He was a nuisance, that’s what Marlene thought of him the first time she met the Black heir on their first year. Sirius was everything a proper pureblood spoiled brat is, not that anyone can blame him. He was promised the world, he was promised a crown. The moment the Sorting Hat announced him as a Gryffindor, everyone present at the Great Hall was dead silent including blonde herself. Sirius grew pale as well and for a split second, Marlene saw the confidence faltered on the then Black heir’s face. But he made his way to the table where she was already seated and James welcomed him with open arms as if the two had been best friends all their lives which made the blonde frown.
The year went by fast and she saw the gradual change in Sirius. Sure, he still has the arrogance that was instilled in him since birth, it’s the signature haughtiness his family is known for and Marlene has learned to accept it’s just part of his DNA. But Sirius also can be charming and caring which she had contributed as James’ influence on the dark-haired wizard. He became a constant presence in her life. He’s there during breakfast, in each class, all the other meal times, and of course at the common room. Life at Hogwarts just consists of Sirius Black and as years go by, it became a comfort for her.
“Did you know that Sirius hexed Rosier after potions?” Lily asked as she sat down next to Marlene at the library.
“Hmm?” Marlene hummed questioningly as the redhead set her things at the table. “Why will he do that?”
“Apparently, he said something about your arse and Sirius heard so…” Lily answered meaningfully and gave her a small smile. “Anyway, he’s in detention, Professor McGonagall told me.”
They’re at the end of their 5th year now and she must admit that things with Sirius has been more confusing than ever before. In their 3rd year, it was her who he first asked out on one of their Hogsmeade weekend but then he also asked out the rest of their friends so Marlene didn’t thought much of it. She knew better than to get her heartbroken, not that she didn’t feel the sting from it. They continued to be friends, continued to be housemates and even teammates as they both tried out for the Gryffindor team.
--
In their 4th year, she briefly dated one of the Prewett twins and for a time, Sirius steered clear of her. Until he spent some days at Potter house last summer which is right next door to theirs. Truth be told, it’s when everything changed. “Where’s James?” She asked as soon as she’s within earshot, seeing Sirius alone at the shared pitch that the McKinnons and the Potters built at their backyard. “Napping.” The young bloke answered. “Wanna fly?” He asked. Marlene nodded and went to the broom shed and took out her broom. Soon, they were zooming on the sky, laughing and racing each other just being silly. They were in their element and finally they decided to come down and lay down on the grass.
Sirius had his eyes close, slowing down his heart beat that’s still pumping from the adrenaline. Marlene did the same, closed her eyes and just enjoyed the comfortable silence they have next to each other. Not a lot of people see this more serene side of Sirius and Marlene was glad he shares it with her. She had noticed how Sirius has changed every time he goes back from Yule and summer breaks, how his gray eyes becomes more guarded and the mirth in them lessens even though he tries to hide it with jokes and loud teasing. She wanted to ask him about it but didn’t really know how to start it and afraid he will just shrug it off.
“Hey Sirius…is everything alright?” She dared ask finally. “I mean at home?”
Sirius opened one of his eyes and peeked at the blonde. “Why do you ask?”
“I…I’m just curious…” She swallowed, afraid that she messed up the quiet moment they’re sharing.
Sirius closed his eyes again and covered his face with an arm as if shielding his eyes from the sky. Marlene decided to let it go, she shouldn’t have asked. So, she content herself by letting herself enjoy the afternoon’s cool breeze grazing her skin.
“If one day I decided to leave, would you run away with me?”
The question suddenly came out of nowhere and Marlene's eyes opened and looked at the wizard lying about two feet away from her.
"What? What are you on about?"
Sirius looked at her and for a few seconds, Marlene saw a glimpse of anguish reflected on those stormy eyes of his. "Siri..." Marlene moved closer to touch his arm, but the wizard took her hand and kissed her fingers before putting her palm on his cheek. "It's alright...I'm okay..."
--
The memory of that summer was still fresh from her mind knowing that this year's summer is fast approaching too. "Maybe I should go see him." Marlene said, very much concerned that Sirius has been in detention almost every week this school year. The marauders had been known to get into trouble for years, but Sirius just seem to go extra lengths to land himself there. "I think you should wait it out, Marls. Your boyfriend will be fine."
She was about to argue about the label but decided against it. Their friends had tagged them as such the whole year even though they haven't really talked about it. All Marlene knew is that they haven't dated others since last summer, since that afternoon. Her worry about Sirius' rebelliousness had been constant though. She noticed how he has been putting himself to more danger than usual and there were nights Sirius will tell her bits and pieces about things with his family when they hold each other and have quiet conversation while staring at the fireplace at the Gryffindor common room.
Marlene wished she can hurry time and thankfully dinner came soon enough. He walked in to the Great Hall as if nothing happened.
"Hey gorgeous..." Sirius greeted her as soon as he sat down at the Gryffindor table facing her body instead of the table itself, giving her a hug.
"Sirius..." She answered back, a brow raised as her blue eyes look at him.
"Are you mad?" He asked looking confused.
"Do you have to get yourself in detention all the time?"
He looked at her with brows furrowed. "He was being a prick, he deserved it."
"I don't care...you should have known better."
Sirius almost look hurt and was about to stand up.
"No...wait...I just miss you...I feel like you have been in detention half of this year when we could have spent those times together." Marlene finally said.
That made Sirius stop and smile a bit. "Well, I did tell you I'm gonna run away yeah? We'll get to spend all summer together this time, so don't worry."
Marlene looked at him as if he had grown another head but with Sirius you can't really tell when he's being serious or not, but she knows him. She knows it's the truth. "I'm running away, Marls...with you..." And just like that, he sealed it with a kiss.