Sparks

Sparks 16

Chapter 16:

Katie stared into her fathers eyes for one brief second then turned to Tarquin and laughed at his joke like she had never seen that man before in her life.

Marcus nodded briefly and rejoined the conversation. He was concerned for Katie. She could deny it all she wanted but that was her father sitting twenty feet away. After Katie's snub, her father had sat down at his table but kept looking over towards them. Marcus kept his eye discreetly on him.

Marcus heard Katie's surprised smothered gasp as she reached out and grabbed Marcus hand.

"What?" whispered Marcus as he tore his eyes away from Katie's father.

"How did you know that man was my father, Marcus?" said Katie quietly through gritted teeth. "You better have a good explanation Flint."

"Not here, Katie," whispered Marcus.

"I want to know right now," said Katie softly with a deceptively sweet tone and smile. Her nails were digging into Marcus's hand.

"Katie," said Marcus loudly. "Have you ever seen the enchanted ice garden at this restaurant. It can be seen through the bar windows. Come and see. We should have time before the next course."

Katie smiled at Marcus as he made their excuses to the rest of the table and got up with him. They made their way towards the bar.

"Does this restaurant have an enchanted garden?" asked Katie softly.

"Yes," said Marcus. "Could you please undig your nails from my arm now, love?"

They reached the large picture window overlooking the garden and Marcus charmed the area around them so they could not be overheard.

"Now," said Katie. "Tell me how you knew that man was my father. I barely recognized him myself."

"No beating around the bush, mate," thought Marcus quickly. "The witch is seriously pissed. I have never seen her this coldly angry before. Not even the time Adrian and I knocked Johnson out during that Quidditch game."

"Well Katie," said Marcus with a deep breath. "Remember my list?"

"What list?" asked a confused Katie.

Suddenly a look of comprehension flooded her face. "Oh, that list," said Katie with an icy tone.

"Bugger," thought Marcus.

"I was allowed to add names. I added your name to the list," said Marcus quickly. "My father had a dossier prepared on all the candidates. I got it a couple of days ago. I saw a picture of your father taken recently in that file. That is how I recognized him."

"I'm on the list?" said Katie. "Why didn't your father strike my name off and laugh in your face? If only just to spite you."

"Please love," said Marcus. "I'm not that thick. I threw on at least ten other girls including four muggleborn witches, two obvious fortune hunters and a couple of witches with ummm...let's just say they had a reputation for being party girls. I was also lucky that several of the other candidates had entire armies of skeletons in their closets. Beside you are a pureblood and your mother is from a very old family on her maternal side. Your family may not be wealthy but they aren't hurting either. You are a smart witch with a stellar academic record. Snape gave you a high recommendation. My father owled and asked his unbiased opinion on my choices. Snape's opinion has weight among Slytherin families. Plus you play on a Hogwarts House Quidditch team and you are a school prefect. In short, you are ideal."

"I'm still a Gryffindor," said Katie with a smile lurking in her eyes.

"It's sometimes a girl's imperfections that make her interesting," teased Marcus.

"I cannot believe you put me on your list," said Katie. "You don't want to marry me."

"Who said I don't want to marry you?" asked Marcus seriously.

"Marcus," gasped Katie.

"I know, it may be too soon," said Marcus. "But don't ever think I'm not serious about our relationship Katie. I love you." His arm went around her waist and he stroked her blushing face with the back of his hand.

"I have something else to tell you," said Marcus. "I was going to wait until after the Ball. Your father is remarried. He didn't marry that witch he ran away with. He married Ivy Parkinson, Pansy Parkinson's father's sister."

"I don't care," said Katie. "I told you Marcus, that man is nothing to me."

"Okay," said Marcus. "But he's coming this way."

Marcus could feel Katie go rigid in his arms. As her father approached them, he took the privacy charm off and held Katie closer. He could feel her tremble and his grip tightened.

"Katherine," said Katie's father. "I though it was you." He made a move to touch Katie but she stepped back. His hand fell.

Katie felt like she was in a full body bind. If it weren't for Marcus holding her up, she would be on the floor right now. When he had tried to touch her, it broke the spell she was under and she backed away. Katie examined her father's face. He looked different than she remembered. But granted, she had not seen her father in years. This man in front of her was younger looking than she expected. He looked to be in his mid-thirties and he looked like her. He had amber hair and was tall. They shared the same shade of blue-green eyes.

"I-," said Katie. Her throat felt constricted and dry. "Hello, father. I haven't seen you in quite a long time."

Her father's face flushed and he cleared his throat. "Katherine, you look well," her father said quietly. He turned to look at Marcus and at his hand around Katie's waist.

"My name is Marcus Flint," said Marcus. "I'm Katie's boyfriend." He introduced himself. She didn't look it, but he could feel how much Katie was off-balance.

"My name is Stuart Bell. I am Katherine's father," said Mr. Bell as he shook Marcus's hand. "My dinner companions tell me that you are the current Slytherin Quidditch captain. Are you any relation to Claudius and Aurelius Flint?"

"Yes," said Marcus. "They are my father and grandfather."

"I thought," said Stuart Bell as he looked at Katie. "That Katherine was in Gryffindor House at Hogwarts."

"I am, " said Katie with her chin up. "And I play Quidditch as well for my house. Marcus and I are both chasers."

"Yes," said Mr. Bell. "I knew that. Curious though, in my day Slytherins and Gryffindors rarely intermixed."

"Well," said Katie. "We are an exception to that rule."

"You both look dressed up," said Bell. "Are you going to the Yule Ball?"

"Yes," said Katie. "As a matter of fact, we need to be getting back to our dinner companions. Please excuse us."

Stuart Bell reached out a hand and lightly touched Katie's hand. "Please join me later for coffee before you go to the Ball."

Katie swallowed and was about to refuse when Marcus interrupted her. "Yes," said Marcus. "We would be glad to."

Katie waited until her father had moved away before she leaned over towards Marcus. "Merlin," hissed Katie. "Why did you say that Marcus?"

"For your sake Katie," said Marcus. "Trust me. No matter what kind of prat your father is, you have to face him and make him see that you are strong. Maybe you will never see him again but at least you'll know that you didn't buckle under and stood up to him and showed him."

"Showed him what?"

"That he threw away the opportunity to watch you grow into the strong beautiful witch I see right in front of me," said Marcus intently. "Show him, Katie what regret feels like."

They rejoined the party at the table just in time for the main course. Katie found, to her surprise, that she enjoyed the rest of the meal. Tarquin and Adrian were skilled conversationalists. The lighthearted banter is just what Katie needed to hear. Especially because Adrian's favorite topic was Marcus and the things Marcus did when he was a child.

"Did you know Katie," asked Adrian. "That Marcus managed to swipe a real broomstick when he was six from my older brother. Marcus taught himself to fly from that old Nimbus. For years, my brother thought it was me that nicked it."

"Nah," said Marcus. "Not even Tristen could be that thick. Besides, he had bought himself another better broomstick. There was no way he missed that old one. He told me once when I was four that I could have his old broomsticks. So it's not stealing."

"Yes," said Adrian. "Tristen is that thick. My mother says it's a good thing he's good-looking and snagged that heiress. She said my brother was made for a life of leisure. He totally forgot about that promise Marcus. I guarantee it."

"Oh," said Tarquin. "Does this mean you have to snag a heiress being a younger son?"

"Well," said Adrian. "Mother said it would be nice although she doesn't worry about my future. Tristen doesn't want the family business so it's mine. My younger brother is giving her worries though. He at least plays Quidditch well. Maybe he'll make the team next year."

"Speaking of relatives," said Warrington. "My cousin Carl may be transferring from Durmstrang this winter term. The yob got sent down for reasons no one wants to talk about. He plays Quidditch."

"Thank Merlin," said Marcus. "That I don't have to cobble a team together after me, Tarquin, Chris and Myles leave. Ty, you and Draco are going to have your work cut out for you."

"Oh well," said Ty. "Crabbe and Goyle look like beaters and Bletchley's younger brother is a firstie. Maybe he's a Keeper."

Katie looked down at her plate with a little smirk. Slytherin did not have a good keeper this year. It was a sensitive subject with Marcus.

"Hmmm....," said Marcus. He caught the smirk. "Nothing to add Katie?"

"We don't discuss House Quidditch Marcus," said Katie primly. "Remember the rules?"

"No Quidditch?" asked Tarquin. "Katie, does Marcus actually know how to talk about something other than Quidditch?" The other boys started to laugh.

"House Quidditch," said Katie emphasizing the first word. "I think Marcus would implode if he couldn't talk about Puddlemere United and the Falmouth Falcons."

"Falmouth Falcons," said Adrian. "I thought Puddlemere was your team?"

"I like their style more now, " said Marcus. "That new Puddlemere manager is a complete prat. Imagine trying to retire their Keeper at the end of this season. That guy is still the best keeper in Europe despite how old he is. Besides, who are they going to replace him with?"

During dessert, Marcus mentioned to Tarquin that he and Katie had to meet a parent for coffee. He didn't mention which parent to Katie's relief. Neither did the rest of the party ask.

"I wonder why that prat Higgs didn't show up?" asked Myles. "I understand that Malfoy had a family dinner but it's not like Ter."

"He'll meet up with us at the Ball," said Tarquin. "He 'll have a great excuse too. Remember Marcus, his excuses for being late to practice?"

"I would like to forget," said Marcus. "We'll see you later then. I have to introduce Katie to my parents and grandparents but we'll met by the windows in an hour or so, okay?"

The Yule Ball: London: Two hours Later:

Katie felt like she was floating as she twirled around the dance floor. Marcus was a very good dancer. Whenever she felt unsure of the steps and nearly faltered, Marcus effortlessly picked her up off her feet until she caught the rhythm of the dance. Now they were moving perfectly in sync.

The coffee with her father and her new stepmother had been surprisingly okay. Marcus had a lot to do with that. Katie was, for once, thankful for that upper class drawl and the fact that Marcus was from an old pureblood family. Her father's dinner companions and new stepmother were from old pureblood families as well. It was apparent to her that her father's dinner companions thought that she had made a good catch, so to speak. Then Marcus made it clear that he was the one that had made the good catch. It still made her heart skip a beat when she remembered the look in his eyes.

Then came Marcus and Katie's entrance into the Ball. Their names had been announced at the door and they made their way down a long staircase. She should have been scared but Marcus had been holding her hand that had death grip on his sleeve. It had been the first time they had been so clearly linked together in public.

Finally, she had met his parents and his grandparents. They had been formal and very correct but she had expected that. What she hadn't been expecting was how much Marcus and his father were alike. They had the same facial expressions and gestures. She wasn't at all prepared to like Marcus's father but she admitted to herself that he was an attractive man. The qualities that attracted her to Marcus were there as well in this man. Marcus would look exactly like him in twenty years. Katie could also feel a strange vibe coming from him. It made her shy and a bit uncomfortable in his presence. His grandfather was very formal and old fashioned. He was a wizard from an older generation that was steeped in tradition. But he was not cold or unwelcoming, just a little stiff.

Marcus's mother was little cool but she was curious to know more about Katie. But his grandmother was warmth personified. She made Katie feel welcome and invited her to tea later on in the holiday. Katie accepted. She liked his grandmother just like he said she would.

Marcus looked down into Katie's dreamy eyes and smiled for her benefit. Inside his mind was racing. His father's reaction to Katie had been unexpected. He had approved of her, Marcus could tell. But there had been a look in his eye that made Marcus uneasy. And his mother had been so cold. He was glad Katie didn't know better plus grandma had covered up nicely for his mother's attitude. It was like his mother had been jealous of Katie. Granted she was the first girl he had ever formally presented to his family. By doing this, Marcus had stated his intentions towards this girl publicly. The fact that they had allowed it and she had been invited to the manor put their seal of approval on his relationship in front of the entire wizarding society of London. He should feel elated but his parents had thrown him. He firmly pushed these thoughts away and concentrated Katie's lovely, flushed face.

Later by the windows as they joined Marcus's friends, Marcus decided to relax. He always knew his parents were a bit strange. They were just confirming it. He smiled when he caught sight of Terrence Higgs. "Finally, I swear Higgs is going to be late for his own funeral," thought Marcus.

"Late as usual," said Marcus with a grin.

"Time is relative Marcus," said Terrence as he turned to greet Marcus. A sudden look of shock flitted across his face when he caught sight of Katie.

"Katie, I believe you have met Terrence Higgs," said Marcus. "Ter, this is my girlfriend, Katie."

"Katie Bell," asked a shocked Higgs. "As in Gryffindor chaser Katie Bell?"

"You really should learn to read Higgs," drawled Marcus. "I sent you an owl ages ago. You are perhaps the world's worst owler."

"Katie Bell," repeated Higgs.

"Yes," said Katie tartly. "I had no idea you were this slow on the uptake Higgs." The group snickered quietly and started to chat. Katie and Sarah left to go explore without the boys.

"Why?" asked Higgs as he leaned in closer to Marcus. "Did you lose a bet Marcus?"

"Ter, because we've known one another for a long time," said Marcus carefully. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."

"No really," asked an insistent Higgs. "Why, Flint?"

"I fancied her for a long time, Ter," said Marcus. "You know that."

"Wasn't she shagging Wood?" asked Higgs.

"No, she wasn't," said Marcus softly and dangerously. "We are not going to discuss this topic again. She's my witch Higgs, get over it."

No one else noticed the quiet argument Higgs and Marcus had. Neither did they notice that both men avoided each other for the rest of the ball. By now, Marcus was not in a good mood but he strived to make sure Katie did not notice Higgs's cool demeanor towards her. Katie came back and wanted to dance again, so Marcus obliged her. Before they rejoined the others, he took her back to his family to say good-bye. They rarely stayed late at the Yule Ball. Marcus's grandmother made sure to set a date for tea before she left.

An hour later, an elated Tarquin sidled over to Marcus and threw his arm around his shoulders.

"You'll never guess what," said Tarquin with a grin. "My old man just left a message to say he is won't be home until Christmas Day. He mentioned something about unforeseen business in America. So, guess who has the run of the manor tonight?"

"Where is that gorgeous mother of yours?" asked Adrian with a smirk. "You know Tarquin-"

"Adrian, you slut," said Tarquin with a bemused grimace. "Do not mention the words my mother and gorgeous in the same sentence. It is just wrong. She's in Monte Carlo spending my father's money. Besides Adrian, you could not afford my mother."

"Ha," said Adrian. "She could not afford me!"

"Yuck," said Tarquin with feeling.

"Could you imagine one day having to call Adrian stepdaddy?" asked Marcus.

"No," said Tarquin with a shudder. "She'll never divorce my old man. And because of some horribly misguided sense of honor, he will never divorce her. But back to the reason I started this conversation. Instead of the wizarding nightclub, let's go back to my place."

When the rest of the party heard about Tarquin's plan, they quickly agreed. Derrick had insisted though that more girls had to be found to round out the party.

"I can't believe I didn't think of that myself," said Tarquin. Adrian offered his services.

"Give me about a half hour," said Adrian. "Are we flooing in? If we are, you better go open the wards Tarquin. If I remember correctly, your father has strong anti-apparition wards set up. We are going to have to floo in."

Marcus, Katie, Chris, Sarah and Tarquin went to the public fireplace located just outside the Ballroom.

"I'll have to go on ahead," said Tarquin. "My father has wards up to prevent anyone from flooing into the main building unannounced. In ten minutes, come on over. The address is Bole Manor, Berkshire. Remember the Berkshire part or else you'll end up at another manor. We have three."

Tarquin got into the fireplace. "Bole Stables, Berkshire." He was gone in a green flash.

"Merlin," said Warrington. "Three manors? The funny thing is Tarquin is the polar opposite of the stereotypical snobby pompous rich git so one tends to forget that he is the wealthiest wizard at Hogwarts."

"Is he really that rich?" asked Sarah with a laugh.

"Yes," said Chris and Marcus together. "Wait and see."

Marcus watched as Chris then Sarah went into he fireplace and flooed to Tarquin's. He turned and looked into Katie's eyes.

"Did you have a good time? If you want, we don't have to go to Tarquin's. I could take you home."

"I'm having a wonderful time Marcus. Let's go to Tarquin's. It sounds like it'll be fun," said Katie as she beamed up into Marcus's eyes.

"Well," said Marcus. "I just have to remember to get you home by one in the morning like your mother said. You are connected to the floo network, right?"

"Yes," said Katie then she gave a little grin. "My mom told me before I left home that she was going to a work Yule party tonight and I was to be home at a decent hour. She said the word decent meant before six a.m. She rightly pointed out that if I was up to no good, I could do it before one a.m. Besides, this is my first Yule Ball. She wanted me to have fun. You know Marcus, you should close your mouth."

"When were you going to tell me this piece of news Bell?" asked Marcus.

"Later," she said as she leaned against his chest. "It was my Yule surprise."

A few minutes later, Katie stepped into the fireplace and said, "Bole Manor, Berkshire." When Marcus flooed in right behind her, he nearly fell on top of her. She was still on the ground and looking around her in surprise.