A/N: Hello all! So this is a long awaited chapter...but don't hurt me. It's also very short. The truth is I just didn't bother writing it until a couple of weeks ago, and then my laptop decided to break, deleting ALL OF MY DOCUMENTS. I was extremely upset. So now I'm using my sister's old laptop, which is veryyyy slow at the best of the times. The next chapter will probably be better as I've already started working on it. Enjoy my lovelies 3

Over the past couple of days, Marlene had been worried sick about Sirius. Mrs. Potter had performed the appropriate healing charms and he was definitely on the mend(although he hadn't awoken) but it didn't stop Marlene from fussing. Part of her didn't even know why she cared.
The days that followed the accident consisted of Marlene waiting anxiously for Sirius' rising. Claiming that James was baffled was an understatement.
"Marley, I don't mean to upset you but we were all under the impression you couldn't care less for Sirius," James approached the topic carefully.
"I can't," Marlene replied, her voice a whine, "This is what makes this situation all so terrible. I hate Black, but seeing him like that...so weak and defenseless I-"
"Trust me, I get it," James sighed, placing a comfortable hand on her shoulder, "It just throws you, right?" Marlene nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. When she was alerted that spending summer with the Potters meant spending summer with Black, she had no idea that this what it would entail. Rather, she had imagined that the six weeks would be filled with pranks and laughter and fury at times.
"It's not just Black," whispered Marlene, after a few moments of silence (mainly spent staring at Sirius' lifeless body), "It's my parents too. And my family...I'm so worried for their safety James."
James nodded in agreement, "I know, it sucks. But unfortunately, this is the world we live in. They're safer where they are, Marlene, just like you're safer here."
"Thank you, James," Marlene smiled. Suddenly, the two companions were diverted from their conversation by a groan coming from Sirius' bed. Both James and Marlene stood up, alert.
"Crap...if this is what death feels like, I'd rather be alive...I'm so hungry," Sirius mumbled, almost incoherently.
"You're not dead, mate," despite himself, James smiled at his best friend's light humour, "Marls, go and get my mum will you?" Marlene nodded leaving the two boys in each other's company.
"Marls? As in McKinnon?" Sirius squinted up at James.
"Yeah, she's been quite the doting nurse," James smirked, "Hardly left your bedside at all. And when she has, it's only been for half an hour...no more."
"Bloody hell, she's taken on a sudden toll of affection, hasn't she?"
James shrugged, "I guess. Don't make fun of her though, Pads. She's in a fragile state at the moment, with her parents and all...I think she just wants to help out. I guess she's feeling pretty useless."
"Yeah but really? Looking after me? Me?! I thought she'd be glad to see the end of me!"
"Marlene isn't like that, Padfoot, even you know that."
"I wouldn't be so sure. Do you even know how many times she's threatened to kill me?" Sirius cried dramatically. James just rolled his eyes.
"Oh, Sirius dear, you're awake!" Mrs. Potter bustled in, interrupting their conversation, "Now, I put essence of dittany on most of your cuts when you first arrived. Good apparition by the way, love, especially in the state you were in. Charlus was highly impressed, true auror quality!"
"Mum," James said, urging her to continue.
"Right, as I was saying, I put the dittany on the major cuts, but there may still be some minor scarring. You were truly battered and bruised. You'll be sore for a few days, but within a week, I'm sure you'll be back to your old self again!" Mrs. Potter beamed, "I also spoke to Mrs. Redfern, the healer, you know? She recommended some of this potion; you take two ladles of it a day and it will help to keep you awake, as well as reduce the aching and pain from your injuries. For the scarring, she suggested some Shadowstalk Oil, squeezed from a rare tree leaf in Arizona. It's meant to be very good. Mrs. Redfern also suggested that you remain in bed for one more day after you've awoken."
"But, I'm hungry! I want to get up and see everyone!" Sirius complained.
Mrs. Potter smiled warmly, "Now, now, who would you possibly need to see? The family will be up here constantly anyway. And you'll be out of bed for the Potter Summer Ball! Which reminds me Marlene, we must go dress shopping! Would you like to invite any of your friends from school?" James glanced at Marlene hopefully.
"There are a few yes..." Marlene nodded, "If it wouldn't be much trouble, may I have a few to stay for a week or so? Maybe the week of the ball? I feel a little outnumbered with all these boys!"
"Of course, my dear! Anything to make you feel comfortable."
"Hello? I am dying here!" Sirius waved, dramatically.
"Oh shush, child," Mrs. Potter laughed, "You will be fine! Now, let's leave the patient to rest!"
"I've been resting for days! I'm hungry!"
"I'll bring you up some food but now, you will sleep."

Dear Lily, Marlene began to write,

There has been so much happening at the Potters, I cannot even begin to explain it! But there will be a time for that, as I have been requested to inform you of.
Every year, the Potters host an annual summer ball, and this year, as I'm part of the family, Aunt Etta allowed me to invite my friends. Of course, you were top of the list! Also, you can come and stay from the 20th until the 1st.
I know you probably won't want to, because of James but I'd really like you to come!
Reply soon,
Marley x

Marlene attached the letter to the waiting leg of her owl Posy, and anxiously awaited a reply from her redheaded friend.