Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Hikari Chan]

"I will explain what it means after you have chosen the remaining five..." Lily smiled. “...and you should leave it just as you picked it, even if it is upside down because a card turned upside down has a different meaning from a card that is turned on the right side..." She took the card from him and placed it down on its place, just as Alastair has picked it, upside down with the picture facing upward.

She took the remaining five cards he selected from him patiently and then placed them back on the table. …He is just supposed to turn around on the six cards he chooses and leave them on the table...not handing them to me... She thought, feeling both annoyed and amused about the situation.

"The first card which you selected as upside down, is called the reversed judgement card and it means that you doubt and judge yourself too harshly. The second card, a reversed two of wands means that you have ignored important aspects that are associated with planning your future. In other words, you have a poor planning for your future acts. The third, The lovers as reserved. You are currently dealing with your inner conflicts and dealing with a one-sided and unbalanced relationship. The card also points on disharmony that can make your daily life difficult and put pressure on your relationships. You should take time to think about what you are punishing yourself for, so you can fix them or let them go. At this time, you should also think about your personal values and belief system to make sure that they are aligned with what you want from your life. You have also been avoiding responsibility for your actions. You could have made a decision that was based on your desire for immediate gratification but are now blaming others for the consequences that are catching up to you. So, you need to make amends or let go of the past and make better decisions in the future. The fourth, the Death as reversed means that you are resisting to change because you are either worried about letting go of the past or you are not sure of the changes that you need to make to go forward. The fifth card, the Tower as reserved means destruction and pain. It can be related to the previous card you have selected. When you make the change, you are afraid to make, the tower which is build up on faulty foundations will fall and bring a painful destruction, in other words…The relationship which you have built up on falseness will fall into destruction. It will be very painful, perhaps it will bring peace from the humbleness that result from a fallen tower...and lastly, the sixth and last card, the Tow of Swords which is upright means that you must make a choice and side with one part of the situation or the other. Neither of the sides are appealing which will make your decision very difficult. But unless you make a decision once and for all to move past the stalemate there can be no more progress...." Lily had a distant look in her eyes when she finished speaking for several seconds before she picked up all the cards from the table and shuffled them into one deck and placed them on the table.

"Well..." She reached out her left hand, since she was left handed, to Alastair. "...I will now read your palm..."

She studied his palm for a couple of minutes before looking up, meeting his eyes.

"Your life line is broken..." She said. "It means that you have had traumatic experiences in your life that are having an impact on your life choices. And on your heart line I can see betrayal. You have either experienced a deep betrayal in your past life or you will soon be committing or facing betrayal, which might be related to what I predicted in the crystal ball. Lastly, your headline says that you act without taking any responsibility and you do a poor planning to any further or future decisions and actions..." She let go of his hand and elegantly folded her hands in her lap.

"Well, what about you Luna, do you want all the three kinds of fortune telling or only one or two of them?" Lily asked with a smile.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair listened intently, and when she finished, he said "That was far easier to understand than the crystal ball. I prefer the tarots thus far." He was speaking lightly, as if the things that Lily had said hadn't bothered him in the slightest. He had a calm look in his eyes, and his breathing was normal.

Luna, on the other hand, planned to speak with Alastair about the tarots when they returned to the manor.

"Well..." Lily reached out her left hand to Alastair. "...I will now read your palm..."

She is left handed? That is a surprise. Luna thought. I wonder what she will say about his palm?

Alastair met Lily's eyes with a serious glance, once again listening intently when she spoke.

"Your life line is broken..." She said. "It means that you have had traumatic experiences in your life that are having an impact on your life choices."

The DiVilliers were terrible... Luna thought.

"..And on your heart line I can see betrayal. You have either experienced a deep betrayal in your past life or you will soon be committing or facing betrayal, which might be related to what I predicted in the crystal ball. "

We'll talk back at the manor.

"Lastly, your headline says that you act without taking any responsibility and you do a poor planning to any further or future decisions and actions..." She let go of his hand and elegantly folded her hands in her lap.

Not true! Luna thought, confused. He plans everything so well. How can he be bad at planning? Perhaps he knows what she means, because I have never seen him plan anything poorly in my life.

"Thank you, Ms. Shadowwalker. I have found this to be quite interesting." Alastair thanked her. The nonchalance concerning the futures Lily had predicted remained in both his voice and his eyes as he folded his hands in his lap again.

"Well, what about you Luna, do you want all the three kinds of fortune telling or only one or two of them?" Lily asked with a smile.

"I would like the tarots, then the crystal ball, and lastly the palm reading, please." she replied politely with an eager smile. There was something subtle in her eyes, but it was visible that Luna was worried about Alastair's results.

(It's subtle, though, so Lily might not notice unless she's really paying close attention to Luna.)

Luna did not hesitate when Lily displayed the tarots, selecting her cards one after the other, and placing them back down where she had found them like Lily had done for Alastair's cards, having learned the proper way to handle them by watching Alastair's subtle embarrassment at having handled them incorrectly. She hesitated on the last one, though her hesitation had only lasted five seconds.

(Here are Luna's cards, and why I chose them:

The Lovers, upright: The bond that they have created is very strong, and it can indicate that the two are joined in marriage, and other close and intimate relationships. *Insert obvious explanation*

King of Pentacles, upright: In love, this can indicate that the person that you’ve been waiting for can come along and will love you for who you are. Elias loves Luna for who she is. I love that about him. He is her king.

Eight of Swords, reversed: It shows maturity and self-acceptance, and a recognition of one's own power and responsibility - especially after a long struggle of doubt. Luna has finally learned to stop doubting herself and others, and has accepted herself the way she is instead of doubting herself constantly. She will still be a bit harsh on herself, but it's different from before.

Four of Wands, upright: In terms of numerology, the number four symbolizes stability as well as particularly reliable foundations. These are associated with a period of happiness and balance. In sharp contrast to Alastair receiving the Tower card, Luna is receiving this card because the foundations for her relationship are very sturdy and reliable.

Knight of Cups, upright: He can also manifest as an event or a person in your life, or a part of your own self. He appears as a messenger – and with him, he carries an invitation or an arrival of something or someone which is going to have a certain emotional benefit for you. Elias will obviously have an emotional benefit to Luna...making her happy with his pure and accepting love.

Five of Wands, reversed: It can also mean that you have worked through your troubles and that you do not have any more issues to worry about. Her struggle for trust and acceptance is over. )

Luna looked at Lily with an eager look in her eyes, and she clasped her hands together tightly in excitement.

(We both did really well on Alastair's cards, and you did splendidly on his palm reading. Everything was perfectly accurate, and I'm so happy that it turned out so perfectly.)

(Oh, and I had plenty of free time today because I remembered half of the card meanings from yesterday, so Luna's were easier. Elias is Luna's king, her knight, her princely-character, whatever. I love him! He accepted her flaws and makes her feel so nice by just being herself. After the few weeks that they spent apart, Elias will see a noticeable change in her. She is far calmer now, and far less harsh on herself. It's going to be really different for him. When I think about how far they've come, I'm so happy that they've reached this point, and they're both getting something that makes them happy and content.)



"Where did you say she went?" Nova asked, looking up from his puzzle. He had been working on a Muggle Rubik's cube, intending to beat Asmodeus's highest score of four minutes to solve it.

"She went exploring in the one of the towns. She insisted that she didn't want me to escort her there, or accompany her whilst she was exploring. However, I made her promise to summon me if she needed anything." Eric repeated for the second time in a patient tone.

"Very well." Nova said, returning his attention to the puzzle.

"With all respect, you have failed your challenge." Eric pointed out. "Time elapsed, twelve minutes." he observed the stopwatch Nova had running.

"Agh!" Nova threw the Rubik's cube into the hedges in frustration. "How can he possibly solve it within four minutes?!"

"Excuse me, I am being summoned." Eric bowed elegantly before speeding off.

Nova sighed. "I wonder if Reign can solve it faster than Asmodeus?" He rose from his place on the rich grass of his gardens, and walked over to the bushes where the puzzle had fallen.

After retrieving it, he made his way to Reign's home.



There are so many lovely shops here...I'm enjoying each and every one of them! I'm going to wish for an item box from Nova so that I can take all of these things back with me! I didn't know that the Demon Realm loved Anime and manga enough to have a bunch of shops in this area! Each on is better than the last! Rosaleya thought, happily looking through the various manga, figurines, posters, and costumes she had purchased. She kept them in four bags, two in each hand. The employees opened the doors for her, and each one was so helpful and interesting to converse with. She had gotten into a conversation about Death Note in the last store when she had been admiring an extremely well-crafted Ryuk figurine. Another aspect she had enjoyed was that everything was so well-crafted. She had seen costumes in the Muggle world that looked to be of such poor quality, but everything in the Demon Realm looked so professionally made; perfect.

She went into another store that sold figurines, and just like in all of the other shops, music that she recognized from Japanese bands or Anime was playing in the background.

"Miss? Are you a fan of Len Kagamine?" one lady asked as Rosaleya was pondering a cute figurine.

"Yes...And, he reminds me of someone I know." Rosaleya replied with a smile. I love talking with people about a subject I know a lot about! It's so easy! The stores had lots of demons inside, but they weren't too packed so that I had trouble moving around. That means that they had to love this stuff in order to be shopping here! Too bad I don't have the guts to ask if any of the representatives like this stuff...

"Really? In personality or appearance?" the lady asked curiously.

"Excuse me. Eric, I summon you." Rosaleya whispered.

"Yes, Lady Rose?" Eric replied, entering the shop at light-speed.

"He reminds me of Len Kagamine." Rosaleya replied, gesturing to Eric.

"Oh my, he's like a living replica..." the lady said in surprise. She had a fascinated look in her eyes.

"Excuse me, but I am being summoned." Eric said to Rosaleya, bowing and then leaving again.

"And that's why I'm buying this one." Rosaleya smiled, picking up the figure.

"Four minutes have elapsed." Eric announced, stopping the stopwatch as Reign held up the completed Rubik's cube.

"Ah, so you can complete it in the same time as Asmodeus, but you have powers that allow you to understand what to do and when to do it. He wasn't using your powers, so I must find out Asmodeus's secret." Nova sighed, looking hopefully at Reign.

"He uses no magic." Reign relied without hesitation.

"...and that is why I think Ayame Sohma and Shigure Sohma are the most entertaining characters in Fruits basket. Shigure is a bit perverted, much like a dog, which I think would be humorous since he never actually acts on his impulses. And Ayame is hilarious and flamboyant in his own way. I laugh the most when the two of them joke around together, but I can definitely see why Yuki can't get along with Ayame." Rosaleya finished.

"I liked Hatsuharu the most. He was very well behaved unless he was provoked."

"Yeah, he was cool, too." Rosaleya agreed with a smile. She was holding Ayame and Shigure figurines in her hands, debating whether to choose one or both. At the same time, she was also trying to choose between the various adorable Tohru Honda figurines.

"You remind me of Tohru a bit. You're energetic and very sweet." the lady said with a kind smile, following Rosaleya's gaze.

"Akito was so scary. If I met him in real life, I would probably be shaking." Rosaleya said, her eyes falling on an Akito figurine. "I cried when Yuki's past with him was revealed; I felt so bad for him.

"I agree; the things that he did to Yuki were terrible."

"And Hatori!" Rosaleya said, turning to face her. "On a brighter subject, what did you think of Momiji?"

"He's not as cute as Honey-senpai from Ouran Highschool Host Club. Or Len Kagamine."

"Ouran? I've heard about that, but I haven't watched it, yet. Did you like it?"

"Yes. I thought that it was very entertaining. I would recommend it to you. I also liked Watashi ga Motete Dōsunda. Have you heard of that?"

"No, I don't think so." Rosaleya tried to remember.

"I'm a Fujoshi, so I found that sort of humor to be entertaining as well."

"You're joking?" The look in her eyes said that she clearly thought that the lady was joking with her. She's definitely joking. If I were in her place, I definitely wouldn't have said that so openly and casually. I really like her so far. We've shared the most interesting conversation, jumping from topic to topic, and surprisingly we agree on a lot of things. But, what if she isn't joking?

Rosaleya hadn't noticed, and neither had anyone else...But someone had been watching her the whole time, following her from store to store and listening to her conversations.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Alright," Lily nodded with a smile. She picked up the tarot cards and shuffled them once more before placing them in a spread at the coffee table. "You may pick six cards, please."

She waited patiently until Luna had chosen six cards and turned on them so that they were facing upward. Lily was feeling relieved that Luna handled them properly.

"Well..." Lily began and looked at the selected cards. "The first card, upright of the Lovers means you have created a very strong bond with your partner, and it indicates that you are going to get married soon in near future. There is harmony, attractiveness and perfection in your relationship. You also trust each other and feel united that you give confidence and strength to each other. The second card, upright King of Pentacles, in love it means that the person you have been waiting for can come along and will love you for who you are. This person will be your king and protector, because under his care you will flourish and be encouraged to grow, since the King of Pentacles is responsible and reliable. The third card, a reversed Eight of Swords indicates that you have matured, accepted yourself and recognized your own power and responsibility after a long struggle of doubting yourself in the past. This means that you have become capable of making conscious decisions because you have become confident in who you are and your power to affect the change in yourself and in the world. This indicates that the times has come for you to let go of the past and start with new things and experience. The fourth card, an upright of Four of Wands means celebration as well as a harmonious, happy and relaxed home environment. In term of numerology, the number four symbolize stability and reliable foundations. These are associated with a period of happiness and balance. It is the perfect time for you to get together with the ones who are close to you, with or without any special occasion. The fifth card, an upright Knight of Cups represents a balance between intellect and emotions and indicates that there's a strong relationship between understanding and feeling. This means that you have balanced your emotions and are able to control them, in other words you have a deeper knowledge and awareness of yourself. This card also symbolizes that there's a man in your life who will be here for you, with an emotional benefit for you. If you are faced with challenges that might throw you of balance, the Knights of Cups will be here to remind you to act as you should. The sixth and final card, a reversed Five of Wands means that you deal with disagreements by avoiding conflicts by running away. This may lead to a number of issues that you will have to address soon. On the other hand, it can also mean that you have worked through your troubles and that you have no more issues to worry about."

When Lily had finished speaking, she picked up all the cards from the table and collected them into one deck and placed them back on the table.

"And now, the crystal ball!" Once again, the crystal ball was hovering in her hands without her fingers or palms touching it. She got a distant look in her eyes as she gazed into her crystal ball, seemingly being in seance.

After a while, she broke the silence and looked up at Luna with a smile.

"Well, you have a bright future filled with happiness and pure love. I saw you dressed in a white and pure gown, not really a wedding gown, just a casual gown, your hair blowing freely in the soft breeze of wind. A crown with jasmine flowers was resting on your head and you were surrounded by a sea of daises and dandelions. The daises symbolize innocence and purity. This conveys loyal love. Dandelions on the other hands can have two meanings; faithfulness and happiness while jasmine means happiness in marriage or desire to travel." Lily smiled and waited for Luna to take in all this information about her future before she proceeded with the palm reading.

When it was time to do palm reading, Lily was visibly slightly surprised of what she saw in Luna's palm.

"Oh..." She looked up at Luna and spoke: "You also have a broken life line, which represent a traumatic experience that has had an impact on your life choices. As for your heart line, it is saying three things. First of all, you have experienced betrayal in your past. Since the tarot card reading and the crystal ball indicated on a bright future with no betrayal, you will not face any betrayal. Second, you are a rational and analytical thinker who considers other feelings' and third, your passions and desires drive you to do certain acts. And lastly, your head line says that you have a good planning before you act, however you always consult the closest to you in beforehand as well..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

When Lily finished speaking, Luna smiled gratefully, with an appreciative look in her eyes. "Thank you, Lily. Everything you said sounds so lovely. I do believe that your brother is my princely knight." her eyes had a distant look to them when she mentioned Elias; she was happily imagining him with a warm and gentle smile and an outstretched hand, in his Edmond Dantes attire. She kept thinking of him while Lily observed the crystal ball. Meanwhile, Alastair regarded Luna's visible daydreaming with an unreadable expression. After a while, Lily broke the silence and looked up at Luna with a smile.

When she had finished, Luna looked at her with the same sweet smile as before, and the look in her eyes told Lily that she was greatly enjoying this time that they were spending together.

When it was time to do palm reading, Lily was visibly slightly surprised of what she saw in Luna's palm.

"Oh..." She looked up at Luna.

"Hmm?" Luna raised her eyebrows in anticipation.

"You also have a broken life line, which represent a traumatic experience that has had an impact on your life choices. As for your heart line, it is saying three things. First of all, you have experienced betrayal in your past. Since the tarot card reading and the crystal ball indicated on a bright future with no betrayal, you will not face any betrayal. Second, you are a rational and analytical thinker who considers other feelings' and third, your passions and desires drives you to do certain acts. And lastly, your head line says that you have a good planning before you act, however you always consult the closest to you in beforehand as well..."

"That sounds correct." Luna smiled happily. "You are very talented, Lily." she praised her genuinely.

"Yes, a very talented young lady indeed." Alastair agreed with a polite smile.

"I loved the tarots the most. I look forward to trying them again sometime in the future, when something knew might be foretold. It's been a pleasure having tea with you and hearing about our futures."

"It was a pleasure." Alastair agreed elegantly.

"Ah, we never agreed on a date for the film at the theater." Luna remembered. "Why don't you discuss it with your brother, and send me an owl with a date and time? We could meet at my manor and travel by carriage to the theater." she suggested.

"No, I'm not joking. I wouldn't joke about something like that." the lady replied.

"...Oh..." Rosaleya was visibly disappointed.

"What's the matter?" the lady asked, ignorant to the cause of Rosaleya's evident disappointment.

"...Nothing...I have to go." Rosaleya insisted, walking past the lady to the checkout counter with the Shigure and Ayame figurines. She had forgotten about the Tohru Honda figurine that she had wanted in her disappointment. And I thought that he was a potential best friend...There go my hopes of having a best friend that likes Anime. That's one thing that Crystal just can't seem to wrap her head around. 'Why do they have weirdly coloured hair? Why did he do that, it's not realistic. That wouldn't happen in real life." All things that she has said. She doesn't get it. I love Anime and manga because it isn't realistic. The things that happen are so interesting and fun, and most of them wouldn't happen that way in the real world. Even if there are some things that are similar to the real world, it's different in Anime and manga...But just knowing that she is a Fujoshi would make me uncomfortable...Am I being too closed-minded? Am I being too stubborn and closed-minded? She wondered as she tried to avoid the lady on the way out of the shop.

Once she was outside, she set her sights on a colourful cafe. At least, it looked like a cafe from the outside.

Just like a fancy cafe. I'll go inside. I think I've done enough shopping for today, and I could use a distraction after that weird encounter. It feels weird; I can't tell whether I am in the wrong or in the right.

Inside, it was like a luxurious ballroom, yet it was different from a normal lavish one. This one had a clear ceiling, so that the beautiful sky could be seen through it. It was high and vaulted like a church ceiling. The walls had paintings in expensive-looking frames, and the flooring was fine white marble. Rosaleya expected to see serious-looking or elegant-looking paintings inside the frames, but she was surprised to see lovely Anime and manga fan art instead. The most surprising and unusual thing was that the people dancing to the classical music were all dressed in the most exquisite Cosplay Rosaleya had ever seen.

"Hello and welcome." a man said charmingly, creating dramatic, sweeping gestures with his arms. He was Cosplaying as Tsukiyama from Tokyo Ghoul, and he was putting on a very realistic show by perfectly imitating his character. "This is the seventy-sixth Cosplay Ball, and for this year I am the host." he handed Rosaleya a red rose. "The rules are that you are not allowed to enter without a costume." he smiled politely, implying that he could help her select one if she wished. "There are costumes that we have here for those without one, and there are also changing rooms up that flight of steps. I can assist you with your makeup and hair, if you wish."

Rosaleya was too surprised to speak; everything at once was a bit too much to take in. The sounds, sights, the food table serving themed foods that she hadn't noticed before, and now someone was speaking to her. "Um...May I have a minute, please?" she asked politely, taking the rose hesitantly.

"Of course. If you need anything, call for Shuu Tsukiyama. " The man smiled, bowing dramatically before merging with the crowd a minute later.

Rosaleya left and stood outside for a few minutes, processing what she had just seen. Too much! She thought. It felt as though her mind was going to shut down from overstimulation. That guy was in perfect character! And the fan art that was close enough to see was so beautiful! And I recognized that soundtrack that was playing; it's a classical piece, but I heard it in an Anime. I'm going to take a few deep breaths and then join that party! I'm calmer now, and I know what to expect. But which costume should I choose? She thought excitedly, looking through her bags. This one! I'll just ask 'Tsukiyama' to help me out with my hair. His Cosplay looked even better than the actual character, and his acting was very realistic. If I didn't know better, I would say that he was actually Tsukiyama. This is going to be so much fun!

 

[Hikari Chan]

"hehehe..." Lily smiled widely, feeling very flattered and proud when both Luna and Alastair praised her. "Why...thank you...thank you..."

She had changed in a matter of second, from being so serious during the fortune telling to be her cheerful self.

"I loved the tarots the most. I look forward to trying them again sometime in the future, when something knew might be foretold. It's been a pleasure having tea with you and hearing about our futures."

"It was a pleasure." Alastair agreed elegantly.

"I feel so happy and flattered that you enjoyed my fortune telling!" Lily exclaimed happily. …Elias is the only one who dislikes it because unluckily, I have been telling him misfortunes...

"Ah, we never agreed on a date for the film at the theater." Luna remembered. "Why don't you discuss it with your brother, and send me an owl with a date and time? We could meet at my manor and travel by carriage to the theater." she suggested.

"Well...shouldn't we discuss it together? "Lily asked. "I mean, I don't know which dates you will have time..." ...and I bet Alastair must have some kind of work...

"Seems like you have a bright future filled with love, success and happiness, Elias.." Persephone smiled as she eyed the six-tarot card that Elias had selected: The word, upright. The sun, upright. The lovers, upright. Queen of cups, upright. Ten of cups, upright. Two of cups, upright.

"...well...." He shrugged. He seemed that he did not really care about fortune telling. Macnair and Avery was slurping on their cold drinks somewhere in the background. Rockwood and Vivienne were the only ones that seemed very interested into Persephone's tarot card reading.

Persephone raised an eyebrow and looked questioningly at Elias. "Are you not happy?" She nearly pursed. "You only got positive cards!"

"Of course I am happy!" He hurried to say. "...I just got surprised...because I did not expect it... ...Since Lily always predicted an unlucky future for me before... "…Why don't you explain each card in detail?" He asked, changing the subject so that Persephone would not question him anymore.

"Sure..." She smiled and started to explain each card one by one. Macnair slurped his drink even more loudly that she glanced angrily at him.

"You seem very interested to hear about your own future..." She commented sarcastically to Macnair when she was done with Elias.

"I don't care about silly cards..."

"Are you sure?" She had already shuffled the cards and spread them out. "Why do you not pick your six cards? I am more curious about what you will draw rather than your future," She smiled and gestured towards the cards.

"I am fine...I don't believe in divination anyway"

"Oh come on, this will just be for fun, mate...we all are going to give it a try..." Rockwood interjected. Vivienne on the other hand looked as if she wanted to strangle Macnair for mocking her best friend.

"Alright," Macnair put down his glass, the melting ice clinking as the bottom of the glass hit the top of the table. He took a deep breath before he picked the first card.

"Whoo..." He whistled. "I also got the upright of the lovers!"

"I see that you have been paying attention...I don't need to explain this one, do I?" Persephone spoke, but did not wait for an answer and instead urged on Macnair to continue.

The rest of the cards he selected were the following: an upright Five of Wands, a reversed Ten of Cups, an upright Three of Swords, an upright Death and an upright Tower.

...This does not look good...no good at all... Persephone thought with a frown and exchanged looks with Vivienne who had turned several shades paler upon seeing the death card.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Any time that is fine with Elias should be fine with Alastair. He told me that his work doesn't have a set time. Am I missing something? Luna wondered.

"That won't be necessary." Alastair replied simply, meaning that his schedule was clear "The only important date on my calendar would be today, when I promised my dearest that we would spend the evening together." he looked at Luna with a warm smile.

"Yes, that is true." Luna replied with an equally warm smile, her eyes reflecting the excitement she felt. We've spent a significant amount of time here...Perhaps it is time for us to leave... Luna decided.

...But how would be the best way to tell Ms. Shadowwalker that we should be leaving now, without sounding rude?Alastair wondered. They were both still looking at each other, and they could tell that they were thinking similarly.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Ah, then you will be fine with any time!" Lily exclaimed happily and then asked: "You are not already leaving, are you?" She was not sure what Alastair had meant with spending the evening together, since only two hours had passed since four o'clock. "Please stay for dinner, please…Elias is bringing pizza and it would be so fun if you also stayed! He has promised me to eat dinner with me and I asked him earlier today to order extra!" She pleaded, looking at both Alastair and Luna with big round eyes.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna and Alastair shared a look before turning back to Lily; they understood that if Lily answered their next question with a 'yes' it meant that their hopes of escaping her after two hours would be gone.

"On one condition." both Luna and Alastair said at the same time. Their next sentences were also spoken at the same time.

"The other Shadowwalkers must approve..." Luna said.

"There must be pineapple pizza." Alastair said.

They looked at each other in surprise. 'I thought that we were thinking the same thing?' their expressions said. Then, they repeated themselves one by one.

"Elias and your parents must approve." Luna repeated, her lips twisting at the ends in an evident attempt to refrain from laughing.

"There must be pineapple pizza, for it is my favorite." Alastair repeated seriously, as if a war would break out otherwise.

"If both of these conditions are met, we will stay." Luna giggled, which in turn caused Alastair to laugh. He prioritized the pineapple pizza over Elias's consent? No, it's more likely that he only pretended to, to amuse us, and himself. Luna thought, giving him a sideways glance as if to confirm her theory. Most certainly.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Alright," Lily crossed her arms, with her right eyebrow raised slightly. "My parents are away on vacation in Florence. They are fully aware about that I might ask my friends to come over at my place. I would have gone on vacation with them if I had not planned to invite you for tea today. So, my father already know that you are here. And Elias also know that you are here. Besides the pineapple pizza my brother is bringing, do you also want a second consent from him and my parents?" She smiled and then added with a laugh: "...but, my parents are not fond of pizza, so don't make me try to ask them if it is alright to eat pizza hahaha…"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Ah, your persuasive words have won me over. I surrender." Alastair said with a joking smile, putting his hands in defeat.

"It is decided that we will stay." Luna said, confirming Alastair's answer.

"What about a game to entertain your guests?" Alastair suggested to Lily, as if he himself wasn't one of the guests, but rather a resident of the manor. "I do love games." he went back to his role of 'guest' as if he didn't remember uttering the prior sentence. Luna watched with an amused expression. "If not a game, then shall I regale you with a story?" Alastair added a second later. It was obvious that he preferred to play a game, but he would tell a story if Lily didn't have any games to play.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Very well..." Lily smiled triumphantly.

"What about a game to entertain your guests?" Alastair suggested. "I do love games."

"If not a game, then shall I regale you with a story?" Alastair added a second later. It was obvious that he preferred to play a game, but he would tell a story if Lily didn't have any games to play.

"We will entertain ourselves with a game of chess until my brother arrives," She replied with the air of as if she only played wizarding chess and nothing else. "Please, excuse me for a second..." She stood up and walked over to the fireplace and picked up a small golden bell from the mantel-piece. The bell had a low sound; however, it could be heard everywhere in the manor. The house-elf came back to take away the trays with the cups, teapot and refreshments. Meanwhile, Lily returned her crystal ball and tarot cards and came back with a chessboard.

"Which color do you prefer?" She asked Alastair as if it was obvious that they were going to play the first game of chess.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"We will entertain ourselves with a game of chess until my brother arrives," She replied with the air of as if she only played Wizarding chess and nothing else.

"An expert strategist?" Alastair asked, visibly impressed with Lily's tastes in games. "My uncle always said that a game is only as interesting as your opponents." Of course, Asmodeus's mastery of the game puts him as the Demon Realm's top player. Alastair imagined Lily recalling the chess game to Elias after they had left, with a look of disbelief in her eyes as if it was still impossible to believe that Alastair had won.

I wonder what he will be wearing when he comes. Luna pictured Elias in the outfit that reminded her of Edmund Dantes. Not because she expected him to be wearing it, but because she enjoyed picturing and seeing him that way.

"Please, excuse me for a second..."

Luna and Alastair both nodded. They didn't speak to each other while Lily was preparing for their game, wandering in their own thoughts instead.

"Which color do you prefer?" Lily asked Alastair as if it was obvious that they were going to play the first game of chess.

"Oh, you fancy a game with yours truly first?" Alastair said dramatically with a hand to his chest, as if he was both surprised beyond measure and greatly pleased that Lily had chosen him. "I am honored." he said in a calmer, more genuine voice. Luna laughed softly as Alastair declared that he preferred the black pieces.

As soon as they began their game of chess, there was no trace of Alastair's playful and nonchalant attitude. His posture was, if possible, even stronger, and his eyes had a serious, unrelenting look to them, fixed on nothing but the chess board. It was as if his determination had changed him into another person entirely, and it was debatable whether he remembered that it was merely a casual game. Anyone who didn't know him would think that he was a very grave and astute person, if they were to walk into the room.

He won the match in so few moves that it was difficult to believe he was serious when he declared "Checkmate" with alarmingly serious certainty.

And that's why I never win. Luna thought.

"You want to go to Hogwarts?" Crystal asked Rosaleya with a puzzled expression. "Why?"

"Well...I'm doing terribly at my magic, and I thought that...well, with all of those professional teachers around, maybe I could finally learn it? I've never successfully cast a spell in my life, at least not on purpose. I just don't want to go another year waiting for Dad to find his so called 'perfect magic tutor' for me."

"I understood what you said before, but why Hogwarts, in particular? I mean, there are so many other Wizarding schools that you could choose from, right?" she reasoned. Schools that aren't so cruel to those without a 'pureblood' status. Seriously, the bullying at Hogwarts can really get out of hand sometimes.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Of course," Lily laughed and picked the white pieces when Alastair had chosen the black ones.

During the game, Lily had a serious posture just like when she was reading fortunes, however she had a playful expression on her face. Though she frowned more and more as the game neared the end so quickly.

Alastair won the match in so few moves that it was difficult to believe he was serious when he declared "Checkmate" with alarmingly serious certainty.

"How's that possible?!" She looked furiously at the chessboard as if she was expecting it to answer her questions to why she lost the game so quickly. "I always win when I play with my brother!" She scratched her head. "Ah!" She held up her finger whilst looking at Alastair. "I know, I should have played with the black pieces." She collected the chess pieces and placed them on the chessboard, black for her and white for him. But before she had completed, there was a knock on the door that made her suddenly forget about playing chess.

"Yes?" She turned her head towards the door, while her hands were holding a couple of chess pieces.

"Good evening," Elias surprised them when he opened the door to the parlor entered. He was elegantly yet ordinary dressed.

"Eli!" Lily burst out and dropped the chess pieces on the table. "I lost a game of chess!" She pouted. It was clear that she had been expecting to win and never lose a game of chess because she hated to lose and thought that no one could ever beat her.

"Oh..." was all he could say, pretending to be sorry and surprised about it, and caressed her head softly.

He then proceeded to greet, first Luna, by kissing her hand softly, and then Alastair with a formal hand shook.

"It's an honor to meet you again."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"How's that possible?!" Lily looked furiously at the chessboard as if she was expecting it to answer her questions to why she lost the game so quickly.

Alastair refrained from laughing, and simply enjoyed the confusion that he had caused. This is entertaining. She seemed so certain of herself while we were playing. Did her brother teach her to play? Is he known for being good at chess, and thus she thought that she was also skilled at it because he had taught her? I'm most likely

"I always win when I play with my brother!" She scratched her head.

Does he let her win? Alastair wondered.

He lets her win. Luna thought.

"Ah!" She held up her finger whilst looking at Alastair. "I know, I should have played with the black pieces."

"If you wish." Alastair consented to playing another game with Lily, watching with a pleased expression as he prepared to best her again in chess.

She collected the chess pieces and placed them on the chessboard, black for her and white for him. But before she had completed, there was a knock on the door that made her suddenly forget about playing chess.

The visitor has saved her from another defeat. Luna thought.

Will she still want to play now? Alastair thought hopefully.

"Yes?" Lily turned her head towards the door, while her hands were holding a couple of chess pieces.

"Good evening," Elias surprised them when he opened the door to the parlor entered. He was elegantly yet ordinary dressed.

Luna's smile immediately became warmer when she saw Elias, and both she and Alastair stood to greet him.

"Eli!" Lily burst out and dropped the chess pieces on the table. "I lost a game of chess!" She pouted. It was clear that she had been expecting to win and never lose a game of chess because she hated to lose and thought that no one could ever beat her.

Alastair couldn't help but smile, showing that he was the one guilty of defeating her in the game.

"Oh..." was all he could say, pretending to be sorry and surprised about it, and caressed her head softly. He then proceeded to greet, first Luna, by kissing her hand softly, and then Alastair with a formal hand shake.

Luna had smiled warmly at him, and Alastair had replied with a genuine "The honor is mine," paired with a firm handshake.

"We were amusing ourselves by playing chess and hearing our fortunes." Luna said to Elias. "Alastair won against Lily in chess, and I got such a favorable and positive fortune. On the tarots I got the Lovers card upright, the Knight of Cups, and the King of Pentacles from what I remember. You're my chivalrous and knightly King. The cards made me so happy." she said, and genuine happiness shown in her eyes. "Although I cannot seem to remember any of the other cards...." she tried to remember them for a moment but gave up.

Alastair watched Luna interacting with Elias with an unreadable expression.

"I have to tell you something else I have to tell you!"

"What is it?" Crystal asked with a smile. "I'm always willing to listen."

"Well..." Rosaleya proceeded to explain about the love letters without showing them to her "Then, I didn't get any for a while, and then 'The Prince' sent another one, this time with a gift." she gestured for Crystal to wait for a minute and then walked away to her desk. She opened a drawer, and pulled out a glove normally used for household cleaning. She put it on, and carefully picked up a small item within another drawer. She handed Crystal another glove, and once she had put it on she handed her the tiny item...

Crystal examined it with the gloved hand, before giving Rosaleya a puzzled look.

"The last letter wasn't a love letter; it was an explanation. He had been sending the letters on account of a wish; he wished that he could send letters to the lady that he would love the most in the future. He didn't know where they were going, and he has no idea how to see me. So, he told me that he would be attending Hogwarts this year, and he gave me this ring."

"But doesn't a ring seriously suggest romance?"

"This one has a certain significance in an Anime." Rosaleya explained. "The main character, my favorite female main character ever, because she is so strong and powerful and intelligent and she has amazing instincts and she doesn't let anyone take advantage of her and-"

Crystal raised one eyebrow, meaning that she didn't need too many details.

"...right, sorry....So, her parents die when she is really young, and the night of their funeral she sleeps in a coffin besides theirs, thinking that she herself should die as well. Since she was so young, no one had explained to her that death was natural, and hence she saw no reason to live without her parents; they had been her sole source of happiness. She felt so sad and alone, because there was no one else that loved her as much as her parents. A traveling prince with a regal countenance and a kind smile comforts her. He was so elegant and chivalrous and charismatic that the main character was impressed and inspired by him. He gave her a ring identical to that one-" she pointed to it "-and said "Young one, growing up in such deep sorrow...Never lose your inner strength and nobility, even when you are a young lady. I give you this ring to remember this day. We will meet again. This ring will lead you to me, one day." So impressed was she that she vowed to become a 'prince' herself one day. She grew to be such a strong and intelligent lady, just like the prince, because she had looked up to him. I won't spoil the ending, but I loved that Anime! I hope that this ring will help us find each other...That must have been what he meant by giving it to me. He didn't explain why he had given it to me, just that he was going to Hogwarts this year. And since this ring was meant for that particular purpose in the Anime, that must have been what he meant."

"Does the main character find the prince in the end?" Crystal asked, giving the ring a second examination.

"....."

"Well, I hope that your 'prince' works out better." Crystal said optimistically. "He must like that stuff just like you do, to make such a reference for something so important."

"Yes, I hope that he loves it as much as I do." Rosaleya said hopefully. "Please have it examined for me; I know enough not to trust someone I've never met. What if it was cursed? Well...Thanks for hearing me out. And not laughing at my reason to go to Hogwarts."

"No problem. I'll talk it over with him without mentioning your prince. If it doesn't go well, we can always summon Nova and wish for Leigh to approve of your choice. And after that's settled, I can give you a tour of the school if you don't want to wait until September the 1st to see the castle. How bad can it be if I'm a professor there, right?"

"Right...That sounds nice. Thanks." Rosaleya smiled gratefully.

Crystal left, and Rosaleya decided to pass the time by daydreaming about what it would be like at Hogwarts. She recalled everything she had heard about it, and was looking forward to the tour Crystal had mentioned. She hoped that the ring wasn't cursed, and that her 'prince' would turn out to be a nice person.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Eh..." Elias blushed and laughed nervously. ...I suppose she got all those positive cards like I did today... "I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the fortune telling," He smiled. ...It does not matter if you remember all the cards…I don't even remember mine...as long as you happy... "Well, the dinner is ready and has been served in the dining room-"

"Did you buy my favorite pizza?" Lily interrupted. It seemed that she had forgotten that she had lost a game of chess when she heard the word pizza.

"Of course, I did," he smiled patiently.

"And the dessert?!"

He nodded with a smile. "Well, shall we?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Well, the dinner is ready and has been served in the dining room-"

"Did you buy my favorite pizza?" Lily interrupted. It seemed that she had forgotten that she had lost a game of chess when she heard the word pizza.

She forgot....Ah well, her confusion was entertaining while it lasted. Alastair thought.

"Of course, I did," he smiled patiently.

"And the dessert?!"

He nodded with a smile. "Well, shall we?"

Alastair offered his arm to Luna and they followed Elias and Lily into the dining room. They sat next to each other at the long table, with Alastair being close to Luna but with no one else near him.

Several plates with different kind of pizzas were served, already cut into slices. Elegant spatulas were provided for them to serve themselves.

Luna admired the cutlery and crystal goblets as she decided which type of pizza she would like to try first. Alastair inquired what Luna would like, hinting that he would like to serve her this evening.

"Hmm...vegetarian pizza first, please." she replied a moment later, understanding his intentions.

He served her one slice, the best one in his opinion, before serving himself one random slice of the pineapple. He was watching Elias discreetly to see which sort of pizza he chose for himself, and how he was interacting with Lily. He had been wondering if Lily would serve herself, or if Elias would serve her.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Elias and Lily took their seats beside each other. The former one sat in front of Alastair while the latter, Lily, sat in front of Luna. Elias served himself a slice of pepperoni pizza and his sister put a slice of every kind of pizza on her plate. Lily glanced oddly at Alastair because he was serving Luna. ...Merlin's beard...why does he act like a house-elf....

...He must either do this because of his affection towards Luna or he is literary treating her like a child... Elias thought for himself, seeing Alastair serving Luna a slice of pizza.

Lily seemed to brace herself as she picked up her fork and knife, preparing herself to indulge something that she loved. She first ate the toppings, leaving out the cheese and the bread. When she was done, she started to eat the bread and the cheese, because that was her favorite part with the dish and she always preferred to eat it lastly to enjoy the delicious taste she favored the most.

Elias on the other hand was eating as if was eating a traditional English dish, using his fork and knife to cut small pieces of the pizza and using his fork to put one small piece in his mouth.

"Eh...I am thirsty..." Lily sighed. As if she had commanded, the house elf turned up in the dining room all of sudden and poured ice cold water from the crystal jugs in four crystal goblets.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair liked the way that Elias was using his fork and knife, in sharp contrast to Lily. Although they usually used their hands when they were eating pizza amongst themselves, Alastair and Luna were both using a fork and knife today since it was a more formal dinner.

Can't she do it herself? Both Alastair and Luna thought, resisting their urge to cringe as they watched Cooky poor the water.

I can't imagine what Cooking with Magic is going to be like with her if this is how she has been living up until now...Luna thought. This was the first time she was imagining teaching Lily how to cook in a negative way. I still remember how surprised the whole family was at Easter when they found out that I didn't have a house elf, and again when they learnt that I had prepared the meal alone.

She has magic. A wand that she can use so easily. Why did she have to trouble someone else to get it for her?Alastair thought in annoyance. What is the purpose of having servants if there are cooking and cleaning spells? It's not like she is a squib. He looked over at Elias, thinking that perhaps Lily had been out of line in Elias's eyes as well. Will he tell her not only that she could have done it herself, but also that if she truly wanted to be served she should at least say 'please'? Alastair observed Elias for two seconds straight before he looked away. He is saying nothing...Is it because their parents aren't here that he's allowing Lily to do this, or is it that this is their natural way of doing things?Alastair wondered.

I wonder how Cooky feels about this. Luna wondered.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Elias met Alastair's eyes calmly during the two seconds when the latter one looked straight at him. Elias smiled and took a sip of his water. He hoped that they were enjoying the dinner and asked both Alastair and Luna at the same time:

"I hope that everything is to your liking."

…he looked away so suddenly...is it because of how Lily is eating?... Elias thought oddly and glanced at his sister who had helped herself with another slice of pineapple pizza. He noticed how she was using her fork and knife to separate the toppings to eat them first before she proceeded to eat the bread with the cheese. ...she is supposed to eat the toppings with the bread and cheese... He thought with a smile. He found her way of eating pizza both cute and adorable.

Lily looked up at her brother and smiled mischievously in return.

"You know what Eli…"

"What?"

"Sometimes I wish that mother and father always were on vacation so that I could eat pizza every day."

"I don't think that would be so healthy for you," He laughed.

"Why? As long as I exercise, there should be no problem, don't you agree?" Lily addressed Luna and then asked both Alastair and Luna at the same time: "By the way, what's your favorite dishes?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I hope that everything is to your liking."

"Yes." Alastair and Luna replied in polite tones, one after the other.

"Sometimes I wish that mother and father always were on vacation so that I could eat pizza every day."

She would get sick of it. Luna thought.

"I don't think that would be so healthy for you," He laughed.

"Why? As long as I exercise, there should be no problem, don't you agree?" Lily addressed Luna.

"If you exercised adequately enough, and had other things besides pizza every day, then yes." Luna reasoned. Fresh fruits and vegetables are required on a daily basis, of course. And plenty of water, amongst other things. If she were to eat only pizza, no amount of exercised would make that a balanced diet. However- "However, even if pizza is your favorite dish, it is quite realistic that you would grow tired of it if, you were to eat it every day."

Lily asked Alastair and Luna at the same time: "By the way, what's your favorite dishes?"

"Sushi." Alastair and Luna replied in sync, without hesitation. The former looked at the latter in surprise. Luna laughed softly before looking at him as well. "We seem to be thinking similarly today. Is this the fifth time today?"

"The sixth." Alastair corrected with a smile. "This is 'number six'."

Luna had finished her first slice, and now studied the other choices for her next decision. Just when she decided on pineapple and began to reach for her wand, Alastair served her the best piece; the one that had the most pineapple pieces.

"Thank you." Luna said, her tone reflecting her surprise.

Alastair smiled warmly in return.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Sushi...?" Lily pronounced the word as if she was tasting it. "What is sushi?" She asked curiously, looking from Alastair to Luna.

"Ah..." She still looked a bit confused after they had explained for her. ...a Japanese dish? raw fish? is it even possible fish that is not cooked? but the rice is cooked?... She then addressed her brother: "Eli, I would like try sushi for dinner tomorrow, please!"

"As you wish," Elias smiled.

"By the way..." She suddenly remembered. "We need to discuss something very important!" She announced to him.

"Sure..." Elias nodded, feeling surprised about Lily's sudden outburst and wondered what important thing she had to discuss. ...Does it only concern me and her or all of us…? He wondered confused.

She told him about the theater that played all kinds of films one would desire. "....so I suggested that all four of us, me, you, Luna and Alastair, could go together to that theater and see a princess story!"

Upon hearing Lily's last words, Elias looked at Luna with an expression that was saying that the last thing he would willingly do in this world was to watch a silly princess film. He chewed his last bite slowly and took a sip of water, still looking at Luna.

"...both Luna and Alastair are fine with any day, so I was wondering which day suits you the best?"

"I am fine with any day, I have not planned anything for the next coming weeks," Elias replied but then regretted his words as soon as he had spoken them. ...Merlin's beard...what did I just agree on…?

"Alright!" Lily exclaimed happily. "What about the next coming Sunday?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Sushi..?" Lily pronounced the word as if she was tasting it. "What is sushi?" She asked curiously, looking from Alastair to Luna.

She doesn't know what sushi is? Alastair wasn't very surprised by this news, as he found himself comparing it to when Aislynn hadn't known about sushi.

Luna described it as well as she could, trying to make it sound as lovely as she knew it was.

"...but I perceive it to be a truly delicious meal." Luna finished.

Alastair nodded in agreement, "As do I. As odd as it sounds, it is highly unlikely that it tastes as strange as you might imagine."

"Ah..." Lily still looked a bit confused after they had explained for her.

Luna did a fine job if describing it. Alastair thought, becoming confused at Lily's expressions. ...Well, I do hope it turns out as well as Ms. Monroe's first time. She had a similar reaction after I described it to her, but she grew to love the dish after tasting it. I do wonder if Lily has a fondness for spicy food?

"Eli, I would like try sushi for dinner tomorrow, please!"

"As you wish," Elias smiled.

Ah, well... Alastair was momentarily disappointed that he wouldn't be seeing Lily's reaction. ...perhaps Elias will recount the experience to Luna, and she will in turn share the tale with me.

"By the way..." She suddenly remembered. "We need to discuss something very important!" She announced to him.

Alastair was surprised by Lily's sudden words, and Luna tried to guess what Lily was going to speak with him about. She assumed that they would leave the room momentarily to discuss it, as she immediately assumed that it was a private matter.

"Sure..." Elias nodded.

As Lily told him about the theatre, both Alastair and Luna abstained from looking Elias in the eye; their expressions could only be called guilty. They seemed to have forgotten their food and drink as well.

"....so I suggested that all four of us, me, you, Luna and Alastair, could go together to that theater and see a princess story!"

"...both Luna and Alastair are fine with any day, so I was wondering which day suits you the best?"

Their discussion is almost over... Luna thought. How uncomfortable this was! I had nearly forgotten the reason for our extended visit.

"I am fine with any day, I have not planned anything for the next coming weeks," Elias replied.

What have you done?! Both Alastair and Luna thought, shocked by Elias's mistake.

You've just told her that we can spend as much time with her as she wants throughout the remainder of the summer! Alastair thought, struggling to keep his face calm and expressionless.

A simple 'yes' would have kept all of our discomfort in one day. How are we supposed to deal with her excitement once she realizes how many princess films there are, and the abundance of free summer days?! And we have no choice but to humor her! It would have been bearable enough if it was just one day! Luna wished that there was something that she could say. She wished that there was a time-turner so that she could go back in time and tell Alastair to be at her manor on the day that she had shared cake with Lily. Then Lily could have thanked Alastair then and there, preventing this disastrous turn of events.

"Alright!" Lily exclaimed happily. "What about the next coming Sunday?"

Well, if I am going to do this, then I must do it to the best of my ability. Alastair thought, bracing himself. "I simply cannot contain my excitement." Alastair smiled, addressing Lily directly.

This surprised even Luna, because he had outdone himself. Luna had seen him feign genuine interest in things before, but it had never been like this. He sounded as if the princess films meant the world to him, and he genuinely couldn't contain his excitement. Furthermore, his smile and the look in his eyes were flawless as well. How have I never seen this before? Luna wondered. Usually, at least I can tell when he is lying...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Woaah...I am so grateful, I cannot thank you enough for this, Alastair! And I can't thank you all enough for joining me on Sunday!" Lily smiled happily.

Elias looked like a disaster and was already thinking about how he would make it through the Sunday. He finished his meal in silence whilst he was dreading the coming Sunday. He was not looking forward it. ...It will only be one film anyway.... He thought and tried to look at the bright side.

When they had finished their meal, Elias picked up a small silver bell from the table. It had the same low sound as the one in the parlor. At the sound of the bell, the house elf entered with the dessert covered with silver plate covers. Cooky replaced all the plates, goblets and cutlery with new ones and placed the plates with the dessert on the table. He removed the plate covers, revealing three different kinds of pizza. However, these were not ordinary pizzas, but desserts that looked like pizzas. The first one was topped with thin layer of jelly and gum candies, the second one had a thin layer of chocolate cream and was topped with chopped chocolate bars and the third one was topped with whipped cream and berries. They all had a base of sweet thin cake bread.

All the three were already cut in slices and there was one spatula for each kind to use to put a slice on their own plates.

With the dirty dishes levitating behind, Cooky looked up at Elias.

"Master, you asked me to remind me about the drinks when it was time for dessert..."

"Yes, thank you for the reminder," Elias nodded with a smile and then asked Luna and Alastair what they preferred to drink with the dessert. Lastly, he asked Lily before addressing Cooky:

"-and rose wine for me, please."

Cooky bowed for Elias before leaving with the dirty dishes. He come back two seconds later, bringing drinks with him. A bottle of rose wine for his dear master, a can containing fizzy drink, pink Fanta, for the young mistress and the drinks which the two guests preferred.

"Thank you, Cooky." Elias spoke with the tone that they could help themselves and that the house-elf did not need to pour drinks for them again. But Lily seemed that she could not be satisfied with doing it herself.

"Cooky!" She ordered the house-elf with such a haughty and superior tone. She was holding up her goblet in the manner that clearly spoke of that she expected the house-elf to open the can and pour the fizzy drink for her.

The house-elf obeyed her immediately before leaving the dining room.

Lily helped herself with a slice of pizza that was topped with gum candies.

"Oh, so you remembered that you have two pair of hands" There was a teasing tone in Elias' voice.

"What do you mean?" There was a dangerous tone in her voice.

"Oh nothing..." He smiled as he poured rose wine in his goblet but could not refrain from teasing her further: "I just remembered that you forgot to ask Cooky to put some slices on your plate and feed you."

"Are you making fun of me?"

Elias took a sip of his wine before answering her with a hint of sarcastic tone:

"No, I am just wishing you good luck on your coming classes in cooking with magic after this summer…"

"You know what? I have decided to cancel the sushi dinner with you tomorrow!" Lily was speaking calmly; however, it was clear on her face that she knew that Elias was teasing her.

"As you wish..." He stifled a laugh.

Elias was closer to Cooky, while Lily was very distant to the house-elf, hence the more friendly relation between Elias and Cooky yet the latter one always addressed the former as his master.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Woaah...I am so grateful, I cannot thank you enough for this, Alastair! And I can't thank you all enough for joining me on Sunday!" Lily smiled happily.

Alastair and Luna smiled warmly in reply as they were reminded of their reason for suffering through the upcoming Sunday.

Her smile...I should try to keep that smile in mind next Sunday. Luna decided.

You have no talents for acting at all, do you? Alastair thought, observing at Elias's countenance. If I'm trying my best then why aren't you? You are her brother, after all.

Once the pizzas arrived, Luna was visibly surprised. These 'pizzas' look interesting. She thought, deciding which one she would most like to have. She had heard of their existence, but she had yet to taste one.

Sweet pizzas? Alastair thought, fascinated by the idea. His fascination was reflected in his eyes as he surveyed the pizzas.

"Master, you asked me to remind me about the drinks when it was time for dessert..."

"Yes, thank you for the reminder," Elias nodded with a smile and then asked Luna and Alastair what they preferred to drink with the dessert. Both of them chose milk.

Fanta with sweet pizza? That sounds like a revolting combination. Luna tried to imagine it, but stopped as she became disgusted by the thought.

I've never cared much for the drink. Alastair thought. But many young people these days seem to enjoy it greatly.

"-and rose wine for me, please."

Rose wine? Luna found Elias's choice even more strange, for she hadn't imagined that an alcoholic beverage, especially one as strongly flavored as rose wine, would go with this dessert.

"Thank you, Cooky." Elias spoke with the tone that they could help themselves and that the house-elf did not need to pour drinks to them again. At this, Luna and Alastair were relieved. But Lily seemed that she could not be satisfied with doing it herself.

"Cooky!" She ordered the house-elf with such a haughty and superior tone. She was holding up her goblet in the manner that clearly spoke of that she expected the house-elf to open the can and pour the fizzy drink for her.

The house-elf obeyed her immediately before leaving the dining room.

I am just barely able... Alastair thought in annoyance.

...to contain my irritation and keep a calm expression. Luna thought, equally annoyed.

They both looked to Elias this time, for two seconds, then looked away, disappointed.

Lily helped herself with a slice of pizza that was topped with gum candies.

"Oh so you remembered that you have two pair of hands" There was a teasing tone in Elias' voice.

Alastair refrained from laughing, and was grateful that he had when he heard Lily's reply.

"What do you mean?" There was a dangerous tone in Lily's voice.

"Oh nothing..." Elias smiled as he poured rose wine in his goblet, but could not refrain from teasing her further: "I just remembered that you forget to ask Cooky to put some slices on your plate and feed you."

Alastair clenched his fist in his lap to keep from laughing, and struggled even harder to keep a calm countenance.

"Are you making fun of me?"

Yes. Luna thought in reply. Can she truly not see the reason why? She wondered.

Elias took a sip of his wine before answering her with a hint of sarcastic tone:

"No, I am just wishing you good luck on your coming classes in cooking with magic after this summer..."

I thought that I was the only one thinking that! Luna thought, surprised by Elias's comment.

Alastair found himself wondering what sort of sarcastic comments Nova would have made if he were present. He always spoke his mind, whether it was through a joke, or in a more straightforward way.

"You know what? I have decided to cancel the sushi dinner with you tomorrow!" Lily was speaking calmly, however it was clear on her face that she knew that Elias was teasing her.

"As you wish..." He stifled a laugh.

I wonder if she knows why. Alastair thought, looking at Lily as well.

"Ms. Shadowwalker?" Alastair asked after a minute of silence. "Do you know how to sing, or perhaps play a musical instrument?" He seemed to be genuinely curious, and he also seemed to have forgotten the conversation that had taken place only a minute earlier. He sipped his milk while awaiting her reply.

Alastair had served Luna a slice of the pizza with whipped cream and berries after Elias and Lily's squabble. He only looked at her this time, and she had pointed to the one she wanted, thanking him after he had served her. He had chosen the one topped with thin layer of jelly and gum candies, finishing it quickly before taking a second slice; the one with chocolate cream and chopped chocolate bars. He planned to try the third pizza after he finished the second kind.

 

[Hikari Chan]

...Merlin's beard... Elias nearly squirmed when he heard what Alastair asked Lily. ...Why the bloody hell did he ask her...if he only knew, he would not have asked...

"No, I don't play any musical instrument at all. I prefer someone playing for me so I can dance. And besides dancing on balls, I also enjoy singing and dance along with the music I listen to-" Lily replied Alastair and then she listed all the modern music, both pop and rock, mostly modern pop, that she enjoyed listening to. She was speaking nonstop about the music she enjoyed. "-Have you ever heard about the wizarding rock band, the Pirates? They played at Sassy Serpents Nightclub in Knockturn Alley about five months ago...I missed their performance because I was invited to a gala. Anyway, Arianna Grande is coming to London next month, I have already booked tickets with my friends, have you heard her song Dangerous Woman, it is so far one of my favorite-"

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

"No, Arianna Grande is a muggle artist-"

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

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

"Who is going with you to the concert?"

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

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