Seeking refuge...

[walker]

This is it. Marcus thought to himself as he saw the large branches of the whooping willow thrash dangerously close to him. I¡¯m going to have to face her some time or later. Just get it over and done with. He sighed and leant back against the rough texture of the whipped bark on the lonesome tree. He didn¡¯t care if he was sitting right in front of the only tree near the range of the whooping willow, which had the unmistakable scars of the whip like branches of the old tree. He dugs his heels deeply into the soil and watched his feet sink gradually into the ground. He felt safe and calm now that he was away from all the students and closed his eyes for a nap.

[Fleur Delacour]

*Fleur was walking by, untill she saw Marcus. She blinked, walking up to him, avoiding the branches.*

Marcus?

*She paused.*

Iz that you?

[walker]

Marcus snapped his eyes open and looked frantically around him. Just a metre away from him, he saw the familiar figure of a tall slim girl with the most startling blue eyes. He gaped at her for a while and hastily stood up, brushing the dirt from pants. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and put on a fake smile. "Hi." He greeted her awkwardly.

[Fleur Delacour]

*She looked at him.*

It iz Me, Fleur Delacour..

*She paused, tiliting her head.*

Remember?

[walker]

Marcus couldn't help smilling genuinely this time at the girl. "I know." He chuckled slightly. I might as well let things go for once He thought. As he did, he bent down and greeted Fleur with a kiss on the cheek. "How have you been?" He asked, pushing his worries aside.

[Fleur Delacour]

*She smiled, shrugging as she looked around.*

Vell, I am haffing a baby..

*She looked at the ground.*

I just sent mother and father the letter...

[walker]

Marcus, taken aback slightly, raised his eyebrows. "A baby? Who's the father?" He asked, staring at Fleur, knowing that it would cause her discomfort. He didn't know why, but he felt suddenly angry and betrayed.

[Fleur Delacour]

*She figited with her hair, looking away, knowing she was being stared at. She chewed on the inside of her cheek.*

Ebin Iz...He iz my boyfriend,,,

*She paused, looking away.*

So What iz new vith you?

*She tried to smiled, hopeing the subject would change.*

[walker]

"Ebin? Ebin Nowell?" Marcus exasperated. "You mean Ebin?" He repeated again in utter shock. Clenching his jaws together, he looked away from Fleur, disgusted. "Nothing's new." Marcus lied, frowning hard so that Fleur couldn't read his face.

[Fleur Delacour]

*Fleur looked at Marcus, she had tears in her eyes, as she started to shake. She fell to her knees, scared. Well, of course she was scared. She loved Ebin with all her heart, and would love the child aswell, she was just scared of everything.*

Marcus...I vas there vhen you needed a friend..

*She sniffled, and pulled out grass.*

Please...Just don't think of yourself for once..

[walker]

Marcus slowly turned around to face the shaking Fleur and grimaced. Struggling with himself, he finally broke down. "My father died last week." He spluttered out, his emotions everywhere. He didn't know what else to say. He desperately wanted to tell Fleur about his worries - how he was going to approach his sister after so many years of silence, how he was going to break the news to her, and what was going to happen to him - but he couldn't bring himself to put that upon Fleur. There was a long and painful silence. However he sighed and shook his head firmly. "I'm sorry." He bent down and scooped Fleur up to her feet. "I shouldn't have..." He trailed off, shaking as well and coming back to his usual self once more.

[Fleur Delacour]

*Fleur sniffled, as she looked up. She gave Marcus a hug.*

I 'ham zo zorry to 'ear zhat Marcus..

*She steadyed herself, holding onto Marcus' Shoulder as she got upon her feet. She was un-awear that Marcus and Faye were brother and sister. She looked around. Letting out a sigh, wiping her eyes.*

I h'am zcared Marcus...

*She sniffled, tearing up once more.*

[walker]

Marcus gave her a weak smile of comfort. "It's OK." He muttered. "Don't be." He held her in his arms but suddenly pushed her back to arms length. "Wait...you're not frightened about Ebin are you? It's understandable that you're scared about...about the baby." He struggled, looking at her tummy. "I might just have a word with him...to let him know about us." He said awkwardly. "I feel uncomfortable." Marcus added wearily.

[Fleur Delacour]

*She smiled slightly, with a small shrug.*

But I am..

*Fleur looked at Marcus for a moment, and shook her head.*

No, no I h'am not zcared about Ebin, It iz the bebe..I just 'ope i vill be a good Mother..

*Fleur nodded, and looked up at Marcus.*

But you haff to be nice..promise?

*She paused, with a slight smile.*

I love 'im vith all my 'eart

[walker]

Marcus flinched slightly at Fleur's last comment. However he nodded, forcing himself to get over his feelings. "I promise I'll be nice to him. Anyways, he's my sister's childhood friend - I've got no choice. He's like family." He laughed, his tone full of bitterness. "Look - I can help. Well...just be there...you know." He shrugged. "Everyone will be there for you, so don't worry." Marcus comforted.