Word Count: 609
"Have you got any spare parchment?"
Really, the sight of a single person shouldn't be enough to irritate Marlene. Sirius Black is a special exception. He doesn't even have to do anything. Just existing is enough. Lily says he's a nice enough bloke, but Marelene can't help but be hesitant around him.
"Yeah, sure.'
She opens her khaki bag. It's neatly organized, so she's able to quickly grab the extra roll she has on hand and pass it over. "You can keep it. I have plenty."
Sirius grins, and Marlene remembers exactly why she doesn't like talking to him. He's got that arrogance about him that's too heavy to be ironic. "Oh, McKinnon," he says with a dreamy sigh as he leans in. "Are you flirting with me?"
There it is. Marlene resists the urge to roll her eyes. "You wish." She zips her bag shut, snatching up her quill with more aggression than necessary, and stares ahead at the blank chalkboard.
The lesson hasn't started yet, and Flitwick is nowhere to be seen, but she doesn't care. She would rather stare at the streaks of dust left behind by a poor attempt at erasing the board than acknowledge that Sirius is still there.
"You know, I really do wish," Sirius agrees, sliding into the seat beside her.
Marlene doesn't respond. The rest of his friends will realize he's missing eventually. Remus, being the kind and good soul he is, will come over, apologize, and guide Sirius away. All she has to do is wait.
She's sure Sirius isn't actually that bad. He seems nice enough whenever he's with his friends, and if even Lily decided he was okay…
But he doesn't show her that side. He shows her… this. Whatever this is.
"Come on, McKinnon. Why won't you go out with me?" he asks.
"Does it ever bother you that you are doing exactly what James did when he was trying to get Lily's attention?" she counters.
She'd be lying if she said she didn't want to know what he was capable of if he really applied himself, if he let her see the real him. Maybe that's why she bothers to engage with him now. Spending a year ignoring his advances and watching him become more and more desperate is exhausting. Maybe it's time to see what could happen.
"Hmm… I suppose it didn't really work for him," Sirius murmurs.
There's something in his voice that makes her look up. The persona he shows the world seems to be slipping. There is something there, something more. It's the most genuine she's ever seen him.
"What am I supposed to do to get your attention?"
She laughs softly. Truthfully, he's always had her attention, though it hasn't always been the most positive kind.
It feels strange to actually have this conversation. She's always been adamant about the fact that she didn't care for him. Why should that change now? Stranger still, she doesn't really mind it. It's an unexpected change, but maybe it isn't the worst thing in the world.
"Stop acting like this is a game, and I'm some prize for you to win," she suggests. "I want to see the real you."
"How do you know this isn't the real me?"
"Is it?"
Something flickers over his face, dropping his expression for just a fraction of a second. And then he's grinning again. Marlene wonders if no one ever challenges him like that. "Fair dues. How about you let me show you the real me at the Three Broomsticks this weekend?"
"I think I'd like that."
Maybe it's time to let go and take a chance.
