Author's Chapter Notes:
Thank you to cschoolgirl for all her work and advise on this chapter.
Tall hanging crystal chandeliers reflecting on the smooth polished marble floor; Candy’s mansion is grand, as befitting an heiress of her caliber. Marie herself never quite bought into the opulent lifestyle. Dreams of growing up poor in backwaters of Mississippi has a way of adding a dose of realism to her life. Despite that, it is still enjoyable to see Candy play at hostess and impress her friends with luxury.

“You know chica.” Marie looks up from working on her own dress towards Jubes, who stands chasten yet unamused, on top of a chair in the center of the room, in just her underwear while several seamstresses work around her, measuring her size, checking the fabrics against her skin. “When Candy said she was calling her tailor over, I was expecting, you know, one person.”

Marie smiles at her friend, while Kitty had taken to the occasion like fish to water, it had taken a scolding from the matron before Jubes would stay still long enough for her fitting. While Kitty’s starry-eyed glances at Warren certainly is the primary factor in her willingness to cooperate, her natural temperament makes Kitty far more accepting of situations like this. “Yeah well technically only one of them is a tailor the rest are her helpers.”

Jubes tendency towards rebelliousness certainly is not doing her any favors in such a situation. Although Marie is surprised how quickly Jubes was brought to heel by Candy’s matron. Marie had a matron of her own when she was younger and she knew the respect one of them could instill. It looked like even an experienced runaway like Jubes is not immune to the stern mothering at their hands.

“Ack!” Jubes squeaks as one of the seamstresses tightens the lacing on her bodice. Marie couldn’t help but laugh at the face she is making. “You’re choking me!”

“Nonsense, this is the only proper way to accentuate your bust and hips.” The tailor directs the seamstress to tighten the bodice some more much to Jubes distress.

Jubes fidgets in place, Marie can see the play of her emotions, right before her outburst, “My tits and ass are fine!”

“Language, young lady!” From the other end of the room, the Matron glares at Jubes and folds her arms.

“Jubes stop while you're ahead,” While she is amused at Jubes’ overly dramatic struggles, Marie knows from experience that Jubes could get herself into even more trouble if she doesn't step in. Marie pulls out the threat that always stopped herself from complaining about a tight bodice. “Or she might put you in a corset like Kitty.”

Jubes quickly freezes in place and blanches. “Ugh, I don’t know how she can stand that!”

“Well, she is dressing to impress…” Now that Jubes is saved from a slow death by strangulation, Marie returns to finishing lacing up her own gown.

“So Bobby and Johnny will be here, so what?” Marie can still hear the venom in her voice. She is suddenly reminded just how wonderful a friend Jubes is. She might act brashly most of the time but Marie knows that deep down Jubes is perhaps the most insecure having finally found a place in the school, she takes each attack on any of them as an attack on her own self.

“I don’t think she doing it for them.” Warren is very good looking, Kitty’s attraction is a given especially considering her personal preferences. Under normal circumstance, Marie herself would probably receive Warren’s advances warmly. Their similar social status would relieve a lot of the social pressure she is under even if their relationship would certainly just be an amicable one.

“Who else would she be doing it for?” Sometimes Jubes can be incredibly insightful on these matters other times she can be utterly dense. This is one is of the latter, once she gets an idea into her head Jubes can be remarkably stubborn. Like the Kitty, Johnny, and Bobby triangle, or Marie, herself, and Remy.

“That something you’d have to ask Kitty yourself.” When they first became friends, Marie often had the urge to mother the group. This is obviously due to her strange dreams and the feeling that she as known them all before. As their friendship grew she is realizing that often even if it leads to more fights, that in the long run Kitty and Jubes need to work out their differences between themselves. This is one of those situations.

“Oh, I will, one of us’s got to talking her out of still waiting for either of the two idiots to change!” Jubes got that determined look in her eyes again. As the one that has been at the school the longest, Jubes has the most history with the other students. Much of that history is still shrouded in mystery but Marie is certain it plays into the dynamic here.

Finally finishing up with her dress, Marie expertly redoes her hair and puts on the borrowed accessories. Walking to the door Marie waves to Jubes “I’m going to check on Kitty, come to the parlor when you’re done.”

“Chica you can’t leave me here with her?!” Jubes calls out with exaggerated fear. Marie knows part of Jubes’ unease is real, but she also knows when she is exaggerating. With an encouraging smile, Marie leaves Jubes to her fate.




“Hey, Kitty. Wow!” Marie steps into the adjoining dressing room, the sight of a fully adorned Kitty in her own ball gown, practically sparkling with joy, and literally sparkling with jewelry. She couldn't help but smile at Kitty’s excitement.

Beaming Marie her own smile Kitty pirouette in place, her blue and green silk ball gown flaring around her. “Marie! What do you think?”

“You look absolutely terrific Kitty.” Since meeting her friends, not much about them has surprised her. Jubes and Kitty are so similar to her dreams that meeting them felt more like a reunion. That other Kitty never went to a party like this one, dressing to impress. So in these genuine moments of surprise, Marie truly feels her mind is just her own.

“R-really? T-thanks!” Stopping mid-twirl, Kitty holds a hand to her chest, puffing out the response out between shallow breaths. It is readily apparent she is not used to wearing a corset.

“Easy Kitty,” Marie walks up behind Kitty and works the laces, adjusting the tightness of her corset to a more comfortable level. “These are pretty flexible but you still have to get used to it.”

“You’ve worn these things before?” Kitty’s breathing gets less laborious as Marie continues to adjust her lacing. Kitty looks over her shoulder in awe. “Who am I kidding of course you have, all of this is just an ordinary day for you, isn’t it?”

“Well, I don’t go to a party like this every day.” Finishing up Marie reties Kitty’s laces, and sighs. Her life might look glamorous if someone just shows up for the parties. But like all things, there are strings attached, so very many strings. The rigid traditions, the crushing expectations, the arcane social etiquettes, all these things and more are hidden under the shining surface. “And I usually consider these a punishment.”

“It is still kind of uncomfortable, but much better. Thanks, Marie.” Kitty turns around, and pulls Marie into a hug, careful to avoid any exposed skin, then rushes over to the wall mirror and looks herself over, excitedly. “And look at me! It’s like I’m straight out of a Jane Austen novel”

Marie walks up next to Kitty, nudging her with a wink, “And I'm sure he will love it.”

“W-what?! I don’t-” Kitty’s face colors in panic, as her hands wring her new gown.

“Of course not.” Grinning wide, Marie pulls Kitty towards the door before her hands can cause any permanent damage to the dress. “Come on, let's join Candy in the parlor, Jubes should be finished by now.”




Jubes is already in the parlor animatedly conversing with Candy when Marie and Kitty arrive. Marie is glad that her initial apprehension about her friends getting along with Candy was needlessly inflated. Jubes waves them over and eagerly pulls all of them all together in front of the large ceiling-high mirror. With all, their pastel-colored dresses side by side Jubes declares enthusiastically, “OMG chicas! We look so awesome!”

The other door to the parlor opens and in steps an older tuxedo-clad man. He bows to them and in a very measured tone address, Candy, “My lady, they are ready for you.”

Candy claps her hands together twice and motions the girls to follow her. “Come on, they are ready to announce us in.”

“Announce us in?” Kitty and Jubes gasp in unison, eyes wide, their embarrassment plain on their faces

“Oh, it’s no big deal everyone gets announced in.” Candy smiles reassuringly at them then winks, “Plus this way all the cute guys will know who the most beautiful ladies at the party are.”

“Oh!” Raising a hand to her mouth Candy calls over a nearby staff and retrieves two jeweled crests from his serving tray. Walking over to Jubes and Kitty, Candy lets them look it over, while she explains it purpose. “This will mark you two as a guest in the club, so the security won’t interrupt us.”

“Candy?” Marie looks at Candy puzzled, as Candy pins the crest on to her to friends. “Where is mine?”

Candy looks back at Marie just as puzzled, “But you’re already a member Marie.”

“I am?” This was news to her, she has been to many parties, and quite a few of them had been white tie affair, but she never been to one where guests wore crests like the ones that now adorns Kitty and Jubes.

“Yeah, this is a Hellfire Club event.” Candy apparently expected the name to mean something to Marie.

“The Hellfire Club?” Marie thinks back to all the organization she associated with in the past and draws a blank. Additionally, this club is obviously a very exclusive one, she doesn’t think they would add a person without notifying them first. “I would definitely remember if I joined a club with that name.”

“Well, membership to the club is hereditary.” Candy remarks offhandedly, then looks at Marie with genuine surprise “Your mom really never mentioned it before?”

“No, never.” Marie shakes her head to emphasize her point.

“Strange, I’ve seen pictures of her with her ex-husband in the club archives.” Candy taps a manicured finger to her chin, then adds after a moment, “Though I do remember hearing that your mother was not too fond of club activities.”

“That makes sense, momma doesn’t want anything to do with that man.” Marie was adopted shortly after Irene’s divorce, over some very strenuous objections. While some in the family still voice their concerns regarding Marie’s position. No one now dares to question Irene’s judgment, not after she turned the struggle regional bank she inherited into the world-class financial powerhouse it is today.

The music playing in the background suddenly changes, from experience Marie know it is a signal of some sort. Like she is expecting, Candy quickly ushers them towards the top of the stairway, “Come on! That’s our cue.”




Both Kitty and Jubes found their entrance exhilarating. When they walked down that grand staircase, the focus of attention for the entire room, Marie knew it wasn’t just because of how charming they all looked. Events like the one Marie and her friends are currently participating in is one for the privileged and the wealthy. She herself has attended numerous white tie events. But the faces she sees in the grand ballroom are the pinnacle of the nation’s wealthy.

Like other similar events Marie has attended before, many of the guests are seeking out every bit of information they can. All in the hopes of gaining that extra measure of leverage in any possible negotiations in the future. This is not something that is surprising to her. Many world-changing deals are cut on the sidelines of these parties. Had the circumstances been different, she would be out there mingling with them, wringing out what advantage she could for her mother.

That is not her purpose here tonight. More than anything Marie wants her friends’ first forays into her world to at minimum be a pleasant one. So while she would have liked more friendly faces in the crowd Marie is confident that between her and Candy, they can keep the wolves at bay. Marie leads the small group of girls towards a less crowded corner of the ballroom. This way either she or Candy can intercept and assess anyone making a play for them.

Despite Marie’s continued vigilance, the throng of young men that are circling them must have worn her down more than she expected. For that can be the only reason why she is frozen face to face with Magneto, totally unprepared. She even thought he was looking down at her exposed cleavage before realizing that he is looking right at the place where a crest would be. The slightest widening of his eyes gives him away, and she notices that Magneto is in fact, a guest.

“Your friends clean up well, Ms. Adler” He did not actually spare her friends one glance, his cold blue eyes focused on her the entire time. As always Magneto is dress impeccably, in his own unique style that seems to amplify his aura of arrogance. She finds it difficult to move or even speak under the intensity of his gaze. Marie had gotten the better of him last time they meet face to face, this time she is not sure that she would be so lucky.

Marie is not sure how long he manages to hold her in place like that, but she almost sighed audibly when Magneto attention shifts briefly away from her “And Ms. Southern, a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.”

“Pleased to meet you too, Mr. Lehnsherr.” Despite the perfectly executed curtsy, Candy seems just as surprised as she is. Seizing the brief moment Marie takes the chance to collect herself. Magneto apparently did not foresee their differing circumstances and she is wracking her mind to find a way to exploit that bit of knowledge.

“G-good evening sir.” Jubes and Kitty speak in unison, with a bit of apprehension filling their voices.

“Katherine, Jubilation, the presence of you two here is certainly a pleasant surprise.” As it is proper, Magneto responds to the greeting of his students. Marie is thankful that Magneto is so rigid when it comes to social norms, even if it is all just for appearance's sake. That is an urge that she can relate to, the feeling of being out of place in her own home the need to do whatever it takes to fit in.

“I trust you two are behaving yourselves?” That condescending yet amused tone slips into his voice. It matches her dream perfectly. That Magneto enjoyed the power he held over others, this one is no different.

“Yes, sir.” Both Kitty and Jubes are showing signs of nervousness, but with all things related to Magneto, the three friends are never in sync. Magneto is nightmare made flesh for Marie but her friends, they are simply nervous because a titan of the mutant rights struggle and a co-founder of the school is talking to them.

That trapped feeling is starting to creep over Marie. At the parties held in the school, everyone just knew her as Marie and a bit of acting out is simply regarded as a teenage outburst. Here she is the sole representative of the Adlers. Anyone who's anyone will be scrutinizing her action, filing away any perceived weakness so it can be used against her or her family.

If it was just her here, she might be able to outmaneuver Magneto. She just needs to buy herself some time, figure out the rules of this club and perhaps eject Magneto on some frivolous technicalities these types of organization are so fond of. But with Jubes and Kitty here, her options are much more limited. A slight misstep could see Magneto seek retribution against her friends. Then suddenly the persons Marie least expect to help her did, albeit inadvertently.

“Daddy?” Marie didn’t notice Lorna approaching and by the look on Magneto’s face neither did he. Lorna is immediately followed by Wanda both girls are dressed to the nines, though if the observer had a discerning eye, they would notice that their styles don’t exactly match those of the party.

“Lorna, Wanda, what are you two doing here?” Even his own daughters cringe a bit from Magneto’s stern tone. The smile on Lorna’s face fades quickly and that was even before she notices Marie’s presence. “You both better not be here because of that boy.”

“No, dad,” Wanda steps forward and partly shields Lorna from Magneto’s displeasure, “Warren invited us.”

“Warren?” Despite her situation, Marie found it charming to see Magneto take an interest in his daughters’ dating life. It would appear that even someone like Magneto has some fatherly instincts within him. Both of Magneto’s daughter seems to sense danger and shrink away slightly. Before the situation could be taken to its logical conclusion, Warren arrives holding three glasses of champagne.

“Erik, we were just talking about you.” Warren hands over two glasses of champagne to Wanda and Lorna. Once his hands are free Warren offers it to Magneto. “They weren't sure if you were going to make it to the party.”

“Ah, yes, Mr. Worthington. My attendance at this event was a last-minute decision.” Magneto's mood improves quickly at the sight of this particular Warren and shakes his hand, “My appreciation for showing my daughters around.”

Marie silently sighs with relief, with each additional arrival the chance of Magneto cornering her here lessens. Warren’s timely arrival would give her even more leeway to figure out a plan.

Magneto has been to the resort several times, under various pretenses since the start of the student retreat. So far she has managed to elude him every time. But there is a different look in his eyes tonight, somehow Marie gets the feeling that he is not going to give up so easily tonight.

“So Marie,” Looking over at her, Warren pauses suddenly, as if remembering something. “May I call you Marie?”

“Only if I may call you Warren.” Marie flashes him a smile, careful to keep everything polite. She needs every player to be here. The sudden departure of either sister because of some perceived slight could throw her nascent plans into jeopardy.

“Of course you may,” Warren replies with a winsome smile. “How is it that you know of Erik?”

“She is one of my many students,” Magneto interjects preventing Marie from answer the question herself. Marie frowns at this violation of decorum, Magneto most certainly does not have the right to answer any such questions on her behalf. This lapse in etiquette is made more pronounced considering how rigidly Magneto normally adheres to tradition.

“Oh, you go to Xavier school too?” Yet Warren seems to pay the slight no mind. “I just graduated there myself recently.”

“You don't say?” Marie is fairly certain of the answer to the question she's going to ask but right now she is willing to do much to keep the conversation rolling. “What are your gifts? If you don't mind me asking.”

“No, not at all” Shaking his head Warren smiles. It is the first genuine smile she has seen from him this evening. And he answers the question not quite as she expects “I uh… I have wings.”

“Wings?” Her curiosity is genuine at least. She's never had much contact with him. Even her dreams do not provide many insights into his condition. What little information she possesses is rumors she's managed to gather herself within the school itself.

“Yes, just your normal average white feathery wings.” He seems almost embarrassed by his powers. “Not all that remarkable when you think about it.”

“Well, I think they're wonderful!” Lorna declares with a giggle, her hand lightly traces along Warren on the arms. Lorna’s attempt at flirtation is subtle enough but did not go unnoticed by the more observant partygoers. While she has never been a friend yet Marie feels for Lorna. Lorna is so eager to show that she belongs here, yet it is hard to play the game without knowing any of the rules. The type of arrangements that Lorna is seeking are not made between young lovers on the ballroom floor. It is bargained late into the night, within the smoky drinking lounges, by old powerful men.

“Lorna…” It appears even Magneto has noticed the breach in etiquette however slight. And by the tone of his voice, evidently, he is also displeased by it.

Magneto's attention always possesses a cruel sadistic quality, but whenever it is directed at Marie herself there is always an undercurrent of amusement and lust that disturbingly enough, tempers its edge. However even now when it is directed against his own flesh and blood, it still lacks any warmth or affection.

Fear and confusion flashes across both Lehnsherr sister’s faces. They were no doubt instructed by their father to catch Warren’s attention, and look set to receiving nothing but punishment in return for their efforts.

“Thank you, Lorna, I would still wish I possess a more useful power though, one such as your own.” Charmingly nonchalant, if Warren wasn’t already the object of affection of most the young women in the party he certainly is now after skillfully shielding Lorna from her father’s ire with a complement to both the father and daughter.

“Why don’t us girls go chat and let Mr. Lehnsherr and Mr. Worthington speak in peace?” Marie gestures towards a lavishly decorate balcony with a table already set. She is more than willing to play this unexpected situation to her advantage. Any discussion between Magneto and the Worthington heir is bound to attract plenty of attention. But this gesture from Marie is not all for personal gain. Beyond her hope that the attention can distract Magneto for the remainder of the night, she would like to save Lorna from any additional embarrassment from the crowd or pain from Magneto.
Chapter End Notes:
Up next: An unexpected visitor.
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