Marlene sat on her bed and pondered.She looked around her room and then her eyes landed on a dress. "Shoot!" She whispered. She'd forgotten about the pure-blood ball. She changed into her dress. It was white at the top and sleeveless. Below the waste was a thin and thick layer of Navy blue
She grabbed the necklace and bracelet Sirius had brought her and out it on. Marlene walked over to the mirror and examined herself. Once she was satisfied she apparated to the ball.

Marlene walked in to find Sirius,James,Alice,Frank and Lily sitting at a table. "Lily how are you here?" Marlene asked as she hugged her friend. "James brought me.He said since we're married it was ok to bring me." Lily replied hugging Marlene.She said hello to the others but didn't look Sirius in the eye. Regulus walked over."Mum's not happy." He said looking at Sirius. "Why?" Sirius asked with a grin. Regulus nodded to Marlene."Dad's not happy either." All the color drained from Sirius's face. He walked over to Marlene and held out his hand. "Sirius I can't." She said and walked away. "Marlene please. Like when we were little." Sirius said. Marlene stopped. She turned and looked at Sirius. A tear fell down her cheek and then she kept on walking. Sirius's arm dropped and he went to sit down. James walked over to Sirius and sat down. "Hey pads.Whats wrong?" "Something's up with Marlene.She's been avoiding me lately and I have no idea why." "I mean girls are like that but Marlene's not one of those sappy ones." James said.

Marlene ran outside and apparated to the park.She sat on the merri-go- round and began to cry. She closed her eyes and then saw something.It was Sirius,with someone else? Was she seeing correctly? Marlene sat back and wiped her tears. The wind blew and it was quiet.Marlene hadn't been in this much peace in a while.Gray clouds gathered above the sky and it began to rain.Marlene remained seated and brought her knees to her head and settled her head there and she stayed there like that for a while.

Hours passed and Marlene was cold and didn't feel like leaving. She heard a pop in the distant.She didn't bother.If someone wanted to kill her they could."Marlene!Marlene please!" The voice sounded worried and determined. The person was about to disaparate. "Sirius." Marlene whispered asking. She lifted her head to find Sirius desperately looking for her. "I'm over here." She said hoarsely. Sirius turned around and ran towards Marlene.She stood up and was lifted off the ground.Sirius hugged her and she began to cry in his arms. "Oh thanks God." He said and he kissed the top of her head."I thought you had left me." He said breathing hard. "I'm so sorry.* she whispered."I-I went t-to ask B-Benjy a few questions.I-Im s-s-so sor-ry." She stammered. "Shhh.Iys okay.Im glad you're ok." He lifted her thin up. "There's no need to be upset." He said. "Why?I mean I betrayed you and have been avoiding you." Marlene asked. "Because think if you were to die tomorrow.Is it really worth being upset over?" He asked. "Let's go get you cleaned up." He said noticing her eyes were black from mascara.They apparated back to the Orders base and Marlene showered. She changed into black cotton shorts and a gray,wide, v neck shirt.She sat on her bed and rested her head on Sirius's shoulder and fell asleep.