Harry Potter Isekai - Marauders Era

Chapter 16: Was it worth it?

Chapter 16

Marlene's POV

"Reggie!" I screamed as I witnessed my best friend get physically assaulted by our schoolmate. I rushed to Reggie to check his injuries. "Potter, why would you do that?!" I reprimanded harshly at James. Reggie's left cheek is already starting to swell and bruise from the contact.

"He touched you!" I look back at James in confusion.

"Yeah, and?!"

"Y-You wanted that?" James flinched and backed up slightly.

"Yes, he was helping me get dirt out of my eye! Why would that prompt you to hit him?!" I stepped closer to James and started to smack him repeatedly on the arm and chest. "Bad Potter! What is wrong with you?!" James easily grabs both of my wrists to stop me.

"You really shouldn't have rushed in like that, mate. My brother is 'The Perfect Black.' He wouldn't force himself on anyone." I turn to see Sirius smirk while looking at us.

"I- I'm sorry. I misunderstood." James admitted softly. I look at his face to see regret plastered upon his features. I sighed as I turned back to Reggie.

"We should get you some ice for that." As I began walking towards Reggie, I felt a tug from one of my wrists still in James's hand. I turn back to look at him. He looks almost pleadingly at me. "What is it now?" I unknowingly pouted as I lightly glared up at him.

"I- I..." He hesitated which made me even more confused.

The sound of someone clearing their throat alerted our attention back to the people beside us. "Marlene, if you don't mind, I'd like to help Reg instead. I haven't seen my brother in a while." I paused at Sirius's request and looked back at Reggie. He nodded while holding his wounded cheek.

"I'll wait here for you when you come back then." He nodded once more before being led away by his older brother.

"Marlene," I turned back to the guilty Gryffindor with another glare. "I- I'm sorry, I really thought he was going to...to-"

My glare deepened, "Let's get some things straight here, Potter. One: You should be apologizing to the person you actually punched. Two: Reggie would never do something like that to me. Three: Even if he did try something, I can manage myself." I resumed my personal assaults towards the teenager with every point I spoke aloud corresponding to a smack on his chest. "Stupid Potter!" I huffed only to see him smile softly at me, making me self-conscious and blush slightly.

"Still... I'm sorry. I know you can take care of yourself, I just.. my body just moved on its own. It's a Gryffindor trait, I suppose." He admitted guiltily. I closed my eyes as I sighed heavily. I don't know why I can never stay mad at him for long.

"What are you even doing here anyways? I thought your family weren't close to the sacred 28?"

"We're not, but the bride invited Sirius – seems she has a soft spot for her cousin. I came to accompany him and because we're not exactly of age, my parents ended up taking us." I lifted an eyebrow at his explanation.

"Your parents are here too?" He nods. "Are they even enjoying themselves?"

He chuckles lowly, "No, but they do adore Sirius so they're being supportive."

I nodded as the silence enveloped us. We continue to hold eye contact. The air around us feels different than usual. He feels different than usual. He's not as confident or arrogant as I remembered him to be. After a few more moments of looking at each other, I looked away, now self-conscious of his stare.