties it all together. To plan something so carefully and then trample over your own hard work seems to contradict everything, which makes his story unrealistic.

"Ever since I was a child my parents have given me everything I needed or wanted, leaving me content and happy. But such happiness was so boring. I wanted a thrill in my life, just once. Muggle prison escape films were always my favorite growing up-they still are, and I always dreamed of grandly escaping from the most dangerous prison I could find. I drew pictures as a child of myself escaping from famous prisons, and I always drew Azkaban the most." His passion was genuine as he spoke; he truly believed that he was the criminal. "Breaking the International Statute of Secrecy would've given me the perfect ticket to Azkaban, but I was also curious to see if I could trick at least one person into killing themselves instead...just once. I also wanted to see about the rumors I've heard, that killing someone can cause a crushing sense of guilt, or flashbacks...et cetera...but I felt nothing." He shrugged. "Now would you please arrest me so I may try to live out my dream?" He looked at them expectantly. Who cares if a Gryffindor or Ravenclaw are missing. They weren't the best people in the world anyway. This is my chance to live out my dream. And if I failed...and they chose to kill me instead arresting me, I planned to use the last dose of this poison to kill myself if I couldn't escape.

Hogwarts is unsafe! Erin Goldstein, fourth year Gryffindor, and Phillip Turpin, third year Ravenclaw, confirmed dead. Crystal imagined the newspaper the next day. Great. Just when I thought Luna was getting everything she wanted. She deserved everything she worked for, you little brat. She thought toward Cattermole.

"I'd like to hear your opinions on the matter at hand." Luna said, addressing the professors and Minister of Magic.