Many would argue that this particular story starts over six years prior, but I beg to differ. This is the moment when the tables started turning, when the clocks were rewound and started ticking again. So now, without further ado I bring to you; Lily Evan's and Marlene McKinnon's Easy Guide to Marauding.

This wonderful world belongs to the amazing J.K. Rowling; I'm only here to expand on the joy that she originally delivered.

It was strange really, in all her years at Hogwarts, Marlene McKinnon had never stayed at school over Christmas. Even last year, when all her mates had agreed to stay and cheer up a sad Dorcas Meadowes who's muggle family had gone on vacation without her, Marlene went home. It wasn't that she didn't feel for Dorcas, it was just that she was too selfish to give up her favourite holiday.

For reasons that will surely be explained later, Marlene was forced to stay at Hogwarts over Christmas of her sixth year. It was a shame however because due to fear of he-who-shall-not-be-named, nearly all the other students went home. A few Slytherin's could be seen lurking around the halls, and a madly in love fifth year Ravenclaw couple occasionally came out for air but that was nearly it. It wasn't until a few days later that Marlene came across the sole Hufflepuff, Hestia Jones, who she knew as the Hufflepuff's Quidditch Captain.

Even that's getting ahead of point, for the incident that sparked it all happened on Christmas Eve of 1996 in none other than the Three Broomsticks.

Marlene was sitting alone in the back corner of the pub with a butterbeer, she'd snuck out of the school during dinner to avoid getting caught. Not that she was doing anything wrong, she had been signed up to go home so no one expected her to still be at Hogwarts. The place was empty expect for a middle aged patron chatting up Madam Rosmerta at the bar. When the door opened and a cold gust of wind blew in Marlene didn't even bother to look up.

She was just about to go get another butterbeer when she noticed who had entered.

Sirius Black.

She knew this even though his back was to her, many could easily mistake him for James Potter, what with the dark messed up hair. Marlene knew better, she wished she didn't but she could tell simply because he stood with better posture and had a habit of tapping his right heel against his left foot when he was waiting for something. She averted her eyes afraid that he'd notice her staring.

On a side note, it should be mentioned that Marlene McKinnon liked Sirius Black. No she wasn't one of those girls who said she was in love for no reason, but she had harboured a crush on the marauder since third year. For those wondering what is meant by 'marauder,' all will be explained, but for now, exercise patience.

"Apple," Marlene looked up into the dark eyes of Sirius, "you know you're not going to get drunk off that stuff." He slid a glass across the table filled with what could only be firewhisky.

"Thanks Black but not everyone drinks to get drunk, and besides, I'm underage."

He let out a laugh from the seat across the table that he'd taken residence in. "Live a little Apple."

Once upon a time Marlene had actually tried to figure out how she'd been dubbed 'Apple' but by fourth year she realized it was no use. It was certainly better than the nicknames Sirius had given most. Lily Evans was called 'Lilium Evander' and although most had realized that Lilium was the Latin translation of Lily, the girl herself still thought it was a jab at her voice, a la helium. Theodosia Blake was known as 'Messy Tessy' and Frank Longbottom was 'Fran.' Those names are just the tip of the iceberg, the rest, we'll leave to let age like good firewhisky.

Sirius stuck his mug out across the table, "cheers, to the loneliest Christmas."

The glasses clinked and Marlene realized how right he actually was. Not only was she alone but the worst was that she knew no one was missing her or thinking of her.

"You ever played any drinking games McKinnon?" She shook her head. "This one's quite easy," he continued, "I don't even think it has a name. First off we pick a topic, like favourite colour, and then I guess yours," she nodded that she understood, "blue."

"How did you kno-"

"Now you have to take a drink and then you guess what my favourite colour is."

This went on for many an hour until they were both noticeably drunk, although, Marlene more so. Eventually they landed on the topic of first kiss. Marlene correctly guessed Sirius' as Nicola Shacklebolt and then it was his turn to guess.

"Marley, we both know you're a prude and I won't berate you for that but I'm not going to play stupid."

"The git, Lilium told you didn't she?"

He laughed at the drunken use of Lily's nickname then nodded. Marlene none the less took her drink of shame and we'll blame the next words on the whisky.

"You know Lily's never kissed a boy either. She and I made a pact third year when she told me she fancied Pot-" Marlene caught herself too late as even in his drunken state Sirius realized the severity of what she had said. "Sirius," she looked the boy right in the eyes, "please don't tell him, or her for that matter."

For a while they drank in silence, Marlene looking for an instant fix to the situation. When Sirius finally made the adult decision to head back to the castle over an hour later, Marlene, for lack of a better term, was wasted.

She waited until they had stumbled into the common room to speak. No one knows what possessed her to say this next statement but there's a good chance it was once again the alcohol.

"Sirius Black" she slurred as she balanced against him, "I reckon I've fancied you since third year." Then, true to drunken form, she fell asleep in his arms.

A/N

SH – Do you think they'll like the chapter?

MF – People are going to be reading it at midnight and get to the end and be like… What?! That's it?!

SH – Well thank you so much for being my first reader and I do hope everyone likes it as much as you do.

Also huge thanks to anyone else who reads this, you just made my day. Also I'd love to hear your opinions, yes I know I've probably missed a few details here and there but I am trying to be as accurate as possible to the HP universe.

Hope everyone has a great day/week/month/year/life

Shaelynn