Sparks

Sparks 11

Chapter 11:

"Marcus," said Tarquin as they made their way to Hogsmeade. "What are you up to?"

"Well, it like this mate," said Marcus. "I've never taken Katie on a real date. Our secret meetings at Hogwarts don't really count as a real dates. But we have to be careful. I have to separate her from her friends without them knowing and coming after her. I have a plan but we have to find Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Derrick and Montague first and get them to Zonko's."

"Oh," said Tarquin softly. "Well where are you going to take her?"

"The Hogsmeade Inn for afternoon high tea. The only people that will be there are older witches and wizards," said Marcus. "It's too posh for teenagers and too expensive. She 'll love it. It's very girly. My grandma loves it. She takes me there every time she comes to Hogwarts."

"Well," said Tarquin. "I take it we will make a scene in Zonko's and then you will whisk Bell off for your tryst?"

"Hell no," said Marcus with a grin. "That's too predictable. The twins will be instantly suspicious. I hope she'll only have Spinnet and Johnson with her though. If the twins are there, it's going to be much harder. First, you will give her this note from me in Zonko's. The note is allegedly from Snape about her Potions project. She has to go back to Hogwarts because of an unforeseen glitch that must be taken care of or Katie will fail her project. As she leaves to 'go back', the rest of the guys will make sure no one follows no matter what."

"What if they pull that 'we are all girls and we must stick together' crap?" said Tarquin with a smirk.

"Well," said Marcus. "That's where Montague comes in. He's pretty hot for Spinnet and she's been throwing him the eyes lately too. He told me that he couldn't get what Malfoy said about her out of his mind. He's obsessing on Spinnet. I'm sure if I tell him to make a blatant play for her, Johnson will get distracted from Katie and try to head off Montague."

"Good plan," said Tarquin with a sage nod. "But Johnson is a very wily and slippery witch. What if she does not get distracted?"

"I've thought of that," said Marcus. "Derrick then will make a pass at Johnson. That is if he can take his eyes off her breasts long enough. Besides, Myles has a very thick skull; he can take a punch from Johnson easily enough. In the ensuing mayhem, my Katie will simply get fed up and meet me at the Inn where I will be waiting for her."

"Why do you need Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle then?" asked Tarquin.

"Plan B if the twin Weasels are there."

"I shudder to think about Plan B."

"Me too," said Marcus with a shiver. "Derrick will be up the creek if Fred Weasley catches him staring at Johnson's rack. And Merlin forbid if that wanker Wood is there. That smarmy git has been staring at my girl lately. I saw him looking at her legs last week. That's why I can't be there. I'll kick his Scottish ass if he looks at her or any of her lovely parts. Then Katie will be upset. She thinks he just wants to be her friend."

"Seriously Marcus, what if Wood is there and wants to walk Katie to Hogwarts?"

"Make sure he can't walk Tarquin."

"Seriously?"

"Extremely seriously," said Marcus. His face fell. " Bugger. Katie will get mad. Distract the git with the new all weather charms at Quality Quidditch Supplies, I guess. I would like you break his legs. But I also want to see what's under Katie's robes one day too."

Tarquin grinned at the sad expression on Marcus's face. "Cheer up," said Tarquin. "Maybe he'll break his legs all by himself one day."

"You think?" said Marcus wistfully.

"Yes," said Tarquin mischievously. "And maybe one day, long in the future, you might actually see what Bell has on underneath her robes."

"You are a mean, cruel best friend," said Marcus. "Do you know that Tarquin?"

"Yes," said Tarquin with an angelic smile. "I know."

The friends walked in silence for a few moments. Marcus could see Hogsmeade coming into view. He turned to Tarquin with a smile. "Tarquin," asked Marcus innocently. "I thought you broke up with Moira last week?"

"Not precisely," said Tarquin with a grimace. "She was a bit upset with me last week. Something about me torturing the seventh year Ravenclaws guys during one of the study sessions she forced me to go to. I'm not sure what she was going on about. I was only trying to be friendly."

"I'm quite sure you were Tarquin, " said Marcus with a grin. "What did you say?"

"Well," said Tarquin. "First off, studying on Saturdays? How Ravenclaw. I was bored silly. They started talking about what universities they were applying for. One of the silly gits turned to me and snottily asked me where I was going. I told him that if I wasn't. Merlin, you should have seen their faces. One of the gits in a shocked voice asked me why and didn't I know that a university degree was important. What would I do with my life? Didn't I want to be successful?"

Marcus and Tarquin exchanged wry grins. Both boys had known that their careers were written in stone the day they were born. They would manage their families' financial portfolios and businesses. No whining, no bitching allowed and certainly no choice. It was the obligation of great wealth. Many people with families of their own depended on those companies for their security.

"What did you tell the silly bastard Tarquin?"

"I made up this story about being a male gigolo, hiring myself out to lonely ladies to finance my life of decadence on the French Riviera and in the Swiss Alps," said Tarquin with a grin. "You should have seen their faces. One of the gits asked me why I was so sure some lady would pay money for me in a pretty snotty voice. What I said next got me in trouble. I didn't see Moira come up behind me. I started to list off the Ravenclaws that I had slept with plus I threw in a few of Adrian's more impressive conquests from Gryffindor House. She was so not happy. On the other hand, the gits were pretty impressed."

"Yes," said Marcus with a smile. "Pucey did have a serious obsession with Gryffindor girls, did he not. Hell, let's admit it, he liked all girls period. He had to have slept with three quarters of Hogwarts female population before he left."

"Do you think it's true about him and Hooch?" said Tarquin with a grin.

"Yes, I was there. That is an image burned onto my retinas that I'm going to see until my dying day," said Marcus with a rueful grin. "Thank Merlin for silencing spells. I only saw her leave the next morning."

"Merlin," said Tarquin. "Hooch?!?"

"Yes," said Marcus. "Adrian said he received an true education in her gifted hands after she left our room. I still can't look at her straight. It amuses the hell out of her. She actually asked me how Adrian was doing last time I saw her."

Both Slytherins laughed as they made their way into the magical village of Hogsmeade. Luckily for Marcus, they ran into Derrick and Montague outside of the Three Broomsticks and quickly got them to agree to his plan. In fact, Montague already knew the whereabouts of Spinnet, Johnson and Bell. They were together in The Witches Wardrobe looking at the wares. The Witches Wardrobe sold undergarments. Marcus hoped deep in his heart that Katie was buying something. He hoped it was something soft and slinky and very short.

"Ty," teased Tarquin. "Are you stalking Miss Spinnet?"

"Tarquin," said Ty Montague loftily. "It's not stalking until they ask you to stop. And yes, I have Spinnet under surveillance."

"You wouldn't happen to know where Malfoy is?" said Tarquin.

"I ran into Greg a little while ago and he said Malfoy had to floo home to see his father," said Myles Derrick. "Last I saw, Vin and Greg were headed to Honeydukes."

"Well hell," said Marcus. "There goes that plan. Hey, it's nearly two. Time to get the operation underway. Tarquin, owl me at the Inn if anything goes seriously wrong. Good luck, I owe you guys."

Zonko's: 2 p.m.

"Fucking hell," thought Tarquin as he saw the Weasley twins come in the door at Zonko's." Right when everything was going according to Marcus's plan. Bell was one step away from the door, Spinnet and Montague were on the verge of needed a room and look who walks in the door. Thank Merlin, Derrick didn't proposition Johnson or blood may have been spilt. What the hell was Plan B supposed to be anyway? Time to think fast."

"Weasley and Weasley," said Tarquin as he exchanged curt nods with the Gryffindors. The twins looked at each other then back at Bole with a suspicious look. Tarquin needed them distracted immediately. " What is this I hear about the gambling pool you guys are running? It would be a shame if the authorities found out wouldn't it?"

Fred looked at George then back at Tarquin. "I have no idea what you're going on about Bole. Perhaps you've taken one too many bludgers to the head," said Fred blandly.

"Oh, I think you know what I'm talking about," said Tarquin just as blandly back. "I've heard you'll take a bet on most anything."

"You've gone soft in the head Bole," said George. "I'm shocked and appalled that you'd ever think that either my esteemed brother or myself would indulge in such illegal behavior."

"Thank Merlin," thought Tarquin. "Bell was smart enough to slip quietly out the door. Time to wrap it up before the twins notice that Montague and Spinnet are snogging behind the display case. Although, Johnson is trying to get around Myles to see what Spinnet is doing. Oops too late!"

Amid the screeching and yelling by Johnson and the Weasleys, Tarquin managed to get his mates out of Zonko's before three p.m. and with minimal bloodshed. He was sure though that Ty and Spinnet had a date for later on this week. The look of blissful triumph on Montague's face clued him in.

Tarquin had a date with the delectable Moira. "She may be difficult and hard to please but I do have a definite thing for her," thought Tarquin. " Hey, maybe we do fight too much, but the making up is fun." Tarquin wondered as he walked into the Three Broomsticks if he could possibly boot Marcus and Chris out of their room later on tonight.

The Hogsmeade Inn: 2:15 p.m.

Marcus felt nervous. On his way to the Inn, he spotted a pretty necklace in the window of one of the jewelers, so he went in and purchased it. It was a diamond solitaire on the end of an elegant platinum chain. It had reminded him of Katie, delicate and beautiful but in the end, strong. He signed it to the family account like he usually did with all his purchases in Hogsmeade.

As he sat in a discreet corner of the large elegant dining area, he watched the older witches and wizards enjoy their afternoon tea. The Hogsmeade Inn served an old fashioned afternoon tea with delicate sandwiches, handmade pastries and fragrant tea. He hoped she liked it. The Hostess Witch recognized him and sat him, as requested, in an intimate comfortable flower filled nook.

He was nervous. He remembered how emotional their last meeting had been. Besides, this would be the first time he would see after he realized he loved her. Merlin, where was she?

As Katie walked into the double doors of Hogsmeade Inn, she was very glad she had dressed up. Angelina and Alicia teased her about nice she looked but she fended off their comments. She smelt fresh flowers and heard the soft strains of classical music in the air.

"Merlin, I'm nervous, " thought Katie. "This is the first time I've seen Marcus since I made such a prat of myself. I can't wait to see him." Katie nervously went to the entrance of the dining area and gave the hostess her name. She caught sight of Marcus as the witch escorted her to the table. She smiled to herself. He looked so out of place amongst the flowers. He was such a big man. She watched as he leaned back at the table. He hadn't seen her yet. Her eyes ran over his broad shoulders and big strong hands. Her heart pounded. She loved his hands. He looked up at her at that moment and their eyes locked. She could feel her face go warm.

Her face flamed even more when Marcus got out of his chair as they approached and then pulled out her chair for her. The Hostess witch left them menus and discreetly left. Katie was flustered.

"Merlin Marcus," said Katie. "Where's the guy who tried to shove me off my broom last year? And who used to pull my hair?"

"He's off," said Marcus with a rueful grin. "Where prats go when they notice that the annoying girl whose hair they liked to pull turned into a beautiful woman when they weren't looking. Besides," said Marcus lazily as he reached out and wrapped a tendril of her hair around his finger. "I still like to pull your hair."

Katie's heart sped up. There was no denying the deep attraction she had for Marcus especially when he touched her.

"You know," said Marcus conversationally. "I really would like to kiss you senseless right now. But I think that would be a little scandalous in the middle of the dining room. Besides, the waiter is coming and we haven't even looked at the menu."

"Right," said Katie. She looked down at her menu and stared at it with sightless eyes.

"Have you decided Katie?" said Marcus a few minutes later.

"I'll have what you're having," said Katie. After finally focusing on the menu rather than Marcus, she found that she didn't recognize half the things on the list. "I'm not positive but I'm sure fish and chips and butterbeer are not on the menu, " thought Katie. "That is what I usually have when I come to Hogsmeade. Oh well, there was something to be said about new experiences."

Marcus smiled to himself as he watched Katie peruse the menu with a worried little frown line on her forehead. He turned to the waiter and ordered Katie a plate of their signature dainty sandwiches, a sample tray of pastries and a pot of Earl Grey Tea. It was what his grandmother always ordered.

"Merlin Marcus," gasped Katie. "How will we eat all that food?"

"Katie that was just for you" said Marcus as he turned to the waiter again. "I'll have the same order but with a double portion of blinis and a plate of biscuits as well." The Hogsmeade Inn was famous for their homemade biscuits.

"What are blinis?"

"They are these Russian pancakes with caviar and sour cream. I love them. Wait, I want lots of sour cream, where is the waiter? Never mind, I'll ask him later."

A few moments later, the waiter brought their tea and reappeared with their order a few seconds later, with the extra sour cream.

Katie looked at the food piled on the table and laughed. "Marcus," said Katie. "I have no idea what half the things are on this table."

"Well, let me pour us some tea and I'll show you," said Marcus with grin. "Unless you are afraid to try new things, Bell."

"Oh no," said Katie softly. "I'm not afraid to try new things Flint."

Over the next hour Katie tried foods she never would have thought to try in her life. She liked the smoked salmon and the avocado and cream cheese sandwiches but did not like the blinis. Not even when Marcus tried to get her to try them again by force-feeding her one. Caviar was just too salty.

"Katie, you just have to get used to the taste. They are really good."

Katie watched him as he proceeded to eat his way around the table. She felt like she could never eat a bite again. The biscuits were to die for. She ate eight of them.

"Marcus, I can't believe you put that much food away," said an amazed Katie. "Where do you keep it all?"

"I'm a growing boy," said Marcus. "Besides, I think you ate all my biscuits."

Katie glared at him and pointed out that he had eaten all her pastries as well.

"Don't be mad Katie, I'll order more."

"No, don't do that! I'll eat them."

"Isn't that the point, you crazy girl."

"Men."

"Why do girls say that," said Marcus. "Like it is a reasonable argument. 'Men', what does that mean precisely?"

They glared at each other than smiled. Katie liked bickering with him. He knew how to push her buttons but so did she. It was a fair fight. If she wanted to fight like a Slytherin, she would pull her robe up over her legs so he could see them. He liked her legs. She could tell. The drooling clued her in some time ago plus he could never keep his hands off them.

The waiter came back and Marcus ordered them more tea and something called calvados. The waiter arched his eyebrow at Marcus and Marcus coolly arched his eyebrow right back. Katie wondered what that was all about. She got her answer when the waiter brought their tea and delicate glasses of a light green liqueur.

"Calvados is an apple liqueur," said Marcus to her unspoken question. "Try it. It's harmless like butter beer."

Katie tried it and liked the tart taste. Marcus ordered another one and Katie got a little mischievous. She was unaware that Marcus's comment comparing it to butterbeer was not exactly true. Compared to Ogden's Blue Label, it was harmless. Katie was getting a little light headed. She decided Marcus deserved to see her legs. She could see Marcus eyes widen when she shifted the part in her robes a little higher.

"You are teasing me, Miss Bell," said Marcus gruffly. "Too bad I can't tease you back."

"What do you mean Marcus?"

"Well, I can't very well rip my shirt off right here can I?"

Katie blushed red. "What do you mean Marcus?"

"Please Katie, " said Marcus with a gleam in his eye. "You like my chest."

"I do not!"

"Yes, yes you do. You go all pink when I don't have a shirt on or when my shirt is open. And you stare."

Katie was going to protest more when Marcus leaned forward as whispered in her ear. "I like it when you look at me Katie. Don't be embarrassed. I'm not shy to admit I love those gorgeous legs of yours."

Katie felt as if her face would burst into flames when he leaned back and smiled at her. She wiped the smile off his face as she leaned closer and whispered in his ear. "Actually Marcus, I like your lean, hard stomach, your hands and the way your stubble feels against my skin when you kiss me." It was Marcus's turn to blush.

Later after Marcus had settled the bill, she reached out and held his hand on the table. They sat there in silence looking at each other. His other hand reached out and brushed her hair away from her face. She broke the silence.

"Thank-you for a lovely day, Marcus Flint. I enjoyed myself immensely."

"I did too, Katherine Bell. I have something for you. I picked it up today. It reminded me of you."

Marcus reached under his chair and gave Katie the box the necklace was in. He watched her face as she opened it. She gasped and started to protest when Marcus put his fingers over her lips and silenced her.

"The necklace is to remind you of the day we had together here, our first real date. And Katie, it will not be our last."

She smiled and nodded. Katie couldn't speak over the lump in her throat. He then said lightly, "You, of course, can never tell anyone I was this mushy, especially Tarquin." With that comment they both laughed.

Later that day, Marcus finally got to kiss her as they carefully went back to Hogwarts. They were later than most students were so the path was relatively clear. At one point, Marcus and Katie had to duck behind a hedge as a mixed bag of over excited and sugared up Hufflepuff and Gryffindor third years caught up then passed them.

After they ran past the Dementors, Marcus pulled Katie into a dark alcove near the front doors of Hogwarts and kept his promise. They snogged each other senseless until it was time to go in and join their housemates in the Great Hall.

The Great Hall at Hogwarts: 12 midnight

Along with the rest of the biggest students at Hogwarts, Flint, Bole and Warrington were stationed at the main door of the Great Hall. When Marcus had found out that Sirius Black had attacked Gryffindor tower after the Halloween feast, he had been out of his mind with worry. It took everything he had not to rush over to Katie when she walked into the Hall with the rest of the Gryffindors. Even now, he wanted to find her amongst the patrolling prefects and keep her safe. He felt a mixture of fear and overwhelming anger. He wanted to hex this Black character into oblivion for even being near his Katie. He gripped his wand tighter.

Later on as the professors let them go back to their dorms, his eyes sought out Katie's in the tumult. He willed her to owl him in the morning.

The Slytherin Common Room:

Marcus rubbed his eyes as he leaned against one of the couches in the common room. He could hear his housemates as they left for breakfast. He felt a pull on his robe. He said irritably without opening his eyes, "You better have a good reason for touching me or you are going to lose a hand."

He opened his eyes and saw Crabbe quailing in front of him. "What is it?" said Marcus sternly. He was not in the mood today.

"Malfoy, he...Ummm...Draco has a...he needs-," stammered Crabbe.

"Spit it out Crabbe."

"Come see Flint," said a scared Crabbe. Flint sighed as he followed him to the third year dormitory.

Marcus walked in the door as an irritated Malfoy was instructing Goyle on how to button Draco's shirt for him. Marcus glared at Crabbe and interrupted the Slytherins. Greg was so surprised to see him; he pulled Draco's shirt half off his body.

Marcus stopped and stared. The whole right side of Draco's chest was black and blue. Malfoy was mortified to see Flint. He gave both Crabbe and Goyle an evil death stare and they scuttled out of the room. Crabbe gave Flint pleading look before he left.

Marcus walked up to Draco with his eyes never leaving his. "How long has your father been hitting you?" asked Marcus quietly. "And don't lie to me Malfoy."

Draco opened his mouth to protest. The protest died on his lips when he saw the look in Marcus's eyes. "Since I was ten. He says I need to be punished in order to teach me lessons," said Draco with a bitter twist to his lips. "He says I force him to do it because I don't listen."

"Don't they all," said Marcus dryly. "Go to Pomfrey then."

"I can't. They will know. After all he uses his cane. I can't explain away a snake shaped bruise with 'I fell down the stairs'."

"What about Snape?"

"You mean my father's friend since Hogwarts, that Snape?"

"True. You can't play Quidditch like that," said Marcus dispassionately.

"I know. I can't even put on a shirt by myself."

Marcus went up to Malfoy and started to dress him with quick efficient movements. Malfoy stood still then quietly asked, "What are you going to do?"

"After I finish dressing you Malfoy, I'm going to find Hooch and try to switch games around. I think I may have to use a trump card I was saving but what can you do?" said Marcus with a shrug.

"No, about my father."

"It's your secret Draco, not mine to tell. But take it from me, don't let a bastard of a father rule your life." With that comment, Flint left Draco alone in his room.

Marcus's hands were clenched as he walked to breakfast. Some men did not deserve to be fathers, his included. On a brighter note, he was about to throw the whole Quidditch schedule to shit. He could hear the Gryffindorks already. Wood was going to have kittens.

Marcus stopped abruptly. He realized that one Gryffindor in particular was not going to be pleased. And he could not tell her why he was switching game days. Like he told Malfoy, it wasn't his secret. "Well, they weren't supposed to talk about House Quidditch anyway," thought Marcus. "She wouldn't be mad, would she?"