Story Title: Sirius's Proposal Panic
School: Durmstrang
Year: 6 Exchange Student
Theme: Beginnings/Goodbyes
Special Rule: color- red (passion)
Main Prompt: Sirius/ Marlene pairing
Secondary Prompt(s): first prompt- Anticipation second prompt- empty classroom
Word Count: 2795
The year was 1977. Sirius Black was 17 and in his final year at Hogwarts. He was a proud Gryffindor preparing to graduate his final year of school. He had studied hard for his N.E.W.T.s and passed his O.W.L.s with the grades needed.
He also has been dating fellow Gryffindor, Marlene McKinnon, for two years now. He had only one task left to do before graduating: to ask Marlene for her hand in marriage!
The first thing he had to do to accomplish this task was to speak to Marlene's father, Mr. McKinnon, and seek his approval of the proposal. Luckily, he was on good terms with him. Sirius had been to dinner at their residence a few times so that her parents could get to know him. This was intimidating due to his family's dark reputation, but Sirius had managed to break from it. He had love, courage and honesty in his heart and a strong moral center. Thankfully, the McKinnon's saw that he was cut from a different cloth than his family during dinners at their residence.
Sirius sat at his dorm desk and took out parchment, quill, and ink.
Dear Mr. McKinnon,
I hope this letter finds you well, sir. We are soon set to graduate from school and Marlene, and I are excited about it. We have studied hard and done well on our exams. I will be starting Auror training soon after school at the Ministry. That is the path I have chosen, and I hope you approve. Marlene has already informed you that she has chosen to pursue the Healer career. I write tonight because I wish to request an audience with you, sir, on a very important personal matter. Could we meet this weekend?
Yours sincerely,
Sirius Black
Sirius took a deep breath as he finished and laid his quill down. He let the ink dry for a minute and then folded the letter, inserted it into an envelope, sealed it, and addressed it to Mr. McKinnon.
The following morning, he rushed out to the owlery and sent his letter off with a grey barn owl who was eager to fly for some reason. Sirius was so fidgety in class. He wasn't normally like this.
After their final class and back in their dorm James drops his books on his bed and states, "Okay, Pads, out with it! What's got you all worked up today?"
"I wrote a letter to Mr. McKinnon, requesting a meeting with him to ask for his permission to marry Marlene," Sirius responded. "I sent the letter first thing this morning before breakfast and now I am anxious for a reply."
"Marriage proposal?" James exclaimed. "Pads, why haven't you told me any of this? I knew you and Marlene were a strong couple, but I had no idea you were going to do this. Man, congrats!"
"If I get approval, I plan on proposing the night of the leaving feast. I plan to sneak her away to an empty classroom and propose there. I managed to contact my father and acquire a ruby red ring for an engagement ring," Sirius says as he pulled out a small box from his trunk and showed James a gold ring with teardrop ruby.
"Sirius! You are serious! Ring and all! Well, best man and best friend are here to help." James slapped Sirius on the back, making Sirius almost drop the ruby ring. Sirius let out a slight growl.
At that moment, Remus walked in.
James blurted, "Moony! Guess what?! Pads wants to propose to Marlene!"
"Wow, congratulations, Pads. You and Marlene make a perfect couple," Remus offered.
"Thank you, Moony. Now, Prongs, Moony, you must swear on the Marauders Oath that you won't interfere or play any pranks during my proposal. I want it to go as smoothly as possible, alright?" Sirius sternly stated.
"But, Sirius! What fun is it just standing behind and watching?" James whined.
"James, he needs our support not foolishness right now," Remus scolded.
"We solemnly swear!" James and Remus both said in unison looking at Sirius.
"Thank you, my brothers.," Sirius replied in appreciation.
Just then an owl tapped on their dorm window. Sirius opened the window and retrieved the letter from its beak and rewarded it with a piece of jerky he had stashed in his desk. He closed the window, opened the letter and read:
Dear Sirius,
I received your letter and was a bit alarmed at first, but then realized if there was concern you would have stated it in the letter. I would be delighted to meet you this weekend. I will take a room at the Inn in Hogsmeade to meet you. Will that be acceptable as a location? I will clear your outing with Professor McGonagall if you need me to. I am nervous with anticipation as to why we need to meet. Meet me Saturday at 10am at the Inn.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew McKinnon
"Guys! I have my meeting with her father this Saturday at ten in the morning! Could you two distract Marlene, or should I ask Lily?" Sirius stated.
"Congrats, Pads. Of course, we can help. Wait don't we have a Hogsmeade visit that weekend too?" James asked worriedly.
"Yes, I have it memorized: Sir, the reason I asked to meet with you was because as you know Marlene and I've been seeing each other for over two years now, and we are set to graduate soon. I start Ministry Auror Training soon and she is set to start Medical training. I would very much like to spend the rest of my life with her, providing for and protecting her. I love her very much. I know I come from a dark family and have had to prove myself to you and your family that I am pure of heart and have good intentions towards you, your family, and Marlene. What I would like to know, sir, is may I receive permission from you to seek Marlene's hand in marriage," Sirius recited.
"Very well stated with the proper words," Remus nodded. "You will do just fine, Pads."
The days that followed were so hard for the three young men as they tried to keep this secret from Marlene. It was hardest for Sirius as he and Marlene always told the truth about everything to each other.
Finally, Saturday arrived and luckily there was a school outing to Hogsmeade that morning at nine. In attendance was Sirius, Marlene, Lily, James and Remus. They all started off with the school group to Hogsmeade, but when they arrived, Lily asked if she could steal Marlene away for a while for some girl shopping. Sirius agreed, thinking it was all part of the plan and the guys had asked Lily to distract her since it would be easier for Lily. Both James and Remus stood there looking at each other confused and lost.
"Guys, what's wrong? You asked Lily to distract her and it worked perfectly." Sirius asked.
"We didn't ask her. Lily just sprung this on all of us. Maybe she just wants some girl time? Hey, it's almost nine-forty! You need to hustle over to the inn! Do you have the ring to show him," James spouted off.
"Oh, man, thanks and yes!" "Well, wish me luck!" Sirius placed a hand into his pocket and touched the ring to make sure it was still there.
"Good luck!" Remus and James said in synchronization.
Sirius ran to the inn and asked the innkeeper for Mr. McKinnon's room. The innkeeper told him that Mr. McKinnon was in room eighteen, down the hall and to the left. Sirius thanked him and hurried down the hall. When he arrived, he stopped and composed himself before knocking.
"Enter," Mr. McKinnon responded.
"Good Morning, Mr. McKinnon." Sirius greeted.
"Good morning to you, Sirius. Please, come make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink? Pumpkin juice or water?" asked Mr. McKinnon.
"Thank you, sir, I'm fine." Sirius sat in a chair by the fireplace.
"What is this important reason you needed to meet me in person?" Mr. McKinnon inquired.
Sirius stood from the chair and took a deep breath, "What I would like to know sir, is may I receive permission from you to seek Marlene's hand in marriage."
Mr. McKinnon stood with a cold face and started to slowly pace around Sirius which made the young man sweat and shake. Suddenly, Sirius felt a slap on the back of his shoulder. "Oh, my boy, I thought this day would never come! Kathrine and I have been hoping for a young man like you to wed and take our beautiful daughter into his life. Of course, you have my blessing, Sirius."
"Really? Thank you, sir. I have the ring with me if you would like to look at it," Sirius said with such relief.
"Let's see this ring you chose for my daughter." Sirius pulled out the ring box and opened it for Mr. McKinnon to see. "Oh, what a lovely red ruby. Did you know that rubies are a sign of true love and passion?" Mr. McKinnon asked.
"Sir, that is why I chose it. My love for her is strong and true," Sirius with a love-stricken face.
"Smart answer, my boy. So, when did you say you wanted to propose to her?" inquired Mr. McKinnon.
"The night of our school's leaving feast. I'll pull her away to an empty classroom where we had our favorite class together, Transfiguration. That's when I plan to propose," Sirius responded.
"I like that idea. Best of luck to you, my boy. You best be off to meet back up with your classmates before they start to wonder where you are," approved Mr. McKinnon.
"You are right. Thank you again, sir, for everything. Have a good day!" Sirius realizing what time it was.
"You as well Sirius and good luck," Mr. McKinnon, waving off Sirius.
Sirius left the inn proud and smiling. He accomplished his first hard task: get permission to propose to Marlene. He had permission, now he needed to propose! That single thought stopped him in his tracks and made his blood run ice-cold with fear. What if Marlene said no? He was shaken out of his panicked state by Marlene's voice.
"Sirius, what are you doing standing in the middle of the road and looking like you've seen death," Marlene inquired worriedly.
"Oh, actually I thought I had, but I'm good now that you and Lily are here. Have fun, you two?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah, I helped Lily pick out a new outfit for her to wear on the way home from school. Secret is she wants to look nice for James," Marlene responded while pointing to the bags that Lily was carrying.
"Oh, gotcha! Well, he is a good man and I can see you two being very happy together," Sirius stated.
"Thanks Sirius. Shall we find Remus and James?" Lily asked.
"We'll probably find them either at the sweet shop or the Quidditch shop," Sirius suggested.
"Well, let's go then. I'm in the mood for a few sweets myself. I'd like a few peppermint sticks to take back," Lily piped in.
Marlene took Sirius's hand while he offered his other arm to Lily as a true gentleman should and they were off to Honeydukes.
Once they got there, Sirius opened the door, "After you, ladies."
The girls just looked at each other and giggled before walking in with Sirius behind.
As they looked around the shop, they noticed it had changed their displays for the season. The new theme was TAKE FLIGHT. The shop owner had made broom-shaped candies that zoomed around the store, butterfly shaped gummies, cotton candy shaped like an owl, Golden Snitch-shaped gumballs, and, of course, the usual treats. Sirius immediately found something that he could use for his proposal to Marlene. He excused himself from the ladies for a second as they were in awe watching the broom candies zipping around.
"Um, sir, I was wondering if you made special deliveries," Sirius inquired.
"Depends on the order," the shopkeeper responded.
"I plan on proposing and would like to order a bouquet of your passion flower sweets and have it delivered to my girlfriend on the night of our leaving feast please," Sirius informed him.
"Oh, well then, that is a very special order! Of course, we can arrange that. I'll have my wife make up a very special bouquet for her. Any particular color you have in mind?" the shopkeeper asked.
"Yes. Passion Red," Sirius smiled.
"Of course! Please, fill out this form with your information and where to deliver it," the shopkeeper said.
Sirius quickly peeked back at the girls who had moved onto the hundreds of flavors of jellybeans. Standing next to them were Remus and James. He turned back and filled out the form, reaching into his pocket to pay the shopkeeper.
"Oh, sorry. I almost forgot my friend also needs twelve peppermint sticks, please," Sirius stated.
"Here you go. A gift from me to you, two dozen of my finest peppermint sticks for your friend," the shopkeeper smiled, handing Sirius a box of peppermint sticks.
"How much do I owe you, sir?" Sirius inquired.
"Absolutely nothing. You're a lad of pure heart and that deserves a reward. Stay true to your heart and friendships. Best of luck to you, lad," the shopkeeper nodded.
"Thank you, sir!" Sirius gave the man a slight bow in gratitude and turned to find the girls purchasing Cotton Candy Owls from the shopkeeper's wife on the opposite side of the store.
"Lily, here is the peppermint sweets you wanted," Sirius stated while handing Lily the sweets.
"Wow, that's a lot! Thanks, Sirius!" Lily exclaimed.
"Hey, James. Hey, Remus. Are we already to head back to the castle no?" Sirius asked.
They all walked back to the castle together happy with what they had accomplished.
A week passed, and it was finally the day of the leaving feast. Sirius was so nervous that it felt like his heart was jumping out of his chest. Remus and James were trying everything to calm him down, but it didn't work. They finally gave up and let him sit alone for a bit before the feast to gather his thoughts.
"I can do this. I got this. She's going to say yes. I have nothing to worry about," Sirius told himself while pacing his dorm room clenching the ring box.
He finally headed to the Great Hall for the feast. He found Remus and James sitting with Lily and Marlene. Sitting next to Marlene, he gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
"Sorry, I am late," Sirius apologized.
"It's alright, Sirius. By the way, I love the bouquet you sent me. Thank you so much!" Marlene grinned while giving Sirius a quick hug.
"Marlene, after we eat, I need to talk to you alone, please. It is important. Nothing bad, I promise," Sirius told her.
"Alright. Yeah, sure," Marlene responded hesitantly.
Soon, the feast ensued, and the students and staff were filling their bellies with all sorts of delicious food. After they had finished eating, Sirius grabbed Marlene's hand and gestured for her to follow. She complied and followed him into their favorite classroom which was used for Transfiguration.
"Sirius, what is it you need to tell me? You're making me a bit worried?" Marlene asked.
Sirius took both of Marlene's hands into his and said, "Marlene, two years ago you captured my heart by being exactly who you are. The sweetest, most loving, compassionate, and sensitive person I know. You have been my very best friend through the good and the bad. You have been the reason I smile, and you have given comfort beyond measure when I have cried. You have believed in me when no one else would, and you have shown me how to love with passion, purity, and unconditional acceptance. I'm not sure a lifetime is long enough to return all you have given me, but I promise to spend the rest of my days in the attempt if you would allow. Marlene Renee McKinnon, will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
Sirius took out the ring box and knelt on one knee to present the ring.
"YES! YES, of course I will! I love you, Sirius!" Marlene half cried and half squealed.
Sirius rose and put the stunning ruby-red ring on Marlene's ring finger and kissed her.
"I think we should head back to the feast and tell everyone." Sirius chuckled.
"Absolutely! I love this ring. It's my favorite color, red," Marlene stared at her ring.
They left the classroom arm-in-arm, with wide, love-stricken smiles, back to the Great Hall.