Chapter Eighteen - The Start Of Something New 16th July 1978
Lucius and Izabella wandered through the neatly trimmed garden, past the tall trees which were swaying lightly in the breeze and the well-kept flowers which injected a pop of colour into the green scenery.
They reached an ornate stone bench in the middle of a clearing which was surrounded by leafy trees, over hanging the large pond which shimmered in the setting sun.
The summer days were long and the sun had only just began to set, sending streaks of colour across the dimming sky.
Izabella sighed contentedly as she sat down, gathering up the folds of her dress to keep them clean.
“This place is beautiful.”
“It was my mother's.” Lucius said as he sat beside her, dropping his arm over the back of the bench behind her.
“How did she die?” she asked gently.
“From living with my father probably.” he replied with a shrug.
“Lucius, you're very harsh on your father.” Izabella said sternly. He chuckled in response and lifted a hand to brush loose strands of hair off her face.
“Perhaps you are too kind to him.”
“I like to support the minority. It's more of a challenge.” she winked.
“Like Muggleborns?” he asked, arching an eyebrow slightly. Izabella shrugged, unnerved by the change in his voice.
“I don't support Muggleborns. I'm indifferent; I don't understand why they are persecuted.”
“Oh Izabella.” Lucius said, his tone patronising. “One day you'll understand.”
“Understand what?”
With a sigh he stood up and walked over to the pond. For a few moments he stared into the surface, watching the ripples as they disturbed the peace of the water.
“Things are changing.” he said in a quiet voice. “The Wizarding World is changing.”
“Why?”
“Don't worry, it won't affect you.” Lucius said, smiling over to her.
Izabella clenched her teeth and stood up, firmly folding her arms across her chest.
“I am not a child Lucius.” she snapped. He watched her closely, his head tilted to one side and a small smile playing across the corner of his lips.
“No. You certainly aren't.” he said softly. He sighed and walked back towards her, ducking his head slightly so it was on level with her. “I'll explain everything soon.”
“But-” she began to protest, but Lucius placed a finger across her lips.
“Now is not the time. I will tell you, I promise.”
Izabella narrowed her eyes, keeping her arms crossed.
“Fine.” she snapped, restraining herself from stamping her foot.
“You are a fascinating woman Izabella Prince.” Lucius mummered as he smiled fondly at her. Izabella dropped her head slightly to hide the blush that stained her cheeks. “If it's okay with you, I'd love to take you out sometime? Perhaps we could go to Diagon Alley to get your school supplies?”
Izabella groaned loudly.
“Do not remind me that I have to go back there for another year.”
Lucius chuckled and brushed his finger across her cheek lightly.
“I could visit you, maybe during your Hogsmede visits?”
“You would come to Hogsmede to visit me?” Izabella asked quietly.
“If that is what you want of course.”
“That would be great.”
“Fantastic.”
For a long moment they stared at each other, Izabella swallowing loudly as she felt her heart hammering her rib cage.
Lucius' hand was resting on the top of her arm, burning her flesh yet making her shiver with anticipation.
She felt his warm breath on her face and closed her eyes as she felt him move closer.
There was a sigh above her... then she shuddered as the cool air hit her heated skin. Her eyes flew open and Lucius was standing a few feet away, his arm extended politely.
“We should be getting back. We have been gone quite a while.”
Izabella nodded and accepted his arm, allowing him to lead her back towards the house, but keeping a safe distance between the two bodies.
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