Chapter 25 - Fall Back Together
And you know,
That I don't want you to go,
Remind me how it used to be
- How You Get The Girl, Taylor Swift
Lily had barely left the driveway before Grace Potter pushed the kitchen door open and stepped out into the hallway to join her son, a deadly stern look on her face. James gulped as he turned around.
"I don't know what's going on or why you've lied to me but you are going to tell me absolutely everything right this very second - before your father gets home."
Hanging his head, James shuffled into the living room despondently and sat down on the sofa, Grace opposite him in her sewing chair by the lamp.
"Start from the beginning and don't omit anything," she said firmly, internally wondering just what kind of a mess her sons had gotten into now.
He coughed nervously, rumpled his hair and opened his mouth. "Things have been... tense... for a while now. Between Sirius and Snape and, uh, Regulus."
Grace closed her eyes. "Oh dear."
"Precisely... And their confrontations had been getting worse and worse and Snape was timing them to purposely not give Sirius enough time to cool off inbetween so he was constantly on edge, you know how he gets, Mum!"
"Stupid, stupid boy - Snape should have known better."
James privately agreed. "Yeah. But it was just before the holiday and it was the full moon. Snape... said something he shouldn't have and Sirius snapped - he told him how to get into the Whomping Willow."
Her hand fluttered up to her mouth in horror. "Is he alright?!"
"Snape's perfectly fine. Sirius didn't tell us, Mum, we went down to check on Remus and we saw the signs and - it wasn't me, I would never-"
"I know, dear, go on."
He took a deep breath and continued. "Once Snape was okay... I... I got angry, I saw red. Sirius risked Remus' life for petty revenge! The Ministry would have had him killed if he attacked anyone! Dumbledore would have been fired! But I said things I shouldn't have... did things I shouldn't have."
Grace sighed. "Like what?"
"I can't," James choked out.
"I can't fix this if I don't know what you've done, James."
James hesitated for a moment but he knew she was right, his mum was always right. "I said that he couldn't live here any more. I said he wasn't a real Marauder. I..."
"Go on."
"I said he was just like his family," James whispered, thoroughly ashamed.
"James Harold Potter!"
"I know, Mum, please!"
"I hope you fully understand what you've done," she said, shocked beyond belief.
"Yeah... But there's more. I went back to the dorms later and Marlene was there too, with him, you know..."
"Is this when I find out why she's angry at you too?"
James looked sheepish and very embarrassed. "They were - they had been together. Like that! After Sirius had tried to kill someone! And I got really angry again and she tried to defend him and I said some horrible, horrible things to her."
Grace put her head in her hands. "What am I going to do with you three?"
"And so basically Sirius couldn't stay at Hogwarts because it was too late to put his name down and I don't know where he is. Marlene hates me and the others think I was ridiculous and I don't know what to do."
Sighing, she stood up. "I'm going to go and speak to Marlene. I trust you've punished yourself enough over this but do try to think of a solution, James. You're intelligent and compassionate, there's one out there."
"Y-you're not mad?!"
"Oh, I'm absolutely furious but shouting never got anyone anywhere, did it?"
James nodded and looked across at the fireplace sadly as Grace Potter left the room in a rustle of skirts and a soft sigh.
Rapping on Marlene's door, she waited for a response.
"Piss off, James," Marlene yelled, voice muffled slightly.
"If I was James I would. Can I come in, dear?" Grace asked with a little smile.
There were hurried footsteps and then Marlene yanked the door open, looking horrified. She wiped her eyes quickly before speaking.
"I'm so sorry, Grace, I would never have - I thought you were James and I really really don't want to talk to him right now..."
The older woman smiled. "I gathered. But it's no problem. Can we talk?"
"Yeah, course," Marlene mumbled and flopped back down on her bed.
Grace shut the door with a soft click before joining Marlene, sitting on the edge of the mattress next to her. "So, I hear you and James aren't getting along."
"No. He's being an absolute prick to Sirius and to me and he's tried to apologise - badly - but then done nothing about it. So I'm not interested," Marlene said stubbornly, "It's not me he needs to make it up to."
"James has, albeit reluctantly, told me everything. Even about you and Sirius, to warn you now."
Marlene widened her eyes and buried her face into her pillow to hide the red flush consuming her cheeks.
"I can't believe he told you," she mumbled in horror.
Mrs. Potter had to laugh. Not having a daughter of her own made her very protective of Marlene and while she wanted to shake Sirius for being so damn stupid, she couldn't help but wonder if some good might come of it. A small smirk flitted around the corner of her mouth.
"Marlene?"
An embarrassed whine came from the bed.
"Just for future teasing - was he any good?"
She sat up so quickly she nearly fell off the bed, and there was so much blood in her cheeks that she should probably have fainted on the spot.
Grace laughed loudly. "You see, Sirius has always bragged about his abilities in the bedroom and I would like to know if there is any truth in his statements. Because I'm his mother and it's important I know these things so I can poke fun at him."
Still on the verge of imploding, Marlene gave a little jerky nod. "I think he's allowed to brag a little," she mumbled.
And suddenly, after a moment where their eyes met awkwardly, they were laughing. They both laughed so much they were crying and their sides were hurting. Marlene actually fell off the bed and Grace dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Oh dear me..."
"Never ever tell him I said that or he'll never shut up about it!" Marlene snorted.
"He doesn't anyway!" Grace said with an undignified giggle. "Now we just have to get him home."
Marlene looked down at her pillow and bit her bottom lip. "I was going to write to Regulus."
"Why?"
"He and Sirius seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to each other's whereabouts. And Regulus knows how Sirius works when he's threatened. If we aren't looking out for him, he will be."
Grace sighed and nodded. "Give it a try. If not, we'll ask around. He has to be somewhere and if not then he has to return to school."
"Hogwarts is his home as much as this house," Marlene agreed, "He feels accepted there."
"He's lucky to have you, Marlene."
"No, he deserves to have people who care - even if he is a douche bag most of the time," she grinned.
James' mother chuckled as she stood up. "There's party food downstairs. You and James can make up over birthday cake if you want?" she suggested.
Marlene pulled a face and Grace laughed.
"Come on, Harold will be back soon, he's been out all night so he'll love to know you two aren't fighting any more - and if you don't hurry up, he might eat all the food, too..."
She left Marlene to decide for herself and went downstairs to talk to her son. Groaning, Marlene pushed her hair out of her face and sat up. Time to go and make up with James. To be honest with herself, she had really missed him, and with Sirius gone as well, not talking to James meant she had spent most of the holiday alone.
"Marlene!" James exclaimed as she entered the living room. He gestured feebly to all the presents and the food. "HappybirthdayandI'mreallysorryandyouwererightandIshouldhavelistenedtoyouand - OOF!"
Cut off by Marlene throwing herself at him, James breathed a sigh of relief as she hugged him tightly.
"I hated fighting with you," Marlene mumbled, whacking his shoulder, "And I hated not talking to you."
James patted her hair and held her close. "I know. I'm sorry I was a twat."
"Yeah, you'd better be," she said, rolling her eyes. "Tell this to Sirius next, okay?"
James ruffled his hair awkwardly. "I'm also sorry for being horrible about... uh... yeah..."
"Me and Sirius having sex?" she finished for him and they both flushed red yet again.
"Yeah, that. Let's never say that out loud again, okay?"
"Deal."
They perked up their ears as they heard the front door creaking open and a briefcase being placed down with a clunk on the polished floor.
"Hello, all!" Harold said cheerily.
Grace hurried out of the Library to greet him and kissed his cheek. He often worked late, or even overnight, now things were heating up between the Ministry and 'Voldemort' and his followers and so they were all happy to have both Grace (who worked long shifts at St. Mungo's) and Harold home at the same time. James was out next and his father gave him a tight one-armed greeting, enveloping both his wife and son in a group hug.
"Hey, Dad!"
"Hey there, James, how did it go?"
Marlene left the living room and waved, still with the remnants of her blush lingering on her cheeks. "It went really well. Want some cake?"
"Is that really a question you have to ask me, Marlene?" Harold joked and they all rolled their eyes at him.
Heading into the dining room where the party food had been laid out, Marlene coughed, wanting to say something to all three of the Potters. They all turned their heads towards her, James smiling expectantly, Grace still beaming and Harold looked tired but happy to be home.
"I... Uh - I'm going to write to Regulus after dinner and see if he has any clue where Sirius is because we don't. And I'll get a reply by tomorrow hopefully and then we'll know for sure where we stand."
James let out a sigh of relief and grinned. "Good plan, Marls."
After they had eaten, Marlene took her friends' presents up to her room to open and wrote a letter to Sirius' brother. She had no idea if Regulus would or could respond, or even if he would look at it, but she had been helped by him before and just had to hope he would pull through now.
Nervous, she sat down at the desk by the window to write:
Regulus,
I'm skipping the formalities, I hope you don't get too offended. Sirius didn't come home for the break and while you two don't exactly see eye to eye, if you have any idea where he might be, please, for the love of Merlin, let me know.
I'm worried about him and you should be too. I'll owe you, okay? I already owe you but I'll doubly owe you.
From, Marlene
Marlene rolled it up neatly and headed into James' room to borrow his owl.
"Hey, James can I borrow Arrow?" she called and James rolled over.
"What? Oh, yeah, sure, he's on the table," James replied, pointing to the tawny owl ruffling its feathers proudly.
Marlene smiled. "Thanks!"
Carefully, she attached the letter to Arrow's foot and let him out onto the window ledge. She took a deep breath.
"To 12 Grimmauld Place, to Regulus, please. And wait until he replies."
The owl hooted with understanding and took off in one majestic leap, the letter tied securely to his leg.
"Please write back," Marlene breathed, watching the bird until it was out of sight.
Their front door bell rang at about 8 o'clock the next morning and Harold grumbled as he woke up. He had the rest of the holiday off and didn't appreciate any fewer hours in bed.
"JAMES GET THE DOOR!"
"Send Marlene!"
"James Harold P-"
"Joking, Merlin!" he yelled and bounded down the stairs, pushing his glasses on as he went, "Stupid sodding guests."
Marlene poked her head around her door and looked down from the landing. "Who is it?"
"It's me," the boy said with a bored sigh as James opened the door, "Obviously."
Running down the stairs, Marlene shoved James out of the way in relief.
"Regulus, you came!" she said breathlessly, "Come inside!"
He looked bemused at her enthusiasm and rolled his eyes.
"You could have owled or something," James mumbled.
"Marlene's letter arrived during dinner, I had to lie about who it was from and so I couldn't reply straight away," he explained, "But Father's out all day and Mother has Narcissa over, so..."
"Thank you," Marlene said sincerely.
James sighed. "I'll get my parents up, they'll want to hear this too."
Nodding, Regulus looked around and Marlene motioned for him to come into the living room.
In just a few minutes, Mr and Mrs Potter were downstairs in their pyjamas and everyone had a hot drink.
"Thank you for coming, Regulus," Grace smiled, "We really appreciate it."
He gave her a tight smile. "I got Marlene's letter. I can help."
"You know where Sirius is?" Harold said with a small frown.
Regulus took a sip of his drink and nodded, pausing for a moment. "He's got a room at the Leaky Cauldron. I also spoke with Tom, he has been eating and drinking."
Marlene was hanging on every word. "But is he okay?!"
The younger boy looked uncomfortable. "Define okay."
Horrified, Grace stood up and pulled her robe tightly around herself. "We have to go and get him at once!"
"I'm not sure he'll want to be collected," Regulus pointed out, "Send McKinnon in first, she's good with him."
James' jaw set firmly. "He's coming home today whether he likes it or not."
"Regulus, will you come with us?" Harold asked.
He looked torn. "I... I don't think he'll appreciate me being there. He doesn't like me at the best of times, but after I told you where he was? No way."
Nibbling her lip, Marlene finished her drink and nodded. "I get that. I'll owl you when he's back here, if you want?"
Regulus smiled gratefully at her. "Thanks, McKinnon," he replied as he stood up nervously to go.
A second later, Harold walked around the table to shak his hand. "I know Sirius might not like what you've done, but we appreciate it. You're always welcome here if you need a place to stay, Regulus, remember that."
Not knowing what to do with such a generous offer, Regulus nodded stiffly and headed for the door. "Good luck, Marlene."
"You too, Regulus, see you around."
He shot her a final smile and slipped away, the crack of the apparition echoing only slightly through the crisp morning air.
"Alright, team, half an hour and I want everyone washed, dressed and ready to go," Harold said calmly, seeing the desperation and worry in everyone's eyes. Hopefully they could do this today - none of them felt at ease without Sirius there.
What followed was half an hour of James attempting to stop Marlene panicking as his parents actually got ready. Eventually, she did get changed, throwing on an old t-shirt, some worn jeans and shoving her feet into mud-splattered trainers. James did the same thing and they congregated in the entrance hall.
"Ready to go?"
They nodded and Marlene returned to chewing on her lip.
Grace pulled her closer. "It'll be fine. He's coming home, love."
They all apparated there together and Tom greeted them with a knowing smile.
"Here for the boy? Haven't seen him for a few days but he hasn't handed the key back in either so he must still be up there. Room 28."
"Thank you!" James called, taking the stairs two at a time, Marlene hot at his heels.
When they were at the third floor, Marlene paused. "28?" she checked.
"Yes, dear. You go along now, call for us when you're ready."
"I don't like waiting," James muttered.
"When you are partially responsible for this situation, James Harold, you can stay feeling uncomfortable for a few minutes longer," his mother reminded him sternly.
Creeping along the corridor, Marlene muttered the room numbers to herself until she reached number 28. She knocked and held her breath.
No reply.
She knocked again, louder, in case he was asleep.
"Go away, Regulus, I'm fine," a husky voice said, muffled by blankets.
Nervously, she pushed the heavy door open and stepped inside, closing it softly behind her.
"It's not Regulus," she whispered, voice shaking slightly.
Waiting for him to respond, Marlene finally noticed the smell. It wasn't bad smell - in fact she associated smoke and Firewhiskey with him anyway - but it was so strong. There was a twitch of movement and the blankets seemed to settle down slightly but that was all, so she moved over to the window and heaved it open, trying not to step on the bottles littered all over the floor.
"Sirius, please do something," Marlene asked, perching on the end of his bed and playing with her hair.
"Sirius," she said again, a begging tone slipping into her voice when there was still no answer, "Sirius, please, I'm here to help..."
Marlene huffed and dragged back the covers to reveal the shivering form of Padfoot, head tucked under his back legs, tail hidden from sight. His fur was matted and dull, his dark eyes were sunken and expressionless, staring at nothing, and when she gently touched his nose it was dry.
"Shit... Sirius, transform back. Now. Sirius, come on! I'm no Muggle vet but even I can tell you're ill. I can't help you when you're a damn dog!" Marlene said, hoping her business-like tone would help them both to stay focussed.
When he still didn't respond, Marlene hauled the large dog onto her lap and wrapped her arms around him as best as she could. It was difficult but, when she felt every muscle in his body quaking, she knew it was the right thing to do.
Softly stroking his head, and closed her eyes. "I'm so sorry I didn't come earlier, Sirius, James was so angry. But he's not angry any more. He's just sad. I'm sad. Grace and Harold are sad," she breathed, kissing his head, "And I know you are too."
In a blur of limbs and black hair, Marlene suddenly found herself holding a much larger 17 year old boy with not much clothing on. She clung to him tightly.
"I'm sorry," Sirius croaked, "I'm so sorry."
"For what?" she breathed, "We just want you back..."
"They - they do? You do?" he asked, bottom lip trembling as he pulled back and wiped his eyes.
Marlene smiled at him and ran her thumb across his cheek. "Course we do. They're waiting for you outside. Get ready while I fetch them, yeah?"
Sirius nodded and scrambled off the bed to hunt down his things. Breathing a huge sigh of relief, Marlene swiped at her own eyes before slipping away to bring his family to him. Nearly crying with relief as she reached them at the end of the corridor, Marlene stopped a few feet away. James leaned forwards expectantly, hazel eyes widening with anticipation.
She found she couldn't speak, and so she just nodded at them as her tears welled up and the lump in her throat became impossible to swallow.
Grace was the first to move, hurrying down the hallway with a desperation normally absent from her actions. Her son followed next, Harold only half a second behind.
"Sirius," Grace sobbed, flying over to him and pulling into a tight embrace before he could even react, "Sirius, oh, son. Why didn't you tell us? You've been drinking, haven't you? I warned you about it, love, it's not good for - and you haven't been shaving either, you're all scratchy!"
She didn't know what to do so she just did what came naturally to her and was his mother.
Resting a hand on his wife's shoulder, Harold pulled them both into his arms and rested his chin on Sirius' head. Overwhelmed, Sirius just clung to them both like a child.
James stood next to Marlene, looking around at the room with a sort of dazed horror; Marlene just watched Sirius with a small sad smile.
"I had no idea he was-"
"It doesn't matter, James," she interrupted, not harshly, "He's home now." Nothing mattered any more.
"We need to get you home and into a bath, and you need a long drink - maybe a mug of tea - and a good meal," Grace continued, "And, goodness me, you need a haircut, all of you do, Marlene's fringe is really getting too long and-"
"Grace, sweetheart," Harold chuckled wearily as Sirius looked over her shoulder and caught James' eye.
She pulled away and put her hand to her mouth. "Oh... Oh, yes, we'll gather your things up, dear."
Sirius nodded feebly and James hurried forwards. He couldn't even open his mouth before James had crashed into him and wrapped his arms around him.
"Sirius, I'm so so sorry, this week has been Hell and I was an arrogant pig who deserved everything I felt and I never meant for this to happen and I know you didn't mean for that to happen either and I love you, mate-"
"And you're doing a Mum and rambling," Sirius cut in with a tiny smile.
The tension seemed to melt away and they just stood there smiling at each other like idiots.
Marlene shook her head at them and burst into angry sobbing. "You two are so stupid!" she cried, before joining them, their two much taller forms squishing her in between them as they hugged.
"I'm glad you're coming home, Sirius," James mumbled once Marlene had stopped and wiped her eyes on the sleeves of her top.
Sirius smiled. "I'm glad too," he replied softly and squeezed Marlene's hand in thanks.
"Idiots," she mumbled again, looking up at them with a watery smile.
"Sirius Orion, I want you showered, shaved and changed in an hour because we are having a Sunday roast and I'm not letting it go cold this time," Mrs Potter said, back in her element with all three of her charges in the house.
"Yes, Mum," Sirius sighed as James tramped up the stairs, being overly noisy on purpose and back to his usual boisterous self.
"Marlene - make sure he does, dear."
"Yes ma'am," she grinned, grabbing his hand and tugging him along gently. "Come on, Idiot Two."
"Two?" he questioned and let her take him upstairs.
Frankly he'd let her call him anything right now, she'd got him home.
"Yeah! Because James is a bigger idiot so he's One."
"Makes sense!" James yelled from Sirius' bedroom as he dumped the suitcase on the bed. "Now bugger off and get clean, you dirty prat - and don't you dare shag in the shower!"
Marlene turned a deep crimson colour while Sirius shoved him and grabbed a towel. She locked the bathroom door quickly behind them and sighed. Sirius turned her around and rested his forehead against hers, smiling slightly as her breath caught in her throat.
"I haven't had a chance to thank you yet," he said carefully.
"Shush and shower. I'll get you a drink, okay?"
"No, not yet. Thank you for not siding with James when it would have been easier, thank you for trying to convince them to forgive me even when I didn't deserve it, thank you for finding me when no one else wanted to. I don't say thank you often enough, especially to you and you put up with all my shit."
Marlene smiled giddily. "You're welcome. Just don't do that to me again. Don't leave again."
"You just want to shag me again, don't you?" Sirius joked flippantly.
She rolled her eyes and sat down on the rim of the bath. "Shower, Black, I want lunch."
Laughing quietly as Marlene turned to face the wall, Sirius stripped quickly and stepped into the steamy shower. It didn't take long for him to wash and soon he was getting back out and rubbing down his hair. Already he looked a lot better; his skin was still pale but that was just due to not enough food and water.
"Are you decent?" Marlene sighed.
Sirius wrapped the towel tightly around his waist before replying. "Yeah, all good."
Slowly, she turned back around, pulse jumping nervously, and Sirius immediately spotted her heaving chest.
"You're blushing."
"It's hot in here."
"I'm hot in here."
Marlene sent him a withering look but Sirius just laughed and headed over to her, smirking.
"Whatever you have planned, it's an awful idea..."
He kept smirking and stood between her legs easily. "Are you sure, Marlene? I had some very interesting ideas."
Sirius leaned down closer to her and she held her breath.
"You have been back in this house for five minutes and you already want to kiss me," she sighed dramatically, smiling slightly, "But I'm not really complaining."
"That's more like it," Sirius chuckled, tilting her chin up and pressing his lips to hers.
Leaning into it eagerly, Marlene wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes. "I missed you," she breathed in between hesitant kisses.
She could tell that despite his careless behaviour he was still hurting and still overwhelmed. She wondered why they only seemed to do this when one of them was upset.
Sirius smiled, tangling his hands in her hair. "I know, I missed you too."
Their kisses increased in intensity until they were startled by a loud knock at the door.
"I can hear kissing, please stop!" James yelled in disgust as he opened the bathroom door, waving his hands in front of his face, eyes screwed shut.
Sirius stepped away from Marlene quickly and she was flushed and breathless.
"James!" he groaned.
"You think I wanted to see this?! Mum says you have five minutes to get dressed," James said, backing out again, "Come on, Marlene."
Rolling her eyes at his obvious protectiveness, Marlene smiled back at Sirius as James pulled her away.
"We're living in the same house, you'll have to get used to it at some point."
"No I won't," he said stubbornly as they joined his parents in the dining room. Marlene giggled to herself.
Mrs Potter smiled at them both and Sirius didn't come in long after them, sitting down in his usual spot in between Harold and James.
"Looks great!" James grinned, nudging Sirius' arm.
After that they fell into a comfortable silence as cutlery scraped against china and then, at the end, the plates were gathered up by Harold.
"That was amazing, Grace!" Marlene smiled, helping to collect the rest of the dishes.
She beamed back and the three teenagers stood up.
"Well thank you, now skedaddle upstairs. You can come down for some supper later if you want."
James grinned and ran upstairs. "My room?"
"Ew no, your room's dirty. Mine," Marlene suggested, laughing.
They all piled into her borrowed - but much cleaner - bedroom, content with the good food and being back together. Marlene crossed her legs as they settled on the four poster bed.
"So, we still have a few days of the holiday left, what do you want to do?"
Sirius shrugged and leaned against the headboard.
"So enthusiastic," James sighed, sitting on the edge and swinging his legs.
"Give him time, James," Marlene reminded him and patted his chest.
Shooting her a relieved look, Sirius smiled gratefully.
"Oh, yeah, sorry Padfoot."
Sirius coughed suddenly and got up, half running out.
"What did I do?!"
Marlene sighed. "You do know what just came out of your mouth? In his eyes he still shouldn't be here. You said he wasn't worthy of your friendship and you're expecting Sirius Black to immediately forget that? I know it's a sore point but when we were... Together... He was heartbroken. I've never seen anyone look like that before, James."
"I know," James insisted, "But what happened just then?"
"You called him Padfoot again! You said you'd never say that again and you just have and that's a big deal to him."
He sighed and Marlene patted his shoulder.
"I'm gonna go check on him, okay? Don't expect him to be okay right away, it'll take time to get used to it again."
Marlene slipped out of the room and over to Sirius' bedroom where she assumed he'd be and knocked. Lying on his back in the middle of the bed, Sirius was counting the dots on the ceiling and fiddling with the edge of the clean bedspread. She approached him cautiously, sitting down on the very edge.
"Hey..."
"Hey," he mumbled back.
Marlene sighed and placed her hand on top of his. "He's just so happy you're back," she said quietly, "And I get that it feels weird but he loves you and this is his way of apologising, you know, by just pretending that it never-"
"Marlene, it's okay, I know," Sirius smiled, turning his head just enough to face her and propping himself up on his elbows. "It's just too much after a week by myself, yeah?"
"Yeah," Marlene smiled back, leaning down and pressing her lips against his. "You're going to be the death of me..."
Sirius let out a little bark of laughter and pulled her down on top of him lazily. "I like this Marlene, don't worry."
"You would," she snorted, but let him scatter kisses down her neck and along her jawline, tangling her own hands into his freshly washed hair. "And I notice you don't think it's 'too much' when it involves kissing someone..."
He chuckled again and rolled them over lazily. "Who said we were just kissing?"
Her cheeks were suddenly bright red and she felt like a first year with a stupid crush. The butterflies in her gut were back, too, and the part of her that had previously been warning her not to get too attached was keeping very quiet. Taking her silence and blush as a good sign, Sirius grinned at her and brushed her hair off her face, making her shiver.
"How about it, McKinnon?"
"And they say romance is dead," she mumbled teasingly, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Chuckling, Sirius kissed her deeply, pressing her into the mattress. He didn't know when the feeling had begun, but around her he felt relaxed; he felt warm on the inside, that was the best way to describe it. However he worded it, he liked it and knew instinctively that it was worth his time. "I missed you so much," he admitted.
"I know," Marlene breathed, lips slightly parted as she gazed up at him, blue eyes wide.
James briefly appeared at the door to check on them but backed away rapidly, looking very ill as he cast a swift silencing charm and shut the door.
"I think that was James," Sirius laughed breathily.
"Shhh," Marlene whined, tugging at his top, "I don't care about James."
Half the time, she had no idea what she was doing and their previous encounter had been drastically different to this one - it felt like her first time all over again, but how it should have been. Part of Sirius picked up on her nervousness and he took his time in removing her clothes, kissing her all the while. Even the slightest touch had her groaning loudly, arching her back into him.
"Sirius," she breathed, chest heaving, "Sirius..."
He kissed her mouth clumsily as he fumbled for the clasp of her bra. A burst of laughter escaped her as he struggled with the thing and, with a great effort, she sat up and did it for him. The temperature of the room shot up the second she tossed the bra away and pulled him closer to her.
Running his hands down her sides, Sirius turned his attention to her pale shoulders, kissing every inch of skin and settling for a spot at the crook of her neck as her hands reached for his trousers. In just a few minutes, and with a little help from Sirius as her nerves increased, they were both clothed only in underwear and Marlene's breathing was ridiculously erratic, much to her embarrassment.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded and her eyes bore into his, the blue darkening with lust.
That was all he needed and he pushed her knickers down, holding her hips as she moaned his name. Her nails dug into his muscular back when he pulled his boxers down and thrust inside her; Marlene threw her head back against the pillows and let out a gasp.
"You okay?" Sirius checked, heart pounding as he kissed her hungrily.
"Go, move," she panted, eyes fluttering shut and dragging her fingers down, leaving red marks on his skin.
Sirius didn't think he was ever going to be able to forget that little, breathless voice of hers and let out a deep groan of his own as he moved against her.
Mary had always told the girls that sex took ages to feel good but Marlene was inclined to disagree: she was in seventh heaven and whether that was due to her inexperience or his ability, she didn't know or care. His name fell from her lips again and again as she rolled her hips up against him as best as she could manage and the feeling shot through her.
"There," she half sobbed, "There, Sirius."
His lips returned their administrations to the spot just above her collar bone but he wrapped her legs around his waist and thrust again, nearly losing it as she whimpered desperately.
"Again," Marlene begged, so close now.
Sirius complied, breathing raggedly as he picked up the pace, knowing for sure she would have a lovely mark there tomorrow. She only lasted a few more thrusts before her breath hitched and she clutched the sheets around her, his name tumbling from her lips and she climaxed and he came with her, chest heaving.
The room was filled only with breathless laughter for a moment because neither of them could form coherent words. Then, Sirius opened his eyes and looked at her in awe.
"Shit, Marlene..."
She opened her eyes too and an uncharacteristically mischievous smirk appeared on her lips.
"Well, I thought I did just fine, thank you!"
Sirius regarded her for a moment before he snorted. "You're ridiculous."
Marlene just started laughing at him and when he lobbed her clothes at her, she couldn't stop.
Looking amused, Sirius dressed while she continued to giggle. "What are you laughing at, anyway?"
"J-James! That's the second time he's - oh, Merlin, he's probably vomiting up dinner right now," Marlene said, body shaking in her attempts to calm down.
"I repeat, you're ridiculous," Sirius replied, rolling his eyes.
She sat up and brushed her now very tangled hair out of her face. A small smirk crept onto his face: this was partly because he was the only one who'd seen her like this (because while it hadn't been said out loud, they both knew she was new to this) and partly because she was going to have a really lovely hickey by tomorrow. Marlene raised an eyebrow at him but he continued to smirk as he pulled his top on. Shaking her head, Marlene also got dressed and moved to stand in front of him.
"Will you talk to James? I know you've been feeling awkward up until now but you two need to discuss, well, everything. I've been in the way so far but I might go and see Lily so you can have a boy chat," Marlene said with a little smile.
Sirius let out a sigh.
"Sirius, he just wants to forget all of this, you know that."
"Okay, okay... But if he... Yeah, whatever."
"It's James, it's all going to work out, I know it!" she protested and hesitated a moment before kissing him reassuringly. "I'm gonna ask Grace to apparate me over, have a nice talk, yeah?"
Playfully, she whacked his arm and combed her hair into submission with her fingers as she left. Sirius watched her go, hands in his pockets, face pensive. Once the house was quiet, Sirius sighed again, deeper, and sloped off to find James (and no doubt receive a lecture about sleeping with Marlene again). Oh well, she was right.
"James?"
"Mmhh?"
"Marlene thinks we should talk. I-I think we should too..." His previous confidence from when he was with Marlene was gone.
James sat up and turned to look at his friend. "There's nothing to talk about, Sirius."
His face fell.
"Because you're already forgiven," James added hastily when he saw that Sirius had misunderstood. "I was... Yeah, I was fucking angry at you - what you did was awful, but I was more mad at myself for not realising you were so worked up and not being able to do anything, you know?"
Sirius nodded and shuffled over. "James?"
"Yeah?" he smiled.
"I'm not asking you to forget it, just... can we, I don't know..."
"Move past it?" James suggested.
He smiled up at Sirius and it quickly broke into a grin. Sirius beamed back with relief and half fell onto James' bed.
"Now, for the really important topic of discussion!" James said, waggling his eyebrows. He didn't care about anything right now, he was just glad to have his best friend back.
Raising an eyebrow, Sirius looked at him curiously.
"Marlene, of course!"
Sirius groaned and James laughed.
"Come on, we all knew that you liked her but we need an update on you two having..." His nose scrunched up.
"Having sex?" Sirius smiled.
"I just don't want to picture you and her... her... ew, just ew."
Sirius chuckled. "What do you want to know?"
"Everything! Minus the actual sex stuff, thanks. Was last time the first time?"
"Uh, yeah, it was. Don't worry, we haven't been doing it behind your back for months or something," Sirius snorted.
"Apart from at the Prewetts' party," James smirked.
"We didn't!" Sirius replied, exasperatedly but he knew James was only teasing.
"Only because we got there just in time," he joked.
"I guess. But it's not like that. I owe her a lot and I think she actually likes me like that."
James smiled. "You're good for each other in a surprising way."
"We are?"
"Don't make me regret saying that, Padfoot, she's still one of my best friends and I'll kill you if you hurt her..."
And then both boys laughed at James' unthreatening 'angry' expression and it was like they had never argued.
"SIRIUS GET YOUR BONY ARSE OVER HERE OR I SWEAR TO MERLIN I'LL GET ON THE TRAIN AND LEAVE WITHOUT YOU!"
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Thanks, James, love you too. Don't worry, I'm here, I was just promising Mum that I'd write."
"Remus and Peter are already on board," Marlene called, leaning out of the window, "And Peter's taken your window seat, James!"
James gasped and practically ran aboard, leaving Sirius watching Marlene through the window.
"Hey, Sirius, have a nice holiday with James and Marlene?" a feminine voice asked from a few feet behind him and he turned around.
Lily was grinning up at him quite innocently but he saw the smirk in her eyes - of course, Marlene would have spilled everything.
"Evans," he smiled, "She told you then?"
"Of course she did, I'm her best friend," Lily laughed.
"Lily!" Marlene cheered, waving enthusiastically.
"Hey, Lene, just coming now," she beamed, catching Sirius' arm to pull him onto the train with her.
Once they reached the carriage, Lily immediately stored her trunk overhead and struck up a conversation with Peter. Hovering outside, Sirius watched for a moment before Marlene beckoned to him encouragingly. Slowly, he made his way inside and everyone shifted to make room for him.
Remus stood up quickly and Sirius flinched, heart pounding.
"Moony, I-"
"I'm sorry, Sirius," Remus interrupted with a rueful smile.
Everyone held their breath. Peter rose to his feet too.
"M-me too, P-Padfoot..."
A little smile turned into a massive one and spread across his features, lighting his eyes up; James jumped forwards, throwing his arms around Remus and Peter.
"GROUP HUG!"
All four Marauders laughed and crushed together, Peter being squished in the middle, face radiant. Marlene and Lily watched with contented smiles until someone cleared their throat in the doorway.
"Alright, boys, save the group sex for the dorms, okay?"
"MARY!" Lily squealed, "How are you?!"
"Oh, just spiffing," she winked and sat down in between her two friends.
Once the trolley lady had been and gone, and all the produce bought consumed, evening was drawing in and the fields had been brushed with a dusky orange and purple tint. Clouds clung low to the hills as the crimson train journeyed further and further North.
At some point, Peter and Marlene had nodded off, Marlene's head on Lily's lap, Peter drooling slightly, leaning on Remus. With an amused smile, Lily brushed the blonde's hair off her face.
"As much I enjoy being used as a pillow, I really need the toilet - anyone willing to take over for a while?" she grinned.
Sirius stood up. "I will, Lily."
"Thanks," she replied, carefully shifting Marlene then getting up, Sirius taking her spot on the seat and cradling Marlene's head.
Lily shot a knowing smile at James, who grinned back and chucked his jacket at Sirius to wrap around her shoulders. Marlene mumbled slightly and shifted closer to him. Raising an eyebrow, Mary pointed between the two of them.
She mouthed, 'Are they together?'
James shrugged and sighed. Knowing Sirius, they probably weren't - he didn't really do relationships like that. Lily returned a few minutes later but just sat in Sirius' empty spot to save moving Marlene again.
The rest of the journey passed in cozy hush, whispered conversations happening around the two who were sleeping.
That is, until James' face split into a massive grin and he craned his neck for a better view out of the window.
"Look!" he exclaimed, "Hogwarts!"
Everyone cheered as the glowing lights of the castle came into sight and Peter bolted upright, wiping his eyes.
"W-what?!"
"Hogwarts, Wormy! We're here!"
Sirius looked down at Marlene fondly and gently shook her awake.
"Marlene?"
"Hmmm?" she mumbled.
"We're home," he whispered and a little sleepy smile appeared on her lips.
Marlene sighed happily and blinked up at him. "Home..."
Hello everyone! Thanks so much for the reviews these past few months. School is getting so busy and I'm getting more and more stressed every day. I have to admit, I haven't written this story for weeks and weeks when, last night, I had a burst of inspiration and cracked out about half the damn chapter. So thank you so much to everyone who is still reading this fucking thing, I love you all. Updates will be sporadic at best, very very long at worst. Please stick with me, I'm not giving up!
I'm thinking of changing my username to my tumblr url, take-me-not-my-otp, or some variant of it. Let me know what you think! Also, I personally feel this chapter is a little rushed and some scenes are too abrupt but I just wanted to get it out tonight. Constructive criticism is welcomed ;)
Lots of love and hugs, PIAM xxxxx