Real Not Real

<> McGonagall's Office <>

"Enter," Professor McGonagall called. Marlene nervously pushed the door open, dancing on the tips of her toes.

The Professor was sitting in her desk, casting barely a cursory glance toward Marlene. Marlene noticed Sirius's dark hair and slouching posture in the seat facing away from her.

"Ah, Miss McKinnon," Professor McGonagall said as she closed the door. "What can I do for you today?"

At the sound of her name, Sirius swiveled around, eyebrows raised, dark eyes confused. The candlelight on the desk threw his features into sharp relief. She studied him for a half-second.

Sirius had an angular face and a long nose, his eyebrows were thick and gave the impression that he was perpetually scowling. His narrow eyes were deep set and squinty, as if used to seeing through a curtain of his wild black hair.

She blinked and looked back at McGonagall. "I need to talk to Sirius about a development in a project we're working on together." He raised an eyebrow at that--a skill she wished she had--and she winked at him.

"Can it wait five minutes?" Professor McGonagall asked, though her tone clearly stated that it would regardless.

"Of course." She slipped out the door and stood outside, waiting. Finally, the door opened again and Sirius reappeared, looking depressed.

"What were you two talking about?" she asked, curious.

"Nothing important." He looked away, staring at the ground.

She felt the urge to confront him or comfort him, but she swallowed it. "Lily came to me about a spat she and P--James have been having."

"And?"

"I think I've found us a way to create the 'situation'." A small smile wiped the sullen look off his face.

"Lead on, McKinnon."

A/N: Okay, okay. Hopefully, you guys won't be mad at me for the lack of Jily so far. Sometimes I get carried away with these two bros.

In any case, something IS coming up in the next chapter. A big James and Lily scene, and then...

*cue scary music*

oh wait, there's two chapters of important filler before THE CLASSROOM COMPLEX which I am way too excited to post. It's gonna be great. Lot's of James, Lily, Sirius, and Marlene. IN ANY CASE, I think I'm going to be posting something like every other day. For the next week or two, in any case.

Please, please tell me what you think so far of the story! And vote! That makes me happier than anything! (except chocolate. But chocolate gets rid of the dementors, sooo...)

Are you excited for the huge confrontation in the next chapter? Are you annoyed about the lack of Jily so far? What do you think of Sirius and Marlene's relationship? Siriusly, comment the hell out of my story.

See you in two days!

~Ava ^o^