Disclaimer - JKR owns Harry Potter, not me!
Now - Centaurs & Marcus, oh my
Chapter Fourteen
Blaise took the Russian wizard, Sasha, to Hogsmeade side-along. He seemed like an okay bloke, but if he were smart, he'd stop leering at Hermione. His friends were already feeling anxious and protective.
"So, an apprentice, huh?" Blaise asked, making conversation as they waited in Hogsmeade.
"Yes," the wizard replied, his Russian accent light. "I will be a Transfiguration Master in a few months. I am finishing my final project. It will be published in the European Journal of Transfiguration."
"Forgive my ignorance, but as a Metamorphmagus, can't you already transfigure yourself?"
"I can change my appearance easily," Sasha replied. As he spoke his white hair turned teal blue and his ice blue eyes became bright purple. He also grew at least six inches taller. "I also have an Animagus form. My area of study is changing inanimate objects into living things."
"Ah," Blaise nodded, idly wondering what animal form he could take. "So, you are interested in Hermione."
"She is a spectacular witch; brilliant, sweet, passionate, and powerful. She'll be a unique Sorceress. I can only imagine what being her Ancillary would be like," Sasha replied, looking a little wistful.
"Regardless," Blaise said seriously. "She is already dating my mates. They won't take kindly to you trying to step in."
"I'll keep that in mind, but it's not their choice," Sasha replied. Blaise nodded. He'd done what he intended and warned the wizard. "How many of your friends is she dating, exactly?"
"Four," Blaise grinned.
"See? Passionate," Sasha smiled, as if dating four wizards was the most normal thing in the world.
Blaise chuckled. He asked Sasha about Russia and Japan while they waited. Blaise had resigned himself to a long wait, especially if Marcus was intent on helping Hermione change her clothes. The wait, however, was short. Hermione must've made Marcus wait downstairs. She looked rugged in tight green trousers, flat grey leather boots that came up to just under her knees, a silvery gray top, and a grey leather jacket.
McGonagall had said she would extend temporary permission for the wizards to follow Hermione onto Hogwarts grounds. The four made their way through the gates and headed toward the forest. Hermione and Sasha chatted about mutual acquaintances while Marcus appeared as stoic as ever. Blaise wished there was something he could do to make his friends less anxious, but he figured it was probably impossible.
Hermione ducked into Hagrid's hut. Blaise knew this hut was built in the past five years, the previous one having burned down, but nothing about it looked new. Blaise wrinkled his nose, comfortable with his own snobbery and happy that he got to wait outside.
Hermione emerged with assurances for the half-Giant that she would be back for tea soon. As the group ventured into the trees, Hermione explained that Hagrid was only recently getting back into good graces with the herd. Letting his half-brother Grawp loose in the forest had angered the centaurs. Moving Grawp to the Scottish highlands, where there was a small group of relatively civilized Giants had been the first step in making amends, but centaurs held grudges for years. Hagrid was able to give an approximate location for the herd though.
After twenty minutes of walking, Blaise was getting cranky. He wasn't an outdoorsy sort of wizard. The others didn't seem to mind, but the sun would be setting and he really didn't want to be roaming the forest in the dark.
"Can't we send them a signal or something?" Blaise huffed. "What if they're avoiding us? Maybe as we get closer, they are moving away on purpose. We don't even know if they'll talk to us."
"That's a good point," Hermione said thoughtfully. She stopped walking and Blaise sat on a fallen tree. His shoes weren't made for trekking through bushes. "Maybe we could send a Patronus. Sasha, yours would be good if you can manage one."
"Of course I can manage one," Sasha scoffed. The Russian produced his wand, said the spell, and a white gauzy horse appeared in front of them. Sasha addressed the horse. "The Sorceress Potentiate, Hermione Granger, wishes a brief audience with the centaurs of this forest should it be convenient."
After it had the message, the horse galloped away.
"Pandering to the ponies I see," Blaise smirked. His and Marcus' Patronuses were both large predators, a panther and a grizzly bear respectively. Of course, Hermione would choose the horse.
"You better not let them hear you call them that," Hermione scolded. She was right. Centaurs were sensitive and easily offended, but Blaise was cranky. He knew he should bite his tongue. His attitude wouldn't help them, so he just nodded.
They walked a little more aimlessly for a while, waiting to see if the centaurs would respond. Finally, they wandered into a clearing where five centaurs were obviously waiting for them. One male was in the center, flanked on each side by a male and a female. Blaise tried very hard not to look at the females' bare breasts.
"Magorian, thank you for your time. I know you are a busy leader," Hermione nodded seriously to the central beast. "Bane, Ronan, you both look well."
Blaise wasn't surprised that Hermione already seemed to know key members of the herd.
"There is change in you," the one she called Magorian stated. Hermione nodded her agreement. "It is a dangerous change."
"I'm unstable, the magic in me is dangerous," Hermione agreed. "I am worried that it will be too much and that it will consume me."
The middle male, Magorian apparently, nodded to one of the females. She stepped forward and began to inspect Hermione. She held Hermione's hands up close to her face, inspecting them on both sides for several minutes. Then she peered into Hermione's eyes and pressed her hands into Hermione's forehead.
"You have magic of the earth, air, fire, and water," the female finally said. "It is stronger in you than I've ever seen in another. You must be strong to endure it."
"Will she endure?" Marcus asked directly and pointedly.
The female looked to her Leader, who regarded Marcus for a long moment. Then he stared at Hermione for longer.
"We have not always seen eye to eye, Hermione Granger," Magorian finally said. One of the males, possibly Ronan, cleared his throat. "But we have fought together in battle and others tell me you are intelligent, for a human."
Magorian nodded to the female that had inspected Hermione. Blaise guessed he was giving her permission to answer.
"There are several paths you may walk," the female said. "Even the stories told by the stars are subject to change. You are strong. You are strong enough for this magic, but that does not make success certain."
"What will make it certain?" Marcus asked testily.
"You must reign yourself," the female glared at him. "If you were not full of love, I would fell you like a tree. As I was saying, there are possible paths, not all of which lead to success. For the best outcome, trust yourself and your instincts. Be on guard for those that do not wish you well. Finally, and most important of all, you must mate."
"Mate?" Hermione asked, her brow furrowed. "The magic will choose a mate in the last ritual, on Midsummer."
"You must have your ideal mating; no more, no less, and no substitutions," the female said sternly. "With magic this strong, you need others for balance. You will not survive without your ideal mating."
"So I have to bind to the right wizard or wizards?"
The female nodded.
"Bane and I will observe your ritual," Ronan announced. Magorian huffed and gave him a bit of a sidelong glance, which made Blaise think there was some dissension in the herd. "Burn sage around your ritual space to clarify and purify the area before you begin."
"Thank you," Hermione responded.
"Good luck to you, Sorceress," Magorian nodded. "We wish you well."
Blaise mulled over what the ponies had said. The four humans stood in the empty clearing for a moment then Hermione turned and headed back the way they'd come. They walked in silence out of the forest.
"They talked at least," Blaise pointed out as they walked toward Hogsmeade. He noticed that Marcus was holding her hand tightly.
"They said you are strong enough to handle the magic," Sasha said. "That's good."
"Part of me thought I'd be out of danger after the second ritual," Hermione sighed. "But there was no basis for that thought. I was more concerned about my choice of partner, not safety. I need to be more vigilant and not make assumptions. Sloppiness in this situation can be fatal."
"So you must have as many Ancillary candidates as possible," Sasha reported. Blaise heard Marcus beginning to growl. "If we really care about Hermione, she needs all possible options. Would anyone rather see her dead than with another wizard? We need to trust in her magic to make the right choice."
"We can make sure as many wizards attend the third ritual as possible," Blaise finally sighed. He wanted one of his friends to end up with Hermione. The Russian was right, though. Blaise knew that they would ultimately step aside if it meant Hermione would be safe and happy.
"We can't control the future," Marcus finally said when they stopped just outside of Hogwarts grounds. He pulled Hermione close to him and enveloped him in his arms. "Tonight though, you are all mine, princess."
Blaise watched the couple disappear as Marcus Apparated them away. He sighed and patted the Russian on the shoulder.
"Come on, Sasha," Blaise said. "Let's go find the guys at the pub and get pissed."
OoOoO
Hermione held tightly to Marcus until the dizziness of side-along passed. She looked around and saw that they were back in the woods. She snorted, thinking that she shouldn't be surprised. This forest, however, was unlike the forbidden forest. It was more mountainous and they were standing on a gravel drive that led to an impressive looking lodge.
"Come along, princess," Marcus smiled, leading her up the drive. It was so quiet that Hermione could hear the wind in the trees, birds chirping, and the crunch of the gravel under their feet.
The lodge was also quiet. No other people were coming or going. Hermione almost didn't notice the two people standing inside. Both were dressed in white robes.
"Welcome," the witch said softly, smiling. "Your evening is arranged as you specified, Mr. Flint."
"You may change through there," the wizard said, gesturing to a doorway.
Marcus, still holding her hand, led her into a very luxurious locker room.
"Is this a spa?" Hermione asked, feeling excited.
"Seemed like one of the best ways to relax you," Marcus replied, throwing his robe onto a bench. He pulled his shirt over his head and Hermione stared, her mouth feeling dry all of a sudden. He looked as strong and solid as he felt. Every muscle in his torso was clearly defined. Hermione imagined running her tongue along the ridges of his abdomen. "It was either this or shag you until you passed out from exhaustion."
Hermione watched his hands unbuttoning his trousers. Before she could see anything good, he paused.
"Of course, if you prefer the shagging, it's not too late to pick that," Marcus grinned. Hermione snapped out of her half-naked Marcus induced daze.
"No, the spa will be lovely," Hermione blushed. She looked about and saw a thick white bathrobe that would fit her.
Hermione busied herself taking off her jacket and pulling off her heavy boots, trying not to notice Marcus out of the corner of her eye. A flash of skin told her he wore nothing under his trousers. She turned her back to him fully, knowing they would be unforgivably late if she got distracted. As she pulled off her top and tossed her bra over with her other clothes, she heard a groan. Hermione looked over her shoulder at Marcus. He was wrapped in his own bathrobe and he was staring at her through half-lidded, lust-filled eyes.
"I had the sense not to watch, since there are people waiting on us," Hermione smirked. She pushed her trousers down her legs slower than was necessary, bending over as she went. Hermione considered that it may not be nice to tease, but she didn't much care. She should've realized that teasing Marcus was not the same as when she teased Draco the night before changing into her costume.
As she was bent over, stepping out of her trousers, Hermione felt large hands grip her hips and Marcus pressing into her rear.
"To hell with those people," Marcus growled. His hands pulled her back toward him tightly. She could feel his arousal easily through her thin knickers and his robe. Marcus ran his large, rough hands slowly up her spine, feeling her bare skin. Hermione thought she heard a low rumble coming from him, like a cross between a growl and a purr. She sighed and enjoyed the feeling of his warm hands. They were so large they easily spanned the width of her back. He slid around and palmed her breasts, pulling her upright, but still pressed tight against his body. He leaned down and ran his tongue up the side of her neck.
"You shouldn't tease, princess," Marcus whispered in her ear. "You know I want you more than anything."
Hermione turned in his arms and caught his lips with hers before he had a chance to stand back up straight. She brought her hands up to his face and pressed herself as close to him as she could get. Hermione forgot that people were waiting on them and she almost forgot where they were. Marcus was squeezing her arse with one hand, the other cradling the back of her head. She doubted she could physically pull back from him if she tried, and she had no desire to try.
All of a sudden, Marcus broke their kiss. He turned to glare at the door and Hermione realized someone had been knocking. She hadn't heard it.
"Did you find everything?" a cheerful male voice asked.
"Yes," Marcus responded. "We'll be right there."
Heaving a sigh, Marcus reached for Hermione's bathrobe. She felt like objecting, but it wouldn't be prudent to get carried away. Therefore, she pouted while Marcus helped her into her robe, securing the belt.
The helpful wizard outside the door led the couple to a room that only had two walls. The room was open to the early evening air. A large fire kept any chill out of the spring air. A comfortable lounge area was set up and they sat on a cushioned bench that had no back or arms.
"Welcome to introduction to couples massage," the witch smiled. "This evening we will focus on muscle relaxation, followed by techniques to ground and soothe magical energy."
Hermione smiled. A massage would be wonderful, but one by Marcus would be even better. She would get to rub him down as well. Hermione wasn't sure if it would be very relaxing though, given the amount of tension that was generated whenever Marcus touched her. She figured that the presence of two strangers in the room with them may dampen her enthusiasm for her wizard.
They started simply enough with a hand massage. The teachers demonstrated on each other and provided oil that smelled like sandalwood and bergamot. Hermione took Marcus' huge hand and did as she was instructed. She worked all the small muscles in his hands, deciding to focus on her task rather than thinking about the delicious things those hands could do to her. Although she did make a mental note that limber, relaxed hands could be a benefit to her later.
Next, they were taught the principles of foot massage and the instructors demonstrated. Marcus took Hermione's small feet into his lap and began kneading the balls and arch of her foot, just like they were shown. Hermione couldn't suppress her groan of happiness. His touch was firm but gentle. Marcus did one foot then the other. Hermione didn't know when she'd ever had a better, more thorough foot rub.
Next Hermione practiced the scalp, neck, and shoulder massage that they learned. She focused on the muscle groups and pressure points they were shown. Marcus moaned contentedly and leaned into her hands. The next lesson was back massage. Hermione lay down on the bench with her robe pulled down to knickers. Marcus did such a good job rubbing her back; she was so relaxed, that Hermione felt like her bones were made of jelly.
The instructors brought over a towel and draped it over her bum so they could remove the robe entirely. They began explaining the concepts behind magical massage. Massage could stimulate the flow of magical energy or ground it. Since Hermione needed no extra stimulation, they primarily taught Marcus grounding techniques. Warm obsidian stones were pressed onto her muscles then placed in strategic spots. Marcus also learned a simple spell to visualize her magic. Hermione was still laying face down, so she didn't get to see what the others saw. Whatever it was, it made them all gasp.
"I've never seen magic like this before. It's so… strong and convoluted," the masseuse breathed.
"We don't expect a massage to fix this," Marcus said, his tone bordering on snappish. "We are just hoping anything might help, temporarily."
Hermione suppressed her curiosity. She decided that she really didn't want to see her magic. If it looked anything like it felt, then she didn't need to see it. Marcus gently soothed her body, seeming to focus on certain areas. She guessed he was focusing on magical hot spots that he could see. Whatever the reason - the stones, the eucalyptus oil, or the soft chanting Marcus was doing; it felt good. Hermione didn't think she would be able to lie quietly and relax, considering that the first ritual was the next day, but she felt her mind turn off.
"Come on, princess," Marcus whispered in her ear. Hermione shook herself out of her relaxed haze. The others, the lodge masseuse and masseur, had left.
"Wow," Hermione breathed. "It was like I was just floating in space. I wasn't tense or even thinking about anything."
"That was the goal," Marcus chuckled. "Think you can walk?"
"I'll manage," Hermione said, smiling. Marcus stared at her nakedness as she stood, but helped her back into her robe like a gentleman.
"Then let's go get dirty," Marcus said, leading her out one of the open walls into the forest. Both of them were barefoot, but the path was smooth packed dirt and moss. The climbed uphill for a while and then came to a small ravine brightly lit with floating globes. Marcus pointed out steps worn into the rocks that took them down into the ravine.
"What in earth is that?" Hermione pointed to a pool filled with grey-brown sludge.
"That's exactly what it is – earth." Marcus laughed. "This lodge is famous for their mineral mud baths, so hop in, princess."
Hermione stared at the ooze for a minute, wide-eyed. Marcus untied her robe and tossed it to the side.
"Feel free to leave your knickers on," Marcus advised, throwing his robe after hers. Hermione was distracted by his nudity, her eyes traveling down his chest to his rippled abdomen, and then to the impressive package he had between his legs. He took her hands and the stepped into the pool of mud together.
"It's kind of warm," Hermione said, surprised.
"There are thermal pools here in the rocks that bring the mud up to body temperature."
Hermione slowly descended into the pool, pausing when she was in waist deep. Marcus picked up a container of utensils that she hadn't noticed on the edge of the rocks. He selected a wide brush and dipped it in the mud. Then he began painting the mud onto her chest, swirling the brush around her breasts and making her giggle. Hermione picked out a ladle and began spooning mud onto his shoulders, watching it drip down his chest. Hermione felt like a child, feeling the thick mud ooze and squelch through her fingers and toes. They were laughing and mud was dripping everywhere. Marcus eventually tipped a cup filled with mud over her head, wiping it away from her eyes. Hermione sputtered and lobed a handful of mud at him that landed right on his forehead. Soon, they were literally covered from head to toe.
They relaxed into the mud. Floating in such thickness felt strange, but interesting. Marcus pulled her close to him and they sat in mud, talking, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He talked about Hogwarts, the war, playing Quidditch, his family, and his history with witches. Marcus was honest about his… adventurous and colorful past with Quidditch groupies.
"Didn't you ever want something consistent, something lasting?" Hermione wondered aloud.
"I want that with you," Marcus said simply. "I want what my parents have; mutual respect, understanding, and affection. Groupies aren't looking for a partner, a life-mate. They are looking for a score, a thrill. To some witches, famous athletes are like the trading cards that come in chocolate frogs – they compete to see how many different ones they can get. They never wanted to get to know me, and I wasn't about to share myself with them. "
"But you probably weren't complaining about all the shagging you were doing," Hermione snorted. It was sweet that Marcus wanted to make a life with her, but it wasn't in her control. And it's not as if he didn't spend years shagging more than his fair share of witches, sometimes several at a time, and often not ever learning their names.
"Nope, I wasn't complaining until more recently," Marcus agreed, grinning. "I have a healthy sexual appetite and it has only been in the past few months that random sex has become distasteful to me. On the plus side, I've got it completely out of my system and I may have picked up some interesting ideas you'd like to try one day."
"Like what?"
"Have you ever had multiple partners at once?"
"No," Hermione blushed, but it was impossible to see that under all the mud. "I've never had multiple partners at all, until now."
"Are you interested in trying it?"
"Like you, me, and another witch?"
"No, princess. You're all the witch I want. I was talking about myself and one or more of your other wizards."
"Oh," Hermione squeaked. Maybe Selma was right. Maybe she was in the perfect position to live out her fantasy. "I'm not going to say I've never thought of it. But I want to spend alone time with each of you, to really get to know you. You are so different."
"Most people assume we are similar," Marcus pointed out. "We were all in Slytherin, all come from money, and all found ourselves on the wrong side of a war. Theo is the only one who didn't play Quidditch in school, but he's always ready for a pick-up game. We are all competitive, we like to win, and we do very well at our chosen professions. We can all be sneaky and devious when we want to be, so you'll have to watch out for that. We are also protective, probably excessively. I think it comes from the war and all the losses. We hold tightly, sometimes too tightly, to those we care about."
"You're right; you have a lot in common. It's no wonder you are all such good friends." Hermione thought about them each individually and as a group. "But I still think you really are different in a lot of ways."
"I'm glad you notice," Marcus said seriously. Then he shifted topics. "Ready to stop rolling around in the mud?"
Hermione nodded. She wondered if he was purposefully trying to keep her from over-analyzing, especially in light of what the centaurs said. It was a lot of pressure to know she had to find her perfect match or she would die. She couldn't begin to choose between these four wizards. She wanted them all. Hermione hoped her magic was somehow smarter or more decisive than she was.
Marcus helped her out of the slippery pool and Hermione looked about for some way to clean up. She found nothing.
"Time for a walk, princess," Marcus said, tucking her arm into his. They both looked like grey-brown mud people. She couldn't even see the definition on his beautiful muscles anymore.
Hermione decided to go along with whatever he had planned. They walked leisurely through the woods, staying on the smooth, mossy paths. Neither one of them was wearing a robe. Their mud paint covered all their bits and pieces. Hermione still had her knickers, but they were covered in the ooze and plastered to her skin. An observer wouldn't even know they were there.
After several minutes, Hermione noticed that the mud was hardening and making her skin feel tight. It was getting more and more difficult to bend her knees and elbows. The muddy clay was turning to brick.
"Marcus," Hermione said, hardly able to move her mouth. "It's drying."
"I know. It's not too much farther now."
They came upon another little valley in the hillside, lit up like the one before. This one had a clear pool at the center. The water was steaming slightly. It was hard to talk and Marcus guided her down the mossy steps.
Hermione and Marcus sunk into the hot water. She assumed this was one of those thermal pools he'd mentioned before. It felt wonderful. Marcus submerged himself and rubbed his face mostly clean. He pulled flannels from the edge of the pool and began gently wiping mud off Hermione. He slowly cleaned every inch of her, sometimes adding in the massage techniques they'd learned for whatever part of the body he was focused on. It felt amazing. Marcus also discarded her knickers. They were hopelessly muddy.
Almost too soon, Hermione was stark naked and mud free. Marcus was mostly clean due to the water and steam. Hermione took a flannel from him and made sure his back and face were clean. Then they were two people swimming together naked in steamy water. Hermione ran her hands over him. They'd spent this whole date touching in various states of undress and cleanliness, but she wasn't the least bit tired of touching him. Marcus seated himself on a ledge and pulled Hermione into his lap. She straddled his waist and faced him. Sitting that way, she was face to face with the large wizard.
"You are so lovely," Hermione sighed, skimming her fingertips down the side of his face. Marcus snorted.
"Ades is the lovely one," Marcus objected, leaning into her hand.
"Adrian is beautiful, romantic, and sensitive," Hermione corrected. "He is lovely, in his way. You, Marcus Flint, are lovely in your way - and don't you forget it."
Hermione thought she saw him blush, but couldn't be sure. That would be a feat, making Marcus blush. She really did think he was lovely. He wasn't pretty and sentimental, but he was sexy and practical. She didn't say it, but she thought the date he planned was romantic even if the activities were designed to get her naked and filthy.
Marcus slid a hand up her back to her neck and pulled her face to his. Hermione loved kissing Marcus. It was so raw and all-encompassing. She got wrapped up on his drugging kisses, his soft but firm lips, the nips with his teeth and flicks of his tongue. Hermione began rocking on his lap, her wet, slippery skin sliding against his substantial hardness.
"Unless you want to shag out here under the stars, we need to stop, princess," Marcus rasped, pulling away from their kiss.
"I want you inside me, Marcus, so much," Hermione lamented, sliding away from him. Part of her wanted to throw a temper tantrum. The past several days, all her dates, had been wonderful; but it was like having three days of foreplay. She'd always been satisfied, but at that moment it felt like it had been a delicious starter while waiting for the main course.
"But you aren't ready?" Marcus ventured.
"I am so very ready," she pouted. "I have four amazing wizards at my disposal, but I am too unstable. My magic is too unpredictable, too dangerous. I don't know if proper sex will have a different effect than what's happened so far, but I can't risk it. I'm a grown witch, not a randy teenager. I can control myself."
"Being frustrated isn't healthy for you," Marcus pointed out.
"Maybe after this ritual is over, things might be different," Hermione said hopefully.
"In the mean time, come here," Marcus instructed. He pulled Hermione out of the pool over toward a mossy bank with towels and robes. She went to put on one of the robes, but Marcus put it back. He lay a towel down on the moss and lowered himself down, taking her with him.
"I only had a brief taste the other day," Marcus said, teasing her earlobe with his teeth and pulling gently on her breast.
Before she could formulate a response, Marcus had laid back and lifted her up so she was kneeling over his face. Hermione was open and exposed. She blushed. He'd gone down on her before, but now he was just looking at her. She moved a hand to cover herself, but Marcus knocked it away.
"You're beautiful," he scolded. "I'm trying to memorize you. Let me see you."
Hermione felt self-conscious, but let him stare. His adoring gaze made her feel a little more comfortable. After a while, he began lightly touching her - his fingers tracing every fold. Hermione moaned and closed her eyes. It was too soft, not enough for what she wanted but intensely arousing.
Hermione tried to find something to focus on. She saw Marcus' jutting erection over her shoulder and swiftly turned to face it. She could tell Marcus wanted to object to her moving, but she was repositioned over his face before he had a chance. Now though, she could reach out and touch him the same way he was touching her. She ran her fingers down his abdomen and circled around the base. He was massive, which was proportional to his overall size. Hermione brushed her hands lightly over the warm thickness. It was so hard, but his skin was so smooth and soft. Marcus groaned.
Without warning, she felt his tongue press into her center. He threw her off balance and Hermione leaned forward. She found herself in a wonderful position, just close enough to his beautiful cock. Hermione ran the tip of her tongue up the shaft, making Marcus rumble. The sound caused a wonderful vibration between her legs. It was utterly decadent. Marcus' tongue was exploring and licking every nook and cranny. Hermione was likewise exploring Marcus with her mouth. She took the head in her mouth and swirled her tongue around it. She couldn't fit his entire length in her mouth; he was just too big. That didn't stop her from tasting every inch of him.
Marcus kept distracting her with his wicked tongue. He teased her opening, his tongue going further into her opening than she thought possible. It was maddening the way he would bring her so close only to back away.
"Stop teasing and make me come, Marcus!" Hermione finally groaned. He chuckled against her skin.
"Patience, princess. I'll give you what you need."
Hermione took her frustration out on Marcus' cock, which was rock hard and weeping liquid at the tip. He must have been as ready as she was. She scraped her teeth along his sensitive skin. Marcus growled and nipped at her folds. He could be so gentle with her, which was surprising given his size. However, Hermione liked it best when he was rough. It felt primal and a little feral. Marcus also teased her clit with his teeth, gently pulling the sensitive bead. That was all Hermione needed. She felt her orgasm slam into her, hard, screaming Marcus' name.
The now familiar white light burst forth. Marcus gripped her hips tightly, which Hermione hoped would keep both of them from being thrown. She felt a rumble underneath them, but was distracted by Marcus coming. What seemed like an unusually large amount of warm, thick liquid jet onto his stomach, splashing Hermione as well. Marcus was panting and moaning her name.
"Are you okay?" she asked, sliding off him so she could look around for damage. Last time she'd done this in a forest, she broke all the trees.
"Never better," Marcus managed to respond as he caught his breath. "That was amazing."
"Nothing's broken?"
Marcus sat up and looked around, assessing the situation. Hermione did the same, since Marcus looked fine.
"I think that little earthquake you caused was it, princess," Marcus said, grinning. Hermione scoffed and rolled her eyes. An earthquake wasn't a little thing. She hoped none of the pools were damaged or altered. Marcus started chuckling.
"What?"
"I was so good, the earth literally moved. I can't wait to tell the others," Marcus teased. Hermione gave his shoulder a shove and rolled her eyes again. She knew he was teasing, but she found that she didn't mind the idea of the four wizards she was dating talking about her to each other. "And I seem to have made a mess."
Marcus retrieved cloths to wipe themselves off and brought back new robes as well. Once they were clean and wrapped in the fluffy white robes, Marcus led them down another path.
Nestled along the mountain face were a series of caves. One of the caves was well lit with floating candles and a fire in a hearth. There was also a low table set for dinner and surrounded by cushions. Hermione and Marcus settled down on the pillows, sitting next to each other on one side of the table.
A wizard dressed in white robes that seemed standard for the spa brought them a lovely dinner. Steak, potatoes, and mushrooms followed an endive salad. A robust, earthy red wine flowed. Dessert was a simple pot of melted dark chocolate with pieces of fruit and cake for dipping.
Hermione relaxed over the leisurely dinner. She and Marcus talked and also ate in comfortable silence. Hermione felt like focusing on the future instead of thinking about the next day. She told Marcus that she wanted a house. They talked about what they each wanted in a home. That led to a conversation about family and children, about where they wanted to go in their careers. Marcus wasn't particularly interested in getting ahead at work. He liked the job he had and liked to keep busy. He talked about spending more time at home if he ever had children, doing things with them and coaching children's Quidditch teams. It was a side of Marcus that Hermione hadn't ever considered. It felt so nice, so homey and comfortable, to relax in his arms and fantasize about the distant future.
Hermione had no idea what time it was, but she began yawning. Marcus summoned the waiter and instructed him to fetch their clothing from the lodge.
"But I don't want to leave," Hermione sighed sleepily, leaning into the large, warm wizard. "We are talking."
"You need to get a good night's sleep, princess," Marcus soothed. "I won't leave you."
"Promise?" Hermione closed her eyes and nestled deeper into Marcus' arms.
"I promise," he replied seriously.
Hermione felt Marcus pull her into his arms and stand, cradling her easily in his strong arms. She vaguely registered him taking a bundle from the waiter and slinging it over his shoulder. Hermione was so tired; the side-along Apparition hardly bothered her at all. She saw they were back at Spinner's End and Marcus carried her inside. The house was quiet and they went straight upstairs. Hermione pointed out her room and they quietly settled in. Marcus removed Hermione's robe and laid her on the bed. He then tossed his robe onto a chair and joined her under the covers.
Hermione curled into Marcus, feeling comfortable and safe.
"Goodnight, Marcus," she whispered happily.
"Goodnight, princess," he whispered back. "Go to sleep, I've got you."
"I know you do," Hermione replied, entirely sure in that moment that he did have her.
Next - more Weasleys and some ritual business