Falling Away

Marlene leaned back into her favorite armchair and tucked her feet under herself once she'd reached the Gryffindor tower after dinner. It was official, this was the beginning of their last year at Hogwarts. Marlene was almost being overwhelmed by all the feelings she had about everything really. She was excited to see what their futures held both individually and together, she was excited to see where the year took her and Sirius and their relationship. She was slightly anxious about all their exams, and of course all the rumors of an upcoming war. Honestly, everything was a mystery right now. Marlene planned to take it like she did everything else though, which was one step at a time. And right now, she wasn't going to worry about anything. She was going to enjoy this night with her friends, and she was going to make the best of this last year at Hogwarts which she knew would fly by faster than all the rest.

"So Lily, since we didn't really get to talk about it on the train thanks to two certain someone's, wanting to be extra loud," she joked towards James and Sirius, "how was your trip to Italy with your family? And was your sister still being awful?" Marlene asked her friend really happy they were all back for one more go before heading out into the world.

"What? Us, loudmouths? Never," James joked right back as he took his seat on the couch and wrapped his arm around Lily's shoulders. "If anything Dearest Marly, you're the loudest one here," he told her which caused her to roll her eyes. "But yes Lily, please do tell us all about your summer,"

---

Remus could hardly believe that he was seventeen and in his last year at Hogwarts. He felt like the last seven years has flown by so fast. They'd had so many ups and downs, and he wasn't at all where he thought he was going to be when he was eleven. He actually had friends, he had a family and a home here at Hogwarts. He was happy here at Hogwarts. There were people in his life here in this castle who cared about him enough to figure out his secret on their own and still not tell anyone. They cared enough to figure out how to turn into animals themselves to help him with something he couldn't help every month. It just amazed him that he had all that he did here. It amazed him that his life was just so much different than he'd ever pictured it would be.

"Hey Euphenia," Remus said as they were leaving the great hall after dinner to go back to their common rooms for the night. "How was your summer?" He asked her with his usual smile. He'd really grown to like the girl since they'd met back in their first year. Of course, in their first year, Remus wasn't really sure he liked anyone at all because he'd been worried everyone was going to hate him. He didn't still think that though. He had been a lot more intentional about getting to know people though as their years at Hogwarts had gone on once he'd come to realize that he could fit in here like every other normal witch or wizard.

[ I really hope this was good... and sorry it took me forever to get it out. ]

Nia looked up at Remus from her book, a small smile curving her lips. The scarred boy who seemed to not really fit in with the group of boys who had seemingly taken him in. "Hey, Remus, it went as usual," a soft sigh escaped her as she chewed on the inside of her cheek. Her parents still hadn't really spoken to her since fifth year - being hufflepuff she knew the second the hat yelled it her life would never be the same. Euphenia came from a pureblood family, one that went generations ending up in Slytherin - and her the only failure in their eyes. Related to the Notts and Lestrange by marriage due to her cousins; it gave a pretty picture of who her family normally worked with.

"they pretty much pretend I don't exist - the second I graduate I'll start my apprentienceship with Damocles Belby and then go from there; take my Master Potioneer's exam in the next three years hopefully," she said to him, "The sooner I can get away from them the better,"

"Surely yours was better than mine!" she said shaking her head a little as she looked at him, "Tell me, what did you do? I know you said you would spend a portion of it with James and Sirius, how'd that go?"

---

A snort for Sirius and a indiginant pout formed on the Black's lips, "Loud. Well I never, I swear it's like she doesn't like me at all," he joked, his eyes playfully looking in the direction of the blonde he'd grown mildly affectionate for. Though he had to say it was hard at first, he still was considered highly sought after despite his resistence to the many girls; all he really saw was her after sixth year. "What about you, Marlene? What did you do on your vacation?" he asked her quietly as Lily began to explain her eyes only locked on James's which he expected.

"Well, it was fantastic; there was a whole section of Italy I'd never seen before because it was only for wizards and witches - it's so beautiful incredible really!" she said with an eager expression on her face.

[ I hope mine is long enough, I

Remus smiled at Nia trying not to show that he felt bad about how her parents treated her. He knew it was because she'd been sorted into Hufflepuff rather than Slytherin, and probably had something to do with how often she associated with people like him. And Remus knew that neither of those things was his fault, but he still couldn't help but feel bad about the whole thing. After all, it had to suck having parents who pretty much shunned you simply because of something super petty. However, he supposed that Sirius would truly know how Nia felt given he was in a very similar boat with everything with his family. At that moment Remus wasn't feeling so bad about his own life. Yes, he knew that his life was filled with hardships like anyone else's and he still wouldn't wish his fate upon anyone else, but at least his parents tried to be there for him always and they didn't purposely belittle him because they were embarrassed by him. Remus truly didn't even understand how anyone really could be the way some people were. He didn't understand how they could have so much hate in their hearts for people simply because they were different.

"That's awesome, I didn't know you got the apprenticeship you wanted with Damocales Belby. Congratulations. I'm sure you'll be fantastic," He told her happy for her, and glad that he could have friends like her and Sirius who could go through all the shit they went through and still be good people. They might've made mistakes but everyone does, at least the two of them though could be good despite all that their parents are.

"My summer was really good actually. I did end up spending most of it with James and Sirius at James' place and we all had a blast as usual. We stayed up pretty late most nights just exploring the woods out behind James' place. Though there was a bit of the summer where I was alone because James had to spend time with Lily of course, and Sirius ditched us a couple of times for Marlene, but for the most part we all hung out and just did what we always do really. So overall it was pretty good summer,"

---

Marlene smiled as she thought back to her summer, it had been the most memorable summer she'd ever had and she was sure that this was one she'd never forget the details of. "Well for starters I was in my brother Mark's wedding, and I finally got to meet Matthew's girlfriend. She'd not awful like I was worried she might be. Let's see my parents an I went to America for a little trip. I think actually that my dad had work to do there and he just felt like taking my mum and me along. Which I didn't mind at all it was rather nice actually. I mean I wouldn't say that we enjoyed all the people we ran into but the sights were really nice to see. I got a ton of pictures, I'll have to show you sometime," she told him wanting to share as much as she could with Sirius.

"I'm sorry we didn't get to hang out more this summer," Marlene told Sirius pushing her fingers through her hair. "I wish we could've, but with Mark wedding and then the kind of impromptu trip to America, and then Matthew showing up to introduce us all to his girlfriend there was a lot happening and not enough time for me to squeeze anyone else in," She told aware that they'd never set anything in stone and that they weren't officially dating so it probably didn't matter but she did still feel a little bad. That thought though made her wonder if and when they should talk about whatever they were. After all, she did want them to be on the same page about one another. Did he like her back? Did they want to be exclusive? Were they ready for that? There was just a lot of things they should probably discuss at some point pretty soon.

[ it was fine! Sorry it took me so long... again... ]

There were many times when Euphenia had considered finding a way to not go home, though pureblood familes (even if the one causing the issues was not acknowledged) were very posessive of their young. Chances are she'd only end up being hauled back home by the ministry; someone who aligned themselves with pureblood status. Nia found that to be something else that was a downside to being who she was, while she understood how easy she had it when it came to certain things due to her status; a part of her resented it. She grew up never having to ask for a thing, but the cons outweighed the pros - she wanted her parents love but instead they gave her money and sent her on her way.

"I'm happy you had a good summer then, I spent the majority of mine working on my animagus form - it's not very good still I change back randomly and if it's too sudden it kind of hurts," she admitted with a small frown. James, Sirius and Peter all had it master; it bothered her that she still wasn't able to hold form for more than half an hour. Her animagi was the same as her patronus, an artic wolf. "If you ever get lonely during summers or the holidays I'd be happy to spend them with you - I don't do a whole lot when school isn't in session, so feel free to owl me," she smiled as she looked at him.

Remus was one of the friends ( she didn't have many ) that should could count on for a studying partner, "Besides, you're fun to be around when James and Sirius aren't louder than the crowds at the quidditch world cup," she snorted.

---

"Oh! A wedding, I love weddings," Sirius said to her with renewed excitment, for such a playboy figure within the school he certainly had his vices. One of them being weddings - in his family they weren't necessarily a happy affair but one of convenience, because purebloods didn't often marry for love but for more power. To ensure the pureblood lineage wouldn't be tainted, "I'm sure you had a good time, Darling," he smiled as he looked at her.

Marlene McKinnon - God's knew he was in over his head but he didn't care. The woman before him was an astounding one and he knew that he would never really be lucky enough to find another like her. Though as he thought about it Sirius became positive that no one could come close to being a beautiful as she was; at least not to him. "It's alright, love - you were down right busy this summer," he said to her smiling a little. Though he had to admitt - spending time with her outside of school where there were no reasons for distractions seemed rather nice.

Remus nodded his head. "Well take it from someone who's watched quite a few people work on their animagus forms it's a lot to figure out. And just the fact that you can hold it for an hour is a huge accomplishment. Most people struggle a lot at first but I mean it isn't normal for someone to turn themselves into an animal so that makes sense. I'm sure you'll get it though as long as you keep practicing," he told her with a smile. Part of him wished that he could have it as easy as everyone else seemed to because it would be nice to just be able to turn into an animal at will. Hell, he'd take learning how to control his werewolf side any day as well if he could. Not being a slave to the full moon would be the most amazing thing. Sadly though he didn't have that kind of power or the choice. He had to turn every full moon for the rest of life at this point, given there wasn't a cure for what he was.

"I'd like that, it'd be nice to actually have someone to hang out with aside from who I already hang out with. Especially now that James and Lily are like dating. I thought it was bad when he just had a thing for her," he joked. Remus didn't mind listening to his friend dot on and on about Lily and how much he liked her. Really he kind of just expected it anymore since that's how it had been for what felt like forever now. It was just different now that they were dating.

Remus couldn't help but laugh at her little jab at James and Sirius, mostly because she wasn't wrong. "Yea those two can be rather loud sometimes. And put them in a room with their girlfriends and good luck hearing anything over them. Well, I guess Marlene isn't really Sirius' girlfriend, well yet anyway. I practically is and I'd bet money they want to date each other they just aren't, but still her and Lily can be pretty loud themselves when they want to be."

---

"I do too," Marlene said with a smile herself. There was just something wonderful and beautiful about witnessing two people deciding to bond their lives together until they died. "And I did have a good time, I even talked to some people about things that were long overdue for a discussion," she told him wanting to leave it at that and not bring up more details than necessary, which mostly meant she didn't want to tell him that she'd spent a good portion of her summer with the Prewitt twins. There was nothing going on between her and Fabian anymore as of a few days after the wedding actually. They'd both sat down and mutually decided that breaking up for good was their best option. That was the hardest thing she'd done all summer really. Though officially breaking up with your boyfriend only days after you kind of attended a wedding together is kind of rough. Of course, thinking about it people probably hadn't even really known they'd sort of been talking again at the end of last school year. And she would tell Sirius and everyone else all about Fabian and everything else if they were to ask, but she didn't want to bring it into the light if it didn't need to be.

"Tell me about your summer now, oh and while I'm thinking about it you can possibly enlighten me on something," Marlene said readjusting herself in her chair. "So apparently according to Emmeline Vance the two of you spent quite a bit of time together this summer, and she's under the impression that you're 'off the market' if you want to say that. And I mean if you are dating her good for you I guess, though you should tell her there's no need to be so aggressive towards me." Marlene said trying not to sound petty, but honestly, she could be a pretty petty person sometimes and she wouldn't deny that. If there was ever one person though that Marlene did not like it, at least at Hogwarts right now, it would be Emmeline freaking Vance.

She smiled a little at the compliment, her ears tinging pink as she nodded. "The hardest part was keeping the mandrake leaf in my cheek for an ENTIRE YEAR," she sighed exasperatedly, it had been the hardest part it took her well over a month to get the stain out of her teeth after that. Not to mention the bitter taste it had left in her mouth every night - taking it out to brush her teeth or eat really did make it difficult. She pushed some brown hair out of her eyes then looked out the window before looking at him as he spoke again, "Of course, it's going to be quite the year not that the leader of the maurauders is busy with his girl friend," she laughed a little.

"Someones going to have to keep Sirius in check," she said with a cheeky smile before crossing her legs. It felt so nice to be able to be herself, at home she had a cold persona she had to adapt to. Her family was anything but warm and feeling; gods knew she wished she could leave. "Of course they like one another, they're both incredibly stubborn though - it's easy to see why though they both are quite similar in some respects. " Euphenia thought about it before nodding, the two had always been similar in her eyes - but it wasn't until recently that they had been talking; which a lot of people were quite curious about.

"Well since everyone else seems buys, perhaps we could hang out sometime? It'd keep us from dying of boredom and since we're seventh years we can go to hogsmeade anytime we like," she said to him with a small smile, "It's rather nice to have that bit of freedom," but she knew the power of you know who was rising; perhaps she'd join a miltia group to help stop him. Nia was positive they'd need a healer and potion maker during the war that was to come; only the blind would pretend it wasn't going to happen.

---

He looked at her, "Emmeline," he scoffed, "That broad? She's right annoying that one, I snogged her.. once 2 years ago and she still hasn't quite gotten it through her head that we're not dating," he didn't know how he'd gotten himself into some of these messes, though he was sure James and Remus could give him a direct play by play of such events. Before he'd been kicked out of his family, he had been set to marry a pureblood - once he wasn't sure who she was but he knew that marriage would be a farce if it ever took place. Besides, he didn't want to marry for status - that was never something that was important to him.

"Sorry about that, love - I'll make sure she backs of," he said to her as he looked at her. Marlene was something weird kind of perfect, she understood him - at least he hoped she did. "I was serious last year, and I'm Sirius now," he smiled at his pun, "I like you," he told her honestly though he didn't quite know what to do with those feelings; emotions like this he'd placed in a box somewhere he couldn't quite reach without a step ladder but somehow they'd must've fallen. The second he laid eyes on Marlene he knew things were different, but the storm that was brewing with the dark wizards and you know who on the loose - had him worried.

[ forgot to add the reply thing]

“Oh yea the boys complained about that a lot too when they did it, and I know they struggled a little to clean their teeth afterwards but it’s all good now and they’re not complaining about tasting it anymore so that’s also good,” Remus said chucking lightly. He couldn’t put into words really how much he appreciated James, Sirius, and Peter doing what they’d done for him. Remus has never had friends before them and the fact that these 3 boys were so willing to put themselves at risk for him meant a lot because he knew they didn’t have to.

Remus nodded his head in agreement about James and Sirius. “I can only imagine how this year will be with James and Lily dating now, and I have no doubts that Marlene will keep Sirius in check. Probably more now than she used to honestly.” He said thinking back to the many times Marlene had put not just Sirius in their place. She wasn’t one to be messed with.

“That would be lovely actually,” Remus told her with a smile. He’d actually never been invited to hang out with just a girl at Hogsmeade. He’d been plenty of times but he was usually just with his friends and the girls that tagged along were usually Lily and Marlene Occasionally they’d bring another gal along but it still stood that Remus had never gone to Hogsmeade with just a girl by himself. And even though they were going as friends it was still kind of a nice thought. “I agree it is nice to have the freedom to go whenever we’d like,”

---

“You don’t have to tell me she’s annoying, I know that much,” Marlene said holding back an eye roll just at the thought of the girl. “And I’m sure we could find a way to make her realize that she’s not dating you,” she told Sirius actually rolling her eyes playfully at him and his pun. “You’re such a dork,” she said shaking her head a little.

Marlene pushed her fingers through her hair and leaned back into her chair a little more. “Tell me about your summer, did you have fun spending the whole thing with James? How’s that been anyways? Living with him and his family?” She asked. If Marlene knew anything it was how warm and welcoming The Potters were. And she felt it was an amazing thing they were doing letting Sirius live with them once he’d ran away from his family. Not that Marlene blamed him. She’d met enough of his family in her life already to know that they were the worst, and honestly she was glad that Sirius finally left.

She had to admit that she’d been a little shocked the year before when he’d told her that he’d moved in with James because of issues with his family. Mostly because Sirius never talked about his family, at least he’d never really talked to her about it, usually if family was the topic he was asking about her family. So finally hearing something about his even if it wasn’t a good situation was a huge deal for her. Marlene really liked it when he opened up to her, or trusted her on his own account with things he was going though.

"It did stain my teeth for quite a while," she admitted sheepishly as she looked at him then sighed a bit, "I finally got them white again though, thank goodness for that," a part of her had been terrified they'd stay stained for the rest of her life - or at least a few years but eventually with a trip to a healer they went back to normal. Remus was one of the few people who spoke to her despite who her parents were, a lot of the people in her house didn't really accept her despite her being completely passive towards most things.

A small snort escaped the brunette, "They're going to insane this year, probably just as much trouble but with more of Lily complaining right behind them - you'll have a good time probably. Finally a mother figure they'll actually listen to," she laughed a little as she adjusted her bag on her shoulder before sighing as her book sat on her lap. "I'm expected to her all O's in Potions, Herbology, and Transfiguration this year if I really want this apprenticeship so I'll probably be studying quite often, but when I'm not I'd like to spend time hanging out," she said to him gently, Damocles was a hard to please man. She'd spent the better part of the summer harassing him via owl just to get him to reply to her - finally, he relented if she would stop sending letters. Somethings Nia would let go, like her housemates not liking her but things like this? Never.

A part of her fluttered at the thought of spending time with Remus, he was kind, intelligent and fairly handsome despite the obvious scars. There weren't many boys at the school who caught her attention, seeing as they were more often arrogant like Sirius - but Remus was very sweet. "Just let me know when you'd like to go," she nodded a bit with a small smile. "I'm always in need for a bit of shopping," while her parents didn't seem to care much for her they never let her wear anything less than the best. Nia never wanted for anything of the material variety, so it was often she'd ask for money even if she didn't need it. They always sent more than she needed anyhow, which she would save away for the day she might have to leave for good.

---

He sighed as he shrugged a little, "The Potter's are pretty amazing, but you knew that already," he said with a small smile. "I've got my own room now, they actually said they'd do it last year but I wasn't getting my hopes up," he laughed a bit, "they seem to care more than my parents ever did," he said to her lightly. He thought of his brother, and he hated that he'd had to leave him - he was a bit younger than him and easily influenced by the pureblood elitist mentality that his family held. Sometimes he wondered if he could get his brother out as well but he would have to wait for Regulus to come to him on the matter, getting involved seemed like too much trouble.

"We hung out a lot but he ditched me for Lily more often than not, I went to muggle London to do some shopping; they right weird you know?" he said shaking his head a bit. The new technology really did send him for a loop the first time he'd seen it. He reached into his bag and smiled when he pulled out a box, "I found this, it kind of reminded me of you," he said placing it into her hands. The necklace was simple but it had a pendant of a cat on it.

"Don't tell anyone thats from me, I have a reputation to uphold," he joked as he looked at her. Sirius wasn't known to be very affectionate towards people, so this was a bit difficult for him to wrap his head around.

@ Kol.

"Yes thank goodness," Remus chuckled, "and at least you completed everything you needed to become an anamigus," he said knowing that it was hard to go through all of that and he was sure there were a lot of people who just couldn't. After all, Remus was sure that he would've probably struggled a lot to go through everything you had to. Though, he was sure he'd be able to if he really put his mind to it, especially considering his friends did it but he was really glad he didn't have to. Of course, the alternative was probably worse. Or at least his was and if he were being honest with himself he'd rather have the option to change whenever he wanted to than be forced to change every full moon.

Remus really enjoyed just listening to Nia talk. He found her to be very cute when she rambled on about things and he was so comfortable around her. That was something he'd always liked most though. He just felt like he could be himself around her, he never had to be someone else, or pretend about anything. Of course, Remus wouldn't say they were the best of friends who hung out all the time because they weren't and they didn't. However he felt like over their seven years at Hogwarts he had hung out with her a fair share of times, and he had gotten to know her pretty well. Or at least a lot better than he'd gotten to know some of the other students in other houses. And so he knew he was comfortable around her. Plus there had to be some kind of, trust built there if she knew his little secre because Remus had tried his hardest to make sure as few people as possible knew.

"I will," he told her with a smile glad they were making plans to hang out at Hogsmeade sometime. It really would be nice to get away with someone he's not used to getting away with. He had a good feeling though that this year there would be a lot more time for him to hang out with other people though. After all, James was going to be pretty busy with Lily this year, and if things kept going how he felt they were going with Marlene and Sirius those two would be preoccupied with one another as well. Hell even Peter had some girl he'd been talking to, or at least it seemed that way with how he'd been talking on the train. And while Remus was no in hurry to start a romantic relationship with anyone, he didn't mind hanging with Nia and just seeing what happened.

---

Marlene nodded her head, "you're right I do already know how amazing the Potters are," she replied with a small laugh as she tucked some hair behind her ear. Marlene hated that Sirius parents had always treated him the way they had. She'd hated all the awful stories he'd told her about them and his family. She didn't believe that anyone should have to suffer through things like that, and she honestly hated that someone she cared about so much had. Marlene also just didn't understand how that could be possible? How could a mother be that awful to their own child? How could anyone really be that awful to their own child? She supposed that was just how it worked in the line of Purebloods who thought that mattered though. And she was eternally thankful for her own parents who had never shown her anything other than love and support. Of course, there had been times when she'd gotten herself into some kind of trouble and they'd be upset about the situation but they'd never made her feel bad about herself, or like they didn't love her.

"I've never really been to muggle London actually," She told him shrugging her shoulders a bit. "To be honest the only time I've really been out in the 'muggle world' was when I went to pick up Lily for the summer before fourth year. I wasn't there very long though and I didn't really explore anything. Other than her neighborhood. I thought that was a little weird. All the houses looked so similar and were so close together I still have no idea how she could possibly remember which one is hers,"

Marlene smiled as she took the box from his hand, "oh wow, this is beautiful," she said as she pulled the pendant out of the box and just held it in her hands for a moment to really take it in. Honestly, Marlene had always been more of a dog person than a cat person, but the interesting thing about the pendant was that her Patronus was a cat, and it meant a great deal to Marlene that Sirius had seen it and been reminded of her. "Thank you, and of course I wouldn't dare tell anyone you gave it to me. Wouldn't want anyone to think you're going soft," she joked back.

[ hope this was good! Sorry it took me forever to reply again... ]

[fuck this took forever, i'm so sorry]

Completing the requirements to become an animagus was tedious and while she still had the memory of the bitter flavor stuffed in her cheek it was nice that it no longer bothered her. A memory at worst, and part of her just wished she could finally turn but holding form was so difficult. Remus held her attention, he actually listened to her, which was more than she could say for the few boys who ever flirted with her. His intelligence and sincerity were what gave her what she needed. Remus was something like she never expected to find, someone who didn't judge her for who her parents were; someone who listened to what she wanted instead of their own woes. "Sorry, I'm rambling on and on," she laughed weakly as she brushed some hair out of her face. "I'm curious about potions Damocles Belby is working on, I know he is working on a cure for lycanthropy as well as the cure for insanity though I think, from the research I've looked at; the things the two potions could be similar which is why he is doing both,"

Nia often thought aloud and sometimes it'd get her into trouble, "What do you think Remus?" she asked him curiously as she slid her feet under her in the seat. Her tiny frame taking up no more room than James, probably even less room. Standing at five foot even, and around one hundred and fifteen pounds she was very petite compared to most girls in her year, she was often picked on for it but nothing that can be done about genetics.

---

He thought about it for a moment before speaking then smiled at her, "Well what if we went together? We could go check out muggle London and we can visit a few coffee shops and record stores?" he offered her a genuine Sirius Black smile. He knew the world wasn't good anymore, and if there was someone he would run away from it all with; it'd be her. Fuck, he'd never given it much thought but the worry of keeping her safe knowing her family's allegiances; he'd do it in a heartbeat.

"They have some rather interesting food as well, I bet you'd enjoy it," he said to her with a tilt of his head as he looked at her.

[ I literally suck at replying sometimes ]

"Wait, he's working on a potion to cure lycanthropy? Who all knows about that one?" Remus asked her wondering why Damocles Belby would be working on something like that. "Do you know why he's working on them? Is it like something he just wanted to do or was he asked to look into it?" Remus asked actually wondering why someone would do that. He, of course, would be totally fine if Damocles did come up with something mostly because then Remus could be cured and feel like a normal person, something he couldn't even remember the feeling of.

"I think that's pretty amazing actually, and I really hope he's successful. I mean think about all the lives that could be changed if he is able to actually come up with a potion that could cure being a werewolf? People who were bitten and had no choice in the matter could take this potion and be cured. They wouldn't have to live with this disease for the rest of their lives. And even if he's not able to come up with something to cure it and it's just something to subdue the effects a little that'd still be better than nothing. I meant at least then they'd feel some relief," he said really hoping he didn't give too much of himself away. Remus was finally okay with people he trusted knowing what he was but he didn't want everyone to know because that would make his life much harder than it already was, or than it needed to be.

---

"Are you asking me to go to Muggle London with you Sirius Black like on a date? Whatever will we tell people?" Marlene joked with him knowing full well it didn't matter what other people thought, and if they didn't want to tell others they wouldn't. She knew she'd enjoy it though. Really Marlene enjoyed all of her time spent with Sirius, mostly because she'd noticed when it was just the two of them he seemed to open up to her more and she liked getting to know him. She really just liked him in general, but he should've already known that.

She honestly couldn't think of anyone else she'd rather spend her first time in Muggle London with than Sirius anyways, which surely that said something about how she felt. "On the topic of coffee shops though maybe we could go and grab a butterbeer together at The Broomsticks after classes one day this week?" She asked really liking the fact that as 7th years they could just go into Hogsmeade whenever they wanted.

Sirius looked at Marlene with a wicked grin then nodded, "We will tell people just that, I'm taking you on a date," he told her waggling his eyebrows. Hell, he'd been working up the courage to do this for months and he wasn't about to sound like some simpering firstie when he finally got what he wanted. She was everything, and he knew it even if he hadn't admitted it out loud yet. He'd never be the kicked puppy James was when he chased after Lily, he'd refuse.

Pushing a hand through his dark hair, "Butterbeer sounds great, love," he said to her as he put his arm around her shoulders. "How about tomorrow? We'll be buggered out from glass and finally able to relax, and it can be like a .... commencement of our last year," he said to her and nodded happily with that thought then looked at her with a soft expression. Everyone knew Remus had a bit of reputation as a ladies man, but things changed. Hell, he was positive that he only slept with half the girls he did just to piss his parents off.

He'd succeeded on that front in the end when they kicked him from the family home and burned his name off the family tapestry. It hurt him none to be rid of them, he was happier for it. Their lot was insane, and he'd never be able to forgive them for how they treated him; for asking him to betray the only people who weren't hateful gits.
----
"He's written several studies on," she said and reached into her bag pulling out the printed studies then smiled sheepishly at all the high lighted bits and the notes she'd written on the margin. "It's quite amazing really, he is a bitter man though. When I asked ...when I demanded to be his apprentice he yelled at me. Said if I didn't get all O's in Potions, Charms, and Herbology to not even bother -he is quite a difficult man,"

Nia sighed a little brushing some hair out of her eyes before smiling sheepishly, "sorry, I'm rambling," it was hard for her not to when this was about something she was increasingly passionate about. Lycanthropy was one of the few wizard viruses that didn't have a cure. There were some equally as threatening, but they'd all been all but eradicated due to the production of highly affordable potions.

@ Kol.

Marlene smiled, "tomorrow sounds perfect," she told him as she leaned back into the couch and relaxed a little. Honestly, Marlene couldn't have been more excited and nervous about this year than she was now, and knowing that Sirius intended to take her on a date made it all worse. Not that she minded at all. Marlene felt like it was a good thing that he made her feel the way he did. It kept things interesting and her on her toes. Really if she didn't feel this way she might've been worried. Of course, Marlene also felt very comfortable around Sirius but taking that next step from friends to more than friends could be very nerve-wracking. After all, there were a lot of things Marlene had thought over about this entire thing at different points of her summer.

What if they broke up? What would really happen to not only their friendship but also their friend's friendships with them? Would people have to pick sides? Would it be ugly? These were all questions that would keep Marlene awake at night wondering if actually deciding to try something with Sirius was a good idea. Eventually, she got over herself and realized that she knew she'd regret not taking the chance with him if she didn't just go after what she wanted. Because while yes things could go awfully wrong, things could also go wonderfully well too. For all, she really knew her and Sirius could be the greatest match ever and they could end up happily married with a family one day.

---

"I mean I suppose it makes sense that he'd want someone extremely qualified to help him make this revolutionary potion that could potentially change the lives of thousands of people, but at the same time from what you're saying he does seem a bit over the top as well," Remus said thinking it was a little crazy to basically tell people that if they didn't get all O's not to even bother him.

Honestly, Remus also thought it was a little cute how she rambled on about things, and he didn't mind listening to hers. It was honestly much better than some of the other things he had to listen to people ramble on about. "You're fine, I don't mind the rambling, it's much better than the things I usually have people ramble on to me about. Normally people ramble on about stupid things to try and distract me from giving them detention for something they did. I mean once this fourth year tried to get out of detention by not only not telling me the truth of what he did, even though I'd seen him do it, but also by starting to ramble on about his grandmother's sister's daughter's beehive. How crazy is that?"