Lucius's letter said he would pick me up at five o'clock sharp, in front of the tea shop, in Diagon Alley.
At half past four, I am sitting inside the tea shop with my second cup of tea, waiting nervously.
Was this a good idea? He is twice my age. He is a former Death Eater. He's tried to kill me more than once. He stood there and watched while I was being tortured by his sister-in-law.
He has apologised. He's been nothing but kind to me since I ran into him. War changes people.
Casting a Tempus, I see it's ten minutes to five. Sighing, I stand and make my way to the bathroom. Looking at myself in the mirror, I rearrange my carefully placed curls and straighten the wrinkles in my dress.
Lucius said to dress nice but comfortable, so here I am in a knee length, blue and white flowered sundress with a white denim jacket, lacey blue flats, and hair carefully pinned into place.
Realising that nothing could help my appearance anymore, I grab my little black clutch off the counter where I set it. I walk out front of the tea shop and wait on Lucius.
“You look stunning, mia bella.” Lucius says, walking up to me with a white rose.
“Thank you.” I say, taking the offered rose. I feel my cheeks heat up at his words.
“May I assume you've used a portkey before?” He asks, holding up a silver goblet.
“Of course.” I tell him, slightly confused. Where could we possibly be going that we couldn't apparate to?
“Are you ready?” He asks. I nod, placing my free hand on the goblet next to his. “Chalet.” He says and everything starts spinning. I feel his hand on my lower back, steadying me.
After we stop spinning, I leave my eyes shut for a minute to regain my equilibrium. When I open my eyes, I look around and find that we are in a garden, surrounded by hedges, behind a large cottage.
“Where are we?” I ask, looking up at him.
“Well at the moment, we are in the gardens of one of my family's vacation homes but I believe you will appreciate that structure much more.” He says, pointing over the hedge. I look up at the tall tower he's pointing at and gasp.
“Is that the Eiffel Tower?” I ask, shocked.
“The one and only.” He says smiling. “There's also the Louvre right down the street.”
“Seriously? You brought me to Paris, France?” I say surprised.
“I did.” He says, his smile faltering slightly. The only sign of hesitation.
“Can we go to the museum?” I ask and his smile brightens again.
“Of course, mia bella.” He says, offering me his arm.
In the almost two hours since we arrived, we have visited several old buildings, with the promise of a return trip so I can view them more fully; the Louvre; the Eiffel Tower; and I have learned that Lucius speaks French quite fluently.
When he saw that I was impressed by his French, he started speaking it more and more.
Now as we are walking towards the restaurant he reserved for our supper, he is telling me that I am the most beautiful woman he's ever laid his eyes on.
“You're so stunning, I wish I could ravish you right here.” He says before switching to English. “Let me see if our table is ready.” He tells me, kissing my hand and walking up to the hostess.
Moments after he walks away, a young man, not much older than myself, walks up to me. His grin is more comparable to a lion looking at its prey than friendly.
“Hello, sexy. I could give you so much more than that old man that you are with.” He leers in French. I ignore him, hoping that he'll leave me alone.
He doesn't. When I feel him grab my arse, I swing around in surprise and shove him away from me.
“How dare you.” I hiss at him, fighting the urge to grab my wand.
“So you do understand me, you little bitch.” He says, reaching out to grab me again. I slap him across the face.
“If you ever try to touch me again, I will cut your hands off. Now leave me alone before I call the police.” I tell him. I feel an arm wrap around my shoulders and I go to pull away when I realise it's just Lucius.
“Leave before I kill you.” He growls at the other guy. Hearing Lucius's tone, the other guy takes off without a second's hesitation.
“Are you alright?” He asks, concerned. I take a deep breath before responding.
“Just a bit shaken up.” I tell him honestly.
“Do you want to go back home?” He asks.
“No no. I'm alright.” I tell him. “Let's go eat.” He smiles softly at me.
The hostess seats us and takes our drink order before Lucius turns to me.
“So you know French.” He says, raising an eyebrow. I shrug.
“A bit.” I admit. He laughs.
“I'd say you know more than a bit.” He says. “So you've understood everything I've said this evening.” He says, I nod. “Oh.” He blushes a bit.
“Thank you.” I tell him. He doesn't ask for what. He just smiles and kisses my hand.
“I never say anything I don't mean.” He says intensely, making me blush this time.
