Sparks

Sparks 28

Chapter Twenty-Eight:

The Great Hall: April 16^th:

"I think I'm going to be sick," said Draco as he stared at his breakfast.

"Please for me Draco," pleaded a pale Tarquin. "Not here mate."

"Stop being melodramatic you two," said Marcus briskly. He lowered his eyes back to his playbook propped up against his glass of pumpkin juice.

Marcus was loath to admit it even to himself but they had their work cut out for them today. Gryffindor was fielding the best team they've had since Charlie Weasley was their seeker. That Potter kid was an incredible asset for them. His mere presence tended to elevate Gryffindor's playing abilities. His eyes drifted down the table towards his Keeper. In a year or two, that kid would be good. But right now, he was inexperienced and that was their fatal flaw as a team. Even if Draco beat that Potter kid to the snitch, they had to be up by a considerable amount of points to even have a chance at winning.

Marcus tightened his jaw. He was not going to give up just yet. They had cunning and determination on their side. Add a dash of luck, like Potter losing his glasses or something, and the Cup would be theirs.

"Say Marcus," whispered Chris. "Do you think we even have a snowball's chance in hell?"

"Yes,' said Marcus firmly. "Quidditch is hard to predict. Anything could happen during a game. We are more focused than they are. Usually, Gryffindor screws up by thinking too much. They start thinking about motives and morality and then their game goes to shite. We just have to hit them hard and plant doubts."

The rest of the team was looking at him gravely. "Thank Merlin," thought Marcus. "They understand that today's game is going to be hard and messy. The outcome is not certain."

"Everyone should go back to their rooms and get some rest," said Marcus. "Relax and calm down."

As Marcus was getting up to leave, Professor Snape glided up to him.

"Mr. Flint," said Snape smoothly. "I have a message for you."

"Yes sir," said Flint with his chin up and his doubts shoved aside.

"Your father wishes to inform you that he'll be expecting your presence this afternoon in Hogsmeade after the game," said Snape neutrally. "He and several guests will be taking in the game. After which, he wishes to see you."

"Oh," said Marcus as his heart sank. Why did he have to come see this game of all games?

"He also has informed me that you have, for some reason, misplaced or have forgotten to answer your mail," said Snape with a raised eyebrow. "He hopes that this is merely an oversight on your part."

"Yes," said Marcus blandly. He excused himself and walked back to the Slytherin dungeons with a distracted air.

"Who is that prat bringing?" thought Marcus. "I hope he doesn't expect me to meet him before the game. I have enough to worry about as it is."

In the foyer, Marcus ran into Madame Hooch and a large heavy-set man.

"Flint," said Madame Hooch with a gleam in her eye. "Just the student I was looking for. Have you met Dugal Jones? He is the head scout for the Falmouth Falcons. He wanted to meet you."

"Pleased to meet you sir," said Marcus as he looked the man straight in the eye and shook his hand.

"And I have been waiting more than a year to meet you, Mr. Flint," said Dugal Jones gruffly.

"Would you like to show Mr. Jones the Quidditch pitch, Flint," said Madame Hooch briskly. "And accompany him back here in time for luncheon. I'm sure you two will find something to talk about while I go prepare for today's match."

"Yes, ma'am," said Marcus with a grin.

The Gryffindor Common room: late that morning:

"Miss Bell," said Professor MaGonagall. "I'm sure your father and step-mother would be pleased if you showed them around Hogwarts before luncheon is served."

"Yes ma'am," said Katie nervously. She gave a shy smile at her father and his wife, Ivy. They had arrived early for the game. Her father was taller than she remembered and he was a handsome man. He looked so young compared to Fred and George's father. And his wife, Ivy, was very fashionably dressed. She made Katie feel a little underdressed. But they both were taking pains to make Katie feel more comfortable with them. They started to talk about inconsequential things like the weather until Katie could feel herself relaxing.

Katie, her father and his wife stepped out of the Gryffindor common room and made their way towards the front hall and the grounds.

"Well," said Stuart Bell a little nervously. "That was the first time I've been in the Gryffindor common room."

"Me too," said Ivy as she gave Katie a slightly nervous smile.

"Really?" said Katie with a shy smile of her own. They were walking on eggshells around each other since Professor MaGonagall called her down from her room and she saw them standing in the common room. Her father's face had lit up when he saw her come down the stairs and it had given Katie a warm feeling in her heart. She had done the right thing asking him to be here.

"I was in Slytherin," said Stuart Bell with a wry grin. Katie gasped then smiled.

"So was I," said Ivy with an affectionate grin at Stuart. "But I was in my first year when your father was in his seventh. He was completely unaware that I was even alive."

"Not true," said Stuart with an equally affectionate grin at his wife. "My mates used to tease me about this firstie who followed me around all the time."

"Oh," gasped Ivy with an outraged look. "I did not follow you around!"

"Okay," agreed Stuart. "But you did have a shrine to me."

"Katie," said Ivy. "Please do not listen to him. And if he starts to tease you, tell me. I've got dirt on this man. Did you know that he's a Chuddley Cannons fan? Poor deluded man thinks they have a chance this year."

"Chuddley Cannons?" said Katie with a mock look of horror.

"What's wrong with the Chuddley Cannons," asked Stuart. "When I played Quidditch at Hogwarts, they were the best team in the league."

"But that was ages ago," protested Katie. She then blushed when she realized what she said.

Ivy laughed and gave Katie a bright smile.

"I'm sorry,' said Kate with her face going deep red. "I didn't mean to say that you were-"

"I know," said her father as he squeezed her shoulder. "That was very funny though."

As they walked around the lake, Katie's father asked her about the coming game.

"I think we have the best chance in years of actually winning the Cup," said Katie eagerly.

"You are playing Slytherin," said Ivy. "Doesn't your boyfriend play for Slytherin?"

Katie smile faded and she looked off towards the lake. "He's not my boyfriend anymore," said Katie quietly. Stuart raised a hand and touched her back hesitantly.

"I'm sorry," said Ivy with her face stricken. "I didn't mean to get you upset Katie."

"That's okay," said Katie as she raised her chin. "He had....other family obligations."

"Oh," gasped Ivy as look of comprehension flooded her face. "Your boyfriend was Marcus Flint. His betrothal was announced a week ago."

"Do you mean that Flint knew he was engaged when he was seeing you?" said Stuart Bell with a dark look on his face. His hand tightened around Katie in a protective manner.

"No," said Katie. "He didn't know about it until it was announced in the paper." She still had this need to protect Marcus even from her father. He still had his arm around her protectively. It gave Katie a warm feeling in her heart.

"That Aurelius Flint," said Ivy with an annoyed look on her face. "He's a piece of work."

"I thought," said Stuart Bell as he frowned. "That Flint's intentions towards you were honorable."

"I think they were," said Katie sadly. "But I guess his family didn't think I was suitable enough."

Katie watched in surprise as her father's face darkened. Her stepmother gave her hand a firm squeeze.

"Aurelius Flint is an unprincipled shite," said Ivy firmly. "Do not believe a word he says. He did it to spite someone, be it his wife or his son. He can't stand the thought of either of them being happy. I've known Natalya Flint for years."

Katie heart swelled as she realized that they were both outraged on her behalf. She gave a teary smile and changed the subject. They chatted quietly about school. As Katie was leading them back towards the castle to have lunch, Stuart stopped her with a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Katie,' said Stuart. "I know what it is like to have a big game in a few hours. Why don't you go in to lunch and Ivy and I will go to Hogsmeade. That way, you'll have time to relax and get ready for the game without worrying about us."

"But it's not a worry," protested Katie. "I like spending time with you."

"So do I," said Stuart seriously.

"Okay," said Katie a tad gratefully. "Are you sure?"

"I'm not so old that I can't find the Gryffindor stands," said Stuart teasingly. "Professor MaGonagall arranged our seating already with us. And after the game, would you like to join us for a celebration tea or supper depending how long the game goes, in Hogsmeade?"

"I'd like that," said Katie quietly. They said their good-byes and both Ivy and Stuart wished her luck outside the doors to the castle. Katie watched as they turned to walk to the village. Impulsively she called out to her father and ran down the stairs.

"Thank-you for coming Papa," said Katie as she hugged him tightly. Stuart jerked in surprise when she called him 'papa'. She used to call him that when she was very young. His arms came around her and hugged her back fiercely.

"Thank-you for asking Katie," said Stuart huskily with his eyes filled with emotion.

Later as Katie was eating her lunch, she realized that a weight was lifted off her shoulders. A weight she had gotten so used to carrying that she forgot it was there. Marcus had been right. He was her father. And now she had him back. It was early and they still had issues to deal with, but the first, most difficult step had been taken.

The Quidditch Pitch: that afternoon:

Katie struggled to catch her breath as the battle raged around her. They were winning but, like Fred said, Slytherin came to play for keeps. The speed of the play and the intensity was electrifying. The noise the crowd was making faded to a dull roar as she concentrated on the game. She couldn't even hear Lee as he commentated on the game.

Katie was trying to catch up to Angelina as she was hurdling towards the Slytherin hoops when she saw Marcus come at her blindingly fast. She gave a squeak of surprise and a gasp of outrage when he grabbed at her head. She pushed at him with her free hand but they tangled together for one heart stopping moment. Then Katie pushed herself free and darted away. Her heart was pounding unnaturally fast and a feeling of hurt was starting to well up in her as she threw him a dirty look over her shoulder. It was then that she noticed the bludgers. The bludgers that nearly collided where, just a minute before, she had been. Marcus had grabbed at her not to shove her off her broom but to save her. Their gazes collided. His face was closed off but she could see the relief in his eyes that she was all right. She raised her hand at him and he nodded then disappeared. Katie snapped her attention back to the game.

"Remember to pressure the keeper," thought Katie as Oliver's mantra went through her mind over and over again. She dodged bludgers aimed at all the Gryffindor chasers by a grim faced Myles and an intense Tarquin.

Katie could not feel the time passing. During an intense scrimmage by the Slytherin hoops, Katie could feel a hand push at her. She shoved away as she realized that Montague was trying to push her off her broom. He followed her with an intense stare and tried again harder. They battled silently until they were struggling together. Katie tried desperately to stay on her broom but her hands were slipping.

"Montague," hissed Katie. "Bugger off!"

"Stop playing with him," hissed Montague back just as intensely. "Quit distracting Marcus."

"I'm not playing with him," protested Katie.

"Yes you are," said Ty with a frown. He dodged away a moment later when Fred and George sent bludgers hurdling towards him at very high speeds.

Later as Angelina and her combined for a goal, Angie whispered at her to be careful and that Slytherin was getting desperate.

Marcus could feel the sweat gathering on his body as he tried again to get a goal past Wood. But the Scottish git was playing like a madman, a possessed madman. His keeper was letting in goals like a sieve but Wood was protecting those hoops like they were his children. Marcus could feel his team getting more and more frustrated. Marcus was trying to focus their attention on goals.

Suddenly, the boisterous crowd got even louder as Marcus whipped his head around to see why. He saw the golden snitch and watched for a second as Draco and Potter battled hard for the little ball. He turned his attention to the hoops as he tried to get a goal in while the Gryffindors were distracted.

"Come on Draco," thought Marcus over and over again as he and Chris began to attack the Gryffindor hoops. Then it was over. The Gryffindor stands erupted in wild celebration as Jordan practically screamed out that Potter had caught the snitch. Marcus could feel his heart drop and his stomach felt like lead. He stopped and hovered in the air watching the celebrations of the Gryffindors with a detached look. He felt Tarquin and Chris come and hover beside him.

"Bloody hell," said Tarquin as he rested his club on his shoulder and sighed.

"That Potter kid makes me crazy," said Chris.

Marcus remained silent as he watched the Gryffindors celebrate exuberantly.

Later in the change room, Marcus could sense that the rest of the team was walking around him on eggshells. He was silent. His silence was beginning to unnerve his teammates especially his keeper and seeker. Draco looked depressed and guilty. His keeper was making sure he stayed out of Marcus's way.

"Say something Marcus," said Chris. "You are beginning to scare even me."

"Yes," said Tarquin. "Do you want to break something, mate?"

Marcus shook his head and went to take a shower. He dressed carefully because he had to meet his father later then turned to face his dejected and demoralized team.

"They had the better team today," said Marcus quietly as the locker room stilled. "Their chasers have been together for years now and it shows. Their beaters have the twin thing going for them. And the keeper was playing like a madman and the seeker is a madman. But you guys gave them a hard fought battle. I can't ask for more. This was my last game of Quidditch here at Hogwarts. I played my first seven years ago," said Marcus as he took a deep breath as he realized the truth in those words. "Promise me one thing. Make them fight just as hard next year and the year after and the year after. Bring the cup back to Slytherin."

"We will Marcus," said Montague seriously. "We will."

"I'll meet you guys later," said Marcus. "I have to meet my father for supper but keep a bottle of firewhiskey warm for me." Marcus turned and walked out of the locker room after a game for the last time.

"Mr. Flint," said Professor Snape outside the door. "It was quite the battle."

"Yes, it was," agreed Marcus.

"Your father was waiting but opted to ask me to tell you to meet him at the Hogsmeade Brasserie at your earliest convenience," said Snape.

"Thank-you sir," said Marcus quietly. He was relieved that his father had left. He needed time alone.

"No, Mr. Flint," said Snape as he held out his hand. "Thank-you for your seven years of service with the Slytherin Quidditch team. Thank-you for the five Quidditch cups won under your tenure as Slytherin Quidditch captain."

Marcus took Professor's Snape's hand and smiled. "Students will bitch about Snape," thought Marcus. "But he always knows what to say to his Slytherins when they need to hear it."

"My pleasure sir."

Outside the Gryffindor Change Room:

Katie gave her father a wide smile and threw her arms around both her father and her stepmother.

"You were wonderful Katie," said Stuart Bell with a proud smile. "I never saw such an exciting game in my life."

"Thank-you," said Katie with her eyes sparkling.

"You know," said Stuart as he held her by her shoulders. "If you want to beg off the supper and go celebrate with your mates. Ivy and I won't be upset."

"No," said Katie. "The party will be going on for ages. They'll barely realize that I'm not there for a while. I want to have supper with both of you. Besides, I'm starving!"

"Good then," said Ivy as they began to walk away from the change rooms. "We will have a celebration dinner at the Hogsmeade Brasserie."

"Okay," said Katie. She was relieved that they had not suggested the Hogsmeade Inn. The dining room had bad memories for her. Although she would treasure the memories she had of the tearoom. Katie thought happily that she had never been to the Hogsmeade Brasserie but she had always heard good things about it.