AU: Raising Harry:

"Do you have everything?" Sirius demanded in what he hoped was a stern voice. Harry looked unfazed.

"Yes."

"Books? Spells? Cauldron? Owl? Marlene, what am I forgetting?"

"Wand?"

"No, something else…hold on, do you have socks?" Marlene and Harry exchanged a look of befuddlement.

"I suppose?" Sirius put his hand on his hips and narrowed his eyes.

"Show me your shoes, young man." Harry's eyes widened.

"What, now? No, I have my school socks but-"

"What? You're not wearing socks?Harry James Potter, you march on up there and put some on right now!"

"Uncle-"

"Don't 'Uncle' me! It is cold outside and I am not having you fall ill from cold feet!"

"But it's warm!" Sirius pointed a finger up the stairs and Harry sighed, walking up the stairs slowly.

After a few seconds, Sirius realised Marlene was giggling. He walked over to her and seized her around the waist, drawing her to him. She still didn't stop laughing.

"What's so funny?" He asked petulantly.

"No, I just remember how much of a rebel you thought you were at school - and now you're practically having kittens over the thought of Harry forgetting his socks."

"Oi!" Sirius said. "It gets cold in September!" Marlene just laughed harder, her eyes started to water. "Shut it McKinnon." He growled out of habit. She just smiled and turned to kiss him.

"It's Black, my darling." She whispered against his lips.

o-O-o

"Alright, and be careful, okay? Pay attention during your classes-"

"It's alright if you fall asleep in History of Magic though." Sirius interjected. Marlene shot him a look and then continued.

"Work hard and do your best."

"And be sure to try out for Quidditch." Sirius said with a wink." Marlene rolled her eyes and then pulled Harry into a tight hug, kissing the top of his head.

"I'll miss you." She said, ruffling his hair affectionately. Sirius picked Harry up in his arms and held him tight, relishing the closeness before putting him down again.

"I thank God everyday for you. Make your father proud." He said. As he watched Harry step onto the train, he felt his eyes fill up with tears. Marlene squeezed his hand and he looked down at her gratefully, smiling a little.

"Let's go home." She said.

o-O-o

Marlene pulled Sirius' book away from him. He let out a sound of protest before he noticed the look on her face.

"What are you thinking?" He asked. She nimbly leaped on top of him. The couch sunk a little with their combined weight. He slid his hands down to her waist, and she cupped his face lightly before bringing her lips teasingly close to his. "We're alone." She whispered.