Sparks

Sparks 19

Chapter Nineteen:

The Headmaster's Office: February 5^th:

Marcus stared at the Headmaster's phoenix idly as the lecture droned on. He felt ill as his temples started throbbing and his stomach started getting queasy. The hangover potion was wearing off. With half an ear, he tuned in for a second to see if the lecture had begun to wind down. It had not. He tuned out again. After the lecture ended, he turned to follow Snape, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle out the door when Dumbledore asked to speak with Marcus alone.

"Mr. Flint," said the headmaster as he gazed at him over his spectacles. "I must say I was hoping for a more mature attitude from you this year. I have to say this incident is very disappointing. I asked you to stay back because I see that Madame Hooch has not had time to discuss a certain matter over with you. It seems that several professional Quidditch teams have expressed an interest in you like last year."

"Last year, sir?" asked Marcus genuinely puzzled.

"Ahhh..," said Dumbledore. "Did your father not tell you? Several Quidditch teams were very interested in offering you the opportunity to try out for their teams. I believe Puddlemere United and the Falmouth Falcons were just two of the teams that were interested. As you were at the time a minor, the offers were tendered to your father. This year, the offers are being made to you directly through Madame Hooch seeing as you are legally an adult."

Marcus was at a loss for words. He just gave Dumbledore a look of shock.

"I had hoped Marcus," said the headmaster. "That the interest of these Quidditch teams would some how stem the animosity you and Mr. Wood have for one another. You do realize that talent, natural ability and leadership skills are not the only qualities that these teams are looking for. A certain level of behavior, self-control and maturity are required by professional sports teams, Mr. Flint. I hope that today's incident will not be repeated, do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal clear, sir," said Marcus crisply. He left the Headmaster's office with his mind in a whirl.

"I cannot believe that my father did not tell me about the try outs last year," thought Marcus. "That man really thinks he can control my life by taking away my choices. I shouldn't be surprised but I am. Merlin, I feel like death warmed over. All I want to do is sleep. And not to think."

Marcus walked through the empty hallways silently and quickly. He was not going to go to the Great Hall. He might run into her. He stopped abruptly when he heard his name shouted. He squared his shoulders and kept walking. He wanted his bed. He did not want to see or look at her until he felt calmer.

"Marcus," said a loud and very upset voice. "Don't you walk away from me!" Marcus felt his arm grabbed roughly and reluctantly he turned around.

"What do you want Bell," asked Marcus wearily. "And make it quick. I'm tired and I really had no intention of seeing you today."

"What do I want," asked a stunned Katie. "I want you to explain yourself to me. Why did you do such an uncharitable thing to Harry?"

"It seemed like a good idea to me, at the time," said Marcus looking at a spot above her head.

"Is that all you have to say," said Katie with a note of disbelief.

"Yes," said Marcus tightly. He wanted to be away from her. He could feel his control start to slip. The anger was building. He could not bear to look at her. He turned to leave.

"Marcus," said an angry and confused Katie. "Come back here. I'm not finished."

"Well Bell," said Marcus, as he turned and looked her square in the eyes. "I am finished." He could see her eyes widen as she realized what he was saying. Her face flushed and her hands clenched.

"I thought," choked out Katie breathlessly. "I actually thought you were a better man than this."

Marcus's face flushed as he looked into her fierce, wet blue-green eyes.

"Are you not even going to tell me why you are breaking up with me Flint," asked Katie unsteadily. "You said you had no intention of seeing me today. Were you just going to break up with me in an owl?"

"Maybe," said Marcus. He turned to leave.

"Coward," hissed Katie. "So much for loving me forever. I guess forever is not that long, is it?"

Katie was standing in the middle of the hall one minute and the next minute, pushed up against the hard stone walls of the corridor. She looked into Marcus's angry dark blue eyes and shivered. She was frantic with fear. She wasn't afraid of Marcus but she was afraid that he really was breaking up with her. And she still had no idea why. He had been so cold when they had started their confrontation. She wanted to jolt him out of his coldness. She looked into his hot, angry eyes and realized she got her wish. He had her blocked up against the wall; his hands on either side of her head and his body leaned into hers.

"I saw you," said Marcus fiercely. "I saw you outside of the change rooms last night. How long have you been cheating on me Katie?"

"What?" stuttered Katie. "What did you-"

Marcus slammed his fist into the wall hard right by Katie's head. She jumped in shock.

"Merlin," said a trembling Katie. "Marcus, I didn't kiss him. He kissed me. I swear."

"I want to know how long you've been cheating," growled Marcus quietly.

"He's been flirting a little," admitted Katie. "But I haven't-"

"Liar," said Marcus. "I saw you kiss him."

"You didn't see the whole thing," said Katie frantically. "I pulled away and I told him to never do that again."

"Sure you did," said Marcus sardonically.

"I did. But he's my friend. What did you want me to do?" asked Katie tearfully. "Hit him and tell him I am your girlfriend?"

"Yes," said Marcus. "That is exactly what I wanted you to do."

"I couldn't do that," said a shocked Katie.

"You mean you wouldn't," shouted Marcus. Marcus backed up from Katie and ran his hands shakily over his face. He sighed and looked at Katie and her tear streaked frightened face. She reached out a shaking hand to touch him and he flinched away. The tears that had been threatening to fall from her wet eyes started to fall silently down her face.

"I can't do this anymore," said Marcus wearily. "The secrecy and Wood. You don't love me enough to tell your mates about me. And I love you too much to be happy with being your shameful secret."

"Merlin Marcus," said Katie shakily. "I do love you and I'm not ashamed of you."

"I think it is too late Katie," said Marcus quietly. He reached out a hand and touched her face gently. "I meant it you know. I will love you forever." He leaned in and kissed her wet trembling mouth softly. "Good-bye Katie."

As he walked away, he could hear her sobbing his name but he squared his shoulders and kept going. It was better this way, he assured himself. He could feel his throat closing and hastened his steps. He needed to get to his room and be alone with his memories.