Author's Note: These next two chapters are important for things to come.
Life is difficult, but it's more challenging if you're stupid. The train ride, the welcoming feast, and the first three weeks of school came and went. Unsurprisingly, Harry wanted to talk about how "Malfoy is a death eater. I just know it, Hermione. He's up to no good, and I'm going to be the one to find out what he's doing." And predictably, Ron cared about only three things: food, quidditch, and girls.
However, the interesting (or rather bothersome) thing about Ron is his new relationship with Lavender Brown. Oh, sweet Merlin! That in itself has been what was needed to cause Hermione to go bonkers. It isn't enough that Lavender is one of her aggravating roommates. No. Now, she's also dating one of her good friends. So, having to put up with the girl's ridiculousness both in and out of the room is driving her over the edge of the nearest wall.
The fact that the idiot girl calls Ron that absurd pet name is "Completely dumb and silly," she told Ginny and Luna. But Hermione didn't stop there because she had a massive rant to get out in the open. "I mean of all the things! Who calls someone something as insane as Won-Won? Who does that?"
The brunette looked at her two best girlfriends for answers, but then the annoyed witch responded to her own question. She threw her hands up in the air and declared, "I'll tell you who! Someone who has abused their right to be stupid. That's who!"
Both Ginny and Luna laughed at those words. The redhead has to say she agrees because of all the people her brother could date; he chose the most irritating one. She was going to testify to that until Hermione continued her flow of thoughts. "And let me tell you another thing. The fact that I have to hear her speak that preposterous name, followed by silly giggles while I'm lying in my bed, makes me want to hurl. I would never call Marcus something as dumb and childish as that name for Ron. Could you imagine me calling him Marky-Mark? No. You can't because it's foolish."
Luna opened her mouth to speak, but her curly-haired friend beat her to it. The Gryffindor pointed her finger and stated, "But what's worse is the way Ron is acting. He's behaving like some lovesick fool who has never seen a female before. That, too, is just as unreasonable as Lavender's vexing baby talk. His stupidity and hers make me want to smack the stupid right out of them. But I'm pretty sure that if I did, there wouldn't be anything left."
And with that final punctuation on her rant, Hermione sat down with her friends and took a licorice wand. They were nestled beside the Black Lake, sitting on blankets and eating snacks. It's a beautiful day to be outside, with the pleasant fall weather and the rays of sunshine beaming down. All three girls love how the season is decorated in gold, red, brown, and yellow. Every leaf is a flower, and the earth is alive like it's spring again.
Deciding it was safe to talk, Luna explained, "The reason they're acting harebrained and crazy is that the fiffigibblers have settled around them. Fiffigibblers are known to make people act goofy and irrational. I can let you borrow my specs to see them up close." She reached into her messenger bag and took out a different pair of glasses the girls had not seen before. These were blue-tinted with orange "wings" on the side and top. They came together at sharp points and looked like one of the flowers in Hermione's grandmother's backyard- a bird of paradise. It would be comical if only Luna didn't believe so dearly and earnestly in the creatures and what she was saying. After offering the specs, the dainty blonde grabbed a handful of chocolate candy from a brown bag and popped some into her mouth.
Hermione raised an eyebrow in question. Some of Luna's creatures are just too much for her rational brain. Luckily Ginny changed the topic. "How's old Marky-Mark doing these days? I can't believe his father cut him off the family tree. I also have a hard time believing the death eaters showed up somehow, knowing you'd be on the carousel. That's too conveniently timed. Do any other Slytherins know the two of you have been dating? There could be a grudge there, you know?"
Hermione sighed, rolling her eyes and wrinkling her nose at the farcical name for her boyfriend. Marky-Mark, it made her smile despite herself. She could imagine the revulsion on his face at her calling him that. The older witch replied, "Mark- I mean, Marcus is doing fine. He actually had been preparing himself for the likelihood of future outcomes. During his last year at school, my cunning Slytherin began readying his personal vault by transferring money. So, he's in no way poor, especially with the addition of his quidditch contract, promotional contracts, and his grandmother's inheritance. Don't feel sorry for him on that front."
The brunette gave her two friends a sharp look. Then she detailed what happened at the carousel and Maxwell's howler. Her story ended with, "But do feel bad because of his terrible father's treatment. Never did a nastier man draw breath, except for maybe Malfoy and Voldemort. Better than all the Slytherins I know and the ones that come to mind, Marcus has the ability to weather the trials that come his way. He has this incredible capability to bounce back no matter what. That's part of his remarkable determination and strength of character. So, even though he's labeled an open blood traitor now, he'll be alright."
Luna and Ginny gave her half smiles of comfort. While the two feel rotten for Marcus, especially the redhead knowing what it's like to be a blood traitor, their friend is right. He's a strong, formidable guy who can shoulder a lot of obstacles. Both young ladies admire that tenacity of spirit. They listened while Hermione shared, "And according to Pucey, no one at school has been talking about Marcus and me. Instead, the Slytherins are all the same as Harry- interested in Malfoy. I don't know why. He's a wretched individual. It's not like he poops gold or something."
Ginny seized a cockroach cluster and emphasized, "No, but you must admit Malfoy is acting rather strangely this year. I mean, even his image is different. He's all hollow and looks like he's losing weight and sleep. Do you think he could be a death eater on some kind of secretive mission? He has the appearance of a man in turmoil."
Remembering the conversation with Marcus and his three friends, Hermione pondered that. "Well, my Slytherins and I put Malfoy under the possible death eater column of the list we were compiling. As far as they know, and trust me, they would know, the foul git hasn't taken the mark. But that doesn't mean he won't. For all I know, Malfoy could have taken the mark long after that conversation. So, as with anything these days, be mindful of him," she cautioned. The girls wondered over the possibility of Draco being a death eater and other Slytherins in school following the evil one who returned.
As the weeks flew by, so did Harry's newfound potion-making skills. This new ability confounded Hermione. How can her friend, who has never enjoyed potions and always been passable, beat her at this subject? How?! What is his blasted secret? She is determined to get to the bottom of it. The fact that he won the felix felicis for making a perfect Draught of Living Death nettles the witch to no end. The messy-haired boy also brewed a perfect hiccoughing solution, everlasting elixir, and sneezing tincture.
However, the one thing that keeps running around Hermione's brain is not Harry's potion skills. Instead, she remains steadfast in wonder at the scent wafting off the amortentia. When Professor Slughorn had brewed it the first day of class, and everyone smelled it, she had become curious. The witch remembers that day profoundly because the potion only confirmed what she knew to be true. Her love, her amortentia if you will, is Marcus.
The rotund professor had asked her to explain it, and she had said, "It's the most powerful love potion in the world. It smells differently for each person, depending on what attracts them. For example, I smell freshly mowed grass, new parchment, and spearmint toothpaste."
What no one knows is that she had lied a little. There's no way Hermione would give away the truth, primarily when it could potentially harm her guy. The things she really smelled were: spearmint toothpaste (cause that's his favorite), new parchment, the sweet smell of midnight roses, the wind on a perfect flying day, and this deep manly scent that's the essence of Marcus Flint. In truth, she smells him, which is not surprising because he's it. He's her love.
Keeping it to herself for weeks, the day before Halloween, Hermione couldn't keep it in any longer. She told Harry, who only smiled one of those I knew it smiles. "Oh, wipe that grin off your face," she murmured. Then he told her how he's been noticing Ginny lately. And the two had a lovely discussion about relationships and love.
But what got her the most was when Harry admitted, "I've been a really terrible friend to you. You were hurting and beaten up from what happened in the Department of Mysteries. Not once did I ask about you or try to talk to you about it. I was too caught up in my own grief at the loss of Sirius. Can you forgive your horrible friend?"
A few tears spilled out of her eyes. Hermione threw her arms around him and gave him a long overdue hug. "Of course, I'll forgive you. Thank you, Harry, for apologizing. That means a lot to me," the humbled witch acknowledged.
With their friendship repaired, the two began discussing other matters. She shared with him about the incident on the carousel, Marcus being declared a blood traitor, and how her Slytherins haven't taken the dark mark. Although Hermione kept the two lists, they compiled for herself. That's something she wants to work through with Marcus, Montague, Pucey, and Warrington.
Even so, the clever witch told him what the guys said regarding Malfoy. Harry could not believe it. In fact, he refused to believe it. That did not surprise Hermione in the least, especially knowing her friend is on Malfoy watch twenty-four-seven. So, she only smiled a sweet smile and kept her thoughts and lips quiet. Harry pulled out the marauder's map and spotted the blonde Slytherin walking and then mysteriously disappearing. He excused himself to check this out, which was fine because Hermione needed to study for transfiguration.
Each year Hogwarts seems to come alive on Halloween. The Great Hall becomes awash in apples, pumpkins, bats, tricks, and cauldrons filled with all sorts of sweet treats like cakes, cookies, lollipops, and candies. Much magic collides on Halloween night when the old castle becomes bathed in the moonlight. And, of course, one never knows what kind of spooky dangers might be lurking around the corner, especially with Peeves on the prowl.
The best part of the holiday this year was allowing the sixth and seventh years the opportunity to go to Hogsmeade. That's where Hermione met Marcus. He had rented a room at The Three Broomsticks, so the witch headed straight upstairs when she arrived. After knocking twice, the casually dressed male pulled her inside and kissed the life out of her. Well, not really, but there's something different about this kiss. Something needier. If kisses had a taste, this one would be sweet and sour.
Resting their foreheads together, Marcus quietly commented, "I have to tell you something. Let's sit on the bed."
Not liking where this conversation may be headed, Hermione's mind started running away in every direction and rabbit hole. She allowed him to draw her into his arms when they sat. Although, the Gryffindor's stomach became tied up in knots of all shapes and sizes.
The second-best chaser in the quidditch league stroked her arm while he talked. "As you know, Voldemort and the death eaters have it out for anyone less than pureblood, which includes me with my status as a blood traitor. With that in mind, since they run the ministry, the quidditch league has submitted new rules. First, muggle-borns will not be allowed to play in the league anymore. Many of the teams are set to lose a lot of good players because of that one alone."
Hermione huffed out a breath of indignation. Of all the nerve! She was going to tell him so until he continued speaking. "On top of that rule, another one about known blood traitors came out. I think they purposely wrote it for me. It states blood traitors will be fined heavily, lose any contracts and promotions, and are kicked out of the league indefinitely. A list of names accompanied it; mine was at the top."
Now the anger began to really roll off his witch. Her hands clenched at her sides as she announced, "They can't do that! That's outrageous and wrong! There has to be some legal proceeding that will put a stop to their foul interference in quidditch."
Marcus kissed the side of her head. "I appreciate your sentiments, Sweetheart, but unfortunately, the rules stand. The league lawyers have already looked into it, and the laws are so full of legal jargon and clauses that even a spider would get stuck in that web."
Closing her eyes to center herself, Hermione had to ask, "So, what are you going to do?" She regretted it the minute he told her.
Marcus grimaced, running his hands down the sides of her arms as she reclined into him with her back to his chest. "Well, that's the hard part. Many regular players are up in arms concerning the new rules and can see the writing on the wall. They know more regulations will follow pertaining to them. A lot of the players are moving to international leagues like the Irish, European, and Italian ones. Once the switches began, I had teams contact me, and I think I've found one to sign with."
The brunette witch's heartbeat sped up as she stressed. Her voice wasn't more than a whispered question, "Where?"
His answer was similar as he replied, "Australia."
The tears welled up in Hermione's honey-colored eyes. They threatened to run down her cheeks, but she kept them at bay. She knew that if she were to turn around and hold him, her self-control would be futile. So, the young woman steeled her resolve and wanted to know, "Why so far away?"
Marcus's arms encircled her a little tighter. He kissed her neck tenderly and answered, "Because they offered the best contract. Plus, they will allow me off time whenever I need it. I specifically told them I would leave behind my girlfriend, whom I plan to marry, and my grandmother. Instead of telling me to move both of you with me, they added the contract clause of time off and access to the team's international floo whenever I want it. I also have three non-practice days off during the week, which I'll use to visit you. And I chose that team for two other reasons."
As much as Hermione would like to be mad at Australia, she can't, especially with allowances like those. Her fingers stroked his arms as she listened to him say, "The other reasons are this. I would be far away from my father and his cohorts. Australia has laws about blood purity dating back to the turn of the century. Basically, everyone is equal in the eyes of the law there. The perpetrators are taken to jail if any group of people is targeted for violence. Voldemort is also frowned upon on that continent, and so are his death eaters. So much so that Aurors are stationed at all the significant points of entry to the country. They have this magical mist to spray on everyone's face that, if polyjuiced, the person will automatically change back. That alone makes me feel safer than, say, Ireland or Europe, where death eater recruiting has been taking place."
Yes, that makes Hermione feel better too. He carried on with his reasons. "And my last reason is that Mulvaney has signed a contract with the Australian team that wants me. So, I'd be playing alongside my mentor. He's the man who's taken me under his wing and has treated me like his own son. I respect Rick, his advice, and his concern for me. I responded to the team when he mentioned playing for the Wombats."
Then he carefully removed his arms and body from around his girl's. Once she rested comfortably on the headboard, he crawled in front of her and sat on his knees. Looking into her eyes, he vowed, "But I won't accept if you don't want me to. You and I are a team, Hermione. You're my central teammate in life, and if you feel uncomfortable or upset about any of this, then I won't do it. I won't sign the contract and will look elsewhere, or not."
That's when the dam broke. The tears she'd been holding back flooded out. Marcus tried to bring her into his arms, but Hermione held up her hand to stop him. With shuddering breaths, she gave her approval. Once her emotions were reigned in again, she voiced her thoughts. "I'm going to miss you SO much. You'll be countries away from me. It's not fair this is happening. But at the same time, Australia seems like the logical choice for all the reasons you listed. I'm glad you won't be alone, and you'll have Rick there with you. Please don't forget me," she begged.
Her tears and concern made his dark eyes moist. He pulled his witch into him and exclaimed, "How could I forget the love of my life? How could I forget the one I love? Never. I could never forget the woman who changed me and made me believe in love and magic again. You are so dear to me, Hermione. I need you like I need the air I breathe. Your methods of contacting me are the same, except for a few new floo addresses. I'm still yours and have time off explicitly allotted for you. Remember that."
They both were crying now. Marcus's hands ran up and down her back soothingly, and her arms cradled him into her. Then his voice broke as he shakily said, "And remember, I love you."
Hers waivered as she whispered, "Always."
People called Marcus Flint a brute. They called him a troll. Out of the meanness of their hearts, they've dubbed him other things like stupid. But that's a lie because Hermione knows her Marcus, and her Marcus is nothing but kindness, gentleness, and love. He's her teddy bear. And when he cries, it means something.
Men hate crying in general, so they rarely do it. But when a man cries, especially over a woman, it means he loves her. Because when men shed tears, they've either lost something or are afraid of losing something they love as much as or more than themselves. It's humbling, really. And Hermione knows that, particularly with her strong man.
They rested their foreheads together with their eyes closed. Their noses touched, and tears mingled, keeping silent all the while. Marcus clasped her close to his muscular chest. His right hand moved to caress her face sweetly. Their eyes snapped open and bore into each other. That's when the same hand moved to trace the outline of her lips with his fingers. It's as if he's committing them to memory.
A shiver ran through her, and goosebumps broke out on her arms with anticipation. A smile graced his face. Then he kissed her. Their lips melded together softly at first but became more urgent. He tasted like a sweet mimosa, chocolate chip cookie dough, and everything she'd ever dreamed of rolled into one delicious package. Hermione sighed against his lips and felt his smile.
Her hands moved from his back up his neck and landed in his hair. Hair that she's been wanting to run her hands through from the moment she entered the dingy room. Marcus kissed her harder, and his left hand wandered underneath the back of her black and white striped shirt. The heat of his hand touching her skin set nerve endings on fire. A murmured moan left her mouth.
That was his undoing. Gently and slowly, he lowered them onto the bed, not breaking the kiss for a second. When Hermione rested on top of him, her pulse careening out of control, she paused. Rising into a straddling position, she freed her hair from the messy bun, cascading around her in beautiful amber waves. Marcus lifted a hand, reaching for her, and she placed it on her cheek again, nuzzling into it.
As the moment grew heady and needy with want, it gave way to intimate desires. Clothes came off, methodical kisses were placed, and carefully constructed walls came down around their hearts. And just before they made love, Hermione being impatient as ever, Marcus locked their eyes and told her, "Good things come to those who wait. I've waited years for this, and I want it to last so I can remember when I'm lonely and missing you so far away."
And Hermione did too. She wanted to remember every sight, sound, moan, groan, gasp, and squeal. It would be the last time for a long time.
On their bittersweet Halloween, Hermione and Marcus memorized everything about each other, from freckles to ticklish spots and places in between. They can't change what's happened with the quidditch regulations, nor her being in school, but they can cling to each other and be willing to adapt to the changes in their relationship. And all they can say is, making adult decisions is difficult because what screws them up more than anything is the picture in their heads of how it's supposed to be. This year Halloween has played a vicious trick.
