To say what happened at the quidditch match was a setback is nothing short of an understatement. It was an unmitigated catastrophe. The general public was worried, understandably so, especially with the start of the new school term a few weeks away. It stood to reason that tensions were high, and the Ministry of Magic was on the verge of being seriously distrusted.

The Ministry went into public relations mode because of all these things. They continued to assure the populace that Voldemort had not, in fact, returned. "There is nothing to worry about; I give my word as Minister. This whole thing is only a blip in the big scheme of things, not a catastrophe. We all need to calm down. The entire event was nothing more than a few former death eaters who wanted to play dress-up and cause fear among the wizarding world. I can guarantee they will be caught and brought to justice. The auror division is on top of this criminal activity," Minister Fudge announced.

However, that did nothing to quell the general fear encircling society. Harry knew the minister was lying through his teeth. In his latest owls to Hermione, he told her, Don't believe a word Fudge says. He's a lying liar who lies and is trying to save face. First, the same thing happened at the Quidditch World Cup. Then Cedric died, and I saw Voldemort with my own eyes. Next came the dementors who attacked me in the muggle realm, and now this fiasco. And what's worse, Hermione, the Ministry has passed an educational decree. It allows them to appoint professors if Dumbledore can't find any. That means they're the ones appointing someone as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. The whole thing is a massive coverup.

Hermione has to say she agrees. From the time she and her friends left the stadium, pandemonium had set in with the crowd, and everyone scrambled to get out. She remembers the event well. Bill had sent his Patronus to where they had been sitting. It told them to meet him in front of the glass elevator, and he'd take them to the Burrow. Ginny and Luna followed his instructions, but Hermione went with the Slytherins to find Marcus. That had been a nightmare, as every player was racing to secure their wife or girlfriend. Some were helping to usher people out of the stadium.

By some miracle, Hermione had felt a hand on her shoulder through the bustling crowd. It made her squeal. When she turned around, Marcus stood dressed in his quidditch uniform. Without warning, he took her hand and apparated them to the chateau. From there, he floo called his grandmother, letting her know he's alright. Afterward, the couple sat huddled together on a sofa in the upstairs great room. For the longest time, neither spoke because no words (at the moment) could say how they felt. They only embraced. Until finally, the silence begged for words.

That's when Marcus declared, "The killing and the dark mark had my father and his associates written all over it."

Hermione would ask why but that would be stupid of her. Knowing full well what he meant, she asked, "Could he really be that dumb and cruel?"

Those words made Marcus chuckle darkly. "Oh, he could and would. The death and the dark mark were a message to me. He'll continue sending me messages like that if I don't comply soon and get the bloody thing on my arm. But what makes me pause is the fact they killed a half-blood. That's not their usual fodder. I suppose no thought went into it, only that I got the message. And I did. Loud and clear," he explained, raking a hand over his face.

The other thing that makes him pause is the fact the Dark Lord has to be present to give the blasted mark to his followers. That alone should make anyone quiver. The Ministry of Magic is playing into his evil hands by ignoring what's going on. That in itself is an evil. It's corruption. And the more they insist that nothing is happening, the Dark Lord becomes even more powerful once again.

Marcus knows that the works of evildoing are growing behind the scenes. And the thing about that is scary. Because the truth is evil has nothing to fear. Evil is evil. Therefore it has nothing to lose, either. That's the root of the problem. With nothing to fear or lose, there's nothing to love. Evil doesn't love. It only hates. It hates, with blind jealousy, everything that love is because it doesn't know love. And because it doesn't understand love, losing doesn't matter. People hate what they don't understand.

That makes Marcus wonder about the so-called Death Eaters. They're all "family" men or are heralded as such. The ones he knows have children too. Where is their love for their families, or do they just not care? Have they become so bitter and evil in their hearts that the darkness has entirely overtaken them? That's probably truer than he knows or cares to think about because all of the death eaters are agents of chaos. Once upon a time, they were good people, he supposes, then they changed.

But beyond evil, there is insecurity. That way is the path to insanity. Insecurity, if not carefully observed, can breed insanity. Isn't that true with those who follow the practices of mayhem, violence, and destruction? They're all troubled and mad. The madness inside them has pushed them to do evil. It's like Voldemort and his followers.

And the scary thing is all it takes is one event, one thing to push even the plainest of persons to the brink of crazy. So it begs to reason that all people should be treated a little kinder than necessary. Treat others the way you want to be treated. That's what Marcus's grandmother always tells him, even during those tough times when he was being teased. And that brings him back to the Dark Lord. Had he known love and kindness, would he have turned out the way he was? Who can say?

After those musings, Marcus headed to the shower and Hermione to the library. It was then she researched the Patronus charm. That would be a handy spell to know in times of trouble, and she's nothing if prepared.

When she left Marcus's home, Hermione felt calmer following everything that had happened. She had spent the last week of her summer vacation researching more about the Patronus and warding. Interestingly enough, Ms. Cecilia invited her for lunch one afternoon, and Hermione accepted. The two sat discussing the event at the game, the Ministry's response and the warding spells the young witch created. Marcus's Gram was impressed with the ingenuity, research, and magic Hermione had poured into the spells.

That led to a discussion of how the brunette secured Marcus's estate and protected the wizard himself. Cecilia told her young friend, "Protecting your family is every person's basic instinct. It is the reason why we would do everything possible to ensure our loved ones stay safe and out of harm's way. It's a near improbability because a person can't be injury free their whole life. But we can still try. You love my grandson."

She said it as a fact, not a question or a wondering. "You love Marcus, and sometimes love has to be fierce. Love protects. Remember this. It doesn't matter what's in front of you, Dear. It's who's behind you or beside you, that counts. Now let's talk about what your protection means."

Hermione swallowed thickly. Her heartbeat sped up a little. What does her protection mean? Marcus has told her about that, sort of, before. Are there implications? Should she take it back?

The older woman stirred her tea magically with the spoon. It's still fascinating to Hermione to see ordinary things like spoons do things on their own, like stir tea. Cecilia removed the utensil from the tea cup and eyed her grandson's girlfriend. "You've taken my grandson under the shelter of your protection. Your magic has infused with the old family wards, even the Flint ones on his signet ring. Essentially your magic has fused with Marcus's. It's rare, Hermione, especially in older families. Such a thing isn't done unless there's a betrothal, a contract, or a debt. What you did is tantamount to being engaged. Do you understand?"

Hermione gave a half-hearted nod. The only thought registering in her brain outside of oh, dear is, "Did my magic alert the head of Flint house to new protections or meddling?" she asked.

A slow smile developed on Cecilia's noble face. The lady responded, "No. The family was not alerted because you are not bonded, engaged, or married. The only one who knows is you, Marcus, and whomever the two of you tell. But what it does mean is you're both magically compatible and suitable, among other things."

That is something Hermione had never heard or thought of before. It made her wonder, "Are all couples that way?"

While picking up a tea biscuit, The Grand CC laughed. "My Dear Girl, no. Were all couples that way, there would be fewer squibs, more births, and more couples married out of love. Not everyone has the option or joy of finding a partner who's agreeable magically and otherwise."

Those statements blew the young witch away. Love changes everything. She thought of Marcus and his genuine smiles, personality, and handsome appearance that he's grown into in the past two years. It's a rare occurrence that the two of them took notice of each other beyond popular opinion and house loyalty. But she supposes that the right opportunity will present itself when it's ready to.

Then Ms. Cecilia pointed out something else. "Those earrings you're wearing. Did Marcus tell you about them?" Unknowingly, Hermione's left hand reached up and touched an earring. She shook her head no. "Well, allow me to explain," the older lady requested.

The Grand CC spun an emerald ring around her finger as she spoke. "Those come from the Fawley Family vault. Marcus picked them out and said they reminded him of you in their uncomplicated yet sophisticated nature. They have several layers of protection charms, some new and some not. Just as you protected Marcus, he did the same for you. Those are not as strong as the protection you did for him. There are a few reasons for that."

Touching the rose-shaped earrings in full, Hermione marveled at the sneakiness of her Slytherin. Were it anyone else but him, she might have been upset. However, she found her heart bursting with affection even as Ms. Cecilia explained why they were not as strong.

"First of all, the protection charms aren't as potent because you're not family. Yet," the older woman raised a sculpted eyebrow in challenge. Then she continued. "Family magic works ten-fold when a couple is married. Despite that, the family charms will hold and cover you to a certain extent, especially the protection of your mind. Secondly, Marcus is not a master at charms, as you know. The subject is not his thing, which is a shame because he could have been a healer."

Cecilia noticed the look of surprise on Hermione's face. She took a sip of tea before quantifying those words. "It is surprising to hear but is no less the truth. Marcus is a great healer of animals and even humans. He loves magical creatures and took to feeling compassion for them at a young age. So naturally, he was curious about healing them when ill or hurt. The art of healing came intrinsically to him as the piano did to Mozart, a lovely squib who died too soon. However, as time passed, the love of healing dulled inside him for reasons you can expect."

Yes, Hermione can assume what those reasons are. If she were to take a wild guess, she'd say his insecurities. And that was partially right because Ms. CC said, "The opinions of others swayed him from following his natural path. The louder the voices, the louder the insecurities spoke. Then, of course, Marcus's learning problems got the better of him as well. Plus, charms have never been his most significant subject, but he is somewhat skilled in potions. I wonder if he had someone besides me rooting for him; perhaps healing would have been his path. Instead, he spent his talent and time pursuing the broom and chasing quaffles. But, yes, Dear, healing is one of Marcus's untold gifts."

Then Ms. Cecilia told her more about the earrings and how they belonged to Odelia Fawley. The jewelry dates back to the late 1400s. The Grand CC took Hermione on a tour of the Fawley Family portrait gallery, where she saw a picture of Odelia. The petite woman softly smiled as she sat on a plush red velvet settee. Her sandy-blonde hair had been pulled up with jeweled combs on either side. They captured the light in the painting. Odelia gave a little wave to the young witch wearing her earrings.

From there, the two visited more portraits with Cecilia, telling about her family's history. Portrait after portrait in the gallery waved, smiled, or nodded, showing Hermione kindness and acceptance. Well, they did until the pair of ladies stopped at a picture of Felix and Amaryllis Fawley. Felix stood stone-faced, but his wife Amaryllis shouted, "Mudblood!"

Almost all the other portraits gasped in horror and looked shame-faced toward the rude woman. The ones who didn't do those things wore suave scowls. It was Cecilia's father, Jameson, who declared, "Never mind her, Hermione, she comes from the Rosier family. Like the Blacks, they're known for their snobbish ways and blood purity."

His comment set Amaryllis off. She began shouting again in the direction of Jameson. With the flick of her wand, Cecilia silenced the portrait and closed the curtains around it. Taking Hermione's arm, Marcus's Gram apologized. "Dear Girl, I am entirely sorry and ashamed to call that woman one of my older great-grandmothers. A narrow mind and a big mouth usually go together."

The way Cecilia said it made Hermione chuckle. "Thank you for your words, but it wasn't you who said it to me. And you're right about narrow minds. It seems those kinds of people have fat heads too," she stated.

Then the younger witch went on to tell the Grand CC all about Malfoy calling her that name and how she didn't know what it meant at first. "I cried a lot, but the more I heard it, the more it lost its effect. Words are just words unless you give them power."

Cecilia agreed. "Spoken like a girl with a big heart and a vast capacity for love and forgiveness."

The two ladies continued walking around the massive house, with Cecilia showing Hermione this room or that magical antique. It was a lovely afternoon well spent with Marcus's Gram offering her the use of one of the Fawley owls, which Hermione accepted. It would be nice not to have to use the common owls at Hogwarts for a change. And once again, an open invitation to visit stood waiting in the wings.

Then one afternoon at the end of summer break, the newly minted fifth year received her prefect badge. A huge smile lit up Hermione's face and stayed in place the whole day. That night she flooed over to Marcus's chateau in order to surprise him with a home-cooked meal. It would be a fantastic way to celebrate her becoming a prefect. Knowing he would be arriving after practice, Hermione commandeered the kitchen from Toffee, who stood shaking her head. The elf could not be deterred from leaving. So she oversaw everything in her kitchen, including the simmering pots on the stove and the petite witch allowed it.

Time passed, and the floo roared to life, having just finished the final touches on her grandmother's classic spaghetti and meatballs. Wiping her hands on the frilly blue apron she wore, Hermione took it off and asked Toffee if she could direct the food to the table. But of course, she added a "please" and "thank you." Walking out into the hall close to the floo salon, she noticed Marcus's quidditch bag lying on the floor.

After stooping to pick it up, Hermione was unprepared for what happened next. Standing there in all his chiseled, hunky glory stood Marcus in nothing but his blue boxers with hearts on them. Sure his back is turned away from her, but he's nearly naked all the same. And that does things to her insides and makes her stomach do things she never knew it could. Then out of nowhere, his hand reached the band of the boxers as if he were going to take them off.

Her heart sped up, and she coughed before he could take them entirely off. In a moment of clarity, Marcus turned around, gaping. Not knowing what to say, he uttered, "Hermione! What a happy surprise." He picked up his clothes from the sofa and held them in front of the front section of the boxers. Then he stammered and motioned with his thumb, "I'm going to just... just... head to the shower." He backed out of the room slowly, then apparated to the master bath, leaving a laughing girlfriend in his wake.

It was the quickest shower he'd ever taken and the fastest he'd ever dressed. In fact, he was still putting the white t-shirt on when he walked into the living room. His hair was still damp, but that didn't discourage his smile or heart from speeding up at seeing his girl sitting on the sofa. Plopping down beside her, he kissed her sweet cheek. "Hi," he greeted.

Smiling as she flipped a page in the magical creature magazine, Hermione responded, "Hi."

He scooted close to her. Then took the magazine from her hands and threw it over the back of the sofa. She went to open her mouth to reprimand Marcus, but he cut her off with a real kiss, not one on the cheek. Their hands found their way to each other's hair. Just as he went to lean her back onto the cushions, the floo roared to life. Out came Cassius, Adrian, and Graham. Marcus muttered, "Oh God," under his breath, wondering what those tossers wanted. They interrupted his make-out session, which made him none too happy.

After a quick pinch to her boyfriend's side, Hermione smoothed out her shirt and wiped the corners of her mouth. He was rubbing his side when the guys finally acknowledged their presence. "Marcus! Hermione! We brought firewhiskey," Cassius exclaimed.

He held up the big bottle showing it off while Adrian wedged himself between the satisfied couple. "You don't look happy to see us. Now, why would that be? Could it be you were up to something?" Pucey asked.

Montague teasingly called out, "Shame, shame, shame!"

Slinging his arm around Hermione, Adrian questioned, "So when will you realize this tosser is not worth it? Especially when you can have a stud like me?"

While Marcus shot his friend a dirty look, Hermione explained, "That tosser is my best friend and a great kisser, so I think I'll stick with him. Although, he doesn't have to know what we get up to during school." She winked cheekily at Pucey.

That response made Cassius and Graham laugh. "I always knew you Gryffindor girls have the most fun, as Zabini says," Adrian joked.

This whole conversation is pestering Marcus. He declared, "No one will be doing anything with my girlfriend, my Gryffindor. Now take a hike, Pucey."

With his brawny strength, he moved his friend from between the two of them. Hermione pinched his side again. "Woman, that hurts," he told her playfully, smacking her hand away.

Then she extended an invitation. "Would you all like to stay for dinner? I made my grandmother's spaghetti and meatballs. There's enough for everyone."

Marcus muttered, "No." Simultaneously, Graham wondered aloud, "Did you make it yourself? Is it edible? And please say Toffee helped."

Hermione gave both her boyfriend and Graham withering looks. "I cooked, but Toffee oversaw the whole process. I was so excited about making prefect today that I wanted to celebrate. Now it's a real party with all of you here," the witch explained.

Montague pulled her up, and together he and Pucey whisked her away to the dining room, chattering all the way. Marcus and Cassius followed behind. Looking at his athletic friend, Warrington let him know, "I'm happy for you, Man. She's a nice girl and a good witch. You deserve someone like that, someone who can make you feel like you're on top of the world. We like her and hope you keep her around. Not that our opinion matters."

But it does sort of matter to Marcus. Having your closest friends accept the woman you love is always good. So he said, "Thanks. I plan on keeping her for a very, very long time. Hopefully forever."

Cassius smiled and responded, "Good because we really need to talk about those earrings you gave her. Does she understand the concept of betrothal jewelry? I realize that's not their purpose right now, but it's sort of like it. And we also need to talk about your father, my father, all our fathers. We need a plan for what we're going to do about that situation."

To which Marcus replied, "There's not enough fire whiskey in all the wizarding world for that conversation."

And there isn't, but there's enough spaghetti and meatballs to feed an elf army. They dined, drank, and discussed different topics, each mounting in its depth, with death eaters being the last. Hermione had fallen asleep during that part, and Marcus swept the hair from her forehead. His feet rested on the coffee table with her head in his lap. The group had moved to the great room after dinner.

With one look at his girl, Marcus asked Pucey and Montague to keep an eye out for her since he was not at Hogwart's anymore. They promised to do as much as they respectively could without drawing attention to themselves. That's all Marcus could ask for because he'd do anything to protect the one he loves. He'll defend Hermione at all costs.