A Lynx to the Past – Chapter 14 (Surprising Comrades)
Marcus had been thinking hard recently since the event in the Hospital Wing happened. The best he could explain on what emotion he was feeling, was that he experiencing feelings of fear. Something that he had revealed to Terence as well. Since it was obvious that Marcus could never keep anything hidden from his best mate.
At first Terence was shocked and speechless at Marcus' words. And then he caught onto Marcus' feelings of fear. Because he was experiencing them himself. And the reason of the feelings of fear for both Slytherins, was the topic of Ezio, himself.
Both Slytherins doubted that Ezio caught onto why there was a sudden protectiveness. Though he seemed to soak the attention right up. Marcus couldn't help having a fond smile cross his face. He couldn't help but find the feline adorable, even when he was sleeping.
The reason for their fear concerning Ezio was simple. Marcus and Terence were worried that if Ezio's healing ability was leaked out, that someone would want to have Ezio for their own personal gains. The protection laws for familiar wouldn't matter much if someone decided to kidnap the feline. Though the laws could be very harsh if that person was caught. That didn't mean that Marcus and Terence wanted to take any chances.
He knew that a lot of places would love to force Ezio's healing ability if they could. And Marcus was far too attached to Ezio to want to let him go. Though he knew that Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape would never reveal anything about Ezio. They were both fully aware of what would happen to Ezio if something like that leaked.
Not to count that Professor Snape was very protective of his Slytherins. And it seemed like Professor Snape saw Ezio as one of his Slytherins, despite that the feline was just a familiar of one his Slytherins. And it was common sense with Madam Pomfrey that he knew she wouldn't say anything. Mainly because of the confidentiality oath she had as a Healer. Plus, Marcus was positive that Madam Pomfrey had a soft spot for Ezio. Even if she didn't have her oath, she would never give away Ezio's ability.
Marcus and Terence fears were actually calmed by this. But that didn't stop the fear that something may happen in the future to threaten Ezio's life. Though Marcus laughed when Ezio used that moment to rub against Marcus' leg to get his attention.
Terence wondered if Ezio was getting annoyed at them talking and not paying attention to him. Though he did wonder how intelligent Ezio was. Even though, he would never know if Ezio could actually understand what they were saying. There was a hidden hope that he did, that would make any efforts to hide Ezio's ability that much easier. Especially if Ezio was aware that this wasn't something to be broadcasted about.
Marcus brushed his hand against Ezio's fur, a smile on his face. "Are we neglecting you?"
And by Ezio's whine, Marcus could take that as a yes.
Terence snorted, "whatever will you do…"
Marcus gave his friend a half glare at the sarcasm, "I hope he scratches you," he growled.
Terence gave a nervous chuckle, though he didn't dare to touch Ezio. Mainly because of the fact that he knew that Ezio loved Marcus more than him. Though he felt that Ezio tolerated him at best. So, the fact that Marcus teased that Ezio should scratch him. There was always the possibility that Ezio might actually do that.
"You are literally afraid that Ezio will actually scratch you," Marcus deadpanned.
"He actually listens and likes you," Terence defended.
Marcus snorted at that, "Ezio likes doing what he likes," he corrected. "Just because he likes being around me, doesn't mean that he actually listens to what I say. The only way he'll scratch you is if you didn't something to offend or hurt him."
Terence still looked unsure at that.
"Ezio," Marcus prompted.
Ezio brushed against Marcus' leg one last time before wandering over to Terence.
Terence's hand twitched before hesitantly brushing against Ezio's soft fur. He gave a short laugh as Ezio butted his head against his hand. He felt some of the fears that Ezio didn't like him fade away. Though most of that came from because Ezio did like to spend almost all of his time with Marcus. But he knew a lot of that was because Ezio was Marcus' familiar. It was only natural that Ezio would prefer Marcus, he had a bond with his friend.
Though Terence didn't discredit on what Marcus said. He knew that his friend was right. Ezio definitely had a mind of his own and wouldn't do something if he didn't want to. And the only time he saw Ezio scratch someone was when he felt threatened, the Malfoy heir was a prime example of that. But it wasn't like he would be able to ever threaten him again. And then there was Ezio actually scratching Marcus because he was upset with him. But he also healed him as well.
Terence smiled as Ezio started purring from the attention he was giving him. Maybe he actually underestimated on how much that Ezio liked him. He remembered when Ezio wouldn't go near Marcus when he first found him. Ezio had one hell of a temper for a feline.
Marcus gave a grin when he sat down at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall. Ezio had been riding on his shoulders, like normal. But Ezio decided to curl up in Terence's lap while they ate. Marcus did wonder if his friend actually thought that Ezio would scratch him if he dared to touch him. If that honestly was Terence's thoughts, then he had nothing to worry about. He knew that Ezio liked Terence well enough. And apparently Ezio thought Terence needed some reconfirmations for his fears.
That was when Terence's next actions caught Marcus' attention.
Terence had taken a sip of pumpkin juice when he spit it out. Thankfully, nobody was sitting in front of him. But he had gotten a lot of stares and glares for it. Since that was more of a Gryffindor action than a Slytherin one. Though it was soon forgotten when they realized the cause of it.
All because of the heading on the Daily Prophet, written by Rita Skeeter.
"TRUTH ABOUT HOGWARTS' HEADMASTER REVEALED!" was the headline of Rita's article.
Marcus eyebrows shot up when he caught a glimpse of the article himself. "I did wonder when she would finally publish that article."
That made Terence tear his eyes away from the newspaper.
"You knew about this!?" Terence accused.
Ezio's ears picked up in interest.
Marcus just smirked.
Terence groaned, "how?"
"Meeting in Hogsmeade," Marcus revealed.
Terence made another groan, this one softer than the first. "Of course…"
With that, Terence went back to reading the article. Now that Marcus had mentioned how Rita had gotten hold of the information, it was a lot easier to believe what she was about to say. Since she did have the habit of exaggerating information. Though he did notice that she got the words almost word for word. And it all matched to what Aberforth had said. And it definitely played a lot on the hatred that Slytherins had for Dumbledore. So, the fact that she helped imply that Dumbledore murdered his sister and used to be in leagues with Grindelwald would go a long way.
"You realize this could be the push that Madam Bones needs to charge Dumbledore," Terence commented.
Marcus nodded, "it will. It will definitely question the public if they want him as their Headmaster. Not to mention, he will always near their own children. So, we can expect the Board of Governors to get involved."
Terence nodded as he pointed out, "it'll be hard to say what the final push will be. They know that Dumbledore has a lot of influence."
"Which he will lose because of this article," Marcus retorted.
"Don't forget about that Gryffindors will still deny this as truth," Terence replied.
"Some maybe," Marcus conceded. "But don't forget that Bones is still working on the case with what happened in February with France and Potter missing."
Terence looked unsure at that, though he had never forgotten about that certain detail. Then there was the fact that the young witch had been released from Hospital Wing. Though there had been a rumor about the young witch returning back to France to Beauxbatons.
"Then why hasn't he been sacked yet?" Terence asked.
Marcus frowned, "hard to say. The Ministry has always been slow about doing things that are important. Though Bones will probably help speed that up a bit. I honestly can't see them booting him out this year."
"But you think it's possible," Terence pressed.
Marcus shrugged, "it's very possible if you work with the right people. But most in the Ministry is already corrupt and lovers of that old coot. Though France may be backing out some since the young Delacour witch is back in France."
"So that rumor was true!" Terence exclaimed.
Marcus nodded, "Professor McGonagall already informed me of her departure back to her school. Her parents were concerned with the outlandish behavior of Hogwarts Headmaster and how our Minister treated these events. I don't doubt that Madam Maxime has spoken to them as well."
"You think they're right?" Terence asked, scratching Ezio's chin.
"I do. Dumbledore is probably getting desperate with how the wizarding world will be against him. Do I think it is possible that he may try something against a twelve-year-old witch? Yes, I do," Marcus explained.
Terence frowned, he already knew that the more desperate a person got, the more unpredictable their actions were. He didn't like the fact that Marcus was actually spot on. But he also didn't think that Dumbledore would do something that extreme. Because if that young French witch died, then Hogwarts and the Ministry would be in big trouble. And that was definitely an action that Dumbledore couldn't afford to take. But he knew that Dumbledore would wind up doing something that stupid and idiotic if he was desperate enough. The man was a Gryffindor for a reason.
"You might be onto something there," Terence noted.
Marcus nodded, "I would rather her to be safe with her family back in her own country than be in danger here at Hogwarts."
"Never thought I see a day when Hogwarts would be a place of danger," Terence snorted.
Marcus rolled his eyes, "and you don't recall what happened two years ago?"
Terence shrinked in embarrassment, "it wasn't like anyone died."
Marcus scoffed, even to him the excuse was a weak one. Though he was right, this had been the only year at Hogwarts they had someone die. They already had two champions that had died and almost a third. There was still a chance that there may be a third death. Considering that they almost had a witch die and she hadn't been a champion. It definitely was not a happy year for anyone.
"Point," Marcus allowed, "that don't mean that Hogwarts hasn't been a place of danger."
Terence nodded, "you're talking about the dementors from last year?" Soothing Ezio's fur when he felt the feline shiver in his lap.
Marcus nodded, "And the rumors about Quirrell vanishing."
Terence looked thoughtful at that, "the old coot never did explain how Potter and his friends got those points. Made absolutely no sense…"
Marcus glowered, he was still not happy with the Headmaster how he made Slytherin believe they won the House Cup and then turned it over to Gryffindor. All for bogus points too if you didn't count Longbottom. He could understand how he may have got points there. He had never hated that Headmaster more than that moment. Did that man really favor his house that much that he cheated Slytherin out of their well-deserved win?
"Cheated our house out of our win," Marcus finally grumbled. "And we couldn't even explain to them how Gryffindor got those points."
"I just told them that Dumbledore was the reason, should be reason enough," Terence commented.
"Shouldn't have to be a reason," Marcus said softly.
Marcus' eyes shifted to Marcus when he heard Ezio whine. He snorted, course his feline wanted attention.
"I think Ezio can tell we're upset," Terence stated.
Marcus rolled his eyes, "you think?" was his sarcastic reply.
It was around May that Marcus thought maybe he came across something worth noting. Ezio was hanging around his shoulders like normal. He already knew that the youngest Weasley had been best mates with Potter. Pretty much the entire school knew it.
The conversation he overheard made him to start to think that maybe things weren't all that they seemed. And it made Marcus wish that he could find someway to tell Potter what was happening. He didn't think the 14-year-old deserved to be kept in the dark that the red-head was faking his friendship with him. But he knew that it was bound to happen since Potter was known as the Boy-Who-Lived. It was very common that witches and wizards only wished to be around you because of the fame. It was honestly sickening to know that it happened so often.
The red-headed Weasley was easy enough to recognize. Though Marcus didn't know what his name was. He knew Fred and George because they were only a year younger than him. And it was impossible to not know them with all their pranks and mischief. And he already had known Percy since he was only a year above him and the fact that he had reported to him when he was a Prefect. Considering that Percy was the Headboy last year.
Marcus honestly wished that maybe Percy would have stayed another year, if anything to keep his siblings under control. Even though he did see Percy occasionally because of the Triwizard Tournament and his position in the Ministry. It still wasn't the same, because you couldn't keep an eye out for mischievous students when you weren't at Hogwarts all the time.
Marcus did notice that the boys that the red-headed child was speaking to, looked highly uncomfortable. The Headboy wondered if they were only tolerating the young Weasley's presence but didn't agree with what he was saying.
"Come on, guys. You know its probably just Harry trying to get more attention and fame?" was the childish whine from the red-head.
"Ron," said the Gryffindor with dark skin, "Harry has always hated his fame. How could you say that?"
The young Weasley, or Ron had looked disbelieving at that. "Of course, he has always loved his fame."
The Gryffindors beside the dark-skinned boy, shook their heads hard in disagreement.
"Ron, then you don't know Harry at all!" one of the boys retorted.
Marcus noticed that Ezio's ears were drooped and he didn't like that. He stepped away out of the boy's range.
"Ezio? Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Marcus asked as he let Ezio down on the floor.
Ezio let out a pitiful whine.
"Is it their words?" Marcus asked, noting that Ezio didn't look hurt.
Ezio gave a nod.
Marcus was puzzled on why Ezio would be bothered by some stupid Gryffindors' words. He could say that it did bother him, because it was about a student that was still missing. And there was the fact if it was because that he may like him in more of a romantic sense. Terence would definitely love to tease him if he heard his thoughts.
"I wouldn't let it worry you too much, Ezio. What do you say we deal with them?" Marcus asked softly.
Marcus smiled when he heard a reaffirming meow. And let Ezio climb back up on his shoulder.
It seemed like the words had gotten more heated in the time that Marcus was out of hearing range.
"Excuse me, boys. I believe that is a fellow student and classmate you're speaking about. And that shows poor behavior on your part considering he is still missing," Marcus reprimanded.
Marcus didn't really look much at the three Gryffindors that had been defending Potter. His attention was more focused on Ronald Weasley.
"You're a Slytherin!" was the red-head's outburst.
"Wonderful deduction," Marcus drawled, "Or should I comment that you are also a Gryffindor."
Marcus had to hide a smirk when he heard three snickers to the right of him.
"In case if you haven't noticed, I am also Headboy and still reserve the right to deduct points and assign detention. I believe your brother, Percy would be highly disappointed in you," Marcus commented.
Ron seemed to glare hatefully at him.
"I believe that fifty points from Gryffindor and a week or two in detention with Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape may help curve that tongue and mind of yours. You are to speak with her this week, and I will be informing her and your mother," Marcus warned.
Marcus watched in delight as the red-head paled at his threat. Obviously, the boy was afraid of his mother. Normally he wouldn't take that much points, but this was a sensitive matter about a missing student. Taking ten or fifteen points would be an injustice.
"I will caution you in the future about talking badly about your own classmates. For all you know, your classmate could be dead and here you are being a jealous prat about his fame. And should I ever hear any death threats against any student, the punishment will be much severe. Are we clear?" Marcus' tone was vicious.
"Yes, sir," Ron mumbled.
"Good. Then you are to head back to your dormitory," Marcus ordered.
The Slytherin watched as the red-headed Weasley scampered back towards Gryffindor Tower. That was when he turned his attention at the other three Gryffindors. If he had to guess, they looked scared of him.
"Now, now, none of that. I just wanted to speak with you three for a few moments. None of you are in trouble. Seeing as you defended your fellow classmate so strongly," Marcus said.
Marcus was happy to notice that the fear and suspicion started to fade.
"I would like to know your names, though. I don't like the idea of just knowing you as nameless Gryffindors," Marcus commented lightly.
One of the Gryffindors snorted.
"I'm Dean Thomas," the dark-skinned Gryffindor introduced.
"Neville, Longbottom," was the shy response.
"Seamus Finnagan," the last Gryffindor supplied.
"I'm Marcus Flint," Marcus introduced. "And the raunchy feline on my shoulder is Ezio."
The Gryffindors laughed at that since Ezio batted his paw at Marcus' head.
"Well, besides Ezio, I applauded you three for defending Mr. Potter. It is not an easy thing to do among your peers," Marcus complimented.
Marcus laughed when Ezio hissed at him.
"Do you really think that Harry is dead?" Neville asked shyly.
Marcus frowned, "it's hard to say. I do not know your friend, Harry, personally. Only the rumors about him through school. I don't see him as quitter. Though it is very possible that he may be dead. All we know for sure is that he is still missing. Though it is very possible that he may have escaped and is in hiding."
The three Gryffindors looked solemn at that. But nodded when Marcus said Harry wasn't a quitter.
"I never expected for a Slytherin to want to talk to us," Dean said out loud. Though his friend, Seamus, nudged him, hard.
Marcus laughed, "I'm not surprised that you think that. There are a lot of Slytherins that are stuck in their ways of blood purity."
"But you're not," Dean pointed out.
Marcus nodded, "I'm not. Though I also look at it that you all are just students in the end. When you graduate there's not going to be, 'he's a Gryffindor' or 'he's a Slytherin.' There will be some that try to stick to that, but it never ends up well for them. Because you will be working in whatever career field you choose and there will be no place for prejudices. So, taking pride in your friendships is always a good way to start. But don't let that deter you from meeting others."
The three Gryffindor nodded.
"I do believe your behaviors warrants twenty points to Gryffindor, a piece," Marcus added with a smirk.
Seamus' eyes went wide, "but that's more points than you took?!"
Marcus nodded, "Mr. Weasley needs to know that his behavior was unacceptable. And I know that Gryffindor House shouldn't be punished as a whole. Which is why once your Head of House finds out what happened. He will probably have even double the amount of detention and deduction of points that I assigned to him."
Seamus and his friends seemed to look at Marcus in a new light.
"Don't hesitate to find a prefect or myself if you counter any more trouble with him," Marcus advised. "Students like him tend to take their anger and annoyance out at those around them."
Marcus watched as the Gryffindors nodded in understanding and ran off to their tower. He smiled to himself as he stroked Ezio's fur. "May not all Gryffindors are bad, hmm?"
Ezio purred and Marcus took that as confirmation.