Year Four: The Goblet of Fire
The three magical schools of Europe compete for eternal glory in the form of the Triwizard Tournament. Death Eaters are rising, gathering followers to join Voldemort. Dark times are approaching, threatening everything Marie loves. It's time for bravery. To be the light in terrible darkness...
Chapter Twenty-Three-A Fine Grey Line
Madame Pomfrey wouldn't let Marie and Harry leave the Hospital Wing until late the following afternoon. She double checked Harry's leg and made sure that Marie's wrist and arm were in perfect working order. Her body still was aching slightly but she wasn't sure if that was entirely true or simply all in her head. Apparently Dumbledore had made an announcement to the school that no one was to ask the two champions what happened that night or badger them with questions about the maze. That was perfectly all right with the Slytherin as she didn't feel up to retelling the story.
Draco had informed her that his mother had received an urgent owl from his father during the third task and had to leave, so she never saw Marie finish the challenge and that was why she wasn't in the Hospital Wing waiting for her like the Weasleys had been waiting for Harry. The girl was concerned about returning to Malfoy Manor for the summer since she was well aware of Lucius' Death Eater status and he knew about her connection to Harry. She didn't know how that was going to play out at all.
When she left the hospital, the students that did see her tended to give her a wide berth, wary. She didn't particularly mind, it meant less talking for her. Even when she met up with her friends for dinner they seemed to regard her differently, their hugs barely touching. They were treating her as if she was fragile and would break. It was strange but Marie simply remained quiet, not exactly against it in that moment.
Sometimes flashes of the graveyard would interrupt her day to day thoughts as the last week of school finished up. She would feel the stone angel's grip restraining her and her wrist would throb at the memory, or she would recall the glint of the blade before Wormtail drove it into her shoulder. Every time she caught sight of her scar in a mirror she would remember. Still, she didn't tell her friends what exactly happened that night. Draco was the only one who was aware of the damage she took on as he saw her in the hospital wing that night. He didn't mention it even once, but she caught him staring, as if he could still see her injuries. During those moments, she would find some reason to attract his attention elsewhere or she would even leave the room entirely.
Then there was the whispering. Not only from Slytherin but from the other Houses. Students would keep their distance as if she was going to off any second. She didn't blame them. The first thing they saw after they returned from the graveyard was Marie screaming at the top of her lungs for Harry to wake up. She had been hysterical, covered in dirt and blood. Undoubtedly, she looked a bit unhinged. She didn't hold it against any of them. It served her better when she was somewhere quiet, so she found herself walking across the grounds and sitting beneath one of the trees with a book. She couldn't focus on the words but she held onto the familiar object for comfort, fingers running over the pages, going through the motions.
Sometimes she would see Harry and they would make eye contact but they hadn't spoken to each since they were in Dumbledore's office. It wasn't unpleasant, the brief contact. More than once they had actually managed a small smile. They were both recovering from the night and overwhelming information they had to process. It would take time, but their relationship seemed promising and that was good enough for her.
Sleep became difficult once more for the girl. The pleasant darkness would be interrupted with sudden visions of the graveyard. Especially of the vicious green light that killed the young boy and his father. Life was ripped from them in an instant because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Dead, vacant eyes staring at her as their bodies fell to the ground. Then the image of Voldemort's bone white face so close to hers, his breath on her skin as he taunted her. She woke up fighting a scream, the sound daring to rise in her throat.
"The end," said Dumbledore, looking around the Great Hall, "of another year."
The students were all gathered in the hall for the closing feast, sitting close together with the now familiar addition of the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton visitors. It was to be their last night in the castle, the end to their fourth school year. Trunks were already packed for the train the next morning.
"There is much that I would like to say tonight, and I believe you have the right to know," he said. There was a moment's pause, the entire castle listening.
"Lord Voldemort has returned."
Marie remained still at her place at the Slytherin table. A panic quickly washed over the hall as the other students started to whisper to each other, alarmed.
"The Ministry of Magic," continued Dumbledore, "does not wish me to tell you this. It is possible that some of your parents will be horrified that I have done so-either because they will not believe that Voldemort has returned, or because they think I should not tell you so, young as you are. It is my belief, however, that the truth is preferable to lies, and that any attempt to pretend otherwise, is an insult and endangerment to your safety."
Marie looked about and she could see that nearly everyone was paler in complexion at the mention of the dark wizard rising again. She felt a twinge of fear at the mention of his name, but it wasn't as bad before, perhaps that was because it was Dumbledore who was speaking. The ultimate defense against Voldemort. When the talking had settled down, he spoke up again.
"The Triwizard Tournament's aim was to further and promote magical understanding. In the light of what has happened-of Lord Voldemort's return-such ties are more important than ever before." Dumbledore looked from Madame Maxime, the Beauxbatons students, and to those from Durmstrang, who shifted uncomfortably due to their Headmaster, Igor Karkaroff, running off during the Dark Lord's return.
"Every guest in this hall," said Dumbledore, gaze lingering on the Durmstrang students, "will be welcomed back here at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again-in the light of Lord Voldemort's return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.
"It is my belief-and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken-that we are facing dark and difficult times. Some of you in this hall have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder." Marie felt the teacher's gaze find her as he continued.
"Remember, there may be a time when you have to make the choice between what is right, and what is easy."
At that moment, Marie didn't realize how very true that statement was or just how much it was going to apply to her.
As dinner was finished, the girl was leaving the Slytherin table when she was approached by her Head of House. Standing up straighter, she slowed to a stop when they were face to face. He appeared exhausted with some shadows under his eyes but his voice did not display any fatigue.
"Walk with me," he instructed as he turned to leave the hall. She didn't think twice as she followed him.
"Yes sir."
They passed the other students, side stepping the clustered groups as they made their way toward the dungeons. Marie kept pace with her teacher, much better at staying by his side after the years of practice. She stole a quick glance but his expression gave nothing away. Not a word was spoken until they reached a particular tapestry that revealed a hidden door once Snape whispered a password.
The student paused for a moment before following her teacher into his private office. The door closed behind her as she stepped further into the new room. There was a fireplace at the far wall that provided the main lighting, the details of the edge of the room were lost to the shadows. She had never been in her professor's private quarters, but somehow the image in her head wasn't too far off the mark. Very simple, no extravagant colors, and barren of too much personal preference. Snape was rustling through some pieces of parchment while Marie stepped further inside, hand trailing against the fabric of the high back armchair as she looked around.
"Professor, why am I here?" she asked carefully, the question finally breaking free. She heard him give a sigh and she turned to face him, giving him her absolute attention.
"We are here to discuss your training," he answered finally. Her brow lowered in confusion.
"Training, sir? Training for what?"
"The assignment that Dumbledore has given me is of the utmost delicate nature. It is imperative that you have a complete understanding of the sensitivity we are dealing with," he explained. She was startled by the serious tone of his voice as he took a step closer to her.
"We?" she asked softly, wide eyes looking up at him.
"Dumbledore wants me to train you in my field of...expertise, so to say," he continued. "It will be dangerous and I must emphasize that to you, Marie. Every moment will be dangerous. You are not to trust anyone unless I express to you that you may. Information will be your greatest weapon. It will keep you alive."
"Sir, what are you talking about?" Marie asked, voice rising in pitch. "What on earth will we be doing?" Fear was starting to bloom within her, breathing becoming shallow.
"The Dark Lord has made it clear that he desires you to join his ranks now that he is aware of your connection to Potter. Your connection, your Slytherin status, and your magic makes you the perfect person for the role."
"My magic? Role?" she repeated. "Professor, I don't understand!"
"I believe you do, Marie." He unbuttoned the clasps of his sleeve and rolled the material up to his elbow before his showed her his exposed forearm.
The Dark Mark glared at her and her stomach rolled at the sight.
"You...you used to be a Death Eater," she defined, trying to calm her heart rate, "but you aren't one anymore because you stayed here. You didn't go to the graveyard."
"I'm afraid that is only partially correct," said Snape as he fixed his sleeve, the Mark concealed once more. "My role as a Death Eater was far more complicated than the others."
"How so?" she couldn't help but ask.
"I worked as a double agent so to retrieve information from the other side," he answered. She studied him a moment in her confusion.
"I'm sorry, gathered information for what side?" His dark eyes glittered.
"And that would be the fine grey line we will walk."
The fireplace crackled as silence settled. It took her a moment before she spoke again, quickly going over the facts in her head. "Dumbledore wants me to act as double agent with you?"
"Yes, he believes it is well within your ability," answered Snape. "As long as you are with me, I can ensure your credibility with the Dark Lord."
"Why would You-Know-Who even want me?" she asked, bewildered. "Shouldn't he want me dead because of Harry?"
"It is due to your connection to Potter that he believes you will come to him," he explained, give a humorless chuckle. "He believes that your confrontation with Potter about your familial status will go poorly and that Potter will react aggressively and push you away. This, in turn, will leave you heart broken and emotionally unstable."
Marie allowed her confusion to be seen. "I...fail to see why that would be at all helpful."
Snape smirked at her comment. "The Dark Lord plays on those who are hurting, alone, and vulnerable to his influence. If Potter was to completely shatter your state of mind, it would leave you the prime vessel for his work. You would have inside knowledge to the castle and to the students on a far more personal level than I could. You also have the advantage of being brought up by Tess and her Ministry status. You may not be aware of it, but you are very well connected."
The color was gone from her face and she wet her dry lips before speaking up again.
"But we're on Dumbledore's side, for certain?"
"Without a doubt," he confirmed. It took her a few more moments of contemplation, her chest rising with her deeps breaths to calm herself. If this was how she could help bring down the Dark Lord, she had to use the chance to her full ability. She could still stand as Harry's defense against the darkest wizard of their time.
When green eyes looked up at her mentor, they were unwavering.
"All right."
It was another beautiful day as the trunks were packed and waiting for the Hogwarts Express, every student out on the grounds as they waited for the carriages. The noise was pleasant as everyone was saying their good byes to the new friends they had made. Marie was sure to see Fleur and Krum before the fellow champions left for their homes. Fleur was hoping to find a job nearby to "'elp improve my Eenglish". The Slytherin was sure to ask if they could steer the ship on their own, to which the Bulgarian gave a gruff laugh. Apparently Karkaroff only hid below deck while the students worked. There was also a rumor that Aleksander Bolokov, former Durmstrang champion, may be in consideration for the newly available post of headmaster. She gave both champions a brief hug, after all they had endured, it was a necessity. The girls both laughed at Viktor's stiff posture and confused expression, unsure how to respond to the forward action.
In hardly any time at all, the carriages were coming around just as the Beauxbatons' colossal carriage took off and the Durmstrang ship slipped under the water. The Slytherin fourth years piled into one and it pulled them around to the train station, Marie still being the only one who could see the Threstals pulling them along. It wasn't so bad now that she knew what they were, and she was very glad that her friends couldn't see them.
When they arrived at the station, Marie was just about to step onto the train when a large hand circled her arm, bringing her to an obvious halt.
"Marie!"
Wide green eyes looked back in surprise, following the hand up to the face of Marcus Flint. He was dressed in well worn jeans, a dark shirt and tough leather jacket. It was so strange to see him outside of the school uniform, she noticed while her heart gave a little flutter. Since she did not possess the physical ability to overpower him and move forward, she stepped down back onto the ground.
"Hello, Marcus," she smiled, pleasantly surprised.
"'Ello, Marie," he returned, slightly breathless. They stepped away from the train so that the other students could board without having to maneuver around them. Marcus removed his hand from her arm, only just noticing that he was still holding onto her. He cleared his throat but he didn't say anything. Marie gave a small laugh.
"Are you sad that this is your last train ride?" she asked to fill the silence that had bubbled up.
He looked relieved by the conversation topic. "Not really. A bit overdue, in my opinion."
That was true. He was most likely tired of school due to repeating his final year. He shuffled for a moment before deciding to go ahead and speak up again.
"Listen, Marie-" He paused to run a hand through his hair which only helped to make it stand up in the front further than usual. She noticed that the tops of his cheeks were slightly pink and he seemed to have difficulty making direct eye contact with her.
"Are you all right, Marcus?" she asked. "You look a bit flushed."
He breathed a soft curse before clearing his throat again.
"Listen, Marie," he tried again. Dark grey eyes looked over at her to see her watching him patiently as she waited for him to continue. He mentally swore at the difficulty of the task.
"Listen, I just-I wanted to give you something-just in case I missed you at King's Cross," he explained as the heat crawled up his neck. Her confusion was evident as he pulled his left hand from his jacket's pocket. It took a moment of effort but he was able to tug the thick silver ring from his finger before holding it out to her.
"Here."
Marie blinked owlishly for a moment as she stared at the ring. She had never received a gift outside of a proper holiday.
"But...it's your ring," she clarified, still stunned. She then noticed the family crest that was stamped into it and she gave a gasp. "Your family ring! Isn't it important? Aren't you supposed to keep it?"
"Yes, it's mine and yes, it's important," he answered. Doing his very best to be gentle, he picked up her left hand and slipped it over her ring finger. By its own magic, it adjusted from the generous width of his finger and shrunk so to fit hers perfectly. A sense of hope rose within him at the sight of the magic, his fingers closing around hers. There was some kind of hope for him after all.
"And that's exactly why I want you to have it," he told her.
The train gave a shrill whistle at the right moment as Marie couldn't think of a single eloquent thought as she blushed a bright shade of pink. Flustered by the generous gift and the last minute rush of students, she brought him down to her level to brush a chaste kiss on his cheek before grabbing his hand and hurrying onto the train.
It seemed as if hardly any time had passed before they were pulling into King's Cross station. Marie had chatted with her friends throughout the return journey, unconsciously fiddling with the Flint ring while doing so. Pansy noticed but she only smirked, keeping her remarks to herself which was quite strange.
The station was a mass of mingling students and trolleys as everyone tried to get their possessions in order so to head home. Before Marie even had her trunk, she spotted a head of messy dark hair and she summoned her courage as she hurried over to him. Tapping Harry's shoulder, she earned his attention. He stopped when he saw her, allowing some distance between them and Ron and Hermione, still on the wizarding side of the barrier.
"Marie?" he asked, surprised.
"Sorry to bother you but," she took a deep breath so to steel herself as her heart pounded away, "but I wanted to ask-before either of us forgot-I wanted to ask...Our mum...what did she sound like?"
Harry seemed surprised by the question and it took him a moment to think back on the incident, which she figured wasn't entirely pleasant and she felt guilty for asking. After a minute of thought, he looked her right in the eye, a genuine smile pulling at his mouth.
"Y'know, honestly...she sounded a lot like you."
She could only give a wide smile as her eyes dared to water, making her sniff. Marie threw her arms around Harry's neck in a tight hug to which he returned to her relief.
"I'll see you soon, Harry," she promised.
Coming Soon:
Year Five: The Order of the Phoenix
REVIEW! Oh my gosh, readers, we've finished GoF! Within record time, might I add! (balloons and streamers appear)
Whew! Another year done, folks, and are characters continue to grow up and the story rolls on. Your thoughts would be lovely as always! Even what you think will happen next year or what you would like to see, it's all good!
Setting up for next year with our Marie learning how to walk the fine grey line of balancing light and dark. What will become of the Flint family as the mother has offered Marcus and his troll abilities to Voldemort?
You know what next year is? Umbridge. And I can't even begin to tell you how much I hate that character.
Umbridge. Dumbledore's Army. Room of Requirement. The Order of the Phoenix.
I should have my copy of OotP within a few days and I'll get straight to work!
Until next time, and as always, I hope you enjoyed!