He was rolling his eyes as Marlene went over the top once again convincing Lily about James’ qualities as they sat at the Gryffindor table for dinner. Sirius swears the blonde doesn’t know this thing called subtlety, the red-haired girl looks at her bestfriend amusedly though. “How much did Potter even pay you to say all of these, Marls?” The head girl chuckled with a shake of her head. Marlene pouted. “What? I just think it will be nice for you to actually give James a chance, it has been seven years after all, Lils!” The other beater of the Gryffindor team argued. “McKinnon, honestly, I think Evans could have said yes all those years ago, quit it.” Both the witches looked at the raven-haired wizard with a look of surprise, even Remus and Peter whipped their heads at Sirius.

The blonde’s expression changed from surprised to annoyance. “Aren’t you supposed to back up your best mate on this?” She challenged but all Sirius did was shrug. “They’re both old enough to make decisions for themselves.” Soon, James Potter himself took a seat next to Sirius, fresh from shower. The Gryffindor Quidditch captain always takes his time during days that they have practice and comes in late. “What are we talking about?” The headboy asked. “Nothing…” Lily answered off handedly and focused on her plate, avoiding James’ eyes. Sirius immediately changed the subject to other things and the evening went on as usual. The rest of the students all filed out the Great Hall going in different directions as the dinner comes to a close. “Are you coming?” Lily asked Marlene as Mary and Dorcas were already standing up. The blonde remained seated as if taking her sweet time finishing her treacle tart. “Nah, I’ll see you all up in the tower.” The redhead looked at the blonde with suspicion but didn’t say anything else. “Okay…See you later then.” 

The marauders are usually the last ones to leave the Gryffindor table as well and Marlene has been giving Sirius dirty looks the whole evening. “Stop glaring at me.” The animagus told her as he finally took a seat next to her, now that her friends are no longer around, his back leaning back on the table. “I think it’s time for us to be going too…” Remus said standing up and looking around the almost empty Great Hall. “You guys go on ahead. Blondie here needs some one on one.” Sirius said with a mischievous grin which earned him another glare from the lioness. “You two had been spending way too much time together lately.” James mused but stood up as well ready to go with Remus and Peter. “Catch you later, Pads.” Sirius just nodded at his friends and focused his attention on Marlene again. 

“What the fuck was that, Black?” the witch snarled as soon as their friends are all gone. “What?” he asked innocently. “We agreed we will speed things up for those two already.” She huffed. “Your tactic is clearly not working, I suggest we do the opposite and let Lily realize what she has been missing by acting nonchalant about it.” Sirius stated. The suggestion made sense but Marlene had doubts about it, afterall, she was very much into this little project they started a few weeks ago. Sure, it started with just some drunken conversation about how better it will be if James and Lily will just get on with it and snog already, that way they won’t have to watch them throwing each other those looks of longing. They also agreed that if the two actually started dating maybe it will help James relax on the pitch too which will be beneficial for both of them. Being both beaters of the team, they’re the most extensively worked during practice.

However, during those weeks that they have conspired to bring the two closer, Marlene had sensed something changing in her too. Sirius Black had always been gorgeous, everyone with two working eyes can see that but she never really paid that much attention, he was afterall never settled down and flirts as much as he can especially if it works on his favor. He was just a friend, a housemate, and her partner at the pitch. But the more she looks at his stormy eyes and the way he leans in to whisper another sneaky plan to get their bestfriends together, Marlene finds herself having butterflies fluttering in the pit of her stomach. She didn’t even want to acknowledge it. He is Sirius bloody Black for merlin’s sake. But then, no one has control on how they’d feel right? “So, are you saying we should stop then with this?” Marlene asked. 

“That’s not what I said, what i said is we should change our plan of attack.” Sirius said with mirth in those grey orbs as he meet her blue ones. As much as she hated to admit it, there was relief she felt deep inside. This means she still has an excuse to spend time with him and that alone made her smile. “Okay, fine…let’s do it your way, but if this fails, we’ll do it my way again, yeah?” She told him, her usual bossy tone apparent. Sirius chuckled and nodded. “Yeah, yeah, whatever, McKinnon. We already know your plans don’t work.” He teased and she hit his arm playfully which made the wizard laugh. What she didn’t know was Sirius had already let go of this notion that they can even get those two together. Lily can be very stubborn even though everyone can already see her softening up to James. The once Black heir was just continuing the pretense so that he can actually spend more time with Marlene. The girl never gave him the time of the day in the past. Always treating him as just another bloke she conversed with, to say that she had friendzoned him was an understatement and he had been wondering for years why. When they came up with this plan, Sirius saw the chance to actually get close and somehow learn why she never seem to even look at him with interest. Not that it’s the only reason why she caught his eye too. Marlene has always been a looker, but she also has the wit and that athleticism that she puts to good use in quidditch that just renders anyone spellbound including him. 

There was a thick layer of tension in the air around them. Emotions all muddled in her chest, if only her bloody git of a boyfriend didn’t insist on visiting while her parents were away and if only she was strong enough to resist him then they wouldn’t be in this situation. However, knowing Sirius Black, he’s probably already thinking on how to make jokes about this later on. Trust the marauder to always think that him being caught in some kind of compromising position is funny, whether it’s during a prank or doing something less than innocent with her. The thing is, she’s never really been one to break the rules, well at least not one to go with plans that aren’t fool proof, but Sirius had always inspired that rebellious streak in Marlene that had always been there to begin with. After making it official, much to them resisting it for years, her seventh year at Hogwarts had been eventful. Always finding herself in an adventure with Sirius, breaking curfews, pulling pranks, and sometimes just simply being reckless. 

The couple looked at them, now that they’re fully clothed and sitting at the McKinnon’s couch at their large living room. Marlene went home to Scotland for winter break and Sirius sent an owl that he will come visit. It was all good and well, Marlene even told her parents about it, but before the date even came, there was some business her parents had to attend to. The blonde sent an owl to the Potters but Sirius still apparated on the original day that they agreed upon. She looked at his mischievous grin as he appeared, hands on her hips. “You can’t be here!” She told him. But the marauder just chuckled. 

“I’ve been told that countless of times, blondie.” 

“I’m serious! My parents will curse you to oblivion if they found out you’re here without them.” 

“No, I am Sirius!” The raven-haired wizard had the nerve to joke about it.

But soon, he was able to charm his way so Marlene will let him stay, she had miss him afterall and it’s not like they haven’t been alone in the past. But they got too comfortable, too sure of themselves and soon they woke up with her mother calling out her name and waking both of them up in their naked stupor. She was running curses in her head as they both got dressed as her mother told them they will wait for them at living room as soon as they were decent. Both now in their best behaviours, Marlene sat a foot apart from the once Black heir. Her dad looked at them with disappointment in his eyes and she wanted to melt in a puddle. Sirius was sitting there looking perfectly fine, his demeanor not at all fazed. She actually envied him sometimes on how he can look so regal, so confident, and so beautiful at the same time. 

“We didn’t want to say anything yet because we figured you both can have this year as it’s your last year in Hogwarts.” Her father started. “But clearly, you two are risking a lot already by being together.” The implication was apparent in the older man’s voice. How her parents think that their daughter is still the innocent wide-eyed girl they dropped off at Platform 9 ¾ all those years ago, she can never understand. Maybe that’s just how parents are, always avoiding the reality that their children do grow up and become their own person and do things that are not necessarily holy and innocent at all times. “Sirius…” Mr. McKinnon called her boyfriend’s voice sternly. “We actually met with your parents and since you were…” Marlene’s dad trailed on, unsure of how to say it. 

“Burnt off of the family tree, sir. I don’t see how that has something to do with me and Marlene though.” Sirius finished for the older man. “Well, we have to marry Marlene off to someone who is actually going to give her a favorable name and future.” The blonde couldn’t even believe her ears. Their family is one of the oldest pureblood families in Scotland but they never really dealt much with all the British wizarding world’s mania about the sacred 28 and all that shite. “Father!” It was Marlene’s turn to speak up. “Sirius can give me a fantastic future. It might be a long time from now but he is capable and the Potters basically has adopted him by now.” The Gryffindor lass argued. 

Her mother was the one to speak up this time. “Marlene, it’s not that we’re saying Sirius isn’t capable. Forgive your father. But we did try to actually match the two of you up. However, since the Black family did say they have nothing to do with him, they offered a distant relative. You are to marry Evan Rosier after your graduation next year.” Marlene didn’t know if this is some sick joke. Maybe this is just one of those bizarre nightmares that you woke up in and it felt too real. If she was embarrassed about being caught earlier, she’s now horrified that it turned into this conversation. How can sleeping with Sirius suddenly gave way to her parents admitting that they made a deal with the devil and has agreed to marry her off to the Black sisters’ cousin.

“What else? I’m going to wish you a happy birthday of course!” He told her with a cocky grin as he kissed her cheek then walked over to her bed and planted himself right at the middle of her bed as if it’s his own. Marlene stood there mouth hanging open with shock. Given that this kind of trick is not unusual for the great Sirius Black but sneaking up on the McKinnon mansion at this ungodly hour is just plain suicide. “You know you will be cursed to oblivion if my father knows you’re here right?” She whispered angrily as she silently walked over to her bed.

Sirius grinned like the Cheshire cat at Marlene. “That is why you have to be quiet, darling, come here…” He tugged at her hand which was in reach and pulled her to the bed. Marlene huffed but took a seat and Sirius got up from his lying position to face Marlene. “I just want to be with you the moment the hour strikes 12. Is it so bad for me to want to be the first to greet you on your 18th birthday?” He whispered as he took both of her hands and kissed every knuckle.

Marlene can feel her anger and worry dissolving at such sweet gesture. It’s not often that Sirius say sweet things so sincerely and to say that she was moved is an understatement. At the same moment, they heard the large grandfather’s clock downstairs striking midnight announcing that the eve of her birthday finally arrived. “Well, I guess you succeeded.” She told him quietly as soon as he finished raining kisses on her hand and looked at her.

“Do you have a wish?” He asked. Marlene was quiet for a moment, trying to think of an answer. Right now, all she wants was for the war to stop, that there’s a better future in store for them after graduation but she knows that’s impossible. “I don’t know, I wish our friends will all arrive here safely for tomorrow’s gathering…and well…I wish you’d always be there for me…I wish you’ll stay with me…” She told him quietly.

He smiled at her. “Then your wish is my command, darling. Is it okay if I stayed the night?” He asked. “I promise I’ll behave.” Marlene glared at him. “That’s not what I meant, not literally stay here! You’re such a git. My father will kill you if he finds you here!” Sirius had the nerve to smirk once more as he took off his boots. “Being with you is more than worth it, besides, how can I leave when you’re looking like that?” He told her and pointed at what she’s wearing.

She immediately blushed only realizing at that moment that she’s wearing a flimsy night gown made of French silk and lace. She covered herself with the blanket. “If that is you behaving then it’s clearly not working!” He just chuckled at what she said and took off his shirt. “Come on, no need to be modest now, love. Besides, you’re of legal age now.” He chuckled and went to lie down comfortably on the bed again and pulling the blanket on him, leaving Marlene uncovered at the foot of the bed. “Marly, it’s late, we should sleep…” He teased her once again.

Marlene sighed frustratingly, she knows it’s a lost cause. Once Sirius had his mind to it, it’ll take an unforgivable curse to change it. She finally crawled next to him, enveloping herself in the thick blanket fully aware that she’s now sharing a bed with the once notorious womanizer of Hogwarts. “Darling, why are you so stiff, move over here. I won’t bite!” He told her almost pleadingly.

She tried to move nearer but she can feel her heart beating faster. It’s not that she’s afraid of him, she’s afraid of what might happen. As soon as she was close enough, Sirius pulled her into his arms, making her rest her head on his arms instead of the pillow. She tried relaxing and reveling on the feeling of being nestled at the crook of Sirius’ arm. “Are you nervous?” He whispered and all she can do is nod. “Marly, I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do…stop feeling like I’m always up to no good.” That made Marlene smile. “But you often are!”

“Well…you’re right, but not with you. We’ve already been together for a year now and I have stood by my word never to force you into anything right?” He asked peering at her, their eyes looking at one another, she nodded again. It was true, all they had been doing is snogging and stopping when she requested it and for that she can’t help but be thankful. “Nox!” She whispered distinguishing all the candles that provided light at the room. Both of them had mastered simple wandless spells and she never thought it will actually be useful in circumstances as this one.

As soon as the dark sets in, she felt Sirius brushing her lips with his. No matter how many times, he said he’ll behave tonight, she knew it will be different. She knew it will be the night they’d be together in every sense of the world and she also knew that this time she’s ready for it. “Happy Birthday, McKinnon…” He whispered in her ear as he stopped kissing her lips but went to shower her neck with more feather kisses.