I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby.

@marlenemcknncn

      Sirius was, shockingly, having a rough time adjusting to being back at Hogwarts. Over the past few months about a thousand things, big and small, had changed his life in all sorts of ways. He’d been on his own, and it had been hard, but he’d learned to enjoy it. And just when he was finally warming up to being a creature of habit, his Hogwarts letter arrived. Of course, he was excited to go back. He loved Hogwarts more than he’d ever loved anywhere, but... settling back in was rough. 

     Which is why he was so relieved when he finally got the chance to spend some quality time with his... Marlene. While they’d been out of school, Sirius had spent most of his free time with Marlene. With the transition into school again, things were different with them, too. 

      He couldn’t just pop into her classes to drop off a snack he thought she’d like while he’s on break like he had while they’d been working over the summer because... well, now that there are people they know around to witness him doing it, it was just about the least Sirius Black thing he could imagine. And they couldn’t very well spend the night together anymore, since they were back in the dormitories. Sure, they’d seen each other since school had started, but Sirius had forgotten just how hard privacy could be to find sometimes in the castle.

“Well doesn’t the money help? The good looks are a given but having the galleons will get me everywhere.” Her lips were pursed together at the mention of being excited to be back with him but it didn’t hide the smile that was forming on her face. “Don’t go telling people that though, okay? Everyone already knows I got myself kicked out of Beauxbatons and while I love the attention I get for turning into a delinquent, being associated with you is going too far.” Hiding her smile was no longer an option as she grinned at her cousin, no longer fearing the worst like she had used to when interacting with him. “You are part of the reason I got out of there though and I never got to say thank you for the prank idea you gave me.”

Sirius rolled his eyes at his cousin, though he couldn’t suppress his smile any more than she could. “Money helps, of course. But now that you’re finally educated in the way of the prankster, you don’t even need money to get what you want.” 

Flashback || Padfoot and Prongs || Quiet Night In?

[ @siriusly-bright ]

     James and Sirius had been best friends ever since they were eleven years old, after they had met on the train and made fun of Snivellus together. Looking back, he was sure that neither of them would proclaim their words as especially funny, but their jabs had become cleverer over the years and they had bonded over those first insults so James would not change them for the world. As they had been sorted into the same house and grown up together, side by side, brothers in all but blood, they had come to know each other a little too well. They each knew when the other was upset, hurt, happy or hiding something. 

     James had been hiding something for months. He had all but proclaimed his love for Narcissa from the rooftops, before he had been shut down and broken up with on New Years Eve. She had said that it was for the best, that they never would have worked, but he knew she had just been afraid to do what Sirius had done and put herself and her wants first, before the wants of her family and the ‘pureblood’ community of Slytherin idiots. Knowing this however had not made the pain any easier to bear and he had not been himself for quite some time afterwards. He had ignored his birthday, sulked and refused to sleep, before finding a way to channel his pain through exercise and training.

     He knew that Sirius had seen it all, and wondered why his friend had yet to pry. Perhaps he had realised that whatever was troubling James would not be so easily revealed, just as his parents had found when they had confronted him on the issue. Whatever the reason, he was glad that Sirius had been there for him without asking too many questions, and especially glad that he had invited James over to his new flat that night, for cards games, food and beverages, whether alcoholic or not remained to be seen. Standing at the door of the flat, he knocked three times and waited for his friend to answer, bag of food that his house elf had cooked under his left arm, and several bottles on butterbeer (and a bottle of firewhiskey) in his right hand.

     When he door opened, he cracked a genuine smile for the first time in weeks. Sirius never ceased to have that affect on him though, even when he was down, his best friend lifted his spirits without even trying. “Hey Padfoot” he grinned, lifting up the bottles in his hand. “Long time, mate”. 

Sirius knew, when it came down to it, he was being dumb. He’d been rushing around for an hour, since he’d gotten home from work, trying to get the apartment ready for James’ arrival. And it was just James- Sirius knew that if the place wasn’t decorated how he wanted and sparkling clean he would be the last person to care. They had been in each others living spaces for almost 7 years now, so he’d definitely seen worse than the state Sirius’ apartment had been in an hour ago.

However, he couldn’t resist making sure all his banners - Quidditch teams and Hogwarts ones respectively - as well as all his posters were straight and looking nice in their places. And he’d cleaned the kitchen, swept the floor, even actually put all his laundry away. He felt dumb the entire time, but he couldn’t stop himself.

Since leaving the Potters, Sirius was... well, he was actually trying to act like an adult. Well, at least in all the important ways. Making sure he was taking care of himself and his new place was definitely a part of that. Not to mention, this was one of the first times anyone would really be seeing it all finished up. He’d finally saved up enough money to buy a nice mattress the week before last, and it really sort of brought everything into place.

He was also excited to see James in general. It was one of the hardest parts about not being at Hogwarts- not being around his friends. Always had been, except now with this surprise break it wasn’t his family keeping him away from his friends like he was used to over their usual holidays, but his own responsibilities. He wasn’t quite used to that yet, but it did give him an unexpected sense of pride.

When James knocked, Sirius grinned so wide it genuinely hurt, and made a mental note to pop over to the Potters’ more often if he was going to get this batty every time he was his best mate. “Prongs!” he greeted, opening the door for his friend. He clapped the other boy on the shoulder and ushered him in. “You come bearing gifts, I see. Good friend, indeed.”

Sirius shut the door behind him and, finally at ease now that James was actually there, flopped onto the large, grey couch in the middle of the living room. “I took the day off from the shop tomorrow, so we can have a proper good time.” He assured his friend, chuckling. He didn’t think he’d ever get used to saying things like that.

Narcissa gasped dramatically at her cousins response, it almost made her shudder. She knew he was only teasing her but the thought that he could actually be serious was too much for her to bear. “You take that back right now. I could never fall into the category of common filth, even now I can still be classified as better than many others.” She advised him even though it wouldn’t get her anywhere. “I don’t know if I would say I’m excited.” Narcissa sighed as if he didn’t already know that she wanted out of Beauxbatons almost the entire time she was there. “I guess being back isn’t the worst.”

Sirius grinned- he loved irritating Narcissa, even more so because it could be so easy. “If you’re better than anyone else, it’s certainly not because of your money. The family good looks, perhaps.” he affectionately nudged her arm with his elbow. “Of course you’re excited- you get to share a castle with me again.”

“Excuse you!” Narcissa called out after being shoved out of the way despite the aisle of the bookstore they were in being anything but crowded. She glared at them and their lack of response, raising her hands up in frustration. “The nerve of some people around here, honestly.” She muttered to the person behind her just to have someone to complain to. “You’d think I lost all my money and was reduced to common filth the way they’re acting.”

Sirius couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips when he saw Narcissa’s reaction to the crowd around them. “Oh, come on, Cissa.” he sighed, an amused smile playing on his lips. “Hop down off your high horse. You’re just as much common filth as they are.” he teased. “They’re just excited to be back. Aren’t you?”

Marlene couldn’t help the bright smile that crossed her features at his confirmation of her victory. Looking around the room, she didn’t even care about the mess, her room at home was probably worse, just an explosion of clothes from her trunk. Plus, she had definitely seen his dorm looking way worse than this, and at least it didn’t smell like something had died, which often the boys dorm did smell like. 

‘‘I could have played it off, acted dumb, or alternatively made a run for it. I’m also a particularly good hider. We were never in any danger.’‘ she teased, giving him a wink, before rolling her eyes at him. ‘‘No, but I packed spare clothes. I’m literally standing in front of you in my pyjamas and a jumper, what if I left like this and someone caught me? I’d look like a dirty stop out, at least if I change my clothes it looks respectable-ish? Y’know for someone whos snuck into her boy… her friends room in the middle of the night.’‘ Marlene caught herself, she didn’t even know what she was doing and here she was almost accidentally labelling things. 

‘‘The letters not important, doesn’t say anything you don’t already know or that I can’t tell you right now. Read it later, when I leave? Then it’ll make it feel like I was here longer than I was?’‘ she offered with a lopsided smile in his direction. 

Marlene all but melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck and wrapping in the hair at the nape or his neck. Letting her heart take control, instead of fighting against it, she let herself go with the flow and let go of her anxieties. Marlene let out a breathy laugh as he spoke against her lips, her fingers still running through the hair at the back of his neck. ‘’I’d like to have seen you tried to break into Fort McKinnon. Pretty sure my dad keeps anti-boy spray under his pillow, so I’m glad I saved you from certain death.’’ she mumbled before he kissed her again, Marlene deepened the kiss completely losing her train of thought for conversation, she ran her hands along Sirius’ shoulders and down his back to wrap around his waist, before pulling away slightly to catch her breath, keeping her lips against his. ‘’I so hope you’re not planning on being chivalrous tonight…’’ Marlene admitted.

Sirius rolled his eyes at her. “Ah, yes. The opposite of a Hufflepuff- a good hider.” he smirked. Despite the fact she made a good point, he still chuckled at her next comment. “Not the walk-of-shame sort of girl, eh Marls?” He was smirking when she let her almost-labeling slip, and his heart jumped in his chest. Sirius Black had been called a lot of things, but boyfriend had never been one of them. His past relationships never made it that far. It was never something he thought he could be; there was a lot of responsibility in the title, and that was one of the things he was worst at. But if all that was true then why was he a bit sad Marlene corrected herself?

When she said the word leave, Sirius’ smirk faltered. “Leaving? You’re hilarious.”  and slowly closed the space between them. “Once I get my hands on you, I won’t be keen on letting go.” He meant it in the literal sense, to sound sexy, but somehow it hit deeper too. He’d never understand how she managed to bring out this side of him. He hadn’t even known it had existed until recently- this boy that acknowledged his emotions and didn’t hesitate to say them, the Sirius that wasn’t horrified of his own feelings, that trusted himself to be this way with someone. 

Marlene’s lips on his was like a weight lifted off his shoulders. Sirius hadn’t realized just how much he’d been longing for it until she was there, and he’d been right- he knew once her arms wrapped around him that he’d never want to let her go. Weeks ago, when they’d fallen asleep together, tangled in each other he’d felt it, too. But not like this. Because now there were no prying eyes or classes to attend in the morning. It was just them, and Sirius had a crushing feeling this was exactly what’d he hadn’t realized he’d been waiting for. He grinned against her perfect lips as she spoke. Merlin, had her voice always sounded so much like music? “I’m sure I could win over Papa McKinnon. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m quite charming.”

He rolled his eyes at the noise Sirius made, tempted to shove him out of the bed and onto the floor, but he allowed him to do it himself, not entirely mad at him. He was glad that for once, he would spend a Christmas sharing the holiday weight that his mother usually piled on him with someone else; and not just any someone else, a willing participant. “It is your fault, I never hesitated, I just chose to wait until they had cooled down and would no longer burn my hands or mouth. How is that mouth burn, by the way?” he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

        He shrugged slightly, supposing Sirius was right about that one though he wouldn’t let the words roll off of his tongue. His friend’s ego was growing at twice the rate of his own and he needed to reign it in a little, before they had trouble fitting them both through doorways together. “You’ve never decorated? Oh, you’re excused” he said, feigning annoyance as Sirius pretending to be offended. “Sitting room, ground floor, second on the left” he said, moving to lead the way and grinning as his friend followed. He was glad that he was excited about something, knowing how terrible the holidays might be on him.

        “Here, mother wants this whole room decorated and we have about five boxes of decorations to use” he said, stepping into the room and moving over to the boxes. As he began looking through them for lights, a letter he received popped into his head, reminding him of something he had wanted to ask Sirius, but had completely forgotten about, thinking his friend would come to him first. “Pads, you know that you can tell me anything… right?”

“Ah, see.” Sirius said, pointing an accusing finger at James. “You clearly didn’t even deserve those cookies. You aren’t really enjoying them unless they burn your tongue at least a little.” he pointed out, though his face fell at his friend’s next comment. “A bit sore, but I’ve had worse.” Sirius admitted, though the burn on his tongue was irritating him more than being a bit sore. 

He shook his head at James. “Not really, no. Perhaps when I was younger, can’t remember.” he shrugged, though he certainly did remember. They at least decorated the tree when he was younger, though he usually ended up breaking things and being sent to his room. “I’ll never get used to this place.” Sirius commented, looking around the house for the thousandth time. 

They arrived at the right room and Sirius blinked at James, and then at the boxes that were waiting for them. “Hell,” he breathed, though the smile was still on his face. He began poking through the box nearest to him, but at James’ question he looked over to him, surprised. “’Course, mate.” Sirius assured, though when realization dawned on him, his heart began to pound. “Then again, I can only tell you what I know, you know?” he offered, hoping that didn’t sound as stupid to James as it had to his own ears. 

“So if there was something I didn’t have quite figured out, I wouldn’t bother with telling you, since... well,.. fuck it. You know, don’t you?”

Alice looked up as James reentered the living room where the three of them spent at least the last thirty minutes, while James’ parents and Alice’s father went into the kitchen to get more drinks and not to her surprise, they got stuck in there. From time to time they could hear loud laughing and one of them interrupting the other and it sounded like they were having fun, something Alice was extremely glad about because all three of the parents didn’t get too many chances to let loose and they deserved it.

But still, watching it from the outside, it was ridiculous.

“Thank you,“ she smiled at James as she took the bottle from him and took a few sips of it. Her smile grew even wider when she saw the bottle of champagne in his hand, clapping her hands together in excitement. “Ooh, good thinking. I am surprised you could still find anything that they didn’t drink yet, though. They’re going at it really strong this year.“

She raised an eyebrow at James’ comment. “Charades? Oh, this is going to be a bad one for them, a really good one for us. Good thing I bought my camera.” She had it in her bag, but her bag was next to the couch, so it was close enough that if anything happened, she could whip it out and be ready to use in only a couple of seconds, so hopefully, this will be the year where they actually get proof of all of this. “You think they get to the singing stage?” she asked before turning to Sirius. “That is their extra drunk mode and I think it only happened three times before, most of the time they don’t actually get there, but if they do this time, you’re in for a real treat.”

Sirius accepted the butterbeer from James, grinning as laughter from the other room met his ears. “Oh, I’m so glad I’m intruding on this little tradition.” he said to no one in particular. In truth, he did feel a bit odd being there, but mostly he was excited both to see the Potters a bit smashed, and that Alice and James had included him. Sirius knew very well that just because you lived somewhere, it didn’t make you welcome- but that wasn’t how it was here, and would never stop being grateful for it. 

“Charades? This really is our lucky night. I don’t think I’ve ever seen adults play charades.” Sirius observed, amused at the thought. He opened his drink and took a hearty sip. And then another, perking up when Alice mentioned singing. Sirius couldn’t help but laugh at the picture. “If they don’t get there themselves, I’ll give them all the alcohol in my trunk until they do. I need to see that.” 

Sirius smiled at his friends. “And for us? Personally, I’d love to get you two to the singing stage, as well.”

Sirius,

As for me, I’m doing much better with seeing the family. And, yes, the boys are as crazy as ever. I wish you could see them. They’re in right form, aka. driving me nuts! But as you’ve seen, I had been missing them like mad so I shouldn’t complain too much.

I’m sorry if I brought some things up you may have wanted to keep private. I can only imagine wanting to write to people who – well, you know. But I don’t blame you for wanting to write them. May I ask what happened with Regulus?

Molly,

That’s great to hear! Driving you nuts? But isn’t that the best thing about family? Just drive them nuts back, give them something to remember you by! I can give you ideas if you’d like. People tell me all the time I drive them nuts, so I must be good at it.

No worries, Molls. Wouldn’t have told you if I wasn’t okay with you knowing. I come from a family of gifted liars, believe it or not. Regulus... well, when you and your brothers are arguing, do they ever tell you they wish they weren’t your brother? I suppose it’s like that, except the difference is that Regulus has a good reason, and he means it.

Marlene couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her lips as she stepped inside the door; she looked around the room. Mostly to check they were alone, but also to take in being in Sirius’ element, in a space that was totally his. She gave him a smile as he made his way over to her; rolling her eyes at his comment, ‘’Oh well I just couldn’t contain myself, I wanted to play a game of race the letter, and it by your reaction to my arrival I’ve beaten my letter here.’’ she shook her head, shrugging her shoulders. ‘’Better get a faster owl.’’

She stood silently while he checked that she hadn’t woken anyone up with her arrival; ‘’Satisfied?’’ she asked, raising an eyebrow in his direction. ‘’Oh, how chivalrous, of course milord, help yourself. No peaking mind you, your Christmas presents in there!’’ Marlene warned, a smile playing around the corners off her lips, she was trying her hardest to come across as relaxed but she was nervous as hell. She really hadn’t a clue what she was doing or planning when she’d left her house, and now she was here, standing in front of him and her heart was racing a sprint as she tried to maintain a cool exterior. 

Then there was a tapping at the window, the arrival of her owl. She smiled as he opened the letter and started reading, Marlene watched as he skimmed her words. Letting out a laugh at his mention of her calling him sir; Marlene ran a hand through her hair as he sat the letter down on the desk. ‘’I mean it’s between that and Siri, and I mean Sir gives a bit of a double entendre; I felt it was far more fitting for the situation.’’ She explained, shrugging dramatically. 

As soon as she was within the circle of his arms; Marlene felt herself relax, letting go of all her anxieties about the night. She smiled into the kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck; ‘’I’m glad I essentially broke in too, but I mean if you’re going to have the floo network, it’s gotta be expected.’’ she let out a laugh as she pulled away for a moment, before pressing another kiss to his lips. ‘’I take it you missed me too them?’’

Sirius laughed at her explanation. “You’ve certainly won, yes.” he confirmed. And he was glad she had come, though he did wish her letter had arrived first. It would have given him a bit of time to straighten up the room, if only a little bit. Not that Marlene didn’t already know what a mess he was, but it’d be nice for him to at least seem like he’s got himself together. When he caught himself worrying about this, though, he felt ridiculous. The room wasn’t even that bad. She’d seen his side of the dormitory in far worse shape, and since when did he care about things like this, anyway? 

“Oh, hush. As if you wouldn’t be just as freaked as me if we got caught.” Sirius shot back at her. He rolled his eyes at Marlene’s dramatic continuation of his joke, but he took the bag nonetheless, and the smile never did leave his face. “Christmas present, eh?” he smirked, looking down at the bag he’d just placed. “Is it that you’re moving in here too? Cause that’s what it looks like.” Not that he would mind that, of course. But he’d definitely have to tell James, meaning he’d have to figure out what he was actually doing- something he wasn’t exactly excited about doing, but it was seeming more and more inevitable. Especially since, well fuck, look at her.

Marlene was watching him as he read the letter, and Sirius was more aware of her eyes on him than the actual words he was reading. He tried to block her actual presence out and take n more of her written words, but Merlin did she make it hard to focus. He’d just have to read it later. 

Christmas was always a day with good and bad feelings for Sirius. He wanted so much to love the holiday, but he couldn’t bring himself to with all the not-so-jolly memories from it haunting him. And this year, his first Christmas out of Grimmauld Place? He was happier than he’d been in years- and somehow that made it far worse. 

But for Sirius, the holidays weren’t about him. They were about his friends, his new family- being there for them and making them happy. And today, specifically, was about Remus. This year, the full moon happened to fall on Christmas. So he’d spent a bit of time with the Potters and headed over to the Lupin household, a duffle-bag over each shoulder. The smaller one, his overnight bag. The larger bag, the zipper on which was straining, was the gifts. Sirius adjusted the strap on his shoulder before knocking again at the door of his friend’s house. 

Hey Vanity,

You know how people are supposed to be happy at the holidays? And how sometimes you’re surrounded by good fucking people and you know they’d do anything for you and you still manage to be fucking miserable because it somehow just isn’t good enough sometimes? And then feel guilty about that?

Yeah, me either.

Hope your holiday has been as amazing as I am. 

Sirius, 

Thank you, Sirius. I love you a lot.

I’m sorry it’s taken so long to write back, last night was just unpleasant. I spent the day with Lily, so things are a bit better now.  I know you’ll freak if I don’t say what happened, so just, know that Reggie came over and we kissed, and then he left. Are you busy today? What are you doing?

Mary,

I love you a lot, too. 

Don’t apologize, it’s fine. I don’t mind waiting, and by the sound of it, you had quite the night. I’m a bit confused, though. Did Cattermole do something, or was it just the kissing him in general that made the night unpleasant? Either way, I can hit him again, if you’d like. I’m rarely busy, Mare. Especially if you need me.