Deepest, darkest fears revealed

Location: Defense against the Dark Arts classroom
Date: September 6th 1975
Status: Incomplete
Open


It was early in the morning when Marlene entered the empty Defense against the Dark Arts' classroom. Most students were, she guessed, still in the Great Hall, eating breakfast, but she was not hungry at the moment, though it was nothing new. She very rarely was hungry in the first few weeks of coming back to school, after getting used to not eating much at home over the summer. But today, it was a different matter. They would be doing advanced boggart studying. She had managed to get away from it when they had first learned about it in their earlier years, but she didn't know if now she would.

Sighing lightly, she made her way to the nearest desk, her footsteps echoing through the silent classroom, sounding louder than they actually were and making her feel uncomfortable, as if she was afraid of disturbing someone by simply walking. Slightly shaking her head, she put her school bag down on the desk and sat on the chair, slowly taking what she needed out of her bag. Carefully, she set her bottle of ink down in front of her, placing her quill beside it, along with a few rolls of parchment and the needed book for the class. Running her fingers through her hair, she looked around the classroom, tilting her head slightly as her gaze fell upon one of the windows that looked out to the ground of the school. A small smile curved her lips as her eyes became dreamy, losing herself in her thoughts. She was a seventh year... soon, school would be over. She would be allowed to go out in the world and do as she wished, become an auror maybe, just as she wished. As the sun momentarilly disappeared from the sky, hidden by a white cloud, the smile left her face and was replaced by a frown, her eyes taking a serious look instead of a dreamy one. She knew she would never be an auror, it was no use dreaming of it.

Shaking her head in an attempt to chase the unwelcomed thoughts away, she opened her Defense against the Dark Arts book and started reading it, placing her elbow on the table and resting her cheek in her palm, allowing her hair to fall around her face like a dark curtain as she tried to concentrate on the text in front of her. After a few minutes, she sighed, feeling a bit frustrated, and closed the book, finding it was no use to read it as the content of it simply passed through her head but wouldn't stay there, leaving her brain as soon as it entered it. As she started playing with her necklace, she looked over at the door of the classroom, silently waiting for other students to arrive.

Marlene was lost in her thoughts once more when a student entered the room, making her jump slightly. She tilted her head slightly when she saw the Slytherin girl, not able to remember if she had seen her before, or who she was. When it finally came back to her, she frowned lightly in confusion as she knew she was in 6th year only. After a few seconds of thoughts however, she remembered that she was in several 7th year classes.

However, when the girl - whose name would simply not come back to her - smiled at her, she was more surprised than confused. She was not used to seeing many Slytherin being friendly with students of other houses, left alone students who were not pure blood. But this girl seemed different from the other people in the house. The fact that she was smiling, and not smirking or sneering, was enough of a proof of that. As the girl introduced herself, she tried not to look even more startled that she already was. So she was a Black sister, that's where she knew her from. Narcissa and Bellatrix's younger sister... and yet, she didn't seem to be much like her sisters. Marlene shook her head slightly as her good manners came back to her and managed a small shy smile, tucking her brown hair behind her ear.

"I'm Marlene, nice to meet you," she said.

Making his way to his faviorite subject Sirius bounded with pride down the halls. Though this time spent in class would take away from being outside or hanging with his friends, Sirius was happy that it was at least Defense Against the Dark Arts. A class he excelled in. He was sure he would be late as he usually was and would have to sit through another detention. Speeding up now, trying to make his way to the classroom before time slipped any further, his walk now became a jog. Weaving in and out through the crowded halls, he was determined to not be late. Perhaps he shouldn't have eaten so much, but he was starved as he already overslept for the day. Finally reaching the door to the class, Sirius placed a hand against the wall just outside of the room, putting his other on his stomach. Trying to calm himself and settle the uneasiness he was feeling. 'Never again will I indulge myself like that' he thought as he removed his hand from the wall and turned to walk into the room. He expected the professor to be standing in front of the class, lecturing them on todays advanced boggart studies. The lesson didn't seem to bother him that much for he was exceptionally gifted in DADA. After all he had to be, being part of the House of Black. The evilness his family posessed was not to be taken lightly though he never feared any of them. Still doesn't to this very day. Actually its quite amusing to Sirius being able to disgust his family the way he does. Though deep down it had taken a toll on him somewhat, being disowned and having the Potters suffer his company. He knew they didn't mind but somewhere inside he felt more like dead weight than an actual guest. If Prongs found out he was thinking this it would probably be a cuff to the jaw or to the back of his head. He was thankful for his friend James, even though if anyone were to see the things they pulled on one another they would think them enemies. With that thought a smile replaced the grim expression on his face as he walked into the class.

When Sirius entered a look of suprise was slapped across his features. Him early? Impossible. The only students that were in the room was his cousin Andromeda and a Ravenclaw girl he was vaguely familiar with. Marlene he believed was her name. Moony spoke of her on occasion, but Sirius has never had the oppurtunity to speak with her himself. Seeing this as a good a time as ever to talk with her, Sirius approached Marlene and his cousin. It would be a good time to catch up with Andromeda as well, seeing as she wasn't surrounded by those putrid other two Narcissa and Bellatrix. Walking over to the two Sirius decided to tone down his antics for a first time meeting with Marlene. She was more than likely well aware of his dispostiton, but he would not press the matter. Smiling gentlemenly like as he stood between Marlene and Andromend he nodded his head to both. "How does this day find you two lovely ladies?" he asked. Squatting down now he would turn towards Marlene to introduce himself first, before speaking with his cousin. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure, I'm Sirius Black, its wonderful to meet you." an extended hand would wait for her to shake it. Giving her a wink before turning to his cousin Sirius still had trouble believing he was early for a class. Shrugging it off he looked at Andromeda, "So how fairs your day dear cousin?"

Marlene looked at Andromeda as the young girl started speaking again but didn't finish her sentence. Turning her head to look which student had entered the room, she tried not to look too surprised as her eyes fell on Sirius Black, who was early to his first class in the morning. This was probably a first time event, and something told her it might be a last time as well. She was even more surprised when she saw him coming toward her and Andromeda, though she knew he was the Slytherin girl's cousin, but they never seemed to talk for some reason. As for her, she couldn't remember him ever saying a word to her, though it wasn't out of rudeness or anything, mostly because - she guessed - they had just never really had any classes together, or anything in common for that matter, except a friend now.

As Sirius talked to them and introduced himself to her, Marlene felt herself blush and looked up shyly, playing with her hair nervously. She hardly ever talked to boys, let alone someone who was as popular as Sirius Black, though that didn't mean as much to her as it did to other people. The fact that he was a guy, and talking to her, was enough of a reason for her to turn slightly red. Cursing herself mentally, she managed another smile, just like she had earlier with Andromeda, and took the hand Sirius was extending at her, shaking it lightly.

"I'm Marlene, nice to meet you too," she said, tucking her hair behind her ear once more as it kept falling over her face.

As he turned to Andromeda, Marlene raised an eyebrow in curiosity at the girl's answer to his question, but somehow it didn't surprise her all that much that she would sometimes get tired of other Slytherin's company. Really, there was something different about her, something that made her not fully belong into that house. Of course, she was of noble blood, but she didn't seem sly or mean at all. Marlene shook her head slightly at herself. Slytherins were not necessarely mean, she reminded herself. Most people just made them look that way. Talking of mean Slytherin...

Marlene looked down at her closed book once more as Narcissa Black entered the classroom and went to her sister, wearing an unattractive sneer on her face as she grabbed Andromeda's sleeve. "What do you think you are doing? These people are not worth your time, let alone a single word uttered from your lips." Marlene frowned as her cheeks turned red once more though this time it was not shyness, mostly frustration. As much as she wanted to retort to that comment, she knew the only thing she would gain from it was a cold glare that would freeze her on the spot. As the blonde girl turned to her Gryffindor cousin, Marlene opened her book and started reading it again, or more like faking reading it. This was definitely not something she wanted to get involved in.

Marlene looked up when she heard, for the fourth time now, the door of the class opening. She smiled when she was Dorcas entering the classroom and cleared the table a little to leave place for her friend to sit. All through her years at Hogwarts, she had never really made many friends, but Dorcas had always been there for her since day one. Marlene was grateful to have such a strong and sweet girl by her side - without her, she was pretty much sure life at Hogwarts would not have been the same, and not for the better either.

"Morning Dora," Marlene said, smiling softly at her.

She couldn't restrain a small giggle as she saw the look her friend sent at Sirius. Dora's liking of the Gryffindor boy was nothing new to her; she knew her friend had had quite a crush on him which had done nothing but grow over the years. From as far as Marlene could remember, Dorcas had always been interested in Sirius Black and it had led to many whispered conversations in the Ravenclaw tower, when everybody else was sleeping in their dorm while they were both giggling like small girls and eating the hidden candies they each kept in their suitcase for these midnight talks. As her friend's eyes fell on Narcissa Black, Marlene had to look down to hide her smile. That was the other thing they had in common; their dislike for Narcissa and Bellatrix Black, though Dorcas, being a lot more extraverted than herself, never bothered hiding it, while Marlene, with all her shyness, simply couldn't do the same thing.

As Dorcas sat down beside her, Marlene looked up and smiled at her friend, playing with her silver necklace, twirling the delicate chain around her fingers.

"Well, it depends on your personal definition of exciting I guess," she said, her eyes twinkling lightly.

Squatting down between Marlene and Meda, Sirius was still a bit shocked that he was actually early to a class. He couldn't remember the last time he was actually among a classroom before the lesson began. Pushing those thoughts aside for he didn't want to seem rude and look silly with a blank expression painted on his face, Sirius listened as Andromeda replied to his question. She told him how she got tired of being around her two sisters and the rest of the snobby Slytherin bunch. Sirius nodded in understanding as the thought of his two other cousins, Narcissa and Bellatrix made him wish he could just lock them up somewhere and never let them out. It would serve them right. But the thought of those two would soon just be another memory when he heard her comment about him being early to class. A small laugh escaped him upon hearing this, "Well, you know I didn't want to keep any of you from missing me too long." He replied with a grin. Only to be brought out of his mischief momentarily as he felt a hand grab his and shake it lightly. Looking back over towards Marlene as he saw her blushing while introducing herself, his grin turned into a sweet friendly smile. She almost reminded him of himself when he first arrived at Hogwarts. So innocent and a bit timid. Moony did say she was the shy sort so Sirius wouldn't say or do anything that would make her uncomfortable. He just smiled at her as she placed a lock of her hair behind her ear.

His attention was drawn away as he heard the door open again. Looking in the direction of the entrance to see who would be entering next Sirius was a bit worried that him being here so early would have others start thinking his ways have changed. But when he saw it was only Narcissa his smile immediately wiped off of his face and turned into a look of disgust. He definately would not care what she would think. With that thought he would pay her no more mind as he turned his gaze back at the two he was with. She would get whats coming to her soon enough and Sirius didn't want to have any more to do with her than he had to. Though what he had planned for her would bring him a great deal of enjoyment now was not the time nor the place. As he was about to return to the conversation, his attention would be yet again forced on Narcissa. Storming over grabbing Andromeda asking why she would consort with those who weren't worthy of her time. Then she spat at Sirus a comment of the usual loathing and hatred. Sirius couldn't help but laugh aloud as he heard it. It was amusing to him. He had become so used to hearing such things the only thing they achieved was making him laugh. "Reunion?", he began almost unable to control his laughing. "It was a pleasant conversation, but then we started to smell something. I first thought I may have accidentally let of one of my dung bombs off, until I saw it was you who entered the room." Laughing hysterically now he would pay no more attention to her.

With that bit of business out of the way, Sirius gave no more thought to his cousin Narcissa. He now knew though Andromeda wouldn't be her true self and he hoped Marlene would understand and not think bad of her. The room was beginning to fill up as another student opened the door and entered the room. Sirius turned his gaze once more to the door to see who it was. The person his deep brown eyes would find themselves upon would take his breath away. It was none other than Dorcas Meadowes. My, my how she had grown over the years Sirius thought. She was gorgeous. Bringing a hand up to his face Sirius checked to see if his jaw had dropped open, if it had he would close it quickly. It looked as if she walked in slow motion as she approached the desk Marlene was sitting at and proceded to take a seat next to her. When she spoke to him, her voice sounded angelic. How could he have overlooked her all these years? Scooting closer to where she was Sirius took her hand and brought it up to his lips as he placed a kiss onto the back of it. "I am doing much better now." he replied flashing her a wink. Realizing he was becoming putty in her hands Sirius let go of her hand and returned his usual mischevious grin to his lips. He wouldn't allow himself to fall that easily, she was gonna have to work to get his attention. Though as he thought it won't be very hard for her.

Forcing himself to return to the way he normaly acts Sirius took a seat next to Andromeda (not his normal seat in the back) and propped his feet up onto the desk. Leaning back in his chair placing his hands atop his head he leaned his head back as far as it would go and watched Dory and Marlene talk.

Sitting in front head held as far back as it would go Sirius watched Dory and Marlene as they spoke. How his thoughts would be on just one girl now Sirius didn't know. He never thought in a million years one girl would fill his thoughts, but here at this very moment Dory Meadowes raced through them. His eyes has never graced such beauty before. If James were here to see this or any of the other Marauders he would never hear the end of it. But somehow he didn't care. She was to good to let get away. Of course he wouldn't just swoon her and take her for his own, he was Sirius Black for crying out loud. A smile would form on his lips as that thought occured. He knew this was gonna be interesting, to see which of them would give in to the other first. He was looking forward to it. Her next comment nearly caused him to fall out of his chair, jerking up quickly to steady himself he felt like a fool. Simple words affecting him like that? He had to be more aware from now on. "One of your favorite things huh? as he now stood back up looking down into her blue gaze with his own deep brown eyes, "Well then, let me make it easier for you." He replied, as he would hop up on hers and Marlene's desk propping his head up with a hand and just stared straight into her eyes smiling all the while.

What a fool he must look like, but being Sirius it was expected of him to do something out of the ordinary or take something to a whole new level. He wasn't shy in the least and he found himself enjoying his actions quite a bit. He would lie there until she told him to move or push him off the desk. When she looked back into his eyes he would flash her another wink and give her a look as if he knew what was running through her thoughts.

As he lay sprawled out on Dory's desk he couldn't help but think of what she must really be running through her head right now. Having him almost right on top of her was something she would never expected. Sirius relished in that thought, he was never one to take something slowly or quietly, he would lay it out there but not so much that the any one person would pick up on right off the bat. Looking up and down Dory's body as he layed there on her desk he couldn't keep from thinking what sort of form fitting clothing she wore when not dress in school robes. He would be sure to find out ofter classes were over with for the day. He couldn't wait but would show no emotion or interest in her other than acting silly. But his words and his actions would say otherwise if one were to search them correctly. Felling a hand place itself on his leg would snap him out of his thought process. Glancing down he would see it belonged to Dory. Smiling mischeviously as he listened to her questions he would nonchalantly situate himself causing his free hand to slightly graze the top of hers. Looking straight into her ocean blue gaze the entire time.

Hearing her speak to him as she asked her questions Sirius got lost in the sound of her voice. Still not able to comprehend how she was able to keep his thoughts on her only when he knew he was able to have just about any other girl he wanted. Looking at her and seeing her smile he was completely oblivious to what was going on around him. For all he knew the proffesor could be standing right behind him ready to give him yet another detention. He did not fret, this moment would be worth whatever punsihment he would suffer if he were caught. When her voice drifted away and she sat there with that sly smile painted on her face Sirius had to think of something and do it fast. He wouldn't want her to think he liked her now would he? With that thought he stared straight at her and answered, "As a matter of fact I am quite comfortable indeed. Its not everyday one can stretch out and have someone admire such handsomeness as mine." Grin widened with each word he spoke to her, "And yes you should consider yourself lucky it's not everyday a girl has the advantage of looking me up and down at her will."

Marlene looked up at her friend and smiled, opening her mouth to answer to her comment but closing it when she noticed the interaction that was starting between Dora and Sirius. Smiling knowingly like only friends can, she remained silent and looked back down at her book, watching the two young people from the corner of her eyes, not saying anything yet but making a mental note to bring up the subject later on when she would be alone with Dora. They would have yet another interesting night in their dorm. Marlene was however quite grateful she had never really been interested in a boy. If Dora talked excitedly about her love interest, Marlene was not one to share those kind of thoughts easily, even with her best friend. Of course, she would never hide anything from Dora, but it would still not be easy for her to go so deep in her feelings. But then again, there was still nothing to worry about. Those kind of conversation would remain centered on Dorcas for a while yet... wouldn't they? As Sirius jumped on their desk, Marlene got lost into her thoughts which were suddenly filled with... Remus? What the heck... she shook her head lightly, not allowing herself to think about something like that. Remus was a friend and even though he had been her school mate for seven years now, she had only started talking to him... besides, how much teasing would she get from Dora if she even mentionned she maybe liked Remus a teensy weensy bit?

Sighing lightly, Marlene smiled at what was going on right beside her. Dorcas seemed to be getting more and more swooned by the minute, though she couldn't exactly blame her. Sirius Black seemed to have that effect on most girls that walked through this school and apparently, her friend was no exception, though she knew Dora's feeling for the Gryffindor boy were deeper than a mere attraction. Of course his looks did help in the matter, but she knew Dora better than that. As Dora leaned in to take Sirius' hand and her voice got low, Marlene turned her head to look away, feeling uncomfortable and a bit out of place. Of course they couldn't get much privacy in a classroom that was getting fuller by the minute, but not staring at them would probably help. As Marly looked around the class, her eyes fell on Andromeda who still seemed quite brought downward by her sister's apparition. Marlene offered a small smile, knowing the slytherin girl would probably not answer it now that she was no longer alone in the class, but still wanting to show to her that she did not think any less of her for her behavior while her sister was around. Marlene knew only too well what it was like to act like another person when some family members who did not fully aprove of you were around.

Hearing Dory laugh made his actions worth every bit of effort and time he put into them. Of course not much thought was put into this, it was a spur of the moment thing, nor would he let her know the effect she had on him. He just enjoyed his ability to affect the girls in this school. Sirius never really thought about having anything serious with any of them, but he could definately say that, that could change if Dory played her cards right. He was well aware of the many tarts he could have, as it was just about damn near any girl in the school. Dory however was different. She seemed to be on his level as he was sure she could have any guy she set her sights on. At the present moment though it was none other than Sirius being his usual self and with that thought he would make sure it stayed that way. Until at least she was unable to control herself around him and give in to his charm and wit. He watched her intently as her smile became more and more seductive while looking at him. It was all he could do to keep himself under control and remain calm and collective in the situation. He would maintain however. Her voice would find their way into his deepest desire as she spoke to him. It was something he had never felt before. He couldn't show it though, not yet any how. It seemed his ploys were working as he could see the affect of what he was doing to her. Her smile and the look in her eye gave that away. "As well you should love." he began in response to her words, seeing her now take her hand and begin twirling the locks of her strawberry hair. "After all it is me that your beautiful eyes staring at. Careful though don't want your drool to tarnish your text book now do we?" His grin was more than evident, as he would procede to take his hand and caress her cheek gently.

Meanwhile it seemed Narcissa was saying something. How arrogant she was and full of herself. Sirius ignored her completely but couldn't help but feel sorry for his cousin Andromeda. She would indeed get a tongue lashing from Narcissa and Bellatrix for mingling with unworthy blood tratiors and all that nonsense. He wouldn't let her words affect him, for as it was he didn't pay any attention to what she said, though he knew it wasn't anything nice anyway. He completely brushed her off. His attention was focused on the angelic sight his eyes had in front of him at the moment. Sensing that he may be giving away more than he wanted at the time he decided he better cut the chat a bit short. "Well, it seems I better return to my seat, but fret not love, I will definately see you around." flashing Dory one more wink before he slid off of the desk and made his way back to his seat next to his cousin.

He could tell Meda was upset and maybe a bit worried what might befall her after class. How he wished he could help her. With that thought he looked over towards where Narcissa was sititng and saw that she was reading in her text book. The plans he had for her made Sirius almost bust out in laughter. The look on her face and the lashing he would get, would put a smile on his lips long overdue. He would bide his time, it had to be done where more than just this many people could see. Perhaps in the Great Hall or in one of the many hallways when students would crowd them. Taking his narrowed eyes off of Narcissa he patted Meda's should in understanding and then proceded to turn back to Dory and Marlene. Flashing a 'I know what you want" kind of smile at Dory his eyes penetrated hers once more for a moment. Then he looked towards Marlene who seemed to be looking around the class. Recalling Moony's words about her, and how they have spent some time together this year brought the proverbial light bulb to his head. How could he have missed it? Scooting his chair over in front of Marlene he looked at her and spoke, "So it's my understanding you and Remus have been spending quite a lot of time together this year.," His grin still plastered on his face. "You know I could perhaps help speed things up." he finished, hoping his boldness and assumptions wouldn't throw her off or cause her any embarrassment.

Marlene smiled and restrained a giggle as Sirius hopped down the desk and winked at Dora, hiding her laugh with a small cough, looking at her book innocently. Then she turned to her friend with a slight grin and raised an eyebrow teasingly, knowing that in those time she and Dora didn't need to talk to understand each other, and her friend had probably gotten the message that this definitely wasn't over.

"You are not getting away from this," Marlene whispered teasingly with a grin, low enough so that nobody else than her friend would hear her words.

Tucking her brown hair behind her ear, she turned back to her books, not noticing Sirius as he turned to smile at Dora before looking at her. She only realized she was the one being addressed to when she heard Remus' name. "So it's my understanding you and Remus have been spending quite a lot of time together this year." Marlene blushed deeply and opened her mouth though no sound would come out just yet.

"We talked a little," she said shyly, not daring to look up. "He's a nice person to talk with," she attempted lamely, trying to hide her interest by covering it up with a simple sentence that should have meant 'I want a friend, nothing more.' Sadly enough, Marlene herself knew how pathetic that excuse had sounded.

"You know I could perhaps help speed things up." Marlene's cheek turned a deeper shade of red if it was even possible and she bit her bottom lip nervously, playing with her necklace and trying to look and sound casual as she spoke up.

"I don't know what you mean," she said, the words coming out in a rushed manner, giving Marlene the urge to bang her head on the desk though she quite thankfully restrained herself from it.

Just then, she felt a small paper being slipped under her fingers and looked up just in time to see Andromeda returning to her previous position, facing the front of the classroom. Raising an eyebrow curiously, Marlene unfolded the small piece of paper, noticing that Dora was too busy looking at Sirius to see it. With a small smile, Marlene picked up her quill and wrote back "We are supposed to learn advanced informations about Boggarts." As Marlene wrote the first sentence she couldn't quite repress the chill that went down her spine. Shaking her head slightly, she wrote some more on the piece of paper. "As for your sister, it is quite alright. You shouldn't apologize for her, it's not your fault."

Peeking around to make sure Narcissa wasn't looking in their direction, since Marlene didn't want Andromeda to be in any more trouble with her siblings than she already was, she quickly folded the piece of parchment once more and gave it back to the slytherin girl that was sitting in front of her.

Remus entered the Defense Against the Dark Arts at a rather quick pace, knowing that he might be cutting it a little close. His gaze roamed the classroom, noticing that many students weren't there yet. Perhaps he wasn't running as late as he had thought he was. Remus slowed his pace as he approached an empty table, behind Marlene and Andromeda, who were sitting behind a seventh year Ravenclaw that he knew by sight but not by name, and Sirius.

He could have sworn he had heard his name, but their voices were a bit too low for him to really hear what they were saying. Placing his book on the table he took a seat, but leaned forward to gain the other's attention. "Hey," he said, with a smile, "Have I missed anything?"

Marlene turned to Dora and grinned lightly, putting her elbows on the desk and resting her chin in her hands. "Well, I must say my dear Marley, this was quite a pleasant surprise." Marlene laughed a little and shook her head playfully.

"You don't say," she said, smiling at the look on her friend's face. Her cheeks were a faint shade of red from excitement and her eyes were sparkling lightly. "If he only knew how many times the subject of himself had come up in some of our late night conversations." Marlene giggled lightly and nodded in agreement. "He would probably be shocked, that's for sure. Or his head would get big... make sure you don't tell him," she said teasingly, winking at her friend.

She then noticed Andromeda had given the note back. Tilting her head slightly, she picked it and opened it, reading it and smiling. Leaning forward as she faked looking through her back, she whispered "You're welcome." As she leaned back into her chair she looked up and saw that Remus had entered the room. Blushing lightly as she remember what Sirius had said, she looked back down and slowly flicked the page of her book to find the page about Boggarts, which she did find but too soon for her taste so she simply kept going. When she heard him speaking up however, she turned around in her seat and smiled at him, deciding to ignore the previous comments and act like herself - after all, they were just friends.

"Nothing yet. Well, you did miss these two flirting outrageously right under my nose but apart from that," she said with a light shrug, sending a teasing grin at Dora.