Spring Research
Challenge Eighteen: March Madness Redux
Title: Spring Research
Author: redvelvetcanopy
Wizard/Witch: Marcus Flint/Penelope Clearwater
Rating/Warnings: PG-13/R
Genre: Romance
Word count: Exactly 500
Prompt: #24, St. Patrick's Day mead
Summary: When Marcus Flint rescues Penelope Clearwater from a dull party, he discovers they share a curious common interest.
The Prime Minister’s Gaelic Gathering was boring Marcus Flint to death. He batted away a shamrock that fell from overhead and noticed a woman watching the early spring rain falling outside. Marcus procured another glass of St. Patrick’s Day mead and moved closer. Her skin was as pale as rich cream, and she wore a strapless dress enchanted to shimmer between grass green and lavender.
He leaned over and spoke into her ebony curls. “You know what they say about April showers.”
The woman turned, her green eyes wide. Marcus offered her the wine. “Sorry-I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Marcus Flint, Miss…?”
“Penelope Clearwater,” she said, accepting the wine. “You do realize it’s not April yet, don’t you?”
“What do March showers predict? Perhaps conversations with a lovely witch?” He offered her his arm, and she smiled, allowing him to lead her to a velvet settee.
She glanced toward a group of wizards gathered around the Prime Minister before sitting down. “Your manners are far better than some.”
“You aren’t here alone?”
“No.” Penelope took a long sip from her glass. “I came with Percy Weasley.”
“The Head of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures?”
“Yes,” she said with a frown. “It’s all he thinks about. Now he’s bending Minister Shacklebolt’s ear about something.”
“I’m surprised.”
“What do you mean?”
“That he’d be foolish enough to leave you alone.”
“Well, it isn’t as though anything dangerous could happen here.”
Marcus whispered in her ear, “How can you be sure I’m not dangerous?” He trailed his finger across her bare shoulder, and she shivered in response.
“I...I doubt that,” she stammered, blushing prettily. “What do you do?”
“I head the Committee on Experimental Charms.”
“Why, I’m editing the Encyclopedia of Charms! May I ask if you’ve developed anything new?”
“Would you like to see them?”
“Yes! As long as they aren’t risky.”
“No-they’re safe and fully reversible.”
“Go on then.”
“Here’s one,” Marcus flicked his wand, and hazy blue light lazily enveloped her. “Relaxation Charm.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! I could see how this would be useful.” Her pupils were dark and inviting when she opened her eyes.
“I do a bit of freelancing on the side, as well.”
“For what industry?” she asked.
Marcus smirked. “I’d rather not say.”
Penelope, clearly intrigued, leaned into him. He felt her breasts press against his arm. “Tell me.”
The mead is going to her head, he thought, relishing the moment. “They’re erotic charms for the personal pleasure industry.”
Penelope eyes widened. “Are they for wizards only?”
“No, I develop them for witches, too.”
She cleared her throat. “How do you know if they work properly…for witches?”
Marcus chuckled. “There are several witches who’re willing to help me to that end. Why? Might you be interested?”
“Maybe we could go somewhere else to discuss this…purely as investigation for my editing, of course,” she said with a wink.
He stood and offered her his hand. “Anything to further your research, Miss Clearwater.”
Author's Notes: The Relaxation Charm is original, as are Marcus’ other charms, as yet unidentified.
Proof-reader: gelsey. Thanks, G!