Chapter 14

Disclaimer- I do not own anything, I have just enjoyed borrowing the magical world created my JK Rowling.

Friday 8th February 2002, Hermione's Apartment, London, Hermione Granger POV

Hermione had hoped when she got home that Marcus would be there, but he wasn't. Her encounter with Harry continued to plague her mind, and frankly Hermione was very glad she had another complicated task that needed completing over the next week during home hours. Glancing briefly at the kitchen clock, she decided the time was right to start brewing the Wolfsbane potion for three wizards and two witches who had been attacked by Greyback and infected during the war. If the potion was started within the next half an hour, Hermione knew from experience there were only three nights she would need to wake at odd hours to stir or add ingredients. Once every three months Hermione brewed a large cauldron full of the complex potion and delivered a supply to the five new werewolves. Sadly although many more innocent people had been infected, they were untrusting and suspicious of help, she was glad five people were willing to accept her assistance. This was how Marcus found her when he flooed into her apartment an hour later. Momentarily distracted from her ingredient preparation, she watched as Marcus looked around the kitchen taking in the counter of bizarre magical fauna, vials of strange liquids and mortars full of different powders.

"That looks complicated, I haven't seen a potion brewed like this since Hogwarts." He chuckled at her clear surprise, "I hated the subject, couldn't even manage an O.W.L."

Hermione's shock must have shown on her face, although she couldn't observe him at that moment being in the middle of a tricky part of potion preparation. While concentrating on meticulously slicing the Root of Aconite into 1.5 millimetre thickpieces, she couldn't resist a playful dig at her former Slytherin boyfriend. "You must be horrible for Snape to have failed one of his precious Slytherins..."

"He would have passed me, but I blew up my potion during the O.W.L practical exam."

Hermione could hear the smirk in his voice and she snorted. They were silent as she moved the chopped Root of Aconite to the cauldron now facing completely away from Marcus and began to stir a complicated mix of both clockwise and anticlockwise movements before adding a special swish with her wand then repeating the process. Marcus, suddenly spoke again.

"Seriously, I'm not good at potions but even I can tell that's a hard potion to make, what is it?"

While still counting out the stirring in her head Hermione replied, "Wolfsbane."

There was a long silence following this remark where she finished her stirring, smelt the potion to ensure the correct odour was being emitted and turned to face Marcus. The man for his part was staring at her with his mouth slightly parted in an astounded expression, "Why are you brewing Wolfsbane?"

"Because I am a werewolf..."

Marcus eyebrows rose to unnatural heights and his eyes glimmered with fear, causing Hermione to snort and shake her head.

"Nice to know what your reaction would be, but I am not infected by lycanthropy-not that it should matter if I was. But I make the potion every three months for some people who were bitten during the war. It is so complicated to make and they can't afford to buy it due to our world's disgusting judgments..." Hermione sighed as she trailed off her rant and began the next stage of the potion.

"That's because werewolves are dark creatures. They become dark when they are bitten."

She couldn't help but glare at him in disappointment.

"That is a pathetic myth which serves as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Remus Lupin was a werewolf and he was one of the bravest and kindest men I have even known. He was bitten as a child due to Greyback having a vendetta against his father. Due to acceptance from his family and friends he was able to deal with the rest of society's scorn for the most part, although he did suffer."

Taking a half prepared mortar of semi-powdered Rue she added dried Wolfsbane petals and began pounding with a pestle. This was the most important ingredient of the potion being added at six different stages and must be done precisely, so Hermione took a moment to ensure her preparation was correct before continuing her argument.

"Unfortunately most werewolves are not so lucky, and often their own families disown them. Then they become bitter and angry, developing an inherent disgust of themselves and society. They converge together in a desperate need for acceptance and are in a prime position for the occasional evil identity like Greyback to take advantage of their unhappiness and feelings of betrayal. This only adds to the werewolves' reputation as dark and evil creatures."

After her long argument was complete, it was obvious Marcus seemed to consider her words.

"But werewolves have been considered evil for a lot longer than Greyback was around."

Hermione shook her head at his continued persistence. "Of course they have, because judgements and prejudice has been around for as long as lycanthropy and there has always been a Greyback to influence and enhance new werewolves' feelings of inadequacy and betrayal... Marcus, I could debate werewolf rights all night with you, but I don't think that is why you are here." She permitted him a small glance noticing he looked relieved, though that soon turned to an undistinguishable emotion she couldn't really place.

Marcus gave her a small smile. "I had a strange encounter today, and I think you should know about it. But you need to understand nothing really happened."

Still pounding the pestle Hermione raised an eyebrow at his cryptic words. "OK..."

Realising it was time to add the ingredients into the cauldron Hermione once again turned away from Marcus, although she was very curious what had him so ruffled and wished she wasn't brewing the potion and could just look at him.

"Today my ex-girlfriend appeared in the change room wearing nothing but her bra and knickers."

Hermione felt her head turn and her eyes snap to his, stirring thankfully became automatic from years of practice rather than concentration. Marcus looked worried about her reaction and his mouth opened to continue but Hermione silenced him.

"Do you often have ex-girlfriends propositioning you in change rooms?"

"Considering I only have one real ex-girlfriend who had been living in Italy since the war ended, no."

Hermione sighed, once again turning her head to concentrate. She felt upset and a little sick at the thought of some girl trying to seduce Marcus. With a jolt Hermione realised she was thinking of him as her Marcus, despite having only been an item for a short time, and not even publically. Really this ex-girlfriend didn't know Marcus was taken, only a few people did, so to the female population of the wizarding world he was a free man. Hermione did not like that thought very much at all.

"Did you..." Although deep down Hermione believed he wouldn't have, she couldn't help the horrifying thought that perhaps he had come to break up with her flashed across her mind. Marcus hadn't kissed her when he came in after all.

Marcus issued avehement, "What? Of course not!"which made her feel slightly better, as did the tentative arms that wrapped around her waist while clearly trying not to interrupt her diligent stirring.

"I'm not like Weasley, I would never do that to you. She is nothing but a desperate bint with a cash flow problem."

How strange, she hadn't even thought about Ron and how similar this was to his betrayal.

Marcus continued, "I promise... I," there was a deep pause while Marcus was struggling to find words. "I want you, I want to make us work."

His arms tightened unexpectedly suddenly wrapped around her, warm and comforting as she unconsciously leaned back into his embrace a little more.

"I want that too." Those words were all she could come up with as he kissed her neck briefly before letting her go, thankfully just in time for Hermione to turn with him and walk back to the kitchen counter to prepare the next ingredient. Marcus had returned to his bench stool and was looking at her with a calculating expression.

"How long until you get a break from that thing?" He asked, nodding his head toward the potion.

Glancing at the clock, she answered the question quickly. "Two hours and thirty-two minutes, thirteen hour break to let it simmer before I have to start again, why?"

"Because you and I are going out tonight, we are going public."

Hermione looked up in surprise as he winked before standing and walking toward her living room fireplace. "I will leave you to brew your potion in peace for a bit. I'll be back in three hours, when you and I are going to set the Wizarding world ablaze."

With that her boyfriend flashed one of his most sexy smirks before disappearing into the fire, leaving Hermione with her complicated potion and a surprising amount of anticipation that by tomorrow everyone in the wizarding world would know about her and Marcus. The thought gave her the first true smile since the events of last night.

Friday 1st March 2002, Malfoy Manor, Blaise Zabini POV

Flora Carrow held Blaise's arm in a vice grip ensuring her new engagement ring was facing the front as they walked up a wide hedge framed path toward the large extravagant entrance of Malfoy Manor. His mother trailed directly behind head held high, her trademark stunning smile perfectly in place, ecstatic over having her son finally relent and place a ring upon Flora's finger. Blaise internally winced, he really needed to talk to Draco... and have a stiff drink. Flora turned her small blue eyes on him in excitement, her grip impossibly tightening as they finally faced the assembled Malfoy's to await greeting. She was excited to show off her new ring to her friend and old dorm mate Astoria, although Blaise knew his engagement to Flora would come as a great disappointment to the Greengrasses. Daphne had hoped to ensnare him into matrimony being one of his on-and-off-again shags since Hogwarts. He would have married Daphne, probably have preferred her over Flora, but she had been indiscreet in her lovers, most notably Marcus Flint, Miles Bletchley and Tintius Avery. Her desperate attempts to gain marriage into these Old English families resulted in her reputation suffering. As such Evangeline Zabini refused Blaise's request to ask for Daphne's hand in marriage. Really, one pureblood girl was the same as another in his mind, but at least he knew Daphne wasn't bad in bed. Flora was being a prude, refusing any sexual favours until marriage, much to his mother's approval and his intense displeasure. Considering his mother was well known as being the ultimate whore of upper English Wizarding society Blaise felt she was not one to judge Daphne as harshly as she was. However Blaise was well aware that his inheritance was entirely within his Mother's control. So long as Blaise said and did whatever Evangeline wanted he would have a very nice inheritance... and she wished a marriage between him and the prude extraordinaire.

Squealing was involved, lots of squealing... Evangeline and Narcissa had departed, leaving the boys to deal with the young girls they were to spend their lives with. Blaise was quickly developing a headache and so apparently was Draco.

"Well this is cause for a celebration. Let's go get Goyle and hit a bar. You girls can, start planning... or something and tell our Mothers where we have gone," Draco instructed.

Flora looked a little put out and seemed to want to argue but Astoria, obediently accepted her husband's words and giving Draco a small kiss on the cheek and dragged Flora towards the main staircase. With the girls thankfully gone Blaise escaped with Draco into the privacy and security of his study before they retrieved Goyle and headed for their favourite bar despite it only being late afternoon.

The bar was not too rowdy or loud, more of social gathering spot then a dance club. Round tables and low mystical lighting created a perfect social ambiance for assembled groups to have a good time. Hours and countless drinks later, Blaise, Draco and Goyle were still sitting around a table 'celebrating' when Draco finally brought up Blaise's new status, probably judging Blaise was drunk enough to talk. Knowing how hard Blaise had put off being chained down they had spoken of other things all night.

"So you finally did it! Welcome to the club. I admit your prolonged reluctance was admirable..."

Blaise rolled his eyes in distaste. "Not that I had much choice- Mother threatened the inheritance if I didn't. I don't think she would have gone that far in the end, but she can make life uncomfortable- and I like my comforts."

Draco was nodding his head seriously as he sipped his fire whisky. "Marriage isn't that bad is it, Goyle?" The larger boy looked up from the drink he was eyeing, clearly surprised at being addressed and nodded his head but said nothing causing Draco to roll his eyes before continuing. "I mean Astoria couldn't have an intellectual conversation to save herself. Not sure how she past her O.W.L.S, let alone two N.E.W.T.S. Plus she is a dead weight in the bedroom, she thinks timid is attractive, silly bint. But that's Pansy's job anyway. Now all Astoria needs to do is produce me an heir."

"So you have taken Pansy as an official mistress?" Blaise asked with a small amount of interest; she was a former class mate after all and Blaise knew how angry she had been over Draco's marriage.

Draco smirked, "Not official, Pansy is still hoping for a 'respectable' marriage so wants us kept secret." Blaise scoffed that that idea, everyone knew about that affair as Draco smirked although there was a definite glint annoyance in his eyes.

Blaise chuckled, taking a large gulp from his own drink. "Wait a minute! You get intellectual stimulation from Pansy?"

"She knows the difference between a Flobberworm and a Manticore." Malfoy said failing to produce a second smirk due to drunken giggling at his own joke.

Blaise snorted into this whisky at this before noticing Draco's previously pleasant mood had quickly morphed into one of disbelief. Twisting in his seat Blaise quickly spotted the scene which had disturbed Draco. A few tables over despite the low lighting, Marcus Flint and his friends could be seen having a great time. But it was the girl perched comfortably on Flint's lap that had generated a lot of interest, not only from Blaise's table but other patrons as well. It seemed the entire bar was watching as Hermione Granger sat cuddled to the burly Quiddich Chaser, his hand protectively placed on her hip as she laughed at a joke Tobias Rosier seemed to make and Marcus nestled his head into her neck briefly an amused look on his face. Although they must have been aware of their audience, nether gave any indication or care.

"What the fuck is that about?"

Turning back as the blond spoke, Blaise could only shrug having no idea. If he had to guess he would say Granger and Flint were very well acquainted and with Draco drunk he worried about an incident of some kind. Blaise knew deep down if the blond were being truthful, since fourth year Yule Ball Hermione Granger had been Malfoy's dream fantasy girl. Hell, she was the ultimate forbidden fruit, the contradiction to everything they had been taught with her looks, brains and fiery wit. Blaise knew the war had taken its toll on Draco, who had become rather non-vocal on the issue of blood status. Blaise had not heard him speak the term 'Mudblood' since, and whenever he did hear someone utter the slur a distant yet angry glaze always overtook his grey eyes.

Blaise's worry over confrontation increased as Draco suddenly scowled a look of utter distaste and anger gracing his features. Even Goyle looked toward Draco with confusion, although admittedly Blaise wasn't expecting Draco to hiss the word, "Higgs..." with venom.

Whipping his head back around Blaise realised that although his eyesight was trained toward Flint and Granger, it wasn't them that had Draco pissed off. Draco was scowling at a cocky, swaggering Terrence Higgs who appeared to be headed toward the former Slytherin captain and his friends. Blaise heard Draco quickly knock back his drink, slamming the glass onto the table before standing, inducing both Blaise and Goyle to follow his lead. Blaise was not sure what Draco's issue with Higgs was but with his quick strides and determined face, it was obvious they were about to find out.

Higgs had only just reached Flint's table as the three young men joined the now large group. From the tense postures of those sitting it was obvious the arrival of Higgs was not welcome. Blake Carrow confirmed this with the next words.

"Piss off, Higgs! We are not interested in whatever crap you are talking about."

The man in retaliation sneered at Carrow before focusing his entire attention on Flint and Granger. The former appeared annoyed and ready for a fight, while Granger looked confused but alert waiting to see what the new arrival wanted to say. Higgs intentions were interrupted, however, by a loud and pissed off Draco.

"Higgs, stay the fuck away from Pansy." Swaying slightly the blond pointed a finger at Higgs,whose attention was momentary diverted toward Draco, a smirk on his face.

"Keep your whore, Malfoy. I have found a more suitable wife." At this Higgs once again turned toward Flint before sending look of disgust toward Granger. "My, how the mighty have fallen, how sad, preferring this filth over a beautiful Pureblood like Vivi."

Blaise was unsure who this 'Vivi' was, but noticed Carrow, Rosier and his girl all beginning to verbally express outrage before Marcus silenced them with a raised hand his face holding a cunning look of mirth.

"You're marrying Vivienne Yaxley? Good luck with that, Higgs, when did this get decided?"

Clearly not realising or caring that Flint apeared to be trying to set him up, Higgs smirked his answer. "Tonight. I finally asked her but we have been getting very friendly lately." His tone left no doubt over the nature of 'friendly'.

Marcus smirked, turning toward Hermione who was looking pissed at being blatantly referred to as 'filth', really Blaise was surprised she had yet to retaliate only expressing her feelings with pursed lips. "Vivienne is the ex-girlfriend I told you about earlier," causing Granger face to quickly change to amusement before settling her gaze on Higgs.

"Well, clearly you got yourself a catch there. Are you aware she propositioned Marcus in only her knickers earlier today, before accepting your proposal?"

The others at the table laughed and even Blaise found the situation funny realising the girl they were talking about would have acted such a way. Higgs, however, went red from embarrassment and anger.

"Shut your dirty mouth, Mudblood. No one fucking asked your opinion."

Emmaline Winters gasped in disbelief as Flint, Carrow and Rosier jumped to their feet, Granger being displaced from Flint's knee as the boys faced a lone Higgs who was beginning to look quite alarmed. Although, really Blaise could only think the man was a complete idiot to face those three by himself in the first place. Marcus, who was closest, seemed about to hit Higgs before Granger stopped him by taking his large raised hand into her own small one. Higgs momentarily looked relived as no one had noticed a figure step behind Flint's chair and punch Higgs square in the face. Multiple gasps of shock, including Blaise's, sounded as all heads turned from Higgs crouching on the floor holding a bleeding nose to Gregory Goyle, of all people, standing menacingly over the injured man, after apparently defending Grangers honour. It was Granger who recovered from shock first as she began to laugh, leaning against a puzzled Flint.

"Goyle, you are aware a life debt only needs to be repaid if my life is in danger, right?"

Blaise knew life debts were powerful magic but they couldn't force someone to react against a personal slight. Goyle must have chosen to defend Granger like that by his own free will. Goyle turned his head slightly to stare Granger in the eye.

"You still saved my life when you didn't have to..." Goyle's voice trailed off as he quickly looked away from Granger, clearly uncomfortable with having everyone stare at him.

The resulting awkward silence was broken by two security guards manoeuvring though the crowd that had assembled early into the altercation. Blaise recognised one as the biased Quidditch commentator from back at Hogwarts. Although he tried, Blaise couldn't for the life of him come up with a name, but he noticed the boy still had an impressive head of dreadlocks. It seemed this guy recognised them all as well, the scowl on his face assuring Blaise that they were all about to be kicked out for causing a scene. His eye travelled quickly around starting at a still floor bound Higgs, ending with a surprised expression on Flint and Granger, the former with his arm securely attached around her hip as though in protection.

"Hermione?" The disbelief in the man's tone was clearly evident and Blaise couldn't help but think, join the club since Flint and Grangers current status had yet to be rectified.

"Hey, Lee, sorry for the trouble... umm this person," she nodded her head toward a still moaning Higgs, "interrupted our group and started to insult me so I dealt with him."

It was a blatant lie but probably for the best, the former Gryffindor, had held at school an open dislike for all Slytherins. The man 'Lee' took another look at the oddly gathered group in suspicion before turning once again to Granger.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Blaise noticed Flint stiffen at the clear tone of concern for Grangers wellbeing, but Granger answered with a bright smile.

"Oh yes, you would have met my boyfriend Marcus back at school, right?" Draco choked a bit from his previously silent position next to Blaise, as Hermione took one of Flints hands in her own as 'Lee's' mouth gaped a bit as his eyes flew to Flint.

Flint for his part merely nodded his head with a greeting of "Jordan", causing Blaise to finally remember the boy's full name, Lee Jordan.

"We were just out having a quiet drink when we were rudely interrupted and insulted. I'm sorry to cause trouble." With another bright smile a still astounded Jordan seemed to want nothing more than to get out of the situation.

"Well, if he insulted you Hermione, we will get rid of him. But anymore trouble and you will all have to leave." With this parting threat, Jordan and his silent counterpart lifted the bloodied Higgs from the floor and they moved away from the group toward the door telling everyone that there was nothing to see and go back to their drinks at the same time. Those who remained looked at each other. Flint's friends eyeing Draco, Blaise and Goyle with distrust, and for his part, Blaise had no idea what to say or why they were even still there. Flint and Granger were an item- shocking and good for the gossip potential, but not his business.

"So Flint and Granger- you are seriously together? How the fuck did that happen?"

Oh Merlin, Draco had to go there...

"None of your business, Malfoy," spoke up Marcus.

As Hermione said,"from work."

Another awkward silence descended between everyone before Draco once again spoke.

"I'm not going to lie, it's bizarre. I hope you are ready for the fall out." Taking one last meaningful look at both Granger and Flint, Draco turned to Blaise first then Goyle, "Let's go to the bar, I need another drink." Causing Blaise to turn and automatically follow his friend.

A/N

I am so sorry, promise I haven't disappeared. The delay in update was unacceptable and I'm ashamed of myself. But I'm posting this from our annual snow holiday which due to being pregnant I can't participate in, so my aim with the free time is to get at least another chapter completed soon.

Thank you blue artemis for being my beta and catching the mistakes!

Also thank you to everyone who reviewed! I can't believe my story reached 100 reviews; it still seems unreal and they made me so happy!

This chapter is for the beautiful Cara, who is the first of my family and friends who know about my story to read it. (Other than my husband but he wouldn't if I didn't need him to spell check!) Thank you sweets, your kind words were wonderful, much love xox.