Written for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Challenges & Assignments):

April Monthly Challenge - HOUSE CHALLENGE - Going, Going, Gone!
Hufflepuff House, Prompt #37 - Character: Marius Black

[April Event] National Astrology Day
Submitted by Sophy (The Crownless Queen) [R]:
When Marius was disowned and cast out for being a squib, his parents still found Muggles to take him in first.


Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter universe, or any of its characters.


Beta Love to Alana. She's an angel sent from Heaven, I swear it!


I looked down to my son laying on the bed before me, and worried. He isn't like his brother or sisters; he is a more quiet, studious boy. He is turning ten next month, and his father has decided that he will be disowned on that day. This isn't a sudden decision; it has been coming for years. Ever since Polleux pushed my poor Marius out the window, and instead of bouncing like any other of my children, Marius started screaming. The mediwitch had looked at me with sympathy, and explained that his arm, collarbone, and every rib on the left side of his body was broken. Cygnus had been livid, and we have fought about this ever since. I cannot fight anymore, as I am now six months pregnant - my fifth child - and the stress has made this pregnancy a rough one.

I cannot let Cygnus find out that I have secretly made plans. His older brother, Phineas, was disowned when he supported Muggle rights. I have secretly contacted him, and we are working on finding a family for my boy. Phineas has found what became of Iola after she married the muggle and left our world. She had children, and grandchildren. One of those grandchildren is a squib, like Marius. The last name has changed, is no longer Hitchens, so Cygnus will never know what we've done, he will never know that Marius is still with his family. At least, this is my hope.



I have met the couple, and they will give my boy a loving home. I dare say that he will feel more loved with them than he ever has done with his father and myself. I failed him while he grew up, but at least now I've ensured he will have a good family to finish growing with. Tomorrow I will sneak Marius out to meet them, and then we will decide how Marius will join them. I pray that Marius likes them; they are the only hope he has of growing up loved for who he is and not for what he can or cannot do.



The meeting went well. Marius surprised me when he told me he understood why I was giving him away, and then thanked me for finding him new parents. I'm not ashamed of the fact that I cried as I hugged him tightly to me. It was decided that in five days, when he is disowned, Marius will leave the house and walk to the store down the street, just on the corner. His new family will be there waiting for him. He will change his name, dissolving all connection he has to the Black family name - and to me.

In five days time my little boy, Marius Black, will become Mark Granger. He will live a long and happy life, I believe this in my heart and soul.


Word Count: 483 by Google Docs