~September 20, 2024~

Diana kissed him again before heading down the stairs.

Darien followed with the luggage, handing it to Diana as they reached the door.

"Are you Flooing or using brooms?" He asked Nick and Diana.

"Flooing," Diana said definitely. "I don't want to drag this all around on a broomstick."

Nicolas looked at her. "Diana, you don't have to come..."

"Yes I do." Diana said looking at him sternly.

"I don't think your husband would be okay with this." Nicolas said giving Darien a fleeting glance.

"He's letting me go," Diana said. "Aren't you Darien?"

Darien smiled. "Yes...Not that I could stop you."

Diana gave Darien a loving look and looked back at Nick. "I'm coming whether you want me to or not."

Nicolas sighed. "Fine."

Diana nodded and headed for the fireplace.

Cassie walked down the stairs.

She got some Floo and with a poof she was gone.

Nicolas looked at Darien. "Sorry about that." And he too followed Diana's actions and disappeared.

Cassie went around Darien's foot.

"No problem..." Darien muttered to the now empty fireplace.

"Hello Cassie!" He scooped up the cat, grinning enthusiastically.

Then he paused. He should probably go to Vaight Manor soon...

"Cassie, you look after the house for me for a while okay-I'll be back soon!" He waved his wand and food and water appeared for the cat.

Grabbing some Floo powder, he stepped into the green flames and muttered "Vaight Manor".

Well at least he didn't forget my food.

And with that Cassie ate.

((About 3.75 minutes later...))

Darien returned, stepping out of the fireplace and brushing dust off his robes.

Sitting down, he magically summoned a bowl of cornflakes, and began to eat.

A sudden burst of green fire made him jump, especially as the form of Reginald appeared in the flames.

"...Dad?!"

Not only was Darien surprised, by Cassie was too.

And she didn't like being surprised. She glared at the newcomer.

((lol-kitty fury ))

Reginald strode out of the fireplace. "Yes. I understand you spoke to Ana this morning."

"...Yes..." Darien raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you're here?"

"In a manner of speaking...Where is your...'wife' anyway?" Reginald surveyed his surroundings with a haughty air.

Darien's expression hardened. "Diana is at Nick's."

Reginald raised an eyebrow, then lowered it again. "Well...They always did seem rather close...I assume I may sit down?" Without waiting for an answer, he seated himself near Cassie.

Cassie hissed at Reginald and turn her back on him.

She did not think she liked this old man creature.

Reginald raised an eyebrow at the cat. He never did like animals...

"What do you mean, close?" Darien frowned.

Reginald shrugged. "How else can I put it....Intimate perhaps..."

Darien's fist connected with the table. "They are not! What are you trying to say?!"

Reginald rolled his eyes. "Oh nothing I'm sure...Are you going to offer me a drink?"

"No. Now explain yourself."

"I was merely observing that she's away with her cousin and you're here with a cat. That says something."

"I trust Diana!" Darien shouted, although doubts were forming in his mind. Nick and Diana were close...Stop it! He cursed himself. It's what he wants!

Here with the cat? Cassie thought furiously. What was that supposed to mean? She was as good as company as any! Humans are stupid.

((lol, you tell him cassie.))

Reginald waved his hand. "Apparently so."

"What do you mean?!"

"Just that you have little idea where she is and what she's doing right now...All that you know is that she is with a close or perhaps dear friend...and cousin."

"Diana wouldn't do anything like that!" Darien snarled.

Reginald smiled, a fake smile. "Of course she wouldn't."

Then suddenly another figure appeared in the green flames.

Yay! Cassie thought happily. Diana was back.

She dusted herself off and stepped of of the fireplace. "I forgot to say a proper..."

It was then she noticed Reginald and Darien. "Goodbye?" she finished rather lamely, surprised to see her father-in-law there.

Darien gave his father a look that plainly said 'I told you so'.

"Father decided to drop in without notice." He explained, glaring daggers at Reginald, who ignored him.

Darien approached Diana and put his arm around her shoulders protectively. Reginald smiled coldly. "Hello. How is your...cousin? I understand you're staying with him for a while..."

Darien wished that looks could kill, or instantly incinerate. Then Reginald would be toast.

Diana hugged Darien back and smiled at him.

To Reginald's question she said, "Oh, Nicolas? Well he's not doing so good... understandable really considering."

"Yes, Darien was fantastic enough to let me." Diana said beaming at her husband.

But she said in a more serious tone. "I mean, with the way that Nicolas was last night, who knows what he'd do alone..."

Cassie rounded around Diana and Darien's feet.

Darien grinned back at Diana, hugging her close.

Reginald paused. "Considering...what exactly?"

"Considering the fact Amy and Aiden are dead." Darien hissed. "As I told Ana this morning."

"A great shame...I was rather fond of those twins..." Reginald sighed. "Please do accept my condolances...To you and your cousin."

Darien rolled his eyes. Fond? Reginald wasn't fond of anyone.

Diana nodded as an acceptance to the apology.

"If you two don't mind I'll be going back now." Diana said. She kissed Darien but held back as Reginald was right there.

"Good-bye," she whispered to Darien. "I'll see you in a couple of days."

"See you..." Darien smiled.

Reginald remained silent.

"I'll drop by later tonight at around 8?" Diana said.

"Sure, I'll be here." Darien grinned. In a lower voice, he muttered, "Be careful.", giving her a hug as he did so.

"I will," Diana said. "You be careful too." She wanted to kiss him again but she wasn't bold enough to do it in Reginald's presence.

"I'll be back," Diana whispered to Darien.

"Good-bye," Diana said to Reginald and with that she disappeared yet again with the green flames.

"Bye..." Darien waved as she disappeared.

Reginald raised a hand. "Well...I suppose that explains Ana's...unsociable attitude this morning."

Darien's gaze was cold. "I guess so."

Reginald blinked. "What?"

"Take it back!"

Reginald sighed. "My dear boy, I never said anything at all-"

"LIAR!"

"You interpreted it...I merely implied it."

"So take it back!"

Reginald rose to leave. "I'll take that as my cue to leave...I'd thank you for your hospitality, but you haven't really been very hospitable. Good day, son." And with a dash of floo powder, and a green burst of flame, he was gone.

Darien sank back into his seat, only to find his soggy cereal completely ruined. "Bloody parents." He muttered, vanishing the contents with a wave of his wand.

"Mew," Cassie said to Darien. Her presences, had been ignored. Yet again.