Hello again! I really hope my absence wasn't noticeable but if it was I am very sorry!
When I started posting I was 4 chapters ahead with the intention of editing/writing the remaining chapters while continuing to update weekly. Unknown to me, the week I began posting was also the week (according to my due date) I became pregnant! While this is exciting news and my husband, daughter and myself are ecstatic, the morning sickness and exhaustion I have suffered these past weeks has been horrible. This has slowly eaten up my beautiful 4 weeks leeway plan and from now on I will be having to post on a finish editing/writing basis. This chapter also had the added issue of writing my first 'intimate scene', which I put off like a uni student studying for exams. I'm a little nervous, but I challenged myself to write it- so I was determined!
WARNING: I think this chapter finally makes good with my M rating. There is slightly explicit sex involved...
Chapter 12
Sunday 3rd February 2002, Hermione's Apartment, London, Marcus Flint POV
Marcus could not remember a more pleasant day than the one he had just shared with Hermione. The new couple had lazed about in bed until late morning exploring each other. Considering he had been without female company in over two months, finally spending time with Hermione was afternoon had been spent in different parts of the house, although the couch had been given a work out. Marcus idly wondered why they hadn't just gone for it last night in the lounge, before deciding it was best they hadn't tried, since Potter and his wife would have Apperated into a very awkward situation. Sometime during a brief break, Marcus had the forethought to Accio some parchment and scribble a hasty note to his friends informing them he would bring Hermione to dinner that night. Emmaline would have freaked if he hadn't, although knowing that girl she was probably flipping out anyway, creating a three-course meal while Tobias tried unsuccessfully to calm her down.
Now their perfect day of privacy was at an end. Marcus watched from the couch as Hermione entered the living area wearing simple blue jeans and a crimson ruffled blouse, which he had a feeling was in a show of Gryffindor pride. She did look rather edible, her hair was up in a bun and she only wore minimal makeup that highlighted her natural beauty. They should just stay at her apartment, he thought; his friends would get over the disappointment soon enough and he had been wondering on and off all day about how she would handle meeting them. Admittedly the idea of facing Potter had him slightly freaked out but then again this was Hermione Granger he was introducing, she didn't scare easily and hopefully his friends would put her at ease quickly.
Marcus walked over to the fireplace. "I'll go first, and meet you there. The address is Rosier Apartment."
He took another close look at her before reaching around and liberating her hair from the ornate clip holding it together, causing thick curls to fall framing her face.
"I like it better all frizzy and wild but this will do." Marcus smirked at her before entering the fireplace while calling out Tobias and Emmaline's address.
Stepping out of the floo, he regarded his three best friends. Tobias and Emmaline were sitting on the couch, the latter fidgeting with her floral Muggle dress. Blake stood leaning casually against the entrance way to the Hall which was positioned right beside the couch, while both he and Tobias had on casual Muggle trousers. Marcus felt his stomach twist in knots as the floo activated again and hoped the night was a success, he realised just how much he wanted Hermione to get along with his friends. Stepping out of the floo and brushing off soot Hermione glanced up as she surveyed her surroundings, he wished he could know what she was thinking at that moment. Tobias and Emmaline rose from their seats, and an obviously excited Emmaline got to her first holding out a hand in greeting.
"You really are Hermione Granger! You're just a pretty as your photos in the paper! I'm Emmaline Winters and it is so good there will be another non- Slytherin to talk to!"
Marcus snorted at her not so subtle detachment from being a Slytherin, sharing amused glances between the boys. Tobias was next also holding out his hand only this time kissing hers.
"Welcome, Hermione. I'm Tobias, one of Marcus' cousins, and it is a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Thank you, Tobias and Emmaline for having me in your home, it is a lovely apartment."
Hermione was looking around the room with evident interest as her sight landed on Blake who had ceased leaning against the door frame and was just standing, waiting for his introduction. She was giving him a quizzical look which for a second had Marcus truly alarmed that she could be remembering Blake from her school days, until she smiled.
"You work at the Ministry?" she asked, causing Blake to nod his head while Marcus took the initiative of introducing his oldest non-related friend.
"Hermione, this is Blake. We have been friends since we were in nappies." He turned to his friend. "Blake, this is Hermione."
"Yes, I remember now, you're Blake Carrow. You work at the Goblin Liaison office."
Marcus shouldn't have been surprised Hermione knew of Blake, his employment to the Ministry had been controversial and unpopular at the time.
Responding to Hermione's question cautiously Blake answered, "Yes, I am a shit kicker because I speak Gobbledygook."
Hermione laughed at his terminology, "Impressive, I can't speak the stuff myself- I tried to read a dictionary once, I couldn't even finish it."
Marcus watched Hermione during dinner he couldn't really keep his eye off her for long as she completely charmed his friends. She really was a sight to behold, with her subtle, clever humour and intelligent conversation. He didn't miss the knowing smirks sent his way by Tobias and Blake, and concluded maybe he was being a little obvious in his observations, but still her entire demeanour was fascinating. Emmaline couldn't get enough of Hermione, basically dominating all Hermione-related conversation with complete glee, much to the boys' amusement, and Tobias' obvious delight. Since going public with Tobias the once popular Emmaline's social circle had dwindled dramatically. She still very occasionally would see some Ravenclaw girlfriends, but not often. Marcus' sister Clarabelle was her best female friend but mostly she had joined the boys group, not that they minded. At the end of the night Emmaline had practically demanded that Hermione go to lunch with her within the next week. Subjects of discussion stayed well clear of the war although they ventured into Ministry politics, the Quiddich World Cup, and academia. When they were leaving a quick agreement was made for Marcus and Hermione to leave for his house together.
It was not until they had successfully flooed into his Townhouse that Marcus suddenly realised with a start that his new girlfriend was standing in his living room. He had entered completely uncharted territory and was not quite sure what to do. The only official girlfriend he had ever had was Vivienne, and he was sure even had he been forced to marry her that he would have had a secret home like this for a little peace and quiet. Marcus watched with slight trepidation as Hermione turned toward him, head slightly tilted, a small smile playing on her lips.
"You have a nice home."
"Thanks..."
Her smile widened at his apparent indecision of how to continue.
"Care to give me a tour?" Relieved at the suggestion, Marcus complied with her request. A quick tour of his house led toward the last room, his bedroom. Once inside, Marcus stood by the door as he watched Hermione walk forward, taking in the rather bare room of mocha walls, large dark stained bed and matching mirrored dressing table that Emmaline had demanded he purchase to make the room slightly more homely. Speaking with her back to him, Hermione started conversation.
"Your friends are really nice."
"They liked you a lot. You will never get rid of Emmaline now." Turning to face him, her smile was breathtaking. Deciding it now was a good time, Marcus began to slowly move toward his beautiful girl, his entire intention being seduction. Hermione didn't seem to realise as she continued to talk.
"Are you always so quiet around your friends?" At her question, and interested expression, Marcus paused momentarily before resuming his short walk while answering.
"No, I was enjoying observing you." Her shock at his reply was evident as he reached out and stroked both hands down her arms.
"You were observing me? Well, I hope I met with your approval." He smirked, bringing a hand to her neck and moving a piece of hair over her shoulder.
"Perfectly." Her eyes displayed slight indecision about how to take his comments, so rather than continue the conversation that he might accidently stuff up, Marcus decided to kiss her. The answering sigh and feeling of Hermione arms encircle his own neck induced Marcus to believe she didn't really mind. The kiss stared slow and almost lazy, his wandering hands moving to encircle her slim waist waiting for a signal from her before slipping underneath the crimson blouse to feel perfect creamy soft skin. His wait was short, as Hermione quickly increased the pressure and speed of kisses, allowing Marcus the belief that it was time to progress to skin on skin. As such, a surprise break apart by Hermione left him almost in despair, until her destination of the bed became apparent. Smirking in relief Marcus followed, both quickly arranging themselves into comfortable positions, Hermione's head upon the pillows and Marcus laying beside, while leaning over his stunning witch. Continuing the heated kissing, his body pulsed as Hermione's left leg raised at her knee allowing him better access to hover over her, his own right leg moving between her own. This action further intensified their kissing, as Hermione's small hands crept under his shirt, stroking Marcus' back, causing his entire body to press firmly onto hers. Clothing was becoming a nuisance that needed to be gone, and so Marcus began an attempt to remove the buttons from her blouse with one hand. He frowned as Hermione giggled again, detaching her lips from his to shake her head.
"The buttons won't open, the zip is at the back." She shuffled into a sitting position forcing him to his knees as her own hands moved to her back and the soft sound of an opening zipper filled the air. Deciding on the best course of action while in this position, Marcus quickly took off his own shirt, before sighting a vision which had blood rushing south. In the few seconds his eyesight had been hindered, Hermione had removed her own top and lay back in a champagne coloured, lacy bra. His eyes couldn't dwell long on her perfect breasts, as the movement of Hermione's hands undoing the button and zipper of her jeans caught his attention, revealing matching lace knickers. He was so distracted by an almost naked and very beautiful Hermione, Marcus almost missed the reason she had stopped undressing; she could not remove the pesky jeans with his leg caught between her own. Determined that this break apart would be their last of the night, Marcus quickly rolled over and divested the entire remainder of his clothing before turning back to Hermione, who raising her hips slightly allowed Marcus to slip the remaining lacy fabric down her legs. Other than her bra, both himself and Hermione were now free of clothes. Marcus had never been uncomfortable with his body, at one stage it had been his only saving grace, since Quiddich had always kept him in perfect shape. Still, never having more than a couple of unemotional shags with any one girl for years, already Marcus could feel the pleasant familiarity of both his body and Hermione's working together as he slowly kissed his way back up her legs, while her breathing quickened the higher his attentions moved. His actual intentions at reaching the very tops of her smooth legs were hindered as Hermione reached out and pulled at his shoulders urging him further upward into a kiss. Granting her wish it was Marcus who moaned as her lips moved to his neck and there body's merged together. But he quickly sought control, as Hermione's hands gripped at his waist and her head arched slightly when his hand found her most intimate area, and slowly began to rub circles in a way he had come to realise turned her on the most. Hermione's legs further parted to grant him more access as her hands flung themselves behind her, gripping the top of the headboard as Marcus continued to please her while kissing down her throat to her still bra-covered breasts. Her heavy breathing mixed with his as the intense anticipation created the impossible feat of even more blood rushing toward his already intense hardness. Hermione seemed close to her own climax and surprised Marcus by lifting her legs and slightly pushing him so they eagerly flipped over, herself now on top. He smirked and held her hips firmly as he slid himself up against the headboard into an almost sitting position. As soon as he was in place, Hermione took the initiative of completely merging their bodies together. Her moan mixed with his at the delightful sensation before he took her hips in a supporting but not forceful manner. Hermione began to move with exquisite timing as his lips sought her neck and his hands unclasped her bra to free perfect breasts for his pleasure. Intending to move his kisses toward a breast, Marcus broke away from her delectable neck. Accidently looking over her shoulder as he did, he caught the image of Hermione's bare back in the dressing table mirror. Her hips, attached securely to his own, were swaying sensually, and the sight had him riveted. Deciding he liked the view, Marcus opted to use his hands to gently caress her skin delighting when the action caused Hermione's back to arch into his touch, her head thrown back in pleasure. The resulting view and her moans increased his arousal, until it was almost with relief when Marcus finally noticed Hermione tilt her hip backwards slightly her arms grasping his shoulders firmly as the movements of her hips increased speed and her breathing became more erratic. Past experience proved Hermione was close to her climax and Marcus was thankful as he would not last much longer himself. As she fell over her edge of pleasure, head falling with contentment into his shoulder, Marcus enjoyed the aftershocks before turning her over and quickly replacing her movements with his own until his own pinnacle was reached, before rolling off his witch, pulling her onto his chest with sleepy contentment. Lazily enjoying the glow of their post-union, he could only chuckle when she inquired if he enjoyed watching her in the mirror. He should have known nothing would get past his bright witch.
"It was a pleasant surprise," was the only answer he could muster causing her to giggle softly into his chest.
Thursday 7th Febuary 2002, Nimue's Restaurant, Diagon Alley, London, Kingsley Shacklebolt's POV
Ornate candles floated between the tables casting a flickering warm glow as he sat in Diagon Alleys'fanciest restaurant, ignoring both the interested public and assigned Auror detail. Kingsley sipped on water and thought back on the time he had known Hermione Granger, his dinner partner for the evening. He was the first to admit she held a special place in his heart, in a way she was the child he never had, and it was common knowledge that he held great hopes and a fervent belief that she would replace him as Minister of Magic when he finally retired. He had met Hermione the summer after Voldermort returned and from the start Kingsley could sense a power and strength that made her stand out from others her age. He had nominated her to partner him during the Battle Of The Seven Potters to which Mad Eye had agreed. Mad Eye knew that after him, the most likely member of the group moving Harry to be targeted would be Kingsley, the strongest Auror. So the most magically capable of the 'seven Potters' would need to be partnered with him. The other members of the retrieval party had agreed with Hermione being assigned to Kingsley though Arthur Weasley stressed that she should be told the facts and the decision ultimately be hers, so Kingsley had sought Hermione out to explain the facts. Most young girls, on being told that they would have to face Death Eaters while flying and the very real possibility of being chased by Lord Voldermort would panic, but Hermione was calm and understanding. She asked practical questions and agreed to partner with Kingsley. When the night came, she did a magnificent job. Hermione had even stayed in control when Voldermort himself had taken up the chase, actually pointing her wand at the most evil Wizard of all time until Kingsley had pulled her down in front of him on the Thestral, shielding her from the monster's view.
After the war Kingsley had not wanted to be Minister of Magic, he had taken the position in the immediate aftermath of the final battle out of necessity. Someone had to do the job and placing a member of the Order of Phoenix seemed the most logical step. The Order petitioned a rather embarrassed Wizmagot to keep Kingsley as Minister for a year while the Wizarding World established itself and surviving Death Eaters were rounded up and put on trial. The Wizmagot would have done anything the Order said at that time, since they realised the extent that corruption and Voldemort's coup d'état on the Ministry had actively hindered the war. The full extent of the Ministry involvement and atrocities would forever create a blight in the history of Great Britain's Wizarding World. A shadow fell over the table causing Kingsley to look up at the pretty girl in front of him. Standing from his own chair he leaned in to kiss her cheek before walking around the table and pulling out her chair.
"Hermione, you look as beautiful as always," his calming baritone broke the previous silence as he sat back in his seat.
"You are too kind, Kings, and looking dashing yourself, sorry I am late I got held up."
Their dinner proceeded with the usual pleasant companionship and comfortable conversation. It wasn't until entree arrived that Kingsley inadvertently said something that visibly put Hermione on edge.
"Thank Merlin the press never found out about that Flint debacle in Denmark. More Death Eaters running amuck in that country would be a Diplomatic nightmare."
Hermione stiffened and shot an almost sour look toward a stunned Kingsley who tried to figure out what he had said to deserve her reaction.
"Marcus is not a Death Eater, Kingsley." He watched as she callously stabbed at her smoked trout ravioli, determined to placate her anger despite his confusion.
"Have I said something to offend you, Hermione? I'm sure you know it was not intentional." With relief, Kingsley watch as his protégée sighed and relaxed her stance posture and graced him with a small smile.
"Sorry, Kings, but Marcus is not a Death Eater- you should know better than to call him such."
Raising an eyebrow he silently questioned her words, perhaps he had been harsh toward the younger Flint, but that still didn't explain the strange change of pace their conversation had recently taken.
"I'm seeing Marcus."
Kingsley choked on his own delicious bite of Blackened Harissa Quail; her words had shocked him to the point he could think of no reply. Not that he needed to talk, as Hermione seemed content to spill her feelings for the Flint boy in an outpouring that made Kingsley doubly thankful for silencing charms.
"Oh, Kings, I can't wait for you to meet him properly. We have been getting to know one another in secret- but now have decided to go public because no relationship should start on the basis of secrecy. But the press going crazy", an almost hysterical giggle escaped his young friend, her curls shaking while an almost amused smile played on her lips.
Sweet Merlin, she couldn't be serious?
"Merlin's long beard, are you serious? Hermione, are you thinking at all?"
He was aware his words could be seen as rather unsupportive, but surely she wasn't actually serious. Hermione was one of the most prominent and well loved war heroes in England- she couldn't be seen with the son of a Death Eater, and that wasn't even taking his bad Hogwarts reputation into consideration. Although Kingsley noticed the strange angry glint in Hermione's eye, it was his turn to speak and so he kept going. His voice took on a rough edge.
"You must put an end to this- now. The wizarding world will not look upon this favourably and you could wreck everything we have worked for."
There was a long silence following his pronouncement, Hermione stared with a disbelief that almost cracked through his determined demeanour creating guilt. Finally Hermione spoke one word.
"No."
He looked at her, and she at him, both unwilling to break the battle of the glares.
"You must."
"I won't, Marcus is a good man, a kind man-"
"His father was a Death Eater-"
"But Marcus wasn't!"
He watched as Hermione took a deep breath to calm herself,and he found himself mirroring her actions.
"Marcus was never a Death Eater, does not deserve to be punished for his father's actions."
"No one is punishing him, Hermione, but for the good of our world you can't be romantically involved with him. You have to see that."
Her mouth gaped open and she seemed to struggle with her reply at first, before letting out a loud exclamation of frustration. "How dare you! I can see who I want, when I want. What, Kingsley? Do you think I should stay with Ron? He is a war hero, sure, a cheating one, but hey, who cares right? Is he is the correct type of man for your plans?"
Kingsley felt like he had been slapped, of course she should not stay with Ron.
"Remember, we decided to do this overhaul of the Ministry together. You know how important our reforms are. You know what needs to happen to avoid a future repeat of all we have suffered. There is no room for you to ruin your reputation with this boy- think of the greater good, Hermione."
Her hand slammed down onto the table clattering crockery, people had begun to stare. Although no one was able to hear the conversation the aggression on the faces and actions of the tables occupants was obvious and Kingsley glanced around him nervously.
"Great Godric, who are you, Kinglsey? Gellert Grindelwald? What else will we do while we create this society for the greater good? Make a Death Eater relatives' registration commission? Get the Department of Mysteries to create some bullshit propaganda proving all those related to Death Eaters are destined to be pureblood supremacists and must be put in Azkaban, "for the greater good?"
Kingsley could feel his nerves and confusion slip away as he became angry at her words, "Now wait just a minute, that's not fair! How dare you-"
He was interrupted. "I dare, Kingsley, because everything you have said tonight has been horrible and shocked me. I am very disappointed and I am going to leave now, before we both say more things we will regret and can't be taken back. I will talk to you later."
With that said his dining companion stood and left the table. He didn't try to stop her; as it was they had never argued before and Kingsley couldn't quite reconcile what he had heard tonight. Although later when he finally made it to bed, he began to wonder if perhaps she had a point.
Thursday 7th February 2002, Harry and Ginny Potter's House, Godric's Hollow, Hermione Granger POV
With a crack of Apparition, Hermione found herself at the home of her best friends. Kingsley's words burned her mind as anger coursed through her veins. While stomping out of Nimue's Restaurant, ignoring the curious stares of patrons, Hermione had briefly entertained the idea of finding Marcus. If she was truthful, he was who she wanted right now, but going to him in this frame of mind would raise questions of why she was so bloody pissed off, and she didn't want Marcus to know what Kingsley had said. So instead of interrupting Marcus, who was having a night with the boys, she found herself in Harry and Ginny's living room, because Hermione was going to tell Harry about Marcus and Harry better be fine with it. A quick glance around the silent, darkening room proved this part of the house was vacant, which induced Hermione to quickly walk toward the kitchen. A soft glow streaming through windows showed dusk had begun and a lack of lighting from the kitchen door proved Ginny was not yet cooking dinner. Still someone must be home since she had been permitted entrance and for a brief horrifying second Hermione expected a dishevelled Harry or Ginny to race down the stairs from their bedroom in much the same position they had interrupted her on Saturday, but the house remained dark and silent. Where were they?
Reaching the kitchen, Hermione decided against turning on the light to make herself a cup of tea. More than a decade of strong friendship allowed Hermione to feel perfectly at home within Ginny's kitchen and Hermione felt the low light suited her mood better. It was while filling the kettle that Hermione saw out the window a sight which made her cringe. Hermione could make out the figures of three people she knew very well who had almost reached the house. The shadows of long sticks bobbing along with the trio proved Harry, Ginny and Ron had been playing Quidditch in the paddock behind the house and although Hermione was not surprised she also really didn't want to see Ron right now. In a split second decision Hermione placed the kettle of cold water on the stove and hurried toward the fireplace with the intention of flooing home. Quickly deciding her friends were close enough to the house they might hear an Apparition pop and not wishing to cause alarm. Upon finding the floo powder box empty Hermione mentally cursed, then hearing the back door open and the raised voices of her three friends,Hermione knew she had no option but to face them. Turning slowly toward the kitchen Hermione realised the raised voices were not that of joking. Ron it appeared was in a foul mood and with a jolt Hermione heard her name.
"What do you bloody mean, Hermione is seeing someone?"
Her heart stopped momentarily at his words. Oh Merlin what had she walked into? She was not in the mood for this.
"Calm down, Ron. Hermione is well within her rights to start seeing someone and you know it." The frustrated voice of Ginny drifted though to the living room as a pot banged.
"But who is it?" Ron was clearly livid and Hermione felt sorry for Ginny and Harry, before realising if he saw her it would be worse.
"I would like to know that as well." Harry was clearly the calmest of the trio his tone one of curiosity and a touch exasperated.
"I told you, Harry, you will find out Saturday before they get here. But I don't want you brooding and analysing it, just trust Hermione."
"This is crap. Hermione should be with me." What? Oh please, don't let Ron still think that, things had been going so well.
"Well perhaps you should have thought about that before you cheated on her, mate." Harry's exasperation had heightened considerable as the argument progressed. Hermione stood stock still, hidden by the increasing darkness, not sure what to do.
"That was a mistake, if I could take it back I would."
"And what about the first time?" For a second Hermione didn't understand Harry's words. What first time?
"Why do you always bring them up? I'm sorry, I get it, I fucked up twice. It doesn't change the fact I love her." Twice? Hermione's heart started to hammer and her mind felt fuzzy... twice?
"I will not stop bringing it up until you leave Hermione alone. We have kept your secret for years now Ron, we won't let you hurt Hermione again- leave her alone and move on." Harry's words snapped her from a stupor.
They knew. Harry and Ginny knew Ron cheated years ago and kept it from her. Not realising what she was doing and not caring that a sound of Disapparition would send them into a panic, Hermione disappeared from that living room. She hardly knew where she was Apparating too, only she needed Marcus, and that tears had started to fall from her stinging eyes. Hermione found herself appearing in the living room of her boyfriend's townhouse. Hermione hardly felt the effects of the travel as her mind was dizzy with shock. The surprised looks of three boys barely registered, her eyes stuck only on Marcus who had quickly raised from his seat, clearly worried at seeing his girlfriend appear with tears streaming down her cheeks in great distress.
"Hermione?"
Not wanting to talk, or acknowledge her evening Hermione flew into Marcus arms beginning to sob uncontrollably. She didn't care that his friends were their watching her breakdown, although the sound of a floo activating made her suspect she would soon be alone with Marcus. Hermione couldn't stop but just continued to cry as he held her, stroking her hair and whispering nonsensical comfort into her ear. It seemed ages until Hermione had calmed down enough to speak, her beautiful boyfriend finally deeming her quieter breathing and lack of sobs time to send a questioning look.
"They lied to me, for years. I can't- I don't know what to think. Please just hold me?"
With a silent nod of consent, Marcus arms securely reattached themselves around her before moving them both to the couch. He never demanded an answer; Marcus acted exactly how she needed the rest of the night.
Poor Hermione! First Kingsley, then finally finding out her best friends lied to her for years. I thought long and hard about whether to do the dinner with Harry and Ginny before she found out rather then now- because in my mind it is a very interesting dinner. But it would have ended with Harry worried and advising Hermione not to be with Marcus- which would just be yet another unfair attack on Marcus and there have been enough of those.
Thank-you blue artemis for once again being a wonderful beta!
lady innogen