(Disclaimer: I did not create nor own the rights to the character of Marcus Flint or most characters mentioned in this fan fiction. I created Ryan Connor and Cecilia Devogue. The rest is all copyrighted to JK Rowling and her respected publishers. I make no money off of this fan fiction. I hope everyone enjoys this. Thank you.)

One - "A Toast To The Future"

By Travis J

The Ministry of Magic had it's fill of problems that summer. Sirius Black had escaped from Azkaban and was on the run, threatening muggles and the magical community, and new security measures were being taken every day to ensure the safety of people everywhere. No one had a lead on Black's whereabouts, and false sightings were being reported on a daily basis from all sorts of people. It even cleared the muggle news, in hopes that a non-magical citizen would spot him off guard. After all, only a true trickster with unimaginable skills could escape the confines of Azkaban prison. To make matters worse, a pair of elderly muggles in Manchester had reported a strange outburst from a teenager and a set of Aurors had been sent to investigate. Apparently it was a boy who was about sixteen years of age, kneeling in his front yard, rubbing his temples and almost screaming in pain. Usually the Ministry would not deal with such things, but the reports that odd shapes hovered above him made Cornelius Fudge nervous enough to send Aurors to assist in the problem. If only Mad Eye Moody were avalible...the situation could get dangerous.

The Aurors approached the two story house with caution, a thread of muggles watched nervously on the street. Did that man and woman just...appear...out of nowhere? Muffled whispers and gasps could be heard behind them as they approached the boy, who was laying in the grass, obviously asleep or knocked out from the intense pain neighbors heard him complaining about. He was pale, his skin soft and smooth, almost unearthly looking. For a sheer second, it seemed like this boy belonged in the spirit realm and not the realm of humans. His full lips had almost a blue tinge to them, like all the energy had been sucked out of his body. Deep auburn hair was cut short, bangs slightly covering his forehead. He wasn't too thin, but he wasn't that overweight either, just right in the middle...so the pair of Aurors came to the conclusion that if he was sickly, it must be a new affliction. For a moment, the boy stirred, as if he felt their prescence. Soft, almost feminine words, came from his full lips, "I can't...hold them in...anymore." With that, he shivered slightly and did not speak again. There was only one thing the pair of Aurors could do. One transported him to St. Mungo's Hospital while the other stayed behind to issue out a few memory charms. This was a situation that certainly needed magical help.

Ryan opened his eyes slowly, trying to focus on the room around him. Everything was painted a dull white, the curtains were drawn, and he was in a rather stiff bed with mettalic bars on the side. His ice blue eyes opened wide as he tried to sit up but found his body too heavy for such a task. Letting out a soft sigh, he took in as much as the room as was possible. It obvioulsy looked to be a private room in a hospital. Though the one picture hung near the door seemed to be...moving. Yes indeed, the picture was of an elderly lady in a funny hat on a swing, gingerly kicking her legs up and down as she moved. He couldn't believe his eyes and shook his head, hoping that he didn't fall into some sort of weird trance. Using more effort, Ryan managed to sit up and get a good view of the doorway. There was an immaculatly clean hall outside, and people walking by on the rare occassion. Just moments later, as if some sort of psychic bond had been made, a woman in a white dress and hat walked in holding a bar of chocolate and some hot tea. Her accent was clearly British, and her gestures warm as she handed him both the items. Her voice was rather soft, though stern, "There now. It's about time you were up. Been out of it for almost an entire week now. Whoever taught you to supress summons like that? It's dangerous, it is."

Ryan couldn't believe what he was hearing, "Summons? Excuse me, but do you have me confused with someone else?"

The woman, clearly a nurse, chuckled softly, "I guess you are still under the impression that you're a muggle going mad. Let me be the first to relieve you of your worries...you're certainly not a muggle. Only surpressed to live like one. In fact, you're a summoner."

"A summoner? Like...spirits and the whole deal?"

"That's a way of looking at it. Really you are taking this much better than Doctor Kingsbolt thought you would. He had a fiver on you running down the hall screaming as soon as the news was broken to you."

Ryan settled back into his bed, shaking his head, his eyes focusing on something beyond the nurse by his bedside, "It isn't much of a shock to be honest. I didn't know that they were called summons, but I have read stories of summoners. My mother would warn me against such rantings. We never discussed my...differences...she was afraid of them."

"Well you are in a safe place. St. Mungo's Hospital, where the magical community can take care of you and help you harness your powers. They can be of great use if you learn how to sharpen your skills."

"Who brought me here?"

The nurse took the unfinished tea cup from his hands and put it on the nightstand, "Aurors assigned by the Ministry of Magic of course. You don't think we would allow muggles to deal with this in their own way. You would be locked up in an asylum and treated like you were insane. Is that the fate you want?"

Feeling like he could be honest with a complete stranger, Ryan closed his eyes, thoughts flooding his head, "I am not sure what I want anymore."

After a week of care, Ryan was sent to live with an older woman named Cecilia Devogue, once a designer of witch's robes for a rather well known company and now living alone in centeral London. She had agreed to be his guardian during the summer, and would finance his education to Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the two years he would need to harness his powers. He obviously couldn't enroll as a new student, because he was far too old to start as a first year and really only needed to learn how to sharpen his skills as a summoner. When he was told to start packing his things, now piled all over his private hospital room, Ryan didn't know what to say. Everything was happening so fast. His mother no longer wished to speak to him, visions clouded his head at night of different animals trying to speak to him, and this Cecilia Devogue had practically come out of nowhere to open her arms to him. He wondered why a stranger would take in an abandoned summoner? She must of had some sort of past mistakes or wrongs she wanted to make right karmically. It was the only explanation. How little he really knew of Cecilia.

At twenty five, she had become the leading fashion designer for every witch on the planet. Her name was featured in all the best magazines, her robes sold for a handsome ticket price that few could get away with. Her designs had a raw edge to them, something different that other designers couldn't bring to the drawing board. She was a gem that single handedly brought fashion awareness to everyday witch robes. Now kissing fifty years of age, Cecilia found herself more lonely than she had bargained for. Sure there were parites where muggles and wizards had entertained her, courted her, and enjoyed her company...but those days were over. She had lived a vibrant life and now faced life alone. When her friend Doctor Kingsbolt from St. Mungo's shared a cup of tea with her at a cafe on Westend one rainy morning, he happened to bring up one of his most recent cases. It was a boy that was only 16, forced to surpress his summoning powers by his rather ignorant mother, and almost died as a result. The energy was almost sucked out of him, and now that he had a made a full recovery, he had no home. Shane Kingsbolt looked out the large glass window as he spoke about it with his good friend Cecilia, "If I didn't live such a busy life, I would put him up in my place for the summer. I can't do it though. Not to mention I am not exactly one of the highest paid doctors at the hospital, and I couldn't afford the kind of education he needs to become a true summoner."

Cecilia sipped her tea like a lady, nodding as she listened to Shane Kingsbolt, "His parents refuse to cooperate with him?"

Shane chuckled, setting down his empty mug, "He doesn't know his father and his mother is a right cow. She chased Ministry officials from her house and won't return her son's phone calls. It's really a sad story. I didn't mean to bring you down."

Shaking her head, Cecilia finished her tea, "Oh not at all. Actually I had a rather splendid idea. It is a rather rushed decision, but you know the way I live my life. I'm always the vibrant one."

"No arguments there."

"How about...I take him in? I mean granted I won't win any awards for maternal figure of the year, but I have a nice sized apartment in a good neighborhood. Not to mention more money in Gringott's and muggle banks combined than I could ever spend in one lifetime. Who would know that fashion could be such a lucritive business?"

Shane Kingsbolt looked a bit confused, "Wait a minute...do you mean to finance his education at Hogwart's too?"

"If Albus Dumbledore will permit him to attend, yes. Why shouldn't this boy have the chance any other witch or wizard would? Not to mention, I am sure he's a step ahead of some of the rather nasty lot they have attending there."

Shane knew his dear friend was of course reffering to the Mafloy family whom she had a strong dislike for. A smile crossed his lips, "That's awfully good of you, Cecilia! Why would you do something like that?"

For a moment it seemed like she wouldn't answer. The dull roar of thunder came from just outside the window as people passed their small table, "Well...I can't really say. It doesn't matter anyway. Just you worry about his care while he is at the hospital...I will send an owl to Albus when I get home."

She got up, and Shane helped her as he whispered in her ear, "You're a right saint, you are."

Cecilia smiled and was about to leave before she thought of something, "What is his name?"

Shane put his wallet back in his jacket before he answered, "Ryan Ciaran Connor. Sixteen years old, and a virgo."

The older woman covered her mouth while she laughed, "I always got along well with virgos."

Feeling rather tired of packing his things, which his mother sent almost urgently during his stay at the hospital, Ryan decided to go for a walk. Wearing a pair of khaki pants and a black polo shirt, he slipped on some sandals and shut the door behind him as he walked out into the hallway. He didn't really know where he was going, only that he needed some fresh air. Paying no attention to people staring at him, or the whispering that went on between the nurses who had all heard his story by now, he kept walking with his eyes cast to the floor. Eventually he found his way out to a rather beautiful garden, with a large fountain at it's center and a series of stone benches. The sky was still threatening rain and a cold breeze blew through the air. Biting his bottom lip, Ryan went to look at the fountain. An angel with wings spread wide and arms around a child with a brace on his leg and a crutch topped the magnificent fountain. Water colored a soft lilac poured from several faucets underneath the angel's feet. All of a sudden, a deep and rather masculine voice could be heard behind him, "I always wondered how that kid got wrecked. Maybe his parents took a few swings at him, or maybe he was hit by a speeder on a broom or something."

Ryan sighed and shook his head, "It doesn't matter how the child was hurt. It is just sweet to know that someone...something...somewhere is looking out for you."

"That's bull if I ever heard it. No one looks out for you but yourself."

Rather annoyed at the negative words of a complete stranger, Ryan turned around and found himself in a state of shock. Standing behind him was a rather handsome young man who looked around his age, dark black hair gently spiked, wearing a roguish smile. He was a bit rough, having on a pair of jeans, a t shirt with some sort of wizard rock band on it, and a leather jacket. The young man sniggered a bit, hands in his pockets as he made direct eye contact with Ryan. Not knowing what to say, the summoner blushed slightly. Talking to handsome men was not exactly an easy task. The other man managed to speak again, his voice deep, showing off rather large front teeth, "Sorry if I pissed you off. I guess everyone has their own way at looking at things."

Finding words finally, Ryan attempted a smile, "You are entitled to your opinion. It could very well be true for that matter. I wouldn't say I have met the kindness of parents lately."

The other man nodded as if to agree, "My father nearly threw me down a flight of stairs when I told him I failed my damn final exams. He almost wouldn't cash in for another year at Hogwart's. Not that I blame him, the school's rubbish."

Having head of Hogwart's from the series of nurses who came to check on him, Ryan was relieved to have someone to talk to that didn't know his background, "The wizarding school? I was told I should attend to sharpen up my skills."

There was a long moment of silence until the man in Ryan's company held out his hand and grinned, "The name's Marcus Flint. This is my last year at Hogwart's...I plan on playing Quidditch as a career."

Shaking his firm hand, Ryan felt a bit nervous, but moved closer to Marcus, "Quidditch? What's that?"

Taking his hand away and thrusting it back into one of his pockets, Marcus raised his eyebrows, "Have you been stranded on an island or something, mate? Quidditch is only the best sport the UK has to offer! Don't tell me you're a muggle or some junk like that!"

"If I was a muggle then I wouldn't be here. I just had a rather supressive mother who liked to keep that part of life sheltered to me is all. Everything is a bit...new. I can't really explain it."

Marcus nodded and went back to looking at the fountain, as if gazing into Ryan's icey blue eyes made him nervous, "I see. So what brings you here? Visiting someone?"

"No...", Ryan struggled with a way of simplifying the past week, "Well I'm a summoner, if you know what that is. Only my mother had me ignore and try to rid myself of the power I was given, and it caused me great pain...literally taking the energy out of me. I was brought here by the Ministry but now I've been taken in by a lady named Cecilia Devogue. She plans to send me to Hogwart's this fall. Just two years of training."

Much to Ryan's relief, Marcus seemed to take it well and nodded, his voice not carrying a trace of being uncomfortable or nervous, "Devogue? I think my mom has some of her robes stored away. She's a bit weird...but to each their own. I'm a bit weird myself."

"I like weird. It's better than being boring."

Marcus laughed and nodded his head, "Yeah it is. I'm here visiting my uncle Charlie who got drunk and accidentally apparated into a brick wall. Right mess fixing him up, though he'll be okay. He's done worse."

"Well I hope he feels better."

"Yeah...", Marcus trailed off. Trying to find something to break the akward silence.

Finally Ryan saved them both, "Well it was nice meeting you, Marcus. I need to get back to packing. I leave for Cecilia's tommorrow morning."

Before he could leave, Marcus grabbed his hand, "Wait! You didn't tell me your name."

Feeling a tingling sensation in his stomach as his hand was grabbed all of a sudden, Ryan turned his head and smiled, "My name is Ryan Connor. Hopefully you'll see me on campus."

With that, Marcus released Ryan's hand and watched him leave the garden. With a sigh, he went to a seperate wing to find his father and uncle. Finding the journey back to his room shorter than usual, Ryan couldn't help but think of Marcus as much as possible while he finished packing away all his clothing. That night had the same dreams of spirit animals trying to communicate with him, but also Marcus was somewhere in the distance, smiling at him. That next morning, he had dressed in his khakis and a t shirt, tieing his sneakers when the nurse came in and told him he had a gift being delivered. Not expecting this, Ryan signed for it and got a nice boquet of white and red roses. Letting the aroma fill his nostrils, his fingers went to the small card and opened it. Written was a simple message in rather messy handwriting. It said "Thanks for the talk - Marcus". Feeling the blush rise in his cheeks, Ryan put the card in the front zipper of his back pack and ran his fingers over the soft petals of the flowers. What fortune he had at meeting such a man. His thoughts were not allowed to go any further, for at that moment a rather chubby woman dressed in flashy purple robes with sequins sewed into them and a great beaded shawl came strutting into the room. Her fingernails painted the color to match her robes, and a smell of Egyptian perfume filling the room. She looked to be close to fifty and smiled brightly. Her voice was very feminine yet strong, "You must be Ryan! My dear I have looked forward to meeting you."

Ryan stood up and shook her hand, holding on to it and understanding this must be his new guardian, "I take it you are Ms. Devogue? I can never thank you enough for your kindness."

She laughed a rather frivilous laugh and batted her long eyelashes, sometimes serious as she was at the cafe, but other times giddy as she was now, "Don't be silly. When I heard your story from Doctor Kingsbolt I couldn't resist. Not to mention my apartment is so stuffy. I need some life in it! Though I regret to say your first few days will be spent helping me redecorate. My scheme is far too retro...I need a modern view."

Ryan smiled warmly, and without realising it, he had pulled her into a hug, "Oh that sounds splendid!" He was overcome with an emotion that he didn't think he would be feeling so soon. Out of all of this came some sort of hope.

Waving her wand rather briskly, Cecilia cleared her throat and all of his things dissapeared, even his backpack, "There now! One good thing about being a witch is that I don't have to hire movers. It is so tedious to move otherwise. Well now, let's go say goodbye to Doctor Kingsbolt and I will take you to this darling restaraunt on the West End for lunch. I swear they make the best French Onion soup!"

Following behind her, Ryan couldn't help but release a laugh. He hadn't felt this happy since the day before when he had met Marcus Flint. He hoped to see him again, thinking about the days ahead of him. There was a month left to the summer and it seemed like every day would be a new adventure full of knowledge about a world he barely knew exsisted until now. This was where he belonged, and he hoped to be as good a tenant to Cecilia as was possible. Watching as she socialized with a myriad of nurses, Ryan knew everything would be different. Though change was the only thing that was promised in this world. So, that day at lunch, Ryan said a toast. A toast thanking Cecilia once again for her kindness, a toast to the luck he had at recovering so quickly, and a toast to the future.