Crashing the Rose Castle Abandoned

Talking Sports Injuries with @Alina Rosier

"What do you think, Clifton? Make you want to join your house team at school?"

Clifton grinned as he, Alina, and Bella found their seats again. "Yeah, these guys definitely make it look--"

There was a resounding smack as two of the players collided and he winced. "--exciting."

"...Not the best timing for such a question," Mr. Rosier muttered. Clifton laughed a little at that, but his gaze remained locked on what he could see of the two players. He’d had his fair share of bad sports injuries, but falling out of the sky would have to be a whole lot worse than getting scraped up by cleats or whacked in the head with a rugby stick.

Still, if the whole sport had to do with flying then they must have some sort of safety in place for falls, right?

Alina seemed to be paying close attention too and it didn't take Clifton long to realize she was watching the medics. Despite his concern for the players, he smiled. If he did ever get a chance to be on the Hufflepuff team, he’d definitely want her close by.

He was relieved to see that the two athletes were okay and he hoped that the loss of such a talented keeper wouldn't hinder the Puddlemere's any. Even though he'd never even heard of the team before today, he was suddenly invested. Maybe it was Alina's contagious cheering, but they were putting up a good fight and he wanted to see them win it.

Still, Mr. Rosier's question stuck with him. The sport had piqued his interest when he first came to Hogwarts. He even lived in what was the sports bar of Hufflepuff boy's dorms. But it hadn't taken him long to get swamped with homework and then happily distracted with friends. Even so, he was pretty sure the Hufflepuff team didn't have any openings, but it was something he'd have to look more into.

"Mr. Rosier, did you ever fall off your broom like that?"

It was a blunt, possibly rude question. Especially asking it of his trophy-winning, team-purchasing host, but he hadn't meant it that way. He just wanted to know more about the sport from someone who clearly knew it. And, besides that, it was becoming easier to ask Mr. Rosier magic-related questions than Leo.

"Sometimes, in Muggle sports, if you get injured then that's it. They don't let you play anymore, at least for awhile. And that usually feels a lot worse than the actual injury." He then turned to Alina. "Does magic fix that for Quidditch?"

Probably not. After all, the school had a hospital wing for a reason. But from what he learned in his classes, there seemed to be this weird, wiggly line between where magic solved everyone's problems and where it made everything much worse. And he was suddenly curious where on the spectrum his sprained ankle of a couple weeks ago might've landed.

I'm certainly not growing tired of his trip but I wasn't sure if you were so I packed in a couple days worth in one rather vague post, ha. I figure you could take it whatever direction you choose and focus on whatever interests you/Clifton the most. Don't want you getting bored with me/Alina!

As Clifton well knew, injuries were all a part of playing sports. So yes, there had been injuries but Clifton's question sent Charles Rosier off on a nostalgic journey where he talked up quidditch. He went on about it for some time and he made it sound so wonderful that even Alina was almost thinking she wanted to give it a try - and she hated flying!

The game continued on and even one of the players that had been injured came back for the end of the game. The two teams kept it close, but in the end Puddlemere United was able to come out victorious and even the Montrose Magpie players and fans had to admit it was a good game fought. "A good way to start off," Charles said to James, revealing that it had been Puddlemere that he purchased.

They headed home the same way they came, using the Floo Network, and Margie had dinner waiting for them. They talked more about the game through the courses. James and Alina's dad joined the three for this meal. Come evening, tired from the day, everyone headed to bed.

Taking it easy the next day, they explored the forest around the property, playing tag and attempting to climb trees without falling this time and were successful. They practiced their dances for the gala and Alina finally showed her piano skills (what she had anyway) and the day was ended with Charles Rosier taking Clifton on a helicopter ride - letting him fly it.

Another day consisted of going to a nearby magical town, similar to that of Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. Clifton wanted to know more about what it was like to come from this world and this was a good way to expose him to it. When they returned home, they spent some time swimming.

It was quickly coming up to the gala and while Alina was looking forward to seeing Clifton dress in his best and dancing with him she also knew it would mean nearing the end of his stay and she'd miss him.

I typically have the opposite worry, that my posts are too dramatic. So by all means let me know if any of this is out of character for the residents of Château de Rosier. I can also change what night it happens on. I don't want it to get in the way of the gala, I'm really excited for that!

Nightmares of all sorts - with @Alina Rosier

Even when Clifton’s feet touched the ground after the helicopter flight, his head was still way up in the clouds. He couldn’t believe Mr. Rosier had let him fly it!
“Thank you, Mr. Rosier,” he grinned up at the man. “I’m not usually trusted with...well not helicopters, that’s for sure. I think I’ve done more this week than I’ve ever done during a whole summer.”

It was strange. He’d expected to feel more intimidated or on-guard around of Alina’s dad. Even if he was a nice man. It just seemed like it would come with the territory of being the boyfriend. But the longer he was here the more the man was starting to feel like a second father. The way Mr. Rosier told him about his school days or trusted him with things made Clifton feel more grown up. More like he belonged in this magic world.

And that was only one of the highlights of the week. Stealing a kiss from Alina several feet above the forest ground, learning what silly pop songs worked to a waltz beat, perfecting a backflip off the diving board, and a calming evening of sitting next to Alina as her fingers ran expertly across the piano keys. He should’ve slept like a rock that night.

But even a luxury, king-sized bed hadn’t kept the nightmare at bay. Not long after falling asleep, Clifton jerked upright again, chest heaving. The images of his dreams still lingered as his gaze darted around his dark surroundings.

It'd been a repeat of when he and Alina were at the park and the disguised woman tried coaxing him into the car. Only when he’d approached, her disguised face started melting away, revealing his real mother’s grinning expression.

She'd lunged at him and the next second he was back at soccer camp, being forced to the pavement with a wand pressed to his head. In his dream, he’d craned his head back to see his attacker, and it was his real father, winking at him just as he did in the photograph.

Clifton shook his head. It all sounded so ridiculous now, but it would still be a minute before he fell back asleep again. He shakily climbed out of bed and decided to walk it off. Maybe get a drink of water.

He was surprised to still see a light on in the kitchen. It looked like there were still some of the staff cleaning. Or preparing, he could never really tell the difference. He just rubbed his face, blinked the light from his eyes, and walked toward where he knew he could find a glass, hoping to stay out of their way.

“Mr. Clifton,” James said in surprise, still avoiding Alina’s nickname for him. “Having a hard time sleeping?”

Clifton shrugged. “I just needed some water. Sorry, I didn’t mean--”

Margie had it in his hand--ice cubes and all--before he’d even finished and Clifton smiled appreciatively. Then looked up at James and quieted his voice a little. “Actually. ...Mr. James?"

The man stopped whatever he was doing to listen, as if he had absolutely nothing more pressing at this hour than being audience to a sleepy twelve-year-old. It was easy to see why Alina liked him so much.

"Alina says you’re good at research. Could I ask you to look up something sort of...odd? There’s these two people. Well...prisoners. Sylas and Emilia Fletcher. How do I find out their release date?”

He hadn’t remembered when he’d started being afraid of his parents, but they were criminals. Criminals who might decide to change their minds about him and would then have the upper hand of magic. He needed something to tell his brain he was still safe.

James gently took him aside to different area of the enormous kitchen. Then, without hesitation, he said: “June 24th, 2022.”

Clifton blinked in surprise. “...What?”

James smiled. “Alina requested I perform a little research when she returned from her visit to Rye.” Then his expression sombered. “I was sorry to learn it wasn’t sooner. That’s a long sentence for anyone, Mr. Tr--Clifton. Let alone two innocent people.”

Clifton could only blink again. “...What?”

James’ brows furrowed in confusion. “My apologies, I assumed you knew--”

“They were innocent? But I thought...”

The tall man paused, as if trying to choose his words more carefully this time around. “I’m not sure what you have been told. But the court records I found indicated that the Fletchers were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. They had a winning case. But they also had an enemy with strong ties to the ministry. And Auror, I believe. It would appear he pulled some strings against Sylas and not because of any real crime. My guess would be revenge. And perhaps…”

“Perhaps what?”

James looked at him for a long moment then, finally, added. “Perhaps a growing interest in Emilia.”

Clifton hadn’t realized how dark his own expression had gone until James gently grabbed his arm.

“Those are only my assumptions, lad. They are not facts. Besides, it would have been a useless motive. Emilia fought her way into a prison sentence trying to save her husband. And medical records would indicate she fought for their child too. The Auror recieved a bad injury the same day he came to collect you...Mr. Clifton?”

“Thank you,” Clifton handed him his glass and did his best to give the man a smile. “That’s all I needed to know.”


By the time he’d made it back up the stairs, Clifton was fuming. His whirling thoughts were already beginning to piece it all together. All the withheld information. Saving him at soccer camp. The apparent lack of actual security. That stupid heart-to-heart last week. It all made sense! He couldn’t wait until the morning when he could tell Alina--

Clifton paused, noticing a dim light coming from beneath her door. He wondered if she was having a rough night too. Or maybe she’d simply stayed up reading.

He might not have to wait to tell her after all. He glanced back in the direction of his own guest room, debating on whether he should disturb her. But he’d really rather get these ideas off his chest now than lay awake in bed all night. She probably wouldn’t mind.

Clifton started forward to quietly knock on her door but stopped when he felt a thin hand slowly close around his shoulder. He stifled a scream, his imagination already extra jumpy with the bad dreams and the dark corridors. He slowly turned his head to look up at whoever was behind him, half expecting James.

Alina’s grandmother. Looking just as grim as any mansion ghost with her dark night clothes and pale face. Clifton inwardly groaned; he should’ve just stayed asleep with his nightmares.

“Sneaking about, Mr. Troublefield?” she droned. Her gaze flitted up to his destination and her grip tightened, making Clifton wince. “I certainly hope you weren’t planning any late night visits.”

Clifton furrowed his brows, not at all in the mood right now, and he pushed her hand off his shoulder before turning to face her. “I was, actually. To the lavatory. If you really needed to know.”

It didn’t matter that they both knew he had a private guest’s bathroom. It didn’t even matter that they both knew what she was capable of. His tone was clear: None of your business.

"Everything you wretched mudbloods do is something that one should be aware of," she scowled. "There's no reason you should be out and about. Or here at all," she added, thinking he didn't belong at the house.

Alina heard voices from the other side of her door and placed her notebook down before getting out of bed and checking to see who it was. As the door opened, her grandmother stood there staring at her in disgust - or maybe that was just her normal face. Who knew. "You're disgracing your grandfather's name associating with his kind. That is the real crime! Rosiers with squibs. Rosiers with mudbloods. I won't stand for it!" and just as she began to step toward them and maybe draw her wand, Charles Rosier stood behind her.

"Then leave. Leave my home. You've never approved of things but what you seem to neglect to realize is I don't need your approval. I want you out of my home and away from my family. You'll leave tonight and you can send for your things later." He wasn't going to put up with the way she was treating his daughter or her friend or put up with the way she had treated him in the past, and most likely broke apart their family when it came to the twins' mother, Cosette. She had driven out Juliette and every good help that they had and had been doing her best to recently get rid of Margie and James but they stayed despite her threats. Strong wizards and witches put up a better fight against this evil woman.

She turned to look to her son, thinking he was out of his damned mind and this time stepped toward him but he wasn't intimidated. He did the same, swiftly and quickly snatching her wand from her hand. "I mean it, Mother. No more. You're no longer welcome here." He took her arm and pulled her further away from the two young Hufflepuffs in the hall and there was a small click as Bella's door slowly began to open. She looked to her grandmother, rather ashamed that she was causing turmoil because that wasn't something proper ladies did. She also seemed to know it might very well be the last time she saw her grandmother. Her eyes looked over to Alina's sadly but she didn't protest. Nearly everyone that crossed paths with their grandmother seemed to get the feeling that she wasn't good news.

Still forcefully grabbing her arm, Charles began to lead her down the steps. "Rest easy, everyone. All will be well." She didn't even fight, seeming defeated by being called out or maybe intimidated by what changes she'd have to make in her life not having her son to sponge off of. Charles would make sure she left and he'd make sure protections were set up that she wouldn't return.

"...You've got a bathroom in your room, Silly," Alina whispered to Clifton, breaking the now silence that filled the hall. He looked over to her from the staircase and smiled, knowing that she knew he knew that. She returned the smile. She glanced over to Bella to see if she could get a read on emotions but she seemed okay, just rather surprised as she was as to what just happened.

Alina walked over to her twin and brought her arms around her, knowing that even if their grandmother was a monster, she had shared some of her best with Bella - especially recently. "You'll be better off without her. We all will," she whispered to her, still holding on. "And it's going to be okay. You'll rock Beauxbatons even without that bi...," she paused, cleared her throat, "without that witch." Bella squeezed back and smiled to her sister. "You're right, I will." Bella's eyes looked over to Clifton, still standing by Alina's door. "I'll be okay. I will. You go on on, I'm going to go back to sleep. Goodnight, Lina. Goodnight, Cliff."

Bella went back into her quarters and Alina walked over to Clifton, taking his hand into hers. He looked a little troubled and she somehow sensed it wasn't because of anything to do with her grandmother. "What were you doing up so late?" she asked him, leading him into her room so they could talk privately. She closed the door behind him and ruffled up his hair a little before leaning up to give him a soft kiss, just to encourage him to know that she was there for him.

Up Late with @Alina Rosier

He watched, entirely impressed, as Mr. Rosier decidedly escorted Alina’s grandmother down the hall. Clifton knew he’d never in his wildest dreams be as wealthy as Charles Rosier, but he hoped one day to be as strong.

"...You've got a bathroom in your room, Silly,” Alina whispered.

Clifton smiled over at her. It had been the only dumb thing that came to mind since he hadn’t wanted to get her in trouble for his being up late. But she smiled and he got the sense that she understood that, even without him saying it.

He was concerned for Bella though, and he was glad that Alina went directly to her, as he wouldn’t have known the first thing to say. He watched the two sisters comfort each other and bid goodnight. Then he gave Bella as encouraging a smile as he could, though he knew she likely had a long night ahead of her.

Alina approached him and slipped her fingers through his before guiding him to her room and asking why he’d been up so late. Her tone indicated she already knew something was wrong and Clifton gave her hand a squeeze, really liking this whole boyfriend/girlfriend telepathy thing.

Once inside, Alina ran a hand through his bedhead, then went up on her toes and kissed him. Clifton wrapped his arms around her and she rested her head on his chest. He began gently playing with her hair, already feeling the events of the night start to loosen their grip.

“Sorry if you were asleep,” he muttered. “I had a stupid dream is all. I thought maybe if I walked around for a few minutes, it would wear off. Guess I didn't realize there was a hall monitor."

After a moment, he added. "I found James before that. He was downstairs. I asked if he could help me learn more about my parents and he told me you'd already beat me to it.”

He smiled, then planted a kiss in her hair. “Thank you, Alina. It...that meant a lot.”

Clifton repeated what James had told him. About how his parents were innocent. About how Leo had taken out his own problems on Sylas and been a general creep about Emilia.

Then he sighed. "Alina, I think he’s the biggest treasure hunter of them all. I don’t know if he started out that way, but… I mean, think about it. He makes my adopted parents look like they don’t know anything because he won’t tell them. He makes my real parents sound like they’re something to be ashamed of. He even makes it look like the ministry doesn’t care, even though they sent a whole squad in when I flew off the swings. And then all these bad things happen on his watch and he just happens to show up in the nick of time to help?”

Clifton shook his head.“He wants me to think he’s the only one I can trust. And I might've believed him. At least, if he hadn’t tried to pull it on you.” Idiot.

He laughed softly. “I don’t think he expected you to fight back. I’m pretty sure the only reason he let me come this week was because he knew he’d lost some serious ground.”

He rested his head on hers and shut his eyes. “When I go home I’m gonna take a page from your dad’s book. Kick him out. Even if there are crazy people still out there, there’s gotta be better ways to stay protected.”

“But I think I’m done trying to figure it out. At least until I’m older and I can actually ask them what happened. I really want to meet them. Even if they don't know my name.”

He stopped playing with her hair to tighten his hold on her, grateful she had listened. Grateful she was here. Grateful she was his and he was hers.

“I know I’ve said it a lot,” he whispered in her ear. “But you’re going to make one heck of a healer.”

It still didn’t do justice to what he was feeling, but it would have to do for tonight. He could feel himself getting sleepy again and knew he should let her get some shut-eye too before the big day tomorrow. He pulled away a little and gave her a second kiss goodnight.

But then he spotted the notebook on her bed and his curiosity got the best of him.

“And what about you, Ms. Rosier? It looks like you’ve been up too.”

"Yeah, I was up," she followed his eyes to the notebook. "Oh, that's a lot of things and nothing at all," she explained. She did pull it closer to her and brought it onto her lap, leafing through it. There were some sketches of some flowers, one of the fox she saw at The Great Lake back at school during her first week of their first year. She flipped through, some talking about the nightmares she had been experiencing of her mother's death and one page was dedicated to her anger towards Leo.

"I awoke about a half hour ago and had trouble getting back to sleep. And then I heard the voices in the hall. Whatever she said to you, forget about it. She's cruel and I really do hope she's gone from our lives. Even Father will be better off. I don't think he was ever very close with her. He has shared some good memories of his own father, but never her. I think she wanted the status of the Rosier name and wanted an heir to pass on the name, that was all." But that was just her theory.

"I also have an entire list of things I want to talk to Juliette about if Father finds her. 7.59 billion people in the world...makes it rather difficult to find just one. I hope he finds her. I miss her. I know he does. She was the best governess we had."

But it was growing even later and Alina too was getting tired. "Maybe you should stay here tonight," she invited him. Sure it wasn't very proper but it wasn't as if there'd be something going on. It would be nice to feel at ease with him so close and she hoped she'd provide the same comfort to him.

Prepping for Paris with @Alina Rosier

“Just so long as it doesn’t make me the next person your dad tosses out,” Clifton yawned. He still wasn’t sure about all the rules around this place, but he figured it wouldn’t be any different than falling asleep on a pile of pillows in the blanket fort.

Both of them sleepily climbed under the blankets. He was much more calm now, having spent time with her and he hoped she felt the same. It was awful enough having one bad dream made up of fictional things. He couldn't imagine having a repeat of something as real and horrific as her mother’s death. But if her nightmares decided to make a visit this time, he would be here.

One of Alina’s hands came to rest on her pillow and Clifton slid his own hand over it.

“Fais de beaux rêves, Mademoiselle Rosier,” he smiled, giving her fingers a soft squeeze. She returned the smile before closing her eyes and drifting off. Clifton watched her for a moment. He had become lost in one of those moments he had now and again when it really struck him just how stunning she was.

And not by his biased boyfriend standards either, but by anyone’s standards. It was one of those moments that kept him wondering what in the world he’d ever done so right. His smile softened and, within minutes, he was sound asleep.



“Breakfast is ready!”

Clifton groggily opened his eyes and tried to remember where he was. It didn’t help that he found himself near the edge of the bed and sort of sideways. At twelve, he’d forgotten how much he typically moved in a deep sleep and he desperately hoped there was enough room that he hadn’t sleep-football-kicked her or anything her during the night.

“Breakfast is ready!”

Clifton forced himself to sit up, which always took real effort since trying to climb out of the beds in this place felt a lot like trying to climb out of a comma. Alina stirred nearby and with a smile Clifton made his way back over to her. She rolled over and smiled up at him, which he hoped meant she'd slept well.

“We’d better go," he said with a playful nudge. "She’s not as cheery the third time.”


The two hurried down to the kitchen where the smells of another delicious breakfast greeted them. Clifton tried not to remember that this would be his last full day here. It truly had been one of the best weeks of his whole summer and he knew it was going to make the following weeks crawl by.

But then Margie reminded them all that they had a long day of shopping ahead of them in preparation for the gala and Clifton felt his mood lift again. He’d never been to Paris before. And it sounded like Mr. Rosier, per his usual style, had tons of mind-blowing plans for the evening. At least, mind-blowing for Clifton. He reminded himself of his personal goal to not act like a pauper, a beach bum, or a complete fanboy around the Rosier’s esteemed guests.

But most of all, he was looking forward to spending the evening with Alina. After all, he still felt a little bad he’d never given her a chance to truly dress up for a dance now that he knew that, for girls, it was supposed to be half the fun.

The thought made him briefly glance at Bella. She was quiet, but just as composed as always. He was sure she had had plans of doing a lot of today’s shopping with her grandmother. He hoped it would still be a fun outing for her.

“My parents said they could help pay for my clothes,” he said, in between bites of warm cinnamon rolls. “I know that probably doesn’t mean much here, but...I think Mr. Rosier has already paid for more than all of my Christmases combined.”

Once breakfast was ready, James gave them all exactly a half hour to shower, change, and get ready for the day's shopping trip. "We will leave at 9AM sharp. Anyone who is not in the Grand Foyer at 9, expect to go naked to the gala," and his lips twitched to a smile.

"If we get done early, we'll meet up and can explore a bit of Paris!" Alina said as she, Clifton, and Bella all raced up the steps. "Our goal is to find something at one of the first three stores, that way we've plenty of time to sightsee." Although these girls had been to Paris more times than they could count and really didn't need to be a tourist. Still, they were with someone who had never been before and that was just fine with them. Better even, because they could play tour guide.

"Do you mind going with Father and James?" Alina looked to him with bright eyes. "They'll be going to the more masculine places while Bella and I will be hitting up the boutiques." She knew Clifton wouldn't find anything at the fancy dress shops. She smiled, kissed his cheek, and then hurried off to her room so that they both could get ready in their half hour's time.

She found her father, James, Audra (one of the housekeepers) and Bella waiting and sighed, shaking her head. Just like Clifton to be late but she smiled, glad he was getting back to his normal self anyway. They didn't have to wait long until he joined them and using the Floo Network again, they transported themselves to the capital city of France.

"We'll start at the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. It is described as the world's most beautiful avenue." It was a symbol of Paris itself, lined with restaurants, luxury boutiques, flagship stores of places Clifton's mother would know well, and nightclubs. It also ended at the Arc de Triomphe, another popular symbol of Paris.

"From there we can try Rue Saint-Honoré, Avenue Montaigne, and Boulevard Haussmann," Alina's father informed the other two adults who nodded. "We will meet at the Arc de Triomphe in two hours." Alina stepped up to Clifton and smiled to him, knowing he'd be just fine alone with her father and James. "Don't go falling for a French girl while you're gone," she whispered.

The ladies then left to do what they did best and left the men to go do what they liked least - shopping. The boys visited one tailor before going to Charles Rosier's favorite and most entrusted, The House of Dormeauil, reknowed for luxury and innovation, using exotic fabrics that not only fit perfectly when tailored just right, but felt magical as well. There they all found something to wear, and Clifton's measurements were taken with the promise that his attire, along with James's and Charles's, would all be done before the gala.

When they met back up, she skipped up to him. "Anywhere in particular you want to go in Paris? The Eifflel Tower? Notre Dame Cathedral? Montmarte? Palace of Versailles? Musee d'Orsary? Tuileries Garden? Catacombs of Paris? Jardin du Luxembourg? Seine River?"

“Yes,” Clifton laughed, loving when her bright eyes brimmed with excitement like that. After having to stand still for so long for the measurements--with a few terse reminders to stop fidgeting--anywhere sounded fantastic. Not that he hadn’t been familiar with the whole fitting process, what with his mom, just that the stores had had so many things he'd wanted to look at.

He had immensely enjoyed his time with James and Mr. Rosier though. James put up with his myriad of questions while Mr. Rosier told him a few stories about their previous visits. One such story had included Juliette and even though the story was funny, Mr. Rosier had suddenly gotten this faraway look in his eyes. He looked sad.

“I hope you find her,” Clifton mumbled, remembering what Alina had told him last night. He wondered what that was like. Having someone you love just disappear like that? How did he stay so put-together?

Mr. Rosier didn’t say anything, just placed a hand on his shoulder to gently nudge him forward as they’d stepped into the shop.


But Alina’s excitement was contagious and for now he was excited to enjoy the rest of the visit with her and Bella.

They started with the Eiffel Tower, since it seemed like an injustice to be in Paris for the first time and not see it. The view was spectacular! He was sure the two girls had probably seen it a gazillion times, but was glad that they still hung around long enough for him to really take it in. Bella pointed out some of their favorite spots in Paris while Alina began laying out a route to the other destinations they could probably hit before it was time to leave, thanks to the work of touristy wizards who liked to travel via the Floo Network

Even though the catacombs sounded really cool, Clifton knew he’d regret it. He’d had to learn the hard way that creepy wasn’t really his thing. Or maybe that it was too much his thing the way his curiosity and imagination got invested.

So instead he suggested the Cathedral, since his dad had told him a lot about it. The girls debated back and forth about the different gardens they could visit after that and finally decided that they'd would take a short boat ride down the Seine River instead, since it covered a lot of sight seeing.

The Notre Dame Cathedral was everything his dad had described and then some. Where the Eiffel Tower had made Clifton feel free and above everything, the yawning ceiling and soic pillars made him feel small but protected. He’d never seen a place so sturdy and yet so intricate and there were a couple times Alina had to pull him out of trying to figure out how they’d carved this or crafted that or what stories the stained glass windows were trying to tell.

The girls filled him in on stories and details only regular visitors would know and Clifton began to really hope they’d invite him again next summer. It was fun to see more of Bella's personality and, as always, he loved any opportunity to hold Alina’s hand. He would’ve loved exploring Paris any day, but he was glad to be exploring it with her where he could see it as part of her world. Immense and mysterious and beautiful, just like the rest of it.

After the Cathedral, the three were some of the first ones to board the boat down the river. They chatted for a bit and, as the boat began to fill, two boys around their age slumped down and stretched out into the seats directly across from them.

Two boys, Clifton noted, who noticed the twins and clearly liked what they saw. But then, he reminded himself, they would’ve had to be blind not to. And they were friendly enough introducing themselves, so Clifton didn’t worry too much about it, figuring it would be fun to get to know some of the local kids.

But it wasn’t long before the two caught on to his American phrases and broken French. And it was even less time before they excluded him entirely by talking only in French, only to the twins. Clifton rolled his eyes and sat deeper in his seat. Not in defeat. More so he could watch for the right moment. A week of feeling like he was part of the family was making him protective of both sisters, even if Bella might be thinking they were cute or whatever.

It took awhile, but he wasn’t disappointed. One of the boys--the dark haired one that seemed particularly interested in Alina--decided to be edgy and stand up, which was against the tour guide’s rules. He was trying to make a show of leaning out and touching the bridge they were passing under. The other boy, not to be outdone, climbed onto the railing next to him and began egging him on.

And Clifton shouldn’t have. He really shouldn’t have. But it was too perfect. Besides, the tour guide and the people surrounding them were so busy telling them to get back in their seats that no one even noticed him reach down and slip his wand out of his bag. Nor did they notice the dark haired boy’s feet swiftly and inexplicably lift off the ground.

All they saw was the splash after both boys tumbled overboard into the river. Clifton peered over the edge to survey his work and was satisfied to find them spluttering and angrily blaming each other in French. He laughed a little to himself as he stowed his wand and then rested back in his seat again.

Both twins were staring at him.

“What?” he shrugged, unable to hide his grin. “A few more inches and he would’ve had it. Thought I’d lend a hand.”

Those two boys would be fine - drenched like a wet rat and without their endeavor for the afternoon (maybe damaging their pride a little) but fine. Alina still looked at her boy with disbelief. "Clifton Troublefield!" she gasped and then began laughing. Bella followed. Both girls knew full well what he had done and neither one of them were complaining. Plus secretly, maybe Alina liked seeing the jealous streak in him.

They left, but with a promise that if Clifton wanted to come back sometime, Alina would be glad to accompany him. The two twins spent as much time in Paris as anywhere else and it was almost like their own back yard. They knew all of it.

Once home, Margie had a light meal prepared (what was light in Margie's standards anyway) and then they set off to their separate rooms to get ready for the gala. They would all find their attire chosen from Paris laid out perfectly on their beds, waiting to be worn - including the boys with their custom suits.

An older man named Victor would greet guests as they came in through the front doors and Grand Foyer of Updown Court. It began with the musicians that would play and they entered the already elaborately decorated ballroom. They began playing even before the first guest arrived and other staff was ready to get drinks and appetizers at the ready. It was very old-school formal sort of event.

Guests began to arrive, some were part of Charles Rosier's business circle, some were neighboring billionaires. They were all there to help support a local hospital, raising some funds so they could build on an entire new wing. Charles liked to do things like this for charity, it brought people together for a common bond and gave some that were more stringy than him an excuse to give. He might have been sorted into Slytherin, but he was a Hufflepuff still at heart.

By the time Alina had come out from her room, Bella was waiting by the banister of their terrace. "Lucas said he'd meet me tonight," Bella said with a large smile. She was glad to have a date that night just like her sister. Alina just shook her head. Lucas was a local boy and nice enough. "Oh Bella..." she sighed.

She watched the door of the guestroom where Clifton would be staying and waited, wanting to see first glimpse of him when he came out. From downstairs, she could hear the music already and the murmuring of the guests, including a loud laugh that seemed to ring out. Both girls smiled, knowing that was the laugh of David Furnish, the Canadian filmmaker who was married to Elton John. That meant their sons Zachary (9) and Elijah (7) would be trying to trail the girls most of the evening. Hopefully Clifton wouldn't get jealous of them.