Take a deep breath
Harry was very happy that he had slammed all occlumency shields. But still couldn't believe what was happening. Lucifer was compelling him to tell. He had resisted imperius even before he took OWLs and not to mention various futile attempts thereafter. But this was different. He neither felt a dark aura of imperious nor any curse. He didn't feel magic. It wasn't vague, untraceable happiness. His mind was almost connected to Lucifer's had it not been for shields. It felt like the river delta stopped from reaching the deep ocean by mighty mountains. He was a bit curious so when shields were loosened, it was as if his desires were going to jump out and he'll know what those are when he tells Lucifer...
"Empty yourself of emotion!"
His face was expressionless. He just looked at Lucifer. Lucifer's face was full of astonishment. He could see that this hadn't happened yet.
He was quite etching to tell Lucifer not to compel or invade someone's privacy without their consent. But he just returned to watch the surroundings.
He said, "Weather is nice." Weather is a neutral topic. It was warm here. Maybe it won't snow here and the sky might be clear most of the time unlike perpetual cloud cover in the UK.
The area around was nearly empty. Sun was about to set.
Lucifer didn't know what to say. So he said, "Yes, it's now." He added, "Something peculiar happened today, you'll be aware of the thunderstorm."
Harry just replied, "Oh, yes"
Lucifer said that he hadn't ever seen green lightning.
"Hmm. I haven't seen blue-green lightning before today." Harry said while watching the red sun going out of sight and leaving dusk to reign the sky.
Lucifer was going to ask something but Harry asked first, "What is it like to run a club?"
"Much better than Hell. Fewer responsibilities, great whisky. You should have some." Harry just gestured no.
"Not to mention the ambiance. It's warm yet comfortable. No raging inferno here."
"Are you Lucifer - Hellbound or Lucifer - the owner of Lux? You are talking as if you're not the overseer of Lux but something much worse."
When Lucifer turned towards the sky, Harry added "A wise man said once - it's choices that direct our story. Subverting the thread of fate is also a choice. "
"Now, it's getting late. I should leave." Harry said, taking a final glimpse of beautiful Lux surrounded by a dark empty neighborhood.
Lucifer said, "It's dark, will you reach safely? You could stay here. I won't mind at all."
"I would be the safest person. Don't worry about me. You should return to your domain. Lux shouldn't miss its star. Also, I shouldn't have to ask, but kindly don't follow."
"No, I won't."
Harry looked pointedly at him like he was forgetting something.
Lucifer didn't understand what he was looking for.
Harry sighed and waved his hand.
While he was turning, Lucifer said "It was nice to meet you. Hopefully, we will meet soon"
Harry just smiled.
"Answer to your question earlier is that I don't know," Harry said while disappearing into the darkness.
After walking some distance, he turned to see Lucifer was still outside. He continued forward in the darkness, spells were entangled one after another, and wore the Cloak. It wouldn't do good if he just vanished out of sight in a second. He just sent a suggestion to Lucifer's mind to forget and not think much about today's events. He could have obliviated but that was the last option. He won't slam when he could just press a bit. He wouldn't invade Lucifer's mind to plant fake memories or remove them. Hardly 5 minutes ago, he was itching to tell Lucifer that it wasn't right.
He continued walking onwards. Lucifer didn't follow. That was good. Although Lucifer wouldn't be able to see him now.
Why had Lucifer noticed him when he had notice-me-not charm placed on him? What had Lucifer tried when he asked that question? Can he compel any questions? If so, why ask that?
He also needs to think about what he's going to do next. He can't wander the streets forever.
He heard someone call for help. Someone was running with a purse. He removed his cloak and Charms. It was dark anyway. That person tripped and the purse landed in Harry's hand. A blond lady was following the robber. He just raised her purse and asked her to slow down while pointing to the thief. She thanked him and asked him if they could wait in the garden while the cops arrived.
Harry wasn't interested in meeting the police when was going to decline, she said that you won't have to talk to cops. Harry just smiled. He had nothing to do so better wait till cops arrive and not let this thief run away.
Light returned when a quick spell was directed nearby. It was like something else was just trying to get lights started. Maybe the power company was restarting the power line.
They were near a garden. Its name was painted in bold golden letters on a black iron crest and regal gate. The two entrances on either side of the crest were closed.
A cop arrived in two minutes. He was patrolling in that area.
The lady talked to Officer Espinoza. Gave her a statement. The perp was handcuffed and in the backseat of the car. The car was very nice for a cop car. Espinoza didn't ask him any questions. They exchanged cards and he left.
"I should leave now that the thief was apprehended."
"+|{;{¦}|>{|>¦}|{¦[~/}{|~
There were many beautiful gardens. Sandstone cobble pathway leads to two Komainu (lion-dogs) on either side of the wooden arbor entrance towards the Zen garden. Pair with open and close mouths pronouncing the beginning and end of all things. The garden was stunning with various magnificent flora. The arched bridge was illuminated by moonlight and the Koi pond underneath was reflecting the bridge and garden without any ripple. Both stopped on the bridge for a moment when he heard Linda saying that just because you're undercover or a cop doesn't mean that you can't connect with people.
Harry watched her reflection and said "It's good that you won't be undercover. People are liabilities when one is undercover. Pressure point. Better for them that you don't interact."
"You have quite a cynical world view."
"No, it's realistic. You can't expect everyone to be evil or saints. People are complex beings. Also if I were undercover I wouldn't have spoken with you. Not that I'm undercover. " He smiled while continuing towards the Wisteria on the other side.
In a way, Harry is undercover. In a world without an ounce of magic, he's alone. He (that) is alone.
Linda just gives a knowing smile while she follows him.
So she asked, "Oh, someone who's not undercover, what should I call you?"
He lay down facing the sky.
What name should I give to others? Lucifer didn't ask his name but he would have to give others something. If not Harry then what? He won't go with Henry or any other biblical name. Maybe he could try something different yet similar.
"I've told you my name. But if you want something else, so mote it be. You can call me - Eru."
"Hmm, Interesting," Linda said smiling while sitting on dry grass. A flurry of air fluttered her hair.
Harry just smiles and asks "Then who are you?"
Linda says "Then I'm Alatáriel I guess." She doesn't say that I can see far beyond your mask. She isn't radiating Moonlight or has that otherworldly voice to drive her point. She laughed imagining her slowly turning around on that bridge and saying that. She has already shared one observation. She better not spook him.
Linda adds that "The one loves .."
"I do too."
"You should come here again. Maybe we can have another chat?"
She had assumptions. A thin lady, draped in a shawl with a flair for dramatics with not very large glasses. But he didn't realize why he compared her with the professor living in the Astronomy Tower. At least she didn't predict his death.
~|{}/~[¦{|}¦>|{>|}¦{;{|+"
She replied, "Do visit later then. Especially the peaceful Zen garden."
Harry smiled.
She smiled back and offered her hand, "I'm Linda." Harry took her card. "My practice is nearby."
"I'm Harry. It was nice meeting you."
A wisp of memory surfaced. Had he denied going to the garden or was this a false memory?
He should get shut-eye. A Lot has happened today.
Art Description: Komainu - open and close mouths pronouncing new beginning and end of all things.