Hermione Granger was very tired. Monday was her busiest day of the week. She had made a standing agreement with all of her friends that no one was to bother her on Mondays, due to the sheer amount of work she had to do. She had spent all morning in double herbology getting her new robes covered in mud and tending to her singing nettles and then had ancient runes and arithmancy before lunch. She hadn’t even gotten a chance to eat lunch due to Professor Babbling running on a bit and had to ask one of the Hogwarts elves to please bring her a sandwich so she could eat quickly on her way to transfiguration. After that was potions, charms and finally care of magical creatures. By the time Hermione had managed to have a bit of supper and made her way to the weekly perfect meeting, she was beat. She practically fell into her chair and took a moment to rest her eyes. Luckily since dropping divination in third year, she now had most Tuesday mornings free and she could sleep in a bit and then do some fun reading before her courses tomorrow. Just one more hour, and she could get some much needed rest. Hermione felt someone sit down next to her, and opened her eyes. She looked up to see Heir Marcus Flint. She smiled shyly at him, not quite meeting his rather intense gaze.
Marcus Flint was another prefect in his seventh year. Tall and broad, it was rumoured that he was being scouted by Puddlemere United as a beater. Which wasn’t surprising, given the brutal way he played quidditch. The fact that Hermione had a rather large crush on the older boy added to her nervousness as she nervously played with the hem of her skirt. Heir Flint’s eyes followed the movement. They often sat together during prefect meetings and had spent that last month getting to know each other when they were partnered for weekly patrol. She found that she was often flustered around him, but they always had a good time together. He had even offered his first name to her recently, which she had happily returned. Hermione took a moment to study Marcus. He was not a conventionally handsome man, but he had a powerful look to him due to his size. Marcus was tall and wide, with giant calloused hands. He had a strong jaw, thick dark curls, and dark hazel eyes. Although most people saw him as the terrifying captain of the Slytherin team, Marcus was different once you had gotten to know him. He was hardworking, stubborn, protective, and possessed a very sharp wit. He had an amazing talent for elemental magic and was kind to the younger students. Hermione was smitten with him.
“Hello Marcus. How was your day?” Hermione asked, smiling warmly at him. Marcus gave her a small smile in return, his eyes still lingering on the hem of her skirt. Hermione followed his gaze, and quickly fixed her hem. Marcus smirked.
“Evenin’ Hermione. It was fine, better now. Yours?” Hermoine felt her cheeks heat up a little at hearing Marcus say her first name. That would take some getting used too.
“Busy but better now as well. Do you know who’s leading the meeting today? I forgot to write it down last week.” Marcus smirked at her again.
“Perfect Prefect Granger forgot something? I’m disappointed and shocked. My illusion of you is shattered beyond belief.” Marcus’ smirk only grew wider at the death glare she sent his way.
“Yes, well, I’m afraid after spending the last month picking up your slack, I’ve been a bit behind my usual level of perfection.” Marcus let out a deep, husky chuckle. Hermione felt a smile start to form on her lips but did her best to hide it. She loved that Marcus wasn’t intimidated by her snark. A lot of her other friends didn’t understand her blossoming friendship with Marcus. Ron practically threw a temper tantrum when he found out she’d given Marcus permission to call her by her first name. While she loved her other friends, she found that as time went on she was growing away from them. Harry, Ron, and Ginny all treated Hermione like an older sister rather than a close friend, always needing her to help with something. Well, at least Ron used to treat her that way. Lately, he treated her like some combination of a human cheat sheet/constant annoyance. She found that she was growing closer to friends like Marcus, Luna, Neville, and Hannah. The comfort and kindness that they showed her were like a balm to her soul after all of the fighting with Ron, and it was nice to spend time with people who understood her need for peace and quiet or at the very least, never judged her for it.
She enjoyed taking care of others and normally she loved her role as big sister to the group, but it was starting to get tiring. Luna, Neville, and Hannah were in her Sunday study group and she found herself spending more and more time with them outside of it. She had come to treasure her friendship with them. As for her relationship with Marcus…… Marcus was different from everyone. He loaned her his scarf when she got cold, sat with her at the library so no one would bother her, and remembered to bring her favourite snacks when they patrolled together. While he was fairly quiet in prefect meetings, he would often goad her into passing notes with him, so they could mock the ever boring head boy Heir Percy Weasley. It never failed to cheer her up, making the usually dreary meeting a little more fun. He had a wicked sense of humour, and was a fantastic listener. It was nice to allow someone else to take care of her for a change.
Marcus nodded his head in the direction of Heir Ernest Macmillan, who was across the room talking at Heiresses Cho Chang and Marietta Edgecombe. Neither girl looked very impressed. “It’s going to be Macmillan again. So be prepared for this meeting to go way over time while we all slip into comas.” Marcus winked at her and Hermione giggled before she could stop herself.
“What do you think he’s going on about over there?” Hermione asked as the rest of the prefects filled the meeting room. “Poor Chang and Edgecombe look like they’re about to chew their own arms off to escape.” Before Marcus could answer her, Macmillan walked up to the front of the room.
“Now that it looks as though everyone is here, I suppose that we should begin. Welcome everyone! I should first thank our illustrious head boy Heir Weasley for recognizing that I would be the best person to lead our meeting this week.” Heir Macmillan gave a small bow to Heir Weasley who returned it with a pompous smile. “Why, I remember when I was just a first year and Heir Wealsey had…….”
Everyone except Heir Wealsey started immediately tuning out Macmillan. Those two were quite a pair, both far too pompous to be considered enjoyable company for anyone except each other. Hermione rolled her eyes and pulled her potions textbook out from her bag. She would just check the meeting notes after this was over for any relevant information. After how tiring her day had been, she had no desire to force herself to listen to this.
Hermione felt Marcus lightly elbow her. She smiled and looked up. Marcus had already opened his notebook and had drawn a little cartoon of Macmillan talking, with the entire room of perfects asleep around him. Hermione stifled her laugh with the edge of her robe. She took her quill and started to write back.
(Hermione’s writing is in italics, Marcus’ is in bold)
He does tend to drone on quite a bit, doesn’t he?
That’s an understatement. I bet I could cast a lumos in front of his face, and he wouldn’t even notice. How was your day really, you look tired. Did everything go ok with your singing nettles?
I don’t take bets I know I’d lose. Everything went well! It was just a really long day. I can’t wait to be back in my dorm and get some rest. If I’m not careful, I’m going to end up like all the people in your drawing, snoring away.
Don’t worry Hermione, I’m sure I could find a way to keep you entertained. At the very least, I could do better than Macmillan. How did your meeting with McGonagall go last week? Did you finish writing the apprenticeship contract?
Hermione looked up at Macmillan. Sure enough, everyone was completely tuned out. All the other prefects (except, of course, Heir Weasley) were either talking to each other, or quietly reading. There were at least three people who were completely asleep, including their head girl. Not that Macmillan noticed. Hermione caught Marcus’ eye and did a very exaggerated yawn. Marcus snorted. Hermione went back to writing her note.
That’s a rather low bar to set for yourself, Marcus. The meeting went perfectly. We ironed out every detail, and I start my transfiguration apprenticeship next term! That does mean I’ll be sitting my N.E.W.T.S in this year instead of next but I’ve already got a study schedule ready so I feel I can do it. Would you like to study with me? I know this is your N.E.W.T.S year as well. It will be a little odd to call Professor McGonagall “Master Minerva” instead, but I’ll get used to it. This does mean in just a few years, I’ll be Transfiguration Mistress Hermione Granger. Doesn’t that sound amazing?!
‘Transfiguration Mistress Hermione Flint would sound better’ Marcus thought to himself. He took a moment to study his companion. Hermione was lovely, with her flowing waterfall of chocolate covered curls and her whiskey and honey eyes. While her beauty was definitely a boon, that wasn’t what made him so interested in her. She was smart as a whip and she was strong. She was also hiding a wondrous amount of snark under her “golden girl” image. She was kind to the younger students, and she was always willing to help those around her. Though they hadn’t originally interacted much outside of prefect business, he had always wanted a shot to get to know her. It had cost him a pretty penny to bribe the head girl into partnering them for patrol for this month but it was worth it. He had a feeling that she would be his soulmark, but he had to be sure. He sighed. He wanted it to be her. He picked up his quill again.
Only if you agree to a bet to see who scores higher in CoMC. It’s the only subject I have a shot of beating you in. By the way, did you hear about Abbot and Bones?
I can’t help that animals like you more! Like I said earlier, I don’t take bets I know I’d lose. Do you mean them matching? Yes, I heard yesterday. I’m close with Hannah. She was gushing about Susan the entire time. I’m happy for them, they’re both lovely people. I expect they’ll both come back for their seventh year as the Ladies’ Bones. Hannah always wanted a summer bonding.
Hermione's hand went to the black soulmark on her right forearm. When she had hit her eleventh birthday, the alchemical symbol for fire had appeared overnight and she’d been obsessed with it ever since. She had heard that when you found your other half, your soul-mark would get more details. She had often wondered what other decorations would appear on her arm. While not many knew it, Hermione was a bit of a romantic. She had often imagined the moment when her soulmate touched the mark for the first time, how the mark would change to a deep gold and. When she was younger, she simply pictured generically handsome wizards, but lately she had been picturing deep set hazel eyes and a crooked smirk. While many students now simply let whoever they were dating at the time touch their marks, Hermione had wanted to follow the older tradition of waiting till her coming of age before trying to find her soulmate. Minerva had done it, and Hermione would too. But she hoped it was Marcus. She wanted it to be him. She felt Marcus elbow her again. She looked at their paper.
Why, Hermione, I never pegged you for a coward! Don’t you want to at least hear the terms first? I would be impressed if they made it to the summer, with how mushy those two are. Are you still waiting till after your birthday before trying to find your match? Or are you just going to spend all night entranced by Macmillans riveting hunting story?
Is that what he’s going on about? I was just daydreaming about casting a langlock spell on him and putting us all out of our misery. Also, I know what you’re doing. Unfortunately, it’s working. I will take your bet, and I will kick your sorry arse. I’m still waiting. I wanted to do the tradition for Professor McGonagall. She adores all of the old courtship traditions, and I want to do this one to honour her. It’s only a few more days till my seventeenth, then I can go to Gringotts and get the Amare test done if I really want.
Please, I don’t know how much more of his dronning on I can take. Of course it worked, I’m brilliant. My terms are simple. If you win, I’ll bring you a whole tin of those cinnamon cookies you love. If I win, you have to let me give you one flying lesson. I promise we won’t go above ten feet. I understand, I know how much she means to you. Speaking of Saturday, any big birthday plans?
You mean your grandmother’s recipe?! Marcus Flint, I accept your terms. Prepare to be crushed. My friends are taking me to Hogsmeade in the morning and then we're going on a picnic. We’ll be spending the whole evening by the lake together as well! Would you like to join us? I was planning on asking you this week anyways. It’s nothing fancy but Hannah is baking a cake and she’s got a wonderful talent for it. I’d love for you to be there!
The only thing I need to prepare for is you trying to back out when you’ve lost. I’m determined to get you on my broom before the year is out. You sure your other friends wouldn’t mind? I doubt Potter and the Weasleys will be too happy to see me.
Hermione felt a hot flush creeping up her cheeks. He wanted her on his…. Broom? He definitely didn’t mean that the way it sounded. Merlin and Morgana, she needed to get her mind out of the gutter.
Marcus watched as the pink flush travelled its way up Hermione’s neck and cheeks. Good, he was worried she wouldn’t pick up on it. He decided that he was going to push this a little tonight. He wanted her to at least be aware of his interest, and he knew not to go too far. Besides, how could he resist? She was so cute when she got flustered.
I don’t back down from a challenge Marcus. You better have those cookies ready for me when you lose! It’s just Hannah, Neville, and Luna coming. The other three haven’t even mentioned my birthday. If I’m being honest, I’m starting to worry that they may have forgotten. Is it wrong that I’m not reminding them this year? I’m just a little sick of always having to remember everything for them. As for the others, they’d love to meet you. They’ve heard all about you anyways. Luna says that you are wrackspurt free, so you’re allowed to join us.
Gods above, he hated her other friends. Potter and the Weasleys were terrible to Hermione. She acted more like their nanny than their friend. He hated the way all three took advantage of her caring nature and her need for order so they could be lazy. He was careful not to try and push her from them (it wasn’t his place), but he was proud that she was seeking out others who treated her with more kindness. If they forgot her birthday this year, he was paying those twins to prank them until her next birthday. Wait…. Lovegood, Longbottom, and Abbot had heard all about him. She was talking about him! Marcus felt hope bloom in his chest.
We’ll see. You shouldn’t have to remind them of something as important as your seventeenth. Merlin’s saggy balls, we’ve been friends less than six months and I remembered! I think it’s the least you should be able to expect from your friends. All the same, I’m sure they’ll remember. Who could forget someone like you? As for the others, I’m excited to meet them. Now, what exactly have you been saying about me Hermione? Should I be worried? Tell Luna I said thank you. It’ll be nice to give you your present in person.
Hermione felt her blush creep up her cheeks again. Marcus was always being so sweet to her. She blinked as she read the last part of the note. He got her a present? Hermione felt her curiosity go into overdrive. What did he get? Was it expensive? Oh merlin, she hoped he didn’t waste too much of his money on her.
Thank you for remembering, it means a lot to me. I only told them that you’re a wonderful person and I like spending time with you. I can be nice when it’s earned. I’ll pass the thanks along to Luna, she’ll appreciate it. You didn’t have to buy me anything, Marcus. I’m happy enough with just your company.
Marcus felt like he had just won the house cup and the quidditch cup in one go. She thought he was wonderful. Marcus felt his magic react as he read what she had written, like it was purring happily at her admission.
I’m very glad that I earned it then. I know I didn’t have to buy something, but I wanted to. Spoiled rich pureblood, remember? What good is gold if I can’t spend it on good people? As wonderful as my company is, you still deserve something nice. All you have to do is smile and say thank you.
Fine. Thank you, Marcus.
You’re welcome love.
Hermione felt a blush overtake her face. He called her love. Oh merlin. She started to write out a response, when she heard someone call her name. She looked up, startled, and saw that it was Macmillan. Heir Weasley looked at her expectantly. People had already started shuffling out of the room. The head girl had already left, meaning that the meeting had ended and she didn’t even notice! Oh no, she’d missed something.
“How about it, Miss Granger?” said Macmillan.
Hermione looked at Marcus in a panic. She hadn’t been paying attention, far more focused on Marcus calling her love. Marcus gave a subtle shrug, but he had a slight smirk that let her know that he knew what was going on. Git. Hermione glared at him before turning back to Macmillan. She could handle this.
“Ummm yes, that’ll be fine.”
“Wonderful! Thank you. I’m sure Heir Flint will be happy to have you along. I’m afraid Heir Weasley and I have incredibly vital business to attend too. It’s always important for people to recognize when they are needed, as I always say. Now of course it would be remiss of me not to use my time wisely, so would you care for an escort back to your dorm, Heiress Chang, Heiress Edgecombe?”
Hermione winced. She caught Chang’s eye and mouthed sorry. Chang waved her off with a small smile.
“Apologies Heir Macmillan but my bethroated Heir Diggory will be picking myself and Heiress Edgecombe up shortly. You and Heir Weasley are welcome to join us for the walk back if you’d like.” Macmillan paled slightly and then tried to recover.
“That is quite alright, as I said we have important business. Excuse me.” Macmillan all but ran out of the room, Heir Weasley scrambling behind him. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. She would have hated to get anyone trapped with Macmillan.
Hermione stretched and stood up from her chair. Marcus waited patiently next to her.
“I don’t suppose you can tell me what I agreed to now?”
“You’ll be taking Macmillan’s patrol tonight. I already agreed to cover for Heir Pucey, so you’ll be with me. Remind me to thank you, I would have thrown him in the Great Lake within an hour.”
“I will take your thanks in the form of cinnamon cookies. Would you mind terribly if we stopped at Gryffindor tower first? I want to grab my scarf, it’s colder than I thought”
Marcus let out a deep laugh and held out his arm to her. Hermione smiled and took it. The walk back to Gryffindor tower was filled with a peaceful silence. The castle was mostly empty this time of night, and even though Hermione was tired, she was glad for some extra time with Marcus. Marcus was still focused on Hermione saying he was wonderful. They stopped outside the portrait of the fat lady.
“I’ll wait here for you Hermione.” Hermione smiled at Marcus and nodded before whispering the password to the fat lady and slipping inside the common room. Most people were already gone up to their dorms, the only people in the common room were Ron, Harry, Ginny, and Lavender. Harry and Ginny waved at Hermione and beconked her over. Ron was too busy clumsily flirting with Lavender to acknowledge her.
“‘Mione! We haven’t seen you all day! How has everything been?” Ginny asked, smiling. Hermione smiled back tightly. Of course Ginny had forgotten the agreement she had made with them about Mondays. It was fine, everyone forgets things sometimes. It was fine.
“Hey Ginny, it was busy but I’ll be alright. I’m just popping back to grab my scarf, I have patrol tonight and I don't want to keep Marcus waiting too long. I’ll stop and chat if you guys are still up after we’ve finished.” Hemione waved goodbye to them, politely and turned to go towards her dorm.
Ron muttered something under his breath. Hermione stopped and turned back, frowning.
“What was that Ron? I couldn’t quite hear you. If you have something to say to me, please speak up.” Hermione looked at Ron sternly.
Ron fixed Hermione with a dark glare. It did little to intimidate her, she was far too used to seeing it these days. Harry, Ginny, and Lavender looked nervously between the two.
“I said, no, we wouldn't want to keep precious Marcus waiting. Do you really have partol or do you just want more excuses to hang out with that slimy snake?”
“Ron, maybe this could wait…..” Harry said, trying to pacify his best friend. Ron turned his glare towards Harry, who promptly shut his mouth.
“No. If she wants to waste her time with one of those snobby inbred pureblood bastards, I want her to at least have the decency to admit it.” Ron yelled, continuing his glaring at Hermione. The others all found interesting places on the rug to stare at.
Hermione felt her blood boil. Ron had been treating her abominably since the end of fifth year and she was sick of it. He had no right to judge her other friendships and he had no right to make her feel bad about it. She tried to make eye contact with Harry or Ginny but both refused to look at her. Gods, she was sick of this.
“For your information, Ronald, I covered for Heir Macmillan. Heir Flint was kind enough to cover for Heir Pucey, so we’re stuck together tonight. And I know for a fact that Heir Flint hasn’t given you permission to use his first name. You don't have to like him, but you don't have to be rude either and insult him either. He’s my friend.”
Ron rolled his eyes. “Please, he’s using you, Hermione, and you’re to blind to see it! Why would someone like him be friends with someone like you?”
Hermione’s tone became sharp as she got more and more furious. “Yes, why would anyone be interested in spending time with someone as awful as me? I’ll just head off then, so I no longer offend you with my presence.” Ron opened his mouth to yell back at Hermione when Ginny stopped him, trying to make peace.
“Wait! Hermione please, just ignore him. Look, we're all just worried. You know how intense the rivalry with Slytherin can get. We just don’t want to see you get hurt and we miss you, even if Ron is being a prick about it. Look, the four of us are spending Saturday in the Three Broomsticks, why don’t you join us? It’d be way more fun than studying, right?” Ginny looked pleadly at Hermione.
Hermione felt all her fury turn to pain in an instant. “Is that all you think I’m doing this Saturday? Studying?” She said softly, the hurt very clear in her voice. They hadn’t really forgotten, had they?
Ginny gave her a chiding smile. “I know that's all you're doing. I know your normal Saturday plans, there's no need to pretend you’re doing something else. Come on, we can all have a fun day!” The others (except Ron, who was still glaring) nodded and smiled at her, completely oblivious to Hermione’s look of hurt.
“You really don’t remember, do you?” Hermione asked, tears starting to form. The others stared at Hermione blankly, while Ron rolled his eyes.
“What did we forget now, oh wise one, an assignment that isn’t due for another month? Gods, just relax would you?” Ron said annoyedly. Hermione felt the tears fall. They really had forgotten.
“I’m afraid that I'll be too busy to see any of you. Seeing as Saturday is my birthday, I decided to take the day off from studying. Something the lot of you would have remembered if any of you actually cared about me.” Hermione ran from the common room, ignoring the combined shouts of Harry and Ginny inside. She was so distraught that she ran straight into Marcus.
Marcus had been waiting patiently outside, trying to think of subtle ways he could get Hermione to blush again, when she had come barrelling out into the hallway and directly into Macus, knocking them both to the ground. In the scuffle, the sleeves of Hermoine’s robes had gotten pushed up and Marcus saw it. The alchemical symbol for fire. Just like the one on his left forearm. He felt his heart skip a beat. Hermione was his soulmate! Hermione was….. Crying. Hermione, his soulmate, was crying. He quickly pulled them both up and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Had he hurt her in the fall?
“Did you get hurt, love? That was a rough crash, we should make sure you're alright. Do you need me to escort you to the hospital wing?” While he was worried about her, Marcus found it hard to keep the smile off his face. After patrol tonight, he’d show her his mark and tell her as soon as they knew she was alright.
“I’m not hurt from the fall, Marcus. I…… Ron was being awful and we fought and I never even got my scarf! I don’t want to go back in there and they….. They forgot” Hermoine hated how weak her voice sounded. She hated crying. She felt so hurt and hopeless. These were her oldest friends, what did it say if they didn’t even care enough to remember her birthday? Merlin, she hated this.
Marcus suddenly had an awful feeling he knew what happened, but he wanted to be sure. He took off his scarf and wrapped it around Hermione. Hermoine didn’t protest, accepting the kind gesture. He started to lead her away from the Gryffindor tower and towards the Great Hall. “What did they forget?” Marcus felt his anger rise up as he watched Hermione sniffle, more tears falling down her face. ‘If this is what I think it is, I'm going to kill all three of them’ Marcus thought.
Hermoine bit her lip and took a minute to wipe the tears from her face. “Ginny invited me to go with her, Ron, Harry, and Lavender to the Three Broomsticks on Saturday. Apparently, I have nothing going on that day. They forgot my birthday. We’ve all been friends for years, and they didn’t even care enough to remember what day I was born.” Hermione felt a fresh wave of tears fall down her face at the admittance. Marcus pulled her into a tight hug. She cried on his shoulder for a while. When her tears had subsided, Hermione looked up at Marcus and gave him a watery smile. Marcus looked back at her worriedly.
“Will you be alright Hermione?” He asked, gently brushing a stray curl behind her ear. He smiled a little when she blushed.
Hermone waved him off and wiped the tears away from her eyes. “Thank you Marcus, I’ll be fine. I don’t know if I want to do anything about this, but I’ll figure it out after I get some rest tonight. I’m sorry to have cried all over you. I’m sorry that I made us waste so much time. We should get our patrol started.” She saw Marcus grimace slightly and then saw his eyes dart towards her arm. Odd. “Marcus, is there something going on?” Hermione asked.
Marcus bit his lip. Should he tell her? Was now really the best time? He didn’t want to overshadow her pain, and he wanted to be there for her, but he didn’t want to keep anything from her either. Maybe he should get her somewhere private. Then they could talk. Some space from her…. friends may help.
“Hermione, would you mind if we started our patrol a little later? I would rather we speak in as much privacy as possible. If it’s alright with you, I’d like to go to the Room of Requirement.” Marcus looked at Hermione nervously. This was an important moment, and he didn’t want Potter or the Weasels chasing them down before he could explain why he was acting so odd.
Hermione thought for a moment. This was clearly important to Marcus. “Sure Marcus, whatever you need. We’d be starting a little too early now anyways. We can take a bit of time.” She giggled at the look of immense relief on Marcus’ face.
Together they headed to the Room of Requirement. Both were too focused on their own thoughts to talk, and they quickly ended up at their destination. Marcus quickly paced back and forth three times and soon a door appeared. He opened it and led Hermione inside.
Inside was a cosy sitting room. The floor was stained oak and the walls covered in a dark red Victorian style wallpaper. There was a large dark stone fireplace with a warm crackling fire already lit, and two overstuffed armchairs directly in front of it. Hermione marvelled at the shelfs and shelves of books that covered most of the walls and looked back at Marcus.
“Marcus, this is beautiful! What did you ask the room to make?”
Marcus took her hand and led her to the armchairs. He waited for her to sit down and sat down himself before answering. “I had it make my favourite sitting room back at Flint Manor. I’m glad you like it” Marcus smiled at Hermione and there was an awkward pause before one of them spoke again.
“Marcus, what exactly is going on?” Hermione asked, starting to get nervous.
Marcus took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. He looked into Hermione’s eyes. Now or never. He hauled up his left sleeve and Hermione followed the movement. She gasped. There it was. A matching soulmark to her own. She looked at Marcus with wide eyes.
“I saw yours when we fell earlier. I would be lying if I said I hadn’t been hoping it would be you. I will still 100% respect your decision to wait to activate the magic by touching it. I know how much doing this tradition means to you. I’ll even get the Amare test done with you if you want to. I know tonight was rough for you, but I didn’t want to keep this from you.” Marcus looked at Hermione nervously waiting for her to respond to his question.
Hermione sat in shock. She hadn’t planned for this. She looked into Marcus’ hazel eyes and found that she wasn’t scared. If she was being honest, she wanted it to be him. The fact that he was still willing to wait to activate their marks so she could honour Professor McGonagall only proved that she had no reason to be worried. Marcus was loyal and mature and always kept her wishes in mind. She smiled, mind made up.
“I do still want to wait, but I don’t need the test. I trust you. And you’re right, today was awful but I’m glad that you didn’t keep this from me. Maybe we could spend more time together this week? I know we’ve been getting closer but there is so much about you that I don’t know. Then on my birthday, we could come back here and activate the marks together.” Hermoine looked hopefully at Marcus, worrying her lower lip as she waited for his answer.
To say that Marcus was relieved was an understatement. He grinned at Hermione. “I’m happy to spend as much time with you as you’ll permit. You can ask me whatever you like tomorrow. For now, let’s try and finish our patrol. Before Heir Weasley finds out we ditched.” Marcus winked at Hermione before he stood and offered his arm to her.
Hermione smiled and took it. Together, they made their way out of the Room of Requirement, talking of everything and nothing. The patrol went smoothly, no one out of bounds and nothing that required immediate attention. It took longer than normal due to their chatting but Hermione was ok with it. Marcus walked her back to the entrance of Gryffindor tower. Despite how tired she was, Hermione didn’t want to go back to her dorm. She didn’t want to deal with the mess of whatever was left of her childhood friendships. She wanted to stay with Marcus. Marcus took her hand and pressed a kiss to it. Hermione felt the soft brush of his lips and shuddered. Marcus smirked but held off from anything else. They had their whole lives for him to make her shudder like that again. Right now, he had a promise to make.
“I know this has been a hard day for you, and that what your friends did has hurt you deeply. While I can’t take that pain away, I wanted to do something special for you this week. If you’ll allow it.” Marcus kept his features still, trying not to let on how nervous he was.
Hermione giggled. “I suppose. So long as you don’t go overboard.” She looked at him sternly for a moment and then broke into a smile. Hermione wrapped her arms around Marcus’ waist. Marcus folded his arms around her instantly, burying his face in her curls. He inhaled the deep scent of apples and cinnamon. Before he could lose his nerve, Marcus slipped something to Hermione’s pocket.
“I promise you that I will make your birthday one you will never forget.” Marcus whispered into her ear, pressing a daring kiss on her cheek as he pulled away reluctantly.
Hermione smiled and nodded. With one last glance at him, Hermione headed inside. Mercifully, the common room was empty. Breathing out a sigh of relief, Hermione headed up to her dorm. As she started to undress, she realized that she was wearing Marcus' scarf. She gingerly placed the scarf on her pillow while she finished taking off her outer garments. As Hermione took off her robe, she felt something in her pocket. She reached inside and pulled out a small piece of paper. Opening it, she smiled. Marcus had slipped the piece of parchment with the notes they had been passing earlier into her pocket. She hugged the parchment close to her chest for a moment, before carefully putting it into her trunk. Once she was ready, she crawled into her bed and charmed her hangings shut. Hermione pressed her face into the soft scarf, breathing in the scent of broom polish, bergamot, and something citrusy that was unique Marcus. Hermione finally closed her eyes, dreaming of strong hands and a crooked smirk.