Harry Potter Isekai - Marauders Era

Chapter 5: 2 + 2 = Friends

Chapter 5

Marlene's POV

My first year at Hogwarts was rather uneventful – which is pretty welcomed in my book. I kept to myself and my small group of friends for the most part. Well, it's only Pandora and me, really. Lily and Severus would study with us from time to time in the library. Lily and I got along well, very well in fact, she considers me one of her close friends, along with Mary McDonald from her house. We would owl each other in the summer as well. Mum and dad were proud of me making Ravenclaw. Even if I was a squib, I think they wouldn't think of me any differently which makes my resolution of saving them even stronger.

I did everything in my power to avoid the Marauders, but of course, nothing ever goes your way when you want it to. I steered clear of their pranks thus far, really staying under the radar. Pandora and I really only get "pranked" by the Slytherins – mostly because Pandora was expected to be in their house and has become a "disappointment of the purebloods." I would bump into Remus every so often in the library. He really is the best of the Marauders – no judgment, gentlemanly, respectful and kind. He would join us in our study group once in a blue moon (no pun intended). Because Remus comes by, I have also gotten acquainted with Peter as well. I tried not to be prejudiced of him because as of right now, he is just a boy. Sirius would stop me every so often in the halls of the castle to catch up and chat. I swear – without giving myself a big head – he seems flirty but I mean, that's all the fans really know young Sirius Black for. I try to brush it off every time. James, on the other hand, I avoided altogether. He has already started his courtship of Lily and it has been cringeworthy to watch. I don't want to be stuck in between that mess.

Now is the start of our second year and I am excited to begin my grand plan of protecting my parents. First thing on my list is to become friends with Regulus Black. I thought bumping into him when we were kids on the streets would help me gain an advantage but I don't think this boy remembers me at all. He avoids me any chance he gets and I have no idea why. I have to corner him! I must! I find that exact chance when I catch Regulus walking down the stairs towards potions class.

"Regulus! Wait up!" Does he wait? No. The boy in question continues to walk away from me in a hurry. Time for Plan B! "Ebublio!" I casted the jinx to Regulus, casting him in a big bubble. He stops and finally looks back at me, "Hi!" I smiled. Probably a bad way to reintroduce myself but the boy was avoiding me!

"McKinnon, what is it that you want from me?" He glares deeply at me, making me wince slightly.

"It's Marlene. Don't you remember me? We saw each other on the streets of Diagon Alley when we were younger. Now that you're at Hogwarts, I want us to be friends." I tried. He raises an eyebrow at me in skepticism.

"And why would we be friends?"

"Why wouldn't we be friends? We may have more in common than you think, you know." Regulus's glare lessens slightly. He is just a boy. I may be able to get through to him, "Tell you what: come study with us – well my friend, Pandora and I – one day in the library or hang out with us by the lake. If you find that we aren't compatible, you can leave." I suggested.

I expected more resistance however Regulus's response caught me off guard. "Okay."

"I mean, you can also- wait, what?"

"I said 'okay.'" Is it really THIS easy? Are things finally going my way for once?

My dumbfounded expression turned bright as I lifted the jinx and hugged Regulus. "Great! I can't wait to see you then!"

I skipped back up the stairs happily not waiting for my possible new friend's reply, afraid he may change his mind all the while failing to notice the flustered boy's red face from the contact. As I walk towards my next class, I hear Pandora's voice in the nearby classroom a flight of stairs above. I stopped and headed towards my friend.

I faintly hear, "...if you're not careful, nargles will hide your stuff and play pranks on you too. You should be cordial."

Laughter is heard the closer I get. "Yeah, you are bonkers, Lestrange. Nobody understands your shite. Or should I even call you a Lestrange, you don't carry the pureblood name with pride. You think you can just get in our way like this, you filthy traitor?!"

"You need to back off! You're all gits!" A voice I don't recognize yelled out. I rounded the corners and saw Pandora standing beside what seems to be a first year boy with dark brown hair and eyes. They are confronted by a group of 4 Slytherins with their wands out.

"Expelliarmus!" I yelled as I aimed directly at the Slytherin group one by one retrieving their wands. "Four against two isn't a fair fight, you know."

"Give us back our wands!" One of the girls commanded.

"And why would I do that? You're trying to hurt my friend." I shrugged like it's the most obvious thing in the world. "I'm going to give these wands to Professor Dumbledore. I'll make sure he gives it back to you along with retrieving some house points for bullying." I gave my best glare.

"You twat! Get her!" They start heading towards me when the boy next to Pandora shots a hex at the group.

"Impedimenta!" And the group moves in slow motion before they are stopped completely.

I looked at Pandora and the boy. "That was bloody brilliant!" I smiled brightly. The two looked at each other and then at me because running towards me and guiding us all out of the abandoned classroom.

"What happened?!" I questioned when we halted to a stop at the bottom of the stairs.

"It's all my fault... I was cornered by the Slytherins and she came to help me." The boy explained.

"It's not your fault that they want to target you. It's an unfortunate situation. I understand. I've been there many times before." Pandora smiled sadly. "I'm Pandora. What's your name?"

"Barty! Barty Crouch Jr." HE's Barty Jr.?! I would never have guessed. Is everyone in this world beautiful or what?!

"I'm Marlene! You're also in Ravenclaw!" I looked at his robes carefully for the first time.

Barty nods. "Thanks for your help. Both of you." He smiles up at us and blushes as he looks at Pandora once more.

Pandora looks at me with a small grin before she turns back to Barty, "Would you like to hang with us Barty? I know we're in different years but we're all in the same house. Let's look out for each other! Right, Lena?"

Pandora looks like she just found a lost kitty and wishes for my permission to keep it. "Right. So what do you say? Friends?"

Barty smiles lopsidedly. "Friends!"