J.K. Rowling owns H.P. I own O.C. and the plot
Chapter Three: The Informant(s)
"I see your international expertise is paying off." He smirked. Lumora's eyes widened, clearly she wasn't expecting his approval. "Shall we?" He offered her his arm. She hesitated a moment, looking out at the city, then back at the man who had warmed her entire being. She opened her mouth to speak, but he kissed her instead. "I know," He whispered, letting his face remain close to hers for a moment, looking deeply into her eyes. Then he straightened and offered her his arm once again. This time, Lumora took it, and with a sweet mental picture of a little cafe on the corner of Volpino and Pericolo she apparated them away with a soft pop.
The Paris streets were crowded as Lumora led the way from their apparition point. They appeared just inside a shadowed alley, making their sudden entrance to the city less noticeable. The soft purr of an accordion lilted above the hushed voices of the people as they milled about in the evening air. Comforting aromas of espresso, steamed milk and hot tea filled Lumora's nostrils. This was the little cafe in her mind. Her informant, Jacque De'artiff was a pastry chef for the bakery next door to the little cafe. She would meet Jacque on his break, get her information, sip an artfully made cafe au lait and munch on a french pastry in the mid afternoon sun. Since it was evening, she knew Jacque would be closing up shop, and she hoped to catch him as ended his shift.
Jacque appeared to be waiting for her as she spotted him among the greenery and potted plants. He sat alone, opposite an empty chair. He looked carefully content, but on high alert. Severus, who was at her side, walked up to the counter and ordered a shot of whiskey and took a seat at a small table near where Jacque sat. Lumora was able to sit down opposite of him before he said anything.
She got right to business, "I need some information."
"Its nice to see you too, Lumora." He spat.
Her eyes widened in shock. He never used her real name. "Jacque, I thought we agreed-"
He leaned forward and spoke in a deadly whisper, "I thought we agreed you wouldn't bring any gentlemen callers with you."
Lumora let out her breath in a quick a huff, "Jacque, really?" she fought a smile, "you can't be serious." She gave a sidewise glance at the dark figure in the opposite corner of the cafe. "He is my partner."
"Aye," Jacque nodded, his eyes flashing with jealously, "Your partner in bed as well, no doubt." Jacque spat. "His eyes have not left you. I'm no fool cherie."
Lumora's mind raced trying to think of anything to do that would reassure Jacque and not have Severus blow a gasket in the process. She had left out the detail of her and Jacque's romantic involvement. "Jacque please, I just need to know about the counterfeit potions. It involves some dear friends."
Severus could see the man sitting opposite of Lumora was seething with jealousy. He let his lips fall into a slight satisfied smirk. The man's body language was very territorial, he was on high alert and it had more to do with Severus' presence than the information he held.
Jacque sat back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. He ran a shaky hand through his hair and stared off into the middle distance. "You didn't even owl me, love."
Lumora sighed. She couldn't bring herself to formally break it off with him. After no contact for six months, she thought he would get the hint. Obviously not. "I'm sorry. I took a new position at Hogwarts and-"
"You were swept off your feet by tall dark and handsome over there. I get it." Jacque cut her off, holding up his hand to make her stop. "I will get you your information," He looked nervously around the little cafe, "but not here."
Lumora could sense Severus even though he was tables away, she could feel his eyes burning into her back. She tried to stay calm. She was an expert operative, and even though her relationship with Jacque was a little blurry when it came to the lines of work and play, she knew how to get information well. "Jacque, I am sorry for not communicating with you, Voldemort is more terrible than we thought."
Jacque's eyes grew misty. He had lost his dear Evelyn to the Dark Lord. Death Eaters had taken her from their home and tortured her for information. Voldemort had been fed false information and killed Evelyn for it. Lumora had come along next to fill Evelyn's shoes.
"Evelyn was a brave woman. She would want us to do everything in our power to defeat Voldemort." Lumora whispered, covering his hand with hers for a brief moment. Jacque again glanced around. He looked as if he was waiting for something. Something was wrong. "Jacque, are you being followed?" The helpless stare she got back from his face made the knot that had been forming in her stomach give a violent twist.
Severus caught, for the second time, the informant's "casual" glance of caution. Something was wrong, very wrong. He was on his feet in seconds. Lumora no more than registered a hand on her shoulder than suddenly a blast caught her from behind. Screams and thick smoke choked the air, Lumora could feel the cool pavement against her cheek, as a cold blackness over took her.
From the Author's Desk...
Well what a wild ride we're on with these two! Romantic moments, a love triangle, and now an explosion! Stay tuned to see if this daring duo survives the flames...up next is "from the ashes."
xoxo
Lumora The White
