(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of J.K. Rowling's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Marie.)
Wishes
Chapter 8
Marie struggled to pay attention to what Professor Slughorn was saying in their class. He was discussing the theory of a potion before they would be brewing it later in the week. It wasn't that she didn't like the man, but she was so far ahead in her studies from her tutors and the knowledge that she gained from the castle itself that she wasn't really learning anything new. When the ritual performed to share knowledge with her was done last year, the castle itself transferred knowledge to her and shared brief glimpses of the history of the school. In doing so Marie obtained knowledge not only lost over time, but relevant for her current courses. The instant her bleeding palms touched the stone of the castle within the ritual circle she gained a bond with the sentient castle. All of the knowledge imparted to her was the reason that she could pass her NEWTs and final exams at any time if she really wanted to.
Dutifully, she took notes in class and tried to remain alert, but in reality she was counting down until the bell would ring. She listened as the man droned on and on about whatever Elixir he was describing. Marie felt a nudge in her side and she turned to look at Dorcas. Dorcas gave her a look as if asking if she was okay. Marie nodded and continued scratching notes with her quill. She missed writing with familiar writing utensils, and even though she could make due with a quill, it wasn't very easy for her.
A short while later the bell sounded and everyone began packing up their things to head towards the Great Hall for lunch. Marie carefully stored her ink pot and quill in her bag. Her book and parchment were tucked away in her bag and she made to leave the room. Gideon and Fabian fell into step beside her as they exited the room. Marie smiled at them in thanks and nodded to her friends in other Houses. She smiled at Antonio and nodded to Lucius with a grin. They inclined their heads to her as they passed her in the hallway.
Marie followed her friends back to the Common Room to drop off their books and head back downstairs to lunch. She and her friends had a free period right after lunch so they would be heading back to their Common Room after lunch. The hustle and bustle of the Great Hall greeted them as they went to their tables to tuck in for lunch. Marie sat between Dorcas and Fabian. She laughed and smiled talking with her friends. The group was chatting happily when Marie suddenly became quiet and grasped her medallion in surprise. Her eyes went wide at the realization that she was being called. She stood from the table, whispering to Gideon and Fabian what was going on and caught Antonio's eye as she quickly left the Great Hall.
Setting off at a run she headed towards the Common Room, ignoring the calls and greetings from those around her. She raced up to her dorm room and quickly stripped out of her uniform. Tugging on her combat clothes, she quickly gathered her gear. Marie returned to the Common Room and found Gideon and Fabian waiting for her. She nodded to them grimly as they observed her attire. They saw her many knives and daggers as she tugged on and laced up her leather corseted vest. With impatient hands, she pulled her hair back into a single tight braid. Once she was done she headed towards the door. Luckily for her, the Common Room was deserted because her peers were at lunch. Otherwise too much attention would have been drawn to her attire and weapons.
"You'll be safe won't you Marie?" Gideon asked in concern.
"I'll be careful, but I can't make any promises," she told him quietly. "Something serious must have come up for me to be summonsed in the middle of a school day. Usually I am only called in the evenings and on the weekends when my absences are less noticeable."
She exited the Common Room with the twins in tow and found Antonio as well as her other Slytherin friends waiting for her. They took in her attire with raised eyebrows. Shrugging, she set off towards the Main Entrance at a swift pace while wrapping her traveling cloak around her shoulders. Marie kept her eyes forward and ignored the questioning stares and whispers as she passed people in the hallways. The Marauders had caught up with her, but kept quiet when they saw that she was her combat boots. The rest of her clothing was concealed by her travel cloak, but her boots were a dead give-away to them. Her boys, as she thought of them, flanked her and fell in around her as she made her way towards the Entrance Hall.
When the group arrived Marie was greeted by Miles and the rest of her team. They had continued her training throughout the school term, running with her in the mornings and honing her combat skills in the evenings. She was extremely busy with school, Quidditch, and her extra-curricular activity outside of school. During the fall semester she had been summonsed several times to assist on ambushes and recovery missions. They had honed and toned her body and mind into a lethal fighting machine.
Charlus and Franco were also present with grim expressions on their faces. The Headmaster stalked quickly towards the group, but Marie ignored him. Charlus let her know that he had handed the necessary paperwork and information to Professor McGonagall and that they were ready to leave whenever she was ready. She turned and hugged the twins and Antonio, Lucius nodded to her with a stark look in his eyes. Theo and Severus both quietly told her to be safe, while Rabastan and Regulus briefly acknowledged her before moving on. The youngest two were under the careful watch of their darker family members and couldn't be seen being too friendly with her. The older Slytherins of the group had begun spreading the story that they were keeping a close eye on her to try to recruit her to the Dark cause.
Marie nodded to the others and headed for the door, ignoring the call of Dumbledore and left Charlus and Franco to run inference for her. Miles and the others of her tactical team fell in around her as they set off towards the edge of the castle wards. They couldn't floo into Dorcha Gaol directly from Hogwarts the wards there wouldn't allow it. It wasn't safe to do so and they couldn't risk the location being exposed. Only certain locations were permitted to connect with the wards of the headquarters. Marie wanted to ensure the safety of the people that worked and lived there. She was essentially assembling a community to live right on the island to guard and protect it. It would double as a sanctuary for those displaced by the war and Muggleborns, as well as werewolves and other like beings that were persecuted.
The group reached the edge of the wards and apparated in tandem. Once they reached Stone Manor they portkeyed from there directly to Dorcha Gaol. Marie raced through the corridors towards the briefing room. News had reached them of an impending attack. This one would differ from the others because of the scale and intended targets. The attack would be on a school in downtown London. Apparently there was some sort of pageant or concert being performed by the children of the school that evening. Marie nodded grimly as she heard the news. They had just until sunset to prepare for the attack.
She thanked God that it wasn't a full moon and they wouldn't be dealing with werewolves. Her group had encountered a number of attacks by Greyback and his pack over the months since school had started. Two dozen new werewolves were a result of the attacks. Marie had given sanctuary to each of them and offered them not only places to stay, but employment so long as they kept away from people during their transformations. They had agreed, many having been disowned by their families or orphaned. Most of them were shunned by the Wizarding world due to their affliction.
Marie nodded to the people as she made her way through the compound. She needed to get away from the commotion and center herself. Entering an open courtyard, she sat on one of the stone benches and took deep cleansing breaths. Marie looked up at the darkening sky and prayed for the strength to get through this night safely. She had a deep feeling in her gut that tonight would change the game and couldn't help but feel that something bad would happen.
With a sigh she stood and turned to return to the briefing room. She found Miles and the other team leaders waiting for her. They greeted her and clued her in to the plan. They would be heading out in three teams of ten and establishing a perimeter around the school and surrounding buildings. A fourth team would be on the rooftops of the surrounding buildings keeping watch. When the Death Eaters arrived, Marie's teams would move in once they crossed the perimeter. From there they would assess the situation and react accordingly.
Marie and the others began their ritual of tracing Runes on each other and themselves. They were focused on protection, strength, wisdom, and courage in their ritual. Marie said a quiet prayer asking for the same from God and prayed that they would all make it back home. There was something about this attack that terrified her. It was a feeling that even as they were preparing to depart, that she couldn't shake.
With silent twists in the air the group apparated in tandem. While disillusioned, the teams followed the plan and set up their perimeter. They established a watch and took turns keeping an eye and ear out for the arrival of trouble. Marie stilled as the air around them seemed to crackle with power. The hair on the back of her neck stood up as she heard a high pitched cackle. She signaled to her teams and everyone began to fall into their pre-appointed locations. Shouts rang out in the air as the Death Eaters stalked forward firing spells at anything and everything.
There was a snarl in the distance and Marie stilled. Looking to the moon, she knew that werewolves shouldn't be present, but she remembered the one that had showed up at her parents' house, the one that had tracked her. Fernir Greyback was present and the foul creature was able to change at will, something that wouldn't bode well for the innocents. Marie turned and nodded to Miles and set off in the direction of the snarling beast. She unsheathed her silver goblin made daggers.
As if he had scented her, Greyback turned and lifted his muzzle with a snarl in her direction. He set off at a run, tearing towards her with amber eyes flashing viciously. Marie braced herself, firing off a few spells, slowing him. When he was within ten feet and closing, she threw one of her daggers at him, it grazed his hind flank, causing him to howl and snarl angrily. The furious and injured werewolf still advanced. Miles crept behind him, picking up the discarded dagger as he was fighting off another Death Eater. Marie braced herself, but Greyback stilled and stared her down.
The hair on the back of her neck stood again, and she heard a deep vicious laugh from behind her. She spun, ducking out of the way of a spell that had been fired at her head. In her left hand she held another dagger and slashed out at the masked Death Eater, cutting him along his ribs. He swung his fist, connecting with her jaw, causing her to see black spots. She heard shouts ring out around her as he closed in and taunted her. Reaching out instinctively, she pulled the residual magic in the area around them to her and pushed it back out at him. The blinding light knocked all Death Eaters over in a ten meter radius.
Miles yelled out urgently from behind her and she paused. Feeling out with her magic, she felt that Greyback was now heading towards her from behind. Closing her eyes, she trusted the magic and rolled right, just missing his claws and jaw. Around her the fighting was continuing in earnest. Several Death Eaters were subdued and transported via the magic shackles. The majority of them however, were fighting with everything that they had. They were pushing Marie and her teams closer towards the school.
Keeping Greyback in her sight, she circled the limping werewolf. The wound on his leg seemed to be fizzing and looked severely infect. Silver was deadly to werewolves, the cut would cause him some problems if left untreated. He eyed her and the dagger in her hand. Even as she leveled her wand at him, the werewolf seemed poised to attack. Pops in the distance signaled the arrival of the Aurors that were slated to help Marie and her teams. It was a welcome sound, but one that caused many people on both sides to become distracted.
Marie braced herself and dropped, rolling left as Fernir pounced. She slashed out her dagger, cutting across his chest. It wasn't a deep wound, but it was a cut made by a silver dagger. He howled and snarled. Stumbling a bit, he transformed and faced her. His wounds were bleeding, and looked extremely painful. Marie exchanged spell fire with him, but found herself being backed up towards the main group of fighters. Out of the corner of her eye she saw that Miles was trying to make his way to her side.
She let her senses fan out and feel the surrounding area with magic to see what was happening around her. A rainbow of lights arced across the schoolyard as the Muggles were inside, safe and unaware of the battle taking place around them. Marie prayed that the enemy wouldn't be able to break their lines and get to the school.
Momentarily she was distracted and Greyback took the opportunity launching himself at her. He pinned her to the ground and wrapped his hands around her throat and squeezed. Struggling for breath, she fought to maintain consciousness. She felt a searing pain on her left side as she saw a bright flash of purple light and whimpered in pain. As the world around her started to go dark, she felt the weight on top of her suddenly lifted. From a distance she could hear fighting and heard sounds of apparition and portkeys activating.
As she was losing the battle to stay conscious, she felt strong arms lift her and Miles shouting orders. The Aurors had called in reinforcements and took care of handling the Muggle aspect of things. Miles called for his teams to fall back, he held Marie tightly as their portkeys activated. At the moment, he didn't care about the rest of the downed or subdued Death Eaters that the Aurors were rounding up, they could have them. He was more concerned with Marie and the fact that she was now unresponsive.
He swore heatedly as he took off towards the infirmary. Their team helped the others that were injured there. While they had successfully held off the attackers, they had sustained many injuries in the process. Marie in particular had most of them concerned. The teams of Healers had their hands full, so much so that Miles had Charlus and Franco bring in more.
Madam Pomfrey bustled into the unfamiliar infirmary and made her way to Marie's bedside. She was a skilled and thorough Healer, but she also specialized in pediatric care. Marie was not quite sixteen, therefore required special care. The girl's magic core was still growing, expanding and stabilizing.
Marie's Guardians were all summonsed as was the Minister. They all sat and waited, pacing the briefing room for word of Marie's condition. While she hadn't sustained a bit or scratch from the werewolf, he had certainly done a number on her. Her jaw had been broken and dislocated. Her throat had been bruised and it was touch and go for a while if they could repair the more serious damage to her air way. She had broken ribs, a fractured wrist, and broken fingers as well. Apparently Fernir slammed her wrist and arm on the ground trying to disarm her when he tackled her. She also had been hit by an unidentified Dark spell in her side. It had knocked her unconscious and sent her into a magically induced coma.
Miles sat at her bedside with his head in his hands. He swallowed a lump that had settled in his throat as he thought about the petite girl laying prone there. She had given all of them a second chance in the magical world. She had given them hope and something to fight for. In the short time he had known her she had become like a kid sister to him and the others that lead the teams. To see her lying unconscious in a hospital bad shook something deep inside. They all knew her story. They all knew who and what she really was. So even though she had once been over twenty, to them she had appeared as a teenage girl they were meant to train and help protect.
Back in Hogwarts Marie's friends paced their Common Rooms anxiously. They knew that sometimes that Marie wouldn't return until the following morning after she had been called away for Family and House business, but this was different. Their watches had flared two hours ago and many of them grew extremely concerned that something was wrong. The Marauders and her roommates as well as Lily and Marlene had fallen asleep in the Common Room awaiting news some time ago. Gideon and Fabian paced for some time before they could take it no more.
The Prewett twins, Rabastan, and Regulus paced like caged animals. Something was pulling them and urging them to get to her side. Their magic called them and had them eventually making their way towards the Entrance Hall. When they arrived they nodded to one another in acknowledgement and made their way towards Professor McGonagall's rooms. There they requested to floo call their families. They were given special permission to leave the school immediately due to family emergencies and House business.
The four young men floo'd home before proceeding to the compound and made their way to the infirmary on autopilot. They walked towards Marie's bedside and each kneeled next to her. Their magic swelled up within them when they saw the state that she was in. Miles nodded to them grimly, but did not move from his bedside vigil. The four young men looked at one another and followed their instincts. They all closed their eyes and clasped hands around her bed. Feeling out unconsciously with their magic they sought to heal her and draw her back to them. Their hands glowed with a bright white light as they urged their magic to seal her wounds and bring her back to them.
Miles watched with wide eyes as the four teens worked together to heal their friend. He could feel the magic swirling around them. The hair on the back of his neck stood up as he felt the air crackling with the power surging in the room around them. He knew that this was something more than just normal magic. These young men were discovering their Elemental abilities. He made note to have the same tutors that had instructed Marie to teach these young men as well.
Marie fought the darkness surrounding her senses. Her whole body ached and her throat felt dry and extremely sore. Groaning softly, she followed the murmuring voices of her friends. Their deep masculine voices urged her to come back to them. She followed the white light that had found her. Marie began navigating and leaving the darkness. The further that she went, the more her senses were coming back to her.
"That's it Marie," Gideon whispered hoarsely in her mind.
"Come back to us now," Fabian added.
Regulus pleaded with her to wake up, while Rabastan spoke softly to her. Rabastan had a hard time, swallowing thickly as he struggled with the foreign emotions swamping him. His home life was difficult at best and while he cared for his family members, emotions were seen as a weakness. Regulus at least was able to show his emotions with Sirius. It was a luxury that many of the Slytherins weren't afforded.
Marie's Guardians had entered the room behind the four teens. They watched what the four young men were doing in rapt fascination. Each of them was proud of what they were seeing and vowed to see that they received the necessary training and preparations to hone their powers. Alphard regarded his nephew with unmasked pride and affection. The other Guardians watched as the young men linked hands and marveled at seeing them push warm bright light from their hands into Marie. They watched as the light swirled around her and seemed to envelope her entire body.
Madam Pomfrey bustled into the room as a magical alarm went off indicating a change of status in her patient. She stopped short seeing the now swaying young men surrounding Marie's hospital bed. Walking forward with a purpose she approached them but was stopped short by some sort of magical force field keeping her from approaching the bed any closer. Startled she stepped back in shock, as if she had been shocked.
Miles turned and looked at her from his seat at the bedside. He carefully regarded the young men around the bed and watched, waiting for Marie to awaken. He wished that there was something more that he could do to help, but he could only sit, watch, and wait. For all the long hours of fighting and training, nothing prepared him for this silence and stillness. He felt clumsy and useless as he looked on.
There was a disturbance in the wards and Alphard and Nikolai both stood and went towards the main courtyard. Nikolai rushed forward and greeted an obviously pregnant Ivana. She was due sometime in the spring, but held her hand to her stomach in concern. With wide eyes she looked around, searching for something. Nikolai ushered her towards the infirmary in concern for his wife and unborn child.
Alphard watched his friends leave in concern. He turned back to the other woman there. Matilda Flint held her squalling son and looked pale. He nodded to the normally stoic woman, ushering her towards the infirmary. The dark haired infant whimpered and cried pitifully as his mother held him and let Alphard lead them into the compound.
Ivana was sitting in the bed next to Marie's holding her stomach protectively, but looking at the young woman with wide eyes. Matilda Flint held little Marcus protectively as they entered the hospital wing. His cries quieted to soft hiccups as he reached out towards the bed where Marie was laying. Matilda regarded her son with shock and concern but ventured closer to the bed where the young woman lay battered, bruised, and unconscious. As the neared the side of the bed the little baby reached his arms towards Marie and whimpered. His little chin wobbled and he stretched out, nearly squirming from his mother's arms.
Matilda had no idea what was going on with her son. He started screaming hours ago and wouldn't stop. She and her husband Caius Flint had been visiting with the Krums when suddenly Nikolai had to leave suddenly for Family Business. Ivana had remained and played hostess admirably until her hand suddenly went to her pregnant belly. The startled woman sat down shakily at the same time young Marcus began screaming. Caius stood, clutching his left arm and made his excuses as he left the Krum estate. Ivana and Matilda did their best to comfort the crying child, but as time passed and no sign of either of their husbands, Ivana made a decision to bring Matilda and the Flint heir with her to the compound.
The Krums had been working to recruit the Flints for some time. Matilda and Ivana were very distantly related, but had been friends as children. Matilda had confided in her friend that their husband wasn't given much of a choice, but more of an ultimatum and a threat against his family when the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters had come calling. He willing took the Mark to protect his family, though it disgusted him.
With a sigh Matilda sat next to the bed holding young Marcus, who continued to whimper and squirm closer towards Marie. Ivana caught her eye and shrugged. Neither of them knew what was going on, but their children had both seemed to calm the closer that they got to the young woman in the bed.
Chairs had been conjured and summonsed and situated around Marie's bed. It had been cordoned off by the Healers present. Marie's friends sat heavily in chairs, each touching one of her limbs as they slumped over and succumbed to sleep. Ivana sat closely, her little one seemed to calm and settle in her womb as long as she sat calmly near Marie. She looked to Nikolai and nodded at him. There was something bigger going on and they would have to research and talk about it later. They knew that their child would be strong, and powerful.
Matilda had fallen asleep holding little Marcus in a comfortable chair next to Marie's bed across from Miles. Little Marcus however, had somehow ended up sleeping curled up against Marie's side. The rest of Marie's Guardians observed the scene in front of them. They had all felt the power and disturbance in the air as Marie's friends had come to help heal her and draw her back. They were all startled to realize that an infant and an unborn child had both also been drawn to her side. Each of the boys had Elemental magic pouring off of them, with the exception of the babies. The babies were still developing their magic and powers, but were drawn to Marie and heeded the call of her magic to theirs.
In the early morning hours Matilda woke up disoriented and then slightly panicked when she realized that she was no longer holding Marcus. She turned and saw him sleeping soundly on the bed and breathed a sigh of relief. It was with no little amount of astonishment that she realized that her son had slept through the night for the first time. Her little one hadn't even awoken for his normal feeding in the middle of the night. It was a bittersweet moment for her.
Sitting up Matilda looked around and realized that everyone else had fallen asleep sometime in the night. She smoothed the blankets over the injured girl and her son before standing to adjust the blankets over the other youngsters in around the bed. Ivana was sleeping in the bed next to Marie's. The rest of the Guardians were sprawled out in various locations surrounding the bed. Once she was certain that everyone was covered and comfortable, she sat back in her chair and covered up, rubbing her son's back as he slumbered. Letting the comforting motion lull her, she drifted off back to sleep.
The Guardians, Marie's friends, her team members, and the residents of the island all fell into a routine of watching and waiting. It was four days later when Marie first began to show signs of stirring. Four long intense days of her newly discovered Elemental friends calling to her and helping Madam Pomfrey to heal her. In that time Caius Flint had been brought in to the compound and sworn to secrecy. He was just awaiting Marie's waking to make the necessary oaths and promises to her. He had returned home to find both Matilda and Marcus missing. Running from room to room, he frantically searched their manor only to find Nikolai and Alphard awaiting him in the main parlor. Once they had this oath of secrecy they brought him to the compound and reunited him with his family.
Marie fought her way to consciousness. Her friends were there to guide her through the dark. They called to her, encouraging her and tried to draw her back to them. They sought to heal her with their magic and aided Madam Pomfrey and the other Healers as best they could. She struggled to follow the sound of their voices. As she got closer she noticed two bright, but smaller presences nearby. They led her back fully to consciousness through the dark that had been surrounding her as she recovered.
As she came to consciousness, she was immediately aware of the voices and presence of others around her. She felt her magic reach out and check who and what was around her. She knew that she was safe and that it was her friends and growing family around her. Drawing a deep breath she cracked her eyes open. Blinking a few times she looked around the room blurrily. The hazy shapes and outlines of the room swayed in a swirl of colors. Dizziness struck her as she tried to fight off the nausea that swamped her.
"Easy there dearie," Madam Pomfrey urged her. "You're safe and sound at the compound. You've been unconscious for four days."
Marie tried talking, but her throat felt dry and very sore. Touching a hand gingerly to the ender flesh, she tried clearing her throat. She nodded in thanks and gratefully accepted a glass of water that Miles handed to her. Taking a sip, she observed her friend. The first thing that she noticed was that he had dark circles under his eyes. Worry lines were prominent in his face. Looking around at the others she noticed that they showed similar signs of exhaustion and worry, though their relief was palpable.
"What happened?" Marie rasped.
Taking her hand in his, Miles faced her. "We met trouble in the attack against the school in London. The Dark Lord showed up and Greyback forced himself to transform and attacked you. You were able to injure him, but in doing so I fear that he will take his revenge against you."
Marie looked contemplative. "Did we lose anyone? Were we able to stop them before it was too late?"
"We stopped them, but we sustained heavy injuries. Brett and his team were exposed to the Cruciatus Curse. Michael was clawed by Greyback, so he'll have some symptoms even though he won't be a full werewolf. The list is long, but we can brief you when you're feeling better," Miles told her.
Marie looked worried for her friends and team members. Looking around she noticed that Gideon and Fabian were sitting on one side of her, while Rabastan and Regulus were sitting on the other side of her. It was then that she realized that they all must have missed the remaining four days of the school week. She grew concerned they had all been absent, especially her young Slytherin friends.
"Please tell me that you haven't been here the whole time," she whispered hoarsely to them. "I don't want any of you getting into any trouble," she said while looking at Rabastan and Regulus.
"Marie," Miles said, "they came to your side as soon as they realized that something was wrong. They're Elemental as well and helped in healing you and bringing you back to consciousness. One of the Death Eaters used a Dark spell on you and sent you into a magical coma. They were the only ones that were able to bring you back to us."
"Elemental?" Marie asked with wide eyes.
The four young men nodded proudly, but tiredly. It was then that Marie noticed Ivana lounging in a nearby chair sitting next to a dark haired woman that she didn't recognize who was holding a baby. Her magic reached out towards the two women and swirled around the young wizards there. Smiling softly she turned back to the rest of the group.
"We will need to contact Madam Raglan and my other mentors to begin tutoring them at once," Marie told them softly.
Ivana called from her chair, greeting Nikolai as he entered the room. Her hand held protectively and lovingly on her stomach. He affectionately kissed her brow and greeted the other woman and the small baby as well. Marie realized that they knew the woman. Another man that she didn't recognize entered the room and went to their side. He picked up the baby and playfully spun him round before kissing the woman on her cheek. As if sensing her gaze, he turned towards Marie and inclined his head respectively. He turned and offered his wife his hand and drew her towards Marie's side. He shifted his infant son in his arms.
"I am Caius Flint, and this is my wife Matilda. She is Ivana's distant cousin," he told her in a deep baritone voice. "And this little one is my son Marcus. We've been brought here for sanctuary. I was forced to take the Mark. He threatened my family."
Marie observed him carefully and could not feel any deceit in his words. Nodding to him and his wife, she observed the little one for a brief moment. "We will have to wait until I've recovered to complete the necessary vows and oaths, but I trust that you'll be comfortable here in the meantime."
Matilda observed the young woman. "It was the oddest thing. Little Marcus started screaming and was inconsolable four nights ago. He only quieted when we came here to the infirmary," she told Marie while looking her straight in the eye.
Marie looked at Marcus, only to find the infant staring at her. His tiny fist was in his mouth as he rested comfortably in the protective embrace of his father. He had dark curl tufts of hair and piercing blue-gray eyes. He gurgled happily looking around the room.
"He will be a powerful wizard when he's older," Marie told them. "He'll develop Elemental abilities as he grows."
"How can you tell?" Matilda asked in shock.
"I can sense his power and magic," Marie stated tiredly. "Ivana and Nikolai's little one will also develop Elemental powers."
Madam Pomfrey bustled back over with a tray of potions. "Alright Marie needs her rest now. You should all go get some rest now that we know that she's awake and recovered. I need to get back to Hogwarts, but I'll be checking in periodically."
The group took their leave except for Miles. He sat at her bedside looking worn and exhausted. His hair looked as though he had run his hands through it repeatedly over the four days that he had spent at her side. Around the infirmary there were other members of her tactical teams healing. She noticed that they had been discretely looking over to see how she was doing. Catching Brett's eye she winked at him and smiled tiredly. He gave her a sad and tired smile himself. She waved him over and he gingerly made his way to the vacated seat opposite Miles.
"How're you doing Brett?" she asked him quietly.
"As well as can be expected," he admitted. "I'm grateful to be alive and thankful that it wasn't worse, but everything will change for me now. Though I'm not a full werewolf, I'll now be an outcast. I don't know how I'm going to tell Sandy."
"Listen to me," Marie told him sharply. "You will always have a home here or with me. You will always have a job either here or at any of my businesses. As for Sandy, your fiancé adores you. You're a brave man Brett a few scratches won't change that."
Miles watched the exchange with a sad smile. Marie though so much younger than them, was the glue to their group. She made sure that they were all taken care of, regardless of the cost or consequence. He counted his blessings for the day that Alphard and Charlus had approached him and the other Muggleborns and Squibs. She had changed all of their lives forever. She truly meant it when she said that they would all always have a place to stay and work. For that he was grateful, as were the others.
Brett blinked away the moisture that had pooled in his eyes and cleared his throat. Marie smiled at him affectionately and sighed as she burrowed to get more comfortable in the bed. The foul tasting potions that Madam Pomfrey had made her drink were starting to take effect.
"Marie, you took years off my life," Miles told her with a voice thick with emotion. "I thought that we had lost you, that I didn't get there quick enough."
"'m fine," she slurred sleepily. "You got there, you always get there," she said trailing off.
Miles and Brett exchanged worried looks as the watched over their young charge. She was like their younger sister in all but blood. Seeing her face off against Greyback was something that would haunt all of their team for a long time. They were terrified for their young friend. They talked quietly as she slept before they climbed into nearby beds to sleep for the night. Their whole team took turns watching over their injured members.
It was now the end of November and Marie was still confined to the infirmary at the compound. Granted she had only been there for a week, but it felt like forever that she was confined to a sickbed. Professor McGonagall had collected her friends and promised to have her school work owled to her. The stern professor sat with her young cub talking with her for a while when she arrived at the compound. McGonagall had paled when she heard the tale and the extent of the young woman's injuries. With misty eyes and a thickened brogue, she told the girl to be careful and rest. Madam Pomfrey had informed the Head of Gryffindor House that Marie would not be able to travel or return to school until after the winter holidays.
Sitting propped up in bed, Marie read through her text books. Using a pencil, she jotted down notes and filled out the necessary formulas. With a heavy sigh she sat up and rubbed the sore spot on her side where the curse had struck her. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply and let it out.
"If you're hurting so much, why don't you take a break?" Alphard said while leaning on the door frame of the infirmary entrance.
"I'm fine, it just aches from time to time," she replied. "When can I move to Stone Manor?"
"The healers will be running an evaluation tomorrow afternoon. If they deem it safe enough, you'll be transported to Stone Manor," he replied as he took a seat near her bed. "Though I would imagine that you will be required to rest and recover more while you are there."
Marie nodded and continued with her notes and homework. A half hour later she shoved the book away from her in frustration. She realized that she was just going through the motions. This was all stuff that she already knew and she wasn't gaining anything from doing it. Turing towards Alphard she found him watching her with his gray eyes sparking in amusement.
"Something bothering you?" he asked.
"I am not sure that I'm gaining anything from remaining a student," she told him. "I already know the assignments. There's so much that I need to do outside of school, that I feel that I would be better suited taking my NEWTs as soon as possible and forgo returning to school."
He leaned forward and clasped his hands together looking at her carefully. "I will need to speak to the others before saying yes or no to this. We had hoped to give you until the end of the year as a student so that you can enjoy as much of your youth as possible. I can understand your reasoning and will speak with the rest of your Guardians."
Marie nodded to him gratefully, "There is little time to do everything that I must. I don't know if I will be going back home next December or not. I have no way of knowing if it will be sooner or later."
Alphard nodded thoughtfully. "I hadn't thought of that aspect. I'll go floo the others and have them meet us at Stone Manor when you're cleared to move."
Marie watched him leave and smiled tiredly. Closing her eyes, she felt out with her magic. From room to room she analyzed who was there and their power levels. Everything around her fell away as she seemed to float along and see the magical auras of the residents of the compound and the surrounding villages on the island. The average level wizards far exceeded the higher level Mages, Sorcerers and Elementals. There were some Squibs, three or four dozen werewolves that had sought the protection of the island, and handful mundanes on the island. Everyone on the island was sworn to secrecy regarding the existence and location of the island. They were devoted to creating a welcoming and well protected society.
Coming back to herself Marie noticed that Alphard had returned to the infirmary and was currently frantically trying to awaken her. Charlus was with him and Nikolai had run to find a Healer. Marie groaned as she pushed away Alphard's hands that were tapping her cheeks. She realized that she had slumped on the bed and caused quite a stir. The other patients in the infirmary had alerted Alphard of her condition as soon as he walked in the room. A healer came running into the room followed by Nikolai and Caius.
Marie rolled her eyes and waved sheepishly at the healer. "I'm perfectly fine. I may have projected myself and sought out the magical auras on the island."
"Marie Stone!" Charlus scolded her. "We found you unresponsive, slumped over on the bed, and with a faint fading pulse! You're just now recovering from fighting a full grown werewolf and a Dark curse that put you in a magic coma. You're going to set back your recovery if you don't heed the prescribed course of action from the healers!"
"Easy Charlus," Alphard chided his ally. "Young Marie is exploring her powers. Yes I agree that she needs to take it easy, however I also don't think that you need to yell at the poor girl Charlus."
"I apologize Marie," Charlus said formally. "I feared the worst when I entered the room to discuss your education only to find you slumped in the bed."
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to worry you." Marie said contritely. "I hadn't even meant to, honestly. It started out as meditation and then I just followed my magic as it flowed out and around."
Alphard looked at her in amusement. "And that my friends is why she wants to take her exams and move on with life outside of Hogwarts. The girl is more in tune with her magic and magic in the world around her than ninety percent of the magical population of adults, never mind school children."
"Be that as it may," Nikolai interjected, "If she were to leave school now, it would give the Ministry access to her sooner. They would be making demands of her immediately and I thought that was what we were trying to prevent."
Marie nodded and shrugged. "I understand that argument, but what is the point of me being in school if I'm going to have to keep leaving to prevent raids? I've written out my essays and taken notes. I'll make up the exams, but I'm still so far ahead of my peers. I'm bored and quite frankly it's a struggle to pay attention in class."
"We will discuss this more when you've been cleared to return to Stone Manor," Charlus told her. "We will all sit down together to discuss this and figure out what works best for you. Your injury is setting back your additional training several weeks. The teams have intel on three more raids and attacks that they will have to go to without you."
"What?! Why wasn't I informed of this sooner? I'm supposed to go with them on those missions," Marie shouted, but sat back quickly holding her side.
Hissing in pain she closed her eyes. Taking cleansing breaths she tried to fight back tears. Her side flared in searing pain. The healer moved her hand out of the way and ran a series of diagnostic spells on her. The matronly healer shoved a vial in her hand and insisted that she take the pain medication immediately. Her school materials were gathered and neatly stacked. They helped her o lay back down on the bed as the effects of the potion over took her and she began to drift off to sleep.
"Is she always this stubborn?" Caius asked as he turned to the others.
Alphard snorted, "You don't know the half of it. She insists that she needs to be there for everything. Sooner or later she's going to spread herself too thin."
"The girl has fight in her, I'll give her that," Caius said observing the sleeping teen. "Are you sure that little thing is really the one that's running the show?"
"Don't let the tiny packaging fool you," Nikolai advised. "She's definitely the one behind it all. We certainly help and make some of the decisions on her behalf, but this is her brainchild. There's more to come as well. She has been networking and recruiting since she came here. While she'll do what she can to fight now, she's preparing for the end game when she returns home."
"I still have a hard time believing half of what you've told me," Caius admitted.
The tall broad man looked around the infirmary and made note of the many people walking around. Out the window in the courtyard he could see the hustle and bustle of the compound. Off to the right housed the wing where Dorcha Gaol was located. Off in the distance outside the walls he could see the villages dotting the horizon.
"I will do what I can to help," Caius said with a hopeful look on his face. "I will do all that I can to make sure that my son won't have to make the same choice that I made. Knowing that he will have somewhere to run should things go bad is a relief. I'll do my part to fight from the inside."
The men talked quietly and made their way out of the infirmary towards the housing wings in the compound. Marie and her fellow team members were slumbering peacefully in the infirmary and recovering. Miles and the rest of the team were making preparations to fight without those too injured to join them. Marie's friends at Hogwarts were anxiously counting down to break. World had reached her friends that she was on an extended leave to take care of Family Business, at least that's the story her friends passed around school. Those that were close to her knew the truth and were thankful that she was recovering.
It was a week later when Marie was finally allowed to travel to Stone Manor. Her birthday was spent cooped up in the infirmary of Dorcha Gaol compound. It was something that she had hoped to avoid, but the Dark curse had really done a number to her. When the time came she bid her friends at the compound goodbye and told them to keep her posted of the happenings around the island. Franco and Elena were on each side of her, helping her to gingerly walked up the front steps to the manor. The rest of her Guardians trailed behind her keeping pace with them.
By the time they finally reached the large parlor near the main entrance Marie was out of breath and exhausted. Sweat pooled on her brow and her limbs trembled in fatigue. They helped her to sit on one of the couches near the roaring fireplace. Dorea tucked a blanket around her while Elena fussed a bit over her. Marie closed her eyes and let them get it out of their system. She let their voices drown out everything else. Her side ached, but she was glad to be home. All of her Guardians and their families would be spending the Holidays and winter break at Stone Manor this year. This invitation included their extended family members. Dowager Lady Prewett had told her that her granddaughter Molly and her family would be joining them this year, but ensured Marie that they would cause no trouble. The Zabinis and their rather large extended family would be joining them as well.
Marie was thankful for the size of the manor that she had procured. The old estate proudly boasted of five floors, the first was for entertaining and 'public' rooms. The private and formal dining rooms as well as the large and small ballrooms were on the first floor. There were a number of parlors, a study, a vast library, the kitchens and two bathrooms. Off of one of the parlors was a large sunroom.
The upper four floors contained the private rooms and bedrooms of the manor. On each floor there were two suites and an additional ten bedrooms. There were private and shared bathrooms on each floor. All in total Marie's home had an excessive amount of bedrooms, but in this instance it came in handy. It would also be beneficial in the future when the war really began in full force.
There were two levels in the basement and a large attic space. The lowest acted as a wine and vegetable cellar. This space spanned the entire foundation of the manor and had rooms partitioned off to hold different food stuffs and food and wine kegs. The level just below the first floor held many long corridors and rooms that were sectioned off. These appeared to be servants quarters and there were also a few holding cells. The attic ran the length of the manor and was used for storage.
She lounged on the couch with her eyes closed thinking of everything that she needed to finalize. Making mental note of each thing she tried to make a list of necessity. Thinking of the size of the grounds and the estate, she realized that she could have a number of greenhouses constructed as well as a number of vegetable gardens created. There certainly was enough land to have livestock and still leave some of the surrounding trees and forests uncultivated for the time being. Yes, she most certainly had a lot to do still.
"I want to look into setting up two or three large greenhouses on the grounds," Marie said interrupting the Guardians. "I would also like to look into setting up vegetable gardens and getting livestock for the estate. I want to make this place as self-sufficient as possible, just in case."
Silence met her declaration. Marie opened her eyes and found her Guardians regarding her quietly. She smiled tentatively at them and shrugged. It would seem that she brought up another point that they hadn't thought of themselves. Not that she blamed them, as witches and wizards they were able to do many things that Muggles weren't able to. However, she was considered a Muggleborn therefore she brought up things that they often didn't consider. Looking at them she could see that they were all considering what she had said. The Zabinis having villas came the closest to what she was talking about, but even they didn't embrace the idea of self-sufficiency to the fullest extent.
"Let me put it this way," Marie said quietly. "If something were to happen and you decided to fall back behind the wards of your property, how long would you and your family be able to survive a siege? How long would your provisions and supplies last you?"
Charlus looked at her and swallowed thickly. "You've made a valid point and I think that all of us will be making the same plans our own properties. Perhaps you can help us for a basic plan of action and outline what it is that you hope to achieve here. We can make suggestions and modifications as needed."
They sat talking quietly for two solid hours. Notes were taken and rough outlines were made. Each of the Guardians had their own written plan and rough sketches for their own estates. It was a new concept for them to think in such a long term, but they could see the validity in it. It gave them hope to know that they would have a plan and something to fall back on.
Marie sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the couch despite their protests. She stood on shaky legs and walked to look out the window overlooking the grounds. Gritting her teeth, she fought the trembling that was starting to happen in her limbs. She steeled herself against the fatigue that was creeping throughout her. Leaning on the window frame she observed the estate and the surrounding area. She knew that everything was going to change once she finished with Hogwarts. Once she was done with the school, she would need to focus on the encroaching war full time. All of her time would be spent making preparations for the end game and fighting the coming darkness.
Turning back towards her Guardians, these wonderful families that had rallied and come to her defense, she felt a warm surge of affection course through her. They had stood by her side and helped her navigate through this new world. Each of them had accepted her into their family and treated her like one of their own. She vowed to do all that she could to help them and return the favor.
"I think I'm going to head up to my rooms and try to get some sleep," Marie said tiredly. "Please make yourselves at home."
When she went to walked towards the door Franco caught her and swung her petite frame up in his arms and walked towards the stairs. Elena walked quickly in front of the leading the way towards the Master suite on the second level. Franco looked down at the dosing girl in his arms and sighed. She had become like one of his own and to see her so exhausted concerned him. When they got the news that she had been injured, cold dread had filled them and they rushed to the compound. Seeing her prone and unconscious from the injuries and the curse that she had sustained shook them all deeply.
Entering the soft purple and blue room, he carried her to the large four poster bed. Elena turned the bed down and they tucked her in. He wrapped his arm around his wife and watched the rise and fall of Marie's chest as she slept deeply. Leading her from the room they made their way back down to the large parlor. They talked with the others before they all took their leave and made their way to their own rooms for the night.
The group had fallen into a routine over the duration of their two week stay. They would each take turns making sure that their own estates were secure and fine before going out and taking care of whatever business they normally did. Nona Zabini would often stay with Marie during the day. She would sit with her in the library reading and watch as the young woman continued her studies.
Little by little Marie's strength was returning to her. She was able to move around more easily on her own. She didn't tire as easily and she was finally cleared to use magic again. With that said however, she was instructed not to overtax herself. She had caught up with and surpassed the school materials that Professor McGonagall had provided for her. By the end of the winter break she would have her school work for the rest of the year completed. She and her Guardians had agreed that she would not be returning to Hogwarts after winter break. They had sent house elves to collect Marie's belongings. Once all of her things were collected they brought her stuff to her rooms and proceeded to put them away.
The following week all of Marie's Guardians and their families settled into Stone Manor for winter break. Marie greeted her boys happily as she was passed from set of arms to the next as they greeted her. She smiled up at the Prewett twins as they both enveloped her in a hug. From there the Zabini boys pulled her into their own hug. The Marauders each hugged her and told her that they were glad that they were glad that she was well.
Marie looked around and noticed that Lucius, Severus, Rabastan and Regulus were standing there as well. Marie turned to them and walked towards them. They were all looking over her as if to make sure that she was really alright. Lucius stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and asked her hoarsely if she was alright. When she had assured him that she was fine, she pulled Severus into a hug. She felt him tremble slightly. In response, she squeezed him tightly and told him that she was fine. Pulling back she pulled Regulus and Rabastan to her and hugged them. Rabastan kept swallowing as he looked her over carefully. Regulus looked at her with his gray eyes, so like his brother and uncle.
Marie pulled back and turned to the others in the room. She found the Marauders eyeing her suspiciously, but they said nothing. She glanced at Gideon and Fabian who both shrugged. They were used to her Slytherin friends. The Marauders seemed tolerate their presence for Marie's sake at the moment. Marie shrugged and gave a soft smile to everyone.
"Welcome to Stone Manor," she said happily. "My home is your home, so please make yourselves comfortable. The only stipulation that I have to your presences is that you respect everyone that is here. Leave whatever grudges or problems you have with one another at the door."
Turning Marie observed Molly Weasley who glared right back at her. Dowager Lady Prewett rapt Molly on the arm with her purse. Arthur Weasley looked at his wife sternly and leaned over and whispered something to her. Molly flushed deeply and frowned not meeting anyone's eye.
"I hope that you'll all be comfortable here. We'll be putting up a Christmas tree in the next couple of days. I know that not everyone celebrates the Christian holiday and I respect that. I will join in the winter solstice celebration as well as the Christian holiday. I only ask that you respect the differences," Marie said quietly. "I'm not going to force my views or beliefs on you. Other than that I would ask that we all respect one another's privacy. There are going to be a lot of people here over the break."
As she was speaking the floo in the other room activated signaling the arrival of Miles and Brett. The two men ushered their significant others into the room as well. Marie had invited them to spend the holidays with her. She would be restarting her combat training and exercises over break. The healers had cleared her health and she was now ready to get back to what she was really there for.
Shortly after they stepped through the floo Caius and Matilda stepped through carrying little Marcus. She could hear the group talking to one another as they dusted themselves off. Little Marcus garbled happily and giggled as the group gathered their things. Marie grinned to herself hearing the group and excused herself.
Marie grinned at the group and went to greet the newcomers. She went to the front room where the floo fireplace was located. Seeing Miles and Brett she ushered them to the parlor where the others were assembled. The group as a whole were talking and getting along just fine. She smiled sadly to herself observing the family groups because she was missing her own family. Though over a year had passed since the brutal murders of her family, Marie still thought of them daily and missed them dearly.
Marie's time with her friends and growing extended family seemed to go by in a blur. In the mornings she set aside hours to get school work done. Her friends would get up mid-morning and she would have brunch with them. From there she would practice with Miles and Brett or an hour or two. Sometimes her friends would join in, but more often than not she would be facing off against them on her own. In the afternoon she would study for another hour and practice her Elemental abilities. By dinner time in the evening she would settle in and spend time with everyone.
As predicted Marie was able to complete the rest of her course material by the end of the winter break. Franco and Alphard escorted her to the Ministry to sit her NEWT exams in a private appointment. She would go each day in the morning for a week and spend the morning in the Ministry exam rooms. At lunch she was given a brief break before she was led back to the exam room for the afternoon of more testing. Finally, she was finished. She sat her exams and her official education was complete. She was sixteen, therefore able to get tutoring in apparating. With a special waver from the Minister she was allowed to get her apparition license early.
Marie missed her friends at Hogwarts, but there was nothing for it now. She grasped her medallion and knew that if they needed her she would be able to get to them. The knowledge that many of them were graduating in just a few short months brought her comfort. With the passing days Marie immersed herself more in the businesses and preparations that she was making.
She would go out shopping with Elena or Dorea at chic and well respected boutiques. They would bring her to teas and ladies' functions that they were part of to draw her deeper into the Pureblood circles. Her comportment was above reproach and she gained the favor and attention of many prominent families. Through the coaching of female members of her Guardians and her own upbringing, Marie was able to walk among the Pureblood elite with ease.
Some families approached her Guardians trying to set up marriage contracts, but they were politely turned down. They were told that Marie's family had left specific clauses and instructions for their daughter and heiress's future. When they inquired about further information, subtle hints of Marie's lineage and ancient ties to Elementals and Druids were given. The name Perevell was also mentioned in connection to her family history. It was a move that had been discussed at length with her Guardians. Marie told them that she had kept the knowledge of her ancestors to herself long enough. When she explained that she wanted to use her ancient and magical blood as a means to draw in more of the Purebloods to her list of allies and her network, there were some protests.
Just as Marie played the role of the perfect Pureblood, cultured little lady, she also pandered to the rumors that she had a bit of a wild side. Many evenings she could be found visiting her three clubs, though no one knew that she was in fact the owner. Marie was certainly seen as living the high life. Many Quidditch organizations were trying to court her and recruit her to their teams. Her Guardians had insisted that she was too young, having only just turned sixteen. When asked about it Marie coyly said that she wasn't quite of age yet, therefore they'd just have to wait and ask her again after her coming of age.
Marie was eating at an outside café in Diagon Alley one afternoon when a shadow was cast across the book that she was reading. Taking her book mark she looked up to see Mr. Quintin from the Arrows and Mr. Stretton from Puddlemere both standing beside her table. With them she noticed were a few broad shouldered men. Quirking an eyebrow at the managers, she spread her hand, inviting them to sit down. The other men took up a table next to hers and regarded her thoughtfully.
"What can I help you with gentlemen?" Marie asked with sparkling green eyes.
"Marie my dear you're looking lovely as ever," Mr. Quintin told her. "We were all so startled to hear that you chose to further accelerate your education and had given up your position on your House Quidditch team."
Marie's lips twitched a bit, "Ah so you've come to see me about Quidditch."
"Of course child," Mr. Stretton said jovially.
Marie stared at him with her eyebrow raised. "What was that? Child? I do believe you've got your answer right there."
"Come now Marie," Mr. Stretton cajoled. "Surely you can at least talk to us about your plans?"
Marie heard some of the other gentlemen present snort. One of them winked at her conspiratorially before focusing on his manager. Marie grinned slightly, having come to the conclusion that these men were in fact members of the Arrows and United Quidditch teams. She turned back to the two managers. Mr. Quintin looked a bit sheepish and exasperated with his colleague. Mr. Stretton kept up the jovial persona, but she could tell that he was beginning to realize that she wasn't about to budge.
Turning toward the three unknown men Marie leaned across the tables and introduced herself. They grinned and smirked in response and introduced themselves as John Mickelson, Adrian Ryan, and Darius Myers. Mickelson was the team Captain and center Chaser for the Arrows. Myers was his teammate and Seeker. Ryan was the team Captain and center Chaser for Puddlemere. She smiled at them and introduced herself.
Situating herself back in her seat, she faced the two managers again. "Gentlemen, you've got to understand that I've just turned sixteen two months ago. My Guardians feel that I should not even consider Quidditch at that professional level until I've passed my coming of age."
The professional players looked at her in shock. Sixteen! They knew that she was young, but sixteen! Surely their managers weren't serious about trying to recruit the girl at such a young age. The two managers looked a bit uncomfortable at her revelation.
Mr. Quintin cleared his throat, "Marie I completely understand and respect the decision. I had thought that by completing your education you would be eligible to explore the possibility of playing professionally. With that said my dear, I would like to invite you to try-out for the Arrows when you've come of age and start out on the auxiliary team to gain experience before you're ready to play in the actual games."
Marie inclined her head to him, "I appreciate the invitation and will seriously consider it should Quidditch be the avenue I choose to pursue."
"And why wouldn't you pursue it Marie?" Darius asked curiously.
"When I come of age I will have two Ancient Houses that I will have to manage. I'm not sure that I would have the luxury or time to pursue it," she said with a shrug while sipping her tea.
"Two?" Mr. Quintin stopped short. "I apologize for the outburst my dear. It is none of my business and I've no place asking about it. I dearly hope that should you decide to pursue a career, you'll consider the Arrows."
Not to be outdone Mr. Stretton offered a similar proposal. "I agree with my colleague my dear. You need to do whatever you feel is right and I hope that you'll consider our franchise. However I understand that may not be a possibility with your ownership and shares in some of our rival teams."
Marie smiled softly at the group. "I'll keep it in mind. I love flying, there's nothing quite like it in the world. I don't know whether that will translate into playing professionally, or if it will just be for recreation. I'm not sure if I'd be welcome to play with my affiliation with the Falcons, Harpies, and Magpies. I wouldn't want to be accused of foul play or being biased."
"Blimey!" Adrian said. "You have ownership of three teams?"
"Only partial ownership in the Falcons and I merely hold stocks in the Magpies and Harpies," Marie conceded. "I'm not sure what that will mean for me in the future. I'd like to keep my options open."
The men sat talking with her for a while longer before they stood to take their leave. Marie stood as well, collecting her book and placing it in her satchel. She went to grab her cloak only to find Mr. Quintin holding it up for her. She allowed him to wrap the cloak around her and thanked him. The males paid the tab and escorted Marie out of the café. The cool wind of the late winter immediately assaulted her senses. They had stepped outside of the protective charms and wards of the café and ventured into the heart of the Alley. Marie told them she need to get some shopping done and went towards a bookstore.
Darius, Adrian, and John split from their managers and accompanied the young woman. She found their company enjoyable and laughed comfortably with them. They explored the aisles of the bookstore together. The men she found were not much older than herself. John was the oldest at twenty-three. Darius was twenty, while Adrian was twenty-one.
The mixed group made their way throughout the Alley and unbeknownst to Marie caused quite a stir. Marie carried her satchel and tried to carry her purchases but the gentlemen in her company wouldn't hear of it. They wanted to get to know the young prospect. Each of them was intrigued by the young woman and drawn to her. He group enjoyed the company of one another until it was time for Marie to head back home. They escorted her to the public floo and handed her shrunken purchases back to her. She accepted them with a smile and thanked each of them. Pulling out a pen and scraps of paper from her satchel she gave each of them her address to owl her later. They grinned and returned the favor and bid her good evening. The men waited until she had safely floo'd home before they apparated to their own homes.
Marie breezed through the floo fireplace into her home with a bright smile on her face. She practically floated into the main foyer where Elena and Dorea watched her with curious looks on their faces. They followed her into the parlor and helped her to unshrink her purchases. Turning to her they took seats near the fire and waited for Marie to explain why she was so late. They didn't give her a curfew or keep close tabs on her coming and goings, but they were expecting her back hours ago.
Marie sat nearby and giddily launched into her tale. The two women listened in fascination and shock. Wide smiles spread across their faces and they laughed along with Marie as she regaled them of how three professional Quidditch players played pack mules for her all afternoon.
"What?!" he deep baritone of Franco asked. "No, no don't stop speaking. You will explain young lady!"
Marie rolled her eyes at him and giggled. "I said that we've exchanged owl post addresses."
"You do realize that they're far too old for you?" Franco said before letting lose a string of swears in Italian that had all present laughing. "It's not funny. She's far too young to be dating, much less professional Quidditch players!"
"What?" Charlus asked having only caught the tail end of the conversation.
"I'm not dating anyone," Marie said in exasperation. "I had a lovely afternoon with a few Quidditch players and promised to keep in touch with them. Nothing scandalous or nefarious took place."
The discussion that ensued had the females pitched against the males. When Nona Zabini and Dowager Lady Prewett got involved the men threw up their hands in defeat. Marie refused to give up names. It wasn't until the Daily Prophet arrived the next morning that Marie realized that she would now be under further public scrutiny.
Right there blazing across the page was a headline 'Recently Revealed Heiress Catches the Interest of Some of Quidditch's Most Eligible.' Marie cringed when she saw the photos that followed the article. There was speculation as to whether they were courting her for on the field play, or off the field romance. Marie stilled as she read the article. Her head hit the table with a loud thump as she realized that her friends at Hogwarts would be reading the same thing. She was not looking forward to the conversations that would need to take place after.
The floo in the front hall sounded and loud footsteps walked quickly through the hall. Behind the footsteps the floo sounded a few more times. Marie turned slowly to see Silvano Zabini standing in the doorway of the family dining area looking a bit upset. She could see further behind him that Alphard and the other members of Guardians were arriving. The floo sounded once more and Gideon and Fabian arrived with Antonio and Lucius following closely behind. Their grim and angry looks said more than enough for Marie.
"Well now that we're all here," she said tiredly. "Everyone have a seat."
"Well?" Gideon said calmly.
"The article is highly exaggerated. Yes I spent the afternoon with them, but there was nothing romantic or amorous about it." Marie told them. "They along with their managers approached me when I was at the café in Diagon Alley looking to recruit me. When I turned them down because I'm not seventeen yet they took their leave. I was planning on finishing my shopping, but Darius, Adrian, ad John accompanied me. Yes we exchanged contact information, but nothing happened. Nothing is going to happen, well not until I'm seventeen anyways," she said saucily.
The startled shouts of the males had Marie and the other females laughing. Marie waved off their concern and once again went into the story of yesterday afternoon. Once the over protective males in the room were assured that her honor and virtue was safe they began asking her rapid fire questions about what the Quidditch players were like. The group spent the rest of the day hanging out and talking together. The student went on their way back to Hogwarts and everyone went about their lives. It was much later when Marie was sitting in the library curled up with a book when she evaluated the whole scenario. It made her miss her family, especially her brother Nate. Later that night Marie wept deeply for her family. It was much later when the arms of Morpheus mercifully drew her into its embrace.