Magic

19: Sirius x Marlene ~ Almost

Marlene McKinnon was going to marry a Black. Her mother and his arranged their marriage, and they were supposed to be happy together. Marlene was in love with a Black. She just wasn't in love with the right one.

Marlene couldn't help smiling when their eyes met, or laughing at his jokes, or blushing when he complimented her. She couldn't help the butterflies, or the dizziness, or the daydreams, or the sighing. She couldn't help being in love with Sirius rather than Regulus.

It had all started when she went to the Black family's party a couple of years ago. She'd been there with her best friends: Lily Evans, Dorcas Meadowes, and Mary MacDonald.

~~~

The music was so loud that Marlene could have sworn she'd become slightly deaf after spending an hour there. She sat with her friends at a table, and they'd spent most of the party joking around or eating snacks. Marlene and Dorcas had smirked at each other when they saw Lily glancing at James Potter and Mary glancing at Remus Lupin. Then, Dorcas leaned in to whisper to Marlene.

"Sirius Black is staring at you."

Marlene rolled her eyes and pretended to be nonchalant, but her eyes flickered to him. She blushed slightly when she noticed that he was really looking at her. They locked eyes for a while until Sirius turned to his friends. Marlene looked down at her plate.

"Ooh, someone's got a crush." Dorcas teased. Marlene glared.

"Shut it." she muttered under her breath. Lily, Mary, and Dorcas giggled.

When Sirius, James, Remus, and Peter walked by, all the girls but Dorcas stiffened. Sirius winked at Marlene as they passed by. Her heart skipped a beat.

~~~

Marlene was only sure of one thing. Her wedding dress was gorgeous. It was pure white with blue accents, which brought out her eyes. She also loved the sweetheart neckline and the lace.

"Remember Marlene, your wedding with Regulus is next week. Are you sure your dress fits?"

"Yes, Mum." Marlene repeated for the hundredth time. Her mum sighed and paced around the room.

"You know Mum, sometimes I think you and Walburga are more worried about this than Reg and myself." Marlene said, rolling her eyes. She closed her eyes and didn't listen to her mother's reply.

~~~

Marlene was relieved when she was able to change into her normal clothes again. She walked around the Blacks' mansion, exploring all of the rooms. She began to hear beautiful music and walked towards it. Marlene tugged on the sleeves of her jumper before gently pulling the cream colored door open. She gasped as she saw Sirius's hands moving across the piano. Her breath caught in her throat. The music was sad but beautiful all at once. Marlene closed her eyes and let herself get lost in the music. When it was over, she opened her eyes and found his gray ones staring back at her.

"Marlene," he greeted.

"Sirius." she replied. She felt a warm feeling flowing through her body as she said his name. Her throat tightened as she remembered that they wouldn't be able to see each other after she married Regulus.

"I heard you playing. It was beautiful." Marlene commented, trying to forget. A light smile appeared on Sirius's face, making her stomach feel strange.

"Want me to teach you?" he offered. Marlene nodded and sat down on the bench next to him. He taught her a simpler piece of music, helping her until she got it correctly. He placed his hands over hers when she was finished and stared into her eyes.

"Marlene, I'm sorry." he said quietly. Marlene blinked. She definitely wasn't expecting that.

"I don't understand."

"You're marrying Regulus next week. I've made a mistake." Sirius said. Marlene raised an eyebrow.

"Mistake?"

"I shouldn't have talked to you. I shouldn't have winked at you or stared at the party. I shouldn't have—"

"Sirius, you didn't know. Besides, you don't get it, do you?"

Marlene sighed, rubbing her head. Sirius remained silent.

"I love you. It's too late. There's nothing you can take back or do to change how I feel about you. I know I'm marrying your brother, and—" Marlene stopped. She didn't know what else to say.

Sirius faced her, and she noticed their faces were inches apart. He began to lean in, making Marlene's heart race. Their lips brushed before they heard footsteps. They walked as quickly as they could in opposite directions.

"Marlene! What are you doing?" her mum shouted.

"I was just asking Sirius about where he learned how to play piano." Marlene lied.

"Very well. Go try on your shoes!"

Marlene turned and looked at Sirius once more before following her mum out of the room. He'd almost kissed her. Almost.