Paris was such a beautiful city, especially at night. The streets were filled with witches and wizards eagerly awaiting the start of the new year. Little cafes and quirky shops were still receiving customers but business owners, for the most part, had shut their doors and pulled the blinds in order to spend time with their families and friends. The city vibrated with energy as people cast away differences, worries, and troubles of the world in order to stand next to each other, counting the blessing of 1976 and the minutes until 1977.

Bella had been sitting by the window, watching the people go by as she dried her damp curls, when Rodolphus had approached her with an easy smile. We have dinner reservations, he had informed her. Could she be dressed within the hour? Bella had frowned slightly, reminding him that they were there on business but Rodolphus had persisted, and she had reluctantly agreed. A set of delicate wine-red robes hugged her frame; a string of pearls adorned her neck. She had silently reassured herself that their task would not need attending until the following morning regardless, and so long as they were in Paris on New Year's Eve, they could at least enjoy themselves a little bit. Rodolphus had been gentle as he offered her his arm, placed a light kiss on her cheek, and Disapparated them both to the restaurant. But it was not until she recognized the restaurant that Bella beamed and yielded to the magic and charm of the city.

It was Le dragon rêveur, the restaurant where Rodolphus had taken her when he had proposed.

And that was how she found herself strolling through the streets of Paris, just a part of the crowd. At some point during that time, her hand had found its way into his. Or maybe it was his hand that had curled itself around hers. Did it matter, in any case? They were smiling, they were together, and the small gesture brought them pleasantly together.

The couple slowed to a stop upon reaching the Eiffel Tower. It was beautiful: it stood proud and regal against the star-speckled night sky, the coloured lights dancing around it. Leaning into her husband, Bella gazed at it smiling, content. Standing there with Rodolphus, she forgot about her troubles, she forgot about her worries, and suddenly she felt like any other couple standing amongst the crowd. Maybe it was the wine. Maybe it was the way his arms were wrapped around her to block out the chill of the winter wind. Or maybe it was just the allure of the city, weaving its charm and enchantments.

Somehow their lips touched, and she closed her eyes, lost in the kiss. Everything disappeared: Narcissa's safety, Mother's happiness, Father's health, Andromeda's betrayal, the Dark Lord's manipulations, the brewing war. It was just Bella, and Rodolphus, and each other. His tongue slid across her lip, and she parted them without a fuss, kissing him deeply, happily. Large hands cupped her face, holding her close. Her ears buzzed. She could not remember the last time he had kissed her like this, the last time she had kissed himlike had been so worried and caught up in family matters, always looking after everyone else and make sure everyone was else was taken care of that she had neglected him. She had neglected herself.

The crowd swept forward suddenly, jostling the two apart. Bella blinked down at the smiling face of a short, middle-aged witch.

"Bonne annèe!" She cried before tossing into the air bright confetti that exploded into tiny birds that chirped and fluttered away. The city had erupted into cheering and laughter; everywhere people were throwing up confetti, banging their hands to an imaginary beat, casting up enchanted fireworks. Lights filled the sky and shouts of "Happy New Year!" filled the air.

"Happy New Year, Bella." The low whisper tickled her ear and made her promptly turn around. Rodolphus smiled at his wife. Bella returned it with a wide smile of her own. She opened her mouth to wish him a happy year, as well, but never got the chance. His mouth crashed over hers and she had no choice but to kiss him back.

Maybe it was escaping from England, even just for a little while. Maybe it was knowing that no one could stop her.

Or maybe it was just the city, beautiful Paris, who could make the eyes sparkle and old love rekindle.


**edited**