I do not own any Harry Potter Characters.
Chapter 12:
Thank you all for the lovely reviews! I have the next chapter completed, don't be afraid to let me know what you thought! This is the longest chapter so far, hope you enjoy!
Alicia could tell that Katie was in a foul mood without even having to speak to her. She sighed after noticing that Katie hadn't been paying attention to her again. "Talk to me, are you okay?" It was the following morning and Katie had spent the night at Alicia's.
Katie looked up from picking her nails. "I'm fine" she lied, as she glanced outside the window, and straightened.
"You already said that." Alicia gave Katie a weighing look, slumping her shoulders in frustration.
"And that proves what?" Katie muttered breaking eye contact.
"Time for some tough love, okay? Your heart broken, and you have two options. You can either roll around in the pieces or you pull yourself together." Katie could feel Alicia searching, looking for something inside of her.
Annoyed, Katie knew her friend was right, but she didn't want to give up hope just yet. "I think I'm going to continue to sulk for a bit." Katie muttered, causing Alicia to groan loudly, clearly annoyed to hear her friend's decision.
"Just promise me you'll think about it, okay?" Alicia requested. Katie gave her a sheepish smile, knowing Alicia was just trying to help her out. "Have you heard from Angelina?" Alicia questioned.
She opened her mouth, then shut it, thinking about her words before she said anything, knowing that Alicia was still close with her. "No, we haven't spoken." Katie muttered, still having hard feelings about how Angelina had treated her.
"Maybe try owling her, she's not in a good place right now" Alicia tried to explain. "She could use another friend, just as much as you do" She wondered if something was wrong but dismissed it. Why worry about someone who had treated her so poorly.
Katie forced herself to snort and wave her hand in dismissal. "People change. You need to accept the fact that Alicia and I's friendship will never be the same." Katie knew Alicia would do her best to try to fix things, but sometimes a friendship, can be so shattered there isn't a way to repair it. Katie knew she needed to move on. Sometimes you must give up on someone, not because you don't care, but because they don't. Deep down she knew she needed to stop wasting time on the wrong people.
Alicia pinched the bridge of her nose and squeezed her eyes shut, taking a long deep breath. "Why do you hold grudges with Angelina? But never Marcus." That took Katie off guard, it was a low blow. How could she say that? Marcus was the love of her life. He was the one. Whereas Angelina was a drunk who would say terrible things to her friends, they weren't on the same level of importance in Katies life at all.
At the same time was she right? Her previous thoughts about Angelina echoed through her head. Did she not want to hear the truth because she didn't want her illusion to be destroyed? She knew that sometimes holding on could do more damage than letting go. Katie's heart needed more time to accept what her mind already knew.
She didn't bother to answer, instead she stepped into the Floo. Not bothering to say goodbye, Katie shouted out her father's address disappearing into a cloud, abruptly landing in an unfamiliar living room, furnished in grey and crimson. With couches and deep-cushioned chairs scattered in a stylish manner.
"Katie? Is that you?" She heard her dad shout from the kitchen.
Her dad was looking better, the stress no longer wearing his body down. He looked younger. "Capone flew in this morning, with a letter for you…" Katie squealed with excitement, breaking her father's train of thought. Smiling he directed her to a door just off from the kitchen. "Capone is in the guest room, well err… your room if you like it." He nervously added giving her a small tentative smile.
Entering the white walled room, she found a queen bed pushed into a corner, the rest of the room was bare besides a perch for her owl. "Hi Capone, is it from him?" She asked shakily. Capone knowingly nodded his head, dropping the envelope that he had held tightly in his right talon. Katie grabbed the letter quickly and began ripping it open.
Princess,
I don't know what to say, but I'm sorry. I need to see you; hope you can make it. I'll be at the front entrance at 6am.
M
Inside the envelope was a ticket to the final Quidditch World Cup game, Ireland vs. Bulgaria. He wanted to see her. Elated she threw herself onto the bed she began rereading the short message. It was only a few short weeks later when Katie finally got to see him again.
The morning of the match she woke up early, getting donned up in high waisted dark denim jeans, and a thick large green long sleeve shirt, tying a knot in the front of it to show a little midriff. She slid her feet into a pair of black boots and finished the look off with a chunky green infinity scarf. She was cheering for Ireland and knew Marcus wouldn't miss the opportunity to comment on the green colors.
Walking through the huge crowds of people she did her best to make her way to the front entrance. Before long she spotted him from behind. She couldn't help but notice the powerful muscles of his back just perceptible through his dark green sweater, complemented by a pair of black jeans. Katie felt apprehensive, it felt like an eternity since she had seen him. As if sensing her stare he turned around and their eyes met.
She let out a quivering breath, and a small whimpering noise came from her, a sob. He was here. He was here. That was the only thing running though her head. Gaining the courage, she advanced toward him without breaking her stride.
Grabbing the front of his sweater, Katie flung herself at him, crashing into him hard enough that anyone else may have been knocked back. They met in a rushed kiss; his warm hands clamped around her middle. For the briefest of moments, all their anxiety and tension faded away. In a flash they pulled apart, both catching their breath. "What was that for?" Marcus whispered in her ear, resting his hands on her hips. "Not that I'm complaining" He hastily added.
"I had a really crappy summer, and I needed that. I thought I was never going to see you again; you weren't replying to my letters." She clutched the front of his robes with one hand while lightly thumping his chest with the other.
Marcus chuckled and pulled her tightly to his chest, pressing his chin on top of her head. She tucked her face firmly against his body, breathing in the scent that always soothed her. "I think I should probably know this, but don't tell me your mad at me" He teased.
"Yes" She mumbled into his chest, fighting back the tears.
He sucked in a breath, his broad chest expanding "Listen princess, no matter what has happened all that truly matters is that you're okay, and that you can forgive me." He murmured in a hoarse voice.
"I'm not saying I hate you, but I definitely don't like you very much." She grumbled gazing up at his face, a face she had memorized, a face that had been haunting her dreams the last few weeks.
He chuckled loudly "Well that is something I can definitely fix." The powerful muscles of his back shifted as he spun her around by the waist. When he brought her back down, he ran his fingers through her hair, carefully gripping the back of her neck, he pulled her into a deep kiss. "I missed you." He whispered.
"I missed you too." Pulling him into another tight hug, she rested her head on his chest.
Marcus pulled back from her slightly, using his right hand he gently grabbed her chin, forcing her eyes to him. "I know I'm an idiot, but I'm not sorry for doing what I had to do to protect you. I'm just sorry that I haven't been there for you." Her vision got blurry as tears started to form in her eyes. His left hand began to absently rub small circles on her back. "I'm not ready to lose you from my life yet. Katie Bell, I love you so much. So much. I'm not going anywhere this time."
"Really?" Katie whispered with disbelief, she gripped him tighter, savoring the feel of the muscles in his forearms that were wrapped around her. She hadn't realized how much she needed to hear that.
He gave her a scarcely discernible nod. "Yes, really" brushing back a loose strand of her hair, his callused fingers scraped against her cheek in the gentlest caress. The tenderness of it made her choke on another sob. "Why are you crying princess?" He asked, trying to push her back far enough to read her face.
"I'm crying because you're still an asshole." She sniffled.
Marcus let out a roar of laughter that caught the attention of some people who were passing by. "I don't know if that's something I can fix but I'm your asshole." He pulled away while flashing a grin and held out the palm of his hand waiting for her. After a moment she slid her fingers through his, interlacing almost perfectly. He tugged her forward and they began walking into the stadium.
While the match went on Katie told him all about her summer, mostly about her hearing with the Ministry of Magic. Marcus explained to her that he had been sent out of the country, but now he was back. He had been accepted onto the Falmouth Falcons and Katie was thrilled for him. He told her about the new apartment he got when signing his contract with them. "We've covered every crucial topic in our lives. What now? Small talk?" Marcus teased.
The match finally ended, Katie and Marcus made their way down the bleachers and towards the bathrooms. Splitting up she walked into the woman's room, while she was rinsing her hands, she heard a memorable voice. "Katie Bell? Is that you?"
Katie looked up in the direction of the voice and noticed her friend Evelyn, a short girl with ebony black hair that flowed over her shoulders in beachy curls. Large, slightly uptilted blue eyes, lush lips, strong cheekbones, and a petite nose combined to create an astounding beauty that caused men to lose all common sense. Her friend flashed her a set of dazzling, angel-white teeth that sparkled. "Evelyn!" Katie squealed doing her best to wipe her wet hands on her pants before throwing them around her friend in a tight squeeze.
"I haven't heard from you in forever! Has Hogwarts been making you too good for your old friends?" Evelyn teased, going up to a mirror and checking her flawless makeup.
"Of course not, life's been… well crazy you could say." Katie struggled to explain, noticing her friend wasn't wearing either team colors, dressed in a grey sweater, and dark blue jeans.
Evelyn cocked her head, her hair shimmering like black silk "I want to hear all about it, but I need to get going. You better owl me tonight and give me some updates. My address hasn't changed Ms. Bell" Evelyn winked at her before hugging her one more time and departing. Katie glanced at herself one more time in the mirror, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear she headed out of the bathroom.
As she was exiting, she heard a massive boom that trembled the earth, people began shrieking with horror. A stampede of people swarmed Katie, shoving her just to reach the exit. Panicking Katie looked around frantically searching for Marcus. Realizing it was a terrible indicator of her lifestyle when she missed her ex-boyfriend merely because he was lethal.
Another boom broke her thoughts, the darkening sky shone red as fires broke out among the tents. She knew she needed to find Marcus, doing her best she pushed her way through the crowd trying to get to a vantage spot. That's when she noticed Marcus, his face was so painstakingly blank- no, not blank. Calm with lethal rage.
Katie ran to him catching his attention when she was a few feet away. He picked her up pulling her tightly to his body "We need to get out of here." He bellowed over the screams, just before they both disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Appearing in a large loft, with huge windows looking down on the streets of London. She surveyed the space, lofty ceilings, exposed pipes, ceiling beams and a massive bed that hadn't been bothered to be made, along with a brick fireplace adorned with books and trinkets. The quaint kitchen was tucked into a corner on the opposite side of the glass windows stocked will sparkling chrome appliances.
Finally, he set her down gradually, but he didn't release his hold. "Are you hurt?" He asked concerned scanning her body.
"No" she shook her head tightly.
"Good" he pulled her even closer, and before Katie had time to catch her breath, his lips were on hers.
Katie broke apart not being able to hold the question back. "Did you know that was going to happen?"
Marcus sighed, untangling his body from hers, he moved away sitting on the edge of his bed. "Yes, I was supposed to start a fire on the east side of the camping lot."
Katie had thought as much. "Won't they notice that you didn't do it?" she asked concerned for his welfare.
"No, I asked Terrence to cover for me" Feeling relieved she sat next to him on the edge of the bed, his fingers clasped hers. She remembered these calluses, along with the strength and size of his hands. "Can we just focus on the here and now? Please?" Marcus asked with a slow infectious smile, and suddenly everything was all right.
"I'm trying, but every impulse in my body is telling me to be cautious." Katie sighed bowing her head down in defeat.
"Katie, all these months I tried to prove to myself that you were better off without me. I tried to convince myself everything I had done would make you hate me." He said while wrapping his arms around her. "I know what I want, and I have it in my hands right now" Marcus seemed to be counting her eyelashes. Doing her best, she kept her gaze on her hands, maybe to suggest modesty. She wasn't too sure. Risking a quick glimpse, she noticed that sure enough, he was looking at her eagerly.
"You were worth it, all these years, all of this time. You've always been worth it" She murmured. His breath was hot on her neck as his head bent toward her, leaning his cheek against her hair. Her heartbeat rapidly, and yet she felt completely peaceful, as if she could have remained there forever and not be bothered.
"I love you… And I promise from this day onward, I never want to be separated from you. Wherever you go, I go." He said gently, his gaze darting between her mouth and her eyes. She watched him; her head angled wanting to believe him with every fiber of her being. He pushed his powerful body, which was trembling with restraint above her, bracing one hand beside her head, his fingers twining in her hair, his mouth met her neck sucking softly and purposefully.
She made a noise that might have been a moan, or a word, or his name. She couldn't be sure. He shuddered and pulled back, the cool air of his loft kissing her neck where his lips had just been. He surveyed her body, his nostrils flaring with excitement. "Can you stay over tonight" he asked roughly.
"Why?" It was an effort to remember English with him staring at her like that. Heat was hammering through her entire body, the anticipation tingling.
"I want to take my time with you, I want to… learn every inch of you." He added as he leaned further down, brushing his mouth over the base of her throat. "I want to make you moan Katie"
Oh, she was in trouble. So much freaking trouble. When he said her name like that it sent chills through her whole body. His mouth returned to her neck, trailing kisses along her jawline. A feeling of relaxation rolled through her body. It was the charming Marcus, who desired her, who was hungry for her. In a world that often led her to think it would go on fine without her. The strong hands on her hips tightened. "You have no clue how difficult it was to keep my hands off you all day long." He said, nipping at her lower lip. She swallowed.
She ground her teeth at the effect his voice had on her, like someone dragging and invisible finger down her spine. Katie met Marcus's stare and said undoubtedly. "I love you Marcus, but are you going to stand there ogling all night or make a move?" She teased the anticipation was too much for her.
Marcus mouth parted slightly; his breathing turned shallow. She dragged her hands down his powerful, muscled back, and that was all the permission he needed. His lips crashed into hers, only pulling away to whisper words that made her heart melt "You're so beautiful" They both clumsily started undressing each other, soon their bodies were tangled as they rolled on his bed. "I love you so much." Katie felt like her very core was enveloped in flames. "You are magnificent." He huskily whispered onto her lips, his tongue slipping into her mouth.
Soon they were both quivering, his face hidden in the crook of her neck and shoulder, his uneven breath warming her skin, still joined. "I love you." His voice hoarse.
She ran her fingers down his back over and over. "I love you too." She breathed. Rearranging their bodies Marcus tugged her close to him, so that her head was leaning on his muscled chest, and his arms enveloped her. Katie wriggled down under the soft sheets along with him and they both fell into a blissful sleep.
The following morning Katie felt like she was on top of the world, and nothing could bring her down. Katie awoke as dawn poured into the room, Marcus still held her to him, just as he had all night. As if she would sneak away during the night, she couldn't help but grin to herself. Pressing her nose alongside his neck, she inhaled his intoxicating scent. He moved, just enough that she knew he'd wakened. His hands began moving, entwining into her hair. "How did you sleep beautiful?" He asked pressing a warm kiss to her neck, which sent shivers through her. She wished they could stay there forever.
Making a simple breakfast, they spent the morning talking and laughing with each other, as if nothing bad had ever happened. When it was time for Katie to head home, she was feeling anxious and worried. Marcus sensing the shift in her mood, pulled her close to him. "Talk to me princess, what's with the long face?"
"Honestly? I'm scared of walking out of this loft and never feeling like this again. I'm worried I'll lose you." She sniffled, trying her best to rein her emotions in.
"Katie I will always be here for you. I know that we are going to last" He gazed lovingly into her sapphire eyes. "Because when I wake up, the first thing I want is to see your face." Pulling her into a chaste kiss, they hugged one more time before Katie disappeared by Floo.
Upon arriving to her dad's house, she waited for any signs that he was home. Satisfied by the quiet noise she headed to the bathroom. Soon enough she was in the warm shower, with the water thumping on her back. Realizing it didn't take a lot to make her happy, one night with Marcus was all she had needed.
The following day she got a letter from Hermione asking for a favor, she claimed she had a package for The Order that needed to be delivered to Charlie Weasley who was in America on a mission. At least that's what she assumed; the message had been very cryptic. The address that had been given was about fifty miles from her house. Sighing she got ready for the day, and briskly left the house heading to the bus station. It took her a few hours to reach her destination, but she eventually arrived at a seedy motel.
Standing out front Katie was unsure of what to do. Ask the front desk? They don't reveal client's names though. Even if they did tell her, chances are he was using a false identity. So, Katie sat on a bench, her backpack that held the package sitting in her lap. It wasn't too long before she felt a tap on her shoulder. "Didn't they tell you not to wait out front." A tall red headed man hissed under his breathe. "Follow me, quick."
By the end of the day Katie was exhausted, heading into her house she bee lined to the shower, wanting to wash off the grime she felt coating her skin. After she was done getting dressed in pajamas, she headed to the kitchen looking for something to eat. Katie was surprised to hear a tapping noise, glancing over she noticed Angelina's owl staring at her through the kitchen window. She thanked the owl and grabbed the letter carefully. After a moment she sighed, knowing she couldn't put this off any longer. She opened it.
Katie,
I know our relationship hasn't been on the best terms lately. As you know Alicia's birthday is coming up, it's going to be a surprise party and I really hope you can make it. Maybe, we could let bygones be bygones for at least one night? Going to meet at the Leaky Cauldron around 6pm this Friday, hope to see you there.
Love you,
Angelina
Katie felt torn, not wanting to see Angelina but also wanting to support Alicia. Not sure what to do Katie began writing Evelyn a letter. If she was to go, then she needed backup, or at the very least a buffer. By the time Friday rolled around, Katie found herself standing in front of the Leaky Cauldron, Evelyn at her side. "Thanks again for coming." Katie murmured.
"That's what friends are for." Evelyn said putting a hand on Katies shoulder.
Walking inside, Katie couldn't help but notice that most of the crowd was students she recognized from Hogwarts, mostly Gryffindor. Spotting the Weasley twins, Katie and Evelyn made their way over to socialize. Katie had spotted Angelina but luckily, she kept her distance. Soon enough a sharp whisper caught everyone's attention. "She's coming!" When the door swung open everyone in the bar cheered loudly in unison. "Surprise!"
Alicia made her rounds greeting everyone, until she stood in front of Katie and Evelyn. "I've missed you" Alicia said wrapping her arms around Katie into a tight hug. "Who's your friend?" She questioned when they pulled apart.
"I'm Evelyn, Katie's best friend." Evelyn stated. Alicia caught off guard flicked her eyes to Katie. Almost waiting to see if she would confirm it.
"We go way back, since my second year at Ilvermorny" Katie explained carefully, not wanting anyone's toes to get stepped on. The air around them seemed to thicken with tension.
"Oh, that's lovely! Are you from America as well?" Alicia asked cheerfully.
Later in the night while Evelyn was using the bathroom Katie chatted with Alicia. She had just finished telling Alicia about how her reunion had gone with Marcus, not going into all the intimate details. When her friend gritted her teeth, and clenched her fingers closed, Katie wasn't sure what to make of it. Katie could feel an electricity crackling in the air.
"It's crazy to me, after everything he's done to you, that you can just take him back." Hurt flashed across Katie's face. "Don't you have any respect for yourself?" Alicia hissed.
Katie felt a soft tug on her shoulder, Evelyn putting herself between them. "Katie let's get out of here, it's starting to smell like trash." Evelyn retorted glaring daggers at Alicia.
Saturday morning Katie woke up to a loud banging at her front door. Hastily making her way out of bed, she headed to the front door. Where was her father? He didn't work on Saturdays and usually spent the day at home especially with him still being on probation. Another loud series of bangs came from the front door. How long had this person been banging on the door?
Katie opened the door, seeing Alicia standing there with guilt covering her face. "Katie I'm…" before she could finish, she was cut off with Katie attempting to slam the door in her face. Alicia quickly stuck her foot in the doorway using her upper body to prevent the door from slamming her foot. "Just two minutes! Please Katie just two minutes."
Grinding her teeth, Katie let go of the door, crossing her arms over her chest. "What do you want." Katie had no patience for any of her excuses. She was done being treated like crap.
"I don't know what happened last night, but I did not mean what I said. I'm happy that you and Marcus could work things out. I don't know how, but my mouth had a mind of its own. It had to have been magic, there's no other explanation." Alicia pleaded.
"The explanation is that you are a shitty friend, and I want nothing to do with you." Katie hissed. Alicia's eyes flashed with grief, she sucked in a breath of air, taking a step back. Opening her mouth to speak, she was cut off by Katie again slamming the door, this time successful.
The summer passed by in a blur, Katie avoided all contact with Alicia and Angelina despite their many attempts. She was tired of the excuses and tired of friends who never supported her. So, Katie spent her summer with the two people who had always been there, Marcus and Evelyn.
September was approaching and Katie was having a challenging time deciding which school she wanted to go to for her final year. Marcus had advised her that Hogwarts quidditch team would almost guarantee her a spot on a professional quidditch team if she continued to play well. Which would mean that Katie would spend a whole school year without having any close friends, since she was no longer speaking with Angelina or Alicia. On the other hand, even if Katie decided to go to Ilvermorny she would not have any classes with Evelyn as she is a year younger than Katie.
After weighing all the options Katie decided on going back to Hogwarts. The beginning of the school year seemed to fly by, and Katie focused all her free time on quidditch, along with attending Harry's DA classes. Which in turn helped her to avoid both Angelina and Alicia, besides during quidditch team practices. Katie had also opted to sit far away from them during meals in the great hall.
A rumor around the school had started at the beginning of the year, claiming she was a death eater, and that it ran in her family. Which in turn caused Harry to be hesitant to trust Katie, it didn't help that the whole school already knew about her relationship with the graduated Slytherin. Harry had been resistant to letting Katie attend the meetings that year until Hermione vouched for her.
Right before the first trip to Hogsmeade, Harry and Hermione had another mission for Katie. Harry explained that he needed an envelope that was crucial for The Order of the Phoenix, to be delivered by hand. Knowing how important beating Voldemort was, Katie agreed wanting to do whatever she could to release the dark mark from Marcus.
When Katie arrived at Hogsmeade she headed straight for the Leaky Cauldron, sitting in a booth by the back she patiently waited. The front door opened, and Katie caught a glimpse of brown hair and a dazzling smile, and she moved. Within seconds she slammed into a broad, muscled chest. "Hey gorgeous."
The pronounced, muscled shoulders and powerful frame; the knowing smile; even his handsome face had her struggling to speak. "I've missed you." She began. He kissed her softly, before they both sat down across from each other.
A woman came over to take their orders, Marcus ordered a fire whiskey along with fish and chips. While Katie ordered a butterbeer with a straw, that had been the signal that Harry had told her to use. The woman nodded her head tightly and briskly walked back to the kitchen. "A straw? Who uses a straw for a butterbeer?" Marcus questioned a little loudly.
"The cold drink hurts my teeth." Katie lied not wanting him to get involved, knowing they were on opposite sides of a war. She put her hand on Marcus's arm, unexpectedly needing just to touch him, just to make sure he was still there.
When it came time to pay the bill Katie snatched the check book from the table before Marcus, adding the money and discreetly she added the envelope as well, leaving it closed on the table.
"I could have paid for it" Marcus scolded her.
"You can get it next time" She reassured him, heading out together. Before they parted his lips were hot and gentle against her, almost hesitant and after a moment, he pulled back, looking to her eyes. She coiled her arms around his neck, his mouth meeting hers in a second kiss that knocked the world out from under her.
Harry didn't have any more missions for her after that, Katie had even asked quite a few times wanting to help as much as possible. Meanwhile Katie's relationship with Alicia and Angelina only went as far as being cordial when playing quidditch together. Alicia had tried to approach her a few times after Quidditch practices, but Katie wasn't having any of it. Refusing to speak with her.
All Katie was concerned about were the scouts that would show up on the first game day against Slytherin. Marcus had promised to be there, even taking a day off from his training for the upcoming Quidditch season. Even showing up with a red scarf, which had meant a lot to her.
It was a tough game; Katie had taken a few blows but didn't let that slow her down. She scored most of the points for her team. When the game ended, and Katie found herself wrapped in Marcus's arms. It was difficult only seeing him once or twice a month. His training schedule was getting more demanding, but when they finally did see each other, Katie would immediately feel at ease.
It was the last Hogsmeade trip before Christmas break, and Katie couldn't help but feel excited. Not only did she get to see Marcus today, but she would be spending Christmas with him. Katie shivered as she puffed air into her cupped hands. Striding through the snow and ice she made her way through the snow-swept town to find Marcus. His face was unreadable, and it didn't brighten up like it usually did when he saw her. The grief in his face almost kept her from speaking. "Are you okay?" She questioned walking up to him.
"We need to talk." He said gruffly leading her away from the village and towards the shrieking shack. When they were safely out of ear shot, he turned to her.
Katie reached out for him, and he quickly backed up a step, shoving his hands in his pockets. "What's wrong?" She questioned her voice shaking.
"This isn't going to work" he said curtly, he eyes rose to her face, his face unreadable.
She took a breath as he fell silent, mastering the disappointment and the shock. It took her a moment before she could even think straight. "That's it? No explanation?"
"It's a fact, and it's not up for debate." His words held no emotion behind them.
There was something in his tone that made her look at him and wish she didn't have to hear the answer to the next question she had. She opened her mouth, then shut it. She curled her fingers, then straightened them one by one. "Where is this coming from?"
A flicker of shame crossed his green eyes "It's just not going to work, you are going to start to remember all the terrible things I've done, and even if you try to assure yourself that I've changed I'll ultimately start doing those terrible things again because I can't change." He still made no move to touch her.
She took a breath, refusing to let the magnitude of his words affect her emotions. Doing her best to fight past the tightness in her chest. "I don't want you to change. I know you're messed up. But you're the most extraordinary man I've ever met. So, unless you're splitting up with me, I am going back to the castle."
"I'm breaking up with you Katie, It's over." For a moment all she could do was stare at Marcus. The forest started closing in around her.
Katie felt like a giant pit opened underneath the ground and threatened to swallow her whole. He couldn't mean that. "Why" She choked out. Tears now cascading down her face. He didn't reply, and she didn't know why she bothered talking, but the words just tumbled out. "I deserve to know the truth." She hissed, anger starting to bubble inside of her.
His eyes flared, and he swore softly. Looking around to see if anyone was near to hear his next words. "They know you are helping out the Order, I'm no longer allowed to see you, or I risk being marked a blood traitor." Katie was shocked, how did they know? Another long silence, then he let out a sigh. "They've been watching you since the beginning of the year. Come on Katie, you sent a message to The Order when you were having lunch with a Death Eater." He whispered angerly as if reading her thoughts.
Katie stiffened, the tears continued to roll down her face, her mouth became a thin wobbling line. "I didn't know, I'm sorry." She tried to apologize.
"What's done is done, but this has to be over." He said flatly, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You're supposed to break up with someone because you're not in love with them" He remained silent, refusing to make eye contact. Katie chewed on the inside of her cheek. She felt the blood drain from her face but dared to ask anyway. "I love you, Marcus. I want to hear you say that you don't love me." Katie demanded.
Marcus studied her closely, warily. "Katie, it doesn't matter it's over" Marcus stated getting frustrated.
The words slammed into her like a barrage of arrows. Katie willed her face into a mask of icy calm. "I just wish I was able to look at you and not feel so hurt all the time." She confessed.
Katie turned away from the man she loved and marched briskly back to the carriages. She couldn't help but feel like, life had been simpler when she hadn't dated. All she wanted to do was get in bed and lose all perception of the here and now. The only way she knew how to do that was to plunge herself into a book. Accidently running into Malfoy, she swiftly apologized and began strolling away. "Hey Bell, wait a second." That was the last thing she could recall.
Marcus had stood there for a while, grinding his teeth doing his best not to regret wanting to keep her safe. He wasn't sure how long he stood there, dismissing it off as grief. Soon he heard a ruckus in the direction that Katie had just disappeared. Marcus clamped his mouth shut, thrusting his hands in his pockets again. There's no way it's her, he reassured himself. "Help, someone help!" He heard a girl scream, it wasn't Katies voice. That had to be a good sign, right? She couldn't have already gotten herself in trouble, right?