Sitting there on the kitchen floor, it seemed to take forever before Marcus finally spoke. Bryony had seen him through a lot of ups and downs - more downs than ups, really, but that didn't mean she knew any better what to do. If she could have taken all his pain and confusion away, she would have in a heartbeat, even though she didn't know if she would be strong enough to bear it. When he mentioned his sister, she moved closer, resting her head against his shoulder. "I think that's a beautiful choice," she said, fighting to keep her voice calm and even. Marcus didn't need her emotions right now. He needed a rock to hold to, and she would give her all to be that for him.
Without really thinking, her hand moved down to his forearm, her fingers brushing across his skin where the Dark Mark was presumably still there under his tattoo. She had done this once before, to show that although the Death Eaters frightened her, he never would. "You don't need to do any more planning now," she said. "It can all wait until tomorrow. And I'll be here to help with anything I can."