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It was painfully obvious that Hermione was trying not to chuckle as Marlene pulled at the frilly edges of the dress she was currently trying on. She had wanted to get to know the other witch better, so when Hermione had offered her assistance in finding an appropriate dress for the party that Mrs. Black was insistent on throwing, Marlene had jumped at the offer. The very first Saturday after Hogwarts had concluded for the winter holidays, the two witches had met in muggle London to search through a few local dress shops but it seemed to be a hopeless endeavor.

"This is absolutely ridiculous," the Ravenclaw sighed heavily and slouched. She covered her face so that she wouldn't have to look at herself in the hideous dress any longer, "How the bloody he… how does dressing up like a show pony help us and the Order again?"

This was the third time that Marlene had asked this question. Hermione put a kind smile on her face and repeated the same answer she gave the two other times Marlene had needed reminding, "This is going to help cement your 'relationship' with Regulus. Making sure that your fake romance is widely accepted is going to help keep both you and Reg safe."

Marlene nodded her head and stood up to her full height again. She hadn't shared the little side project that Regulus had suggested they could also use the party for. Marlene wasn't sure if she wanted anyone else to know why she had originally joined the Order and main reason she volunteered for the mission with Regulus… she wasn't entirely sure why she had even shared her secret with him.

"This definitely is not the one. Next," Hermione chuckled behind her hand as she voiced exactly how Marlene was feeling about the current dress.

"Thank Merlin…" Marlene hopped off the small podium that had been placed in front of the huge mirror. This little dress shop had been very accommodating and even provided some water with lemon. She took a huge gulp of the beverage before retreating into the dressing room again and hurriedly ridding herself of the ruffled monstrosity.

"Is everything going well, Dear? Anything else I can bring you to try on?" the airy voice of the kindly old woman who owned the shop came wafting through the thick curtain.

Marlene had to mentally remind herself that this woman was not the reason for her frustration. She cleared her throat and consciously used a very even and hopefully pleasant voice, "Everything is wonderful, thank you. I just haven't quite found what I'm looking for yet." She pulled on the next dress, which was a terribly confining high-neck, long sleeve thing that looked like it belonged in the Victorian era. The fact that it was entirely covered in lace didn't help matters either.

When Marlene stepped from behind the curtain this time, Hermione actually had to turn her head away to keep from laughing out loud.

The store owner looked absolutely delighted though, "Oh! You look beautiful my dear."

Marlene felt her mouth fall open, but was able to quickly compose herself, "Thank you. But I think it's a little too... extravagant for my taste. Do you have anything a little simpler?"

"With less lace," Hermione somehow interjected with a straight face.

The owner smiled and busied herself with finding other options.

Marlene stood on the podium and Hermione stepped closer, holding out the glass of fancy water, "You are absolutely no help. Could you at least try not to break down into a fit of giggles every time I try a different dress on?"

Hermione shook her head, "Sorry. Must be spending too much time with Sirius."

"Which raises the other issue that's been in the back of my mind," Marlene huffed a little. Well, she tried to huff, but the dress she was currently in was made of silk and had very little give or room to even breathe, "Shouldn't you be more sympathetic to all this?"

"And why is that?" Hermione questioned with a humorous sparkle in her eye.

"Well, if Sirius wasn't disowned by his mother, you would be going through this with me, McGonagall," Marlene pointed out, "And it would actually mean something for you two since you're actually dating."

"Oh, I doubt that," Hermione bent down and adjusted the short train of the horrible dress, "If Sirius wasn't already disinherited from the Black family before we began dating, he most certainly would be by now… you know, for dating and sometimes cohabitating with a mu... half-blood."

A frown immediately formed on Marlene's face, "I'm sorry, Mia. I didn't even think of that."

"It's alright. I'm sure it was just all this white lace distracting you," the other witch's blonde curls bounced slightly as she stood up again.

Marlene scoffed, "Sure, the ugly dress did it."

The owner of the store swept into the changing room area with three more dressed to try.

"... Merlin help me…"

Marlene could hear Hermione's laughter even back behind the curtains of her changing room. The first dress of the new selection was just awful. How the older woman had understood 'simpler' to mean a three foot train was beyond Marlene's comprehension. But the second dress…

"You know, that one isn't terrible," Hermione smiled happily at Marlene as she made her way over to the podium again.

The dress was white, which was an previously unknown requirement for the semi-debutante event that Walburga Black was planning. The main part of the dress was actually simple; it was a plain silk blend and had an a-line cut, which flared very slightly at her hips. The only frivolous thing was the lace lined capelet that Marlene actually found that she liked.

"At least it doesn't have a train," Marlene chuckled as she turned around to get a better look of the back of the dress. There were tiny crystal buttons that lined the back of the dress, just until the waist, "I think it's a good balance of modest yet not hideous."

"And you don't look like you belong in the 1800's where women weren't allowed to even show their ankles," Hermione smirked but Marlene could see some approval in her expression, "I think it's perfect actually."

Marlene braced herself, "Well how much is it?"

"Don't worry about it," Hermione motioned for the owner of the store to join them, "We will be taking this one I believe." She began to speak to the woman about the forms of payment that the shop accepted, "Oh, do you need shoes as well?"

"What are you doing, Amelia?" Marlene asked as Hermione removed a few sheets of muggle money from her purse and handed it over to the shop owner.

"Oh, Sirius is insisting that he pay for the dress. He doesn't want you spending your hard earned money to blend into… oh what did he call it… 'the stuffy, aristocratic madness.' And he didn't want Regulus paying for it just in case you wanted to burn the dress afterwards; Sirius didn't want you to feel obligated to keep the dress if you didn't want to," Hermione shrugged, "I think it's really just his way of saying he's terribly sorry you have to go through with this party."

Marlene couldn't believe the generosity or the ridiculous excuse that Sirius Black had come up with, "Well… thank you, I guess."

Both witches couldn't help laughing over the situation.


Regulus fidgeted a little as he got dressed for the party.

He glanced over at his closed door; he desperately wished that Sirius still lived in the room across the hall. It was maddening the amount of stress and money that was going into this event. His mother had brought in special caterers, magically spruced up some of the older looking furniture and even had the carpets completely replaced on the entire first floor of the townhouse.

And not for the first time, Regulus was jealous at the freedom that Sirius had.

He threw his dress robes over his arm and descended the stairs, "Mother, I'm off to pick up Marlene."

"Very well, Dear. Make sure you arrive at six o'clock precisely. Remember that dinner will be served promptly at seven and I expect you both to make time for each guest that attends tonight," Walburga Black glided into the foyer. She wore her usual silver grey gown, but Regulus noticed that she was wearing a few pieces of heirloom jewelry that she usually saved for society engagements. There was a small velvet box in her hand that she held out to her son, "Here we are. Your father and I would like for you to wear this tonight."

Regulus took the small box with some hesitation, "What is it mother?"

His mouth fell open as he opened the box.

"It's your birthright, Regulus. You are the heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black."

Regulus resisted shaking his head; he didn't feel like this was right at all. This was Sirius's ring… and he would never feel right about wearing it. And yet… he had to act like the perfect little pureblood, "Thank you, Mother. I was wondering where this ring had gone off to." Regulus cringed inwardly at his flippant words as he slipped the gold signet ring onto his right ring finger.

He quickly left the town house with only a "I'll return as soon as possible."

Regulus apparated straight into Marlene's apartment. He stayed in the small entry way even though she had insisted several times that he could make himself at home.

"...I'm so sorry, Regulus. I'm just running a little behind," Marlene laughed uncomfortably, "I'm a bit nervous actually."

"It's not an issue," he was really in no rush to return to Gimmauld Place.

Marlene peeked her head out from her bedroom, "Are you alright?"

Regulus forced a smile, "I'm fine." Though the witch gave him a very clear expression that she did not believe him, "Under the circumstances, I am fine. I promise."

She still didn't look convinced as she disappeared again, "Well, tell me what's happened. You're much more sour looking than normal. And I can't have you this way if you're to help me survive tonight." Marlene called from the bedroom with a determined tone.

Regulus smirked as he considered his options, "And what if I don't tell you?"

"Then I will just have to tell you every detail of the horrendous process of finding an appropriate dress; for a ridiculous party, which I would like to remind you, I'm being forced to attend!" Marlene tiptoed out from her room and handed him a pearl bracelet, "Would you mind helping me? I can't seem to secure it one handed and I'm too jittery to use my wand."

Regulus didn't move for a full second.

"Reg?" Marlene frowned and looked down at herself, "Do I look alright? Is the dress awful?"

"No… no, you look wonderful," Regulus took the bracelet and busied himself with the tiny clasp. He honestly wasn't sure why he was so shocked. He had always thought the witch was pretty but… "I don't think I've ever seen you in a dress before. It surprisingly suits you." He smirked as the witch rolled her eyes.

"Very sweet of you, Black. How in Merlin's name are you still single with those kind of compliments readily available?" Marlene playfully scrunched her face which only made Regulus's smile wider. She tiptoed back to her room to retrieve her shoes and coat, "You still haven't told me what's bothering you."

Regulus sighed, "Alright, ,but it's a bit silly." He took the heavy purple coat from Marlene when she came back into the room and held it out for her, "My mother gave my the family signet ring. It just doesn't feel right being considered the heir… The ring really belongs to Sirius."

"So give it to him," Marlene stated without a second thought, "And stop acting like this is your fault. No one who really knows you, especially Sirius, would blame you for any of this." She smiled broadly, "Ready to go now?"


When they appeared on the front stoop of 12 Gimmauld Place, Regulus held out his arm, "Ready?"

Marlene placed a dazzling smile on her face and tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow, "Ready."

As soon as they stepped through the threshold, they were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Black. Marlene made sure to smile and deeply thank Regulus's parents for the grand party. She made sure not to bring up the fact that she found the whole 'debutante' idea sexist or the issue that her own parents had not been invited to the event.

Regulus quickly pulled her away to greet and make small talk with the other guests. Marlene remained extremely polite and smiling.

They spent only a few minutes with each guest, Regulus taking care of the majority of the conversation. He appeared to know everyone by name and social status; he made every interaction look easy and comfortable. Regulus would even brush his fingers over hers occasionally, and Marlene found the simple action very comforting.

When dinner was announced, Regulus purposefully held back and allowed all the other guests to file into the dining room, "You alright?"

Marlene allowed her fake smile fall, "Oh, I'm brilliant. Just finding it difficult to breathe."

"Well, you're doing splendidly," Regulus caught her hand and squeezed it before replacing it on his arm.


Dinner itself wasn't terrible. Regulus found the food was almost as good as anything the Hogwarts elves could prepare. And he found that the dishes provided an easy discussion topic with the surrounding party guests.

He made sure to include Marlene in as much of the conversations as possible, though many of the family friends that were present didn't expect the witch to speak much. Regulus witnessed many of them staring and analyzing her. A few of these families had expected Regulus to be matched with their own daughters, so he understood their apprehension to himself. But he didn't like the judgmental gazes that passed over Marlene; he noticed a tightness in his stomach as he caught a few of the gawkers.

Dinner continued without any major incidents, though his mother did make an offhanded comment about Marlene's parents not providing their daughter a proper coming out party when she had first come of age. Regulus smirked and reminded his mother that she would not have been given the opportunity to throw this party if Marlene had already had one. Walburga Black heartily laughed at her son's comment, and the rest of the party goers followed suit as Marlene shyly smiled and reached for his hand under the table.


Marlene usually viewed herself as an independent person. She was able to speak her mind and stand up for herself under normal circumstances… but this was far from normal circumstances.

This pureblood, high society was an entirely different world.

Here she was expected to be soft spoken, unwaveringly supportive of Regulus and his family… and that honestly scared her. Even though Marlene knew that his restrictive relationship, that people precived her to be in, wasn't real; it terrified her that she had to even pretend to give up parts of herself.

After dinner, Regulus escorted her into the library, where they mingled with the rest of the guests that they had not been able to meet with before the meal. Marlene noticed more than a few people speaking over her or only greeting her before addressing all further questions to the wizard she was on the arm of.

Regulus must have realized that something was wrong; he excused them both and led her down a few winding corridors before presenting a small balcony.

Marlene gave him a relieved smile and leaned on the railing of the balcony as she breathed in the fresh air.

"I'm so sorry about all this. I should have given you a more detailed warning about what tonight was going to be like," Regulus stood a few steps away; she assumed he was trying to give her ample space to recover.

She shook her head, "No, I knew what I was getting into. My mother told me about her own experiences with social parties like this. I guess I just didn't want to believe everything she had gone through was still so prominent in this day and age." When she looked over Regulus he appeared to have aged at least a decade; the stress of the night was obviously affecting him as well. Marlene closed the gap between them and smiled easily at the wizard, "I do appreciate your help getting through tonight though."

Regulus spared her a small smile, "It is my fault you're having to go through this right now, so it is the least I can do."

Marlene wrapped her arms around his neck, "Stop blaming yourself for everything, Regulus. It's starting to get annoying."

They both burst out laughing.

"Come on," he offered his arm again, "If we're gone for too long, they'll think we're doing inappropriate things."

"Wouldn't that be a good thing? You know… us acting like normal teenagers in love?"

"I suppose," Regulus shrugged, "But you don't want to be lectured about impropriety by my mother. Trust me."


When they returned to the party, Regulus made his way over to his two cousins and their husbands. They were the last people at the gathering that they needed to converse with.

"Cissa, Bella," he tipped his head cordially to each of them and then motioned to the witch beside him, "This is Miss Marlene McKinnon. Marlene, these are my cousins Narcissa Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange. And their husbands Lucius Malfoy and Rodolphus Lestrange."

Everyone exchanged pleasantries and politely bowed heads.

Lucius and Narcissa excused themselves shortly thereafter, sighting the late hour and offering a sentiment of a pleasant evening.

Bellatrix then offered uncomfortable conversation, making less than subtle comments about the lack of requirements that she believed Hogwarts used for admitting magical students. Rodolphus remained silent but nodded along with everything that this wife spouted. Bella also asked Marlene some very personal questions about her bloodline, which she somehow answered with a dazzling smile.

Regulus did almost lose his temper though. His stomach turned over violently and he wrapped an arm protectively around her when he noticed Rodolphus's eyes rake her body.

"You're a very striking young woman, Miss McKinnon. We would love for you and Regulus to join us for dinner sometime in the near future."

As Rodophus spoke, Regulus felt Marlene's body stiffen.

Her smile faltered, "Thank you… that... that would be lovely."

Regulus pulled a watch from his pocket, "Oh, that's a shame. I believe it's time for me to escort you home." He leaned over and kissed Marlene on the cheek, "Come. Don't you have work early tomorrow?"

"Yes," Marlene's smile had completely failed now, "Yes, I'm afraid I do. I'm so sorry."

They hurriedly said goodbye and Marlene thanked his parents again for the lovely night before they apparated away to her apartment.

As soon as they arrived, Marlene excused herself and ran into her bedroom. Regulus wasn't sure what happened but when she emerged again, the witch looked very pale. She had kicked off her heels and released her hair from it's tight bun.

"What happened?" He asked, keeping at a distance so she didn't feel crowded.

Marlene shook her head, "I just… I think…" she covered her mouth with one of her hands and Regulus heard a reluctant sob.

He took a step towards her, but still kept some space between them, "Tell me." The words sounded demanding so he quickly added, "Please?"

When Marlene looked at him, she was on the verge of tears. But when she spoke, her voice was determined and unbroken, "My brother was severely tortured. My father found him and right before he died, and he took some of my brother's memories. I'm the only one in my family who's had the stomach to view them." She stopped and took a shaking breath, "There's a memory, from when he was tortured. It's very… it's very hectic to see. A tortured mind gets very jumbled and it's difficult to understand… But there was someone that spoke to him in between the torturing spells. I've listened to that voice over and over again so I could remember it clearly…" Marlene looked right into his eyes, "... that voice... it was Rodolphus Lestrange. He... he's the one who murdered my brother. I'm certain of it."

Regulus didn't say a word. He simply stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her.

He wasn't sure how long they stood there, embracing each other. But Regulus knew that he would be expected at home sooner rather than later. He pulled away, "I should probably go, will you be alright?"

Marlene frowned and nodded her head.

Regulus reluctantly removed his hands from her waist and prepared to apparate away, "Goodnight, Marlene."

Marlene nodded her head again, but just as he was about to turn she stopped him, "Wait." She shifted from one foot to the other, "Don't go, please... stay?"

"Of course."


Eek! Sorry about going back and forth with the POV's so much, but I wanted to give you all an idea of how they were both feeling through this crazy night.

Let me know what you thought!

Can't wait until next chapter. =)

Raven - Thank you so much for the compliments on my other stories as well. I really do appreciate it.

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Always,

Misha

Ps. Check out the other stories by me: 'Begin Again' (which is now complete!), 'The Bookworm and The Prankster' and 'Penelope Jackson: The Lightning Thief.'