Begin Anew
Breakfast was in full swing the following morning.
Marius, as usual, sat beside Orion who was only nitpicking his food. It wasn’t like he could consume it anyway. He was only there for appearances. Blaise and Theo were a bit late, though, so it was only the two of them in their usual seat when Pansy began to taint their quiet morning with her moodiness. Marius didn’t even know why she did such thing and it wasn’t like he wanted to know anyway. He was busy with his own mental debates. So, when she suddenly realized Marius was playing absentmindedly with his hands and trying a bit too hard to not glance every few second to a certain table, Marius couldn’t decide whether he was happy she finally lifter her mood or not.
There was an annoying smirk on her face now. Well, maybe the moodiness was the lesser of two evils.
“Oh my, Marius. Who caused you such unnatural behavior?”
Marius flinched at that. He hastily brought his hand down as a blush spread across his features. He looked at no one as he replied, Pansy who yawned and Orion who looked at him curiously.
“No one,” he hastily said.
A few footsteps were then heard, signaling the presence of the two late vampires who seated themselves next to Pansy, in front of Orion and Marius.
“Did something interesting happen?” Blaise teased in a lieu of greeting. “Marius looks a bit red.”
Theo gave a small smile as he began to gather up food in his plate. The look he gave Marius was absolutely unbearable.
“Nothing happened,” the human stubbornly stated.
Orion hummed as he placed his fork down on the table then wiped his lips with a napkin before he began to ask. “So, what happened between you and Potter?”
The whole group stopped in their chatter and began to peer their eyes at Marius who looked even redder in the face. It was actually impressive if someone asked. It couldn't be just anything to trigger such reaction from the otherwise formidable human.
Orion’s eyes sharpened at that. It looked like he needed to fully warn Potter to stay away from Marius. He wouldn’t allow his cousin to get hurt when the bastard finally found his mate.
After finally calming his cheeks down to a somewhat healthy shade of red, Marius mumbled, “Nothing.”
Oh, Potter was so going to hear from him, Orion decided.
The vampire then held his cousin’s shoulder, making the younger male stare up at him. “Marius, promise me you won’t cross the line with Potter,” he said firmly.
A blink and two, then a tilt of the head.
Orion internally sighed as he rephrased his sentence. “Promise me you won’t date the git.”
Marius’ body went instantly rigid as shock began to spread up in his eyes. There was also a flash of hurt that Orion could clearly see, but for the sake of Marius himself, Orion had to do this.
The human, on the other hand, could not understand why Orion was doing this to him. He did not even like Harry that way, but still. There was something about Harry that just pulled him in and Marius was curious as to what that connection was. He wanted to know more about it. He felt safe just being by Harry’s side, something that Marius has not felt in a long while.
“Why does it matter to you?” Marius’ voice was icy when he spoke again. It even made the others he did not address shivered simultaneously.
Orion released a sigh he was holding, those silver eyes could slash him any moment but his resolve was also firm. If anyone could hold Marius in a stubborn competition, it had to be him. They were from the same blood after all.
“I don’t want you ending up hurt when he finds his mate,” he said matter of factly.
This time, the surprise was painted all over Marius' face. Of course, the human mentally chided himself. He almost forgot about that. In this world, unlike the Muggle realm, they had mates. How could he not remember something so vital? But well, once again, it wasn’t like he liked Harry that way. Or so he told himself.
Marius then slowly removed Orion’s hands from his shoulders before folding his arms in front of his chest.
“Seriously, though, since when did you become a love expert?”
Blaise and Pansy’s loud giggles then began to fill the space as soon as the question left Marius’ mouth. Even Theo looked like he couldn’t really keep his laughter to himself as Orion’s ears turned bright red.
After a few more teasing to poor Orion, they left the ‘Marius and Harry’ matter alone.
But it seemed like the human’s mind couldn’t really move on from it as the thought of mate began swirling inside and left a stabbing pain in his chest when the truth edged closer to his well-guarded heart. He tried to shrug it off. He almost failed.
…..
Hermione sat in one of the couches of Ravenclaw Common Room as she waited for the High Witch’s arrival. The students who were not a part of the said punishment were sent to breakfast by Professor McGonagall. Cho Chang sat rigidly along with Padma Patil and Marietta Edgecomb beside her.
The flame roared to life and out came Andromeda Black. Her face was as stern as her eyes that darted around the room. All of them stood up in greeting and she dusted off soothe that was surely not on her robes.
“At such dire times, you dare to interrupt me.” Her voice was icy as she spat the words.
The girls bowed their heads except for Hermione who gave her bow of respect. The Headmaster soon entered the Room along with Professor McGonagall. The High Witch sat with all her grace in one of the couches and her eyebrow rose at the direction of Cho Chang and her friends.
“So, care to explain to me what happened here?” She looked toward Hermione and she sat down along with the others as she told her what occurred.
When it was over, the color of the room tuned dark red as if feeling the rage that Andromeda was feeling right now. She turned her sharp eyes at the three Ravenclaws before she stood up and shouted, "Where is the Dark Witch that has tainted you, Cho? Tell me!”
“What?” Cho Chang squeaked out when the words fully registered to her.
“High Witch, if you please, Miss Chang was the one who did the deed yet why are you searching for a Dark Witch?” Minerva began to ask and a glare was then turned to her.
“You have no right to speak, Dark Witch. You must’ve tainted your students to push Cho to do such acts, didn’t you?”
Hermione wanted to protest but she knew doing so would only make the matter worse. Though, this was where she fully saw just how biased their High Witch is.
“I beg your pardon.” Minerva began to stand up at her full height, fully prepared to duel the Light Witch who insulted her own kind along with her.
Andromeda turned her gaze toward the headmaster. “I apologize for my sudden outburst, but it truly seems like this school needs to be purged fully from dark witches, Albus.”
The Headmaster stood up at that. “Hogwarts is created for all, Andromeda. Even if it were you to request it, it cannot happen.”
“Don’t you see? It’s because of those Dark Witches that still linger that taints us Light Witches into doing such things! Cho was merely wanting power and it’s the Dark Witches fault for corrupting her into doing this!”
Cho Chang’s eyes widened at this. She was confused. It was as if the High Witch blamed the Dark Witches about what she had done when she knew it was her own self that made her do the deed.
“NO!”
Every pair of eyes snapped to Cho’s direction as she stood up and the High Witch now began to glare at her.
“The Dark witches did not tempt me into doing anything. It was by my own will that I did what I have done. No one is at fault but me. So please, Headmaster, expel me but please allow Padma and Marietta to stay here at Hogwarts.”
Andromeda was about to retort, to say that she is wrong, but Hermione stood up.
“Please, Headmaster, give them another chance. I was at fault too for not keeping an eye on things,” Hermione pleaded as well.
Cho’s eyes were filled with tears along with Padma and Marietta who looked sorry for what they had done. Hermione did not expect the High Witch to act this way nor Chang. It was unlike her to take the blame.
“Miss Granger, Miss Chang. The deed that has been done is far too great for me to forgive. If I were to allow them, the others might do it again, seeing as they got away unscathed. Forgive me, but I have made up my mind. From now on, Cho Chang is fully expelled from Hogwarts.”
“Thank you, Professor,” Chang replied as she bowed her head, facing her two friends and hugging them both.
“What you are doing is wrong, Albus! Expel a Dark Witch if you please. Get rid of that Professor by your side but not my Light witches from your castle!”
“Andromeda.” The loud booming voice of Albus echoed in the walls of Ravenclaw Tower as silence soon followed.
“I am the Headmaster of this school. Miss Chang has to pay for what she had done to the Dark Witches.”
“But—“
She was once again cut off, but this time by Hermione Granger.
“Please, High Witch, for once in your life open your eyes and see that the Dark Witches are not all that bad and some of us Light witches could also lose our way and commit such acts.”
Andromeda’s lips thinned as she pursed them. Her aura of anger slipping from her form.
“Hermione Granger, soon you will understand that all Dark Witches will always fall to their own path, which is the Darkness. It is you that should wake up from your sweet dreams.” She turned her back at her as she stomped her way to the fireplace. “Cho, come now. I need to fully train you to become High Witch.” She was about to walk away when she saw that Chang didn’t follow her. Andromeda turned her head back to see her standing straight and her eyes filled with defiance.
“No. I, Cho Chang, renounce my right as Heir to the High Witch’s throne of Ravenclaw.” A magical binding contract broke and dissipated into thin air as the mark on her shoulder disappeared.
Andromeda’s eye widened at this. She no longer had any Heirs if she were to renounce Hermione as well. Her eyes turned black full of rage as she proceeded to the fireplace.
“You will regret renouncing your claim, Miss Chang,” she said before she could floo away.
“With this, you and I no longer have to fight for the Crown of High Witch, Hermione.” Chang turned her head at Hermione who looked confused, still struck by what Chang had done.
“Why did you do it?” Hermione’s eyes were sad.
“I don’t deserve it, but you do, Hermione. You could change the world and could have the chance to unite us witches finally. Something no one has accomplished and maybe, just maybe, that will be the key to ending this war.”
Hermione thought hard on what Chang has said.
‘No, you are wrong. The one who pushed me to change was not me, but the human, Marius.’
“This is farewell, Hermione. I hope that the next time we meet, you will be the High Witch.” Cho gave a full-blown smile before she ran up her room, soon followed by Marietta and Padma who gave a nod of thanks to her.
“You do not have to worry, Miss Granger. Whatever path Miss Chang walks on now, I’m sure it will be now one full of light,” Professor McGonagall spoke and Hermione broke in a smile.
‘She is right. We will meet again, Cho.’
Dumbledore’s eyes glinted at this. For the first time, he saw hope sparkled inside the walls of Ravenclaw. He was sure that when Hermione would finally take her place, she would work her way into making sure that Light and Dark could finally exist with each other in harmony.
…..
The grass of the Quidditch field softly danced along the wind as it blew past. Its silence was then interrupted when a loud whoosh was heard in the air. Harry zoomed in as he caught sight of the snitch; he stretched out his hands to catch the evasive gold.
Finally catching up the snitch in his hands, he twirled in the air before tilting his head up in the sky, eyes closed. His panting and the thrumming of wind were all the noise he heard. After that, he decided to settle down on the grass.
He lay there sprawled, his forearm covering his eyes from the brightness of the sun's rays. His breathing evened out and he felt the cool wind and the grass prickle his ears as they swayed. He heard footsteps approaching him. Staying oblivious as possible, he waited for the right moment.
As soon as he felt the intruder's presence close to him, he suddenly leaped up and tackled whoever it was to the ground. He held both of the intruder's hands above his head and used his weight to assure that the intruder was pinned to the ground.
He opened his eyes and saw silver shocked eyes staring up at him. His lips were agape, his cheeks a bit flushed. Harry's green eyes darkened at this, he slowly released the hands and placed his own at the sides of those soft blond locks.
He wanted to know what Marius smelt like. Would he smell of spice? Or of the smell of potions? Or the smell of grass? Or mint? He then stared at Marius’ neck where his scent is strongest. He really wanted to know and curiosity got the best of him. It might be one of the reasons why he felt so drawn to the human enigma.
Then without any warning and seeing that Marius was about to speak, he rested his head on his shoulder and he sought the soft spot of Marius' neck. Snuggling his nose there, taking in his nonexistent scent.
He felt Marius squirm at the gesture, but he did not seem bothered by it. Instead, he seemed to welcome it as he tilted his head to the side, giving Harry more access. He then opened his mouth and the warm breath from his mouth made Marius shiver.
Harry then tested his limits when he placed a soft kiss on Marius' neck. He could feel the fast beating of his heart even without his hearing due to their close contact. He felt himself inwardly smile as he learned he had this much effect on Marius.
Harry then pushed himself back and lied on the grass just beside Marius. Then without permission, he took Marius' hand in his and brought it to his nose. He closed his eyes as he smelt no scent on it.
"Why can't I smell your scent?"
At first, there was silence and when he thought Marius was not going to reply, the human’s voice rang.
"Is that the reason why you mauled me to the ground?" Marius said sarcastically and Harry chuckled at this.
"Maybe." Harry heard Marius sigh at that. He still had not taken back his hand from Harry's hand.
Harry smiled as he placed their hands just above his heart. He wanted this—for whatever insane reason, he wanted this.
"Or maybe I just want to lay my claim on you."
Marius' head snapped to face him, eyes wide and full of shock.
"What game are you playing at Harry?" his voice was unsure with a mixture of things Harry could not place.
"What do you mean?" Harry adjusted himself to the side in order to face Marius. Harry noted that whenever Marius was thinking, his eyes would wander and he would bite his lower lip. Then those silver eyes met his green ones and Harry could not think of any better moment than this. He could stare and get lost within those pools of silver forever.
"Is it because of Orion?"
Harry grunted and before Marius could say any more, Harry blurted out. "I'm sorry."
Marius' eyebrow rose at this, then he remembered their argument and he released a tired sigh.
"Ab—“
Harry silenced him by covering Marius' lips with his free hand.
"No, I was wrong." Harry sighed and closed his eyes before opening them and continuing. "Because of some unknown reason, Lestrange seemed much more tamed than before. And that you are right, about all your lectures. We may not be able to change our past, so why not make the change we need in the future here in the present?"
Marius' eyes widened. His silver eyes glistening with something that Harry could not identify. The werewolf felt his face began to heat up, so he opted to look away. His eyes only returned to Marius when he heard a chuckle from the blond.
Marius smiled at him, his eyes crinkling with amusement. He suddenly placed his hand on Harry's cheek.
"It seems like I must be rubbing off on you, Avada." His voice was teasing and Harry knew he was already forgiven.
"Don't call me Avada."
Marius' smile lit up a fire within Harry that he could not understand. He felt like he was lighter than air and his stomach constricted with giddiness. He was broken out of his thoughts when a chuckle was again heard from Marius.
'God, I could listen to that every living moment of my life.'
"Ah, I really am rubbing off on you, aren't I, Harry?"
The way Marius said his name made his wolf purr in delight. It looked like he wasn't the only one enamored by Marius. He leaned closer but before he could attempt to claim those plump lips, Marius suddenly sat up. He began to rub his eyes showing his sleepiness.
"What, didn't sleep well?"
Marius nodded his head and Harry felt a bit hurt by it. The human still had not told him why he was crying that night. He frowned at that but when Marius looked down at him with a dazzling smile, he pushed off his uneasiness away.
"You could use me as a pillow.” Harry gestured to himself.
"Yeah I could use you as a pillow and I won't need a blanket because your warmth is sufficient, but honestly you're sweaty."
Harry chuckled. Releasing Marius' hand, he stood up. He could feel those gray eyes watching him. He grinned widely then turned towards Marius, offering his hand.
"I will see you at the Astronomy Tower?"
Marius gave him a knowing smile as he took Harry’s hand to stand up from his previous position. "Sure. Besides we have a lot to talk about."
Harry raised his eyebrow at this.
"I have things I need to tell you and I want to ask a favor from you."
Harry smiled widely. "Gladly, Marius.”
After that, they went separate ways but before Marius' figure was gone, Harry watched him with eyes of longing. When Marius was no longer to be seen, he headed to the shower room with a smile on his lips.
Beneath an alcove overseeing the Quidditch field, a shadow loomed over. Hidden behind a disillusionment charm, a watchful eye gazed upon them. Hanging on her neck disillusioned to be a normal necklace was a vial. She clutched it tightly making her hand bleed as the crescent patterns of her nails dug to her palm. She closed her eyes. Thinking of what she had to do only brought her sorrow. She had no choice but to follow her Master’s orders, lest her Father would die.
….
“I commend your stamina for being able to reach the top of this tower,” Harry teased Marius as he reached the top of the Astronomy Tower with no sweat at all. He was not even panting.
Harry watched as the platinum hair were blown back and realized that Marius loved staring at the distance, especially at the top of this tower. Harry smiled at himself. That was the Marius that only he knew and he felt a bit giddy just knowing that.
“The scenery is worth it despite the hardship of climbing the long staircase of this tower.” Marius faced Harry with a faint smile on his lips as he tucked strands of his hair behind his ear.
“Yes, it truly is beautiful,” Harry voiced out even though his eyes never once strayed away from Marius. No one of them wanted to break the trance that they were in. But then, something screamed at the back of Marius’ head reminding him of the reason why he was there to speak with Harry in the first place. He opted to look away once again.
Harry saw that and realized that it must have been so awkward. He scratched the back of his neck due to his nervousness then he began to say. “So what do you want to ask?”
Marius' eyes snapped back to meet his and they were now different than the one Harry saw a while ago. Those silver eyes turned more steel-like and serious.
“Can I have your word that whatever it is that I ask and tell you stays between us only?” Harry’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion but he nodded his head.
“Say it.” Marius’ voice was soft and Harry thought that the issue might be concerning Draco Black.
“You have my word, Marius.” He was rewarded by a rare smile from Marius in return.
“Orion was given a mission by the Dark Lord.”
Harry’s blood turned cold, he never knew that the vampire was marked already; he merely noticed his sudden change in character.
“What?”
Marius held up his hand to stop Harry’s tirade of questions and allow him to continue. The werewolf seemed reluctant but he allowed Marius to do so.
“He had no choice in the matter knowing who his father is. His mission is to kill the Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.”
Harry's knuckles were now turning white, though what he could not understand was why Marius was telling him off all these things but still he was thankful. He could stop Lestrange. Before Harry knew it, he was now walking to go down the tower but one thing stopped him, his wrist was held by a cold hand.
“Sorry, I unconsciously—” Harry said and Marius shook his head in understanding.
“It’s okay. Harry, what I ask of you is to help us find an object.” Harry was confused once again but Marius continued, “Ravenclaw’s Chamber. It contains a grimoire inside. It has a potion that can induce a fake death that will allow Orion succeed in his mission and will also help Headmaster Dumbledore to live.”
“What?” Harry furrowed his eyebrows. “You’re asking me to help Lestrange succeed in his mission?”
“Yes. Listen to me, Harry.” Marius could see that Harry is about to reject his offer but he had to convince Harry. He had to. “Even if Orion were to fail, do you think that the Dark Lord’s followers will just let this go? No. You and I both know that they won’t stop, not until he is dead because he is one of the pillars that seals their master. They will do whatever it takes to kill him next time and at that next time, they will assure that he is truly dead.” He held Harry’s arms as he looked him straight in the eye. There weren’t any lies in what he had just uttered and he could see the wheels in Harry’s head whirring. "This time, through Orion, we could stop the Headmaster from dying, permanently, and save two lives.”
“I can’t just trust your word about Lestrange, Marius. Despite me seeing that he has changed, it still does not erase the past that I have with him.”
“Then, will you do it in exchange for having a conversation with Draco Black?”
Marius was already laying all his cards on the table.
“You would betray your friend just for Lestrange?”
“No. It is not betrayal, Draco asked me to help Orion.” Another lie.
“Why?” Harry’s mind was in a dilemma. He was asking himself what is the connection of Lestrange and Black.
“Because they are cousins, Orion’s Mother is Bellatrix.” Marius did not expect to let that information be free but it seemed that Harry is as stubborn as they say that he had to use all of his arsenals just to convince him.
“Then that just makes him more of my enemy, Marius! That witch was the one who destroyed countless lives, Marius, and you are asking me to trust Orion.”
“Yes,” Marius replied back easily then his eyes met green once again. “Listen to me, Harry. If this plan works, no one has to die. Do you think this was easy for Orion? Hell, Harry, he gave up everything just to do this.”
“Then why did he take the mark in the first place?”
“He had no choice Harry, his life is in danger.”
“So he is just being selfish and saving his own arse, huh?”
“His mate’s life is also in danger. If he does not do this, his mate will be killed.”
“I can’t just trust Orion.”
"Then trust me. I swear to you, Harry. Draco Black will give you the protection your land needs.”
“Why? Why is it that you care about Orion so much?”
“He reminds me of you.”
“Of me?” Marius nodded and gave a faint smile and Harry’s doubt seems to waste away. Then Marius explained. “Both of you are trapped. Him by his family and you by fate. But unlike you, he never had the support he needed. You have your family, your pack, your friends and your allies with you and where does that leave him? He is alone and lost Harry, and I for one know what that feeling is. Don’t you think that it is better to have more allies than enemies? He is about to take a huge leap of faith. Harry, please, don’t let him fall. I at least want to give him a choice. I want to help him, Harry.”
Harry’s eyes widened at that. Seeing the way Marius looked as he spoke about Orion, made him felt like a splinter had just grown and stabbed him somewhere.
“You love him, don’t you?”
“Like one would love a brother.”
Harry couldn't help but feel a relief in his heart that he could not comprehend.
“Then, yes.”
Marius’ eyes sparkled and unconsciously, he hugged Harry which made them topple to the ground. Harry released a grunt when his back hitting the brick floor but it was worth it. He returned the hug as he heard a dozen ‘thank you’s’ from Marius. He just hoped that he made the right choice, but the way those silver eyes met his, he knew he did. Marius would never betray him.