I Went Too Far || Closed

Just a few more weeks at Hogwarts and life as Sirius Black knew it would be turned on it's head. He was currently kicked back on one of the couches in the Gryffindor Common Room, hands behind his head and a goofy smile on his features. Hogwarts was a reprieve from his home life, sure, but he wasn't sure what he'd do once he didn't have to go to school. A sigh left him as he loosened up his tie and sat up on the couch. His dark eyes wandered around the Common Room, taking it all in while he still had the chance. He supposed the idea of not knowing what the future held could frighten others, but what was life without a little bit of uncertainty and excitement? Perhaps it was these thoughts passing through his mind that was the cause for the grin on his face or, perhaps, it was that he couldn't get his mind off of a particular brunette beauty.

---

Evangeline had pulled up one of the chintz, backless chairs to a window in the room and had a book resting in her lap. As a Gryffindor, she supposed she was meant to be brave in these sort of situations, but she found herself feeling increasingly frightened as her time at Hogwarts was quickly coming to a close. Her chin was resting in the palm of her hand and her elbow was resting on the windowsill as she stared out into the bright, spring day. The girl pretty much had free time for the rest of the day and she was thinking of taking a stroll around the school grounds to get some fresh air and clear her head, but so much time alone may do more harm then good. Swallowing hard, she closed her book and slid it into a bag with the rest of her school things from the day. She pulled her bright eyes from the window for a moment, sweeping her gaze around the room's inhabitants, before glancing outside once more. Maybe a walk wouldn't hurt after all...

"So what'd you and I go for a walk," Marlene said as she took a seat next to Sirius smiling over at him. With the end of Hogwarts coming up quickly there were a lot of things changing. They were about to be leaving the close confines of the school that'd been a second home for the last seven years and things were going to be different. This was the moment they'd been leading up to since they received their letters when they were eleven, the reason they were given their O.W.L.S and N.E.W.T.S. It was all so when they left Hogwarts they could go out into the world and take what they'd learned and put it to use. And Marlene had a plan, she'd had the same plan since she was 12 years old and it wasn't about to change now. Didn't mean she didn't need to talk to someone about a lot of things.

---

Remus wasn't sure what the future held for him, he had a lot of mixed feelings, and he wasn't even sure where to begin when it came to figuring them out. He was a werewolf, and his kind was shunned in the world outside of these walls. Honestly, the only reason he'd felt like he fit in here at Hogwarts was because of his friends, the Marauders. The last seven years with them had been amazing and thinking back on the fun times they'd had made him smile. Thinking ahead to what the future held however scared him more than anything. He finally decided that instead of pacing his dorm he'd just go outside and get some fresh air.

Sirius' eyes shot over to Marlene as she sat beside him, a crooked, albeit charming little grin curling his lips as he studied her for a moment. His head tilted to the side for a moment, dark eyes wandering what he could see of her before he replied. Lily and James were out and about, Remus was being particularly moody, and Peter was no where to be found, so he had time to spend with the young woman who sat beside him. "If that is what the lady wishes," he said before shooting her a wink and standing. He extended his hand for her to take. "Where shall we go on said walk? Anywhere in particular?" He questioned. If there was anything Sirius' friends knew about him, it was that he'd do just about anything to have Marlene McKinnon dating him before he left Hogwarts. Not in a terrible sort of betting way, but they just knew he'd fancied her for nearly their entire time at school. She could so easily have had him wrapped around her finger.

---

Evangeline shucked off her school robe and left it on the chair by her books, knowing no one would mess with her things for the hour or two they had before dinner. Quickly, the blonde made her way down the stairs and by the time she had reached the entrance courtyard, her mind was already a fair amount clearer. She set her gaze on the Black Lake and figured what better time to skip rocks than today. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, as if to mock her previously stormy mind, and skipping rocks always calmed her down. She made her way to the water and tucked her hair behind her ears as she reached the shore. After toeing off her Oxford shoes, she rolled her knee socks off and shoved them into her shoes. As she waded into the water, she rolled her sleeves up, sighing heavily as the cool water lapped up around her calves. She knew she couldn't wade too far out, for fear of whatever was in the water, but she knew she'd be safe so close to shore. Evangeline took a moment or two to just close her eyes and breathe, unwinding and calming her thoughts.

Marlene took Sirius hand and let him help her stand. "Well, I was thinking we could go walk across the wooden bridge," she said pretty sure that was the best place to walk with someone when you really needed to talk to them. Mostly because there wasn't much to be distracted by. And the things she needed to talk to Sirius about were things she wanted all out in the open without anything or anyone interfering. Plus with it being so close to the end of the school year everyone seemed to be going to the lake so it was likely crowded in the areas she liked, and somewhere without lots of people was nice. Because Marlene wasn't looking to skip rocks or dip her toes in the water, she didn't care about seeing if someone would finally get the giant squid to poke it's head out of the water before they left here for good or not. Marlene cared about getting important things off her chest and having conversations with people she should have had ages ago.

---

Remus had quickly changed out of his robes and into more common clothing before heading out of the castle and to wherever his feet carried him. And as soon as he was outside in the fresh air he felt a little bit calmer. Nature had always had that calming affect on him though. And while he still knew in that moment that in the next few weeks he would have to say goodbye to this place and to the saftey and security he felt here, but somehow he was suddently convinced that it would all work out in the end. If that was true or not he'd find out once he was out of school. But for now he was going to just believe it. He let his feet carry him all the way down to the lake, and he couldn't help but smile when he saw different areas filled with people, all seventh years really, just out and about enjoying some of their last days at the castle. And it made him happy to see so many other people enjoying life while there was the freedom to.

Sirius raised a brow as he listened to Marlene's request, nodding in understanding and grinning broadly as he locked her hand with his by intertwining their fingers. "To the wooden bridge, it is," he repeated before beginning to lead them from the Common Room down the staircases. He was a bit puzzled by her choice, as he'd halfway expected her to want to venture the grounds or even toward the Quidditch Pitch. Regardless, he didn't pay it much mind, as he knew he would still be able to spend time with her, and that was all that really mattered to him. "Are you...excited about leaving this place in a few weeks?" He asked as they waited for one of the staircases to move. His eyes drifted over her profile, lips curled up slightly at one of the corners.

---

Evangeline stood there for the longest time before the laughter of her classmates shook her from her reverie. Her eyes shot over to the shoreline, studying the students for a moment before she waxed out just a little further into the water. Once the water reached her knees, she leaned over and dug her hands into the water, feeling around for smooth, flat, and round rocks to skip across the Black Lake's surface. Grabbing a handful of a few, she paused for a moment, feeling a very peculiar presence behind her. It was one of her many talents to be able to sense people before she saw them. "Afternoon, Remus," she said softly turning and glancing over her shoulder at her fellow Gryffindor. She offered him a small, shy smile as she watched him for a few moments. Turning, she grasped a rock in hand and lobbed it at the water, skipping it twice before it dunked beneath the surface. "Beautiful weather, isn't it?" She commented, shooting another glance over her shoulder at the young man.

Marlene tossed her hair over her shoulder as she followed Sirius out of the common room. "I am excited," she told him with a smile. "I'm nervous and excited all wrapped together really," she added knowing that she'd be lying if she said she wasn't nervous. It was a huge step leaving Hogwarts after seven years there, and there were a lot of things that were uncertain. Things that Marlene wished she could be more certain about but there wasn't exactly a way for her to know how they'd turn out. Because as much as Marlene would love to know right now if she'd actually make it as an Auror she didn't because there were so many things that went into it aside from just getting top scores on the tests she'd taken. She also wouldn't mind having a little bit of peace of mind about the up and coming war that everyone knew was coming. She knew she wouldn't though. And so she'd found it was best to take life one day at a time, live in the moment, and just hope for the best in all situations. "I actually wanted to talk to you about that," she said biting her lip. "Ya know the future, our future,"

---

Remus was pulled from his own people watching when Evangeline spoke to him, which he didn't mind at all. She was one of the few people outside of his tightknit group that he didn't mind spending time around. He never felt forced to talk to her or like he had to force the conversation like he did with some people. And even though he was sure that she'd probably heard all the rumors people had been saying about him she never brought them up or felt like actually asking him about them. Because even though they were true, he was a werewolf, he, of course, did all that he could to make people not believe that. It wasn't something you flaunted around after all so naturally only the Marauders, Lily, and Marlene knew about it. "Afternoon," he replied softly deciding to make the same choice and walk out into the water a little and try and enjoy it. "It really is beautiful out today," he added glancing up at the sky and actually taking in the fact that for once it was sunny and nice out with just the right amount of clouds. Something that didn't happen very often here. "Too bad, it couldn't be like this all the time," he finally said knowing he would rather have weather like this all the time than the weather they were used to. He supposed though if it were like this all the time they wouldn't exactly appreciate it the way they did now.

Sirius watched Marlene raptly, only taking his eyes off of her ever so often to be sure that he was guiding them in the right direction. He grinned crookedly as she spoke of how exited and nervous she was to be leaving Hogwarts, eyes alight as they swung over her profile. "There's so much left up to us after we leave," he commented with a nod. "Up until now, we've pretty much had our paths laid out for us. I mean...we really get to forge on for ourselves now." He grinned to himself at the prospect of severing himself for good from his family and setting out on his own. Sure, it would be difficult and it was just a bit scary, if he were honest with himself, but he just couldn't bare to live with a family that supports dark wizards any longer. That just wasn't who he had grown to be. He led them across a courtyard and glanced up as the wooden bridge came into view. He studied it for a moment, pleased to find it was clear of students, before Marlene's comment drew is attention to her once more. "Our future?" He questioned with a sly sort of grin on his features as his stomach did flips. "Go on," he implored softly as they took their first few steps onto the wooden bridge.

---

"I'd have to deal with a lot more sunburn and freckles should it be this nice all the time," Evangeline said softly, a grin on her lips as a laugh left her. "Though...it is nice to see the sun for a change." She turned and skipped another stone. It bounced atop the water three times before sinking into the Black Lake with a soft 'plunk'. Just as she was about to toss another, the sound of rather fake sounding howling drew her attention away from the lake and to the shore. A few students were standing along the banks of the lake, they weren't Gryffindors, Evangeline knew that much, more than likely Slytherins or Hufflepuffs. With a scoff, she dropped the stones she'd been holding back into the lake and stepped over to Remus, crossing her arms over her chest. "Really mature," she snapped at them, her bright blue gaze harsh. The group chuckled to themselves. "Run along now before I get mean."

"Looks like Remus needs a girl to fight for him," one of them commented and Evangeline felt her temper raising and her cheeks flushing angrily.

"Leave," she hissed through clenched teeth, "now." They laughed amongst themselves for just a few moments longer; the typical situation of a bully finding it funny a girl was standing up to them. She shot an apologetic look over to Remus, trying to gauge how he felt about the situation before she did anything. And, oh, did she have some interesting ways to retaliate if she needed to.

Marlene smiled when the wooden bridge came into view, and much like she'd hoped it was empty aside from the two of them. She rolled her eyes at Sirius and his stupid grin, "yes our future," she said biting her lip. "Before we talk about that though I need to tell you something kind of big," she told him pushing her fingers through her hair. "So I received a letter from the Ministry of Magic and they've accepted me as an applicant to become an Auror after Hogwarts," She practically squealed. This had after all been something she'd wanted since she was 12 years old, something she'd worked hard for, and she couldn't have been happier about it. Sure it would be tough but in the end, she knew it'd be worth it. "I haven't told anyone else, though," she finally added wanting to make sure Sirius knew that this wasn't something she'd shared with everyone. And honestly depending on how he reacted meant a huge deal to her.

Marlene liked Sirius, and even though they weren't dating at the moment she honestly could see making a future with him. That didn't mean that the two didn't have disagreements. And becoming an Auror was a big deal, especially with a war brewing. Marlene also knew that regardless of her qualifications or even how much she wanted this and how hard she'd worked for this not everyone would jump up and down with joy at the thought of her wanting to do something so dangerous with her life.

---

Remus let out a soft sigh at the sound of an obvious fake howl. It would never stop, and that was one of the many reasons he didn't want it to become public knowledge that he was, in fact, a werewolf. People would take advantage of knowing what he was and use it to belittle him. He hated it. If he could go back in time and change it from happening, make it to where he'd never gotten the bite he would. Sadly though he knew he couldn't, and there wasn't a cure, so he was just stuck like this for the rest of his life. And he wished he knew it would be different, better, when he left Hogwarts deep down he knew it wouldn't be. Because his kind was hated, regardless of how they were raised or how they acted when they were just human.

"Thanks," Remus told Evangeline with a small smile. He was thankful that she'd stood up for him. He didn't mind that other people thought he looked weak because a girl stood up for him. And it wasn't because he couldn't stand up for himself because he could. Just because he could though didn't mean others couldn't also. "Of course, they're all jerks and will probably pick right back up tomorrow," he told her knowing they weren't going to stop just because someone asked them to. Which was why he was working, still, on how to let it just go and not bother him. And that was a lot harder than it sounded.

Sirius kept walking until they weren't so close to the courtyard so that other students would be able to listen in to their conversations without them knowing. He stopped, turning and leaning back against the side of the wooden bridge as he kept his eyes on Marlene. "Something bigger than our future?" Sirius quipped with a wink in her direction. He paused for a moment, knowing by her tone that she was about to tell him something important. However, he kept on grinning until she mentioned that she'd been accepted to become an Auror. In any other societal climate and any other time, Sirius would have been elated for her. Becoming an Auror was no joke. Though, being as it seemed they were all standing upon the precipice of what would be a war against good and evil, her becoming an Auror worried him.

"I have no place to tell you what you should or shouldn't do with the rest of your life, Marlene," Sirius told her, his grin falling into a more serious expression. "That's for you and you alone to decide. But...are you sure that's what you want to do? Being an Auror is dangerous work. You could get seriously injured...or worse," he told her, concern wrinkling his brow the more he spoke. "You're bloody brilliant though, so it's no surprise they've accepted you," he added, hoping that statement would help keep her from questioning herself any more than she was.

---

Evangeline nodded once at Remus' reaction, turning her livid gaze to the group of students that seemingly had no intentions of leaving the two of them. Just as she was about to say something, he spoke again and her gaze snapped to his. There was no way she'd allow them continue this. Joking someone because of a rumor, true or not, was terrible in her book, and she was not the kind of person to stand idly by and do nothing. "Like hell they will, Remus," she told him in a low tone before turning to the group of students once more. She stood there, arms crossed over her chest, and focused her gaze on the students. Without a word or movement on her part, a large splash of water seemingly leapt from the lake and doused the group of rude students, hitting them with such force it knocked them from their feet. She remained quiet for a moment, a proud grin on her features as she listened to them bellyache and gripe about being wet. "If you lot so much even look in his direction in a way that is not to his liking, I will do that again, but with something much worse, you hear me?" She called to them, pride welling in her as they soggily scampered away. Evangeline wasn't sure what scared them off more; her threat or the fact she had done wandless magic. Her eyes followed the group for a moment before she turned to Remus and offered him a sheepish smile.

"Problem solved," she said with a shrug of her shoulders before she leaned down and began to search for rocks beneath the water to skip. "You don't deserve to be treated like that, you know," she spoke again, glancing up at him for a moment before returning her gaze back to the water.

Marlene sent Sirius a small smile when he mentioned her bring brilliant. She certainly didn't mind being told she was brilliant, or that it wasn't a surprise she was accepted into the program to become an Auror. It actually kind of made her feel better about the decision because if other people could see that she was good at something maybe it really was what she should do. But at the same time, she'd been expecting his response almost. "I'm sure this is what I want. And I'm telling you this because I value your opinion on things. Not that I don't also value Lily's opinion but she'd look at this differently than you. And it's the same with James. If I had told him first he'd probably try and stop me. But I figured you would understand. Plus you're the person I run to in these situations, after all, you did know that Fabian and I broke up before everyone else," she told him using her semi-recent breakup as an example. Even though they'd broken up because of Sirius.

Sirius didn't know of course that he'd been why they'd broken up, or at least Marlene hadn't told him but he had been. The whole mess had been kind of complicated really and honestly she couldn't have been happier about the fact that Sirius finally wasn't seeing anyone anymore and so she didn't feel like she had to settle for someone she didn't really want to be with. Not that Fabian was a bad boyfriend, but they really hadn't been a very compatible couple. Now she just had to see if the hints she was trying to make as obvious as she could work.

---

Remus raised a brow as he watched Evangeline somehow move water from the lake to the students who honestly made everyone's lives hell. He wasn't sure how she'd done it, or even what she'd done but it was something. "Well that was unexpected," he told her feeling a little bit better about the future than he had before. After all, if she could be this nice to him just because it was the right thing to do, or at least he assumed that's why she'd done it, then why couldn't other people? He did wonder though if she would still have been as nice to him if she knew the truth.

He didn't exactly know how to respond to her. It made sense to tell her yea he knew he didn't deserve to be treated the way he was, but he'd also grown up in a world that would hate him for something he couldn't control. He'd went his entire life being treated like crap from people who didn't even know him all because of something he had no control over. So he didn't know that he believed her. And he hated that he felt that way. "I wish I could believe that," he finally said knowing she'd probably be upset by his response, but at least he wasn't lying to her.

Sirius leaned an elbow along the railing, staring intently up at Marlene as he listened to her. His brows lifted slightly as she told him that she valued his opinion, the comment surprising him a bit. While they had been friends for a long time, he was almost certain that she would speak to Lily or even James before she would speak to him. Narrowing his eyes slightly in thought, he studied her for a few moments before offering her a small smile. "Marlene," he began, straightening up his posture a bit as he reached out, gently placing his hands on the tops of her arms and gripping them lightly, "I think you should choose what would make you the happiest in life. That's all anyone ever wants. That's all I'd ever want for you." His eyes slipped between both of hers as she paused for a moment, sighing softly as his smile widened just a bit. "If you think becoming an Auror will make you happy, then that's what I want for you," he finished, giving her arms a poignant, gentle little squeeze before he dropped his hands to his sides.

He paused for a moment, glancing out at the school grounds as he let what she'd said sink in. She'd run to him before anyone else after they broke up, and it didn't seem that odd to him until she mentioned it. His eyes slipped back over to her and he watched her for a few more moments before speaking. "You'll let me know when you've made your decision, right?" He questioned, tilting is head to the side slightly as he watched her.

---

Evangeline shrugged slightly as he spoke, righting herself once she found a few acceptable rocks to skip. With what had just happened, she didn't know how much she'd be able to focus on skipping them, but she'd at least try. "What was unexpected?" She questioned as she reeled her arm back and tossed another rock across the water. It skipped five times before sinking beneath the surface. "That I would stand up for you or those guys would actually leave you alone?" She continued, shooting him a sidelong glance as she readied herself for the next toss. She was just about to release the rock when he made his next comment, causing her to lob the stone at the water with a large splash as she turned to look at him.

"Tell me one thing you've done to deserve that kind of treatment," she said sternly, bright eyes boring into his as she dropped the few rocks she had in her hands and crossed her arms over her chest. "If you can think of one thing, I'll go apologize to that lot." She sighed heavily, shaking her head slowly as her gaze lowered to the calm surface of the Black Lake. She hummed quietly in thought, mouth pursing slightly before she spoke. "It makes me sad that you think so little of yourself. Anyone can see they're all just jealous of you. Of the friendship you have with Peter, James, and Sirius." She brought her gaze from the water to meet his, waiting for his answer.

Marlene nodded her head, "of course I will," she told him with a feeling that she was going to say yes. After all, this had been her dream for a long time now and she couldn't see herself changing her mind now. But she also felt the need to sleep on her decision because it was a big deal. Regardless of what she decided on this was going to impact her future. "So now on to the next thing I wanted to talk to you about," she said glad to have gotten the whole Auror business out of the way.

Marlene played with the ends of her hair and smiled at Sirius, "So I know that we're not dating or really anything more than friends but um it's some long tradition in the McKinnon family that we all get an inheritance when we turn eighteen as long as we've met certain requirements, which as far as I know is only that we have to actually graduate which I will be in a matter of time. Well, I have enough to buy this perfect little flat in London and have an extra room that I have no one to stay in so I was wondering if you'd want it?" She asked him. She hoped she'd say yes, but she couldn't be sure.

---

Remus pushed his fingers through his short hair and sighed. There were certain people that he would never tell he was a werewolf. If they wanted to believe it fine but he would never confirm it to them because they were the ones who would use it against him. The people she'd just ran off were some of those people. And then there were people that he trusted with his secret. Like the Marauders of course, and he actually felt like he could trust Evangeline as well. She'd never done anything that made him feel like he couldn't trust her, and she was kind of in a way proving that she was loyal to those she cared about, in a friendly manner of course. Unless she fancied him and he just didn't know, which wouldn't shock him at all really.

"I'm a werewolf," he told without thinking about it or studdering. Of course, he knew that if he'd stood there and thought about if he should tell her or not then he wouldn't. Even if he thought it was a good idea he wouldn't because he never knew. So he decided to just do it without thinking about it and hope for the best. "And I mean those kids don't deserve to be apologized to because they're jerks to everyone really. But I mean you know my kind isn't liked by many and I've just been taught my whole life to hide that part of me because it was something to be ashamed of,"

Sirius grinned over at Marlene as she spoke, his dark eyes slipping between both of hers. He threaded his fingers through his hair, pushing it away from his face for a moment. Truthfully, there was a part of Sirius that wanted to shelter Marlene and keep her safe, to tell her he'd never allow her to be an Auror. She was a very talented witch and it wasn't that he didn't trust her capabilities. He just didn't trust the dark wizards she's be up against. Though, as much as he'd never forgive himself if she got hurt, he knew she'd resent him if he completely barred her from doing what she wanted to do.

He stilled for a moment as she spoke, brows lifting slightly at her offer of moving into a flat together. He could have made some suave comment on how if they lived together, there'd probably still be a room available. But he knew it was a very important thing for her and it meant a lot that she'd put forward an offer. This was his chance to be freed from the Black family and live a normal life. "It wouldn't be awkward, Marlene? I mean, we're good friends and all, but we aren't...dating or anything," he said before he could stop and he could have slapped himself. "Not that I wouldn't want to!" He quickly added. "I just don't want to make you uncomfortable, at all."

---

Evangeline stood stock still for the longest time after Remus spoke, her bright eyes boring into his. She knew she had to word what she was about to say carefully. Flattening a hand over her hair and fringe, she took a small step closer to him, crossing her arms over her chest as her eyes traveled a few of the scars on his face. "So, that's where he got those from," she thought to herself before she nodded a bit.

"Well...unless you specifically asked to be one, I can't see where that would make you a terrible person," she told him in a soft voice, watching him intently. She tilted her head to the side, brows furrowed slightly. "And I'm sure you take every precaution necessary to make sure you don't hurt anyone on a full moon," she added. She remained quiet for the longest time before she drew in a deep breath of air. "And it doesn't bother me, if you're wondering. What does bother me is people who knowingly or willingly hurt people. And I just don't think that's you, Remus."

Marlene knew that while Sirius wanted her to let him know when she'd made a final decision about the whole Auror thing he didn't actually want her to go through with it. She knew this because well her parents were the same way. They'd asked if she really wanted to do it and then, of course, went on to tell her that they couldn't stop her but wanted her to really think about it. Of course, a day later she'd put in her application and then spent up until the night before wondering if she'd get into the program or not. But she did appreciate the way everyone not trying to stop her even though they wanted to.

Marlene tossed her hair over her shoulder and looked up at Sirius, "I wouldn't have mentioned it if I thought it would make me uncomfortable. Besides if I can stand to be this close to you and not be uncomfortable after every awkward encounter we've had I think I handle living with you. Hell if I can handle living in my house with four boys all of whom have their own issues, plus a sister I want to strangle more often than not I can handle living with you," she told him just thinking of all the moments that had Marlene grown up in a house of girls rather than a house of boys and maybe if she had a more feminine outlook on things could've gone differently. However, she had two older brothers, three if she included James, an older sister, and one younger brother. So all in all a lot of boys and they'd toughened her up, a lot. And things just affected her differently than other girls because she had a much different outlook on life in general really.

---

Remus was nervous for a moment watching Evangeline given he wasn't sure how she was going to react, and for a split second, he almost regretted telling her his secret at all. Really he still wasn't exactly sure why he'd told her in the first place. All he could hope though was that he made the right choice because well it'd already been done at this point and he couldn't take it back now.

He let out a sigh when she finally spoke and he had to admit he hadn't been expecting it. "Of course I didn't ask for this," he told her not sure why anyone would ask for a curse like this. "And yes I take every precaution necessary to make sure that I don't actually hurt people. That doesn't mean that it couldn't happen, though. Because usually when I am a wolf I don't remember anything. It takes over and if someone was near me I can't promise that I wouldn't hurt them." He told her wishing that weren't true, but it was. Being a wolf was terrible. He couldn't help but smile softly at her at her last comment, however, because it made him feel a little bit better hearing someone tell them that knowing he was a werewolf didn't bother them. And this wasn't someone he'd been super close to since he was eleven.

Sirius nodded a few times and grinned crookedly over at Marlene, eyes sweeping over her features as he leaned back against the railing once more. He pretended he was thinking a bit longer on what Marlene had said, eyes narrowing slightly as he watched her closely. "I'll move in then," he told her with a nod of his head, his grin only widening after he spoke. "But I'm sure after a while...you'll still have a room available," he added quickly, shooting her a sly wink.

His eyes slipped over her pretty features, figuring now was a better time than any to be making his move. "Let's be honest with ourselves," he continued, eyes locked on hers as he smiled his most charming smile. "We've got something special between the two of us, Marlene. We could just be really good friends...or we could be something more." He reached out and gently brushed a wayward lock of hair behind her ear, resting his hand on her cheek. "We'll never know if we never try to figure out. But...if you just wanted to stay friends...I can accept that too."

---

Evangeline watched Remus for a few moments, a cool breeze blowing past the two of them and ruffling the young woman's bright blonde hair. She tucked it behind her ears before grinning fully over at him. "I've decided then," she said resolutely, "You're definitely not a terrible person, regardless of who or what you are. Yes, the potential to hurt someone is there, but I suppose you're not really you in times like that. There's not much you can do outside of what you're already doing." She shrugged her shoulders again, keeping her eyes on him.

She drew in a breath of air, expression growing thoughtful. "I guess what I'm trying to get at is: just because you are what you are doesn't make you a bad person or give reason for anyone else to treat you badly. There's no use in looking down on yourself or feeling guilty for something you don't have control over." She offered him a warm smile, hoping that he could see the reason in what she was saying. If he didn't, it would just be something she'd had to work on him with.

Marlene rolled her eyes at Sirius' response pretending as if the idea that living together would lead to a lot more than just friendship had never crossed her mind; in all honesty though she had thought the same thing. It made sense that living together would change the dynamic of their friendship, even if they didn't sleep together, but she was also okay with that. Maybe because she wanted to sleep with him, but that wasn't something she was going to come right out and tell him. Yes she knew what she wanted, and she wasn't afraid to go after the things she wanted, however, Marlene wanted more from Sirius than sex. Also, she knew it probably wasn't likely to build a good relationship off of sex.

She felt her heartbeat speed up when he said he'd move in, then a little bit more when he kept talking. Of course, this was something she wanted. Though she hadn't expected him to actually bring it up like this. "Are you saying that you have feelings for me? Because I agree there is something special between us and I would love to figure things out with you," she told him silently hoping this would end the way she wanted.

---

Remus listened to her, keeping up with every word she said and really letting it sink in. Sure his friends were always telling him these same things, that just because he was a werewolf didn't mean he was a bad person, and that he should remember all the things he did every month to protect people from his werewolf side. But something about her telling him the same thing seemed to sink in a little bit better.

"Thanks," He told her softly with a soft smile. He wasn't exactly used to people being nice to him just because, and that was everyone not just people in other houses. Yea he had the Marauders, he had Lily, and Marlene and apparently he had Evangeline but he wasn't sure there was anyone else outside that list of people he could trust. And maybe that was normal, maybe it wasn't, but knowing that there was at least one more person he could add to his list made him feel a little bit better about the impending future. "So mind if I skip some rocks with you?"

Sirius stared down at Marlene for a few moments, thumb brushing over the apple of her cheek as he watched her closely. His eyes drifted over her petite features; her wide, doe-like eyes, her cupids bow lips, and the look she was giving him now. He paused for a moment, his smile only widening as she spoke. He nodded a bit, eyes flickering over her features once more. "I am. And I'm most sure that these feelings extend beyond friendship," he told her with a nod of his head. He ran his tongue over his lips, his other hand reaching out and snaking its way around her waist. Sirius pressed his palm against the small of her back, gently pulling her body flush against his.

Swallowing hard, his eyes shifted between both of hers, a confident grin curling his lips "Then why wait to figure out a couple of things," he breathed, eyes alight as he slowly began to lean forward. His eyes slipped shut as he paused just a breath away, his lips just barely touching hers. He tentatively brushed his lips against hers, wanting to be sure she was comfortable with this before he deepened the kiss.

---

Evangeline eyed Remus for a few more moments, the wind whipping past them once more and rippling the smooth surface of the lake. She hummed softly as he spoke once more, nodding once as she dipped her hands beneath the surface once more and grasped around for a few rocks to skip. Her brow furrowed slightly as she collected a few in her hands and righted herself. Her eyes shifted over to Remus as he spoke again and she nodded again in return.

“Not at all,” she told him, offering him a small smile. “I was actually getting a bit lonely.” She watched him for a few moments more before she reeled back and tossed a stone out at the Black Lake. Truthfully, when she didn’t have company, her mind often ran away and her thoughts ended up consuming her. She was thankful that Remus wanted to at least stick around for a little bit. “So…we leave here in a few weeks,” she murmured, eyes shifting over to him. “Have any plans after Hogwarts?”

[ sorry for my delayed response. It's been a long stressful week. Oh also Sunday I'm leaving on a weeklong mission trip so I won't be on at all next week. Because I won't really have the time or the internet because it's out of the country and I don't have any international services on my phone. ]

Marlene felt her heartbeat quicken and she was a little worried it was going to beat right out of her chest. She had wanted Sirius to admit he felt someone for her for close to a year now but she'd never been sure if he actually did feel something for her or if she'd just convinced herself that he did. And now here he was telling her he had feelings for her and she was just trying to hold herself together and not totally freak him out with how badly she'd wanted this over the last year.

When she felt his lips touch hers her knees went a little weak and she was thankful that he was holding onto her so she hadn't fallen and totally embarrassed herself. Once she'd pulled herself together in her mind at least she snaked her arm around his neck and deepened the kiss herself just so that Sirius would know that she did want this, she was comfortable with this, and to show that sometimes she could take charge to get what she wanted. Though she kind of felt like that part might've already been noticeable.

---

Remus sent a smile in Evangeline's direction before bending over himself to grab a few rocks out of the lake so he could skip them with her. He didn't admit it out loud, but he admitted to himself that there was something about her that made him feel incredibly comfortable. And it wasn't the same type of comfort that he felt when he was around his friends. Remus however, didn't exactly know how to deal with emotions. And he sure as hell didn't know how to date someone. Plus he wasn't even sure if she would ever want to date him.

He was thankful when she began asking about the future though because it gave him something else to think about. "Not exactly. It's kind of hard for werewolves to find work anywhere and all the places I have already sent letters asking about possible work opportunities after Hogwarts have all replied that I'm not what they're looking for. So we'll see what happens," he said wishing he had a happier answer but he didn't. "What about you? Any plans for the future once we leave here?"

[You're fine! If I don't talk to you before then, have fun on your mission trip!]

Sirius could feel his lips threatening to curl up at the corners as he felt Marlene lean into him and deepen the kiss. The feeling of soaring that was filling him was far better than anything he could get from sitting on a broomstick. He was just so happy. It was a far different happy than how he felt when he was with friends or when he'd just pulled off a magnificent prank. This was a warm, encompassing sort of feeling that was pulling him in and making him crave the feeling even more. He pulled her even closer, as if she was the source of this wonderful flying feeling he was discovering. He'd kissed girls before, but those kisses had all been nothing in comparison to how he felt in the moment.

He brushed his lips against hers with a bit more vigor, fingertips sliding from her cheek to thread in her soft, brown hair. She was slowly intoxicating him, blurring out the world around him and leaving his focus on her and her alone. It wasn't until he heard some rather childlike giggling from afar that he realized he should come up for air. Reluctantly pulling away, he rested his forehead against hers, eyes just barely cracking open as he drew in a deep breath of air and let it out slowly to bring himself back to the ground. He didn't even think of turning to chastise whoever had interrupted their first kiss with such giddy laughter, he was only thinking of Marlene. It was then he knew he was in deep with her; perhaps it had been the years he'd spent pining after her. He grinned crookedly at her before taking a step away, regretfully feeling the warmth her body had provided washing away in the cool breeze that blew past the two of them. He didn't say a word to her and instead grasped one of her hands in his, twining their fingers together tightly.

---

Evangeline skipped another stone across the lake, watching it bounce across the surface of the Black Lake six times before disappearing into the murky depths. She sent Remus a sidelong glance as he spoke, a small smile on her lips as she tested the weight of another smooth stone on her hand. When he finished, she was no longer smiling and instead wore a sort of melancholy look instead. Turning her bright blue eyes away from him and focusing on the ripples of water traveling toward the two of them, she drew in a deep breath of air.

"That's rubbish," she murmured sourly, shaking her head. There was so much that could have been said in the weighted silence that followed her comment, but she said not a word. Finally, she turned her eyes back to his for a moment, brows lifting slightly. "Perhaps you should turn that question around: ask if they're what you're looking for. They're clearly missing out," she told him with a crooked grin. It was a grin that was short lived as well once he turned the question back to her.

"I don't know," she told him honestly, eyes turned down to stare deep into the water. "My parents are muggles...and they've never really...approved of me going here. They think its all a bunch of bull." She let out a heavy sigh before she tossed another stone out to the lake. "I think I'd like to be a healer though...and try to work at St. Mungo's or some place of that sort. All I've ever wanted to do, even before I realized I was a witch, was just help people."