Three Months Later: November…

Aquila's House…

Aquila,

Victoria and I haven't seen you and Beatrice since the wedding. We would like to have a tea party at her house. How does tomorrow at noon sound? It should be a fun reunion and there is something we have to tell you. If you do not reply, we will take it you are coming.

Best Wishes,

Kat

Aquila's POV

I loved their idea. After all that Marcus and I had been through the last few months, I needed as many lighthearted moments as I could find.

End POV

Aquila ended up flooing to Victoria's, but arrived fifteen minutes late. She and Marcus had forgotten the wakeup spell. They made this mistake quite often, for they usually had other things on their mind before bed.

Victoria had just recently moved out of her parent's house. Her new house was not nearly as large as Aquila's, but it was very nice and had an elegant interior.

Aquila stepped out of the fireplace and quickly made her way down the hall.

"I'm so sorry guys!" Aquila exclaimed, shutting the parlor door.

"No worries," said Victoria cheerfully. She waved her wand which hung Aquila's coat on the rack. Another spell pulled out the chair next to Beatrice.

"Care for some tea?" Kat asked, taking the silver kettle from Victoria, who was seated beside her.

Aquila took the kettle from Kat and poured herself a cup. Almost immediately, she took a sip. The weather had been abnormally cold for November and it made the tea taste even better.

"So you must tell us, Aquila." Kat looked eagerly at her friend. "How are things with the Dark Lord?" Victoria looked a bit alarmed at Kat's quickness to ask, but Aquila didn't mind.

Aquila put her tea down and looked at each of her friends. They all looked at her, obviously very curious.

"The snatchers are actually doing the most work right now. Ever since his birthday, Potter hasn't been seen. The Dark Lord is getting really annoyed…and you do not want him annoyed."

"That's what father's been saying." Beatrice took another sugar cookie from the center platter. "He's trying not to attract any attention to himself, just in case the Dark Lord happens to lose his temper."

"That's what Marcus and I try to do," said Aquila, "except it's not as easy when your mother is the famous Bellatrix Lestrange."

"Is she his favorite?" asked Kat, though she was pretty sure of the answer.

Aquila shrugged, "I would assume so. It's not a bad thing, but it's just—"

"We get it," said Beatrice. She could tell from experience that things like this were hard to explain. She decided to change the subject…

"Didn't you two have something to tell us?"

Aquila noticed Victoria tense at Beatrice's question. The world was in such a mess already. She hoped that nothing was wrong.

"Well," Victoria replied, her finger tracing a crack on the table, "it's about both of us, and it's been a secret for a while now."

"Go on," said Beatrice. She and Aquila quickly shared a questioning glance.

"How long has it been a secret?" Aquila asked.

"A long time," Kat muttered, giving a small smile to Victoria.

The expression on Kat's face made Victoria tense up more. Her finger was still tracing the table and her hand was shaking a bit. Was it really that bad?

"You can't—"Victoria paused and looked at Beatrice and Aquila. "You have to swear not to tell anyone without our permission."

Both girls nodded but looked very confused.

Victoria moved her eyes to Kat.

"Do you want to?" she mumbled, just loud enough for Kat to understand her.

Kat smiled, looking much more confident than Victoria.

"I can if you want me to."

Victoria nodded, "I do."

"There's plenty to explain, but we might as well get to the point first." Kat took one more glance at Victoria and then continued. "Truth is…Victoria and I are in love."

Beatrice froze. Aquila opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't find the words. Was this a joke?

"It started the summer before our sixth year." Kat took Victoria's hand under the table. "I know it sounds weird, but it's true."

Aquila was still letting it all sink in—she had to confirm what she was hearing…

"You're in love?"

Both girls nodded. Victoria was beginning to look more relaxed.

More confused than ever, Aquila leaned in towards Kat.

"You dated Graham Montague for five months."

Kat sighed, "Try five months of torture. I was trying to prove myself wrong."

"That you were gay?" asked Beatrice, finally able to speak.

Kat nodded, "But I was wrong to do that. I've had feelings for Victoria since third year, but I never thought that she would feel the same way."

Aquila looked satisfied with Kat's response. It was just so unexpected, but if they truly were in love, then she knew she couldn't object.

"I'm fine with it," said Beatrice. Her sudden coolness dramatically lightened the mood. "I just want details now…"

"Details?" Victoria questioned. This couldn't be good.

Beatrice giggled, making Victoria blush.

"Are you like, intimate?"

Kat blushed as well. "You could say that."

Victoria raised an eyebrow at Beatrice.

"Don't you think that's a little personal?" Her tone was slightly amused, but also a bit annoyed.

Kat rolled her eyes and chuckled.

"Just kiss me so she'll get off our backs."

Victoria knew her lover was right. Beatrice would keep it up. She was a great friend, but she could have such a dirty mind about things. Victoria's lips broke into a smile. She then leaned in and pressed them to Kat's. It was certainly not a quick kiss on the cheek…

"Alright!" Beatrice exclaimed after a few seconds of watching. "I believe you! I believe you!"

They broke the kiss and began to laugh. Aquila and Beatrice soon followed. A few things may have changed, but for the moment, things seemed to be just like they had been.

Author's Note

Hi guys! As you can see, I have been updating much faster. I am going to try to get the last few chapters up before my summer vacation is over. After that, I will start the sequel (more on that later).

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter as usual. I do realize that this was a sensitive topic. One of my best friends is lesbian, and I have seen a few authors overdo slash (unrealistic...etc.). I tried not to do that.

Please review as always and try to take my poll if you haven't done so.

Thanks for your dedication! 50 chapters...yay!

Sincerely,

Bellastrange51