(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of J.K. Rowling's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Marie.)
Wishes
Chapter13
Marie woke in the early hours of the morning and stifled her whimper of pain. She silently got up from her bed in the infirmary of the Gaol and padded her way to the doors. Just as she was about to reach for the handle a hand reached out and covered her mouth in the dark. Her eyes went wide and she stifled her scream as she recognized the voice of the person as well as their magic.
Marcus stirred from his sleep not sure what had disturbed him. Looking around the dimly lit hospital ward he saw Marie moving. He watched as she got up and tried to sneak away. Not willing to let her sneak off on her own when she wasn't fully healed yet, he got up to follow her in exasperation. Choosing his steps carefully, he made sure that he was as silent as possible as he reached her side in long strides.
"Easy, love," he whispered to her as he felt her whole body tense and tremble. "I just wanted to make sure that you were alright. I didn't mean to scare you."
Marie nodded silently, not willing to trust her voice even after he removed his hand. He ran his hands down her arms in a soothing gesture. She looked up at him and realized just how large he really was. He was easily over six feet tall, broad and muscularly built. And for all his size, he was nothing but gentle with her. To say that this man could seriously complicate things was an understatement. She knew she couldn't fight it however, magic had deemed him her match. Which when she thought about it, took a lot of the pressure of finding "the one" off of things. So she decided she'd just have to see where things went and take time to enjoy it.
"I couldn't sleep anymore and thought I'd head to my rooms," she explained to him quietly. "I'd like to take a nice hot shower and head down to the training room."
"Are you sure that you're feeling up to it?" Marcus asked in concern. "You tired really quickly yesterday. Will you be alright without falling?"
Marie grinned up at him with a mischievous look on her face. "I'll be fine Marcus, but I'll be sure to call you if I need someone to wash my back," she said with a wink as the exited the infirmary and headed down the halls towards her rooms.
Marcus paused mid-stride before catching up and spinning her around. Images flashed in his mind and made his mouth dry. He pulled her flush against him and leaned down to whisper something in her ear.
"Love, if you call me in there when you're showering, getting clean will be farthest from my mind and yours, of that have no doubt," he said with his breath tickling her ear.
Marie shivered, though at the moment she was not cold. Oh no, at the moment she was feeling very, very warm. She looked up into his darkened eyes and bit her lower lip. The action drew his attention down to her mouth and his eyes, if possible darkened more. He reached up with a hand to cup her face and ran his thumb over her bottom lip, freeing it from her teeth. She let out a shaky breath and kept looking at him, she shouldn't look at him like that he thought. They could both feel the magic around them dancing across their skin, caressing and pulsing. Shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts, he peered down at his little witch, realizing it wasn't the right time or place. The girl was recovering from severe and life threatening injuries and probably shouldn't even be out of bed.
"Come on little witch," he murmured while looking in her eyes with a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Let's get you to your rooms where you can shower and rest."
"But I'm not tired," she protested.
"Love, you need more rest," he interrupted her. "I'm not sure if you're aware of how close we came to losing you two days ago, but I can assure you I am. We can't lose you again, I can't lose you."
Marie looked up to see the emotions flit across his face before he fought to school his features. There was a flash of vulnerability and need so raw in his eyes and it took her breath away. This big, strong man looked so alone. He ducked his head and swallowed hard. She reached up and lifted his face. With his eyes closed he leaned into her touch before turning to place a kiss on her palm.
With a sigh he straightened and released his hold, immediately missing her warmth and the feel of her smaller, softer frame against his. "Lead the way love," he told her softly. "I'll see you safely to your rooms and make sure that you're fine before finding a set of rooms to claim as my own to catch some more sleep."
She held her hand out to him and waited for him to grasp her smaller hand in his own, much larger calloused hands. The two walked quietly down the halls and up some stairs. Marcus lost track of which way they had come from and was all turned around when they stopped at a set of doors. Marie waved her hand in a series of motions before the locked clicked and the door swung open.
As they stepped into the room the torches on the wall lit and the fire sparked to life in the fireplace. The dark furniture was a big contrast against the soft purples and blues in which the room was decorated. Near the entrance of the room to the left was a sitting area with bookcases lining three of the walls. There were two sofas and a large, squishy looking chair near the crackling fire. To the right was a large four poster bed with shear hangings and a tall wardrobe to the far side of it. Beside it was a door leading to the bathroom and walk in closet.
Marcus observed the room and could see Marie in it easily. He was startled when she tugged him into the room and shut the door behind them. He raised an eyebrow at her actions and smirked at her when she blushed in response and went towards the bathroom. He watched as she walked across the room until she stopped in the doorway and peered over her shoulder.
With a smirk and a playful wink she blew him a kiss. "I'll be out in a bit and I should be fine, but thanks for the rather intriguing offer earlier," she said with her bright green eyes dancing.
"Love, that wasn't an offer," he replied in the same teasing voice, "that was a promise. I'll have to show you some time."
"Touché," she replied a bit breathlessly, before closing the door behind her.
Marcus let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He heard the water turn on and shook his head trying to force himself not to think about it. He grabbed a book off of the shelves at random and plopped onto one of the sofas. Unbuttoning his sleeves, he casually rolled them up to his elbows and lounged back with the book. He toed off his shoes and stretched out on the sofa letting himself get lost in the words on the pages.
Marie stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in a fresh set of lounge pants and a camisole. Her hair hung damply down her shoulders, but she felt so much better. Though she hated to admit it, Marcus was right, she was beginning to feel tired again. Yawning sleepily, she looked around the room in search of Marcus. She found him stretched out awkwardly on one of her sofas and smiled affectionately.
The poor man was far too tall to sleep comfortably on the couch. She noticed a book lay open on his chest and realized that he must have fallen asleep reading while waiting for her. Shaking her head, she went over and put a bookmark in his page and placed the book on a nearby table. Gently, she tried to wake him, but he didn't move. So she tried to shake him a little harder.
With a startled gasp and a squeak, she found herself pulled onto his chest and looking up into his bleary eyes. His eyes snapped open wider and he released her standing up swiftly. He tried apologizing, but she waved it off.
"You can take the bed Marcus, I have no idea where your rooms are going to be or which rooms are even available at this point. And you sir do not fit on the sofa," she said in amusement.
"Marie, I can't take your bed," Marcus stated dryly. "My mother would have my hide if I displaced a lady from her bed and made her sleep on a sofa."
Marie grinned at him. "Be that as it may, you still don't fit on the sofa," she said with a slight laugh. "As comfortable as they are to lounge on, you'd end up with a crick in your neck."
"I'm still not going to take your bed," he murmured to her, looking around for a blanket to cover with on the couch.
Marie sighed and grabbed his hand. She tugged him with her towards the bed. As they got closer he dug in his heels and planted his feet. He laughed as he watched her tug on his arm trying to get him to the bed. His rumbling laugh annoyed her and she glared at him, dropping his hand to pull back the covers. What she said next however, cause the breath to leave him and sobered him up rather quickly.
"It's a large bed with plenty of room," she said over her shoulder to him. "I learned to share a long time ago and passed that part of my education with flying colors. As long as you stay on your side and don't get fresh there won't be a problem."
"I'm not so sure that's a good idea love," he answered slowly. "It's enough that I'm in your room right now without a chaperone. I wouldn't want to risk your reputation little witch."
Marie smiled at him and crawled into the bed. "I'm not worried about it Marcus, I trust you," she stated so matter of factly that it was humbling.
He found himself walking around the other side of the bed and taking off his button up shirt. His undershirt would be enough to sleep in, though his trousers would have to stay he thought with a grimace. As if sensing his thoughts Marie called for an elf to bring him a set of clothes, which he accepted gratefully. He quickly changed in the bathroom before returning to the bedroom to find Marie on her side facing the door.
Marcus leaned on the door frame with his arms crossed watching her dose. He thanked all the powers that be that she had made it and was alright. Yawning he straightened and made his way to his side of the bed. He climbed in and pulled the blankets up. As he drifted off deeper into sleep he felt Marie burrow into his chest and protectively wrapped his arms around her, drawing her closer.
Sometime later Marcus became aware that they were not alone and instantly went on alert. He held Marie protectively towards his chest and feigned sleep, assessing the situation. Marie for her part, was completely oblivious to the fact that her over protective male friends were standing around her bed glaring at the pair, particularly Marcus.
Marcus bit back a groan as Marie snuggled closer and wedged her thigh between his own. He fought for control and willed his body not to react. The girl was going to be the death of him. She grumbled a bit in her sleep and it was all he could do not to laugh at the situation. She was rather adorable in her sleep, and somehow held onto a childlike appearance despite everything that she had been through.
"Oh my," a cultured female voice said.
"Oh my indeed," an angry male replied. "Give me one good reason why we don't drag him from the bed and string him up."
"Now Antonio," the female replied, "you can't do that to her. You know that it would upset and embarrass Marie."
"She's in bed with a man that she hardly knows!" another voice replied.
"I know some creative spells that the Dark tosser wanted us to learn," another replied thoughtfully.
Marcus swallowed and glanced down through his lashes at Marie. He almost started when he saw that she was glancing up at him through hers. She had apparently woken when the people standing in her room began talking so loudly. He noticed she had a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth and he fought to keep one off of his.
Sighing, he subtly nodded towards her and they both opened their eyes fully. There was no point in keeping up the ruse and pretending to sleep. She smiled up at him and burrowed into his chest, uncaring of the audience that they had. He held her close, ignoring the sputtering of those in the room and placed a kiss on the top of her head. He could easily see this being a common occurrence and a more permanent arrangement. Things seemed so easy with her. Granted it had only been a couple of days, but his magic just seemed to mesh with her and the rest just seemed to come naturally.
Marie pulled back and turned to face the angry faces of her male friends. She laughed at their grumbling and threats and wagged her finger at them. "Don't go there boys," she said, continuing in a sing-song voice, "I've got enough dirt on each of you to get you in trouble."
The grumbling stopped abruptly and the males looked back and forth. Their female counterparts looked at them in question. Antonio coughed uncomfortably under the intense stare of his wife Serene. Marie smirked at him and the others.
"She's still in bed with a man," Regulus stated rather coolly. "What about her reputation?"
"Not that it's anyone's business," Marie stated sharply, "but nothing happened. We slept end of story. Sorry to burst your bubble and ruin whatever lurid fantasies you've concocted."
When there were grumblings Serene replied sweetly, "Well a simple charm will answer your questions and anyone else's about her honor."
Lady Zabini pulled out her wand and cast a complex charm causing Marie to glow silvery white and her cheeks to flame. She glared at her friend, who winked in reply. Her male friends in the room looked distinctly uncomfortable, while Marcus was just staring at her. Marie noticed the heated look he was giving her and glanced away with her cheek flaming brighter.
She turned to Serene with an accusatory glare. "Was that really necessary?" she asked in annoyance. "My innocence is no one else's business."
"Love, they needed to know," she said pointedly. "They all needed to know the truth so that you can be treated appropriately as a Lady of your station should."
Marcus extracted himself from the bed and smoothed down his sleep attire. He swallowed thickly looking at Marie with wide eyes. The situation would call for a different approach to courting and addressing her. Not that it would have mattered to him if she weren't untouched, but this certainly changed things a bit for him. Anticipation and pride swelled up in him to know that she was his, and would only be his when they were ready.
"I apologize for any harm that has come from this," he stated formally.
Marie climbed off of the bed and stood next to him glaring at everyone before turning back to look at him.
"You have nothing to apologize for Marcus. I insisted that you stay in the bed. You're too tall for the couch. You were a perfect gentleman and have nothing to apologize for," she told him. "He escorted me here from the infirmary and made sure that I was alright on my own. He insisted that I get more sleep rather than go down to the training thing at four this morning."
"Marie," Rabastan said softly, "he still should not have stayed in your room never mind your bed with you. If Charlus or Alphard were here they'd insist he marry you posthaste regardless of your innocence being intact."
"Oh they're not completely out of the woods in that regard," Antonio stated drying. "My father still might insist on it."
"Like Hell he will," Marie stated angrily. "If and when I choose to marry it will be my decision. Mind you it will be with a partner of my choosing. I'll remind you all that I'm an adult. What I do and with whom I choose to do it, is no one else's business."
"Be reasonable Marie," Gideon added.
"Aye love, think it through," Fabian said.
Regulus had a pained look on his face, "Shut up before she does something rash you idiots! You know what happens when you tell her that she can't do something, hence she has a motorcycle and how she proved that she can out fly anyone in this room."
Marie snorted and winked at him. "Go ahead, forbid me boys," she taunted them. "I ought to follow through just to spite you all, or make you watch, though that might be weird because I really don't think that's my cup of tea."
There were embarrassed shouts and sputtering around the room. Marcus's jaw dropped and Marie grinned up at him. She leaned up and tugged him down and planted one on him. Marcus froze as he felt her lips lock on his, but he pulled her against him and responded. She gasped giving him the opening he needed and plunged the kiss deeper and hotter. She groaned in his mouth and wrapped her arms around his neck. Marcus fought to keep control, but she made it rather difficult to think. Reluctantly he pulled back slowly before ending the kiss and looking down at her. Sweet Merlin this girl would be the death of him!
Marcus didn't dare look at the others in the room. They already wanted to maim him, but really they couldn't blame this on him. Oh no, the little spit fire clinging to him was to blame, well mostly. He fully admitted that he was the one to push things farther than he was sure she had intended for them to go. He grinned and winked at her when there were no complaints.
Marie looked up at Marcus in shock before her face broke into an answering grin of her own. Perhaps things wouldn't turn out so bad with him at her side. She had really only meant to shut them up and startle the group into realizing that she was a grown woman. However, all conscious and coherent thought fled her mind when Marcus pulled her against his hard body and deepen the kiss to mind melting levels.
She turned to her friends to find them staring with varying looks of shock, disgust, and anger. Seeing her lady friends fan themselves and smile caused her to laugh. It really was just to fun to tease her boys, well men now, she amended. They'd all grown and even though the Prewetts, Regulus, and Rabastan still appeared to be in their twenties, they were still older than herself.
"Marcus, darling," Marie said in a teasing voice, "we shouldn't do such things in front of the older crowd. We wouldn't want to give anyone heart attacks in their old age, would we?"
"Old age?" Francis thundered. "You silly chit, we're in our forties at most, not senior citizens. I'll have you know we're still in our prime!"
Marie laughed at the bruised egos. "Yes boys, not old at all," she amended with a sweet smile. "Think you can still keep up with me on the dance floor old man?"
Francis smirked at the little witch. "Cara, I'll show you just how much I've improved with age."
Marie snorted. "Just like a fine wine I'm sure," she replied with laughing green eyes.
Marcus squeezed her waist gently and smiled down at her. So his witch liked to dance, he mused. He'd have to file that away for later. He didn't begrudge her relationship with her friends at all. They had been with her and by her side when she had no one. That handy little charm earlier allayed any fears he might have had regarding her relationship with the men. It was good to see her so lighthearted and happy. He marveled that she held onto that part of her despite it all.
He bent down to brush a kiss on the crown of her head and comfortably held her against him. Their interaction and ease with which they got along surprised him though it shouldn't. Long ago the Raglans had begun explaining to him his Elemental powers and tutoring him from a very young age. They had explained to him and his parents about the sympathetic and perfect magical matches that Elementals experienced. They had told them that he would be a Sorcerer once his magic had matured and they he would need additional training. Though they hadn't said in so many words, they hinted that he had already met his match. His parents seemed to understand, but at the time he was far too young and didn't remember meeting Marie. He flushed at the thought that she had seen him as an infant, but squashed the thought.
Marie felt Marcus's magic envelope her warmly. Across the magic bond forming between them she felt his affection and the lingering lust he felt. She flushed and pulled back a bit but saw him glance down and grin unapologetically.
"Really Marie," Antonio interjected looking exasperated, "you've had enough lessons with your Guardians to know what's acceptable."
"Tony," Marie stated in the tone of voice, "I know what is expected of me. Just as I know that at some point there will be talks of marriage and who you lot think you're going to pair me with. Set those thoughts aside right now, because it's not going to happen. Take a deep breath my friend. And try to remember that I'm in fact the same person you knew twenty years ago, for me it's only been a matter of days. Give me a chance to catch up alright?"
"Marriage?" Marcus murmured while looking down at her pointedly.
"Oh no," she said poking him in the side causing the tall man to jolt and pull away. "It's far too soon to talk about that. I've known you for a little over two days. Someday I'll get married on Beltane or Summer Solstice with very specific rituals and ceremonies, but not for a while yet. I've got to get acclimated to things before I can even think of a relationship, never mind something more permanent."
"Easy love," he said, running his hands down her arms. "You and I already know the truth of things, there's no use in denying it. We'll take it as slow as we choose to and go from there. There's no rush for things."
She smiled a bit shakily at him and nodded gratefully. Marie knew that he had a point, but it was still a bit overwhelming to think about marriage. There wasn't time for distractions like that, no matter how appealing and attractive they were. They needed to deal with the Dark tosser first. Though there was a part of her that told her to live in the moment and enjoy what time they had together.
The group watched their interaction and curbed their thoughts for the time being. Antonio and Francis knew that Franco would have quite a few words to say to the pair about this incident, but they would be fine. Franco had taken the news of the attack on Marie especially hard. He had come to think of the girl like one of his own. He currently was tied up with Family Business regarding his estates and a business venture, but would be traveling to the Gaol as soon as he could get away.
Marie told them that she needed to get changed and ready for the events that she had planned for the day. With a bright smile she turned to Regulus and told him that they would be going to get Siri. When he looked speculative and unsure, she scolded him and told him that they would bring him back. She paused for a moment and then looked back to him and asked that he make contact with his cousins Andromeda and Narcissa and to bring them to the briefing room within the hour. He left the room quickly, followed by Rabastan.
The others looked at her and she just raised an eyebrow and shooed them. Marcus lingered and looked down at her. A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth and he dropped a chaste kiss on her brow before collecting his clothes and shoes. She grinned when he called his own personal elf to get him a fresh set of clothes and waited. The elf popped in and grabbed the dirty bundle of clothing to bring to be cleaned and popped out again. He went in to the bathroom to change and came back out a short while later.
Marie brushed past him and went to get changed. She thought carefully before choosing a Gypsy-like outfit with a long flowing skirt and a tank top. She opted not to wear a blouse over it as it was a hot summer day. Strapping on a pair of sandals, she slipped bangle bracelets on her wrists and used a silk scarf to tie her hair back. Pulling her medallion out of her shirt the let it fall down towards her naval and grinned.
She stepped back into her room and found Marcus sitting and reading the book he started earlier that morning. Who would have thought that a Pureblood would be so enraptured by "Of Mice and Men" she mused. With a soft smile she approached him quietly and sat down beside him on the couch. The fire had been smothered after they had fallen asleep, so the natural cool air swept through the room.
Marcus looked up to find Marie sitting beside him grinning at him. He flushed in embarrassment when he realized that she had been there for a while and was waiting on him. He gently closed the book and replaced the bookmark before setting the book back down on the table.
"Ready?" she asked him with a smile.
He stood and offered her his hand. "Yes," he replied. "Perhaps you can lead us back down to where the others will be waiting. I'm afraid I got a bit turned around and lost track of where we are."
Marie laughed softly and nodded to him. On her way towards the door, she grabbed her clutch and wand on the way out the door. Marcus grabbed a shawl from the stand near the door and offered it to her before tucking her arm around his elbow.
The pair made their way back down the hallways and stairs towards the briefing room where the whole group was now waiting. Marcus noticed the glares that he was receiving from some of Marie's friends and the knowing smirks from his own friends who had apparently been brought here. Marie noticed the looks that they were getting and rolled her eyes.
As she detached herself from Marcus's side and made her way towards the group, Serene subtly hit her with the same charm she had earlier. Marie rounded on the older woman with a horrified look on her face.
"Really Serene?" she asked indignantly.
"Well you did take a while dear," the woman replied with a grin.
Marie looked at her horrified. "Took long, it's only been fifteen minutes at most! If that's how long you think things are supposed to take there are a few books and shops I can direct you to my friend," Marie stated in a mock serious tone. "Fifteen minutes? Honestly woman! Things haven't even gotten warmed up at that point!"
The wide range of reactions around the room were priceless. Those who knew Marie the best wore long suffering looks, tinged with amusement. Those that didn't looked conflicted between laughing and being mortified. Marcus was flushed, but she could see his shoulder shaking as he was trying to contain his laughter. Through the tentative bond they were forming she felt the wide range of emotions he was feeling and flushed. As if sensing her, he looked her in the eye with so much heat in his eyes that she felt chills run down her spine. He winked at her and grinned roguishly before going to stand with Adrian Pucey.
Hermione looked at her with her jaw dropped and Harry looked thoroughly embarrassed. Marie smiled at the two teens as she made her way to their side. She shrugged at the teens and smirked over her shoulder towards the rest of the group. Seeing the startled expression on some of their faces it morphed into a triumphant smile and her eyes danced with mirth.
"I know you!" Adrian said looking at her with wide eyes.
"Of course you know her Ade," Blaise said. "Tia Marie is known by many people."
"Not like that Blaise," Adrian protested. "It's her, the Quidditch girl."
"Bloody Hell," Marcus murmured looking at her wide eyed.
"Oye!" Draco interrupted. "Quit looking at my aunt like that!"
"Your aunt?" Marie asked having turned around to face the group with an amused expression.
"Of course," he replied. "Mother and father insisted that had you been around you would have been family."
She laughed merrily. "You do of course realize that your ancestors are rolling in their graves right?" she asked in amusement.
"Whatever for?" he asked.
"Draco," she paused, "I'm not exactly a Pureblood. Sure I've inherited a couple of titles and a significant amount Galleons in Vaults among other things, but the last magical person in my family before me lived centuries ago."
The group looked at her for a moment. Some of them seemed to be struggling with the fact that someone who was technically the daughter of Squibs, was an Elemental Sorceress. Marcus shrugged as did some of the others. There were a few that seemed conflicted with her admission.
"Okay I'll make it simple for you," she began. "I have magic correct? And you couldn't tell by looking at me or watching me that I wasn't a Pureblood, right? So why does it matter? I've got magic and so do you. I'm not sure what the difference is really. The whole theory on blood status is ridiculous."
Marie looked at them with an eyebrow raised, as if challenging them to contradict her. Rolling her eyes she turned back to speak to Hermione and Harry. Their small group was conversing when they were interrupted once more.
"Is that a tattoo?" asked an incredulous voice.
Marie turned to see one of the other Pureblood males, apparently a friend of Marcus's staring at her shoulder. A slow smile spread across her face and she nodded. She excused herself from the conversation with Harry and Hermione once more before turning to face the others once more.
"Why yes, it's a tattoo," she said in amusement. "What about it?"
"But you're a lady," the tall young man stated a bit dumbly.
Snorts from those that knew Marie rang out around the room. Francis laughed outright. Brett and Miles were struggling to hide their laughter. Micah chuckled deeply. The rest of Marie's friends had knowing smiles.
Francis was the first to recover and answer. "Of course she's a lady," he told them. "However, the girl has three tattoos, rides a motorcycle, and gets into all kids of trouble."
"She owns three night clubs," Gideon stated.
"Plays Quidditch and flies better than most professionals," Fabian added.
"But she is still very much a lady," Regulus added with a grin. "Though when she landed in the Great Hall at dinner in that skimpy bathing suit I thought my brother and most every other male was going to swallow their tongue."
"What?" Marcus asked in shock.
"Oh no, no," Marie protested. "That was not my fault. I was at a party when I picked up a letter disguised as a portkey. It was not my most graceful landing either."
"No it wasn't," Rabastan agreed with a smile that made him look almost boyish. "Though I think it was more the fact that you cursed at the Headmaster and called him a wanker that was a bit unladylike. Or was it when you implied he was creepy for sending an underage, former student a portkey?"
"Marie!" Hermione stuttered out while laughing.
"That's not nearly as bad as when she called the Dark tosser a "psychotic tosspot" to his face," Brett said dryly.
"Are you mental?" Marcus asked her angrily.
"I have full control of my facilities thank you very much," she stated primly.
Her friends snorted in amusement as those that didn't know her saw first-hand how she went from the carefree joking young woman to the carefully cultured lady in a snap. Those in the younger crowd looked at her in awe, though some looked at her like she had two heads. She just shrugged and smiled.
"If we're already we need to get down to business," she stated calmly. "We need to make our way to Gringott's to get our offering. From there we need to go to the Ministry and the Department of Mysteries posthaste. I'll need those with Black blood in their veins to come to help with the summoning. A group of you will have to stand guard in case there's trouble. The Elementals will have to be with me for this. The rest of the teams will have to meet with the Goblins and see if you can figure out where the rest of the items of interest are."
The groups separated. Those that weren't used to this marveled at the command that she had over the group. Her friends separated, those with Elemental powers were with her. Those that did not would be assisting the Goblins. A third group was going back to Hogwarts to aid them there and add to the wards. Lastly a fourth group was assembled to transport Muggle parents and family members of the Muggleborn students to get them first to Dorcha Gaol and then to Hogwarts.
Hermione burst into tears at the news. She looked so relieved, so thankful that someone was thinking of them. She and the other Muggleborns were distraught that nothing had been done to protect their families. Here was a group or a person that had them near the top of the priority list and was actually going to do something.
Marie asked the group getting the Muggle family members to ask them if any had and special training in anything that could help protect Hogwarts. Hermione piped in that her father had been a Muggle soldier at one point and would be able to help. She explained that he could show those that didn't know how to use the necessary weapons and help to procure more. She told them that both of her parents would be happy to do something productive to help because they had felt so lost and out of place not being able to be part of her world.
Marie nodded to her thankfully and told the person on point to go to the Grangers first. She instructed them to take Mr. Granger to wherever he needed to go shopping to get the weapons and to take it from the Gaol's security budget. When asked what the cap was, Marie looked at him grimly and told him that there wasn't one and to buy as much as they could. This was war time, and it was time to fight back.
She glanced at the clock and realized that their portkeys would be activating in a few moments. Marie bid everyone good luck and touched a finger to her large gold chain. Marcus squeezed in beside her and wrapped an arm around her waist. She counted down and then they were all off on their missions. Marie tried to quell the nausea that rolled through her as they whirled away before landing in the foyer of Gringott's once more.
Yet again Marcus held onto her and made sure that she didn't fall down. Marie was pleased to see that the others had done the same for the rest of the ladies in the group. She hid her grin when she saw the obvious blushes of the girls and the little interactions throughout the group. It would appear that she and Marcus were not the only ones experiencing bonds forming.
Her group's appearance once more caused quite a stir at the bank. Marie smiled coyly at those present and walked proudly towards Ripfang who was waiting for them. She felt Marcus fall into step beside her and lead her through the bank with a protective and possessive hand on the small of her back. As they passed Marie could hear the twittering and whispering of the gossips in the Bank and glanced up at a smirking Marcus. She smiled sweetly at him and batted her eyelashes causing him to chuckle deeply in response.
The group found themselves in the same conference room as before. The Director greeted them and stunned the group when he bowed to Marie. She bowed back to him and the group sat down. The Goblins explained that they had crews searching Vaults through the night. They had found and extracted a second Horcrux piece from Helga Hufflepuff's cup. The group was intrigued to hear that it was found in the Lestrange Vault. Rabastan looked horrified and subdued when he found that the Vaults and riches within were now his.
Marie and the others thanked them for their assistance. Mentally she filed away the tidbit of information where the Horcrux was found, or rather who it was given to, for later. She composed herself and went on to explain their plan to summons Sirius from beyond the Veil and their hope to use the crystals as their offering. The Goblins handed the crystals to Marie and she slipped them into her purse.
Harry was given the necessary keys, coordinates, and passwords to enter his various estates. He nodded to them gratefully and thanked them. They also handed him a full summary of his assets as well as those to hand over to Sirius when he returned. They told Regulus that his grandfather having believed he was gone had left everything to his brother. He nodded in understanding, but was shocked when they told him that his Uncle had set aside half of his estate to go him upon his passing.
Once their business was concluded they were led to the private floo network of the bank. They were being given special clearance to floo directly into the Ministry, more specifically the Department of Mysteries. The Goblins had negotiated passage with the Unspeakables for Marie. When the Unspeakables wanted to keep the soul pieces and demand leave to study Marie and her power levels, the Goblins toothily reminded them that not only were they under oath and contract as Ministry employees, but many more of them owed Marie personally Life Debts. Needless to say their tunes changed rather quickly and they were oh so helpful.
Marie stepped out of the floo with Marcus and waited for the others to arrive. Narcissa and Andromeda stepped through last and then the connection was cut. They were led through the various corridors and through many doors until they came to the infamous Death Chamber.
Harry and Hermione clung to each other as they were reliving that terrible day last year. They trembled as the passed through each familiar room. Viktor stayed close to Hermione, while Daphne Greengrass did the same for Harry. Those having heard what the group of teens had been through kept silent as they made their way further into the Chamber. Marie paused and pulled the Director aside before continuing. She told him the plan to fall behind the wards and Hogwarts and the get word out to Muggleborns before it was too late. He nodded and told her that he would get the word out quickly and have memos sent to the necessary people.
Marie and the Elementals stepped towards the platform and threw up privacy wards, ignoring the protests of the Unspeakables. Katie cast the circle with the pouch of pure salt that she had been instructed to keep on her always by her Elemental mentor.
This was the first act of the full Gray Coven and their membership was as follows. Katie Bell was the caster of their circle and a Sorceress with some elemental affinities. Marie was the center and anchor of the circle. She had the ability to use all of the Elements and was a Sorceress and well on her way to being an Enchantress. The rest of the girls stood at the five points on a star. At the top point of the circle was Hermione, an Earth Elemental and Sorceress. To her right was Susan Bones a Fire Elemental and Sorceress. Following the same direction, next came Daphne Greengrass an Air Elemental and Sorceress. Luna Lovegood was beside her representing the Spirit Element and a Sorceress. Finally, came Hannah Abbot a Water Elemental and Sorceress.
In between the ladies and Sorceresses of the Coven came the men and Sorcerers. They were still within the circle but a slight step behind them, acting as a shield and outer defense lest they fall under attack. First was Viktor Krum standing between Hermione and Susan, an Air Elemental and Sorcerer. Following clockwise next stood Regulus Black a Fire Elemental and Sorcerer. Beside him stood Gideon Prewett an Earth Elemental and Sorcerer. Fabian Prewett stood beside his twin and was a Water Elemental and Sorcerer. Rabastan Lestrange stood proudly next as a Spirit Elemental and Sorcerer. Following him was Marcus Flint a Sorcerer with the ability to use all of the Elements. Finally closing the circle was Harry Potter a Spirit and Air Elemental Sorcerer.
Everyone took their place around the circle, which logically circled around the platform and Veil. Marie took up her position in the center near the Veil and pulled out the vials. Once everyone was in place she because speak and calling on the Fates and gods to hear their summons. She and the other each called on their Elements, feeding more power into the ritual. The group began repeating the phrase that Madam Raglan had taught them all, and the wind picked up in the room. Marie tossed in the first vial and lightning arced in the room, striking around the circle. The ground buckled under their feet and it began to rain indoors.
Marie held her ground and prepared for the second Vial. She beckoned forward those of Black blood. Andromeda, Narcissa, and Regulus stepped forward, for three was a magical number. Each of them cut their fingers and left three drops of blood on the vial before returning to their place within the circle.
She tossed the second vial in and a blinding light began to show from beyond the Veil. The whispers nearby got louder as the Gray Coven continued their ritual and their chanting. Marie closed her eyes and prayed that they would release the wrongly judged and betrayed man. She begged them to send Sirius Orion Black back to them because his godson needed him. She willed them to understand that they had given two soul pieces of the one seeking to avoid death and they were on a mission to destroy them all, but they needed Sirius, Harry needed Sirius.
Their voices reached a crescendo and then faded. There was silence in the room, save for the sound of the wind and the flapping sound of a curtain. Even the whispers had ceased.
Marie let out a startled gasp when she opened her eyes. There at her feet lay the prone figure of Sirius Black. She called out for Katie to close the ritual and cleanse the circle. Harry looked like he wanted to protest and move, but he knew that he couldn't yet. Once it was done the group rushed forward to check over the fallen man. Marie checked his pulse and found that he was alive and breathing. He appeared to be roughly in is mid to late twenties, if she could give a guess.
Harry fell onto the man sobbing. Sirius, it was Padfoot. They had brought him back! His sobs wrack his body. He felt Hermione kneeling next to him crying and rubbing his back comfortingly. God he had him back. He wasn't alone anymore. Harry let all of his grief go. The grief he refused to let himself feel when his beloved godfather first went through the Veil.
Daphne stepped nearby, drawn to Harry. She cautiously reached out to him and he sighed, leaning a bit into her touch. The girl knelt next to him and murmured comfortingly to him.
Marie knelt next to the unconscious man and got a bit of a devious idea. She urged the others to give her some space and levitated Sirius off of the platform and away from the Veil. Taking Marcus's hand to step down she went to where Sirius was now laying. With a grin she turned to the others and motioned for them to be quiet.
"Sirius, hurry up!" she shouted. "Wake up you're late for Transfiguration and McGonagall is on a war path!"
The man twitched, causing Harry to grin and nod for her to continue. She leaned down closer to the man, letting her hair fall and tickle his face. Grinning at the groups she smiled and had a completely sassy look on her face.
"Siiiiirrrriiiii," she called, drawing his name out in a throaty, seductive voice. "Siiiirrriii, wake up love."
The man groaned a bit, but didn't wake. She sighed and pouted a bit. Well she figured, why the Hell not. Leaning over she got in real close to his ear and whispered to him. What the others couldn't hear exactly, but the man seemed to stir a bit. As she went to sit back up though she let out a squeak as he yanked her down on his chest and stared at her blearily.
Marie watched as his eyes widened comically. Then she was concerned when he paled. He worked his jaw, but nothing would come out apparently.
"Honestly Siri," Regulus said in amusement. "Weren't you ever taught how to treat ladies?"
Sirius turned to face his brother and whispered, "Reg."
Regulus knelt next to his brother and nodded. Harry came forward and sat next to him as well. Sirius seemed to become agitated seeing his godson.
"This isn't real," he mumbled. "This can't be real. Not Harry!"
Marie pushed herself up and sat, plopping down on his stomach knocking the wind out of him and stopping his panicked rant. She crossed her arms in annoyance and looked down at him. He stared up at her dumbly.
"Are you implying that I'm fat Siri?" she asked.
He quickly shook his head no before turning to stare at his godson. "Harry?"
"Padfoot!" Harry shouted and launched himself at the man.
In the process he knocked Marie back in to Regulus, who caught her and cushioned her fall. Sirius looked to where she had fallen and looked at the two people he had thought were dead. None of it made sense. The last thing he remembered was fighting Bella. Something wasn't right here!
"Sirius!" Marie stated sharply. "Everything is fine. We're all very much alive at the moment, but we need to get out of here before the Unspeakables try to get their hands on all of us. There are only so many favors I have to call in. We need to go now!"
He nodded numbly and allowed others to help him up. Sirius didn't understand at all, but he trusted Marie. He always had. His limbs felt sluggish, but he allowed himself to be helped from the circle.
The group paused and watched as Marie told the Unspeakables under no terms whatsoever were any of them going to be test subjects or studied. When they tried to demand it Marie let her displeasure be known in the form of a lightning bolt. Only the Director remained and the figure nodded to Marie. Before Marie urged the others on, she told the Director and the other Unspeakables nearby that if they should ever try to pull a stunt like this again or to force anyone to be their test subjects, she would name them all Oath Breakers. The ambient magic in the room thrummed ominously at the phrase and the group was quickly escorted out of the Department of Mysteries.
Marie told them all the address to her townhouse in London. They quickly floo'd through and from there immediately floo'd two more places before taking their portkey to Dorcha Gaol. They firmly held onto the stumbling man as they were whisked away.
When they landed and though they wobbled a bit, the group managed to stay on their feet. Regulus and Harry both helped Sirius towards the infirmary of Dorcha Gaol. Sirius paused looking at the familiar building before looking back at Marie with hope in his eyes.
The group continued, but Marie fell back. She hissed and held her side for a moment and Marcus paused looking at her in concern. Without a second thought he scooped her up and followed the rest of them in long strides towards the infirmary. She hardly seemed to weigh anything as he carried her. Glancing down he noticed that her face was scrunched up in pain. With an exasperated sigh, he shook his head at her.
"You need to be more careful love," he gently admonished her. "What happened?"
"I was jostled on the landing and someone elbowed me in the ribs," she told him weakly.
"Well, let's get you checked out first and then it's off to bed with you," he told her firmly.
"Absolutely not!" she protested. "I'll get checked out and healed, but no more sleep. I still need to take Harry to the Dursleys and then to Potter Manor."
"If the Healers give you the all clear, that will be the plan," he conceded.
"Listen Marcus," she said firmly, "I appreciate that you're looking out for me and trying to take care of me. However, that doesn't mean that you can order me around."
"Sweetheart," he grinned down at her, "I'm not ordering you around. Perhaps trying to boss you about a bit, but that's different. I just want to make sure that you're safe."
"I know and I appreciate it," she told him, "but you have to understand that I've been doing this for a long time and have been fine. If this is going to work you can't think that you're going to tell me what to do and I'll instantly obey. It's a partnership through and through or nothing at all. I cannot and will not abide by anything else."
Marcus looked at her and realized that she was being completely serious. He felt as if he had the wind knocked out of him and paused in the hallway holding her. Would she really deny them what they were and what they were meant to be? It appeared that she would if he wasn't willing to compromise and be equal partners in the relationship. It was not something he was used to. His mother was protected and cherished by his father. It was inconceivable to think of her putting herself in harm's way and his father allowing it.
"Marcus," she said softly touching his face. "I know it's a foreign concept and will take some work, but it's the only way that this will work. If you explain why you would like me to do something that is a different thing entirely. But I will not be ordered about. I'm not some delicate flower."
"Love you are, even if you don't want to see it," he told her thickly. "You're just this petite little witch and granted you pack a Hell of a punch and are immensely powerful, you're still human. And you're right, for this to work we're going to have to work together."
Marie smiled up at him and nodded. "So, we're going to give this a shot and see what happens?"
"Love, I have a feeling you'll be pleasantly surprised at the outcome," he teased before dropping a chaste kiss on her brow.
His long legs ate up the distance and he shouldered the door of the infirmary open, careful not to jostle Marie too much. Walking towards the nearest bed, he gently laid her down. Marie hissed and held her side and one of the Healers came bustling over, tutting over Marie.
Apparently someone had indeed elbowed her in the ribs. The blow was hard enough to fracture two of the still healing ribs. Though they had been regrown they were not completely healed. The healer whispered "Episki" and Marie groaned as the ribs realigned. She was given a Restorative potion to speed up the healing process and told to be careful for the next few days. They weren't restricting her movement as of yet, but she was told that should it happen again she would be restricted to bed rest for the next three days.
Marie looked up at Marcus, waiting to hear what he would have to say. He sighed and nodded to her. "Alright you can continue with your plan as we agreed, but please be careful?" he asked. "Would you be offended or upset if I went along with you to make sure that the travel goes a bit more smoothly?"
Marie agreed to be careful and told him that she had no problems with him going, but they would have to limit the number of people as this was about Harry. The group going would be Regulus, Harry, Hermione, Viktor, Marie, Marcus, and Sirius, who had demanded to stay with "his pup." It was a larger group than she had anticipated, but it was manageable.
Other than being slightly disoriented and a bit stunned to be back, Sirius was given a clean bill of health in his newly restored twenty six year old body. The man was beaming to know that he had gained something back from the ordeal. He was given a second chance that he didn't intend to waste. He had taken the news of what had happened in his absence rather hard and took a while to compose himself.
He nearly went into a fit of rage when Marie told him everything the Dumbledore had done and planned in regards to Harry. Sirius embraced his godson and held the teen close, promising to do right by the boy. He felt Harry's body tremble as Marie had told him about the Horcrux that had been in the boy's scar. He promised to any higher being that he would do better by the boy.
The group gathered to go see his Aunt at Privet Drive. Marie asked the others to travel to Hogwarts to assist in the settling of the Muggle relatives and other Muggleborns that were now going to be flocking to the school. The rest of the Elemental group left together via a gold chain portkey that Marie had given Gideon to hold onto. She pulled him aside early and asked him to look out for Rabastan and to send word if there was any trouble. He nodded grimly and walked to where the group was waiting.
Marcus wrapped his arm around Marie, pulling her against him and held the portkey with his other hand. She stood facing him and mirrored his stance. The portkey activated and they were on their way to a remote side street near Privet Drive. They all managed to keep their feet and Marie wrapped the portkey around her wrist like a bracelet.
After casting Notice-Me-Not charms, they walked towards the direction of Privet Drive following Harry. Marie looped her arm through Marcus's and enjoyed the beautiful summer day they were having. Hermione and Viktor walked with their head bent together talking quietly. Sirius and Regulus walked with Harry between them as they made their way through the cookie cutter neighborhoods.
Marie lifted her head as they neared their destination. She felt the failing wards before they reached them. They walked up the short walk way to the front door of Number 4 Privet Drive. As they reached the front door a large black town car pulled up and Marie cast the illusion that the seven of them were exiting the vehicle.
Marie stepped to the front of the group and rang the doorbell. She dropped the charms she had cast when the car arrived and now she noticed that the neighbors were peering over to see what was happening at Number 4. Marie smirked and winked at Harry who ducked his head.
Petunia Dursley peered out her window and saw the large black town car. She looked towards the door and noticed a sharply dressed group of people and then she saw him. With a quick glance around she noticed that the neighbors were now coming out and staring. Standing sharply she smoothed her dress and went to the door. For the sake of appearances, she plastered on a gracious smile and opened the door.
Marie could see instantly the cold and violent look in her eye and smiled charmingly at the woman. "Good afternoon, Petunia Dursley I presume?" Marie asked in her best Pureblood princess voice. "Lovely to meet you I'm Lady Marie Stone, I'm with young Harry's mentors at his school."
"What has the little delinquent done now?" Petunia said sharply and loudly.
Marie laughed and smiled winningly at Petunia. "You must be mistaken Mrs. Dursley. Come now, we both know your nephew goes to a special boarding school in northern Scotland for the gifted!" Marie said just as loudly. "We've come to inform you that we'll be collecting all of young Harry's things. You see his godfather has been found and another relative on his father's side has finally been reached after all these years. I've also come to inspect Harry's living conditions."
Petunia paled and bristled, but paused and the cold fury in the younger woman's eyes. She was one of them! Thoughts raced through Petunia's mind and she considered calling for the police. The girls as if reading her thought grinned coldly.
"By all means, phone the police," Marie told her coldly. "I'm sure they'd love to hear the story of child abuse, neglect, and negligence on your part."
There were startled gasps from the neighbors nearest that had heard the accusation. Abuse? Neglect? School for the gifted? What in the world was going on at Number 4 Privet Drive?
Petunia gasped in horror and ushered the group into her home before shutting the door firmly. Sirius went up the stairs with Harry to get whatever was left of his things in the house. Marie looked up and around looking for magical signatures in the home. She told Petunia to sit down on the sofa and not move if she knew what was good for her. Hermione had her wand trained on the woman with such a look of contempt it was rather frightening.
Following her senses Marie paused at a small cupboard door under the stairs. It was with that horrifying realization that she knew things here were far worse than she had first perceived. Marcus stood in the Hallway behind her, with Regulus at his side. They watched in horror as she opened the cupboard and saw the lock and cap flap on the door. There in a child's hand writing was "Harry's Room" on the inside of the door. Inside was a dirty crib mattress and threadbare baby blanket. There were remnants of school items littered on the floor as well.
Footsteps came down the stairs and around the corner and there was a pause. Sirius walked over to see what they were looking at and stopped short before turning and thundering down the hall towards Petunia. Harry ran after him and jumped on the man. Regulus followed and disarmed his brother before he did something rash, though he really wouldn't blame him.
Marie knelt there with tears pouring down her cheeks. Poor Harry! Damn Dumbledore for this! Damn the Dursleys! But most of all damn the Dark tosser. Her heart ached for the small child left to grow up in such a horrible place. She began sobbing as she gather the few things left of Harry's from the tiny space.
A knock on the front door disturbed her from her musings. She went down the hall to answer the door. Everyone else stowed away their wands, while Sirius and Hermione continues to rant about the deplorable treatment of Harry. Taking a breath Marie opened the door to find a local policeman at the door.
She let the man in and explained her presence in the home. Marie introduced herself as a long lost relative of Harry's who only just recently found out about him. She introduced the others and produced paperwork given to them that would enable them to take Harry into their custody and care. She tried to compose herself, but could not and simply pointed to the hallway.
The police office went to investigate and came back looking ill. He turned a livid stare on the now shaking Petunia Dursley. When Sirius told him that Harry was given a bedroom, Dudley's "second bedroom" when he was eleven, the police officer went upstairs to check it out. Seeing the seven locks and cat flap on the door had the man storming back down the stairs and phoning for back up.
Another squad car arrived. Photos were taken of both spaces and the boy, who they were shocked to learn was in fact sixteen years old. They took the paperwork from Marie and Sirius and allowed them to take Harry from the obviously abusive home. Marie left them a phone number where she could be reached via her barrister.
The solemn group left Privet Drive in the town car. Harry wouldn't look anyone in the eye and sat there staring out the window. Hermione was crying softly leaning into Viktor who looked helpless. Sirius was doing his best to console his godson, while trying not to break down himself. Marie was openly crying into Marcus's chest.
The town car dropped them off at a London address. Marie paid the driver and led the group up into an inconspicuous brick building. She led them into the main parlor of the town house and handed each of them a shot of Fire Whiskey. Once she had steadied herself and composed herself enough she asked Harry if he would like to go to Potter Manor.
He nodded with a sad smile and she flicked on the floo. They stated the address and vanished in puffs of green flames. When everyone was through Marie turned off the floo in the Manor before allowing anyone to go anywhere. She turned and found Harry looking around with wide tear-filled eyes.
Sighing she walked to him and hugged the poor boy. He clung to her and trembled a bit in her arms. Sirius stepped forward and took Harry into his arms, murmuring quietly to the teen. Marie let him lead Harry away to show him around. She told the others to sit tight and that she would be back momentarily.
Marie turned, followed by Marcus up the large curved stairs to the second floor. She walked down the hall to the third bedroom and stepped into the light purple and cream room. Sighing sadly she touched the things of her room that had sat untouched for twenty years. She walked to the closet and pulled out a pair of well-worn jeans and tugged them up under her skirt. When they were fastened she shucked the skirt and went to her closet.
Marcus watched her with wide eyes. He nearly called out to her when he saw her changing, but stopped when he couldn't see anything. Watching her curiously she came back out of her closet carrying a couple of brooms and tossed him one. He grinned down at the broom and followed her back downstairs.
The group looked at her slight change in wardrobe and the brooms and smiled. Hermione looked down and then back at Marie. She grinned and passed the broom she held off to Viktor and brought Hermione upstairs to borrow something to wear. She had grabbed a tank top and pair of shorts and followed Marie once she was changed.
Harry and Sirius had met back up with them. Upon seeing Marie and her brooms, Sirius ran back up the stairs and came back with a couple more brooms. The seven of them went outside to the Quidditch pitch and took turns flying around. Marcus and Viktor both demanded that Marie join a team when all was said and done. She just shrugged and grinned at them. Viktor had even managed to coax Hermione on the broom with him.
They spent the rest of the afternoon blowing off steam and having what fun they could. Harry was so excited to have a home of his own and insisted that Sirius and Regulus stay with him as their home was not safe to return to at the moment. He looked at Marie and told her that she was of course welcome to stay whenever she wanted as she was family and already had a room there after all.
Marie and the others reluctantly left to meet up with everyone at Dorcha Gaol. Harry seemed like he wanted to stay and Marie came very close to letting him, but right now they needed to stick together. She promised him that they would come back soon. She told him that as long as he took someone with him he could go back whenever he wanted, but she reminded him that were safety in numbers.
They took their portkey to Dorcha Gaol and walked quickly through the halls towards the briefing room. Marie rolled her eyes at the looks she was getting because she was wearing a pair of jeans. She grinned at the brightly blushing Hermione wearing a pair of her shorts and tank top. They all sat down and waited for the others to return talking quietly.
Marie looked around the room smiling and thanking their blessings that things were starting to fall into place. She could never undo what was already done but she could try to make it better. She made a promise to help people, as many people as possible. Catching Marcus's eye she smiled at him and nodded. The Gray Coven had formed and begun the work they were meant to do. They were one step closer to the final confrontation, one step closer to their freedom from the Darkness.