Disclaimer- I do not own and most certainly will never make any money from this!
Chapter 9
Wednesday 30th January 2002, Ministry of Magic, England, Hermione Granger POV
Hermione had only just moved to the large overflowing bookshelf in her office when a handsome black owl flew through the open door and perched on her desk, letter in its mouth. She had learned over the last couple of days that the owl's name was 'Sofia' and she belonged to Marcus Flint. Smiling to herself, feeling uncharacteristically giddy, Hermione walked back to the desk and took the letter easing herself into the crimson leather chair behind her red stained desk. Last night had been their second dinner date and this time he had taken her to a small pub in Anglesea that cooked the most delicious shepherd's pie. Once again, she had an amazing night and again he had been an interesting mix of flirty but not demanding, escorting her to a safe Apparition point before kissing her good bye. Under any other circumstance Hermione thought this would be a nice pace to get to know each other, especially due to her position of being only two months single. However, since she had already 'rolled in the hay' with Marcus, truthfully, she was quite keen to move faster. How long should she wait? Ginny thought she should just go for it and shag Marcus as much as she was able, as often as she could. Hermione was unsure if there was a middle ground.
She uncurled the parchment containing the letter:
Hermione,
I had a great time last night. Are you free tonight? I understand if it is too soon, but I am busy with family tomorrow night, so otherwise it has to be Friday and that seems too far away. Let me know what's good for you. I have instructed Sofia to stay until she receives a reply.
Marcus
Well that was a shame; unfortunately she would have to delay seeing him again until Friday night, since she had plans to visit Andromeda and Teddy for dinner this evening. She hadn't seen them in so long that she couldn't postpone the visit. Thursday night, it would have to be, although this time she would cook him dinner and they could eat at her house... and what happens once he was there would remain to be seen. Quickly, before she changed her mind Hermione wrote him a reply.
Marcus,
Unfortunately I have plans to visit my friend Andromeda and her grandson Teddy tonight. I will make it up to you though, how about I cook you dinner at my apartment Friday night? Come around at 6pm, I will open up my floo connection for you. The address is 'Granger Apartment', not very original I know! Let me know if this works for you.
Enjoy dinner with your family
Hermione
She didn't receive a reply until the late afternoon.
Hermione,
I admit I'm disappointed, but it's understandable you want to visit friends. I hope you have a good evening. So you cook as well, is there anything you can't do? I am looking forward to dinner. Have a nice couple of evenings till I next see you.
Marcus
Hermione smiled as she read the letter, allowed herself a couple of minutes to think about Friday, before pulling herself back into the present and getting back to finishing her work so she could go home.
It was turning dusk as Hermione opened the white wooden gate and began the short walk down a pebble path leading toward Andromeda's front door. The home was kind and inviting despite the chilly weather; a white two-story cottage and knocking on the door a squeal could be heard from the other side along with an "Armie Herninny here, Nanna!" Andromeda opened the door, and a warm glow of light bathed Hermione. She barely had time to take in her friend's face, so similar yet always softer and kinder than the dark witch that occasionally haunted her dreams, before Hermione found herself pulled into a fierce hug.
"Oh, beautiful child, it's so good to se—" The rest of Dromeda's sentence was cut short by a squeal and small projectile object colliding with Hermione's knees.
"Armie Herninny, you bring me pressy?" Hermione looked down at the cute little boy with bright blue hair.
"Teddy! Yes I brought you a pressy, but can I come in first before I give it to you? It's cold on the door step." He considered her request for a second before nodding his small head, a cheeky smile plastered on his face.
"Yes, you come in, Armie Herninny."
Hermione laughed at the little boy and walked into the warmth, following Dromeda toward the sitting room. Pictures of Ted, Tonks and Remus smiled down at her from the salmon coloured walls. Just like every other time she looked at them, her throat constricted with sadness, until she pushed it away. She took a seat in an old, yet comfortable floral armchair across from Dromeda, fire from the large fireplace casting a soft comforting light. After exchanging pleasantries and giving the eager boy his present,Teddy had plopped himself down on the floor and was playing happily with the floating Quidditch figurines.
Since her parents had opted to stay in Australia after the war and had been so angry with her for modifying their memories, contact had been strained and infrequent, usually less than once a month. She had yet to even tell them of her break up, since she knew what their opinions of the subject would be: that she should leave the 'evil, small minded magical world' and 'find a good normal job'. With Molly Weasley often precariously teetering between coping and sadness, Dromeda had been a mother figure to her since the war. The opinion of this woman was very important, so Hermione took a deep breath and prepared to tell her the truth about Marcus.
"Dromeda, would you think it was too soon for me to begin dating again?" Andromeda's eyebrows disappeared under her light brown fringe at the question.
"Do you have a young man in mind?" There was no accusation in her tone, merely curiosity and surprise. Hermione noticed she had leaned forward slightly in anticipation.
"I may have done something that I am not proud of after I found out about Ron, something very out of character."
A wide and rare smile broke out across Andromeda's face.
"Good girl!" She laughed at Hermione's expression, she obviously didn't need to be told what that out of character activity was, and Hermione felt her face heat up.
"So have you started seeing this boy?"
"Yes, we have had two amazing dates, but it's very soon."
"Tosh, you and Ron have been more friends than anything else for a long time, and everyone could see it. If this boy makes you happy then see where it goes. Do what makes you happy and feels right, you don't need to think of others. Where did you meet him?"
"At a Muggle bar in Canada."Dromeda's eyebrows disappeared again.
"Well, a Canadian Muggle might make things difficult- how have you been able to have two dates with him? Is he in England?"
This made Hermione smile, though her stomach was twisted in knots about the part she was about to admit, his identity.
"No, he is British and a Wizard. We recognised each other, and one thing led to another. He is really very nice and we are getting along great. However that leads to another possible issue..." Dromeda's head tilted sideways in interest as she listened.
"Do I know him?"
"You would know of him." Hermione was sure her heart was about to burst from her chest, she wasn't ashamed of Marcus, she knew he was a good person no matter his admittedly aggressive reputation. However there was no denying they came from very different worlds. He was from the world Andromeda had left a long time ago.
"Well, don't keep me in suspense Hermione! Who is your mystery man?"
Taking a deep breath she answered.
"Marcus Flint," Hermione whispered, scrutinising her friends face for indications of her opinion on the matter, and the effect was instantaneous. Dromeda's mouth had dropped open, eyes wide as saucers, as she seemingly tried to comprehend what she had just heard.
"See, if you are freaking out, so will everyone else." Hermione felt tears spring into her eyes as she realised she had hoped against hope that Andromeda would be fine and understanding. Looking at her eyes Andromeda seemed to snap out of her stupor.
"Sorry, that was just a shock, do you mean Accolade's son?"
"I don't know his mother's name, he has a sister named Clarabelle."
"That would be Accolade's son... Accolade Flint's maiden name was Rosier." It was Hermione's time to raise her eyebrows in recognition of yet another well known Death Eater name, no denying the boy came from some freaky stock.
"Her father and my mother were twins, so Accolade Flint is my only surviving cousin."
Hermione only just registered that her lips had formed an O shape. They sat in silence, the only sound a giggling toddler playing and the crackling of the fire as both women absorbed the information gained by the other. Hermione had read the Black family tree, now she had more detail of exactly where Marcus stood in that society.
"What is he like?" Andromeda's question pulled Hermione from her thoughts.
"Marcus? He is a lot nicer than his reputation gives him credit for." Hermione watched as Andromeda nodded her head, unmistakable concern and worry etched onto her features.
"I was very close to Accolade growing since there is only a year age difference between us. I was much closer to her than Sirius, as he was six years younger than me. Sirius and I didn't become close until we were both adults,"she sighed, "please be careful Hermione, I trust your judgment and if you say Marcus is a good man, who am I to argue? I have never met him." There was a slight pause in the conversation as Andromeda seemed to collect her thoughts before sighing again."But Hermione, you deal with prejudice daily from your work."
Hermione opened her mouth to argue, but Andromeda shushed her with an upheld palm.
"Hear me out. Dealing with narrow-mindedness bigots during work may be fine and you are one of the strongest people I have ever known. But do you really want to have to tackle it in your personal life as well? Accolade thought nothing of throwing me aside when I married Ted. I have seen her in passing five times in thirty years. Each time she acted like I did not exist. She will not take kindly to you seeing her son."
Hermione nodded her head in acknowledgement of her words, she didn't like to think that she couldn't handle a prejudiced mother, considering everything she had and still went though by those people.
"I can handle Pureblood bastards, Dromeda."
"I know you can, but this would mean Pureblood bitches as well, and I know you are aware what they are capable of."
Unbidden, an image of Walburga Black screaming from her portrait about 'Mudbloods, befouling the family name' sprang to mind and even more unwelcome the terrifying image of Bellatrix Lestrange. Hermione couldn't help but think that surely even she deserved an aspect of her life that didn't actively involve the crazy. She and Marcus didn't really even know each other yet, they had only had two dates. There was nothing to be reproachful for if they didn't go any further with whatever it was they were doing, right? Two months ago she survived quite comfortably without the company of Marcus Flint. Although she could admit to herself she really didn't like the thought of no longer seeing him, and not just because she hated the idea of any Pureblood snob affecting her life choices. How often would she really need contact with people like his mother anyway? Hermione certainly wouldn't be eager to introduce Marcus to her own family any time soon. What did that mean for any possible future?
Andromeda shook Hermione from her thoughts by telling her it was time for dinner, and they spoke of other things the rest of the night. It wasn't until she was home and tucked away in her bed that Hermione began to seriously analyse the situation with Marcus. She really did want to continue seeing him but there seemed to be so many factors standing in the way. Perhaps it would be better to avoid getting into a relationship that was bound to cause trouble. She continued to think until she went to sleep, and again the next day. Going out for lunch with Harry, Ginny and Ron reinforced the decision she had begun to make. Ron would be angry if he knew she was seeing someone else so soon. Even more angry if he knew the identity of that someone. Hermione knew she owed Ron nothing, but there friendship had been getting back on track lately and she could almost see him acting like her old best friend again, and she missed that funny loyal boy. Yes, she convinced herself, this was for the best. So once back from lunch she wrote and sent a letter to Marcus, hoping he would understand her decisions. After all, as she argued with herself, they had only just started seeing each other; it wasn't like this was some big monumental long-term relationship. There was no reason for him to be upset about it at all. She would give him the option of catching up to discuss the matter, although with pointing out the expected trouble with their association he would probably realise she wasn't worth the effort. The letter read:
Marcus,
I think it's best if we cancel our dinner tomorrow night. It would probably be better to meet up for coffee and talk? I have been thinking it might be best if we stop seeing each other before things get difficult due to the very different worlds we come from. I hope you understand and I realise you may not even want talk to me about this. But if you do I will be at the café we saw across the road from the pub tomorrow afternoon for a while from 5pm.
Hermione Granger
For the first time in nearly a year, Hermione walked out of work early; a scattered report left unfinished on a cluttered desk full of large tomes. Hurrying through the still busy Ministry barely acknowledging the numerous greetings sent her way before flooing into her Apartment. As soon as she was home, Hermione called for Athena, placing the letter in her beak, opening the nearest window and sending her to Marcus. Watching the owl fly into the distance, she could never remember such a sinking feeling of not only shame and cowardice, but also disappointment. Of course Marcus would want nothing to do with her after he read that letter. That thought created a heavy feeling of regret in her chest, and Hermione wished she could somehow call Athena back, but the owl was already out of sight, on the way to destroy a possible new relationship that had only yesterday made her so happy to think about.
Thursday 31st January 2002, Marcus Townhouse, London, Tobias POV
Tobias sat next to Emmaline on a long black leather couch waiting for Marcus to arrive. They had planned upon leaving together to have dinner with Accolade, Clarabelle, Adrian and Theo at Flint Tower that night, only Marcus was running late coming from training. He could sense Emmaline's apprehension toward the evening, as he gently stoked her hand in comfort, trying to silently reassure her that everything would be alright. He was tempted to kiss away her nerves, and would of had they been in there own apartment, but a snog session on Marcus' couch was, sadly, out of the question. Both jumped at the Apparition crack, as Marcus arrived, flustered and angry, cursing a 'Bloody bastard who wouldn't know a good play if it bit him in the arse'. Tobias snorted, but didn't comment; he knew how much Marcus greatly admired his coach, and was just venting frustration at being late for dinner. Emmaline shook her head smiling, blond hair swaying and they shared amused glances. Marcus was practically running down the hall yelling about showers leaving Tobias and Emmaline to once again to sit and wait.
"He didn't even say hello- bit rude really," Emmaline tried to say with faked distain, but failed due to her terribly concealed smile.
"Well he is a Flint." They snickered and she moved closer to him resting her head on his shoulder. He breathed in her scent, she was so breathtakingly beautiful and he still at times couldn't believe she was his. He would do anything for her, since she was his light, his perfection and his saviour.
An owl flying through the open window caught his eye and Tobias watched it drop a letter on the ornamental table against a wall before swiftly flying straight back out the window. Emmaline who had been silent with her eyes closed since Marcus left for the shower, looked up at Tobias and gracing him with one of her beautiful smiles,
"You think Marcus will be long? Mrs Flint is not going to be happy that we are so late."
As she ended her sentence Marcus strode into the room sending a smirk Emmaline's way,
"Don't worry your pretty little head, I am prepared to take full ownership for your lateness."
"A letter came from you, the owl didn't stay. It just flew back out the window. I didn't recognise it, white with black spots around the eyes and chest."
Tobias watched as Marcus grinned, Emmaline also watching stage whispered to, Tobias.
"My guess is the owl belongs to Hermione Granger judging by the smile."
She giggled while Tobias smiled, and Marcus sent a fake scowl her way, but quickly walked to the table to read the letter. Tobias watched as Marcus face went from happy and expectant to confused, finally settling on livid. Glancing over at Emmaline he noticed she had sat up straighter and was also looking at Marcus with a confused and slightly worried expression on her face.
"Are you alright man?" Tobias was becoming concerned for his friend who was just staring at the letter as though he could set it on fire with his mind.
"Son of a bitch!" Marcus slammed the letter down on the table making Emmaline jump in shock.
"Bugger this, let's just go." Without a backwards glance at Tobias or Emmaline, Marcus had strolled to the fireplace and flooed to Flint Tower. Tobias and Emmaline followed him, meeting Aunt Accolade at the other end. She had clearly noticed her son's mood, and was sending questioning glances at Tobias, who could only shrug.
Dinner in the massive formal dining room was a tense affair, which was a shame since it was the first time any of the family had seen Theo since New Year. Theo worked very hard as an unspeakable, practically living in the basement of the Ministry. He and Emmaline were discussing some new potions developments and Tobias loved watching her 'Ravenclaw' coming out whenever she and Theo were together in a room. Clarabelle and Accolade were talking about weddings with Clarabelle's wedding so close it was all they ever seemed to discuss lately. Adrian was trying to engage Marcus in conversation but was failing dismally as Marcus seemed content to scowl into his plate. Whatever had been in the letter from Granger had seriously pissed him off. Accolade was dividing her time between Clarabelle and observing Marcus with worry. Suddenly Marcus slammed down his fork and looked his mother dead in the eye, breaking Theo and Emmaline's conversation as they turned at the disturbance.
"Have you ever heard of a witch named Andromeda? I don't know anything else about her other then she has a grandson named Teddy."
Tobias also turned toward Accolade, who had gone very pale at the question.
"May I ask why?"
"I think she has been turning someone against me." Accolade laid down her knife and fork and slowly dabbed her mouth with a napkin.
"The Andromeda I believe you are talking about is Andromeda Tonks nee Black. She is my cousin, Narcissa and Bellatrix's middle sister."
Everyone was staring at Accolade in shock, Tobias and Theo shared a look. Of course they all knew from family trees that a middle child had been disowned, but no one from their generation except perhaps Draco knew her name. As tradition, people blasted from family trees were hardly ever mentioned and never by name.
"Andromeda married a man named Ted Tonks, and for that she was disowned. Ted was a Muggleborn," she said.
Tobias couldn't help an involuntary head jerk toward Marcus at the term Muggleborn, and noticed that Marcus jaw had tightened as well. Emmaline shifted uncomfortably from her seat next to Tobias and he quickly took her hand. Any talk of blood status always made her very uncomfortable.
"They had a daughter, Nymphadora-"
She was cut off by Emmaline who seemed surprised in her own boldness for talking. "Tonks, she always went by Tonks at school. She was a Hufflepuff, two years in front of us and she was really nice and funny. A Metamorphmagus- you would have seen her around the halls she always had bright pink hair..."
They had a cousin only two years older the whole way through school and never even knew.
Emmaline was by now looking very uncomfortable and obviously wished she hadn't spoken so Tobias squeezed her hand in a show of support. She took a deep breath and continued, "I heard she and her husband were killed during the battle of Hogwarts, they were both members of the Order of the Phoenix."
Well, Tobias thought, that would explain this Andromeda knowing Granger, everyone knew of Granger's wartime activities.
"That's right, Emmaline," Accolade sent Emmaline what appeared to be a reassuring smile. It was Accolade who continued the conversation. "But there is more. I found out after the war that Ted Tonks was also killed by snatchers after he went on the run to keep Andromeda safe and it was Bellatrix who killed Nymphadora during the final battle."
There was a collective intake of breath at this statement. Theo was the one to voice what they were all thinking.
"Well shit, has anyone else noticed what an utterly fucked up family we come from?"
"Please, Theo language, there is no need to curse."
"My apologies, Aunt Accolade, the whole thing is a bit sucky."
Tobias snorted at Theo's way of avoiding cursing.
Marcus, who had been very quiet, suddenly spoke his voice low and simmering with anger, "So once again I am being persecuted for my family's actions?"
Accolade visibly winced at this, while Marcus continued. "She is obviously against me because of my last name without knowing anything about me and now I don't have a hope in hell with-"
Tobias felt his eyes widen as he assumed Marcus was about to mention Granger but his mouth snapped shut into a thin line. Accolade was staring intently at Marcus.
"Who has Andromeda been talking badly about you to Marcus, and how do you know? If it important perhaps I could talk to her for you?"
It was Emmaline's turn to squeeze Tobias hand as they watched the interplay between mother and son. Marcus seemed to hesitate, as though unsure what to say, finally he answered her.
"In the last week, I have been on two amazing dates with a girl I know spent yesterday evening at this Andromeda's. We were meant to catch up for dinner tomorrow, but before I came here she sent me a letter saying that she was sorry but it would be better to catch up and 'talk'. Her meaning was obvious; she wants to stop seeing me. She didn't say so but it's clear someone tried to convince her being with me is a bad idea."
Accolade was watching her son with wide eyes, never breaking contact with Marcus.
"I will talk to Andromeda for you. I have wanted to reconnect for a long time but have been afraid to upset her by bringing up the past."
"You don't even know who I'm talking about, Mother."
Accolade smiled, "It does not matter, Marcus. She obviously means something to you and I want to help fix this."
"What if I said the girl was Hermione Granger?"
Theo, who had been taking a sip of wine chocked. Tobias watched amused as he lifted his head, mouth open, to gape at Marcus in utter surprise. Adrian and Clarabelle exchanged shocked expressions, Emmaline's eyes were darting between mother and son in quick succession, and Tobias found his eye sight linger on Accolade, out of sheer curiosity over how she would react to the news. She registered no more shock then a raise of her eyebrow, and he was immediately aware that she already knew.
"But you knew that..." Tobias was the one to voice this to the room's occupants. "You spied on Marcus and I, the day Marcus got back from Canada when we were talking in the parlour." Accolade had the decency to look a little abashed.
"You were upset, Tobias and I needed to know what was wrong." Tobias felt he should be angry but also wasn't surprised. Getting angry over it would be a waste of time and he knew his aunt would do it again given half the chance. He noticed Emmaline giving him a confused look at his being upset, and once again squeezed her hand with a small smile of reassurance.
"I think we are getting off track from the good stuff. Marcus is, or was, dating Hermione, freakin' war hero, most famous Muggleborn in the Wizarding World, Granger... What. The. Hell?" Adrian had pretty much eloquently summed up Tobias first reaction to the news.
"Please, Adrian, language! There is no need for profanities. Yes, I knew the identity of the lady in question, I was unaware you had progressed to going on dates with her further than the one night encounter..."
Marcus mouth gaped and Tobias coughed upon realising exactly what Accolade had heard under the Rosier spy spell. Theo spluttered in shock.
"You shagged Granger? For real?" Theo face held an expression of pure surprise.
Accolade yelled, "Theodore, language! Honestly! Now, Marcus, there is no need to get angry. You said she wanted to meet up again to talk? You don't know what she is going to say until you talk, and until then there is no need to worry. "
All occupants on the table were looking at Accolade as though she had grown two heads, Theo muttered something about 'shag' not being a swear word. Emmaline was the one to break a long, uncomfortable silence.
"This is bullshit!" She had jumped from her seat, and was glaring daggers at a surprised Accolade, Tobias tried vainly to grab her and pull her back down but she shook him off.
"So you are fine with this? After everything you put me though? After the bribes, the verbal abuse, now Muggleborns are fine? You can go to hell!"
She turned and practically ran from the room, Tobias could only conclude she would floo back to their home, and was torn between following her and confronting his aunt. Clarabelle had also arisen from her chair in order to follow her friend, but Tobias shook his head at her, while he turned to follow his girlfriend.
"Tobias..." Accolade weakly began and so before leaving he turned his now ferocious stare on her.
"You bribed her? You actually offered her gallons to stay away from me? I didn't think you had spoken to her back then. I thought I was the only one forced to deal with your crap. But sweet Circe, I can just imagine the horrific, disgusting things you would have said to my Emmaline!"
Accolade's eye squeezed shut, as though trying to block an unpleasant memory, her head bent in a rare display of shame.
"That was a long time ago, Tobias."
"Well Emmaline seems to remember perfectly. Tell me Aunt- have you ever apologised to her?"
Accolades eyes went wide at the suggestion.
"No, of course not, Merlin forbid the great and powerful Accolade Flint apologise for her wrong-doings. No wonder Emmaline is always so anxious of coming around here. Yet she always comes for me." He took a deep breath trying in vain to arrange his jumbled thoughts and anger, "Do you really think that one public argument with my mother and a few nice words is enough to make up for all the hurt you have caused Emmaline?" Tobias didn't want to say anymore, he wanted to find Emmaline, to make it all alright. He needed to take away her hurt. So Tobias turned and walked away, not looking back until he reached the fireplace and flooed home.
He found her in their bedroom, lying on her side legs bent into her chest sobbing into a pillow. He gently lay down against her from behind and as his arms encircled her waist she started to cry louder, uncontrollably.
"Shhh, baby, please don't cry. Why didn't you tell me?"
Emmaline hiccupped as she answered, tears still falling, but he could make out her words.
"You were so happy when she seemed OK with us, I didn't want to upset you." She once again began to cry and he knew she had reason to cry. He wanted to cry with her, for everything she had put up with to be with him. God, he was angry at his aunt! He hadn't been lying when he told her he could imagine the horrible, cruel words she would have said to his beautiful, innocent and kind Emmaline. Just because Accolade wouldn't dare talk that way now, didn't mean she never used to. He did not know what to say in response, so he just hugged his girlfriend and soothed her while she cried. He also vowed he would never again speak to his aunt until she had made proper redress toward his Emmaline.
OK... I can understand why that wouldn't be anyone's favorite chapter- but please, hear me out before judgment and condemnation! I needed to, I swear it! Marcus had to be angry and confront his Mum for Accolades official 'redemption' to proceed and Hermione can't always be the perfect person. This really is a small little hitch though- all will be sorted out next chapter and then Hermione and Marcus battle through everything else together.
blue artemis advice as beta was truly instrumental in helping me this chapter, to bring my intention out the best way possible!
On a different issue- if anyone knows why I 'loose' words, usually at the end of occasional sentences between uploading from my computer to this site, please PM me? Does this happen to anyone else? It is getting very frustrating!
lady innogen :-)