Pity the Living ♔ Tom Riddle

2 || La Ville Lumière

July 1936.

France.

Gisela

She felt like a Princess in her new clothes. The dress she wore was red, her favourite colour, and made of the softest velvet she could imagine. Anyone who walked past the pair would assume they were a wealthy father and daughter. It reminded her of the rich girls she once saw gossiping in St James' park, who sneered down at the orphans, who were otherwise enjoying their first outing in years. She also remembers that the girls had suddenly slipped, mud covering their fancy attire after one of them had made a nasty comment about her. Odd, considering it had been a scorching hot day and the dirt was dry.

Professor Klaus had explained that German Wizarding fashion was more extravagant and modern than the English and that with a few ribbons in her hair and a cloak over her shoulder, she would look quite the witch. She was also told that from his area of Europe, muggles were far more frowned upon than in England, so she should always be dressed in the correct attire and never mention her past. He was oddly protective and gave her many gifts that would help her fit in, and she only wished she could get some for Tom. But she wasn't going to see her friend for a very long time.

The travel to the French shores was surprisingly short; the sea was still, and the ship was fast. They left at early morning and arrived well before midday. Gisela could count on one hand how many times she'd seen the vast ocean stretch out for miles, smelt the crisp salty air and heard the echo of seagulls by the shore, so she treasured the moment and observed as much as possible to include in the letter she planned to send to her friend. Thankfully, she had avoided the ghastly sea sickness many onboard had suffered from after the Professor gave her an odd tasting lolly to suck on.

They arrived in the coastal city of Calais, where they had quickly boarded a train to Paris. It was the first time Gisela had ever travelled on a proper train, having previously only snuck onto the London subways to go across town where the bins were filled with better food. She marvelled at the beautiful French countryside and little villages they travelled through, on their journey to the great capital. She couldn't comprehend how different the sight before her was, compared to the East End of London, the only other world she knew. Her admiration only grew as they approached Paris, the country turning into beautiful suburbs she could only dream of living in - until they suddenly disappeared into underground tunnels that led to the city centre.

As Gisela stepped onto the crowded platform at their destination, the Gare du Nord station, she held on tight to the Professor's hand, fearing what would happen if it slipped away and she was carried off into the seemingly endless crowd. Thankfully, it was only minutes before they exited the station and found themselves in the lobby of a small but luxury hotel near the train station. After the Professor checked them into their room, he insisted they visit the local boulangerie and try some of his favourite French treats. After some dangerously delicious treats and a long walk through the streets and parks of central Paris, Gisela quickly realised much had changed in Paris since the era in Les Miserables, a book that now appeared to fit the description more of the East End of London than the beautiful city of Paris.

After a short afternoon of fun, dusk appeared on the horizon, and they headed back to their hotel, a well-needed sleep needed after such a long day of travelling.

Tommy,

I am writing now from Paris. The city is so beautiful and the food is delicious. The French have desserts filled with chocolate, custard and cream and I'm afraid my stomach will explode. The Professor is ever so kind, buying me new clothes that make me look like a rich girl and we are staying in the most delightful places with soft beds. I wish we could go to Paris all the time together for holidays. It is far more beautiful than London. Unfortunately, we have to leave tomorrow to train to Berlin. I am afraid of this Hitler man and the Nazis. I have read enough of the papers to know that he means no good, but at least they are hosting the Olympics right now so according to the Professor 'they have to behave'. Professor Klaus told me all about Wizarding travel.