Beat the devil's tattoo

Chapter V. "Let it be"

"Let it be"

The next day, Marla woke up well rested, for once. Not having to sleep with one eye open to keep watch was quite relaxing.

When she entered the kitchen that morning the room was already lively. The Weasleys, Harry, Hermione and Sirius were already seated and eating breakfast. Upon seeing her in the doorway, Mrs Weasley was quick on her feet.

"Marla dear, come take a seat. I will put you up a plate."

She did as told and took the remaining seat, next to Charlie. The awkwardness between them was noticeable to anyone with eyes and Marla's peacefulness was quickly disrupted when she saw the knowing look of Mrs Weasley as she brought her breakfast.

"How'd you sleep Birdie ?"

Bill Weasley was the one who had break the tense atmosphere.

"Good, thanks Bill. Not so bad for such an old house." She said, glancing teasingly at Sirius who was seated at the head of the table.

Soon after, the chatter was back at the table with the twins trying to get Ron to eat one of their candy when their mother was not watching, much to the amusement of the girls and Harry. Bill, Mr Weasley and Sirius were talking animatedly about some curse Bill had encountered in Egypt and Mrs Weasley was already starting to clean. Marla felt Charlie moved next to her and she turned her head his way. He gave her a small shy smile.

"We didn't had the opportunity to talk last night."

She hummed and took a sip of her coffee. She was not sure she wanted to have the opportunity to talk to him. She was not angry at him, she never had been. She understood why he broke up with her and was actually relieved that he was not brought in her family drama but he was still the man she had loved for a long time, he was still the one she had shared a lot with and he still had a power over her, even if he did not realise it.

"Well, we can talk now." Her tone was cold, indifferent and Charlie felt the ache in his chest return at her demeanour but she was only protecting herself, protecting what was left of her heart and protecting him by keeping him at a safe distance.

"I was hoping we could catch up in a more... private environment." He said, trying to not let his voice get affected by her cold answer.

However, before she could say anything else, Mrs Weasley was calling everyone's attention to distribute them chores for the day. To her surprise Marla was excused from cleaning on the argument that she should rest. Soon after, Mr Weasley left to the ministry and Charlie and Bill were obliged to leave as well, having been summoned by Kingsley about a possible mission. The children left rather slowly, as if trying to gain some more time before starting to clean. Marla saw Ron slump in his chair, hoping his mother did not see him but she did and ordered all of them to follow her upstairs.

Marla was left alone with Sirius.

"What are you doing today?" She asked him. He let out a sigh before answering.

"Being useless, apparently that's the only thing I'm good at."

"That's not true Sirius, you know it."

She knew of his helplessness, having to stay hidden in the house he hated, unable to go on missions or helping concretely. She would probably be feeling the same and it was one of the reason she took every opportunity to leave on a mission, drowning herself in work, she found was the best way to forget about the rest.

He gave her a look that screamed really? and she let out a chuckle.

"Well, since apparently we are both exempted of chores, what would you like to do?"