Chapter 7 - Questioning

"I see...but how did you break the Muggle barrier?" questioned Dumbledore.

"I didn't do anything to try to break it. I anticipated a crash or something, but it never came, so I supposed that it couldn't sense us because we were invisible." Harry said.

"But the barrier isn't that weak!" Hermione exclaimed. "Honestly, am I the ONLY one who has read--"

"Yes, Hermione, you are," snapped Ron. Hermione pursed her lips.

"You are correct, Miss Granger," Dumbledore began. "If Harry hadn't tried to break the barrier, I have no idea how Marielle was able to somehow get in. Perhaps, just maybe, my dear, you might contain some small aura of magic in you that hasn't been developed yet, or sensed by our Hogwarts quill -- it picks students finding those who have a magical aura -- but that is a very small chance. However small, we must pursue it in order to keep the Muggle barriers strong. Harry, do you have your wand with you?"

"Er, yes."

"Hand it to Marielle, if you will." Harry took out his wand and gave it to Mari. A warmth, a magic, spread over her as she held Harry's wand. The magic she felt was very strong and powerful, yet peaceful and sweet and good--this was Harry's magic.

"Do you feel Harry's presence on the wand?" Dumbledore inquired.

"Yes." She didn't know how, but Mari simply knew the warmth she felt was Harry's.

Dumbledore seemed pleased with this.

"Say the word "Lumos", Marielle." Dumbledore instructed.

"Lumos," she whispered, and mentally willed a little light to sprout from the tip of the wand. C'mon...work...PLEASE... she thought, mentally pushing light into the wand.

She waited, and waited, and waited; beads of sweat were began to form on her forehead. Nothing happened.

"I think that is enough for tonight," Dumbledore said finally. "I suggest the four of you go back up to Gryffindor Tower and get some rest. Marielle, you may sleep in the girls dormitory, I believe there is an extra bed. Good night! Off you trot!"

Harry couldn't sleep. Thoughts of Mari filled his head. He lay still, trying to fall asleep, when he heard a faint sound, almost drowned out by Neville Longbottom's snores.

Harry put on his slippers and stole downstairs to the Common Room. Embers glowed orange in the fireplace, and soft sobs issued from one of the velvet armchairs by the fire.

"Mari?"

"Mmm?" She sniffed. Harry walked over and took a seat next to her. The Invisibility Cloak was in a silvery mound by the chair. Hesitating, Harry placed a hand on her knee. Bad move, he thought as Mari's sobs grew louder and she threw her head in her hands, long hair washing over her like silk drapes. Firelight played across her locks, making reddish highlights appear.

"What's wrong, Mari?" Harry's voice was soft and concerned.

"Nothing....no....it was about tonight..."

"What about tonight? Do you not like it here?"

"No! No, it's just...oh Harry, I've never felt more like a Muggle! You and Ron and Hermione are so lucky to be witches and wizards and I want to be one so, so, SO much. And when Dumbledore tried to make me do magic, it was the one thing I couldn't do, and that is the thing I want to be able to do most..." Harry opened his mouth, not knowing what to say, but to his surprise Mari smiled. It was a weak smile, but a smile it was.

"I'm sorry, I'm just being silly. I knew I wasn't a witch, and it was selfish of me to think that I might become one." These words were obviously choking her, but she felt she needed to make herself understand who she is, perhaps to apologise to Harry.

"I am sorry that I bothered you. It's late, and unless I'm mistaken, you have Quidditch practice tomorrow," Mari said with a wink.

"Well, if you are SURE you're okay..."

"I am." Harry stood, reluctantly, and turned to leave.

"Harry?" said Mari, taking his hand.

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Listening."

"You're welcome. Good night." She let go, his warmth, his magic, still lingering on her fingers. She clenched her hand, trying to keep the warmth within it, but the magic soon faded from her palm.

"Good night." God, I love him, Mari thought wistfully. But how could he ever love me?

(A/N - Aww! Poor Marielle. Harry's so sweet, don't you think?)