Blackinnon

The moment he arrived in the Tower his eyes landed on Marlene, sitting with her back to the railings and her arms wrapped around her knees. She didn’t even seem to notice him come in. 

“Marls?” His voice was soft as he moved to sit beside her. “Marlene, what’s happened?” She was quiet for a long moment, and he was almost starting to wonder if she even knew he was there when she sniffed.

“It’s my dad.” Never had he heard her sound so small, or broken, and it made his heart ache. “They were attacked by Death Eaters last night. My mum and brothers are okay but... my dad...” Her hand went to her mouth as she shook her head, tears glistening at her eyes. No more words were needed for Sirius to understand. If Mr McKinnon was in St Mungos, Marlene would be there with him, not at school. Swallowing, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “I should have been with them. I could have helped them fight. If I hadn’t stayed here...”

They had been through a lot together, especially in the past year. Lily had finally, finally stopped denying her attraction towards James and agreed to go on a date with him. That one date had led to several more, and the two were undoubtedly one of the cutest couples in the school. Well, perhaps Marlene was a little bias there given how much each of them meant to her, but she doubted many people would disagree. 

Remus had definitely grown in confidence since that first day Marlene had met him on the Hogwarts Express, but it was more noticeable than ever over the past year as she and her friends had started spending more time with the self-named Marauders. Of course, that didn’t mean there wasn’t a slight blush on his cheeks as Mary made what Marlene could only assume was a rather flirtatious comment. Neither had admitted as much, but it was easy to see they liked each other, and bets had been placed on how long it would take for one of them to finally pluck up the courage to ask the other out. 

Peter was, well, Peter. Sweet, funny, and currently less-than-sober as he danced with a rather amused Dorcas. There was no attraction there, at least not of the romantic kind, but the two got on well and would often spend time together both in and out of class. 

And finally, there was Sirius. Her Sirius. After realising her feelings for him a little over a year ago, her friends had taken it upon themselves to play matchmakers. Marlene had thought it a waste of time, that Sirius viewed her as a friend and nothing more, but a conversation with him in the Astronomy Tower shortly before Christmas break of their sixth year had revealed that he had always been attracted to her. Yet, they hadn’t got together quite then. There had been things going on with his family that he’d needed to deal with, and so the two had remained friends until the start of their seventh year. Now free of his family and living with James, it seemed like he had wasted no time in asking Marlene on a date. The two had been together ever since, and as cliche as it sounded, she was pretty sure he could be the one. 

“Marls.” She glanced up, a soft smile on her lips as the very person she had just been thinking of came to stand by the armchair she’d been sitting on. “Everything alright?”

“Better than alright,” she nodded, taking the hand Sirius had offered to help her to her feet. “You?”

“Definitely better than alright,” he grinned, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. He seemed to hesitate then, as if something was on his mind. 

“Are you sure?” Sirius glanced at her, the smile returning as he nodded. 

“Yeah, I’m sure.” His hand took hold of hers again. “Come with me.” 

Marlene’s brow furrowed in curiosity, but she didn’t resist as she set her drink down and allowed Sirius to lead her towards the portrait and out into the corridor. The Fat Lady tsked at them for breaking curfew, but a quick wink from Sirius had her rolling her eyes and waving them off. She was used to him and his friends breaking curfew by now, and while she wouldn’t lie for them, she never told on them either. 

“You know we only have a few minutes until midnight, right?” Marlene asked softly as she followed him through the hallways, and up and down several flights of stairs.

“I know. That’s why we’re going somewhere.” 

That did nothing to help her confusion. She had been under the impression that they were all intending to see the New Year in together, though she had to admit she wasn’t too disappointed at being alone with Sirius instead. 

As they made their way up yet another set of stairs, Marlene realised where they were going.

“The Astronomy Tower?” 

“Figured it would be nice,” Sirius shrugged casually. “The moon glistening off the lake and all that.” 

He was right. As they reached their destination and made their way over to the railings, the view almost took Marlene’s breath away. It was a classic winter evening, the sky clear and the air bitingly cold, but it was beautiful. Sirius’ arm wrapped around Marlene as they stood there, making she she stayed warm enough. 

“You know,” he said suddenly, voice soft but still breaking the silence. “I didn’t just bring you up here to look at the view.” She turned her head, looking up at him questioningly. “I brought you here because... well it’s our spot, isn’t it? It’s where we used to find ourselves hanging out a lot, where we talked about stuff and... it’s where I realised how I feel about you.” It would probably surprise some people to see how soft Bad Boy Sirius Black could be, but Marlene had learned this side of him existed long ago. 

“Yeah, it is our spot,” she agreed, twisting in his embrace so that she could stretch up and give him a soft kiss. He nodded, seemingly hesitant again for a moment before steeling himself.

“That’s why I wanted to bring you up here. Because I couldn’t think of a better place to see the New Year in with the girl I love.” 

Marlene blinked, Sirius’ words echoing in her head over and over. 

“The girl you...”

“The girl I love,” he repeated. “I love you, Marlene McKinnon.” 

Tears pricked at her eyes as she reached up a hand and pulled his head down to hers, capturing his lips in a kiss. Their heads stayed close as they parted, foreheads resting against each other.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Lily said softly, sitting down beside Marlene who finally turned to look at her. It was half on her mind to continue to lie, to act as if she’d just come over nauseous or something. Yet something in Lily’s eyes stopped her from doing that, and instead she gave a defeated sigh, shaking her head slightly as her gaze dropped to the floor. 

“I don't know, Lils,” she swallowed. “I mean I was fine, until...”

“Until you heard about Sirius having a date.” It wasn’t a question, and the certainty of Lily’s words had Marlene looking at her friend once more, brow creased and lips parted slightly in surprise and confusion. Lily laughed softly, but not unkindly. “It’s been pretty obvious for a while that you’ve got a crush on him.” Marlene stared, unable to do anything but blink. She had so many questions about that, but couldn’t form any of them into actual words. Thankfully Lily seemed happy enough to continue. “There’s just something about the way you light up when you’re around him, more so than you do with anyone else. I would have told you ages ago if I thought you’d actually listen to me.”

“Oh, you mean like you listen to me when I tell you that you fancy James?” Marlene pointed out, finally recovering her voice just a little.

“We’re not talking about me right now.” Lily rolled her eyes, eliciting a quiet chuckle from Marlene. Of course her best friend could sit there and tell Marlene how she felt, but be unwilling to listen when the tables were turned. Still she had a point, so Marlene shrugged in silent agreement to drop the subject. She would, however, be making a mental note of this to use at a later date. “You really had no idea?” 

“None.” Well, now that she thought about it, maybe that wasn’t entirely true. It had come as a shock, yes, but maybe she’d just been ignoring how she felt. “I’ve always got on well with him, and we have a lot of fun when we’re hanging out together.” Of course the same could be said for her relationship with any of her friends. Getting on well and having fun didn’t mean there were deeper feelings there. “I guess I noticed how attractive he is that first day I met him on the train, but you can find people attractive without fancying them, can’t you?” 

“Of course you can,” Lily nodded. “But there’s more to it than that, isn’t there?” Marlene hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.

“That game we all played in fourth year... that was the first time we’d really talked. I mean we weren’t strangers or anything but... that was the first time it was just us, and that playboy attitude of his just... it wasn’t there. It was just him, and me.” Even the soft kiss they had shared, whilst certainly a highlight, wasn’t the most memorable thing about that time spent together. And more moments like that had followed over the years. They were few and far between, yes, but they had quickly learned they shared a fondness for the Astronomy Tower whenever they needed to clear their heads. They’d been there together on several occasions now, and Marlene knew now that it was those conversations which had caused her to feel the way she did for him. She’d been allowed to see a different side of him, and she in turn had let down some of her walls for him. “I just feel like we get each other, you know? I can’t really explain it, I just...”

“I know.” Marlene smiled gratefully at her friend, glad that she wasn’t going to keep pressing her. “Now, I know you’re not exactly keen to see him on a date with someone else, but I still think we should head down and join the others.” Seeing Marlene start to protest, Lily raised a hand to stop her. “Think about it, Marls. If he sees you while he’s on a date with someone else, it might just make him realise that he’d rather be with you.” It seemed unlikely, but Lily’s positivity was infectious.

With Halloween on the horizon, and Gryffindor House planning a party which the professors probably knew about but had opted to feign ignorance to, Marlene and her friends had been planning out their costumes for weeks. Finally they had the opportunity to go and buy everything they needed, as well as their share of the party supplies, and so it’s safe to say that excitement was in the air in the sixth year girls dormitory that morning. 

Once they were all ready they made their way downstairs, still chatting among themselves about the day ahead. Of course the Halloween shopping was their priority, but what was a trip to Hogsmeade without stopping in The Three Broomsticks for lunch? And, unsurprisingly, Lily was keen to stop by Tomes and Scrolls for a new book to read. 

“Looking good, Lily!” James grinned as the girls entered the common room. The redhead rolled her eyes as Marlene bit back a laugh. It was a well known fact by now that James had a thing for Lily and, whilst she fiercely denied feeling anything for him and rebuked his advances, Marlene suspected that her best friend wasn’t quite as indifferent as she seemed. 

“I didn’t expect you lot to still be here,” Mary commented. “Sirius keeping you all waiting while he fixes his hair, is he?” she joked, earning laughter from both the girls and the boys. 

“He’s already gone,” Remus shrugged. “Got himself a date.” 

“A date?” Marlene blinked, surprise evident on her face. While she knew Sirius’s reputation, nothing had ever seemed that serious. He’d kissed quite a few girls by this point, and certainly felt one or two of them up. Whether he’d actually slept with anyone yet depended on who you asked, some were convinced he was still a virgin whilst others claimed to be his first, but either way he had a reputation. What he didn’t have a reputation for was dating. Everything had always been casual, no strings attached. Hogsmeade weekends were reserved for his friends, just as Marlene’s were spent with hers. Yet now he’d left them behind to take some girl on a date? It was weird. Even weirder though was the way the thought made Marlene feel. Why should she care if Sirius was out on a date with someone? It wasn’t as though there had ever been anything between them, except for that one brief kiss in their fourth year. Sure, they were friends and would hang out together at times, Marlene had always had fun with him and yes some of the times they joked around could maybe be considered flirty but nothing had ever happened. So why did she feel so weird about him going on a date? Unless...

“Marlene? Are you alright?” She blinked at the sound of Lily’s voice interrupting her thoughts, suddenly realising that the others had still been talking and were now making their way towards the portrait. 

“Uh, I’m actually not feeling so good,” she mumbled. “You guys go on ahead.” 

She forced a smile, but didn’t wait for a response. Instead she simply turned and made her way back up to the dormitory, all excitement gone as one realisation way through her head:

“Sirius.” Her heart beat a little faster as she read out the name. Why him, of all people? Of course the fact that he almost certainly knew what he was doing would be a benefit, but it also meant he’d know how little experience Marlene had. That is to say, she had none. Having spent so much time focusing on Quidditch over the past three years, she’d paid little attention to boys. Oh, she’d noticed how attractive some of them were for sure, Sirius in particular, but she’d never made herself available for dates. Not that it was a real loss to any of them; other girls in their year made themselves available enough, and weren’t shy in trying to catch the eye of boys like Sirius. 

“Coming?” His voice jolted her from her thoughts and she glanced up to where Sirius was already standing. Trying not to blush she pushed herself to her feet and followed him to the small closet-style room that the Room of Requirement had provided for their game. Sirius pulled the door closed behind them and turned to them, his expression softer than she’d expected. “You alright?” 

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Marlene nodded, trying to sound more confident than she felt, but given by the look on Sirius’ face she wasn’t succeeding. Admitting defeat she sighed, giving a small shrug of her shoulders. “I’ve just never done this before.” 

“Played ‘Seven Minutes in Heaven’?” Marlene bit her lip and gave a sheepish sort of smile, which had Sirius opening his eyes in surprise. “You’ve never kissed anyone? Damn, Marls...” 

“We’re only at the start of fourth year,” she protested, though she didn’t know why she felt the need to defend herself. Perhaps it was because unlike her, Sirius had kissed someone before. Actually, he’d kissed people before, though she wasn’t exactly sure how many. Rumours tended to be exaggerated but considering she shared a common room with him she knew that at least some of the girls had been telling the truth. 

“Hey, I know,” Sirius shrugged, holding his hands up slightly. “I didn’t mean anything bad by it. I just meant, you know, you’re pretty hot. I’m surprised more people haven’t shown an interest.” 

“Oh.” Well, now she felt a little silly for jumping to conclusions. “I just thought...”

“I know. But no judgement, I promise.” Damn, why was he allowed to be both stupidly good looking and a pretty sweet guy under the whole devil may care vibe? It wasn’t fair. What was even less fair was that Marlene was stuck in this closet with him for another five minutes. “You know we don’t actually have to do anything, right?” Was he a mind-reader as well?

“You don’t mind?” When he smiled and shook his head, Marlene felt herself relax. 

The two slipped into an easy conversation over the course of the next few minutes, until they heard James calling from outside the door to let them know they only had a minute left. Despite having not been overly thrilled at the start of the round, Marlene suddenly found herself disappointed that the time was nearly up. Perhaps that was because, deep down, she knew that a part of her really had wanted to kiss him.

The first few compartments they came across were either full, or occupied by older students who would have no doubt told them there wasn’t enough room even though there obviously was. Perhaps they would have been nice and offered them a seat, but after sharing a quick glance neither Marlene or James thought it was worth the hassle.

Finally they came across an empty one. Pushing open the door cautiously, James made a show of sticking his head in and taking a big sniff.

“Nope, doesn’t stink!” he grinned, earning a playful shove from Marlene as she rolled her eyes and slipped past him into the compartment, immediately taking a seat next to the window. James had just taken the seat opposite when the compartment door slid open again, turning both of their heads to the newcomer. He seemed somewhat nervous as he stood there, almost as if he was expecting them to judge him for the rather scruffy nature of his clothes. Of course, whilst some might have done that, Marlene and James didn’t even consider it.

“Hi!” Marlene smiled welcomingly, glad when she saw him seem to relax a little. “Are you looking for somewhere to sit?” The boy nodded and took a small, hesitant step forwards.

“Well don’t just stand there letting all the cold air in then, mate!” James joked, far less soft than Marlene had been in her approach though equally as effective in making the boy feel comfortable. “Come in and take a seat!”

“Thanks,” the boy smiled gratefully, pulling the door closed behind him and sitting down next to James. “I’m Remus Lupin.”

Further introductions were exchanged before the compartment door slid open again. Marlene turned, ready to welcome in someone else as nervous as Remus. That was not the case. The boy standing there this time seemed to have confidence to rival James’, and she found herself momentarily rendered speechless as she stared at him.

“Any room for another in here?” he asked, to which either James or Remus must have nodded and waved him in because the next thing Marlene knew he was taking a seat beside her. He grinned at her as he sat down, a charming grin that practically had her mesmerised until James gave her foot a kick. She turned, narrowing her eyes at him, but his only response was to arch a brow and smirk before turning his attention back to the new boy.

“Name’s James. This is Remus and Marlene.”

“Sirius.”

“As in Black?” James asked, eyes widening a little in surprise.

“Yeah. As in that mad family.” Sirius’ grin faded as he nodded grimly. “Glad to see their reputation precedes me.” Though despite his almost jokey tone, it was clear he was anything but glad about that. Really, Marlene couldn’t blame him. The Black family was somewhat notorious, particularly for their rather elitist views. Somehow though, she knew that Sirius didn’t agree with them.

“Well, I’m sorry about that,” James chuckled, either oblivious to the slight awkwardness in the air or choosing to ignore it. Knowing him, it could be either.

“It is what it is,” Sirius shrugged, grin returning to his face. “Honestly, I can’t stand most of them. I’d actually love to get sorted into Gryffindor just to piss them off.” James reached out to give him a high-five at that, causing the four of them to laugh. “What about you guys?”

“Definitely Gryffindor, mate,” James grinned. He was so sure of himself getting sorted into the house his parents had been in, and with good reason. Though she’d of course teased him over the years about maybe being a Hufflepuff or even a Slytherin, Marlene couldn’t imagine her friend in any other House.

“I don’t really know,” Remus shrugged, his demeanour a stark contrast to James’. “Honestly, I’m just glad to be coming to Hogwarts.” There seemed to be something of a story there, and three gazes fixed upon him for a moment, all curious but unwilling to press him for information when they were still little more than strangers.

“I’m hoping for Gryffindor, too,” Marlene admitted, breaking the awkward silence. “Either that or Ravenclaw, but… Gryffindor is definitely the first choice.” It was the House her parents had been in, and while she didn’t believe that meant she had to be in it too, it still felt like it was where she was meant to be.

“She just can’t bear the idea of being away from me,” James joked, the grin on his face even as Marlene rolled her eyes at him.