**Author's Note: Thank you for reading my little story. I appreciate all of the reviews! I want you all to know my story posting schedule. I need to finish my other story, Pearl of Great Price. Due to that, I'll be posting Dance chapters two days a week. Most likely Tuesdays and Thursdays. This week it's Monday and Wednesday. After the other story is complete, posting will be Monday through Thursday. Thanks for understanding!

Time passed quickly, and the days were filled with life and love. Much to Marcus's delight, Hagrid returned to work with some convincing from Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Both he and Hermione had stewed for days about the wretched article Rita Skeeter had written about their oversized friend. Hermione vowed to put a stop to that female toe rag and her horrible writing. She just doesn't know how yet. Marcus was so upset on behalf of his favorite professor that he offered to buy the Daily Prophet. However, his Gryffindor told him, "No. You can't go around buying everything you want, even if it would make life easier. Besides, I don't want you to use up your savings in your vault." The thought and offer count, despite Marcus assuring her that buying the paper, wouldn't even put a dent in his personal vault.

When February rolled around, for once, both Marcus and Hermione didn't feel like less than. In the past, the month of love made them feel lonely and a little sad. Hermione has always believed that "February is nothing more than a giant marketing gimmick. Love should happen every day."

But now, the month has a different kind of regard to it. That is mainly due to the fact the couple has someone to share sweet surprises and whisper sweet nothings to. They can spend Valentine's Day soaking in and soaking up that love. In the days leading up to the love holiday, most of the Slytherin guys were scrambling about setting up dates at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. Even Graham suggested that should be the place where Marcus takes Hermione. "Every guy does so, Man. The girls love that sort of thing," he told the burly athlete.

However, Marcus disagreed and kept thinking about what to do. His girl deserves better than the sickeningly sweet overkill of the tea room. No. She deserves something much more thoughtful.

It was during one such pondering that January Davenport strode up to him. The irritating blonde-haired girl began telling Marcus about all the things she wants him to do for Valentine's Day since "We're betrothed now. It just makes sense that you would want to spend your time and money on me."

That statement almost made Pucey choke on his hot tea. It's like the girl thinks she's entitled to Flint. Both he, Montague, and Higgs sat on the sofa, wondering how their friend would get out of that one. They know he's of age and will absolutely not marry the horrid girl, but January doesn't know it.

Marcus has zero intentions of letting any of this linger. So he flat out said, "Look, broom wreck, this isn't your flight. Obviously, you're under the impression that we're going to be married. I'm here to tell you that we're not. I'll repeat it slowly so you can comprehend it in your shallow brain. We... are... not... going... to... be... married."

The guys tried to hold in their laughter, but January wasn't laughing. Oh no! In a condescending tone of voice, while tapping her foot, she told him, "We have a contract, Marcus. It means we'll get married. So it would help if you started thinking about that. Now, I want a dozen red roses, a box of chocolate, a date to Madam Puddifoot's, and a family heirloom diamond bracelet from the Flint vault." Her claw-like finger pointed at him with nails that looked like talons.

He tried to be pleasant. He really did, but enough is enough. Marcus declared, "There is no way in the darkest part of Hell that I would marry you, with or without a contract. What part of that do you not understand? I was already of age when our fathers agreed to it. Therefore, any agreement is void. I will not, and am not, marrying you. So find another broom for another flight because this one isn't going your way. Bye-bye!"

He waved her off in a huff of hair and noxious perfume. But not before January reminded him, "I was doing you a favor anyway. Like, I actually wanted to marry a troll."

Ignoring that last comment (because it was January trying to save face), Marcus returned to thinking about Valentine's Day. He began to get frustrated until remembering something special. Sitting down at his desk in the dorm room, a letter was crafted and carried to the owlery for Glimfeather. The great grey owl took the missive swiftly through the afternoon sky to its intended destination. All Marcus had to do was wait for the response.

He waited all evening, night, and morning of the next day. The no response put him on edge, and he grew impatient. Finally, his grandmother's gorgeous eagle owl, Patience, delivered a reply during lunch. Receiving the response, he hoped for, a huge beaming smile lit up his face. Keeping it a secret proved even more difficult than thinking of the idea. Mainly because he really wanted to tell Hermione about it, but giving it away would ruin the surprise. Besides, he only had one more day.

When the day of love dawned, Marcus met his girlfriend at the astronomy tower to watch the sunrise. Since Valentine's Day fell on a Sunday, everyone was still in bed, which was perfect for them- no one to get in their way. Hermione is a sunrise kind of girl, enjoying being up before everyone, most usually to study. He is a sunset kind of guy, able to get a second wind at night. Though opposite in that regard, they made up the whole sky (night and day), which is beautiful.

The two sipped hot chocolate bundled up in blankets, wearing lounge clothes. Together they watched the sun rise above the apricot sky with flames that turned a solemn, thoughtful pink. The miracle of the sunrise comes from the darkness. Hermione leaned back onto his muscular chest, "There's no one I'd rather watch this with than you. It's the best way to greet a lovely day."

Marcus agrees. He could do this with her every day for the rest of his life, and it would never get old. His hands pushed her hair over her shoulder, placing a delicate kiss on her neck. Moving, he sat criss-cross, and she mimicked his position in front of him. They couldn't stop smiling even when they made eye contact. Reaching for her coat, Hermione pulled out a bag from its pocket, which she enlarged with her wand. The beautifully wrapped box with an elegant bow was given to Marcus. He eyed it with suspicion and raised an eyebrow in question. She only smiled in return, practically telling him to open it. A box of fudge flies was revealed when her Slytherin took off the green bow and the golden box top.

Chuckling, Marcus commented to her, "These are my favorite. How did you know? I don't think I ever told you."

Tucking a strand of hair that came free (from the half up, half down hair) behind her ear, Hermione remarked, "Well, yesterday when we separated for a bit in Hogsmeade, I wandered into Honeydukes. Pucey and Montague were there, and they took pity on me staring at the candy wall. Your friends showed me the fudge flies and said they were your favorite. So I bought a massive box of them. You should have enough to last through the end of the school year unless you eat them all up and make yourself sick. I don't recommend that."

Chuckling again, he remarked, "Well, thank you for thinking of me. I will pace myself. I promise." Then reaching behind him, underneath his coat, he used his wand to magically enlarge a box. Opting to look at the box instead of her eyes, with a timid voice, Marcus declared, "Some people go their entire lives never feeling half the emotions you've given to me. I know because I was one of those people. I'm not the most graceful or eloquent guy, but I really do love you. I know I could never love someone else the way I love you. This isn't much. It's not a bracelet or jewelry, but I hope you like it." Then he passed the box over to Hermione.

Her fingers untied the red satin bow as her heart leaped into her throat. She took the top off, and the most beautiful, unusual flower bouquet lay inside. At first, the smart Gryffindor stared at the flowers in awe. But then it dawned on her exactly what she was looking at. Hermione's words were soft as she gazed up at her boyfriend with unshed tears in her eyes. "Marcus, are these what I think they are?"

Gazing shyly back at her, he responded, "That depends on what you think they are."

Brushing a finger over the mauve flower petal, Hermione set the box in her lap. "I think this is a box of enchanted midnight roses. They're the rarest in the world, having been a part of mythology and folklore long ago. However, they've not been seen in nature for centuries because of weather and soil conditions. Those that are on the market are usually a hybrid but not the real thing. People say that when they bloom, the fragrance is exactly what you'd expect a rose to smell like- full and fragrant. Some call them the Hocus Pocus rose because they're magically nowhere to be found- disappeared. So, I have to know. Where did you find them, and how much did you pay? Because I hope you didn't spend your vault on these," she stated.

He took the box from her lap and carefully set it aside. Then scooted closer, so their knees touched. Holding hands, Marcus explained, "Sweetheart, I didn't spend a thing. Although the enchanted midnight rose is not sold in the marketplace, I happen to know someone who cultivates them in a greenhouse."

Hermione's eyes lit up at the prospect of knowing who might possibly grow them. Seeing her curious face prompted Marcus to reveal, "There are rows and rows of the flowers growing at my grandmother's house. They're her pride and joy. She receives numerous letters daily requesting them for weddings and flower shops, but she refuses. Unless it's for the right reason. Gram told me to tell you, set them in a vase with a little bit of water and sugar. Then spritz the flowers with a fine mist each day. They should last for several months."

Every once in a while, life has a way of giving us something we never knew we wanted. And it lights inside us a love that we didn't know existed until it becomes the only thing we see. There is nothing sweeter and better than that, except when that person loves you back.

Hermione was at a loss for words. Yet somehow, she was able to say, "Marcus, this is such a rare, precious gift. I can't believe you went to the trouble for me. I'm floored by it. Thank you." She crawled into his lap and stroked his face in a tender caress in the way he's come to love.

His eyes closed at her caress and affection. When he opened them, Marcus let her know, "It's not trouble when you want to do something for someone who means so much to you. I love you. Even though this is Valentine's Day, a day for love, I love you every day."

Hermione swooned a little at his words, and her heart melted into goo. If it gets any sweeter than this, she can't even imagine. She is his, and he is hers. If Hermione knew anything about love at all, it's that those are the only two things that matter. When they parted ways, thoughts of each other filled their hearts and minds. They're never too far apart.

In the days that followed, the girls in Hermione's dorm were overcome with awe at the midnight roses. They squealed and told other girls, who pestered her into letting them see the extraordinary, exquisite bouquet. Harry joked and told her, "You should charge a viewing fee." She thought that was a brilliant idea.

On the morning of the second task, an odd thing happened. Hermione was in class, minding her own business as if it were an ordinary day. During transfiguration, she was called to the Headmaster's office. The next thing the Gryffindor knew, she was underwater and being rescued by Viktor. It was a bizarre experience, not to mention the mermaids are hateful creatures. And Marcus's mood regarding the whole thing did not help matters. He huffed about their abandoned room, saying, "You bloody meant something to him. How can you mean something to him, and he doesn't even really know you? It makes no sense!"

Then he muttered, "Girl stealer." That made her laugh. So in order to calm his mind, Hermione did the only thing she could think of. She didn't say anything, only held him and kissed his lips. It was wonderful! And he told her, "I seriously don't mind you holding and kissing me to shut me up. Feel free to do that anytime you want." A mental note was taken for later use.

Everything was fine after that until the first week in March. This was when all hell broke loose. It started with the owl delivery at breakfast. Copies of Witch Weekly were distributed. And right there for everyone to see is an article featuring Harry, Krum, and Hermione. Harry Potter's Secret Heartache it's titled.

Stealing the rag straight from Ginny's hands, Hermione seethed. Reading it with a critical eye, she exclaimed, "Of all the rubbish! It says that I'm Harry's girlfriend, and I've toyed with him by seeking Krum's affections. Of all the nerve! That utter and complete toe rag! And just look at these pictures!" Her hand motioned to them. "None of them are flattering. Why that woman is painting me to be a conniving witch!"

Turning around, looking this way and that, Hermione saw practically the whole Great Hall reading or looking at the filthy piece of junk. She caught Marcus's eyes, and he gave her a look that said we'll talk about this later. That look concerned her because Hermione knew he wasn't happy. There's no telling what he may do to the woman either, and there would be no holding him back if he wants to buy the trash paper and put them out of business. The more Hermione thinks about it, the more she likes that idea.

When she and Marcus met later, they discussed the wretched article and Hogsmeade. It was decided that Hermione would spend part of the time with Marcus and the other with Harry and Ron. It's crucial the trio meet with Sirius. But when the couple talked about the article, well...

Marcus went into a rage against Skeeter.

His face red and his fists balled up tight, by his side, Marcus stated, "That woman is an unnatural disaster. I have more than enough money saved in my vault to last for decades to come. I could buy both The Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly. That would teach them to write inconsiderate, lying articles."

Hermione held his hand and tried to calm him down. She opened her mouth to speak, but Marcus said something incredibly intriguing. "I've heard that Skeeter is an unregistered animagus. I can't confirm that. However, I trust the source."

Oh my, Hermione landed on a potential gold mine. Wanting to know more about this, she asked, "Who's your source? I'll never tell." If the source is plausible enough, then this is worth looking into.

With a mischievous smile, her guy revealed, "Cassius Warrington's sister, Campbell, works as a copy editor at Witch Weekly. I trust Cassius, and his sister is honorable."

Well, that sealed it for his girlfriend. She's definitely checking this lead out.

As the month of March continued, Hermione received tons of hate mail. With letters piled around her in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione told Harry, "Once upon a time, I thought hate mail was the comments Professor Snape wrote on my essays. Do refrain from being a know-it-all, he said. That's high praise compared to all this rubbish."

Her comment made Harry laugh. "Don't let Skeeter or the trash article get to you, Hermione. Her wrong opinion doesn't matter. How are things with you and Marcus? He seems like an okay enough bloke," he mentioned.

Talking about Marcus made Hermione smile. "We're good. I'm looking forward to the summer because I'm supposed to meet his grandmother. Although, I try hard not to think about that. I must make a good impression on her. Besides that, Marcus got another invitation to try out with a quidditch team. This time he earned one from Kenmare Kestrels."

Harry's eyebrows raised clear to the ceiling. He remarked, "Wow! That's incredible. He's up to five tryouts now, which means one of them will sign him for sure. How do you feel about that- girlfriend of a big league quidditch player? It's hilarious considering you hate quidditch."

Wanting to be honest, she explained, "It makes me a little anxious. We've already talked, and we know we're going to keep dating after Marcus's graduation. We'll make it work because we're determined. Plus, the two of us think we have something special together. But I can't help feeling like he'll forget me, especially when witches start throwing themselves at his feet."

But like Luna and Marcus himself, Harry disagrees. "He's not going to forget you. I've seen the way he looks at you, Hermione. It's the same way Ron looks at food. It's hard to forget someone who's memorable. And you are both brilliant and memorable."

She supposes that her dearest friend is right. Marcus said he loves her, and that's what really matters. That's what she needs to trust, even if it's complicated with him being far away. Because it all comes down to love, and love should be unforgettable. And when love is true, nothing can ruin it- not time, space, or distance. Love is nothing without respect and trust. If she can't trust Marcus and that his words are genuine, why be in a relationship? So, Hermione will keep loving him, and everything else will fall into place. At least, she hopes so.