Love is a ridiculously wonderful and powerful thing. And being in love with the right person makes it magical. No amount of time and space can separate a person from the one they're meant to be with in life. The world seemed to fade when Hermione and Marcus reunited in the garden. That's the purity and invincibility of love because, at that moment, because they are unshakeable. That's the wonder of their love. It's endearing.
In a whirlwind of emotion, Marcus apparated them into the bedroom of his chateau. Not to make love, though the desire rose anew, but to cuddle because it's been long since they've held each other. So that's what they did, burrowed into the other's arms and clung with everything they had. For all the stress, worry, and time apart, lying there embraced by the one they love was the best feeling in the world.
Marcus sweetly brushed Hermione's hair out of her face with a finger and locked his eyes with hers. He whispered, "It took me half my life to find you, so now I'm going to hold on to you."
That's good because she doesn't ever want to let him go, either. Never again. She could only say, "I missed you so much I thought my heart would burst. Whenever I'd question if I was doing the right thing or was so weak I couldn't go on, I'd think of you. You made me want to live. Not survive, but live. Even from afar, you gave me strength."
He didn't want to push, but he wanted her to talk to him. "Good because I like being your strength, your rock. And when you're ready to do so, tell me about your time on the run. I want to know. I want to be able to support you," he acknowledged.
That brought tears to Hermione's honey eyes. Those words were life to her after everything she's (they've) been through. Having this safe place to land means so much because, truthfully, she's still delicate. But Marcus wasn't done yet. He softly stated, "We'll navigate these fragile postwar days together. We'll find the way out of the hurt, and until it gets better, I'll hold you. If you can't speak it out loud, write it in a letter, or whisper it. I'll hear you. I'll listen."
She's always known she could trust him, but at that moment, Hermione knew that she could count on him without a doubt. It's like he spoke to her soul and could hold the very breath she breathes. Her tears were his tears too. It was like she was lost and found again. That's all that's needed because she found herself holding on- to him. He'll love her until the darkness leaves, in the good times, the bad times, and the ugly ones too. Marcus takes care of her well-being, but more importantly, he's always taken care of her heart. And that is a beautiful, astounding gift.
Courage has become her compass throughout the year. Running and running, searching and searching, falling and falling, but this love- their love- lifts her to places unknown. It starts a fire deep within her soul. And that same courage that guided her through those times of despair is leading her now. That's how she knows; it will be alright. You fall before you fly. So, even though the brave witch isn't sure where to begin, she's not going to stop- not going to give up until she gets out of this postwar haze.
Somewhere in the wee hours of the morning, all cried out and feeling better with a bare soul, Marcus noticed the bandaged arm. Not really wanting to, but knowing she had to show him, Hermione followed the compass of courage again. Carefully unwrapping the wound, she let the bandage fall away. The arm lay there, not as red as before but still slightly raw and unattractive.
Just as carefully, Marcus took the arm into his hand and examined it. Hermione's eyes had cried out, but his heart did the same. As he looked at the scarred letters, the tough wizard saw his girl for who she was. It's like that moment when he first spoke to her; he knew she'd change his life.
Every person in this world is a little faded yet full of glory, a little damaged and slightly bruised. Everyone has a bit of ugliness in them or on them, but Hermione is different. She's brave and broken at the same time, full of light by the path she chose and the power given to her. She gave her life and body to a cause bigger than herself. We're all flesh and blood, scared and brave. That's what makes us human, but we all need a hero. We all need saving at some point. And her... well, she's his hero. That scar reminds him of it.
Tenderly running his thumb over the letters, his eyes closed shut. Tears ran down his cheeks, and he spoke what he thought, "You're my hero, Hermione."
With tears, she flung herself into his arms and held on tight. It's like Marcus had applied a healing balm to her whole being. His love and words do that for her, but that's not it. It's the power of love. It's the most potent force in the whole universe. Nothing beats being with the person you love the most.
She fell in love with someone who saved her from her own chaotic thinking, so Hermione supposes he's her hero too. Life will take you to places you never dreamed of, but love... oh, sweet love... will lead you home. When the brave witch looks at him, she's home because her home has a heartbeat. And when she isn't with him, she's homesick. That's the word she's been searching for this past year, unable to define it. But now his Gryffindor knows what it was- homesickness because she isn't sick anymore.
The rest of the night, the two of them spoke about the time she spent under torture at Malfoy Manor. It made Marcus's blood hot. The next time he saw Draco, the burly chaser had plans to talk with his fist. The couple also discussed the word mudblood and how she battled his father. Hermione told her guy everything and held nothing back. Even though he had said she could write it or whisper it, the precious witch didn't have to do either. It came out easily. Through it all, Marcus was there holding her and wiping tears away. Few guys have perfected the art of being strong and tender, but he's mastered it, especially regarding his girl.
Then Hermione did the same for him when he spoke about his time in Australia. He shared all the things the guys learned regarding the Flint family history. She gasped at what was being told to her. Then she even traced his perfect front teeth, which she hadn't noticed until that instant. When Marcus detailed that her parents fixed them, the tears returned. Even more, sobbing occurred upon finding out Cassius reversed the memory spell.
It was a night of release because you only heal through release, not suppression. Every bit of the dark ugliness had no place to hide. It went down in flames as dawn came in like a light, and Hermione caressed Marcus's stubbly cheek. With tender words of affection, she explained, "After the final battle, it's like all my demons came to haunt me. I felt all my doubts, and it was cold, so cold that I fainted. The rose bracelet is magical. It took me to Rose House, where your grandmother and Aunt Amelia attended to me. That's fine, but I'm less afraid when you're with me by my side. The whole world can collapse, but I don't care now. As long as you're with me, I'm not scared of trouble or anything. You always have my back, even millions of miles away. It's good to be where I belong."
Staring at her sweet face, he asked, "Where's that, Hermione?"
Her reply was short and sincere. "With you, Marcus." She knows real love doesn't meet you at your best. No. Sometimes it has to meet you in the middle of your mess, and that's okay. So, Hermione took a deep breath and let it go. But her Slytherin saw that breath, and he wanted it. Without warning, the muscular wizard kissed her because Marcus couldn't have done anything else at that point. That breath she let go belonged to him, and he wanted it back. He kissed her so profoundly that she forgot whose air she was breathing. And all the postwar ghosts and voices inside them fell silent. It's just the two of them at that moment in the room with their love. A love that protects them like armor and heals them like the best kind of medicine money could buy.
They laid each other bare as the sun came up, kissing places that needed to be mended. Entangled with their hands, feet, lips, and bodies, they didn't just love. They made love and were as close to each other as possible. So connected, so satisfied that it was breathtaking. Entwined in each other, Hermione could feel the stars within her shine, which they hadn't done in months due to being dimmed. But now they're back and brighter than ever.
The best part of making love to Marcus is afterward when they're still connected, and she sits in his lap. Naked as their name day, arms around each other, stroking their backs, and their foreheads touching, it's so intimate and beautiful. The heart doesn't need calendars or clocks. It only knows how it feels to be with one another because it doesn't fit into any timeframe. Love only loves.
As much as Marcus had wanted their intimacy to be about her, Hermione knew he needed love too. He needs it just as much as she does. So, they sat there nakedly embracing, loving in its purest form. They had undressed each other's consciences and made love to one another's thoughts long before actually doing the physical act. Now all that remains is love, the purest kind of magic. There's nothing more magical than that, nothing.
When the couple finally let the other go, showered, and got dressed, they knew there was much work to be done. It started with Marcus agreeing to sign the paperwork with the honorable JW Daggot Esquire. Over breakfast, Glimfeather carried his wizard's reply for a meeting, and that same wizard complained to his girl about the whole ordeal. He admitted how he's never wanted to be the head of the house, the keeper of the Flint family. Hermione put a piece of cheese on his plate and declared, "Here, have some cheese with your whine."
The new Flint heir gave her a cross look. Undeterred, she reprimanded him. "Complaining does nothing but shows a lack of character, and I'm sorry to say it reminds me a lot of Ron."
Those words shut him up quickly. Nothing was worse than being compared to that redheaded idiot. But his girl wasn't finished with him. She had more to say while buttering her toast and spreading jelly. "So you're here complaining about being the head of your estate. There are worse things in the world, you know. Just because your miserable father didn't train you for it doesn't mean you aren't worthy. Yes, you feel inferior, but now you're in a position to make worthwhile changes. Starting right now, stop whining and begin working, acting, and owning this position. Start hustling, Marcus, and accept that this is the new you, and it can coincide with the old you. The only difference is now you have power in the wizarding community, whereas you didn't before."
Well, he felt like he had when the quaffle hit him in the face, except with a bit of shame to go with it. Staring at Hermione taking a bite of the toast, he realized those were the same things his friends told him. However, coming from the love of his life, it made more of an impact. His Gram would also agree with her on all accounts. The rest of breakfast was quiet as Marcus thought about what to do with these new assets he's acquired.
The whole thing didn't actually bludgeon him until JW Daggot's paralegal was sitting across from them with a dragon hide leather portfolio spread open. The middle-aged Joseph Partridge eyed the pair behind his thin wire-rimmed glasses and spoke in a bored voice. "Mr. Daggot has sent me to obtain your signature. Once the paperwork has been finalized today, you will have access to all the Flint vaults and rights thereof."
The man magically produced a self-inking golden quill. He handed it to Marcus, who only eyed the thing with suspicion until Hermione pinched his thigh to get his attention. His head turned to her, and her eyes gave him a look that said sign the papers already. Returning to the task at hand, the Flint heir began readying himself to sign his life away on the perfectly stacked documents. With a sigh, it started.
Document after document fluttered back into the portfolio after Marcus's signature was attached. The younger wizard had expected this signing to take all afternoon long by the volume of papers. However, it only took less than ten minutes. At the end, his name glowed brightly, and he could feel a transfer of power wash over him. Even the signet ring on his finger felt differently. It felt energetic and alive, with a specific power that wasn't there before.
As Mr. Partridge closed the transfer, a set of keys, copies of the documents, and a bejeweled locked box appeared in front of the heir. The beady-eyed man told Marcus, "The keys unlock all the Flint vaults at Gringotts. The law office has already sent the goblins copies of all documents signed today, and you also have a set to keep for yourself."
Then he motioned to the ornate box set in front of Marcus. "Lawyer Daggot told me to tell you that box has been in your family for centuries. It's been passed down from heir to heir and is full of family secrets. Open at your own risk."
That warning sent chills down Marcus's spine; what other hidden knowledge does his family hold? The ones he uncovered are terrible. The head of the Flint family ignored the box for now. Instead, he saw Mr. Partridge out of the house. No sooner had he reentered the sitting room than a different, familiar owl flew into it. A half smile graced his face as the tawny owl landed next to him. Its beak held a letter that Marcus took and sat to read.
Hermione examined the owl and handed it a treat. "Who's owl is this," she asked.
The Slytherin stretched his long legs out, laid the letter in his lap, and put his hands behind his head. Looking at his girl and the owl, he replied, "My mother's. Her name is Skylar. She's relatively friendly."
Inclining her head, Hermione wanted to know, "Who? Your mother or the owl?"
That made Marcus chuckle. "Both, I suppose. My mother requests our presence for dinner. Skylar won't leave without a response. Are you up for it?"
Hermione thought about that request. Is she up for dinner with Marcus's mother? That's a loaded question. For one thing, she's never met the woman, the mother of her love, the daughter of Cecilia. Meeting Cora Flint could not possibly be as bad as meeting Maxwell, at least from everything she's heard tell of Cora. But on the other hand, this was the woman who married the dastardly Flint. She was the woman who ignored Marcus in favor of Clementine and Marshall.
There are a lot of things the young witch would like to say to this woman. So, yes. She's up for meeting the mother of the man she loves. "I'd love to have dinner with your mom. It should make for an interesting evening, no less," Hermione remarked.
Marcus could see the wheels in her big brain turning. He wasn't sure if that was good or bad, but he'll find out soon enough. Getting up, he trodded over to the writing desk and wrote a response that he gave to Skylar. The owl nudged her head into his palm, hooted, and flew off on her way. Coming back to sit beside his girl, he angled himself to see her better. Then he explained, "My mother isn't terrible like my father. Overall she was a good mom as far as moms go. True, she's not my Gram, but she's had to be passive because of my dad. Honestly, I'm not sure what to expect. I haven't had contact with her in years. The last time I saw her was before I joined the Arrows, and she tried to talk me out of it. That did not go over well with me, and I told her as much. She expected me to follow my brother in the family real estate business, but that's not my dream. Mom also desired me to marry some dimwitted pureblood girl and have dozens of babies by now."
A grimace came on Hermione's face. "Oh, so I'm your mother's dream come true. How wonderful that must be. The Flint heir is in love with a muggleborn, who helped to defeat her husband's boss. This dinner will go so well, I know it," she stated with sarcasm.
He took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze. "No matter what happens, we'll get through it together. I choose you, Hermione. I love you. Only you."
Those words brought her comfort and reassurance. Now she has to put on her bravery to do battle once more. Except for this time, instead of facing dark creatures and wicked witches, she's facing the one thing that tops all of those- Marcus's mother.