Disclaimer: I don't own anything in this story. It was written for fun and influenced by the Harry Potter world created by JK Rowling.

Chapter 13

Friday 8th February 2002, Marcus Townhouse, London, Marcus POV

Marcus woke first. The room was still dark, bar a thin sliver of dull orange light peaking though hastily closed curtains. Marcus was not surprised at waking early, years of Quidditch training had conditioned his body to always wake at the first light. Hermione was lying on her side, facing him their legs entwined, her hand resting gently against his chest. She still fully dressed in the black dress she had arrived in last night. It appeared even her dreams caused no relief from her previous evening's distress as crinkles marred the smoothness of her brow and a frown graced her lips. His mind absently wandered back to the night before. Marcus hadn't been expecting Hermione until late, if at all, but her unexpectedly distraught arrival had freaked him out. Something terrible must have happened and although curiosity burned within him Marcus realised she didn't want to talk about it other than some strange garbled nonsense. So he had only held Hermione while she cried herself to sleep before carrying her to his bedroom.

With a silent curse Marcus remembered he had practice that morning and knew there was no hope of getting out of it. Even when sick, all players must arrive at scheduled practices, then, only if the Teams healer deemed their illness incurable by magic, were they sent home. Should he wake her or let her sleep? It was a workday but if she had an argument with the Minister of Magic, which was the only likely scenario he could deduce from her behaviour, perhaps she would want to skip work. He scoffed, she was Hermione Granger, and if he let her sleep through work he would be in serious trouble. Leaning over his beautiful girl, Marcus slowly traced a large finger down her smooth, creamy cheek.

"Hermione, time to wake up."

Smiling as she moaned, and tried unsuccessfully to turn over, trapped as she was.

"Wake up, I have to get to practice and I don't want to you be late for work." Those were apparently the right words as her eyes fluttered open and she glanced around sleepy and confused.

"I'm late for work?" she asked, causing Marcus to chuckle at her.

"No, it is still early, but I have to go and I didn't want you to sleep though." He observed her with concern, waiting for a memory of last night to appear as she became more coherent and alert, snuggling herself further into the pillows Hermione smiled up at him.

"I'm not sure if that is considerate or annoying."

Marcus could easily see the point that her memory kicked in. Hermione's eyes widened and breathing hitched as her head turned away from him toward the window. Not sure what to do, but fearing having her cry again, he grazed his hand through her untamed hair.

"Hey, don't cry. I'm sure whatever happened can be fixed." Marcus was unprepared for the expression on her face as her head whipped around. The eyes he expected to be red rimmed with tears were instead hard as ice causing his hand to automatically move away in surprise. She looked furious.

"Ron cheated on me."

Of all the possibilities he envisioned had made her upset and angry, this wasn't on the list. Marcus was confused and unsure what to say, was she upset about this now because she wanted him back? Marcus knew he should say something, but he didn't know what.

Hermione continued, "And both Harry and Ginny were aware of it... Harry knew and kept it from me, for years!"

For years? Her nonsense mumblings last night began to make sense, this had not been the first time Weasel had been unfaithful, shit. Looking into her angry eyes Marcus could tell she wasn't handling it very well at all.

"Ron and I got together when the war ended and years ago we were in love. Sure we were healing from the war but we did it together, I..."

He watched, completely unsure how to react as she gulped, closing her eyes briefly as though trying to dispel an unpleasant thought. Their entwined legs were now horribly uncomfortable and yet Marcus feared unsettling her by moving them.

"Harry..." Again her breathing hitched and pain rather than anger flittered across her face. "I can't believe Harry kept that from me, and I just don't know how to handle that." Her eyes sought his almost pleading, "How am I meant to handle that?"

Fuck, he had no idea. This was not Marcus' thing, he couldn't even handle his own emotions well. But he knew Hermione was hurting and he knew that despite only being with her a few weeks, she had quickly become very special to him. So he sighed and spoke, still on his side facing toward her, "How do you know this? Perhaps it is a mistake..."

Her bitter laugh answered his question as she quickly detangled herself and moved to get out of the bed. Marcus rushing to join her, but instead of standing she just sat on the side, shoulders slightly hunched inducing Marcus to crawl over the bed and sit at her side.

"I overheard them talking last night. They must have told Ron about our dinner plans and he didn't like the idea. They used the information so flippantly, like it was brought up often." She groaned and fell backward onto the bed her hands covering her eyes. "We're not going to that dinner tomorrow night, I will send them a bloody owl... I'm not going near them until I figure out how best to tackle this."

Marcus frowned a little confused. Why had she gone to the Potters last night? He thought she was out to dinner with the Minister for Magic.

"I thought you had dinner with the Minister?"

"Oh god, Kingsley... don't even get me started on him right now." Raising herself she stood up while Marcus looked at her blankly and helplessly, rather sure in the comforting stakes he had been a terrible disaster and already kicking himself. "Do you mind if I have a shower?"

Marcus nodded mutely as she moved away from him, but he grabbed at her hand and gently pulled her back, spreading his legs so she fit snug between them. "I'm sorry you are hurting and I'm sorry I don't know what to say to make it better," he said, kicking himself again when her eyes filled with unshed tears.

Instead of crying, however, Hermione bent slightly and placed a soft kiss upon his mouth. "You were wonderful last night and there is really nothing to say. Soon I will tell you everything but right now I need time to think." She walked around the bed toward the door as he turned and watched her pause before entering his ensuite. "You should probably get ready for practice, don't worry about me, I will see you after work."

Marcus still felt like shit that he didn't know how to comfort her better, but was also glad she was so sure they would be together again tonight. Whatever she needed of him he would do it, even if it meant beating Potter and the Weasel to a pulp.

Practice was a disaster. Marcus' worry about how Hermione was doing at work turned to frustration and he was continually penalised by the coach, until he was screamed at to leave practice early due to his aggressive play. After Her shower where it was obvious she had once again cried, Marcus had felt horrible having to leave her to her own breakfast. At least getting out of practice early meant he could quickly stop in at the Ministry and check on her before having to come back for the expected dressing down by the coach. After a long, hot shower, which had only minimally relieved his anger, Marcus found himself standing before his locker clad only in a white towel around his waist. He started in surprise when a voice he really hadn't expected spoke up from behind him.

"That practice was hot, Marcus, reminded me of the old days at Hogwarts, remember?"

He stiffened as manicured fingers began to run their way gently down his back before he turned to face Vivienne Yaxley, grasping the offending appendage in a strong grasp. His bitter retort to her presence was caught in his throat as he fully looked at her standing before him, a picture of enticing perfection in nothing more than a lacy emerald green bra and matching knickers. Unbidden images from his past, when she had played similar seduction games after Quidditch matches throughout their sixth year came to mind, and she smiled in victory clearly realising where his mind had traitorously wandered.

"It will be nice to have you back Marcus," she whispered in his ear before placing her lips upon his.

Friday 8th February 2002, Montrose Magpies Stadium, England, Vivienne POV

Sitting in the Montrose Magpies Quidditch Stadium, Vivienne had almost forgotten just how wickedly hot Marcus' body was. Sure, back at school she had to close her eyes whenever they did anything remotely sexual, focusing on his toned body and avoid looking at the god ugly teeth- but since that was no longer an issue, he really was the total package. Vivienne had given Terrence's proposal a surprising amount of thought. Artemisia was ecstatic at the idea but Vivienne was stubbornly holding out for what she saw as a better offer in Marcus. That did not mean Vivienne was stupid, she was well aware that Terrence had gone on a public date with Pansy Parkinson the previous evening, and desperate times called for drastic measures. She was going to give Marcus one last chance to realise they belonged together, with the knowledge that Terrence's offer was still technically available.

Moving away from her thoughts again, Vivienne watched Marcus fly high, as he used any and all means to get and keep the Quaffle. He was aggressive, and hot, it was going to be such a nice change to shag an attractive man. There was no doubt in Vivienne's mind that her plan would work, since Marcus always loved their post-Quidditch change room rendezvous. Noticing the coach scream at him to leave training early was perfect. She slipped the guard at the change room door a small pouch of gallons she had borrowed from Artemisia's father. Smirking with glee, she recognised Marcus, standing alone before a locker with only a white towel draped low on his hips. Untying the bows that held together her cloak she let the Aubergine satin fabric fall to the floor. Underneath she was dressed only in her most skimpy bra and matching underwear, the Slytherin Green was sure to send Marcus wild with desire and remembrance. Walking silently up behind him, she took great delight in his forthcoming surprise.

"That practice was hot Marcus, reminded me of the old days at Hogwarts, remember?"

He stiffened, most likely in shock as she ran her perfectly French manicured nails down his back, a surprising amount of anticipation and desire shot through her as her stomach began to heat. Oh yes, after all these years of mediocre shagging, having Marcus again was going to be wonderful. He quickly spun around while grabbing her hand and she could see a retort caught in this throat. She smiled seductively, this was a good start. She could just see his memories of previous similar encounters flash across his face, best to give the boy a physical reminder as well as visual. Raising herself on tiptoes she whispered,

"It will be nice to have you back, Marcus," before she attached her plump red stained lips to his.

Less than two seconds later she felt herself lifted off the ground and anticipating his desire for her legs to be wrapped around his waist, raised her legs to accommodate just before he unsuspectingly pushed her away with force and she landed on her bottom with a painful and heavy thud on the hard change room floor.

"What the fuck, Marcus?" Glaring up at the man who was smirking down at her, while trying to maintain a modicum of decorum despite her undignified position, she continued, "That was not very nice, love. I will forgive you since I am aware you are still feeling bad over our parting of ways. But I shall expect better treatment in future. I hope you got out all your frustrations now, dearest."

After finishing her speech she daintily held out a hand for him for help her up, cocking her head to the side and smiling sweetly. She had handled being engaged to Nicolas Selwin and that boy had been into some kinky shit, really this was nothing.

Raising an eyebrow while ignoring her hand, Marcus folded his arms looking down at her, "Why are you here, Vivienne... dressed like that? Surely it's obvious that I am not interested anymore?"

Realising this would be more difficult than first anticipated Vivienne sighed and got herself off the ground to face him standing hands on her hips.

"Why not? It makes sense... we make sense, we always did. If you got over the past you would see it as well. You are single, I am single we both need to marry and produce heirs for the Flint and Yaxley families. Despite our admittedly bitter parting of ways you know we will be a good team together, Marcus."

Looking him right in the eye she decided truth was the best policy; pure facts. She was not expecting the next words out of his mouth.

"I'm not single."

Vivienne scoffed, "Yes you are, everyone says so."

"Well, Artemisia's wrong."

There was a silence while she considered this, he was lying right? Artemisia would know if he was seeing anyone, that girl knew everything that happened in the Pureblood world. No female of their acquaintance who had snagged Marcus Flint would keep it secret. He was just trying to annoy her.

"Vivienne, I'm seeing someone- and I have every intention of making it work. You are going to have to find another lackey to do your bidding."

Narrowing her eyes at the man in front of her Vivienne tried another argument, "If you really are seeing someone why does no one know about it? Why keep it secret, Marcus?"

She noticed a peculiar glint come into his eye as he spoke, "There's no secret, but I have no interest in telling you anything."

Vivienne scoffed, "Then why does no one know anything about it Marcus? Unless you have also decided to sully yourself with a half blood like Tobias and even then if your mother's bizarre outburst at Malfoy Manor is any indication you wouldn't need to worry about that... Oh sweet Nimue… she isn't Pure..."

Nearly overcome with nausea at the thought, Vivienne was sure a horrified expression graced her usually exquisite features.

"Tell me you haven't, Marcus. The Tobias thing I could forgive in time but to do such an act yourself- that is disgusting!"

Marcus face had turned to hard stone but she truly didn't care, she felt like all her hopes and future were being dashed for a third time and she was slowly slipping into hysteria, she hardly comprehended his next words.

"You know nothing of disgust, Vivienne; you are disgusting. I would never touch you again; I would never marry you. Now get out of here right now or I will throw you out in your slutty knickers."

Blinking rapidly she turned and practically ran to her cloak. Turning only once she screamed at him, "You bunch of filthy Blood Traitors! I'm glad I got rid of you when I did, nothing you could offer is worth this...lunacy."

Friday 8th February 2002, England's Ministry of Magic, London, Hermione Granger POV

Work was a perfect distraction from the sadness and anger Hermione was currently experiencing. Never before had she thanked her ability to focus on a singular task without being distracted by heavy emotion. This report highlighting new planned foreign policy within the English Wizarding Law was the most important task she had undertaken in some time. So, in her mind Harry, Ginny, Ron and Kingsley could all take their betrayals and shove them, at least until she finished. So engrossed was she in a massive old tome of archaic Wizarding Law, Hermione jumped with a surprised squeak as the door to her office slammed open and Harry Potter himself stumbled into the room, a frantic Katlyn Dearborn following behind, sending the boy who lived scathing looks of contempt.

"I told him you expressly said you didn't want to see him Hermione. He just barged right past me."

Slamming closed the text, Hermione looked between the two intruders, her eye lingering on the man with whom she shared such an eventful and tragic past. Hermione's stomach clenched at the sight of Harry, reliving the moment last night that had shattered her belief in one of her oldest friendships. Right now she didn't want to do this- she only wanted to keep busy with her work. Before any comment to that effect could be forthcoming, Harry took the initiative.

"Ginny was so worried about that letter you sent this morning. Why are you cancelling dinner? Has something happened, did your mystery man hurt you? Because I will hex him into next week."

Hermione felt herself blink a few times as Harry's words washed over her. Silly boy should have left her alone like she requested. Indicating first to Katlyn that all was ok and she could leave the room, Hermione waited until the door behind her was securely closed before once again looking Harry in the eye. In a calm voice, which contrasted the intense nervous flutters and deep feeling of sadness, Hermione spoke.

"Marcus hasn't hurt me." An unsure recognition of the name flittered though Harry's expression and Hermione briefly wondered if he had the correct Marcus in mind. "He is wonderful and was there for me last night when I needed someone. But tell me, Harry, you seem very eager to hex any man who hurts me... so does that mean you hexed Ron the first time he cheated on me? Or, because I wasn't aware, it meant he got a free pass?"

The man before her quickly drained of colour his eye wide with surprise.

Hermione's head tilted slightly sideways as she waited for an answer to her question. A heavy silence descended upon the two long time friends as Harry seemingly struggled to find the right words to answer her question.

"It was you last night, who Disapparated. Oh shit, Hermione you must know I didn't want you to get hurt... you have to believe that." Harry face turned pleading as Hermione sucked in a sharp gust of air.

"So you lied to me, kept a massive secret all to avoid my feelings, really? I guess upsetting poor Ronald and putting strain on our picture perfect relationships had nothing to do with it."

"No, I mean yes, of course I was worried about those as well...but you have to understand-"

Her nerves ceased and anger became the prime sensation causing through her body. Rising from the chair, Hermione faced off against a shaken Harry.

"I don't have to understand anything. When did it happen, Harry? For how long have I been the fool?"

Harry's head began to shake. "You're not the fool, never that. Ron- he begged us, said it was a mistake, he loved you."

"When, Harry?" Harry flinched at the venom in her voice and even Hermione was surprised at the pure anger displayed through her tone as she clenched the side of the desk for support.

"Australia..." The word tumbled from Harry's mouth and his eyes closed momentarily in recognition of the further pain he had just placed upon her. It took all Hermione's willpower not to fall back into her chair and burst into tears, as it was she had to blink back the traitorous salty liquid; she would not cry in front of Harry.

"No," was all Hermione could manage to utter as Harry looked torn between fear over her reaction and a desire to comfort her. Shaking her head slightly in an attempt to clear her jumbled thoughts, it did not take long for Hermione to analyse the information presented to her. She was not able to identify if heartbreak or anger was the foremost emotion. Either way any calmness that remained had gone, leaving Harry Potter in the firing line of her wrath and from his expression he knew it as well.

"While I was in Australia, by myself, finding my parents then coping with their anger and fear- Ronald who refused to come with me because his family needed him, found the time to hook up with some girl. But even though you and Ginny knew about this, you didn't tell me because Ron begged you not to."

"You were so unhappy when you came back, and Ron felt awful. He wished he had gone with you, he swore-"

"Bugger what he said, Harry, I don't give a shit right now what Ron swore to you. How dare you not tell me the truth, I deserved the truth from you, of all people."

A depth of pain swam in Harry's eyes as her last words sunk in.

Even though Hermione knew it was time to stop, knew bringing up the past would do nothing but create more pain, she was so angry the next words tumbled from her lips.

"I never left you, I would have died for you. But always Ron came first, because heaven forbid anyone upset Ronald. When Ron was a prat, it was ignored. When he put me down, you didn't stand up for me. Whenever he walked out he was always quickly taken back. Well, this is the last straw. I am done." In disbelief Hermione raised her hand over her mouth as Harry stepped back in shock. Her secret, teenage girl frustration that Hermione believed had long since been reconciled, was laid open and she could never take it back.

"Hermione, I never knew-"

"Go away." Suddenly very tired, Hermione sunk back into her chair, placing her face in her hands wishing Harry would just leave her alone.

"Please just let me explain."

"Leave me the fuck alone, Harry, or I will remove you by magic."

There was a long moment of silence where she knew Harry was still there only from his breathing, before he whispered another apology and walked to the door closing it gently behind him. Only then did Hermione start to cry.

Hello again everyone, finally another chapter complete!

A massive thank you to blue artemis who is a wonderful beta and gave some great advice with this chapter when I was undecided about the best way to proceed with the confrontation.

I must give a similar thank-you to everyone who reviewed last chapter. The response and encouragement was beautiful, especially when I was feeling unsure of myself.

I think this is another very emotional chapter and there have been a few of those in a row, so i'm trying to make the next chapter more easy going. But I must warn I am moving into my very own, just finished being built, home this weekend! No more renting, i'm so excited! So although I will try, with packing and unpacking i'm not sure when I will be able to finish the next chapter.

Lastly- true to my stubborn nature, I have thought long and hard about how to make accessible the Black, Rosier and Flint Family Tree for Changing Perceptions I made ages ago. I was so disappointed I couldn't seem to post it to my profile. Then I remembered I made a Live Journal account a long time ago, that due to not knowing anyone on Live Journal was put in the 'not sure what to do, so I will ignore it' basket. I have now posted the family tree there and made it publicly accessible and you are more then welcome to have a look. I think I will also post 'Changing Perceptions' there because, why not. :-)

Live Journal username: ladyinnogen

lady innogen