Masquerade (Discontinued)

Chapter XIX

Delicate Gardens, Haven Alley, London, England, Great Britain

Saturday the 25th of March 1999

12:00 AM

Lois waited, patiently, messing with her quills. She looked up, every time someone entered the beautiful dining area. She looked down, disappointed. She had thought that working as press liaison for Bella Potter and Tom Riddle would actually mean that she would speak to them more. She had been severely disappointed by the reality.

Until they had contacted her just last night. She had dropped an important meeting with her editor, citing an emergency tip-off. He had glared at her, but she knew that whatever information she was given would placate him. She stirred her tea absently and took a long sip, glancing at the door. Her tea nearly spilled from her mouth as she stared at the two of them.

They looked as glamour as ever.

He looked dashing in robes, though his hair was a tad overgrown, though tamed into a ponytail. She wore tight trousers, tucked into leather boots, and she wore her glasses. Her hair fell loosely around her face, and Lois shivered. Lois hadn't seen Bella Potter in person in a year or so. In that time, she had shed all of her baby fat, so much that she looked almost gaunt. She possessed the strangest beauty. It was almost intoxicating.

Bella sat down across from Lois, a small smile painting her voice.

"Lois, we meet again," Bella greeted softly.

"We do. It's been a long time," Lois said, trying her best to hide her disappointment in that fact. From the way Riddle smirked, she hadn't quite done it. She flushed.

"It has. We've a wish to utilize your services at this time," Riddle said so formally.

Lois had to hide her smile. Bella didn't have that problem. She grinned at her fiancé, leaning into his side.

"Yes…cup of coffee, no milk, two sugars and a cup of Earl Grey," Bella intoned. She only waited seconds before the drink appeared and she took a long sip of the coffee.

Riddle carefully drank the Earl Grey, casting a strange look at Lois. "We would like to announce or wedding date," he said, calmly.

Lois nearly choked on her own saliva.

"Is that so?" she asked, strangled.

"It is," Riddle said, just as calm, as he hadn't seen Lois make an ass of herself as she choked on saliva. Bella smirked at her, and nodded.

"We think a June wedding would be nice. Don't you think?"

Number 12, Grimmauld Place, London, England, Great Britain

Saturday the 25th of March 1999

8:00 PM

Bella fidgeted, uncomfortable surrounded by so many Order members. Tom settled his hand on hers and she squeezed hard. She ignored the looks she was getting. They tried so hard to be subtle, but failed terribly. Neville sent a wink from across the table and Bella snickered behind her hand. Tom smirked and rolled his eyes at the pair of them. Bella looked down the table, and saw Sirius and Maya deep in conversation.