The Subtle Sport
Challenge Seventeen: Messages From The Heart
Title: The Subtle Sport
Author: SeaIsleWitch
Wizard/Witch: Marcus Flint/Tracey Davis with Draco & Pansy Malfoy
Rating/Warnings: PG-13/R
Genre: Romance/Humour
Word count: Exactly 750
Prompt: 31. Autograph with a message.
Summary: Marcus is haunted and hunted by witches. Draco gives him some advice.
Dominating the Falcon's locker room was a thoroughly shaggable witch with long caramel hair and full glossy lips. Unfortunately, this woman wasn't a wanton fan out for a thrill. She was my ex-girlfriend and a hard-hitting correspondent for The International Journal for Serious Quidditch Enthusiasts. Dangerous on both counts.
Two years ago, Tracey and I got together at Draco and Pansy's wedding. I was with the Bats back then, so after a few months of fantastic shagging, I convinced Tracey to move into my Ballycastle flat. The parties and Quidditch tarts irritated Tracey, which quickly led to a misunderstanding, a Stinging Hex, and her abandoning me. Too thick to know better, I didn't stop her from leaving. I've seen her eight times since then. Tracey almost always smiles but then Disapparates immediately.
If Tracey wanted an interview today, I'd need to be cautious. The last time I gave one, the Prophet reporter didn't like my shag-and-leave trick, so she wrote a vicious article about the Falcons. The Malfoys, the new owners, were murderous. Draco warned me he wouldn't stop Pansy's wrath if it ever happened again, so I don't shag reporters anymore.
In tight Muggle jeans and a sheer blouse, Tracey wound through the room of barely-dressed wizards. She joked and asked questions about our victory, never once looking over at me. None of my randy team mates knew of our history, but I was still jealous. Tracey was the one who got away.
Just then, Pansy pranced in, followed closely by Draco. From the scowl he wore, I could tell he didn't want his wife in here. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I saw Pansy whisper in Tracey's ear. The two witches then left, smiling wickedly and snubbing me as they passed.
"See you at the party," Draco drawled, clapping me on the back. "Beware, Flint. Those witches are up to something."
~*~
A dozen or so elegantly-dressed guests sipped cocktails in the blue drawing room of Malfoy Manor. I watched some smarmy wizard chat up Tracey, her sexy curves now wrapped in black velvet. I wanted her, but what could I do to make up for what had happened?
Draco handed me a fresh drink. "Pansy has it in her mind that you and Tracey are getting back together tonight."
I choked on my vint-and-elixir.
Draco chuckled. "Don't look now, but they're watching you."
I casually glanced around. Several witches shot me knowing looks, including Pansy.
"If you want to leave, go now," Draco offered. "Pansy has an unblemished record in the sport of matchmaking."
"Does she now?" I was both terrorized and fascinated.
"You have no idea what you're up against."
~*~
At the table, I was seated between Daphne and Millicent, both married. They were in on it too because after greeting me, they turned to their other dining companions. That left me to stare down at my plate, up at the crystal chandelier, or directly across the table at Tracey's candle-lit features. Never glancing at me, Tracey flirted with the wizards next to her: Falcons Keeper and full-time prat Miles Bletchley and Heathcoate Barbary -- a rock star for Salazar's sake!
During the five-course feast, Draco smirked at me over his wineglass. At the other end of the table, Pansy wore a sly smile. I should have taken Draco's advice and fled. Wallowing in my own personal hell, I played with my place card, eventually noticing the writing inside the folded stock:
To my devoted fan.
Tracey Davis
I burst out laughing, and everyone looked up from their desserts. Tracey used to tease me about the dull autographs I'd give out, and now she had left one for me. We locked eyes for one promising moment, and I was done for. It took all my strength to keep from jumping over the table. As she ate chocolate gateau, I wished I could taste her sweet lips.
~*~
The guests were invited into the enchanted gardens for after-dinner dancing. I tried to intercept Tracey but was blocked by Draco.
"Make her wait," he murmured.
It was a good strategy, so I hung back, taking my time among the melodies and heady scents drifting through the night air. Rounding a corner, I stopped cold. Tracey stood alone just ahead on the garden path. This was my chance.
"Tracey, I--"
"Marcus," she interrupted, holding out her hand, "come dance with me."
In the centre of the rose-hedge maze, I drew Tracey into my arms, and my future suddenly became clear.
Author's Notes: Thanks to Draco and Pansy for their expert guidance and to Gelsey for her Proof-Witchery!
Proof-reader: gelsey