Chapter 41: For the Unknown
The devil, the proud spirit, cannot endure to be mocked. - Thomas More
A gentle nudge on Joelle's shoulder caused her to wake up. She blinked her eyes open and saw that Tom was next to her. He had pulled her into his arms and appeared to be rather calm. Whatever the reason, he was mildly affectionate for some time and Joelle couldn't help but wonder where the catch was to that. She looked to him, then around. The tent was lit up by floating candles that didn't burn the fabric the least. It was dark outside.
"What is it?" She asked drowsily. "Why did you wake me up?"
"Come with me," said Tom and sat up. Joelle did the same, watching how he got out of the tent. She followed.
Joelle was surprised to see a dozen of glowing magenta blossoms around them as they walked. For a brief moment she thought that Tom had something to do with it, but when he said "they bloom at midnight," she knew better. The air felt enchanted again, she had almost forgotten that this forest was not ordinary. Despite it being late at nigh, silvery fog dancing around them, it wasn't cold the least. Joelle smiled to herself when she looked up, countless stars were painted on the dark blue sky.
Tom began to lead her ahead as he grabbed her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. They passed by a beautiful river that reflected the white moonlight glistening in it, the soft flow of the water was very calming. Passing by through a willow tree whose twigs Tom carefully brushed aside, Joelle's eyes widened when ahead of them was a large field and something she would have never dreamt up to see, for the beauty of it was beyond compare.
Ahead of her, tall and majestic, pure and snow-white. A unicorn. Joelle couldn't believe it, her breath got stuck in her throat. Tom chuckled.
"Go there," he whispered, looking at Joelle with something that was very close to a sincere smile. Joelle's mouth was still gapped open, tears of joy glistening in her eyes. She looked at Tom insecurely, back and forth between the unicorn and him. "You...you think I can just go?" She asked. Tom nodded. "I can only imagine that it will be very fond of you. I shall stay back. Go on. I'll keep close."
Joelle nodded in excitement, then inhaled deeply before she started to walk ahead. The unicorn didn't spot her until she moved out of the bushes, she stopped, seeing how the majestic creature noticed her. The both of them looked at each other, and before Joelle could walk any closer the unicorn has already begun to take steps towards her, causing Joelle's heart to beat faster. Despite it being mysteriously beautiful, she still had a lot of respect left. The unicorn came closer and Joelle smiled, outstretching her hand. For a brief moment the unicorn stopped and Joelle could see into the endless round amethyst eyes, eyes that gave her so much warmth and comfort that she would have loved to just stand and stay for all eternity. The unicorn pushed its snout against Joelle's hand, causing her to beam brightly. When she looked back, Tom was waving his hand down and it took Joelle a second to understand what he meant, but she eventually sat on the ground. The unicorn instantly followed lead and rested close to her - Joelle was now so taken aback and happy that she couldn't help but hug around it's head in joy, closing her eyes. She forgot about the world around her, and the world forgot about Joelle as she was snuggling with the unicorn. Her beloved unicorn.
Tom watched them for a fair while. It was a beautiful sight, seeing Joelle so comfortable under the old willow tree. The magic of this moment was more than he could word. He wasn't exaggerating when he thought that he has never seen Joelle happier before. The unicorn itself was so calm and quiet that Tom wondered if they had some sort of mental conversation; he knew that unicorns loved staying around those they considered pure at heart. He sighed to himself. Joelle never meant to do any harm to anyone and the unicorn knew it as much as he did. He glanced up to the stars, then over to her again, as if he couldn't allow her to stay away from his attention for more than five seconds. But then he told himself that it was okay. It was okay for now, that Joelle had her own moment for once. He has been wanting to show her for a long time, back when he was still a student in school, but only now got the chance to finally realize it and give Joelle just a little bit of joy. Was he doing it because he knew that she would be forever thankful? Perhaps. Tom's eyebrows twitched together slightly when he realized that both the unicorn and Joelle appeared to be asleep. He shook his head, sighing, but it was a sigh of content. Even he didn't want to ruin the moment and so he decided to simply rest in the grass and stare.
When Joelle woke up, it was already early in the morning. Her eyes instantly fell next to her, but the unicorn was gone. She lowered her head, unable to hide how disappointed she was that she couldn't have said goodbye. Just when she was going to appreciate the beautiful sunrise starting to glow in shrill magenta and orange light, she saw how behind the tree and bushes something seemed to move. A bright smile grew on her lips when suddenly one, two, three, four, five, five unicorns were walking her way. Joelle instantly recognized the one she's been cuddling with yesterday night. Now that she saw it, she noticed the differences. Two blue eyed unicorns looked a lot shorter and had less mane, she figured they were younger. Then there were these snuggling two other unicorns, looking like a couple. But her unicorn, her unicorn was the tallest, looked the wisest.
"Is this your family?" Joelle asked it brightly and smiled when it pressed its snout against her cheek. Only now it occurred to her that she didn't spend a single thought on Tom ever since she woke up, as if the unicorns took him away from her consciousness. She frowned and looked around in semi worry, then saw him further off in the field, standing there with crossed arms. He waved her over, but the unicorn stepped in front of her. Joelle couldn't help but consider this not a threat but a sincere advice when it blocked Joelle from going for Tom.
"Joelle," came his voice from over yonder. The unicorn nuzzled her further away.
"I have to go," Joelle whispered, gently rubbing the unicorn's head. It nudged her slightly, making a strange noise that sounded like the mixture of a songbird and a horse squeaking in denial. Joelle turned around to the smaller unicorns and their family, smiling before she eventually walked past them with her heart feeling so heavy that it threatened to explode. She wanted to stay with them forever and always.
"Quit pouting," said Tom when he pulled Joelle into his arms once she walked into them with a lowered head. She glanced back and had to realize that the unicorns were gone. Tom scowled at Joelle since she didn't respond nor change her expression, grumbling something about unthankfulness, but Joelle didn't listen because she smiled one last time at the wise unicorn that watched her from between the bushes in the distance until they were out of sight.
Joelle's heart was so full of joy that she started running ahead in a playful moment. Tom had his wand pulled out immediately, glaring, thinking she was going to run away, but hearing her silent laugh made him realize that she wasn't serious. He had to stop and stare for a moment, watching how Joelle ran ahead, her dress flowing in the soft midsummer breeze. He ran after her and for once forgot how old they were or what was behind them. He enjoyed the simplicity of what it meant to be without worries. Tom secretly admired how after all so those years he could still learn so much from Joelle.
"Not so fast!" Tom shouted. Joelle laughed and looked back, then speeded up yet a little more. Tom sighed but he was a lot taller than her, it wasn't hard to catch up considering the length of his legs. Joelle squeaked when she saw how close he was as they ran through a cornfield and laughed when she just disappeared somewhere.
"Joelle," said Tom, his voice sounding neither annoyed nor enthusiastic. "Come here."
Joelle chuckled and quickly dashed away, Tom caught the image of her from the corner of his eyes. She still laughed heartily when she realized that he lost her yet again.
It was quiet for a while. Joelle felt the insecurity creeping up into her body, she peeked her head around an area, then turned back and yelped when Tom was right in front of her, chuckling lowly.
"Enough child's play," he said and rested his arm loosely around her waist. He glanced at her stomach when he heard a soft rumbling sound coming from it.
"I'm hungry," Joelle blushed. They hadn't eaten for quite some time. Tom summoned an apple for her, causing Joelle to frown in surprise. She took the juicy red fruit with that smile on her face that seemed to never get less, no matter what happened. Tom handed her a bottle of water next upon which Joelle looked at him puzzled but took it nonetheless.
"You've always made food for me," said Tom. Joelle knew he enjoyed taking care of her now as much as she did back then.
"Can witches and wizards just provide food out of nothing?" Joelle asked. Tom shook his head. "No, we can't. I've had it stored in the tent, I merely summoned it from the place it came from."
"How convenient," Joelle frowned. "Imagine, you never have to bring a bag,"
"Which is exactly what we've been doing in the past, or did you ever see me with a bag?" Tom asked. Joelle shook her head. "No, I've been wanting to ask you where all of my dresses and nightgowns always came from but I forgot. Either way, where are we going now?"
"You will see. I'm quite sure that you'll love it."
"Oh now you got me excited!" Joelle smiled brightly and tucked on Tom's sleeve. He glanced at her, raised an eyebrow in amusement, then smirked when Joelle let go of him.
"You're in such a good mood," Tom couldn't help but comment. Joelle nodded. "I've been cuddling with a unicorn, nothing can make me sad today."
The two of them have been walking around in the forest for some more time. Tom showed her various magical creatures they came across, but after Joelle almost got attacked by a Blast-Ended-Skrewt Tom decided to call it a day and get back into the tent where they rested some more.
"Marvolo, how do you know when my magical signature has fleshed out more?" Joelle asked.
"When you'll be capable of more magic," said Tom.
"It's that simple? How does seeing Blast-Ended-Skrewts contribute to my magical signature though?" Joelle grumbled, shuddering at the thought. Tom patted through her hair meanwhile, playing with the tips of her strands.
"Two reasons. The first one is: Everything you experience leaves an imprint. Secondly, you will start to identify with a part of yourself that belongs in the world of magic," he said. Joelle nodded, she could follow, it made sense. "Well then," she sat up and exclaimed excitedly "let's try a spell!" but frowned when Tom merely chuckled. "Now, it won't change that fast."
"How do you know, are you my magical signature?" Joelle crossed her arms. Tom was so amused that he couldn't hide it properly, the smirk on his lips not vanishing for some time. Joelle cuddled back down.
"Good night," she said softly then. Tom leaned in and kissed the nape of her neck. "No, not yet," he whispered.
"Stop, Marvolo, not here in a tent," she scowled and looked at him - this caused Tom to chortle loudly. "Silly girl. What I mean is that we will go now."
"Go? Now?"
"Being a parrot again?" Tom raised an eyebrow. "Come."
"No, why can't this wait-"
"Because the darkness is our protection. Don't make me say it again. Let's go." Tom's voice was a lot sterner now as he got up. Joelle obliged for once and the two of them apparated to the train station.
"Is a train going to leave this late?" Joelle frowned.
"The trains from the world of magic, yes," said Tom calmly. He made sure that Joelle's hat was sitting right, despite the darkness swallowing them either way. They've been waiting at this lonely platform, no soul around them whatsoever. Joelle thought it was quite a scary place to be, only one dim leans light flickered far off in the distance, moths flying around it. Tom, however, appeared to be unimpressed. Certainly he would wait here alone in the dark, at midnight, in a foreign country. He wouldn't mind.
"For how long will we travel?" Joelle asked.
"It won't take too long."
"I'm surprised how fast it went from Ireland to Italy."
"That's because we didn't start in Ireland. I apparated to a train station I had visited beforehand closest to our destination. I told you, witches and wizards can only apparate to places they have visited before," he explained and pulled her closer. "You are freezing," he said and rubbed her arms up and down. Joelle glanced at Tom. Did he do this for her or for him?
"There."
Joelle looked up. A light came from the distance; shining right in her face. She had to turn her head away upon the shrillness that seemed to break the silence, it was like the train appeared out of nothing. It stopped with a loud screech coming from the breaks. The doors opened magically and Tom nudged Joelle to signal her to walk ahead. She did. Together they disappeared in a roomy compartment for just themselves.
"You can sleep now," Tom said as he draped a blanket around Joelle; she had no idea where he got it from so fast. "I'll wake you up once we are there," he purred. Joelle nodded, her eyelids feeling heavy. She soon fell asleep in the corner next to the window, balled up and tiny, running with unicorns in her dreams.
"Joelle. Joelle, wake up. Hey," came Tom's voice the other day. Joelle blinked her eyes open, rubbing her lovely dream away. She yawned, but glanced around, not understanding where she was. She was under the impression that they had entered a train yesterday night, but as she looked around, she lay in a room on a bed, tucked under covers and fluffed up pillows. It was already afternoon judging by the sky she took a look at through the window.
"You've been sleeping for so long," said Tom, a slight scowl on his face told Joelle that he wasn't too impressed by that. "You wouldn't wake.."
"Indeed?" Joelle yawned. It felt like she didn't sleep at all. "I'm still so tired..."
Tom glanced at her for a short while, then shook his head and held out a silver tray. On it was a bowl filled with lovely smelling pumpkin cream soup and a tinier plate with what looked like a mini chocolate cake; Joelle didn't care much for it, her attention belonged to the pumpkin cream soup only. She took it from Tom with a slight smile, and he waved his wand to bring it to fume again.
"I confess myself surprised," Tom stated while Joelle took in the scent. "Sixteen hours of sleep is a lot."
"Sixteen?!" Joelle gasped. "I've never slept so much! Do I have to worry?"
"I doubt it," said Tom. "I believe it's your body reacting to the magical input. It exhausts you."
"Oh," Joelle sighed in relief. That made sense again. She began to eat, her eyes alight with joy at the flavor. Tom watched her for a while; Joelle wondered if he thought about how easy she was to satisfy.
"Where are we, Marvolo?" Joelle then asked. Tom nudged his chin towards the window. Joelle had to get up in order to see clearly what he meant; and then she caught it. In the distance.
"Don't tell me...is that the Eiffel Tower? Are we in Paris?" She gasped and turned her face towards Tom who nodded quietly. "Venice, Paris. The honeymoon thing is getting really out of hand," she grinned. Tom chuckled. "I've been choosing those places thinking you would like them. Have I been wrong with those assumptions?"
"Don't be silly," Joelle waved him off, "it's fascinating."
"You didn't finish your meal. Eat," said Tom sternly then. Joelle turned around and picked up her spoon again, continuing to eat. The soup was delicious; it was her first pumpkin cream soup of the year.
After a drawn out shower and a little sip of red wine with Tom later, Joelle was surprised when he made something appear that looked rather fancy. A formfitting black dress, dark tights and black shoes.
"Where are we going?"
"You will see. Get dressed," he said. Joelle shrugged and walked off. A glance into the mirror made her see her own reflection again; she didn't take a look for a long time for specific reasons. Right now, she didn't feel like she did anything wrong; she didn't feel like that for a fair while. Once the clothes were on her body and a little bit of make up added, she walked out of the bathroom. Tom leaned against the wall in the distance, one leg angled, the other firm on the ground. He was wearing a black suit, his curly dark hair hanging loosely in his face as always. Joelle admitted that he looked good. He caught her staring, a faint grin growing on his lips as he pushed himself off of the wall and walked over to her. He gently took her hand, staring into her eyes as he kissed it. Joelle grinned back.
"Where are you taking me, darling?" She asked with a fake posh accent. Tom straightened his back and sauntered behind her, grabbing her shoulders to turn her towards a vanity. They both looked into the mirror.
"Close your eyes."
Joelle closed her eyes. Next she felt something cold and heavy against her collarbone area. When she opened her eyes she saw a necklace with white sparkly diamonds, it looked forbiddingly expensive.
"Marvolo, where on earth-"
"Shhh," he purred. "For the event today it's only natural to be wearing something like that." He turned her around to look into her eyes. Joelle tilted her head to the side, trying to figure out where they would be going. She had some ideas, but didn't know that all of them were wrong. Tom grabbed her coat and helped Joelle into it, but the most interesting part happened when he transformed her normal looking hat into a fancy one, one Joelle wouldn't normally wear; she was the casual type of elegant.
They left the hotel and walked out, a picturesque Old Town greeted Joelle's eyes who instantly fell in love with what she saw, it reminded her of Diagon Alley, just a lot older and more compact and stuffed with dark houses. Swung black baroque metal was decorating doors, windows, and shop signs everywhere. The clicking her heels on the bricks of the ground followed their ears. The lanterns sprang to life and tinted everything a nice shade of yellow. Joelle was always one for atmospheres, and she liked his one. She glanced to Tom with whom she had her arm linked. He looked back to her.
"You look beautiful tonight," he said. Joelle didn't quite know how to handle that compliment; Tom wasn't too generous with them.
"I-thank you," she responded a bit awkwardly. Tom huffed in amusement but he didn't further comment, instead he stopped in front of an alley that was way too narrow to fit through. Tom handed Joelle her wand. She looked at him a little puzzled.
"Tap the left side and the right side of the wall with your wand," he said. Joelle did as she was told - and the both walls stared to pull away from each other as if pulled on each side by immense force - revealing the alleyway for the both of them. Instead of looking into a crowded place, Joelle saw a spectacular house ahead, built of almost nothing else but glass in the shape of a huge diamond. Tom wrapped his arm around Joelle's shoulder and walked on, she was downright fascinated, but when she read a sign that read Musée d'art magique, the case was clear.
"Welcome to our Vernissage," said a male receptionist with a charming smile. It was now Joelle who smirked; Tom hated male company around her. Karma. Her eyes wandered around. The entrance hall itself was even fancier than the first hotel they had visited; a large crystal chandelier hung from the center and made everything reflect in sheer and pure white. Joelle's eyes glanced over into whatever room she could catch a glimpse of; some people with a glasses filled with possibly champaign in their hands, male and female, with sparkling jewelry and fake laughter. Joelle felt out of place, but only now realized that the both of them were being led into the same room. It was empty and white, and its only function seemed to be showing off the latest whatevers money could buy before being allowed to take a look at the exhibited artwork. If Tom thought this would make Joelle happy, he didn't quite know her. Sure, it impressed her, but she never liked the uptight and rich audience that art sadly seemed to attract. Tom caught her skeptic glances.
"I thought you would enjoy it," he said in a tone that was merely a statement.
"Well," whispered Joelle, looking around before she leaned in to him. "To be honest, I don't feel well around th-"
"Ah, Tom!" Greeted a tall man in his charming mid-forties, followed by the quiet clapping of the crowd he passed by. He had black hair that began to turn grey in some spots; overall Joelle was sure that he looked quite handsome when he was younger and aging didn't do his appearance any ill.
"Philippe, so pleased to be able to see your artwork tonight. Meet lovely Joelle," said Tom with a waxy smile, his arm having lowered around Joelle's waist symbolically, causing Philippe to smile brightly at her, taking her hand to kiss the back of it.
"Madame Joelle," he said her name in the perfect French pronunciation. "I ame beyond onored. Be my guests of onor tonight, de both of you," Philippe turned around and grabbed two glasses of champagne, handing them over to them. Joelle caught the envious glances from the high society around, displeased about how this young couple was so much ahead of them. She emptied her glass in order to drown the feeling of disgust away. Tom engaged in light conversations.
Joelle hated this place. The people, the robes, she hated her necklace and she hated the taste of this horribly expensive champaign of which she got another glass; they were floating around in the air. By the time Tom noticed Joelle wasn't next to him, she had already drunk five more and could barely swallow a hiccup when she was introduced to yet another man; around Philippe's age but less attractive.
"Joelle, this is Jacque Deporté, curator of this museum," Tom smiled. Deporté bowed politely and Joelle grinned goofily with a faint blush on her cheek that Tom found a tad off judging by the short twitch of his eyebrows but he didn't seem to count one and one yet. Instead, another "Tom!" caught his attention and gave Joelle enough room to walk up to some more champaign. Half an hour later, she didn't quite know how old she was and felt like yelling at Tom for forgetting.
Some clinking somewhere in the back of the room.
"Attention," said Deporté in french. Joelle could remember bits and pieces she had learned in school; something about how the exhibition was now opened and about how Philipe was either a great artist or an evil pig; to Joelle it sounded the same with the amount of alcohol intus. She suddenly laughed out loud, breaking the silence with heads turning her way, causing Tom to look at her with a ghostly expression.
"I am very excited too, Madame Joelle," chuckled Philippe. He took over the word and talked something about wanting to show everyone his first piece of art to introduce today's Vernissage yada yada. The crowd disappeared into the other room. Joelle walked along, despite feeling a little wobbly-legged. Tom quickly caught her and whispered harshly. "Had a bit too much champaign, hadn't you." They stopped with the crowd, staring ahead towards Philippe having started his presentation.
"Ah," Joelle waved Tom off, hiccuping. "I'm ppperfectly fine, don't be such a. Such a. What's the word. Killjoy!" she suddenly slapped the shoulder of a woman next to her. "Killjoy was the word." The woman just looked at her, then stepped a bit off. Tom wasn't amused. "Joelle..."
"She's a killjoy too," said Joelle with a chuckle, eyes twinkling when another glass floated above her. Tom grabbed it before she could. "Behave now," he murmured darkly and pushed the glass away with his wand.
"You a killjoy, too. Such a. Killjoy, PHILIPPE, killjoy is the word!" She called out and laughed almost hysterically. "Man that painting is UGLY. Pfffhaha."
Tom's face turned red upon everyone's heads turning their way. He was about to find an excuse when Philippe laughed back, he seemed indeed amused and happy about Joelle's input.
"I enjoy the mind of the avant-garde," Philippe said charmingly. Tom exhaled deeply. Joelle saluted. "Always at your service!"
"Joelle!" Tom hissed into her ear. He couldn't just leave; but staying here was clearly against his idea as well.
"What? Donnknow how to get me sober again? Hah; perfect Riddle. Mr. Black! Mr. Black l mean. Killjoy Riddle~ haha." Joelle giggled when Tom carefully sneaked away from the crowd into another room with couches. He pressed her down and summoned some water.
"Drink."
"Want me to swallow it, too?" Joelle asked with a wink. Tom blinked at her. He glanced back into the entrance hall and then saw the dilemma; all floating glasses were empty. He sighed and turned his face back only to see that Joelle was asleep on the couch. He chuckled in disbelief. At least she swallowed the water. He got up and left the room, walking back to the crowd.
"Is Madame Joelle not feeling well?" Asked Philippe once he spotted Tom. He shook his head with a smile. "I must ask your apologies. She is in a delicate situation. What I mean to say is..." he leaned in and whispered. "She's expecting."
"A baby?! Fantastique!" Philipe then lowered his voice when Tom waved his palm down. "Do tell me, when?"
"We still have some time to wait," Tom smiled charmingly. Philippe patted his shoulder as if congratulating Tom for the great work he has done. Tom could've gotten used to the proud gesture, hadn't there been the glimpse he threw over to the door he left Joelle in, causing his eyes to spark up with a red gleam.
"I suppose it's time to go now," Tom turned his face back to Philippe, his voice sounding oddly mechanical, as if he had to tame a specifically wild beast in him that gave him new ideas and options. Philippe nodded. "Be there for your wife, but do send a message again!"
Tom turned around, one hand in his pocket as he walked into the room. He looked down to Joelle, his nostrils started to flare upon the mere sight of her. He picked her up.
And disapparated back into the hotel. Joelle wasn't even awake, but Tom could hear how she murmured something about killjoy again. He lowered her down into the bed, biting his bottom lip. He couldn't help but stroke along her body gently, up and down, from her forehead to her thighs. Joelle opened her eyes a moment later, letting a breathy moan escape her lips. She leaned in and kissed Tom for the first time.
And was lucky to forget about everything else that happened.
What an adventurous time Tom and Joelle had during the past few days, too perfect to be true. Tom couldn't believe it when his tie hang loose from his neck, he stood in the doorframe and watched Joelle asleep in the large bed. It was late at night. His eyes swept over to the window. A thunderstorm was causing the beautiful silence some trouble. When his eyes swept back to Joelle, they widened.
Something was sitting on the edge of her bed. Something that shouldn't be there, something he forgot. It was the same evil and dark creature Tom had surprised Dumbledore with that day in Riddle Manor, it was the same dark creature that visited Joelle in her dreams.
Over there, in the distance, sat a demon.
"Why are you here," said Tom sternly. The demon did not answer. It was a dark hooded shadow, cold air causing even Tom to freeze.
"Think you can call upon our power and not pay us back, do you?" Came a coarse whisper from the demon. "This is not how it works."
"It was my own power." Tom glared. The demon now looked up. Tom could see his black face, his red eyes. He grinned in glee.
"Your own power? Oh no. The moment you muttered a curse was the moment you asked our permission. You know it. Hell has laws, boy. You know the deal. Nothing is for free. You know the deal. You can't just split your soul in order to withdraw from the pact," the demon hissed. It was Tom's turn to smirk.
"Well, that I did, didn't I? I am certain hell has no use for an impaired soul." Tom played with the ring on his finger.
"Indeed," said the demon knowingly. This caught Tom's attention. He had a feeling where this would go. The demon started to play with Joelle's hair. Tom's eyes narrowed, his chest heaved up an down.
"What do you want?" He asked.
The demon looked up to Tom, grinned, then pointed at Joelle.
