And the romance approacheth, little by little! Don't get your hopes up that they'll get together anytime soon, though; this is only the beginning. :)

Thsnks to ginny1701.x for reviewing.

The song used here is God Only Knows by Beach Boys.

Disclaimer: I own neither the characters nor the song.

Midnight Song

14th November, 1974

Sirius rummaged through his trunk and pulled out his spare inkpot, adding it to the little stack of things on the floor beside him — parchment, quills, his Potions book, and a couple of Chocolate Frogs.

The fourth year boys' dormitory was covered in darkness, all of its inhabitants except him being already asleep. Well, it was natural enough for them to be. He looked at the watch on James' bedside desk. It was nearly midnight.

His eyes moved to his bed; it looked so soft, so warm and welcoming. He wanted nothing more than to tumble down onto it and pull up the covers to his chest and fall into a deep sleep. But his Potions homework was due tomorrow, and he was yet to even begin it. His friends, curse them, had all finished it already, and were slumbering peacefully. Even after begging for the entire afternoon, Remus hadn't allowed Sirius to copy his essay. So here he was, the lone ranger, left alone to struggle in the dangerous forests of Potions. His gray eyes swept across the dormitory, as if hoping some sort of a heavenly rescuer to appear out of the darkness and finish his job for him, but nothing of the sort happened, of course.

His gaze once again returned to his beautiful bed. What I wouldn't do to reunite with you, my love! Do not be afraid, for I will soon return to reclaim you after I defeat the evil Potions monster!

Alright, he was being dramatic.

Picking up his stuff, he gave his sleeping friends his best glare, but none of them so much as stirred (Peter even gave an extra loud snore), so, defeated, he blearily shuffled to his feet and walked down to the common room. There was certainly nothing else to do other than finishing his homework.

His eyes completely focused on the first armchair that caught his sight, he stepped noiselessly into the common room, not bothering to look around him at all. He settled down into the chair, the dying fire in the common room casting a faint glow across the room, and began working on the essay.

The room was quiet, the silence of the night peaceful and calming, helping him to concentrate on his work. Although he was extremely irritated by the fact that he was forced to work while the others were asleep, he found himself realising that he'd rather work in this soothing silence than in a noisy, crowded common room.

But then the silence was broken.

Had it been something else, Sirius would have looked up and ordered the unexpected occupant in the common room to keep his noise to himself and not bother him; could he not see that he was working? But not now, because he suddenly seemed to be mesmerised in that wonderful sound that was slowly filling the common room. His head raised itself from his work on its own volition, his eyes widened in awe. Music, sweeter than anything he had ever heard was filling his ears, mind and senses. The lyrical strains of the song were floating to him from the other corner of the room.

I may not always love you

But long as there are stars above you

You never need to doubt it

I'll make you so sure about it.

He had heard the song once somewhere, played by muggles. But even the original hadn't sounded so beautiful.

God only knows what I'd be without you

If you should ever leave me

Though life would still go on believe me

The world could show nothing to me

So what good would living do me.

He turned his head towards the source of the music. At the corner, sitting with her head bent low over a long parchment, was a familiar blonde girl. Her rosy lips were moving, the little notes flowing out in perfect harmony as her hand moved diligently over her work.

God only knows what I'd be without you

If you should ever leave me

Well life would still go on believe me

The world could show nothing to me

So what good would living do me.

He watched her, transfixed, all thoughts of his homework forgotten, his lips parted slightly as he looked on. Her golden ringlets were tumbling over her shoulders, the faint firelight giving her a bronzed aura, and combined with the steady tune which she sang on, she seemed nothing but an angel to him.

But then, his quill had to roll off his parchment and clatter to the floor. Stupid thing.

She looked up, startled, her song cut off mid-sentence. Her cheeks flushed pink as she realised he had been sitting there for quite a while.

"Sirius!"

Her exclamation jolted him out of the trance which her heavenly melody had induced. He blinked, his gaze slipping back to focus.

"Oh — hey Marls."

"I didn't realise you were down here," she smiled bashfully. "Homework?"

He nodded, and after a pause, said, "You sing beautifully. That was – that was the most amazing song I'd ever heard."

She blushed. "Thanks. I tend to hum when I am working, just to, you know, crack the monotony."

There was an awkward pause, in which Sirius found his eyes running up and down the girl in front of him. He thought of how sweet her voice has sounded, and wondered in a rare moment of poetic thoughtfulness (rare for him, anyway) how lovely it would be if she sang to him every night. Her eyes were so blue, and the firelight reflected in them seemed like fire in the midst of ocean water. Her curls, her figure, her smile – hell, everything about her was so perfect. For the first time since they met, Sirius Black truly appreciated just how beautiful Marlene McKinnon was.

"I think I'll just go to bed. I am done for the night," she said, breaking the silence, and scooped up her things in her arms. "Goodnight, Sirius."

She let her hand run through his hair as she passed, and his eyes closed on their own at her soft touch. And then, with a rustle of her dress, she was gone.

His mind lost itself in thought, thoughts of her, his homework lay forgotten. It was only when the fire finally flickered and died out that the realisation crossed his mind, and his eyes widened slightly.

The thoughts that he was just having about his best friend were far more than just friendly.

Yeah, this is short, but I just didn't know what else to add. Hope you like it. A little review, please? Just to tell me what you think?