Title: Inside My Mind
Pairing: TMR/FemHP, George W/DM/FW, DM/CW, HG/BZ, SB/OC
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the quotes. I also kind of took the quote idea from another story. I don't own the language, Druhir. I also don't own the Ancient Language from Eragon nor do I own the language of Quenya from Lord of the Rings. I just need them for my story to work and I don't fancy making up a language. I'm dedicated but not that dedicated.
Most of this language will not be mine and will be taken from various sources. The list goes on and on so I will not list them but as previously stated and now reiterated, the Elvish language is not mine. See…that rhymed.
Note: I've gotten through my least favorite chapter of this arc except for maybe…one of the last chapters…that'll be hard to right. But we're not there yet so we shouldn't think about it. This is travel chapter with a bit of Diagon Alley. We're not to the main bulk of the story. We're in for a surprise when a certain Triwizard Tournament comes up…
Inside My Mind
By: Sistersgrimmlover
Chapter XXXIV
Prima Madonna, Haven Alley, London, England, Great Britain
Thursday the 28th of August 1994
1:00 PM
"Stay still, Miss Potter. I need to get the measurements correct," Madame Madonna said as she wrote down the measurements that the measuring tape was finding out. Bella sighed in frustration and glanced at Maya whom was looking amused. Bella glanced at Maya in frustration.
"Do I have to get dress robes?" demanded Bella.
"Yes. It's on your school list so that means you need it. Now, stop being annoying and finish the measurements so we can look at the dresses that are you size. Hermione got measured without complaint" Maya said. Bella sighed and realized that she was indirectly reminding her that Hermione had more to hide about her body than Hermione.
Hermione had actually taken off her shirt and the woman had gasped as she saw the scar that the tank top she had been wearing under the slouchy shirt. Then she had gasped when she saw the tattoo on her arm. Madame Madonna hadn't asked but Bella knew she was curious.
"Fine. Where's Uncle Sirius?" Bella asked, curiously. Maya suddenly looked distracted and glanced towards the door.
"Hopefully, getting the books."
"You like him."
"And you fancy Riddle" Maya said back, childishly. Bella rolled her eyes and tried to control her flush. She shook her head.
"No I don't. But you fancy Uncle Sirius. I can tell. You guys always look at each other."
"You always look at Riddle. Half the time I look at you two, I feel like I'm intruding on something rather personal. It's like you're having a silent conversation with just your eyes. But, let's talk about something else" Maya said. Madame Madonna shook her head.
"No, no. No time to talk. It's time to pick out a dress now" Madame Madonna said. Bella sighed and relief and threw back on her band jacket and she straightened her crooked glasses. She still hadn't gotten around to getting contacts again but Sirius had promised to stop in Muggle London for her.
"Hermione, have you had any luck?" Bella asked as she saw her sister browsing. Hermione looked up before shaking her head, sadly.
"No…not yet. But I will soon" Hermione said. Bella nodded with a smile before seeing something that Hermione had not yet seen. Bella crossed over to it and pulled out the aqua chiffon dress. She cleared her throat and Hermione turned before gasping.
"That…that's beautiful, Ana."
"I know. You should get it" Bella said with a smile. Hermione brushed her hand over the pleated dress reverently.
"You'd look beautiful in it, you know."
The two girls and woman gasped in shock and spun around to glance at the person whom had spoken.
"Drake!" Bella said with a slight grin. She hugged the boy, quickly and he gingerly returned the affection. His lips were curled in a teasing sneer. Bella snickered and then gave Blaise a light hug. Hermione was looking at him, skeptically.
"You think so, bel ragazzo?" Hermione challenged. Bella and Draco exchanged looks. They may not speak Italian but they weren't stupid. They knew that she had insulted him. Blaise took it all in stride.
"I do. But, I assure you I am not a 'pretty boy'. I prefer the term badass" Blaise said, casually. Hermione snickered.
"The only way you'd be a badass is if you removed the steel rod that Draco shoved up your arse."
"I beg your pardon, filthy Muggleborn?" Draco snarled. Madame Madonna gave a slight giggle. Oh, yes, she was very entertained at the moment by this.
"Now, really, Draco? I thought we had moved on from this. I said the term that I will respond to is Mudblood. If you want to get anywhere past hatred or mutual dislike, you'll have to address me by that term" Hermione sighed. Draco glared at her before glancing at his sister.
"I try to be less rude and now she's telling me to call her a Mudblood. I believe that she's utterly impossible" Draco snapped. Bella shrugged.
"Lei è terribilmente maleducato troppo. Non sei, bella ragazza?" Blaise said, sharply and in fluent Italian. Hermione flushed slightly as he embarrassed her in a subtle away.
"Mi scuso per il mio comportamento malato. E 'stato fuori luogo" Hermione responded. Maya blinked in surprise. She hadn't been aware in the least that her daughter was learning Italian. But she supposed it was a good thing…
"L'orgoglio non è una virtù. E 'un peccato."
The words made Hermione look down at her feet and look away. Blaise looked less annoyed now so Maya thought that she was finished with his chastisement of the girl. But, it seemed that the berating wasn't over in the least.
"You're purposely doing that. You can't just close out the only one whom has the ability to get into your head, Mórrígan" Bella said, softly. Hermione bowed her head and cleared her throat.
"I know."
"Then why are you trying to do so?" Bella asked, gently though sternly. Hermione leaned in and Maya tried to strain to hear her. She knew the boys wouldn't be able to though she had the strangest feeling that they knew what was going to be said.
"It scares me. It frightens me that he knows me so well" Hermione whispered. Bella gaped at him before beginning to pace. Her face showed pure annoyance.
"Mórrígan! What the hell? I can't believe you're afraid of him. He loves you. Even I know that" Bella hissed, rapidly. Hermione frowned and tilted her head.
"You're not speaking in English."
Bella blinked and looked to the slightly surprise Madame Madonna. She cleared her throat and sighed.
"Sorry. You didn't need to hear what I said anyone. Now, why are you two here?" asked Bella. Draco gave her a dry look.
"Stalking you" he said, flatly. Bella blinked in confusion.
"You are daft. I wouldn't stalk you if Riddle paid me with that necklace. I'm sure it's worth a fortune" Draco said, his face a teasing leer. Maya was surprised to see that Bella didn't think it was funny. She looked openly fearful and she was clutching it so sight, she almost broke skin.
"Draco…don't joke about that. Leave my locket alone. This locket. It…it means a lot to me, okay? And I can't even take it off for a long period of time without being pain or feeling sick. You know that. So just don't" Bella said, carefully. Madame Madonna raised an eyebrow as Draco paled and nodded.
"Yes, Ana. We need dress robes as well. Madame, if you will" Draco said, promptly. Madame Madonna nodded and turned to see that the Girl-Who-Lived was now looking at a beautiful crimson dress.
Madame Madonna smiled as she looked at it.
Bella Potter could make it work.
Haven Alley, London, England, Great Britain
Thursday the 28th of August 1994
1:40 PM
"That was the most annoying thing I've ever gone through" Draco snapped as they left the robes shop. He looked around for his mother but saw her inside a small jewelry store. She looked up as if she'd felt him staring. She exited almost immediately before her lip curled in disgust as she caught sight of Hermione Granger and her mother.
"Draco…why are you in the company of filth?" asked Narcissa Malfoy. Bella's lips curled into a smile. Narcissa glanced at her in surprise as the girl found something amusing. A slight sound left her lips.
"Filth…how amusing. She thinks your filth, Hermione" Bella said, slight chuckles leaving her lips. Hermione frowned in confusion. Narcissa glared at the girl and she blinked as she saw the Girl-Who-Lived's eyes narrowing.
"She is filth. A filthy Mudblood."
"If she's filth so are you. You're so inbred, I'm surprised that you aren't cross-eyed" Bella Potter snarled, suddenly. She glared at Narcissa and Narcissa was surprised to see a haughty look come onto the Mudblood's face.
"The only term I identify with, Lady Malfoy, is the term Mudblood. I find the term 'Muggleborn' degrading an exclusively for those that are too weak and blind to see what they really are. I'm proud of being a Mudblood" Hermione said, her voice as cold as a pureblood's. Narcissa appraised her and though she'd never go low enough to say it aloud, she suddenly had respect for the girl.
"Well, well, well. What's going on here, hmm?"
Bella sighed, closed her eyes, and shook her head. She was trying to make his prescence disappear. Narcissa stared, appreciatively at the man standing behind Bella Potter. Even though she had a loving husband, it didn't mean that she couldn't admire a fit man.
"What are you doing here?"
"Visiting the little vixen."
Bella growled at him, as she tried to keep her flush under control and a hissy laugh was heard in her ear. She looked up to sky and crossed her arms.
"Hmm…that sound is rather…interesting."
Bella choked over her own spit when she heard that and she spun around and glanced at Tom Riddle. He was standing there, looking rather bored, as if he hadn't said something that sounded mildly suggestive. But, she could see the faint glimmer of amusement and mischief in his eyes.
"What did you just say to me?" she all but snarled. Tom's lips twitched but he still looked rather relaxed. Well, as relaxed as Tom Riddle could be.
"You heard me" Tom said, simply. He sighed and noticed Narcissa, Maya, Hermione, Draco, and Blaise. They all looked rather confused.
"Ah, Lady Malfoy. Pleasure to see you. Hello, Ms. Granger. Hermione, Draco, Blaise. And the little vixen, Anastasia" Tom purred, the last part to her. Bella's eyes narrowed.
"Stop teasing me. Now. It's rude and completely annoying" she snapped.
"I'm annoying you?"
"Yes. The only thing you could do to annoy me more is to kidnap me" Bella said, flatly. Tom's eyes lit up with mirth and he grabbed Bella's wrist. Bella's eyes flashed and she tried to knee Tom in the groin. Tom moved, quickly and spun her until her own arm was being used to choke her.
"I need that, vixen. Now, will you accompany me silently or will you make a commotion? Or you could make that growling sound again. Like I said, it was rather interesting" Tom said, conversationally. Bella glared at him.
"You are a dirty old man" Bella said, disgustedly. Tom smirked down at her and gave a one-shouldered shrug.
"That's your opinion. You sounded like a dog...or maybe a fox. Ms. Granger, I'll be kidnapping Bella for a good…three hours. She'll be returned in one piece…if she doesn't piss me off" Tom added as an afterthought. Bella glared at him.
"I don't want to go anywhere with you. I hate you."
"Hmm…I remember someone distinctly saying that they care a—"
"Finish that sentence and I'll hex you" Bella said, quietly. Tom sighed and shook his head almost disappointedly.
"You're so easy to tease, Ana. If you get worked up in a duel, you'd most likely die" Tom smirked. Bella glared at him.
"Now, I'm definitely not going anywhere with you."
"I wasn't asking you. Ms. Granger, could I please take Ana off your hands for three hours?" Tom asked once more. Maya pursed her lips before blinking in surprise.
"Did you just say please?" she asked.
Tom flashed her a smirk.
Leaky Cauldron, London, England, Great Britain
Thursday the 28th of August 1994
2:00 PM
"I cannot believe that they let you kidnap me" Bella snapped as they walked towards the fireplace. She could feel the eyes on her and she ignored them as best as she could. Tom rolled his eyes.
"Stop being melodramatic. She said I could take you. It's not really kidnapping because clearly you weren't opposed to it. You would've been much louder than you already are if you were" Tom sighed. Bella growled at him and his eyes widened at the sound and he tilted his head.
"That sound…it still continues to fascinate me. I never knew anyone could sound so animalistic."
"Oh, shut up. I'm annoyed because everyone except for Narcissa was for it. Narcissa was just confused. And then they heckled me" Bella snapped. Tom shrugged and sighed to himself.
"Well too bad."
"You can't make me go into the fireplace" Bella said, her eyes narrowed. Tom smirked at her before taking a pinch of Floo powder and wrapping his arm around her waist, dragging her into the fireplace with him.
"What the hell…" she started.
"Shut up. Calderone di Venezia" he said, clearly. He dropped the Floo powder and suddenly, Bella was spinning. She felt her grip on Tom slipping and suddenly she was falling forward out of the fireplace. A hand wrapped around her waist and kept her from hitting the floor. Tom pulled her up and crossed his arms as he glared at her. She looked around to see witches and wizards talking rapidly in Italian. She blinked in shock.
"Where are we?" she asked, quietly.
"Venice. Now, come on. We're going to the Rialto Bridge" he said. Bella nodded, dazed as she looked around. Tom was dragging down twisting alleyways until they came upon a canal. Some people were wearing the most beautiful masks she'd ever seen. Others wore cameras around their necks and were snapping ten pictures a minute.
"What are we doing here?" Bella asked, curiously. Tom didn't answer her but did offer her a reassuring look. She sighed as Tom waved down a gondola. She watched as he cleared his throat.
"Potrebbe portarci al Ponte di Rialto?" he asked, quietly. The gondolier nodded and Bella was off down the canal.
Calle Larga de l'Ascension, Venice, Italy, Europe
Thursday the 28th of August 1994
5:30 PM
If someone told Armani Giordano that she would spot the elusive and most eligible bachelor in the wizarding world with a woman, she would've laughed and then hexed them for lying to her. Because it had been Armani Giordano's mission for years to at least snap a photo of the man's face.
When she had been based at the Witch Weekly London office, she'd wished for a chance to interview him but that time had never come before she moved back to Italy. But, now here he was. With a woman.
"Fine, fine! Thank you so much, Tom."
The words made Armani look up in shock and she punched her cameraman, Alessandro, in the arm. He looked up from his gelato before gaping at the famous, Tom Marvolo Riddle. With his arm around a woman's shoulders. Well, kind of. He had her in a sort of chokehold but it was close enough.
"Yes, yes, I know. I am very kind to buy you all of this. You're lucky I have enough money from buying you tickets to the Quidditch Cup, let alone all of this" sighed Tom Riddle. The woman flashed him a smile.
"Thank you for that too…where were you during the…raid?" the woman said, her smile leaving her face. Armani watched as he curled one of the woman's tresses around his finger without her ever noticing. It didn't take a genius for a woman to see that the man was completely enamored with the mystery woman.
"I left immediately after the match. I didn't want to stay among the Quidditch fanatics. Idiots that they are" Tom snorted. The woman glared at him, playfully and Armani could help but coo under her breath.
They were such a cute couple!
"Armani…are we going to go up to them?" Alessandro asked. Armani hushed him sharply before keeping her gaze on the two. She noticed that the woman was much shorter than Tom Riddle. She was barely up to his shoulder but she was dressed fashionably, though not as if she were filthy rich like a Malfoy.
She wore a large white and blue striped button down shirt that obviously belonged to a man. A brown belt was around her waist, thrown carelessly. The chain of two necklaces could be seen and the very top of one of the lockets was visible. It looked octagonal but that's all Armani could make out. Brown combat boots were on her feet and partly unlaced. Her face was hidden by a half Venetian mask. It was black and emerald and was extremely beautiful.
"We're going to follow them. Take discreet pictures, Alessandro. We don't want them noticing us" Armani said, quietly. Alessandro nodded and tapped his camera lightly with his wand. He tucked away and the pair followed Tom Riddle and his mystery woman to Wizarding Venice.
Armani stalked them into the restaurant. It was rather expensive and but it didn't need reservations. Tom and the mystery woman sat in a boot and Armani and Alessandro sat not too far away.
"Tom, why did you bring me here? You essentially kidnapped me" pointed out the woman. Alessandro gasped quietly. Armani hushed him and jotted down notes on the conversation.
"I did not. I asked to take you to Venice. You weren't complaining when I bought you that bag" Tom snapped at her. The woman rolled her eyes before ordering her food. A plate of pasta appeared in front of her and Tom. Tom picked at a salad he had just ordered.
"No, I wasn't. It was nice of you. Why are you being nice to me? You're never nice to me. You're usually a calloused arrogant jerk" the woman said, flatly. Tom smirked at her and leaned forward, his chin on his hand.
"Such rudeness," Tom said. Armani listened carefully as he seemed to breathe the words. The woman flushed slightly and she growled at him.
"Tut, tut. That sound is so very interesting. And amusing. Aren't you shameless, making such sounds in such a nice place?" Tom teased. The woman glared at him and turned away to eat her pasta. Tom smirked at her but Armani could see the slightly adoring look in his eyes. The woman looked up and tilted her head.
"Where are we going after this? You were supposed to have me back in London three hours ago, you know. My godfather is going to be really mad at you" the woman said. Armani was shocked when Tom's eyes darted to Armani and he flashed her a smirk before he looked at the woman in the next second.
"You act as if I give a damn. We're going somewhere. That's all you have to know."
"Did you know that you're annoying?"
"Did you know that you question me way too much?" Tom retorted. The woman rolled her eyes and continued to eat.
Armani observed the two carefully. Every time Tom looked down to eat his own food, the woman would look up with inquiring eyes. And when she looked down, Tom would look up with unfathomable eyes that had a curious look in them. Armani didn't know what to think of the two.
Signorina's, Piacere Vicolo, Venice, Italy, Europe
Thursday the 28th of August 1994
9:30 PM
Armani watched from her little browsing area as Tom waited for the woman to come from the dressing room.
"Are you finished yet?" Tom sighed, impatiently. The door swung open and Armani gaped.
The woman was wearing a short dress. The top was loose and off the shoulder. It was black and grey striped top and a tight black skirt bottom. The sleeves were large and you could see her alabaster arms. Armani had to admit that the woman had nice legs. They were long and encased in black combat boots. Her mask was still on and her hair was done up in a ponytail. Tom's face was unfathomable.
"How do I look?" the woman asked with a slight smile. Tom tilted his head, judgingly.
"Adequate for where we're going. Can we go now?" Tom said, shortly. The woman rolled her eyes and sighed though she shot him an exasperated look. She turned to look at Tom.
He was looking much looser. He wore a white t-shirt and an open black blazer. Underneath he wore black jeans. Armani didn't think she'd ever seen Tom Riddle wearing Muggle clothing but here he was and rather openly.
"You're wearing jeans? They don't look half-bad. But…why are you of all people, wearing jeans?" the woman asked with shock coloring her voice. Tom suddenly looked rather stiff and he stared down at her.
"They have a dress code. You're not allowed to wear robes" Tom said, flatly. The woman smiled and then sighed.
"Really, how do I look?"
"Bloody gorgeous. Now can we go?" Tom snapped. The woman's smile widened and she tilted her head, slightly, taking a long strand of ebony hair behind her ear.
"Yeah, we can go" she said, quietly. Tom grabbed her wrist and began towing her down the winding streets. Alessandro snapped a picture of the two as the stalkers followed the stalkees.
"Armani, are we going have to do this all night?" Alessandro whined. Armani glared at the man.
"Cease with the whining, Alessandro. Yes, we do, because I want my article about Tom Riddle and his mystery woman. Now, let's go. I think I know where they're headed" Armani said, sharply. Alessandro groaned and Armani sighed before thanking the heavens that they were wearing Muggle clothes.
Tom Riddle and the woman were headed to Club Piacere.
A dance club.
Tom Riddle was going into a club where all you did was drink and dance with the occasional shag in the back of the club.
"Club Piacere…is this what I think it is?" the woman said in wonder.
Armani knew the feeling. She was lucky that she was part of the press or she'd be thrown out before she even got in. Tom Riddle was famous so he could bypass the massive line that was standing by the door.
"Yes, it's the extremely famous club that your godfather will kill me for bringing you to. As if I care" Tom snickered. The woman smiled and Tom grabbed her hand, towing her along. Armani watched in wonder as their hands laced together, perfectly almost.
"Arresto, l'uomo!"
"Non è possibile saltare la linea!"
"Cosa stai facendo?"
Tom ignored everyone before standing right in front of the bouncer and clearing his throat.
"Tom Riddle."
The words had a quieting effect on the line. The name 'Tom Riddle' was part of a universal language. He was famous for so many things.
But in Italy, the only thing that mattered was that he was Lord Slytherin. And he was the most eligible wizarding bachelor in all of Europe with Sirius Black right behind him.
"Er…and the lady?" the bouncer asked in crisp English. Armani smirked. The man was British. He would have let them in even if they weren't whom they said they were. Armani leaned forward to hear the name.
"Anastasia. Her last name isn't important right now" Tom said. He glanced back at Armani once and the woman did the same. She frowned as she looked at Armani in the eyes before her lips curled into a wicked grin.
"I need her last name, Mr. Riddle."
"How about you shove it and let me in? My name isn't that important. But, if you really want a last name that in fact, isn't real, it's Riddle. Anastasia Riddle. Happy now?" demanded Anastasia. The bouncer nodded, dumbly. The doors opened and Alessandro and Armani walked forward. The bouncer sighed as the line began ranting again.
"We're from the press."
"Right this way, then" the bouncer said, welcoming them in.
It appeared that the theme that night was blue. The tables were small and crystallized as was the seats though they had an ice blue cushion on them. The bar was made of white marble on the top and dark blue wood. There were blue strobe lights everywhere and there were also bodies everywhere.
"It's too loud in here!" Alessandro shouted. Armani rolled her eyes.
"Shut up. It's not that loud. Now give me your camera. I'll take the pictures. Go get yourself a drink."
Alessandro didn't pass up the opportunity and Armani took the camera. She spotted Tom and Anastasia sitting on one of the many blue couches. Her legs were crossed and one of his arms were slung across the back of the couch. In his hand was a dry martini and he took a sip of it.
"Dance with me. I don't want to sit here and watch you drink alcohol" sighed Anastasia. Tom gave her a flat look.
"Go get something drink. Here's some money. Go get a Firewhiskey" Tom commanded. Anastasia blinked before sighing and nodding. She walked towards the bar and Armani stayed near the dancing crowd when a cheap girl tried to sidle up to Tom. He looked at her in disgust.
"You're blonde. And blue-eyed."
"Yes?" the girl asked.
"You're not his type" sounded a snarl. The girl looked up to see Anastasia glaring down, fearsomely. She crossed her arms and her lips curled into a sneer.
"Excuse me?" the girl asked. Anastasia glared the girl.
"Bitch, please. Now move from my seat, slag."
The girl flinched before standing and swaggering off without a shred of dignity left. Anastasia sat down and looked at Tom.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome. I came back for a reason. How do you…drink Firewhiskey?" asked Anastasia, nervously. Tom blinked in surprise and sighed, dragging her over to the bar. There were quite a few men whom were looking at the two Brits, curiously.
"One aged Firewhiskey" Tom called, sliding a galleon onto the counter. The bartender handed him a dusty bottle. Tom popped it open and slid it over to Anastasia. She looked at it, nervously. Armani guessed that she'd never had an alcoholic drink. She was a good girl despite the cutting words she had delivered to the cheap girl that had made a pass at Tom.
"Drink it. It's going to burn" Tom said, coolly. Anastasia nodded and sighed. Some of the men began to jeer.
"The little woman won't be able to hold aged Firewhiskey" called one. Anastasia blinked before glaring around and downing the entire bottle. She chugged and Armani stared in shock. Firewhiskey was exactly that. It tasted good but it felt like fire was burning your throat. Tom raised one eyebrow.
"Hot" he muttered under his breath. Armani didn't even think that he realized that he had said it. Anastasia finished the bottle and slammed it on top of the bar. She glared at them, her eyes flashing and still as alert as they were before.
"Another one" she commanded, snatching a galleon from Tom. She bought another Firewhiskey and downed that one with a determined look on her face. Tom smirked as she sat the Firewhiskey down. She didn't even sway.
"Come on" Anastasia said, dragging Tom to the dance floor. Armani could see that he was so fascinated with the way she had downed the Firewhiskey.
She followed and snapped a picture as Anastasia and Tom began to dance. Armani couldn't deny how raunchy it looked. Anastasia was pressed against Tom's chest and they were swaying to the music. Tom's hands were around her waist, pulling her tightly against him. Armani snapped another picture.
The music got faster and the dance still got even more sensual. Tom looked completely enamored with the woman in his arms and Armani snapped pictures like crazy. And then the music was pounding and Tom pressed Anastasia against a wall by her shoulders. Her eyes were bright and she looked slightly tipsy.
Tom didn't look drunk in the least.
Armani watched as he leaned down as if to kiss her when suddenly he reared back and he spun and saw Armani. He glared and looked down at Anastasia. She watched Armani curiously before beckoning her forward. Armani walked up as if in a daze.
"You've been following us," Tom said, sharply. Armani nodded, dazed.
"Er…when I saw you coming out of the Louis Vuitton store…I was shocked. I went to London just to get an interview with you but you never would. Give any I work for Spella Daily and I was planning to get this out in the magazine by tomorrow," Armani said, sounding rather small. Tom sighed and shook his head.
"Do it."
Both Tom and Armani glanced at Anastasia. She looked very…calm for someone whom had just down two bottles of Firewhiskey.
"What? You'll get in trouble, Ana" Tom murmured. Anastasia smirked and put a hand on her hips.
"I'm not a child, Tom. Put the thing in the paper. It'll be amusing to see. Er…did you get pictures of the dance?" Anastasia asked, suddenly embarrassed. Armani nodded, slowly.
"Er…don't show those" Tom said, clearing his throat. Armani nodded and smiled as Tom smirked at Anastasia.
"He's going to kill you. Maya reads Spella Daily. She's going to see it tomorrow and know it was me" Anastasia moaned. Tom shrugged.
"And I give a shit?"
"Fuck you."
San Clemente Palace Hotel, Venice, Italy, Europe
Friday the 29th of August 1994
10:00 AM
"Shit…my head," moaned Bella as she woke up the next morning. She remembered everything that had happened the day before, clearly. But now she had a pounding headache from drinking all of that alcohol. Two bottles of Firewhiskey were equivalent to five bottles of beer.
"Here," a soft voice said, coaxing a vial into her hand. Bella popped it open and drank the foul tasting potion. It tasted disgusting and she gagged after she finished. But, she could feel her head clear. She looked up and stared at Tom whom was already dressed in regular wizarding robes.
"Thanks…the light was starting to burn," Bella said, yawning. Tom nodded and threw a bag onto the bed. Bella recognized it as the Louis Vuitton back she had bought. She could see part of her mask peeking out along with an outfit that she had charged to the Potter trust fund.
"Where are we? I mean, we're in a hotel, right?" Bella asked. Tom glanced out the window. Bella looked as well and could see the great sprawling city of Venice. And it looked rather busy.
"We're at the San Clemente Palace Hotel in the Executive Suite. You're lucky the couch was comfortable enough for me to sleep on. Otherwise you would have slept on the floor" Tom said, teasingly. Bella gave a light laugh and went through her bag.
"Why don't you go downstairs and pay for the room and find Floo powder so we can go back to London later."
"Hn. Get dressed. We have to get back to London now. Before Black begins to hunt me down."
"That'll be a laugh. Maybe I should wait," Bella smirked. Tom rolled his eyes and opened the door to the bathroom before pushing Bella in and propping a door under the handle, making sure that Bella stayed in.
"Tom, I'm hungry!"
"We'll eat later. Now take a damn shower so we can go eat," Tom snapped. He heard something shatter through the door and groaned.
"Dictator!"
Number 14, Grimmauld Place, London, England, Great Britain
Friday the 29th of August 1994
12:00 PM
TOM RIDDLE AND HIS MYSTERY WOMAN?
Armani Giordano
Armani Giordano, 32, was on the case when she spotted Tom Riddle, unknown age and most eligible bachelor, with a pretty woman in Venice yesterday afternoon. Armani and cameraman, Alessandro Russo, followed the pair all around Venice as they made trip after trip to an expensive Muggle store, Louis Vuitton, a restaurant that was by no means cheap, and the famous and exclusive night club, Club Piacere.
When first spotted, Tom Riddle and the mystery woman were seen leaving Louis Vuitton with many, many bags in hand. The mystery woman was dressed well but not excessively wealthy, though judging from the outfit that she wore to Club Piacere (see page 10) she wasn't poor by any means. She was seen thanking Tom Riddle and he didn't seem as aloof.
Next, they were seen at a nice restaurant speaking on various things. For example, there was much teasing of the mystery woman where she responded with rather vulgar language. Most would think that this would be a turn off for the proud Lord Slytherin, but it wasn't.
After a stop at Signoria's for a dress for Miss Mystery Woman, their next destination was Club Piacere where the pair skipped the entire line. Inside, Miss Mystery Woman was able to down two entire bottles of Firewhiskey without even faltering.
They were last seen this morning, having breakfast at the famous Cortes' Pizzeria for pizza instead of a real breakfast.
Who is this Mystery Woman and where will she spotted next?
"Looks like Bella was busy" Hermione said with a snicker. Sirius was staring at Spella Daily, stunned while Maya was smirking to herself. Sirius shook his head and his eyes were on a single phrase.
"She…she downed two Firewhiskeys? My goddaughter can hold that much alcohol?" Sirius asked himself. Maya looked at him with disbelief and shook her head with a long sigh.
"I can't believe you. She was supposed to be back yesterday. They've been in Venice for almost a full 24 hours now" Maya pointed out. Sirius realized the same thing when suddenly the fire in the fireplace turned green and Bella stepped out. Hermione inspected her outfit and grinned.
She was wearing an emerald green off the shoulder shirt with black jeans and black combat boots. Sirius saw the silhouette of Tom Riddle before he disappeared as Sirius jumped to dive at him. Bella avoided him graciously.
"Where have you been?" Sirius barked. Bella ignored him and placed her multitude of bags on the ground.
"I have gifts! Here, Mione!" Bella said, tossing a bag to Hermione. Hermione unwrapped it with surprise on her face. She pulled it open and smiled. It was a beautiful brown Louis Vuitton satchel.
"It's for school. I have one too. That one is called Evora GM" Bella said with a smile. Hermione nodded.
"Thank you…" Hermione murmured. Bella nodded and the tossed Maya a parcel and a bag. Maya took out elegant midnight blue wizarding robes and a matching purse. She blinked in surprise.
"So you can fit in. You already act like a pureblood. Why not dress the part?" Bella explained. Maya smiled.
"Thank you, Bella."
"Your welcome. And now for Uncle Sirius. Here," Bella said, quietly. She held out her hand and Sirius stared wide-eyed at the object in her hand.
"Is this…"
"Yeah. The Black family watch. I know you can't remove it from the vault but I can because I'm the Heir. And I'm giving it to you" Bella said, quietly.
She placed the object in Sirius' hand. Sirius couldn't help but stare in wonder at the watch. He had long been denied the watch but now he could have it.
It was his.
"You're still grounded."
"Dammit."
:::
A/N: This was a filler. Just a little fun for me and you. I wanted to be a little indulgent. The article is going to have consequences for not really Bella but definitely Tom in the next chapter. Tom is going to be exceedingly difficult and annoying in the next chapter because he's Tom. But, enough of that.
Next Chapter: Announcements, Black Arts, and Cedric Diggory (ABCD)