The summer sun poured over the land, hot and steady. Just like that, summer's last stand began with its expressionless dawns, blazing noons, and sunsets awash in color. That's the first weeks of August before autumn decides to spread wings and leave a trail of brilliant color in her wake. Hermione loves August because it's only one month away from her birthday.
As she ushered in August by making a list of all the supplies she'll need for the school term, Hedwig came bearing a letter. Hermione hadn't heard much from Harry this summer. He's been reticent, which is odd because there's usually a flood of letters every week. Instead, it's only been two all summer. This one makes three.
Ironically at the same time, Hedwig appeared, so did Glimfeather. Marcus's owl did not care for another owl taking up Hermione's time or the part of her desk he likes to occupy. She watched the eccentrically large bird clack its beak at Hedwig as if to say move you, runt. From its hulking body, intricately patterned face, and massive wingspan, the owl can be as intimidating as its master when he takes a notion. Like the lovely snowy bird she is, Hedwig made room for Glimfeather.
With a pointed finger, Hermione reprimanded her boyfriend's owl. "Now look, I know you like this spot on my desk. I'm not really sure why you prefer it. But you cannot act like this spot is yours alone. Whoever gets here first, it's theirs. And for goodness sake, be nice. Hedwig is a kind, friendly owl."
Glimfeather twisted his head away from her like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum would do. "I realize you're unhappy with me. That's fine, but I expect you to behave better from now on when you land in my room. Marcus would be upset to know you've been acting this way," she told him.
The mention of Marcus caused the owl to turn his head back to her. He stared at Hermione with his large eyes and held out a claw. Once her hand was out to receive the letter, he dropped it into her waiting palm. Then he hooted and flew to the window seat, where the owl rested, giving off a superior air.
While the owl was resting, Hermione read the note from Harry. He had written to let her know he and Dursley had been attacked by dementors the previous day. Nearly expelled from Hogwarts for improper use of underage magic, Harry told her all about using the Patronus spell. The letter made Hermione cringe. This whole thing involving dementors is unnerving.
Why would they be loose and in muggle London? They should be guarding Azkaban. But then, it's not too much of a stretch to believe that since Voldemort has returned, everything is backward and in a tailspin. She's already been worried over Marcus and his death eater father. Now Hermione has to be concerned about Harry and dementors roaming the streets.
After writing a letter to her dearest friend and sending it on its way with Hedwig, Hermione turned her attention to Marcus's note. The minute Hedwig left, Glimfeather flew to his spot on the desk and gave a hoot of contentment. Hermione rolled her brown eyes and petted the bird who nuzzled into her hand. She again rebuked him. "That was so unfriendly, but I still love you."
Marcus's letter was much more upbeat than Harry's. He told her of upcoming pre-season games wanting her to attend at least one. Hermione perused the enclosed Arrows' schedule and decided on going to the pre-season game on Saturday, the 21st. The letter mentioned he'd give her three tickets. The only problem with that is who would she invite?
The missive also stated that he gets home from team practices at five. And he would like to see her as much as possible before the Hogwarts term starts on September first. That will be no problem at all since she feels the same. But then Marcus's tone took a similar one to Hary's. Her boyfriend went on to say that his father has been sending frequent notes. Maxwell has been ratcheting up the contact, hoping his son will take the dark mark. The man even went so far as to say, "The Dark Lord himself will give it to you. Do you realize what an honor that is?" That, too, made Hermione's stomach ache.
Although Marcus is more protected than Harry, with all of the charms she's placed on him, it's still disturbing to think about how his father is hounding him. It takes nothing at all to fall in line and follow decades worth of pureblood teaching. It takes a whole lot more, basically everything, to stand apart- that bears a special kind of courage.
After all, it's the pressure from peers and family which makes us try things we wouldn't ordinarily have. And Hermione can't help but feel what if her Slytherin's self-control snaps, making him give in? Would she love him even with a dark mark? And she decided she'd still love Marcus even with a dark mark. The truth is, there would be a very good reason why he had one.
A well-timed threat to the right person, like Marcus's Gram, could change his mind. Threats change everything. However, the intelligent witch also knows that threats are the weapon of a person who himself is threatened. They indicate genuine and intense fears, which lets her know one thing. Maxwell Flint is afraid of his Dark Lord and what Voldemort will do to him.
So, getting the ugly dark mark on the arm is not an honor.
It's the mark of a bully bullying others into taking it, and all of the so-called death eaters gave in to the pressure. That alone makes Hermione wonder how many of Voldemort's followers were under threat and didn't want it. How many of them pressured others to take it? Probably almost all of them except for the truly sycophantic ones.
With these thoughts in mind, she quilled a letter to Marcus. Hermione let him know which pre-season game she'd like to attend and how she favored his plan of spending their evenings together. Her words also encouraged him to stand firm against his father's menacing demands. Then reminded him that at the end of the day, she loved him and had his back. That's all anyone really needs besides money, love, and support. The letter left with Glimfeather taking a flight back to his owner.
As the month of August wore on, so did Hermione's worry. It continued with Harry's trial. He had written her after it was over, letting her know he was still in school and the Ministry of Magic was a joke. They wanted to bury their heads in the sand about the return of Voldemort, especially Minister Fudge. She noted the name Umbridge, whom Harry said was particularly nasty to him. Perhaps Hermione could entice Luna to get her a fizzhummer to send the woman for Christmas.
As the blonde odd creature aficionado once explained, "Fizzhummers are evil, mischievous creatures that cause all sorts of things to malfunction. They especially like to cause mayhem in the home or at workplaces. Many stories have been published about them, and references to them concerning the causes of inexplicable magical and mental problems have been most popular after the war with Grindelwald. They're very destructive, so stay away from them as much as possible. The fizzhummers like to live near swamps and eat toilet paper. I'm not sure where they get the toilet paper, though."
It wasn't until the day of the pre-season quidditch match that Hermione actually relaxed. Ginny and Luna were coming to her house that afternoon. Together they would floo to Marcus's home, where Topsy would pop them over to the Arrows' stadium. After the match, Hermione would meet up with Marcus. Ginny and Luna were going to meet up with Bill and Fleur since they would be there on a date.
Originally, Hermione had asked Harry if he wanted to go with her. However, he declined by saying it was best he didn't draw attention to himself, especially after the hearing. That bummed her out, but she could understand his reasoning. The brunette witch definitely did not want to ask Ron because all he did was moan and gripe about Marcus.
Anytime the sports section of the Daily Prophet appeared, Ginny told her that he would complain, going so far as to say he hopes "Bloody Marcus Flint loses every game this season." That left her asking her two girlfriends instead, who was thrilled at the chance to see a professional match. Well, Ginny was thrilled, but Luna was more interested in "Testing my wrackspurt and snozzguzzler theory out. If I'm right, I'll have Daddy publish it in The Quibbler."
Marcus had Hermione over to his house the night before the pre-season game. After dinner, he presented her with two items. One was an Appleby Arrows shirt. It's the one that says Eat, Sleep, Quaffles, Repeat. On the back, it has his quidditch jersey number... fifteen. He told her he'd always liked that number, so when Marcus got to choose his team number, he went with that one.
The other gift was these cute, simple stud earrings. They're rose-shaped studs with a diamond center. Her athlete explained, "They're crafted with some of the finest goblin forged rose gold as well. They're gentle and delicate, yet they can make a statement on their own. They reminded me of you."
He conveniently didn't tell her that the earrings had a unique Fawley family enchantment on them. After all the protections his girlfriend had taken for him, Marcus did this one thing for her. It had taken several weeks to ensure there wasn't a curse on the jewelry. Then another few weeks to have his grandmother charm and spell them with the Fawley protections.
It's the closest thing he can get without having her as his wife. And if anyone were to ask, it's almost as if he had given her betrothal jewelry. Almost as if... Marcus wouldn't deny it, but he also wouldn't answer any questions about that either. Hermione is his witch, and intends on having her as long as she'll have him (which he hopes is forever).
That afternoon, when Ginny and Luna flooed over, the trio of girls was eager to get to the stadium. Before they left for Marcus's home, Hermione reminded them, "We need to be vigilant. We need to be ready for anything with dementors on the loose and a Dark Lord."
Her friends agreed with Luna saying, "That's why I brought my special dark forces detecting eyeglasses."
She fetched them out of her pocket, and they looked insane. The specs themselves were prismatic whirligigs spinning around. If the girls looked too closely, it would make their heads sick. The frames were regular, thank goodness. The glasses reminded Hermione of Batman's nemesis, The Riddler. All her friend needs is a green suit, and the blonde can pass for Riddler's love interest. She had no idea how the things could actually detect dark forces but leave it to Luna to at least try.
Mr. Granger stepped into the room with a velvet pouch. Every year, when Hermione goes to Daigon Alley for school books, the Grangers exchange their muggle money for galleons at Gringotts. They have a lot of it kept in their home safe. Mr. Granger gave his daughter some extra galleons for the game. He reminded her, "Have fun and tell Marcus I said hello. The next time he's over, I'm taking him out to play a round of pool with my friends. Now be safe, and I'll see you later."
Hermione hugged her father briefly, took some floo powder, and called Marcus's home address. As she brushed off her shirt and jeans, Ginny and Luna came through the floo. Once the girls were clean, Hermione's two friends studied the space they were in. Their eyes practically bugged out of their heads, especially Ginny's. It was the redhead who exclaimed, "Wow! Get a load of this room! It's unbelievably huge, which I'm sure the rest of the house is the same." As she admired the general splendor and beauty of the room, Ginny followed up her first comments by saying, "Just think Hermione, one day you could be living her as the wife and mistress of all of this." Her hand motioned around for effect.
Luna stated, "Marcus loves her. Hermione will be the mistress of the home. That's why the house elves call her that now."
Her statement made the witch in question wonder how her friend knew the elves called her Mistress Mione. But then she saw Topsy talking with Luna and realized he must have said it in conversation. Hermione beseeched the elf, "Topsy, would you take us to the Arrows' stadium, please? Marcus wants you to drop us off at the player's entrance."
The dependable elf smiled brightly. "As Mistress requests. Topsy be taking the ladies to Master Marcus."
The elf's statement made Hermione's face heat up. It's discomfiting being called mistress because they're not engaged. Thinking about marriage is so far in the future. But between her friends and Topsy, it appears she has no choice but to think about it. Hermione held his right hand, Ginny held his left, and Luna held Ginny. With the snap of his child-like fingers, the group landed at the Appleby player's entrance.
Topsy wished them well and disappeared. The trio turned this way and that, taking everything in. Ginny's mouth hung open, and she excitedly blurted out, "I can't believe I'm here! I've always wanted to go to a real game. Sure the Quidditch World Cup counts, but that's not an actual game. It's countries playing each other. This is the real thing!"
Her enthusiasm was infectious. It made Luna and Hermione eager to get inside the stadium to look around. With that in mind, the trio made their way to the security wizard and the player's personnel staff member at the distinctive gate. The staff member inquired rather snootily, "If you're lost, we can help you. The main entrance is at the front of the stadium. You will see pictures of King Rex, Hot Hands, and The Golden Arrow hanging in front of the gate. You can't miss it, but if you do, there's also an enchanted arrow pointing the way to the ticket checkers. Now off you go."
The irritating attitude of this lady wiped the smiles off Hermione and Ginny's faces. It's Luna who spoke for them in her calm, pleasant voice. "I think you're mistaken. Our names are listed under Marcus Flint's guests. It would do well for you to check it on your clipboard."
At the mention of The Golden Arrow's name, the lady stood up straighter and asked for the girls' names. She apologized before letting them inside. "We get many people back here wanting to get in through this gate who aren't on the list. Most of them are liars. I apologize. Following the magical arrows will lead you to the player's box, where all the wives, girlfriends, and guests sit. There are refreshments and private restrooms. After the game, the magical arrows will show you the way to the locker room. Enjoy the game."
As the girls followed the silver arrow that magically appeared before them, Ginny wondered if the wives and girlfriends would be friendly or snooty. Hermione remarked, "If the lady at the gate is anything to go by, then I think those women will be similar. But Marcus did say he also invited Pucey, Montague, and the elusive Cassius Warrington. If they show up, we'll know at least three people will be okay."
They followed the arrow all the way to a magical glass elevator that pointed for them to step inside. The trio obeyed, and the doors closed. As if the elevator knew it started, and they went up, up, up. From all sides, the quidditch pitch and stadium could be seen. It had terrific views, although Hermione didn't care for it. Her fear of heights started to take control.
A bell dinged, and the doors parted, leading them right into the player's box. The girls stepped out and looked around. Players' wives and girlfriends dressed as posh as could be lounged in the seats sipping wine and talking. Some stared at the newcomers, but most ignored them, except for the trio of boys seated at the glass overlooking the pitch.
One of the boys called out Hermione's name. "Hey Hermione, come sit with us." Graham waved her over.
The girls walked to where they were, and the guys slid down, so they could sit. Pucey cast the murmurous charm, a different take on the muffliato. Whereas the muffliato fills the air with a buzzing noise, the murmurous just blankets the air in quietness. Eavesdroppers cannot hear a thing.
The new tall, curly-haired blonde extended his hand and introduced himself. "I'm Cassius Warrington. I've heard a lot about you from Marcus. Despite what you hear about purebloods, it's nice to meet you."
Hermione accepted his hand and shook it. "It's nice to finally be able to put a face with a name. Likewise, I've heard a lot about you too. I look forward to getting to know you better, Cassius," she told him.
The six of them sat talking before the game started. The guys, especially Warrington, wondered what Hermione thought about Marcus's newfound fame. She explained, "It doesn't bother me as much as it does him. He despises the attention because he's all about the game. The press, articles, pictures, all of it is a distraction. At least, that's what Marcus says. He also loathes receiving girl's knickers in the mail, thinking it unseemly. But he does like having the ability to be somewhat of a role model to children."
Her mind turned to the last conversation she and Marcus had about the media. Those thoughts led her to say, "The big fear is that at some point, the press will catch on that he's not single. And then they'll push and investigate until they out me. Marcus worries about what his father will do when he finds out his son is dating a muggle-born. Mainly because of everything happening like it is now."
Her words prompted Graham to speak. "I can't talk for Marcus, but I feel sure he'd agree. You need to be careful, Hermione. Things are happening that are scary and disturbing. I know you know that Pucey and Warrington's fathers supported the Dark Lord with financial contributions. My father did not take a stance, but I feel he'll be forced to choose this time."
Adrian followed up by saying, "Anyway, Maxwell Flint is one of the worst people out there, not just because of his treatment of Marcus. If he does find out about you, it won't be happy times in the Flint Manor. So again, be careful because you're the best thing to happen to our friend, and we'd hate for his old man to do something about it. We hope to see you around with Marcus for a long time." Warrington nodded his head in agreement.
The murmurous charm was redacted, and the players took to the pitch. During introductions, Hermione thought over what Graham and Adrian shared. What made her pause was the talk about Voldermort. She'd like to press them further with questions regarding him but knew this was not the location, or time, to do so.
Instead, her attention turned to the player introductions. When Rex and Haney were called out, the stadium erupted in applause and cheers. Applause sounded behind them too, and Hermione turned around to see two women clapping. One of them was a busty blonde wearing a short red dress with her hair curled to perfection. The other woman, a short big-chested brunette, wore a black halter dress. Both women had too much makeup on their faces, which made them look trampish. The two players in question made a show of riding around the stadium on their brooms, to the crowd's delight.
Thunderous applause happened for Mulvaney as well, when he was introduced. Unlike, Rex and Haney, this Arrow player only waved to the crowd as they cheered. Hermione caught the green eyes of a lady clapping for him. This one looked normal, dressed in a denim skirt with an Arrows t-shirt tucked in. Though older than Hermione, she seemed youthful with her fresh face. That must be Sheridan, Mulvaney's wife, and Hermione wants to make a point to speak with her. The lady's husband has been Marcus's mentor, and that's worth thanking his wife. She'll do that at halftime or after the game.
Then the announcer declared, "Put your hands together for the newest Arrows player. The rookie who eats, sleeps, quaffles, repeats all day long. The new Golden Arrow, chaser Marcus Flint."
Marcus took off on his broom around the stadium to the same cheering as the famous players received. When he flew next to the player's box, his friends got a wave and Hermione a wink. Once the game began, the Arrows possessed the quaffle. Score after score racked up in their favor until the Tornadoes recovered. From then until halftime, the Tornadoes controlled the pitch like they were on home turf.
Through the groans of the three Slytherins males and Ginny, they didn't understand why Marcus was holding back. Neither did Hermione, but she figured he must have a good reason. And he did. After the game, he explained that even though he could have locked the game up for the team in the first quarter, he wanted his teammates to have playing time. But that was after the game.
Currently, the score is tied. While some boring announcements were being made, Hermione introduced herself to Mr. Mulvaney's wife. The kind lady patted the seat next to her and cast a muffliato. Then she told Hermione, "I'm Sheridan, and your boyfriend has been the talk of our home lately. Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. I know what it's like having press hound you. My husband likes Marcus and thinks of him fondly, especially since he's not big-headed like Rick thought he would be. He actually listens and takes advice."
The two women chatted through the halftime, and Hermione found out Sheridan Mulvaney works as a teacher to squibs. That's interesting, considering squibs are looked down upon in the wizarding society. An invitation for dinner was also extended for the upcoming week, and Hermione told Mrs. Mulvaney, "I'll check with Marcus and get back to you. Thank you for the invitation, and I'd like to hear more about your job as a squib teacher."
Sheridan nodded with a smile, and Hermione retreated to her seat beside Ginny and Montague. When the new half began, the Arrows came out playing. Everything turned their way, especially the score, because Marcus showed up and showed out this half. He scored points after points after points. Everyone got to see exactly what the sports articles meant when they said who needs other chasers?
The play that made the highlight reel was Marcus performing the Porskoff Ploy. It was obviously discussed in the locker room during halftime because there's no way the other two chasers would have been ready for it. Marcus flew straight up with the quaffle, out of nowhere, while the Tornadoes chasers followed him. Then he threw the quaffle directly down to Simmons, his fellow chaser who scored a goal. The crowd went wild, especially Ginny and Pucey, who had both jumped to their feet during the play.
After that, Roger caught the snitch for Appleby, and the game was over. But not before Luna said, "Oh dear. This isn't good." She wore her crazy glasses. The guys, plus Ginny and Hermione, turned to her.
Before anyone could question the blonde, shouts rang across the crowd as a body floated down from the air. It landed on the ground in a mangled mess of limbs. The body was an Appleby reserve player named Donahue. But that wasn't the worst. High above the stadium hovered a horrible dark mark, the same as the one at the Quidditch World Cup.
