Monday 6th August, 1976

The summer holidays were a welcome reprieve from the arduous hustle and bustle of Hogwarts. I was allowed to finally relax, having no place to be. My days could be spent lounging around doing nothing, and I would not be reprimanded nor sorry for it.

I could do all that, if not for Marlene and her incessant bugging.

"Come on Y/n," Marlene said, throwing the curtains of my room open without my consent. "You have to come to Diagonally with me."

I gave a groan, rolling over in my bed. "Why?!"

Marlene gave a shrug. "Cause I don't want to go alone. Now up you get."

I let out a screech as Marlene strode towards me but was too late, my blankets being stripped of my body and replaced by a horrid chill already seeping into my bones. "Marlene!"

The girl was already leaving my room, calling out a, "be ready in ten minutes!" behind her back. I cursed her, grumbling and groaning, but relented and got out of bed, because when Marlene wanted something she got it, and everyone else was powerless to fight against her, myself included.

Once dressed and having finished my coffee, Marlene's foot impatiently tapping away, we took the floo to the Leaky Cauldron, bidding goodbye Melissa and Micheal, my aunt and uncle and Marlene's parents.

"Stay safe girls," Melissa called. "And be back by six! We're having lamb roast for dinner."

With promises of taking care we stepped into the fireplace in the loungeroom and exited in the fireplace of the Leaky Cauldron. My eyes skimmed over the surroundings with minimal interest, having been here many times before, and Marlene and I made quick work of entering Diagon Ally, observing the crowded, bustling streets.

"Where are we going again?" I asked.

Marlene pointed to a particularly crowded mob of people at the end of the street. "Markets' happening. Let's see if we can score anything."

I grimaced, because it was way too many people much to early in the morning. Just because I'd decided to be more outgoing didn't mean I suddenly loved mobs of people crowding around me. Marlene noticed my hesitance and bumped my shoulder comfortingly.

"Hey, you can practise being confident here for next year," she suggested.

I was sceptical as to how much practise I could get here but agreed nonetheless, following my cousin as she led us into the bustling market. My eyes widened as we turned the corner; it was much bigger than I'd initially assumed. Most of the stalls were hidden behind the tall buildings but as soon as we'd cleared them there seemed to be a mass of tents and stalls everywhere, people hurrying about to and fro.

Marlene was off immediately, darting through the people to find whatever had undoubtedly caught her eye. I tried to catch up but was much less skilled in navigating crowds, and by the time I'd escaped a rather large family of 12 admiring some enchanted quills I'd lost her.

Cursing, I walked aimlessly around, unsure what to do. Being in social settings was usually fine for me, but being alone in one with no warning left me at a loss. I was scanning the tops of people's heads for any sign of blonde when I felt someone run into me, pushing me off balance.

I fell with my hands on the pavement, scratches indenting themselves into my palm. I winced, rubbing them on my shirt as a man's hand appeared in front of me, accompanied by a stream of apologies.

I took it hesitantly, brushing myself off when I regained my balance. I looked up at the person and my face dropped, recognising the grey eyes and perfect hair all too quickly.

What was Sirius Black doing here? Did I really have that bad of luck?

I cleared my throat, fidgeting with my hands. I watched as Sirius recognised me, clocking my hair and eye colour and making the connection. I expected anger or contempt and was surprised to find amusement on his face instead.

"What're you doing here?" he asked me.

I willed myself not to run away, reminding myself of my promise. I could do this. I could have a conversation with Sirius Black one on one. No biggie. "I could ask you the same."

Sirius grinned, shrugging. "I'm here with James. His mum wanted to get some more gnome repellent. The little buggers just ate through one of her favourite rose bushes."

I nodded my head, and when Sirius gave me a pointed look realised he was waiting for me to speak. "I'm here with Marlene, except she ran off so..."

Sirius made an 'ah' sound, nodding his head. "Yeah, she's probably off at the stall near the back there," he pointed behind him. "They're selling enchanted posters of Blondie."

I nearly rolled my eyes. Of course she'd be there. As soon as Lily introduced her to muggle music Marlene had become severely obsessed with the band Blondie, the lead singer Debbie Harry in particular.

"Well, I'll go find her then," I said, eager to be rid of the unnerving Gryffindor. "See you around."

I left before he could reply, hoping he'd lose me in the crowd and move on with his day. I could already feel myself shrivelling up as I thought back to the encounter, criticising everything I'd said and done.

As Sirius had theorised, I found Marlene at the Blondie stall, spending a gross amount of money on enchanted merchandise. She smiled and waved me over when she spotted me and I immediately launched into a retelling of what had happened, wanting her thoughts on the matter.

Marlene made a face as I finished my story, carrying two bags with her as we walked away from the stall. "Sounds like you've caught his attention. Good luck."

I frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Marlene sighed, shrugging. "Sirius chases whatever catches his fancy. You stood up to him, which basically no one does, so you've caught his fancy. It'll wear off before long, don't worry about it."

I was worrying about it but after multiple assurances from Marlene calmed down. Iwould be alright. I wouldn't see him for the rest of the summer, and when we got back to school he wouldn't even remember me. Everything would turn out alright.

Right?

⋅•⋅⋆∙∘☆∘∙⋆⋅•⋅

Wrong.

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Extremely wrong. Incredibly wrong. How could I be so stupid wrong.

I did in fact see him again in the summer, and he unfortunately had not forgotten about me. Marlene and I had decided to go to a Muggle festival nearby, and after lots of hassling we'd finally managed to convince her parents to let us go.

So there we were, laughing at all the sights, pointing at the strange Muggle contraptions and whispering to one another when something caught Marlene's eyes. Someone, actually, a girl wearing a Blondie t-shirt with bright pink dyed hair. Marlene's attention was stolen and I let her trample off to flirt with the girl.

It was funny, but Marlene's description of Sirius was a lot like her. She saw something she liked and went after it. Very much act first think later sort of girl. I didn't mind though, because it was what made her her, and I was fine with spending some time by myself.

In an attempt to continue my outgoing promise, I decided to participate in the usage of the machine the Muggles called a Ferris Wheel. A ridiculous name I laughed at but nevertheless waited in line for, anxiety churning in my gut. I wasn't bad with heights, but this was a Muggle invention so any number of things could go wrong. Still, I stayed strong, and when it was my turn for a carriage I entered dutifully, sitting down and immediately closing my eyes.

Shit, shit, shit. What have I done? This was so stupid of me. I was going to die.

"Wait, can we join her? Come on, we've been waiting in line for forever and she's barely taking up any space in the carriage."

My eyes flew open at the sound of James Potter's voice and before I could even refuse the four 'marauders' were all piling inside my carriage. Sirius took the seat next to me and I regretted ever coming to this stupid fair.

The boys blinked when they saw me, surprise in their gazes. "Oh. It's you," Peter said lamely.

I frowned. "Don't act so excited."

He paled, hastily trying to amend his rude statement. I shook my head, telling him it was fine. I often made the same mistake, crude comments slipping out of my mouth without a second thought.

"What are you doing here?" Sirius questioned.

My frown deepened. "Riding the Ferris Wheel. Obviously."

Sirius put his hands up in mock surrender. "Woah, I was just asking a question. What's with all the aggression McKinnon?"

I scowled. Why was he acting like we were friends? I literally punched him in the face less than a month ago. Maybe he forget, or thought someone else punched him? I felt nerves churning my gut, panic clawing at my throat, and another one of my crude comments slipped out of my mouth. "Because I don't like you."

I regretted it as soon as I said it, but it wasn't as if I could take it back. It was also true, so I saw no reason to apologise for a fact.

"First off, ouch," Sirius said, looking unperturbed at my dislike for him. "Secondly, that's obvious. I still remember you punching me in the face."

So he did remember then. Which begged the question why was he still talking to me?

"You deserved it," I muttered sullenly.

My anxiety was through the roof but this verbal sparring with Sirius was a welcome distraction. I didn't care much about what he thought of me and so didn't put too much care into my words. With three onlookers though, I was cautious to say anymore.

James Potter piped up, giving me a neutral nod. He was definitely still salty about my laughing at Lily's rejection of him. "Well, we're stuck on this Ferris Wheel together so we might as well try to get along. There's no way out."

I peered over the edge, considering the fall. It wasn't too far, and I had my wand with me if I got hurt. Plus, didn't Marlene want me to be more outgoing? "I could jump out."

I moved to do just that; an extremely rash decision created in the panic of being in a social situation but one I still stand by. Unfortunately, before I could even reach the edge Sirius had wrapped to arms around my waist and firmly pulled me back.

Which is how I found myself practically sitting on Sirius Black.

I shoved him away, sliding back. Sirius laughed, shaking his head. "You're crazy."

"Says you," I retorted childishly, but it was true. Sirius was probably the craziest out of the four boys in the carriage with me.

Before Sirius could say anything in reply the carriage gave a sudden jolt and I gripped onto the handlebars, looking around in alarm. "What just happened?"

Remus Lupin answered me. "It seems the ride has stopped."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "Why has it stopped?"

The tall boy shrugged, looking irritatingly calm. "Probably a malfunction. The view is great up here though."

I reluctantly followed his gaze and had to admit he was right. You could see everything from up there, all the people on the ground looking as small as ants scurrying to and fro. The sky was the best bit though, tinged pink from the sunset, the clouds looking much closer yet just as far at the same time.

"Enjoying the view?" Sirius taunted.

I scowled. He was bored, so I was his entertainment. Why did he have to ruin everything? "I was until you ruined it."

James sniggered and Sirius shot him a glare. I felt like doing the same, because they were all laughing when we were stuck up here with no way down.

"It's not funny," I snapped at him. "We could be stuck here for hours. We could fall and die. We could-"

I didn't even get to finish my sentence before the Ferris Wheel gave a jerk and continued its procession. Sirius gave me a shit eating grin. "You were saying?"

I felt myself flush with embarrassment, staying stonily quiet until we arrived at the bottom, which was when I raced out of there as fast as my legs could take me. I was never going to show my face ever again.

⋅•⋅⋆∙∘☆∘∙⋆⋅•⋅

Summer was coming to an end, and I had stuck by my earlier affirmation, lazing about the house for the remainder of the holiday rather than going out with Marlene. It was only when she reminded me of my need for schoolbooks did I deign to accompany her to Diagon Ally.

Everything had been going smoothly until I decided to take a shortcut through an alley to get to the next shop I needed, which was how I bumped into the marauders. Again.

I had to physically restrain myself from audibly groaning when I saw them. "Are you guys stalking me or something?!"

Sirius scoffed, his brows creasing. "Please, if anything you're stalking us."

I made a face. "I would never waste my time on people like you."

James frowned. "Why do you hate us? We're lovely."

I breathed through my nose, trying to restrain myself from resorting to violence. "I feel about ready to punch you again."

"Someone's eager," Sirius quipped, James and Peter laughing at the comment.

Embarrassment prickled at my neck, the feeling familiar after all these encounters with the marauders. I found, however, I was less hesitant when talking to them, because I didn't care much for what any of them thought. Still, when they made comments like that I couldn't really help but get flustered.

Remus seemed to notice my embarrassment, giving me a wry smile. "Sorry about them."

I looked up at him. He was probably the most bearable out of the four of them. James and Sirius were both jerks and Peter went along with whatever they said but Remus, for the most part, stayed out of their nefarious acts.

"I don't know why you're friends with them," I muttered.

Remus laughed slightly. "Honestly, neither do I."

"Hey!"

I rolled my eyes, moving past the four boys. Yet something possessed me to look over my shoulder and call out, "bye stalkers."

Laughter followed me as I left and a small smile spread across my face.