Disclaimer: don't own.
That's what happened in chapter 25:
Jana stared at him, appalled. "Marc… you cannot be serious… you are my brother… my everything! There never were any romantic feelings involved! Why do you have to destroy our relationship?" Jana had tears in her eyes again. "How can you do that to me?"
Marc just sat there, opening and closing his mouth. Jana gave a strangled sort of cry and stormed out of the Great Hall. She ran as fast as she could to the Slytherin common room. How can Marc do that to her? She loved him dearly – in a brotherly way and she needed him – as a brother. But now that he had romantic feelings, everything would change.
It was just sick. She opened the portrait hole and went into the common room, plopping down on the sofa nearest the fire. It was only then that she noticed that Harry was sitting next to her…
Marc just sat there, sobbing into his hands and Hermione removed her disillusionment charm. She put a cold hand on his shoulder and hugged him.
"Sssshhh, Marc, I'll help you."
On with the story:
"My – brother – is – in – love – with – me." Jana breathed heavily when she arrived in Tom's headboy chambers.
"What?" Tom asked aghast, putting aside the book he had been reading. "What do you mean; he is in love with you?"
"He's just declared his love for me." Jana sank down on the sofa, putting her face in her hands. "And I feel really… well… betrayed. He destroyed our relationship with this one sentence. How can I trust him ever again?" Jana moaned in agony.
"Oh, Jana." Tom said in an appalled voice. "That's really BAD. But it explains everything, you know. His jealousness, his overprotectiveness… How did he react when you told him you were pregnant?"
"He told me it was fine, and he would stand by me and support me – which surprised me actually. And then he told me he loved me. How can he do that? I'm his SISTER. His twin sister." Jana said dejectedly.
"You are very attractive, Jana, in case you've forgotten." Tom half-smirked at her. "But it's still disgusting that your brother is in love with you. I mean, you've known each other since birth. Don't you think it was just an infatuation? A kind of obsessive infatuation?"
Jana didn't answer. "He even asked me if I felt the same!"
Tom gave a hollow disbelieving laugh. "And do you?"
"Are you crazy? Of course, I don't feel the same. I love him – but I love him as a brother, because that's what he obviously is. Nothing more and nothing less." Jana shook her head. "That's what I told him."
"Look, give him time. I'm sure; he'll get over you and find someone else." Tom said softly, moving over to Jana and giving her a big hug.
"Yeah… probably." Jana mumbled non-committedly into Tom's shoulder.
"But since you are so conveniently here in the headboy chambers, all alone… why don't we have some fun?" Tom asked suggestively, raising one eyebrow.
"Sounds GREAT." Jana grinned.
"Thank you." Tom bent down and kissed her passionately.
When he carried her bridal style to the bed, he mumbled in her ear. "I love you, Jana."
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"I love her… I truly love her. I would do so much for her." Marc said, letting a few tears escape. "I would be a much better partner than Riddle."
Hermione inwardly agreed, anyone would be a better partner than Riddle, wouldn't they… but thought better of it.
"Listen, Marc, Tom is obviously right for her and he treats HER very well." Hermione said, wondering if it was actually true. "She is your sister and it's not normal to fall in love with your own sister. Ok, it's not unheard of, but not really normal. Besides, Marc, didn't you have a date with this Hufflepuff girl?"
"Yes, I did, but she isn't even half as perfect for me as Jana." Marc said dejectedly.
"But she is your sister. You can't have her! Besides, she is with Tom, they are expecting a baby and they will probably get married sometime in the future." 'If everything goes well.' she added inwardly. "Marc, you have to get over her. NOW!"
Marc nodded. "I know, Hermione, I know…. but I don't know how." he said and his face fell. "I'll probably never find anyone else."
"Wasn't there ever a girl you fell in love with – apart from Jana I mean?" Hermione asked, hit by a sudden inspiration.
"Uhm…" Marc thought for a moment. "No." he finally answered, though not meeting Hermione's eye.
Hermione looked at Marc directly. He was quite handsome, she had to admit. He looked similar to Jana; both of them had blonde hair and grey eyes. Marc was a bit taller than Hermione and even Jana, he too had pale, but perfect skin, some freckles were on his nose and he had full, kissable lips. When he smiled, his smile lit up his whole face and his teeth were white and gleaming. Furthermore, he had the typical pureblood aristocratic features that the other houses, except Slytherin, so lacked.
Marc suddenly looked up at Hermione and Hermione knew in an instant. She would make him see sense. She would just have to try. She didn't want to have a relationship with Malfoy, she also didn't want to have one with Marc to be quite frank. However, she wanted him to see sense – to steer his thoughts away from Jana.
Slowly, very slowly, Hermione inched closer. "Marc… you have to get over your sister." she said, trying to make her voice sound alluring and sexy.
Marc locked eyes with her and leaned in closer. "Yes, Hermione, I know… I just have to try." he replied huskily.
"You don't know if you've never tried it out before." Hermione answered, her mouth a breath away from his.
Praying that neither Malfoy, nor Harry and Ron would spot her, she leaned in for a kiss. Marc's lips were soft and welcoming. He seemed shy at the beginning – so unlike Malfoy – but thawed up when Hermione slung her arms around his shoulders. Marc took her hips and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss at well.
Hermione had to admit, she liked it. And if she was a hundred percent honest, she knew she preferred kissing Marc to kissing Malfoy. Not that she would tell anyone. Ever.
Hermione could tell – just by kissing him – that he was a gentleman through and through. She felt safe and respected at the same time, melting into the kiss.
Hermione knew one thing. She had kissed several young men; Krum, Malfoy and Marc… and the latter one was the one she would miss when she returned to the future.
A little while later, Hermione pulled away and looked deeply into Marc's eyes. He too, was staring at her, a little smile playing his puffy lips. He looked adorable with his now tousled hair and red cheeks. No one could deny that he wasn't attractive. Hermione supposed that he had never really looked for other girls, because he was so in love with Jana.
"Hermione." Marc said softly. "That was… great."
Hermione's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Marc. I liked it too."
"Thank you." Marc said, slightly bowing his head.
"Now, can you see that your sister isn't the only one around?" Hermione asked, her cheeks pink.
"Yes, Hermione, definitely. I didn't really know what it was like to look for other women. I didn't know what it was like to kiss somebody. I never really saw myself with someone else who wasn't my sister. But now… I think I quite like the idea." Marc said quietly.
Hermione smiled in contentment.
"Will we do it again?" Marc asked and Hermione's heart plummeted.
"What?"
"Come here." Marc said, grinning at her, pulling her back down on the bench. "I haven't had enough yet."
And hungrily, both of them resumed kissing, both never wanting to let go.
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When Hermione went to bed later, a lot of thoughts kept running through her head.
What did Marc exactly want from her? Just some kissing or a relationship? How would he react when he found out that Hermione wasn't interested? Would he accept it or would it even strengthen his crush for Jana?
What about Malfoy? She had betrayed him. Of course, in her conscience, she would say it was for the greater good, for their mission… but still… she had betrayed him. She felt terrible. What should she do? The only good thing was that Malfoy was at home and not here at Hogwarts and she would need to face him much later.
What about Jana and Tom? Their relationship was very important… especially for the future.
What about Jana and Marc? They were twins after all, they needed to improve their relationship and not let a stupid crush get in their way.
How would Harry and Ron react?
Hermione had no answers.
She rolled over to the other side and glared at the ceiling. Life was so unfair. It was absolutely and completely fucked up.
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The next morning dawned grey and cold and Hermione didn't feel like partaking in the Christmas mood. To her surprise though, she had received presents, from Harry, Ron, Jana, Eileen and Abraxas. It would be a shame not to open them. Shrugging, Hermione opened gifts from her friends, books and sweets alike. Then it was time for Abraxas' gift. It was wrapped in expensive green and silver wrapping paper and had a card attached.
'To my sweetheart Hermione.'
The card said.
With trembling fingers, Hermione opened the gift – and found – a dark blue box inside. Curious, she opened the box and saw a beautiful silver bracelet, two snakes kissing each other and entwining their bodies.
"Aaaaah, that's so beautiful." Jana said in awe. "Abraxas is such a sweetie."
"Yes, he is." Hermione said in wonder and fresh guilt surged through her. How could she have betrayed Abraxas like that? "What did you get?" she asked Jana to distract her from gloomy thoughts.
"Eileen gave me a potion for shiny hair, MARC sent me a silver necklace and Tom gave me a ring." Jana said and gleefully opened the box of the ring which Hermione recognized. Ah, probably from the same company.
Inside the small box was a beautiful silver ring, with emerald lines and a diamond stud.
"Wow." Hermione breathed. "Is it an engagement ring?"
"Nah…"Jana shook her head. "At least he never mentioned an engagement. By the way, thank you for your homework planner."
"Yeah. Thank you for your Bertie Botts every flavor beans and the book on Australian wizards." Hermione smiled. "Jana, I have to tell you something and I need your help. I kissed Marc."
"Whhhat? How?" Jana was surprised.
"Yesterday, after your fight, I tried to comfort Marc and I obviously wanted to steer his thoughts away from you. And then he kissed me." Hermione hung her head. "But I just reacted by instinct – I'm not in love with him."
Jana nodded. "Yeah, besides, you are in love with Abraxas."
Hermione couldn't really confirm that so she kept her mouth shut.
"Now, what should I do?"
"First of all, don't tell Abraxas. Never ever."
"Of course I won't." Hermione laughed. "What about Marc? Don't you think he would get even more upset about you if I don't return his feelings?"
"That might be a possibility." Jana said thoughtfully. "But maybe it was just a fling for him as well… maybe he is in love with someone else?"
"Like who?"
"The Italian Ravenclaw… Georgina or something. I caught them giggling together in the library." Jana said, grinning from ear to ear.
"Really? Wow. He never striked me as the bookworm." Hermione admitted.
"But she is – she is a Ravenclaw after all." Jana said as if that settled everything.
"So you think he is in love with her?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know, Hermione, I don't know. We'll find out in a few minutes at breakfast."
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"Good morning, Marc."
"Good morning, Jana." Marc hardly dared to breathe; he hardly even looked into her eyes.
"It's okay." Jana shook her head. "Just don't expect me to reciprocate your feelings."
"You are not mad at me?" Marc wondered.
"No. I know it's just a stupid crush, a stupid infatuation anyway. And apart from that, you kissed Hermione yesterday." Jana grinned.
"How do you know?" Marc was completely baffled.
"Marc…" Hermione rolled her eyes. "Do you really think that girls never talk?"
"Oh." Marc blushed to his roots. "Well… it was a nice evening, Hermione."
"Thank you." Hermione blushed too.
"Didn't that kind of open your eyes that there are other girls out there who are not related to you?" Jana asked crisply.
"Yes, sister. It did. It really did. Hermione helped me a great deal." Marc smiled at Hermione. "Although I'm really grateful and everything, I can't possibly be together with you. And aren't you together with Malfoy anyway?"
Oh shit.
"Yes, she is." Jana said sourly. "Soooo?"
"Just checking." Marc smiled his breathtaking smile.
"So, you are not angry at me? I kissed you although I'm together with Abraxas?" Hermione asked, hardly daring to breathe.
"No, I am grateful." Marc grinned.
"Oh great. I was afraid you would want us to be … well…. now since we kissed." Hermione murmured.
"Fear not." Marc laughed. "Don't worry, Hermione. I actually thought about everything, yesterday night and I came to the conclusion that I WAS in love with someone."
Hermione and Jana held their breaths, looking at Marc curiously.
"Her name is Georgia and she is in Ravenclaw." Marc announced proudly.
"That's great." Jana squealed and hugged her brother. "I'm happy for you. Does she know about your existence?"
"Oh, yes. We've already talked a few times. And we will go out together, as soon as she is back from her holidays. Her family lives in Italy, you know." Marc said, his face now beetred.
"Oooooh." Jana said, grinning. "Mama mia."
"Shut up." Marc rolled is eyes.
"No, I'm having too much fun." Jana smirked when at that moment, Tom appeared, looking thunderous.
"Marc! Now! Out!" he said in a dangerous, frosty voice.
"Oh, no, Tom, Marc and I talked about everything and it's completely f-" but Jana was cut off by Tom's icy tone.
"You will get out with me, Marc. NOW." Tom's voice could have cut steel.
"Why should I?" Marc asked through gritted teeth, not showing the fear he probably felt. He eyed Tom's wand fearfully.
"You will learn to love what's made for you and not your own sister, you're scum." Tom yanked on Marc's sleeve and pulled him upwards. "We will talk about that. NOW." and with that Tom pushed a pale-faced Marc out of the Great Hall.
"Follow them, Jana!" Hermione said in alarm. "He's going to hurt him."
Jana didn't need to be told twice. With a swift movement, she got up from the bench and ran after Tom and Marc. The sight that greeted her outside the Great Hall wasn't beautiful at all. Tom who was taller than Marc, had his wand pointed at Marc's face. Marc cowered in front of him, not daring to say anything.
Tom smirked dangerously and started to circle his prey, in that case, Marc.
"Tom!" Jana yelled. "Stop it now! Marc and I talked about that and I decided to forgive him. And it's alright. He doesn't love me any longer – it was just a stupid infatuation anyway." Jana said desperately.
"Jana – this person is able to do much more damage. Do you really want to forgive him so easily?" Tom asked with loathing.
"Yes, I will forgive him, because I know he feels wretched and he is my twin brother. It probably cost him everything to even tell me. It will take time to get over the shock – sure – but staying away from each other wouldn't do any good. Besides, Marc already told me he has a flame." Jana said urgently. "And lastly… today is Christmas day. Let's not fight, boys. And both of you – Tom and Marc – thank you for your presents, but no one has actually wished me a Merry Christmas." Jana said, tapping her foot and trying her best to get them to stop.
Obviously, she was successful.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Jana." Marc said, running over to his sister and hugging her. "Merry Christmas, of course."
"Merry Christmas to you too." Jana said warmly. Marc gave her another smile and a wink and gratefully scrambled off back into the Great Hall.
"Jana, what you did was very Hufflepuff-like." Tom said, a half-smirk on his face. "Marc should be really grateful for his wonderful sister."
"Ah." Jana blushed. "I'm sure, he is."
"Well… Merry Christmas, to you my darling. Oh and thank you for your present." Tom said, pulling her closer and kissing her softly… lovingly.
Jana felt her knees go weak – again – and melted into his arms. "Merry Christmas… to you… too and thank you… for your presents." Jana said in between kisses.
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"Hermione, you look beautiful." Jana said in awe. Hermione was wearing a pink dress, white shoes, a white handbag and her hair was straightened and put up in a severe bun. Her face was made-up and Jana couldn't help but goggle.
"You look different when you are made up." she stated.
Hermione laughed. "That's the whole point."
"Is your bag packed?"
"Yes." Hermione answered simply.
"Well then, where is it?" Jana looked around the room, dumbfounded.
"It's all here in my white handbag." Hermione grinned. "A simple reducio does the trick."
"So, when will I see you again?" Jana asked, a bit sad that Hermione had to leave for Malfoy's ball.
"In 5 days. Abraxas and I will come back with the other students." Hermione answered.
"Okay. Well, I wish you a lot of fun, Hermione." Jana smiled at her and hugging her tightly. "How will you get there?"
"Headmaster Dippett has allowed me to use his fire for this occasion only." Hermione smiled. "Bye then."