I am so very tired tonight and having trouble thinking... so my disclaimer is... I don't own anything which involves Harry Potter.
Chapter 5 posting take 2: I have no idea what reposing will do and I am sorry. I should have read over the chapter before posting last night- but I was just so tired. Reading today I found four places where I had 'lost' the end of sentences (I have no idea how that happened). So this is the re-edited version and hopefully I picked all the problems up. Again sorry to anyone who read the strange missing end of sentences version, I am really embarrassed about it.
Chapter 5
Friday 21st December 2001, Ministry of Magic, Department of International Magical Cooperation, England, Hermione POV
Her simple black heels clicked against stone floor as she quickly strolled through the corridors toward her office. Despite the early hour, there were still plenty of Ministry workers already beginning work. Thankfully her daily travel through the Ministry had become less painful recently. New scandalous gossip had graced the front page of the Prophet a week ago. Evangeline Zabini's tenth husband had been found dead, apparently from natural causes. Now everyone was talking about 'the widow witch' resulting in a noticeable decrease of staring and condolences her way.
With Christmas holidays so close, Hermione knew she would be swamped with work. First, she had to complete some Supreme Mugwump tasks. She had a slew of International Floo calls to make which didn't always go smoothly since the majority were wealthy Purebloods who disliked Hermione. There were only six Supreme Mugwumps who were her trusted allies and friends.
As soon as she reached the waiting room of her office Hermione noted her assistant Katlyn Dearborn had yet to arrive. But this was not unusual since Hermione tended to get into work early. Katlyn, a former Hufflepuff was a year younger than Hermione and had become a member of Dumbledore's Army the last year of the war. The girls made a good team. Hermione couldn't imagine her stressful position without Katlyn. Easing herself into the plush chair behind her antique mahogany desk, she began her day.
It wasn't until the end of a successful and pleasant lunch with Kingsley Shaklebolt that a situation arose demanding Hermione visit the Tutshill Tornados stadium to talk with the English Quiddich Team Manager. She had been trying very hard not to think about a certain Quidditch chaser, with varying results for over a month. The shock of having her virtue questioned by a one night stand, the same day she broke up with her long-time boyfriend, had disappeared. Now she felt both embarrassment and anger which depending on her mood one feeling was always stronger. He had no right to imply their night together was some kind of sick game played between her and Ron, however unfortunately she could see the rest of it from his point of view. If the roles had been reversed, and he had come to dinner with a woman who had publicly cheated on him the night after they had been intimate, she would have been pissed. Then her mind would switch again and she would once again be angry.
Overall, Hermione was mortified at the image Marcus must have of her, what type of women he would think she was. She really had a fun night with him and would have enjoyed getting to know him more. But now that would never happen which was a shame, since try as she might she couldn't regret that night, because frankly she had never had such good sex.
Now one pesky summons later she found herself walking from the Floo area of the stadium toward the Team Rooms where she was to meet Kenneth Plunkett, hoping she didn't bump in to Marcus Flint. Oh, why couldn't she instead be heading a meeting with a bunch of middle aged Wizards from her Department? She would take that over this annoying increased heart rate at the mere possibility of seeing Flint again any day. What was wrong with her?
Finally, after walking through corridors in the bowels of the stadium for what felt like forever, she found the correct dark blue door. Once opened, it revealed a well lit, narrow staircase leading down to a large light blue circular main common area with five separate dark blue doors off it. Since there was no Kenneth in sight, and Hermione had only been told to enter the door to the Team Rooms, she decided to sit in a faded black chair and wait for his arrival. Less than five minutes later the door furthest to the left opened causing Hermione to spin around the arm rest to view the room's new occupant. She felt her eyes widen when instead of the expected Team Manager, standing with his hand stilled upon the door knob was Marcus Flint. Marcus it seemed had also frozen in shock upon noticing her. His face quickly morphed into a blank look which made Hermione's stomach clench with indignation. Gathering her Gryffindor courage, determined to not let anyone make her feel uneasy, Hermione decided to talk first. They had to work together occasionally until August, so it would be best they both behave with geniality.
"Flint, it seems late for practice, I expected the team would be finished by now."
Marcus blinked a few times before finally closing the door and stepping closer to her chair.
"They did, I stayed back longer to do some training on my own. Why are you here?"
The words seemed harsh but the tone was more curious and Hermione rose to stand facing Flint, hoping her facial expression was neutral and guarded like his.
"I need to speak to Kenneth, do you know where he is?"
"No, sorry."
They stood in awkward silence; Hermione briefly wondered why he didn't just leave. Was he planning to say more insulting things to her? Hermione wanted to know what he was thinking that created the slight crinkles between his eyes. Hermione truly had no idea what else to say, fearing anything she did would start an argument and wanting to avoid that.
Marcus sighed, running a hand through his short hair, "Look, Granger, I want to apologise for what I said at Nimue's. I really didn't mean it-"
Oh he didn't mean to call her a whore?
"Then why say it?" She was genuinely curious of the answer. She was also completely shocked that he was apologising.
"I don't really know why I was so angry...I didn't like the idea of you forgiving him. But you're right, it's none of my business."
There was no mistaking the sincerity in both his expression and his tone. It reminded her of the guy she drank with in Canada. All she wanted to do was explain everything. To make him like her and she was rather disappointed in herself for being so needy. Instead a jumbled mess of an apology slipped from her mouth.
"I am also sorry... for slapping you. This whole situation has been so embarrassing! Could we just forget it?"
He seemed almost disappointed as he slowly nodded his head, before a sly smile appeared on his lips. "Sure we can do that. I will see you when we go to Denmark- if not sooner... are you going to the New Year ball?"
"Oh yes, I have to."
Every year since the end of the war the Ministry hosted a large ball on New Year's Eve that all members of England's Wizarding society were encouraged to attend. It was a Ministry sanctioned attempt to generate interrelations and foster harmony within the magical community. The result being almost everyone just got ridiculously drunk and stuck within their social groups.
She watched as he moved from his position, taking a few steps toward her. Hermione's heart rate accelerated and she physically stopped herself from taking a step backward. Her eyes refused to break free from his, confused and curious as to the motive behind the heated gaze being sent her way. Weren't they were meant to be arguing?Why did she have to be so clueless when it came to men?
"Well then Hermione- I might just ask you for a dance." He threw her a wink causing her heart to leap once again before turning and walking toward the stairs.
Hermione stood there stunned. What just happened?
Saturday 22th December 2001, Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, England, Vivienne POV
Vivienne sat with well practiced elegance amongst the luxurious setting of Malfoy Manor, surrounded by the most pure, noble witches of English Wizarding society. This was where she belonged, at the top. Soon she would be Marcus Flint's wife, able to host high teas in her own Manor home. These ladies would complement her immaculate design and taste.
Vivienne smiled sweetly as Prudence Bagnold began conversing about some flower arrangement she had seen at a dinner party the week before. Although Vivienne didn't care two figs about the stupid flowers she couldn't help but feel glad to be home in England. Italy had been fine, but there she was a foreigner, a refugee from the lost civil war of England. Unfortunately, Vivienne had come to realise she was never going to reach the respectability and position she deserved overseas- no matter who she seduced. This fact was realised when her lover, Ascanius D'Arco broke ties, marrying a perfect virginal bride, effectively cutting off her steady income and leaving Vivienne in a precarious position. None of the oldest Italian families wanted their sons to marry the daughter of an English Death Eater in the present political climate. She had heard that this was a recurring theme amongst other single English witches of her situation all over Europe and it was for this reason she decided to return home.
Unfortunately, English society was not how she left it. So many good Pureblood boys had died, been sent to Azkaban or were already married, that achieving the correct social standing was difficult. Many unmarried girls had realised that allowances would have to be made. Such as Trudy Montague who had recently become engaged to Marty McMillan, a Hufflepuff of all things. Still, Marty was a Pureblood.
This type of sacrifice might work well for Trudy, but for Vivienne marring outside of Slytherin was not an option. Vivienne was going to get Marcus Flint, and with his recent behaviour and refusal to cut ties with Tobias Rosier, this was a sacrifice in itself.
Looking around, she was aware the one lady she needed to see was not yet arrived. It had been a few days since she had seen Marcus in Diagon Alley, effectively letting him know she was back in the country. She had hoped he would come to his senses by now and owl her. Really Vivienne didn't think it was too much to ask that he quickly get over any lingering bitterness about their breakup. Seriously, the past was over and he would just have to learn from his mistakes. Soon Marcus would realise how lucky he was she was even willing to take him back. However she was getting impatient with this horrible, uncertain life. So today she was going to implement the next stage of her plan; becoming reacquainted with his mother.
Back in seventh year her father had at first been furious at her for breaking off the relationship since he needed an allegiance with Henrix Flint. Three generations of terrible business decisions had drastically depleted the family's Gringotts vault leaving it near empty. It took a mountain of well-placed tears before father was backpedaling and decided they could find another suitable marriage partner for her. Then the Dark Lord had returned and life had been almost perfect. Her father was made a very important Death Eater, and promoted to Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement tasked with ensuring Mudbloods and Blood Traitors were persecuted. After his promotion they no longer had to struggle and borrow gallons to maintain their image in society and she quickly became engaged to the Death Eater Nicolas Selwyn. She had not liked Selwyn, but for the most part he had known better then to hurt her too badly least he anger her father or the Dark that golden period was over, both her father and Selwyn were in Azkaban for life. Now, once again with very few Gallons to her name and her Manor, countless generations in the making, had been forfeited to the Ministry as war time 'reparations'.
Marcus Flint was once again going to be her future. The more she analysed, the more sense her plan made. He had fortune, a manor, and was headed toward fixing his tarnished family name. Also with Marcus she could always be herself. Selwyn had been cruel, it was unwise to anger or disagree with him. During her time with D'Arco she had been desperate to make him happy, to keep him interested and keep his presents coming. Always hoping he would fall in love and marry her. It had never been like that with Marcus, he had been ecstatic when she expressed interest back in there fifth year. Of course they had fought a lot, but that had been the fun of there relationship. There was no denying Marcus had treated her the best of any Merlin's honour she would get that back, because she refused to ever be stifled and degraded by any man again.
There was the rustle of robes at the entrance way and Vivienne looked up hoping to spy Accolade. She was disappointed to see Sinistra Lowe walk through the door, her thin sickly body encased in ugly robes of the most vivid orange.
"She's never had much sense of fashion," Vivienne turned to look at her best friend Artemisia Rowle.
"She's never had much sense at all."They snicked quietly to one another.
"Are you waiting for Accolade?" The chestnut brown asked the dirty blond who nodded in affirmative.
"Best get my future mother in law on side as soon as possible."
"Well here's your chance." Once again Vivienne turned to the entrance where three elegant middle aged women stood; Accolade Flint, Darla Pucey and Isis Carrow.
"Accolade, Darla, Isis. How lovely of you to come." The lady of the house Narcissa Malfoy clad in stunning robes of aubergine silk glided with effortless grace and elegance to greet her most recent guests.
Behind her trailed the newest Malfoy bride: Astoria, a pale, petite blond of nineteen whom everyone knew was more looks then brains. At nearly twenty-six Vivienne felt a severe stab of both jealously and anger at the young bride. Astoria and Daphne Greengrass had always been annoying little shits. Plus if the gossips were right Daphne actually thought she could make as impressive a match as Astoria, stupid girl.
"Thank you for inviting us cousin, it has been too long." As Accolade spoke she kissed each of Narcissa's cheeks.
"We must organise a family dinner, with Marcus, Clarabelle and Adrian as well as Draco and Astoria." The fair haired lady slightly turned her head and silently summoned the blond standing dutifully behind her, "You remember my daughter-in-law Astoria?"
"Of course I do, Astoria dear how lovely to see you again, married life certainly seems to agree with you."
"You are too kind Mrs Flint, it will be Clarabelle's turn soon. I hope her planning is going well?" simpered Astoria, as Accolade and Darla Pucey exchanged pleased smiles.
"Yes, thank you, the wedding plans are coming together wonderfully."
Astoria in all her sniveling glory was still claiming Accolade's attention, "Please allow me to show you to some chairs."
Astoria, Vivienne grudgingly allowed, did have the correct manners like a good matriarch in training- although she was probably trying to promote the Greengrass family to Accolade. Sure enough she sat Accolade down next to Daphne of all people. The cheek!
Artemisia whispered in her ear, "What do you plan to do about this?"
"I'm going over there. As Marcus ex-girlfriend, who has been out of the country, it is not unreasonable that I should say hello."Vivienne rose from her chair and made her way to the conversing group. She observed in her peripheral vision Pansy and her mother Marquette Parkinson sitting to the side and sent them a respectful smile, Pansy's answering smirk highlighted her encouragement in Accolade's task. After being thrown over by Draco Malfoy for Astoria she was enjoying her ex-school friend Daphne's diminished reputation.
"Mrs Flint, how nice to see you, it has been a long time," Vivienne began watching with sharp attention as Accolade Flint looked up to study her a moment as though trying to recognise her, although Vivienne knew she was well aware of her identity!
"Miss Yaxley? I believed you were in exile, are you home from... Germany?" Vivienne began to fume, so that was how this was going to she must stay strong and in control of the situation to get what she wanted.
"I was in Italy," Vivienne tried hard to keep her voice pleasant and was rather impressed with her ability to do so. It would all be worth it to be mistress of Flint Tower."I saw Marcus out shopping for Christmas a few days ago. He is looking good, you must be proud. Being on the World Cup team is so exciting!"
"He never said anything about you being back, and I had tea with him and Tobias just yesterday."
Vivienne was becoming angry, the bitch must be lying! Of course, the fact Vivienne was home in England would be news for Marcus to inform his mother. Before Vivienne could attempt a civil reply another unwelcome voice joined the conversation from behind Vivienne.
"What did my sorry excuse for a son have to say to you Accolade?" Vivienne's head whipped around to observe the intruder, Eunice De Loren, Tobias mother.
"Eunice, how wonderful to see you, I was so hoping you would be here." The harsh tone of Accolade Flint's voice was in direct contrast to her words. By her disgusted facial expression it was obvious Accolade felt only distain for her ex sister-in-law."You have something that belongs to my family and I want it back, I hope you were not dim-witted enough to sell it."
Vivienne had no idea what they were talking about, and from the curious looks around the room no one else did ether. Still, however interesting this gossip could potentially be, Vivienne did not like the turn this conversation had taken. Unfortunately she had no idea how to bring the subject back to herself and was forced to watch as Accolade stood from her chair all the while eyeing De Loren like a predator about to go in for the kill.
"I will not give that boy my ring to give to her." The venom De Loren used to pronounce 'her' made even the hairs of Vivienne's arms stand on end. So this had something to do with Tobias' bitch. The only outward sign Accolade gave was a slight hardening of her eyes.
"You have no choice. It's no longer your should have forfeited it when you remarried. I chose to give you the benefit of the doubt and keep something of Evans, but now I demand it back."
"No!The filth will not have it," De Loren's voice was becoming hysterical, rising to a near screech.
Vivienne noticed Narcissa was standing to the left looking haughty and unimpressed with the whole proceedings. Surprisingly it was De Loren who was gaining her glare when one would assume that it should have been Accolade.
"It is not your choice, if Tobias wants that ring, he will have it."
"You are a disgrace! Allowing him to partake in this insanity! This abomination! Befouling the ancient house of Rosier, have you no shame?" De Loren was still that nasty shade of red as she screamed at Accolade who stood calm.
"It is you, Eunice, who is wrong and you will end up an unhappy, lonely woman because of it.I have come to realise Emmaline is a lovely girl-" The occupants of the room started to mutter softly amongst themselves; Gretel Avery was using her pudgy fingers to fan herself from shock as Accolade continued, "I happily welcome her into my family."
Oh Salazar, was being mistresses of Flint Tower worth this madness?
"You would not be saying that if Marcus wanted to marry filth!" De Loren's biting rebuke no doubt had every single guest on the edge of their seat in anticipation of Accolades response. This argument would be the talk of society for months. It would be unlikely anyone would decline the invitation to Clarabelle's wedding now- if only to observe that Accolade really meant what she said.
"You do not know what I would do if Marcus chose a women not of Pureblood. I would want him to be happy. I would offer him the same courtesy I have Tobias. Now I demand that ring or correct compensation by next week." Accolade continued to maintain a calm persona as she addressed her ex-sister-in-law, but there was a strange unreadable glint in her eye which unsettled Vivienne.
Clearly deciding that the stunned, gaping women was no longer worthy of her time Accolade turned to Narcissa.
"I am sorry Narcissa. I will go, and leave your gathering drama free." With a polite nod of respect to her hostess Accolade began to walk toward the door, Darla Pucey and Isis Carrow prepared to follow in solidarity.
"Accolade, it is not you who should go, but Mrs De Loren. You are my family, I accept your decisions."
The mutterings around the room became louder in shock at Narcissa's public declaration of support toward Accolade. "It was Eunice who started the argument and it is she that will leave."
What the fuck was going on, Narcissa Malfoy as well? Although Vivienne mused to herself, she was still determined to marry Marcus, because what other choice was there?
"Tinkle!" With a crack a house elf appeared, Vivienne did not even glance at the thing preferring to keep her gaze moving between the three women. As Narcissa spoke to the elf her eyes never left the matching blue orbs of Accolade, "escort Mrs De Loren off the premises."
The lady in question looked horrified at being asked to leave via elf escort. Vivienne tried to figure out what to do. There was no point trying to converse with Accolade anymore. She and Narcissa seemed to have come to a silent agreement and with barely noticeable nods of the head separated there gazes. Accolade lowered herself into a seat before taking up a conversation with her two friends about some completely unrelated topic as though the argument never occurred. Not quite sure what to do but realising being anywhere near Accolade Flint was detrimental right now, Vivienne walked back to Artemisia to try and understand what just happened and its possible future consequences.
Hello again everyone, I am very sorry this chapter is a couple of days later then I normally post. It has been one of those weeks!
The wonderful blue artemis beta'ed for me and I cant thank her enough!
I also apoligise for any spelling/grammar issues that resulted from my 'fiddling' with the first section again before posting. I had a lot of trouble reconciling Hermione's anger and embarrassment to a point I felt happy with posting.
lady innogen