I do not own any Harry Potter Characters.
Chapter 9:
Appearing in a large loft, with huge windows looking down on the streets of London. She surveyed the space, lofty ceilings, exposed pipes, ceiling beams and a massive bed that hadn't been bothered to be made, along with a brick fireplace adorned with books and trinkets.
"Are you hurt?" He asked concerned, scanning her body for injuries.
"No" she shook her head tightly. "Did you know that was going to happen?"
Marcus sighed, untangling his body from hers, he moved away sitting on the edge of his bed. "Yes, I was supposed to start a fire on the east side of the camping lot."
"Won't they notice that you didn't do it?" she asked concerned.
"No, I asked Terrence to cover for me" Feeling relieved she sat next to him on the edge of the bed, his fingers clasped hers. She remembered these calluses, along with the strength and size of his hands.
"Katie, all these months I'm so sorry I wasn't there when your grandma..." He paused not sure if he should finish that sentence. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you" Marcus seemed to be counting her eyelashes.
"Marcus, it's okay" She murmured in understanding. His breath was hot on her neck as his head bent toward her, leaning his cheek against hers.
"I love you, so much Katie Bell." He said gently, his gaze darting between her mouth and her eyes. He pushed his powerful body against hers, bracing one hand beside her head, his fingers twining in her hair, his mouth met her neck sucking softly and purposefully.
She made a noise that might have been a moan, or a word, or his name. "Can you stay over tonight" he asked roughly. "I want to take my time with you." He added as he leaned further down, brushing his mouth over the base of her throat.
She ground her teeth at the effect his voice had on her, like someone dragging and invisible finger down her spine. Katie met Marcus's stare and said undoubtedly. "Yes of course."
Marcus mouth parted slightly; his breathing turned shallow. She dragged her hands down his powerful, muscled back, and that was all the permission he needed. His lips crashed into hers, only pulling away to whisper words that made her heart melt "You're so beautiful" They both clumsily started undressing each other, soon their bodies were tangled as they rolled on his bed. "I love you so much." Katie felt like her very core was enveloped in flames.
She awoke as dawn poured into the room, Marcus still held her to him, just as he had all night. Pressing her nose alongside his neck, she inhaled his intoxicating scent. He moved, just enough that she knew he'd wakened. His hands began moving, entwining into her hair. "How did you sleep beautiful?"
Upon arriving to her dad's house, she waited for any signs that he was home. Satisfied by the silence she headed to the bathroom. Soon enough she was in the warm shower, with the water thumping on her back. Realizing it didn't take a lot to make her happy, one night with Marcus was all she had needed.
Katie was surprised to hear a tapping noise, glancing over she noticed Angelina's owl staring at her through the kitchen window. She thanked the owl and grabbed the letter carefully.
Katie,
I know our relationship hasn't been on the best terms lately. As you know Alicia's birthday is coming up, it's going to be a surprise party and I really hope you can make it. Maybe, we could let bygones be bygones for at least one night? Going to meet at the Leaky Cauldron around 6pm this Friday, hope to see you there.
Love you,
Angelina
Katie felt torn, not wanting to see Angelina but also wanting to support Alicia. If she was going to go, then she needed backup, or at the very least a buffer. By the time Friday rolled around, Katie found herself standing in front of the Leaky Cauldron, Evelyn at her side. "Thanks again for coming." Katie murmured.
"That's what friends are for." Evelyn said putting a hand on Katie's shoulder.
Walking inside, Katie couldn't help but notice that most of the crowd were students she recognized from Hogwarts, mostly Gryffindor. Soon enough a sharp whisper caught everyone's attention. "She's coming!" When the door swung open everyone in the bar cheered loudly in unison. "Surprise!"
Alicia made her rounds greeting everyone, until she stood in front of Katie and Evelyn. "I've missed you" Alicia said wrapping her arms around Katie into a tight hug. "Who's your friend?" She questioned when they pulled apart.
"I'm Evelyn, Katie's best friend." Evelyn stated. Alicia caught off guard flicked her eyes to Katie. Almost waiting to see if she would confirm it.
"We go way back, since my second year at Ilvermorny" Katie explained carefully, not wanting anyone's toes to get stepped on.
"Oh, that's lovely! Are you from America as well?" Alicia asked cheerfully.
Later in the night while Evelyn was using the bathroom Katie chatted with Alicia. She had just finished telling Alicia about how her reunion had gone with Marcus, not going into all the intimate details. When her friend gritted her teeth, and clenched her fingers closed, she wasn't sure what to make of it. Katie could feel an electricity crackling in the air.
"It's crazy to me that you still haven't moved on from him." Hurt flashed across Katie's face. "Don't you have any respect for yourself?" Alicia hissed.
Katie felt a soft tug on her shoulder, Evelyn putting herself between them. "Katie let's get out of here, it's starting to smell like trash." Evelyn retorted glaring daggers at Alicia.
The beginning of the school year seemed to fly by, and Katie focused all her free time on Quidditch, along with attending Harry's DA classes. Avoiding Alicia and Angelina at all costs.
A rumor had started at the beginning of the year, claiming Katie was a death eater, and that it ran in her family. Which in turn caused Harry to be hesitant to trust Katie, it didn't help that the whole school already knew about her relationship with the graduated Slytherin.
Right before the first trip to Hogsmeade, Harry and Hermione had a mission for Katie. Harry explained that he needed an envelope to be delivered by hand to the waitress at the Leaky Cauldron.
When Katie arrived at Hogsmeade she headed straight for the Leaky Cauldron, sitting in a booth by the back she patiently waited. The front door opened, and Katie caught a glimpse of brown hair and a dazzling smile, and she moved. Within seconds she slammed into a broad, muscled chest. "Hey gorgeous."
The pronounced, muscled shoulders and powerful frame; the knowing smile; even his handsome face had her struggling to speak. "I've missed you." She began. He kissed her softly, before they both sat down across from each other.
When it came time to pay the bill Katie snatched the check book from the table before Marcus, adding the money and discreetly adding the envelope as well, leaving it closed on the table.
"I could have paid for it" Marcus scolded her.
"You can get it next time" She reassured him, heading out together. Before they parted his lips were hot and gentle against her, almost hesitant and after a moment, he pulled back, looking to her eyes. She coiled her arms around his neck, his mouth meeting hers in a second kiss that knocked the world out from under her.
It was difficult only seeing him once or twice a month. His training schedule was getting more demanding, but when they finally did see each other, Katie would immediately feel at ease.
It was the last Hogsmeade trip before Christmas break, and Katie couldn't help but feel excited. Not only did she get to see Marcus today, but she would be spending Christmas with him. Katie shivered as she puffed air into her cupped hands. Striding through the snow and ice she made her way through the snow-swept town to find Marcus. His face was unreadable, and it didn't brighten up like it usually did when he saw her. "Are you okay?" She questioned walking up to him.
"We need to talk." He said gruffly leading her away from the village and towards the shrieking shack. When they were safely out of ear shot, he turned to her.
Katie reached out for him, and he quickly backed up a step, shoving his hands in his pockets. "What's wrong?" She questioned her voice shaking.
"This isn't going to work" he said curtly, he eyes rose to her face, his face unreadable.
She took a breath as he fell silent, mastering the disappointment and the shock. "That's it? No explanation?"
A flicker of shame crossed his green eyes "I'm too busy with Quidditch." He still made no move to touch her.
Doing her best to fight past the tightness in her chest. "Oh this a shit excuse and you know it."
His eyes flared, and he swore softly. Looking around to see if anyone was near to hear his next words. "They know you are helping out the Order, I'm no longer allowed to see you, or I risk being marked a blood traitor." Katie was shocked, how did they know? Another long silence, then he let out a sigh. "Come on Katie, you sent a message to The Order when you were having lunch with a Death Eater." He whispered fiercly.
Katie stiffened, the tears began to roll down her face, her mouth became a thin wobbling line. "I didn't know, I'm sorry. I'll stop" She tried to apologize.
"What's done is done" He said flatly, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Please, I won't help them anymore" He remained silent, refusing to make eye contact. Katie chewed on the inside of her cheek. "I love you, Marcus."
Marcus studied her closely, warily. "Katie, it doesn't matter, it's over." The words slammed into her like a barrage of arrows.
Katie turned away from the man she loved and marched briskly back to the carriages. Accidentally running into Malfoy, she swiftly apologized and began strolling away. "Hey Bell, wait a second."
Marcus had stood there for a while, grinding his teeth doing his best not to regret wanting to keep her safe.
"Help, someone help!" He heard a girl scream, it wasn't Katie's voice. That had to be a good sign, right? She couldn't have already gotten herself in trouble, right?
"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love." ― Albus Dumbledore