My Verdict

I have been in this room for the past few weeks. I do not like to admit this but I am terrifed of going outside. Terrifed of being seen by the Weasley's. Or worse, by Potter. I worry what they would do. If I will be taken back to England, sent to Azkaban.

"Draco?"

"Come in, Marc." I smile as I watch the caramel skinned man enter my room, closing the door with a small thunk.

"You simply must come out with me today. I am going to the city just north of here, Aix-en-Provence."

"Have you brought me lunch? I refususe to go anywhere on an empty stomach."

"Non, we can not have your delicate fame melt under the sun." Marc's deep laugh reaches my ears as he sits a tray on the table between us. "Bouillabaisse with fresh bread and Brie with Elderberries."

"Are you trying to say I will get sick of being inside?" I ask, popping one of the lush berries into my mouth and grinning.

"Non, I am saying you are full of shit."

I stare at Marc. Did he really just say that to me? I put the rest of the berries on the tray and glare at him. "Just because I don't want to go outside does not mean anything. Go away, Marc, I find I am too tired to deal with you today."

"Pourquoi cachez-vous?"

"Stop it, Marc."

"Vous êtes belle."

I close my eyes as Marc caress' my face, my head tilting into his hand. "Why are you doing this to me?"

"Un ange parmi les mortels." Marc presses his forehead to mine, both hands now cupping my face. "Ils ne sont pas digne de vous. Ne les craignez pas, vous êtes en sécurité ici. Avec moi."

I open my eyes in time to see him close his and lean toward me. I am in such shock I do not pull back until it is too late. His lips, so soft, have touched mine and I am lost in these few seconds of bliss. With strength, I push myself out of his arms and am across the room before I can fully understand what has happened.

"Je suis désolé. J'aurais dû demander."

"Yes." I grind out. "You should have asked."

"You would hold this against me?"

I look at him, his eyes are soft and sad. "Only this once." I whisper. "Pure Bloods are... faithful to family first. Blood traitors have forgotten the Old Ways. Kisses are for... for sealing a contract."

"Marriage."

"Yes." I turn away from him, my cheeks aflame.

"I am your first kiss."

It is a statement, not a question. I squeeze my eyes and do not respond. Muggle curruption in the Wizarding World caused many teens to frollic before marriage, which in turn caused more children to be born out of wedlock and therefore, weaker. Without the bond of marriage the child would only proft from the magic of the birthing parent instead of both.

"I only mean to flatter."

Marc shocks me from my thoughts. "I'm sorry, Marc. I was raised in the Old Ways, I was teased for it in school."

"Non, you should never be teased simply because you wish to wait for a bond."

"I know." I face him slowly. "I was not alone. And it is not so much the kiss, only that it leads to other things. Things I am not willing to do just yet. I do not wish to lead you on, Marc. I want to be upfront about that."

Marc gives me a small smile. "I would be lying if I said I did not wish for a different outcome. But I respect that you are honest." A deep laugh fills the room as he grabs my hand and pulls on it. "Let us leave, you must get out to see!"

"But..." I look to the bed where a letter waits for me. "My mother..."

"Your mother wants you to be happy. Her letter is not going anywhere, the fair in town is."

"Fair? What about my food?"

"Worry not, I shall get you more. You have had Bouillabaisse almost every day."

I pout as I allow him to pull me out the door. "But I like Bouillabaisse."

-TBC-

A/N: Short I know but I have to get this out before I can continue.

FRENCH BY MARC:

"Why do you hide?"

"Stop it, Marc."

"You are beautiful."

I close my eyes as Marc caress' my face, my head tilting into his hand. "Why are you doing this to me?"

"An angel amang mortals." Marc presses his forehead to mine, both hands now cupping my face. "They are not worthy of you. Do not fear them, you are safe here. With me."

I open my eyes in time to see him close his and lean toward me. I am in such shock I do not pull back until it is too late. His lips, so soft, have touched mine and I am lost in these few seconds of bliss. With strength, I push myself out of his arms and am across the room before I can fully understand what has happened.

"I'm sorry. I should have asked."

ELDERBERRY JOKE:

"Are you trying to say I will get sick of being inside?" I ask, popping one of the lush berries into my mouth and grinning.

"Non, I am saying you are full of shit."

::Elderberries help to settle an upset stomach if you're feeling sick. They are also a mild laxative::