HP's Adagio Minor

??

In the pleasant afternoon, a group of small boats rowed across Mumer Lake, and the gentle waves slapped the hull of the boat, making circles of ripples.Beside the lake, traditional wooden farmhouse buildings are surrounded by linden and oak trees, and the meadow full of orchids exudes intoxicating fragrance.In this wet canyon, skylarks and cuckoos are tirelessly singing their praises, and the echo of the waterfall from the mountain stream can be vaguely heard.

Lola was leaning on the boat to read a book, she stretched out her hand and brushed the clusters of incomparably beautiful water hibiscus, her green eyes reflected the same clear lake surface, and her red lips were like the brightest cherries in the forest.Perhaps the sun was too glaring, she spread out the silk scarf to cover her rosy cheeks, and then turned her attention back to the pages of the book.

The golden sunlight penetrated the tulle, gently caressed the charming and delicate face, and slipped into the loose skirt along the white and slender neck.Alan Laertes let go of the oars, and he couldn't take his eyes off the scene in front of him, which looked like a painting of a lady in a classical oil painting... An inexplicable emotion flowed, making people unconsciously want to get closer, and then get closer—— Recalling the wet and soft touch in his memory, his heart trembled - until the other party inadvertently raised his head and smiled at him, he was suddenly startled from the trance, and secretly lamented his gaffe.

After placing the 'injured and sick' Juno, Allen hurried back from London, but he didn't see 'Miss Vance' for a few days, but he had the illusion that his days were like years - if he could always be by her side , what else is he demanding?

After a while, after Lola put down the book, the two began to discuss the contents of the book with great interest:

"'There is a crystal palace in the lake, and the water nymphs living in it will surface at night, singing and dancing on the lake'... They are so beautiful, but after falling in love with mortals, they have to face the test of death, which is too cruel gone."

"If she hadn't given up her eternal life, she would have fallen into a long period of loneliness and solitude, and all she had was memories. Isn't that a kind of cruelty?"

"It seems that no matter what, it is destined to end in tragedy. Fortunately, this is just a legend in the book."

"The legends are mostly apocryphal, but it's a Pentecostal tradition to dance around the bonfire at the meadow ball."

"Oh, what a shame, summer is over."

"We can wait until October for the harvest."

"..."

'Miss Vance' suddenly stopped talking, and the atmosphere was a little cold. Allen was not sure what the other party was thinking, and an uncontrollable sense of anxiety surrounded him—he cared too much about her, and he was afraid that she would be a little displeased. Or some other negative emotion... This kind of worry about gains and losses made him emotional-now he has been sinking in love step by step, but he wants to pursue it without hesitation.

"I think, I have to go."

"Where?"

The topic was too sudden, and Alan was obviously stunned. He remembered that not long ago, the two of them were talking about the World Science and Technology Fair to be held in Hannover [German city]. — aroused their great interest.

"If you want to go to the Expo..."

"No," Miss Vance shook her head, "I'm leaving because of a wedding."

Allen's hand trembled invisibly, "Wedding?"

"Yes, just the other day I got my cousin's wedding invitation - I promised to be her bridesmaid."

"So that's it!" Alan breathed a sigh of relief, "Then what's next, I mean, after attending the wedding?"

"Of course I will continue to travel. Europe is so big, and there are still many places I haven't been to!" There was a breathtaking brilliance in her eyes, "I will stay for the beautiful scenery, but it is impossible to stay where I am forever—— —Don’t forget, I’m a National Geographic columnist, and if I don’t explore the wider world, how can I share it with readers.”

"...you're right."

Allen wanted to keep her again, but he didn't know how to speak when the words came to his lips.

"You seem to be very reluctant to part with me as a tenant." Her tone was full of ridicule, "I think the trouble I caused you is far less than the economic benefits it can bring."

"Oh, of course not—how can you say that, Zela." Her Muggle alias was very strange, and deep in his heart he had called her real name thousands of times, and even raised the urge to confess her identity. Impulsive, but only for a moment, he dismissed this idea, "I just feel a little...some uncomfortable because of your leaving," he paused, "We have a good time together, if you can, I hope to deepen our relationship with you."

"Oh, Alan, I'm not unaware of your intentions, in fact, it's an honor to know me, but—" She looked at him, but the smile on her face gradually faded, "You know , not every bird is willing to stay in the cage, even if the wings are broken, it can choose to live or die-and for me, nothing will hinder the freedom I pursue-trust me, many things I can make my own decisions.”

Allen looked at her intently, as if he was exploring whether her words were true, but the unhesitating look in those green eyes made him feel a little dazzling-in the end he lowered his eyes and compromised with her insistence.

"Of course, I fully respect your decision, but when I came back, the nearest train was being repaired due to a breakdown. I beg you to stay here for a few days. After the traffic clears up, I will take you to Stuttgart Airport—"

"No!" She interrupted him, "I'm leaving tomorrow, you can send someone to take me back to Baden-Baden, I've already booked the boat ticket."

Besides, as long as you are out of the range of Castle Black, you can use the apparition, or the portkey - it doesn't matter where you want to go.

Allen also remembered the other party's status as a wizard. He knew that she could not stay here forever, but the parting was so sudden.If possible, he really hoped to travel with her—but when he expressed his intention, he didn't get the expected response...

"Drop everything? For me?"

"Yes, with you."

"Excuse me, but I'm really curious—do you really love me?" Her eyes were unbelievably calm, and she continued, "I've met a lot of people who only chase after appearances, and Physical relationship, in fact, this kind of thing is really normal in the adult world."

"No, that's not what I meant..." Alan wanted to explain, but he had never been so clumsy, as if the dominant power had never been in his hands, "Please believe me, I am different from those people." He reiterated his position, but Feel a deep bitterness.

"Really?" She raised her eyebrows, and suddenly leaned over, the distance between them was so close that they almost touched the tips of their noses, "Although what you said is touching, at least I won't, for the sake of gaining favor, Just cater to the other party unconditionally - in this regard, you are not sincere."

"Give me a little more time, if you can."

"No, it has nothing to do with timing—I don't think we're a good fit."

After finishing speaking, she pushed him away, ending the brief ambiguity—the boat shook violently, making him dizzy—but she sat on the bow of the boat, her skirt was elegant and meticulous.

"Zera..."

"I suddenly feel a little tired, maybe we should go back earlier."

She showed a gentle smile and said softly.

??

When they left Mumer Lake, the atmosphere between the two seemed to have eased—Alan Laertes still maintained the demeanor that a gentleman should have, but he was obviously silent compared to usual.Lola discerned his extremely restless heart from the other party's efforts to cover up, which made her feel a little proud——

[I'm not too stupid]

she thought coldly.

After returning to Castle Black, she declined the dinner invitation from the master of the castle and began to organize her belongings—without the help of the housework spell, she folded the clothes neatly and put them in the suitcase, and stuffed other sundries into the suitcase. Storage Bags - Driven by an inexplicable, constant irritability, her movements are definitely not gentle, perhaps this can be attributed to the general effect of the 'female special period'.

Accidentally, the ink bottle fell to the ground, bounced off the soft wool blanket, slid across the floor, and finally hit the marble tiles by the fireplace.A pool of oily ink stains slowly seeped out of the mouth of the bottle, reflecting the reflection of the 'Laertes' family crest deformed to the point of ridiculousness on the wall.

'Tuk-tuk--'

A knock on the door broke the silence in the room. After obtaining permission, the maid pushed the door open, put the silver tray in her hand on the coffee table, and then gently closed the door and left.Lola's hands paused, and she saw her favorite snacks, salads and sweet soups on the tray - who else could know her preferences better than him?Although Lola didn't intend to appreciate it at first, she had already decided to leave, and she would no longer have any contact with the other party in the future, but now she is still in Castle Black, hungry is obviously torturing herself.

She didn't have to.

After filling her stomach and packing her luggage, Lola took a very comfortable hot bath.Drying her hair, she casually wiped off the mist from the bathroom mirror—the young woman in the mirror stared at her blankly—and she twitched the corners of her mouth in a sneer full of irony.

??

This night, Alan, no, now we should call him as before-Anos sat at his desk in a daze, unable to sleep all night.Every movement and every word Lola made on the boat kept replaying in his mind... She is a sensitive and firm person, and after such a straightforward rejection, it is almost impossible to change—deep powerlessness Surrounded by emotion, apart from a wry smile, there was no trace of complaint, which also made him even more unable to open his mouth to confess his identity to her.

When had he become so cowardly?

Anos thought of the past—he couldn’t help thinking about it during this period of time—probably because the past in his memory was so beautiful that he ignored that nothing was permanent, even himself.Now he is different from the conceited and indifferent teenager he used to be, and she is naturally no longer as weak as before. No, in fact, she has never been really weak. There is always a longing in her heart, longing for magic power, longing to have A friend her age, a desire to do well, a desire to be her true self...she has her own pride.

During his time as a close friend and lover, Anos had a thorough understanding of Lola, but now, this kind of thoroughness seems to have little meaning—he can no longer use his own standards to try to figure out her thinking.Even so, at least he can be thankful that this change is not due to the contrast brought about by those adventures and difficulties, but from the mentality of the two of them, one restrained and cautious, the other tolerant and confident.

Therefore, the current Lola may not necessarily fall in love with him again—whether he is Alan or Anos—she will no longer be chasing after her figure in a pure and happy way like when she was young...

Realizing this, Anos's chest suddenly throbbed violently, and the pain was so painful that he could hardly breathe.The power of the evil spirits took the opportunity to counterattack at this time, and the evil coercion from the depths of the soul was heart-piercing-swelling blood vessels, heavy breathing, cold sweat pouring down like rain, and the skin all over the body was covered with demons. The lines eroded, and the remaining magic power in the body was swallowed up.

Anos struggled to touch the talisman paper in his arms, but only caught a touch of yellow ash.

Amid the churning of Qi and blood, his vision went dark and he lost consciousness.

……

When Anos woke up again, it was already the afternoon of the second day—he missed the chance to say goodbye to her—disappointed, he called the housekeeper Hill to the study and asked Miss Vance about her last itinerary Noticing the reluctance of his employer, Hill sighed secretly.

"Before Miss Vance leaves, let me convey a word to you."

"what?

"It sounds strange, she said, 'The Black Forest is like a mural, it looks beautiful on the surface, but there is a blindfold behind it...'"

Before Hill finished speaking, Anos rushed out of the door—he stumbled back to the bedroom, and after locking the door, he walked towards the wall with the mural of "The Beauty of the Forest"—lightly Knock on the organ, and the entrance to the dark room will rotate open.

Anos walked into the dark room almost tremblingly. There seemed to be no change in the small room—only the drawer of the locker standing in the corner was slightly opened, the integrated compass stood still on the glass cabinet, and the metal plate The body is cleverly folded, the two hands are almost stuck together, and the black and white jade core in the middle is shining brightly...

Anos stared blankly at the compass, a moment of blankness swept through his thoughts, he never thought that the "secret" he had been trying to hide was no longer a secret - a strong urge forced him to quickly come back to his senses, he wanted to see her, No matter what happens in the future, whether she loves him or not, he will explain to her, even if only once.

……

But when he arrived in the small town of Baden-Baden, it was already difficult to find the other party's whereabouts.

Watching the last cruise ship leave the ferry, Anos looked up at the cloudy sky. The cool wind stained with water vapor could not dispel the depression in his heart——she left no clues, not even Juno. Knowing her contact information - he couldn't find her, and he couldn't find her, he didn't know where her next destination was, maybe it was a city that crossed the border of the river, maybe it was by phantom Migration or Portkey can go farther.

He has fallen into despair.

Withdrew from the crowd, Anos walked alone on Route 500—his footsteps were weak, his consciousness was numb, and he couldn't summon the slightest strength to perceive the remaining magic power, but let the power of evil spirits swallow him—and this winding road The winding mountain road seems to have never been so long.

The fine raindrops passed through the gaps between the leaves and fell into the potholes and muddy ground, and the entire Black Forest was immersed in silence.

After an unknown amount of time, Anos finally reached the last fork in the road, which was close to the cliff, and the iron chains of the cable bridge clanked under the sound of the wind in the deep valley.Vaguely, he saw a white shadow walking through the woods, and stopped hesitantly——

'call out--'

A stabbing pain came from his back, and he staggered to the ground amidst bursts of dizziness.

……

The author has something to say:

Inexplicably tangled for a long time. . .It was decided to let the heroine be stronger, after all, the heroine is at a loss