A restaurant where Ted had invited Alice was located in this very quarter. Alice took Ted by his hand and he pressed his signet ring gem. After a few seconds they landed in the middle of a narrow street in the very end of East London.
Ted took out his wand, drew a circle in the air and uttered an incantation:
«Shaarahass!»
A gilded ball surrounded with a bright blue radiant halo emerged in front of them in the air. It started to grow until its size became seven feet.
«Let’s go,» – said Ted and took Alice by her hand. They touched the halo with their palms and an entrance to Magic-Cross shaped up in front of them. Thus, holding hands they entered the ball together.
The restaurant was located in a small and cozy Elves Street.
«What a nice place! You know, I have never been here before».
«I have been here only once with my parents. You’re going to like it. The restaurant is over there, in the end of the street».
The street was lit with lanterns hung at the level of the houses. Some stayed in the same place, whereas others were soaring and switching places. There were residential houses and stores located at the sides of the street. All of them differed from one another, each and every one of them bearing and reflecting their landlord’s identity. Some houses had round windows, while others contained the windows shaped as diamonds. Besides, all those buildings were other more motley.
«Here we are,» – said Ted pointing at a completely round-shaped house.
They entered the restaurant. A waiter approached them.
«Welcome!»
He led them to a solitary place and put a menu on their table. Ted and Alice chose their meals for supper and they immediately materialized on the table. Both of them started to eat.
«Thanks for having invited me! It was unexpected. And… pleasant».
«Was it? I… I wasn’t sure you would accept my invitation and agree».
«Why not?»
«I don’t know. Maybe… I was afraid to seem too meddling,» – Ted found it difficult to select the proper adjective.
«What are you talking about?! You would have been considered intrusive and meddling, given that I had declined your proposal, and you had been insisting on the date, chasing me around».
«No way! I am not this kind of man. I would have been upset, but I would have overcome my sorrows».
Alice burst out laughing.
«How is your preparation for the examinations going on?»
«Too slowly. I am almost short of time – three weeks and that’s it».
«Oh, I am distracting your attention, sorry for that!»
«No, it’s all right. One must sometimes draw a breath – these spells and incantations cause me headaches. So, I am grateful for your invitation. How’s your job?»
«Reasonably fine. I am involved in a lot of paperwork and guiding visitors around the Museum telling them about magic exhibits».
«You have mentioned that your father is a doctor. Is he here in London?»
«No, my parents live in Scotland. In the village of Slitrent. They haven’t yet got used to the open life, even though my Dad also heals non-magicians. I can’t persuade them to move to London. By the way, tomorrow I’m going to visit them».
«I am planning to spend the entire day over the course books tomorrow…»
«I do sympathize with you».
«Have you found out about the joust yet?»
«Yes, I have. The playoffs are to start this coming Autumn. I am allowed to practice so far. They will supply me with all the needed ammunition and equipment. I have already signed up for next Saturday».
«Great! What hour? May I come and see?»
«Definitely! At one p.m. I shall be most delighted to have you as my fan! Nonetheless, I have to care for my own equipment. Hopefully, my parents will back me up in this respect».
«Sure they will! Apart from that, you may apply to the Magistrate for aid. After all, you are one of their staff members».
«That’s right. But I am not going to contact the Magistrate for that. This is everyone’s personal issue».
«Whatsoever. My father applies for loans there and gets them at advantageous conditions. He is highly appreciated and respected by his boss – the Second Master».
Ted smiled, but preferred not to say a word. Rumors are in the air that the Second Master has long been striving to hold the First Master’s office. Furthermore, he was allegedly eager to be the only one, although until presently he had not had much success. Ted wondered if Alice’s father was somehow helping him out in that aspiration. Nothing doing – each and every one makes his ambitious dreams come true to the best of their manners and the way their conscience prompts them.
The supper was over. Ted paid for the bill and they stepped outside.
«Would you like to go for a stroll?» – Ted suggested.
«It would be my pleasure».
Ted felt himself at home next to Alice, yet also a bit awkward by far. He was weighing, whether or not it was about time he embraced her. They walked down the street. There was a cool breeze. Ted took off his jacket and covered Alice’s shoulders with it. She smiled.
«You are so gallant! It’s a pity we communicated so little back at school!»
«I also wish we communicated more. I always thought of coming up to you, but… I never dared,» – Ted got embarrassed.
«Better late than never,» – Alice said meaningfully.
These words of hers made Ted’s heart beat faster. Did she also like him?
They walked for another couple of minutes. The wind got stronger and the first raindrops fell down from the sky.
«Rain,» – Alice pronounced with disappointment. «Ted, you might catch a cold».
«Don’t worry! I am not cold and your dress is made of a very thin fabric. I would never forgive myself if you fall ill!»
«Let’s part then. It’s not that pleasant to walk in the rain».
«You’re absolutely right. When shall I see you again?»
«Are you willing to see me again?» – Alice asked coquettishly.
«Certainly! I feel well when you’re by my side».
«Then we’ll stay in touch. I’ll find spare time. I don’t study twenty-four hours, after all. Don’t forget that on Saturday I shall watch you during your practice!»
«Of course! How could I possibly forget that?»
«Then see you around!»
«Bye, Alice, thanks for this unforgettable evening!»
«Thank you. I may move away from here with the help of the portal-ring, mayn’t I? Or should I call