Breathe

Marcus went to his chambers and sat on his bed. How the hell did he let this happen? Everything had been so calculated…and then this? He couldn’t explain it, no he couldn’t attempt to explain it. So suddenly he had gone from completely in control to not in control at all. How in the gods names could he ever find himself helpless to a mudblood, this was not acceptable. He didn’t know what had come over him, the mere thought of her taking her own life had been enough to compel him to reach out to her in any way he could. What weakness. How could such a reputable war hero become so unguarded in the face of a woman, no not just a woman, but a muggle woman. This simply was not acceptable and he could not let it happen again.

He barely slept all night from a mix of agitation at what had happened and nervousness of the ball. The following day he tried to keep himself occupied by tending to business and making arrangements for the night. He had already ordered an elegant emerald velvet dress for Katie, and he had one of the house elves take it to her room. He went about preparing himself, showering, and having his personal servant tend to dressing him and styling his hair. He sent word to Katie that she should be ready and at the foot of the staircase at exactly 18:00. Fiddling, he anxiously waited, uncertain of how he was going to tolerate her presence after the…incident…from last night.

He was just about to go up and scold her when he saw a green flash out of his eye. She looked amazing. The dress clung to her in all the right places, and the embellishments around the neckline emphasized her long, slender, alabaster neck. The contrast between her golden hair and the emerald was perfect. Her face, her face had an expression he couldn’t read. Regret? Confusion? No. Uncertainty. It was the first time ever Marcus had seen that expression on her, perhaps she was just as daunted by the day before as he had been.
She stopped next to him and said nothing. Marcus pulled a brown box out of his coat.

“I know you aren’t going to like it but it’s what has to be done” he said calmly. Inside was a silver collar, encrusted with emeralds. Katie let out a sound of disgust and disapproval but leaned over to expose her neck. He carefully fastened it around her neck and noticed her shiver slightly from the contact. They said little else to one another for the entire carriage ride, both looking out of opposite windows. Marcus was almost relieved at her current state. Perhaps more subdued she would be less of a liability to him tonight, just another benefit.

They arrived to the castle and both descended from the carriage, he made sure not to help her down even though he was tempted to, such gestures would be frowned upon. She walked at his side and he carefully whispered to her under his breath

“Remember, head down, no heroics,” he quickly put on his best smile as he ran into the first guest: Draco Malfoy.

“Malfoy, how are things?”

“About as good as you would expect, though not as much fun since the wars died down, yeah? I’m sure you can sympathize on that one…” Malfoy’s steel blue eyes found their way to Katie.

“…Although the victor is not without his spoils, eh?” He began to circle her like a hunter stalking its prey, eyeing every inch of form that clung to the dress. Marcus did not like it. He felt the anger begin to boil inside of him.

“My my, you’ve done pretty well haven’t you? You really ought to let me borrow her for a weekend, I haven’t had the pleasure of a Gryffindor in months. They really are the best you know, they always make you work for it,” he brought his hand to her face and moved his finger to stroke her cheek. Marcus quickly slapped it away.

“Now now Malfoy, hands to yourself, this one was given to me.”

“Flint, if you weren’t so favored by the Dark Lord you know I wouldn’t hesitate to hex you for that.” Malfoy said, rubbing his hand.

“I know Draco. I promise I’ll send word on the next Gryffindor we catch” Flint added with a half grin. Draco’s face immediately lit up

“Great, I nearly lost it when I heard Terry got dibbs on Johnson” Katie let out a slight squeak. Draco let out a low chuckle.

“Hear something that interests you Bell? Too bad he got to her first, although from what I’ve heard he’s been doing quite well breaking her in”

“Go to hell Malfoy.” Katie said plainly, keeping her head slightly bowed but raising her eyes up to meet Malfoy’s dead on.

“You mudblood bitch, you dare to speak to me that way!? Marcus must be going soft to allow that. I think I ought to go tell the Dar…” Marcus placed his hand on Draco’s shoulder before he had time to move.

“Let’s not do anything rash. How about I do my own punishing” Draco opened his mouth to protest

“…AND you can see for yourself when you borrow her this weekend.” Katie darted her head up in shock as Draco produced a large smile.

“That sounds manageable...we’ll discuss it later, I simply must find Higgs and see how he’s faring…” He left with an extra swagger in his step.

“I can’t believe you just did that.” Katie said under her breath.

“Bell, what did I tell you? You deserve it. At least I managed to negotiate your life. And now that I can’t trust you to hold your tongue I suppose I’ll have to do it for you! Silencio!” Katie immediately rolled her eyes. He quickly found a dark corner and pulled her to it. He pushed her against the cold brick wall and clenched her throat with his hand. She mouthed words which wouldn’t come out and clawed at his hand.

“Maybe you don’t fear them but you damn well better fear me. I can make your life a living hell, and if you want to be passed around to all of the deatheaters, by all means, keep it up.” He growled. He keep squeezing until he saw she was about to lose consciousness. He gave her a moment to recompose herself. She looked up at him with shock and disbelief. It was about time, he really had been too soft on her, he already had promised himself it wouldn’t happen again.

“Ready?” He asked with a shit-eating grin.