hurricane child

Sirius couldn’t sleep, it seemed to be a trend for most as of late. So, instead of allowing himself to once again spend hours pacing back and forth at home, munching on food and smoking weed, he decided to get some fresh air. He hoped the fresh air would help clear his mind some. 

Spotting Marlene’s from the distance, Sirius couldn’t help but approach her, glad to have caught her by surprise despite his struggle to remain completely silent. “Where’s the fun in listening to all that’s asked of you?” his voice dragged out, a slight snicker following in a hushed tone. “If you’re that on edge, your wand will do you more good than that handbag of yours.” He commented, eyes flickering down to the piece as he studied it momentarily. 

Marlene couldn’t help but smile at his devil-may-care attitude - it reminded her of their Hogwarts days, which she painfully missed. She missed when life seemed full of endless hope, compared to the dark days they were currently drudging through.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed?” she countered, but she could already sense how he would answer that. Who on earth could sleep peacefully now? “Well, I do have my week’s wages inside this bag, so I’d like to be able to pay rent this month.” Marlene added teasingly, “We can’t all afford be struggling artists, you know.”

She asked a little question and of course he snapped. He had been trying to be the model son of Fleamont and Euphemia Potter so that everyone could see through him how wonderful his parents were, but it got tiresome and frustrating. He wanted a break, to forget for a bit, and he found himself going to the bar were Marlene worked at. It felt like a natural thing, Sirius was as devastated as he was, and Remus put up with him on a daily bases. Maybe new face would make him feel something other than anger.

“S’rry, Marls. I’ll just take the drink.” he added with a sigh, nodding at her offer.

“Coming right up,” she answered with a tentative smile, strolling behind the bar to pick up his usual favourite beer. Marlene felt that perhaps James had come here specifically to see a good friend - possibly to pour his heart out, which she certainly wouldn’t deny him. 

Planting the beer bottle on his table, Marlene sat opposite him, undoing her apron with a sigh of relief. “Want to go out for a smoke?” She wanted to break the tension a bit, which they’d never really had between them before. But these strange times were changing everything. “Maybe we can talk more privately outside?” She knew for a fact that customers sitting nearby were listening attentively to their every word, desperate for the faintest hint of gossip about the Potters. 

❝ How am I? Are you kidding? Do you guys not get the news up there? ❞

Marlene glanced over at Ciara, a bit startled by her abrupt tone. She supposed everyone must be a bit on edge these days. “Okay, maybe that was a dumb question given the circumstances but no need to take that tone,” she said teasingly. “What’s up with you? I think someone needs a big old drink to drown their sorrows.”

❝ What are those?! What are those? ❞

Marlene tossed her hair back and laughed at Pandora’s horror at her new clothing choice - leg warmers. “It’s in all the Muggle magazines, Pandora,” she said matter-of-factly. “I thought you of all people would have approved.” She was rather proud of her ability to keep up with Muggle trends of the ‘80′s, but maybe she should tone it down a little. “Thinking of getting a perm next,” she smirked.

❝ I’m angry, um, I’m confused, and you know what, this, this is just crazy! ❞

Marlene bit her lip, surprised at James’ outburst - her mixing up his drinks order shouldn’t have warranted such anger. Her shift had been so chaotic that she’d almost forgotten his own terrible circumstances, what with his parents’ mysterious deaths. 

“Sorry James,” she said quietly. “I’ll go get what you ordered.” She didn’t want to just leave him like this, so whispered, “I’m due a break in a sec if you want to talk? Or just have a drink with me? You can vent as freely as you wish.” She offered him a small, encouraging smile. Marlene never had been good at this sensitive stuff, but Merlin, she was at least trying to be supportive.

“look. i promise if we knew anything the whole wizarding world would to.” he said. “likely because james would end up getting himself thrown in azkaban.” he said, looking momentarily amused. “you’re fine marls. i know everyone wants to know and i wish we had more to tell people but we don’t. honestly, it might be for the best.” he said. he wasn’t sure james could handle if voldemort’s followers had killed his parents. it wasn’t an easy thing to cope with. 

Feeling relieved, Marlene said with a sigh, “Yeah I guess not.” She wondered if it was a case of ignorance being bliss, but no - if her parents had been mysteriously killed, she would want to know exactly who did it. Wanting to lighten the mood, she exclaimed, “Well, let’s not get too depressed at this stage of the day! What drink can I get you? It’s on the house!” She gestured at the lengthy cocktail menu ceremoniously. “I’ve had enough of all these weird customers today, so I’m just thrilled to have a regular human to speak to.” Remus was probably feeling incredibly stressed, so Marlene just wanted to help out in any way she could - even if that involved free alcohol.

❝  Didn’t Mummy ever tell you it was rude to eavesdrop, Marlene?  ❞

She was usually so good at subtly listening in on other people’s conversations - her work meant that she was nearly always engulfed in the business of others, sucked into the life dramas of strangers who didn’t matter. But eavesdropping on a Pur Societatis follower - now, that was intriguing. 

Feigning confusion, Marlene flashed Vera a smile and said, “Didn’t your Mummy ever tell you it was rude to accuse people of things they didn’t do, Vera? I have far more interesting things to do with my time.” Marlene continued innocently perusing the Crime section of Flourish & Blotts as she spoke.