Quite the Catch

MarcusxHermione; DracoxLuna

Rated T

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters from the franchise. That honor belongs to JK Rowling

Quite the Catch

Chapter 14

Hermione didn't have the slightest idea what she was to wear for her date with Marcus. At least, she was positive it was a date, though Marcus hadn't explicitly stated that it was one. Still, she wanted to look nice for him. But what to wear for a date by the Great Lake? The brunette stood in her closet looking at her clothes for a moment before her eyes fell on a forest green shirt with a round neckline. It wasn't a fancy shirt by any means, but it was comfortable to wear and considering where Marcus wanted them to meet, it was perfect. Not only that, but it also hugged the nonexistent curves she had, so that was a plus.

Grabbing that shirt, she also got a pair of jeans and changed into those clothes, put black Converse trainers on her feet, and fixed her hair into a single French braid. Thinking she looked presentable, Hermione grabbed her wand and beaded bag before exiting her room to head down the stairs and out of Grimmauld Place. She stopped by the den where Harry was watching television—he had figured out how to install one in his godfather's family home, much to Walburga Black's portrait's dismay—to let him know she was leaving. After being told to have fun and be safe, Hermione exited Grimmauld Place and Disapparated to Hogwarts.

Feet hitting the ground outside the wards surrounding the large castle, Hermione stepped through the wards and up towards Hogwarts along the path, looking up at and marveling the rebuilt school. It was still hard for her to believe that the war ended here, but it had and they had prevailed. Smiling, she veered off the paths and onto the school grounds, making her way to the Great Lake. Considering the time, it was suppertime and the students were currently feasting in the Great Hall. Therefore, she didn't run into any students out on the grounds. Not that she had anything to worry about, as Professor McGonagall—Headmistress McGonagall, to be correct—had stated that while curfew time was the same, no student was to be out on the grounds after dinner. It was a safety precaution, as there were probably still Dark wizards and witches ready and willing to sneak onto Hogwarts's grounds and attack a student. Because of this enforced rule, Hermione knew that her and Marcus would be alone and weren't going to be disturbed. Well, she hoped they wouldn't be disturbed.

When the Great Lake came into view, Hermione couldn't help but smile seeing the tall figure standing five yards from the short. She knew that stance and build anywhere, and thus quickened her steps as she headed towards him. When she was twenty feet from him, she called out, "Marcus."

Marcus looked up from where he was staring out at the black waters, thus giving the Great Lake its other name, the Black Lake, and grinned seeing Hermione walking his way. Meeting her halfway, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close, saying in greeting, "Good evening, Hermione."

"Good evening," Hermione replied, enjoying the hug the older wizard was giving her. Returning his hug she said, "I hope you haven't been waiting long."

"No, not too long." Marcus released the witch and scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile on his face. "I actually wasn't sure if you would come."

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Because of the other day." An embarrassed flush appeared on Marcus's cheeks as he looked down at the ground.

Hermione smiled gently, her finding his flushed face endearing before replying, "I understood, Marcus. It was an opportunity and you had to take it, nothing wrong with that. Besides, you said you'd make it up to me here."

Marcus nodded. "That I did."

Taking out his wand, Marcus turned to the spot he had previously been standing in. Waving his wand, he conjured up a red and green checkered blanket, followed by a wicker basket, a bucket of ice with a bottle of wine settled in it, plates and wine glasses, and burning candles. Gasping softly at the setup, Hermione's brown eyes were wide as she took in the romantic scene. Marcus, happy that Hermione was pleased (at least he was sure she was by her reaction), conjured a small bouquet of roses and daffodils before handing them to the brunette.

"For you," he said simply, a light blush dusting his cheeks as he did.

The brunette took the bouquet, thanking him as she did before letting him lead her over to their little picnic setup. It was really very romantic as it was simple, and with their casual attire, both of them wearing jeans though Marcus opted for a t-shirt—a form fitting t-shirt that showed off his muscular body wonderfully—it made it all the more perfect for Hermione. The two of them settled on the blanket and Marcus reached into the basket, pulling out BLT sandwiches and bags of crisps. With an embarrassed smile on his face, he said, "I know it isn't much, but I'm complete pants at cooking, so this is the best I could come up with."

Giving him a reassuring smile, Hermione replied, "No, this is fine, really. A dinner date doesn't have to always be fancy. I quite like the simple things, to be honest. Besides, I haven't had one of these sandwiches in a long while."

Marcus looked relieved to hear the brunette say that before filling their glasses with the wine, and then the two of them tucked in. Hermione chewed her bite of sandwich for a moment before covering her mouth to speak.

"Marcus," she started. "Are you sure you can't cook?"

The wizard blinked before answering, "Yes, I'm sure. Why do you ask?"

"Because the bacon is cooked to perfection," Hermione replied before taking another bite of her sandwich.

Marcus chuckled and thanked her, happy that she was enjoying the BLT he had made. The two of them sat talking, enjoying each other's company, Marcus making Hermione laugh as he regaled her with tales of his childhood antics and some of the things he and the other Slytherins would get up to while in school that didn't involve pranking anyone from another House, especially Gryffindor. Hermione told Marcus of all the adventures, or misadventures, that she had gotten up to with Harry and Ron while in school. Embarrassed, she told him of how she had turned herself into a cat as a Second Year due to taking cat hair from Millicent Bulstrode's robes. Marcus was both amused and horrified at the situation but didn't laugh at her. In fact, he commended her for being proficient enough to brew a perfect batch of Polyjuice Potion at just thirteen, even if her first experience with it wasn't what she had been expecting. His praise of her juvenile achievement made her blush because she knew he wasn't just saying it but that he meant it. And the sight of her blush was endearing to the Quidditch player, just like it had been back when they were students at the very school they were currently outside of.

As they were finishing eating, Hermione asked, "I meant to ask this earlier, but how were the tryouts with the Falcons?"

Taking a sip of wine, Marcus set his glass down and answered, "They went well, actually. They were only preliminary tryouts to get a chance to have a real tryout for the team, but it was still important that I go if I wanted an opportunity. And again, I'm real sorry I had to cancel our plans that day for them."

"It's fine Marcus, really. I completely understand, Quidditch is important to you and I respect that. I imagine if I had some sort of once in a lifetime opportunity like that, I'd take it too. But tell me how they went. Did you pass? Are you going to official try out to be a Falmouth Falcon?"

Seeing that the brunette was genuinely interested in what he had to say, Marcus smiled and told her about how the preliminaries had gone and how some players had attempted to psych him out and intimidate him. He couldn't help but laugh when Hermione scoffed and commented they were idiots for trying as she remembered him being the biggest and scariest (at least at the time) Quidditch player at Hogwarts. She grinned and congratulated him when he told her that he had passed and now had a legit tryout for the Falcons.

"I knew you could do it, and I just know you'll pass and be sporting a Falmouth jersey in no time," Hermione said while squeezing Marcus's hand.

"Yeah, I guess so. I just don't want to get my hopes up quite yet," Marcus replied, though his heartbeat quicken in his chest from the brunette's encouraging words.

A comfortable silence fell between them, the two of them staring out at the waters of the Great Lake, seeing the Giant Squid pop up from its depths time to time. Hermione took this time to think about hers and Marcus's relationship. They weren't official, but it was obvious they had a connection that had been present for years. She really felt strongly for Marcus, and the kiss she had given him after their first date was evident of that. She knew Marcus cared for her, liked her even, but she didn't really know the depths of his feelings for her. Then again, he had sent her those daffodils while also telling her that he was ready for a new beginning between them. She had caught his message, and she hoped to Merlin she was right.

Deciding to ask him about it, she turned to face him only to see him standing. Frowning, she said, "Marcus?"

Marcus looked down at her and smiled before taking off his shirt, revealing his muscled pectorals and abdominals. Hermione felt her face heat up as her eyes widened in shock, her drinking in his topless form almost hungrily. Goodness, Marcus Flint was certainly a fine specimen to look at. She honestly could have kept staring, but when he removed his shoes and socks, and then began to work on his jeans, she quickly adverted her gaze, saying almost alarmed, "Marcus!"

"Let's go for a swim, Hermione," Marcus said with a grin, standing unashamedly in his black low-rise trunk briefs.

Of course, he wears briefs, Hermione couldn't help but think after a quick glance at him, her face turning redder than before. Clearing her throat she asked, "A swim? Right now?"

"No time like the present," Marcus said before turning and running towards the lake, diving into the water and resurfacing a few seconds later.

Hermione watched him for a moment, all the while trying to psych herself up to join the man. Taking every ounce of Gryffindor courage that she had, she stood up and began to undress as well, all the while feeling Marcus's gaze on her. Once she was standing in her matching navy blue bra and knickers, she reached up and let her hair put of its braid. Shaking her head to let her hair fly a bit, she took a deep breath before running for the water and jumping in as well.

Resurfacing, she laughed as she turned towards a grinning Marcus saying, "I can't believe I just did that. I can't believe we're swimming in the Great Lake."

Marcus laughed along with her and said, "Believe it, Hermione. It's a lot of fun, really. I've done it plenty of times during my time here at Hogwarts. Just make sure you aren't grabbed by the Giant Squid."

Brown eyes widened in fear. "It'll grab you?"

"Yeah, though its mostly just playing. It is still a frightening experience though, especially in the dark."

"Marcus!"

"Hey, I won't let it get you, I promise."

Hermione stared at him for a moment before nodding. A mischievous smile appeared on her face, making Marcus wonder what it was for, before she splashed him in his face, catching him by surprise. Marcus spluttered as Hermione's laughter filled his ears. Grinning with a hint of challenge in his eyes, he began swimming after the brunette, splashing her in return. The two of them swam and splashed each other, their laughter filling the night air under the night sky, moonlight shining down upon them. At one point, the Giant Squid did attempt to wrap a tentacle around Hermione, but Marcus quickly got her away from him and the two of them decided to swim back closer to shore.

When their feet were touching the floor of the lake again, Hermione ducked under the water before popping back up again, eyes closed as she pushed her wet hair back from her face, head tilted up towards the sky. During this time, Marcus was simply staring at the brunette, dark grey eyes taking her in. Hermione was standing in waist deep water, water droplets running down her body along smooth bare skin. He watched one droplet roll down from her neck to her chest and down the valley of her breasts, her breasts held and hidden by her bra. She looked so ethereal to him in that moment, so beautiful, and she probably didn't even know how beautiful she was. And that was only part of the reason he liked her so much and wanted to be with her. Hermione didn't treat him like everyone else did, and she took the time to understand him like no one else would. She made him feel important, made him feel special, and she cared about him, liked him for who he was. It amazed him that she did, even back in school. And to think it all started from him saving her from a fall on his broom.

A sudden thought came to him, and he wondered if she had caught the message he was sending when he had sent her the daffodil bouquet. Marcus was sure she had, but she had yet to say anything about it. Did she…did she want to be with him? He imagined she did, otherwise she wouldn't have kissed him, right? But he also didn't want to assume in case he was wrong. Just when he was going to ask her, she began talking instead.

"I got your bouquet," Hermione said as she turned to look at him. "And I also got the message you were conveying in sending those daffodils."

Marcus nodded and swallowed, though his mouth felt extremely dry suddenly. "So?"

The brunette looked down into the water for a moment, biting her bottom lip and nibbling it briefly before stopping. Mocha brown eyes looked into dark grey ones and Hermione began to speak.

"Marcus, I like you. I've always liked you, even back in school, though I don't think I realized it until recently. I feel strongly about you and like the message you sent, I would like to start a new journey with you, with our relationship. That is, if you still want to."

Marcus stared at Hermione in shock, his heart having stopped in his chest at her words. Hermione Granger had just confessed her feelings for him! She had said she wanted to be in a real relationship with him! Feeling like he was flying higher than ever on his broom, he stepped up to her and wrapped his arms around her small frame, their bare bodies pressing against one another. Holding her close, Marcus said, "Of course, I do Hermione. Merlin, I can't believe that you want to be with me. I'm not exactly the most desired eligible bachelor out there, but I know I'm chuffed all the same. I've wanted to be with you for a long while now, and have liked you for much longer."

Hermione wrapped her arms around his waist in return, heading resting against his chest as she asked softly, "Really?"

"Really. I'm honestly surprised you even gave me another look."

"Same here. I know I'm not most wizard's preferred partner, but I'm glad I'm yours."

"I return that sentiment wholeheartedly."

Hermione grinned and looked up at Marcus, him looking down at her with a grin on his own face. Marcus looked at her pink lips before dipping down to kiss them, him groaning lowly as he tasted her supple lips once again. Hermione sighed happily as she kissed Marcus, her arms going from his waist to wrap around his neck, Marcus's hands moving to her waist and holding her closer to him. The moment was so magical, nothing could have ruined it, only until it was.

"Hey! Get out of that lake right now! And put some bloody clothes on!" a familiar voice shouted at them.

Breaking the kiss, Hermione and Marcus turned to see none other than Mr. Filch standing on the lake's edge with a lantern, glaring at them. Embarrassed at not only being caught kissing, but being caught kissing in their undergarments, Marcus and Hermione quickly made to get out of the lake while Mr. Filch told them he'd report them to McGonagall for a good detention and would meet them at the entrance to the school. As he left, Marcus asked, "He does know we're not students anymore, right?"

Hermione cast a Drying Charm on them both before redressing herself saying, "I don't think he could see us quite well, even with the lantern."

Nodding, Marcus redressed as well before banishing the picnic. Once they were presentable again, he took hold of Hermione's hand and said, "Let's get you home. But first, does this mean we're a couple now? After all, we just confessed our feelings for each other."

He had said it in a joking manner, but Hermione could see the nervousness hidden in his eyes. Marcus was nervous about her answer, hopeful yet fearful of the answer she would give. Smiling up at him, she rose on her tiptoes and placed her hands on his shoulders before pressing her lips against his in a sweet kiss. Pulling away she replied, "Definitely."

Marcus grinned before kissing her once again and began walking towards the wards to exit Hogwarts. Knowing they would have to pass by the entrance to the castle, Marcus and Hermione tried to stay within the shadows to not be seen by Mr. Filch. Luckily, they weren't and made it off Hogwarts grounds and outside its wards no problem. They Disapparated to Grimmauld Place where Marcus kissed Hermione breathless once more. Wishing her 'goodnight', he Disapparated for his own home, leaving Hermione grinning brightly on the doorstep of Grimmauld Place.

Squealing happily, Hermione rushed inside and up to her bedroom. Jumping on her bed, she hugged her pillow and giggled happily as she stared up at the canopy of her bed. Her and Marcus were officially dating now! She was now Marcus Flint's girlfriend! She didn't know how it could get better than this.

Author's Note: Yay! Marcus and Hermione are finally an item! Thanks so much to all of you that read, follow, favorite, and review this story. I really appreciate it. Please stay tuned for the next chapter to come. XOXO, SehunsBae37.