Marlene McKinnon

[marlemck]

swearwolfremuslupin‌:

Remus noticed the change in Marlene’s expression and felt his shoulders drop as hope left him suddenly. They had spoken a few times during Order meetings, but those conversations had always been necessary. The first time she had willingly spoken to him outside of the Order and it was so obviously a mistake, she hadn’t recognised him until it was too late for her to leave. “Then I’m missing out.” He said quietly, unable to help the melancholy creeping into his tone. Maybe he wasn’t talking about missing out on lavish parties. He swallowed, a frown creasing his brow when his old friend mentioned trying to contact him. “What- what do you mean?” He asked, suddenly nervous. He had always been worried Marlene wouldn’t accept the fact that he had told her so bluntly he couldn’t confide in her, couldn’t be honest with her about what he was hiding. Worried she would take it upon herself to dig, to try and discover exactly what he was. “You’ve been asking after me?”

Marlene had been making a sly comment about his aloofness, thinking nothing of it, although his reaction to it surprised her. She didn’t know what to make of it. Was he annoyed that she even bothered to ask of him? Flattered? Nervous? She inhaled slowly, absorbing. “Of course. It’s only decent of me to ask about my fellow Order members when half of them are off risking their lives.”

Hmm. She pondered; she couldn’t say that applied to Remus because she never managed to get enough of an update about him other than ‘oh yeah, he’s doing fine’. Was he out there risking his life? Who knew. “Not that I would know if you were or not, don’t worry. I’ve not been snooping on you.”

@swearwolfremuslupin​

[marlemck]

rcdclphuslestrcnge‌:

This was absolutely mind-numbing, Rodolphus thought to himself. How mundane parties had become, after a lifetime of them. He was meant for so much more. He was meant for fear and loathing and for people to shudder when his name was whispered in the darkest corners of Knockturn Alley. But instead, here he was. Stuck shaking hands with Mudbloods and Blood Traitors alike. The scum of the earth, he thought to himself. But when Marlene McKinnon raised her glass to him, he forced a smile to his face. “Shouldn’t anyone who’s lucky enough to attend such a party be enjoying it?” 

Ah, Rodolphus. Not keen, but she could deal with it. Although, after this many drinks she couldn’t be fully confident in her ability to hold back. She’d have to angle at being extra sweet, just in case anything slipped out. “Well, life’s what you make it. Can’t guarantee everyone here knows how to enjoy themselves properly. Of course, I wouldn’t doubt you know how to, Rodolphus. Rumour has it monster hunters play the hardest.”

@rcdclphuslestrcnge​

[marlemck]

swearwolfremuslupin‌:

Remus jumped, looking up at Marlene with a hesitant smile on his face. Did she realise who he was when she first spoke to him? Or was she now going to walk away? Determined to make him pay as she once had for being dishonest… He could still hear her begging him to tell her the truth, asking him to trust her with his reason for being sick. Even now, he could see her look of heartbreak when he shook his head, telling her he couldn’t through his own tears. “As- as much as somebody who doesn’t like expensive events can.” He admitted, deciding to humour her, hoping she might be genuinely ready to speak to him again. “And I get to see my boyfriend in a suit so…” 

Marlene’s smile froze for a moment when she saw Remus in front of her. Being caught by surprise with a few drinks down her slowed her ability to hide her the residue of disappointment she felt seeing him. She’d removed him from her personal life several years ago, and seeing him in any context other than Order related made her feel frustrated. They used to be good friends, but ever since his strange behaviour and refusal to open up to her, Marlene decided he was no friend of hers as no friend would treat another friend like that. As far as she was concerned, nothing had changed with him. He was still shady and people in the Order never seemed to be able to testify to what exactly he was up to.

“You’re missing out if you can’t enjoy a bit of swank.” She drained her drink, feeling a weird pang of jealously at the mention of his boyfriend; he managed to open up to _someone _then, which made his previous behaviour towards her even more personal.  She shrugged ambivalently; that didn’t sound like a good enough reason to come and she was instantly suspicious of him. Although, that could have been the bubbles at work. She smiled tightly. “It’s funny, you’re quite a hard person to get ahold of. Any mention of you and you’re nowhere to be seen, then you appear in the most unlikely places.”  

@swearwolfremuslupin​

[marlemck]

Open ||

Marlene had already dined- helping herself to a healthy serving of food, and was now helping herself to another drink. These things were fun, but also required a good amount of alcohol to get the conversation following- not that Marlene needed any help talking. It was safe to say, she was in a jolly, carefree mood. Anyone here would be good to talk to; alcohol-fuelled social events were a hotspot for revealing secrets. She heard someone next to her and without looking, turned to clink her glass to them. “Enjoying the party?”

[commanderlexas]

God is a woman…

[marlemck]

ready to DANCE

[marlemck]

Friday night in || Lily & Marlene

[marlemck]

lillianxxevans‌:

Lily burst out in laughter at Marlene’s tail, shaking her head at the blatant stupidity. “That’s insane,” she choked out, ignoring the angry chip wave. “Merlin, you have some real idiots in your department. Yourself excluded, of course.” Lily’s thoughts turned back to her own work, and she shrugged. “I’m sure you’re right. But you know how much I hate feeling out of my depth.” 

Lily could tell that Marlene was trying to play it cool when the mention of James came up, and she was grateful to her best friend for that fact. Things between James had ended on a good note, but Lily was nervous to be around him again. What if all those old feelings came rushing back up? What if he wanted to renew their relationship? What if he didn’t? 

“Of course I said yes,” she responded casually, taking another sip of her wine and avoiding Marlene’s eyes. “Why wouldn’t I?” 

Marlene held back her smirk, shrugging as she spoke. Considering Marlene’s love life was relatively non-existent at the moment, she’d live vicariously through Lily. She leaned over to top up Lily’s wine, there was completely an agenda behind the action. “Oh no reason other than I wouldn’t want to make an assumption.”

“Did he ask you out of the blue?” Marlene watched Lily with equal amounts of measure and mischievousness. Of course she didn’t want to embarrass her best friend, but she also was too nosey to have any curtesy and hold back. Marlene was definitely going to have to get the other side of this story from Sirius after this. “Or have you been speaking much recently?”

@lillianxxevans​

[marlemck]

Friday night in || Lily & Marlene

[marlemck]

lillianxxevans‌:

Lily laughed and reached over to grab a couple of chips for herself. “I honestly don’t doubt that that is exactly what would happen,” she said, shaking her head. The Ministry didn’t exactly inspire confidence in them all that much, especially not these days. “What’s the best moron story of the week? You know those are my favorite.” Marlene always came home with the best stories – and it didn’t hurt that she had always been great at telling stories. 

Lily shrugged in response to her best friend’s question. “Mostly trying to figure out how to organize my column. I’m glad for the promotion, but it’s a lot to have to do a daily column now. I’ve got to figure out some rhythm to it or I’m going to die.” She finished her chips and took a sip of her wine. “James owled. He wants me to meet him for a drink next week,” she dropped in the last bit casually, trying not to make a big deal of it.

“Could you believe Rickard sent his owl requesting the investigation of someone in the Department of Magical Transport to the guy himself instead of the chief?” She wagged her chip about angrily as she spoke. 

Marlene munched slowly as she heard the mention of James; she didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, even though it was totally worthy to make a big deal of it. “Everything is a challenge at the beginning, you’ll be used to it in no time. Probably quicker than no time, knowing you. First to excel in most things! ... So, James? That’s interesting. On what grounds is this drink?”

Marlene kept a straight face, although it was roaring to burst into a smile. She’d get excited if Lily was going for a drink with any guy, let alone an ex, and an ex that was James. “Did you say yes?”

@lillianxxevans​

[marlemck]

Friday night in || Lily & Marlene

[marlemck]

lillianxxevans‌:

Lily sighed and tapped the fingers of her left hand on the desk in her room, feeling blocked on this column that she was writing for the Prophet. She was glad of a chance to have her own column and prove herself a worthy writer, but man, she was sick of answering people’s questions about Potions and trying to come up with creative segments for her daily column. Hearing the front door of the flat she shared with Marlene open and close, Lily smiled and pushed back from the desk, dropping the muggle pen she had in her right hand. 

Following the sounds of a crinkling paper bag to the kitchen, Lily found her roommate. “Yes, please. That’s exactly what I need,” she said with a playfully exasperated tone.” She grabbed the second glass and watched Marlene inhale her dinner. “It’s been one of those Fridays, huh?” 

“It’s been a long week. So many morons it hurts.” Lily knew all about her real job and who annoyed her and who she liked and who needed to get packing. “Someone could declare themselves a Death Eater in the middle of the building and all the Ministry would chalk it up to stress at home.” 

“What’ve you been up to this week?” Marlene asked, feeling like they’d barely had a catch up all week. Sometimes when the two of them were busy they’d barely see each other despite living in the same home. She stuffed a couple of chips in her mouth at once and gestured to the them. “Help yourself. So, any drama?” 

@lillianxxevans​

[marlemck]

It had been a week or two since she’d seen her friend, which prompted her to send an owl,  arranging a catch up. After she had finished work, and took a pitstop at the local drinks shops, she made her way through the familiar cobbled street that led to the tattoo studio Sirius worked at. Thinking it was uncouth to go through the front doors, even if it was past opening hours, she went through the backdoor, finding Sirius in his usual spot in the building. 

“So, how happy to see these are you on a scale of 1-10?” She announced, collapsing onto one of the sofas, wiggling a couple of cans before throwing him one. Marlene loved coming to this place, it was full of art and character. It was so different to her boring grey and white workplace. “Deal with any asses today? Literally?” 

@sriusblaack​

[marlemck]

Diamonds are a girls best friend || Narcissa & Marlene

[marlemck]

dvffodllblack‌:

At Marlene’s laughted, Narcissa couldn’t help but fall into a fit of her own. “You’re joking! Really?!” Her giggles worsened as she held her head in her hands, shaking it between laughs. “Merlin, what do I know?! Once it gets below the Minister, all the names just muddy together, and their importance does too! I mean wow. Thank you. You saved me, clearly! Next time anyone from that place even looks in my direction, I’ll vet them through you first, don’t worry.” Her giggles finally subsided and she fanned herself. “I meant for you though! Not romantically, of course. Goodness. Have you seen that birthmark? You deserve far better than that! Just, you know! Should you ever want something more exciting than filing things correctly,” she said, finally recovering from her laughing fit. “I might be able to pull a few strings. After all, haven’t you seen my husband-to-be?! I’m definitely not looking,” she teased, winking at her friend before finishing her drink. 

“Where’d you get this dress, by the way?!,” she asked, changing the subject rather than revisiting her uncertain future. That wasn’t fun. Nor was it a topic she discussed with anyone. Marlene was great fun, but she’d sooner die than give anyone information on herself that might be used to hurt her. “The color just makes your eyes,” she hummed in satisfaction. “Pop!” 

As Narcissa started laughing, Marlene’s heartbeat slowed from its previous manic pace. Thank fuck. She necked the rest of her drink, and wiped her sweating hands on her legs. “Oh, my misunderstanding. In any case, I couldn’t work for that buffoon. I think I’d rather go into something where you don’t get your hands dirty. Perhaps interior design... or a wedding curator. Hmmm. I’ll ponder on it a bit longer.”

Yeah, she’d seen her husband-to-be, the slimy so and so. He seemed like the kind of person who liked to keep up with appearances, Narcissa would fit nicely on his arm as the beautiful blonde couple. Marlene wasn’t sure if that was a love relationship or a my-mother-highly-recommended-it relationship. As long as he treated her decently and Narcissa was happy, Marlene would smile when his name was brought up. “Very true. You certainly don’t need to look around anymore, he’s just the kind of man you need. Shame he’s brother-less.”

“There’s this little place in North London vies divines, it’s gorgeous.” Whilst the store was a a place, a place Marlene had looked in, her dress was not from there. Their prices were eye-watering and way out of her budget. “They bring in the latest fashion straight from France. You’d adore it- we should go. They’d love Narcissa Black in their store, I’m sure they’d be handing you dresses for free.”

 @dvffodllblack​

[marlemck]

Diamonds are a girls best friend || Narcissa & Marlene

[marlemck]

dvffodllblack‌:

At Marlene’s words, Narcissa could only giggle. The very thought of making her own decisions, being her own woman… It wasn’t a fantasy she dared entertain in her most imaginative dreams. She was barely more than an infant when her mother first showed her the meal chart she’d made her. And Narcissa, in her desperation to please her parents, make them proud of their perfect, poised, Pureblood daughter, followed every request. Every demand. Every instruction. She didn’t even know who she might be should she ever try being herself. Everything she was had been constructed by Cygnus and Druella. They had placed her on a pedestal, the shining example of why they might still demand respect, despite Sirius, despite Andromeda… She was their statue, their masterpiece, made perfect by years of detailed carving… Realizing she’d become lost in thought, Narcissa pulled herself out of her own head. “I appreciate that,” she said. And meant it. “I’m not entirely sure I know how to make decisions that haven’t been made for me, however. Sad as it is to admit. There’s a bit of comfort knowing what comes next.” 

Was that true, or was she only telling herself that? 

“I feel as though dullness is just going around. I mean, goodness, even the people I can count on to stir something up have been letting me down recently. Surely something exciting needs to happen soon, won’t it?” She asked, a laugh passing her lips as she took a small sip of her drink. “Merlin! You’re kidding! Even a bellini is frowned upon? What on earth are you putting yourself through over there, and how could it possibly be worth it?” Part dramatics, part curiosity. She’d never known what it was like to work hard. Even in school, having been encouraged to do poorly, she enjoyed her life of luxury. “I mean, I’m not sure how helpful it would be, but the head of the Intelligence Department has been nagging me to get tea lately. If you’d like, I can bring you along and talk you up. Though I’m not sure they count as a handsome bachelor,” she said with a giggle. “But I’ll never complain about another boring party or exhausting dinner again after hearing that!”

“No one really knows what they’re doing though, do they? You just pick an option and hope for the best. If it doesn’t work out, you either learn from it or make it work.” Em shrugged, feeling bad for the girl. Narcissa was right- there is comfort in not being responsible for things going wrong, but it also means you miss out from the pride of getting things right.

Marlene stiffened for a second, surprised at the mention of her boss. Did Narcissa know? Was she goading her in mind games? Was her cover up? Marlene honestly felt sick, and the drinks she’d just downed did not help with that. Her mind was quickly calculating how to react and she landed on hysterical laughter. “Stop it, Narcissa! Are you being serious? I’m so sorry, I can’t lie to you, Narcissa... That buffoon? Rushing round like he’s the most important person in the Ministry but can barely string a sentence together. All the gear, no idea, we all say. He’s the only source of entertainment we get. I can’t believe he’s been cheeky enough to ask of you, let alone talk to you directly. If you’re going to go for any of the Ministry heads, I’ll suggest the head of finance. He’s in charge of Ministry money, he’s surely got to have more than fluff up there.”

@dvffodllblack​

[marlemck]

Diamonds are a girls best friend || Narcissa & Marlene

[marlemck]

dvffodllblack‌:

“One day, if I ever arrive on time please ask me for a safe word, because it certainly won’t be me,” she said, a hand hovering over her mouth as she giggled. “Oh, what a pity,” she fake pouted. “I’m sure that was so hard for you!,” teased Narcissa, watching as the bartender made her a drink. Maybe it was her paranoia, but she was always suspicious of, well, everyone. Pleased with the way he’d prepared it, she took a sip of the cocktail, humming in delight. 

“Me? Oh, goodness, how am I?” She huffed dramatically. “What a question. It’s been such a busy time, planning a future while my future’s been planned for me is a bit tougher than you’d think.” But then a laugh, she always laughed after divulging information about herself. Especially her emotions. “So yes. This is perfect. Exactly what we needed. It’s so marvelous to see you, by the way. Please, Dear, tell me how you are!” 

“I can imagine.” She said with genuine sympathy. The Black family were notoriously traditional and impeccable, and no family remains like so without enforced rules. It was a little surreal for Marlene to imagine; she’d grown up with the exact opposite- choice and support to do what she wants, which might explain why she was more on the stubborn side. If someone told her to do something she didn’t like, she generally make the effort to do the exact opposite. Marlene sighed, getting caught up in the slight sadness of Narcissa’s controlled life- no wonder she always seemed so uptight; she was never invited to be herself. “They should loosen the shackles, I mean look at you. You’re an intelligent woman, you should be trusted to do what’s right.”  

“I’m alright... but you know how it is. All work, no play.” She said, lifting to take a prolonged sip of her drink for effect. “I want to do something more enjoyable in life. Everything at the moment is so dull. You know I thought doing admin at the Ministry would open doors for me to meet more sophisticated men but apparently it doesn’t work like that. They’re either too old or too boring or too stressed. It’s like no one wants to have any fun anymore. And the work perks are certainly more droopy than perky. They’d call having a bellini over lunch a crime.” She cocked her head toward Narcissa. Poor Narcissa listening to woes of working. Marlene was sure Daddy Black would probably shite himself if his golden child started doing paperwork at the Ministry. “At least you don’t have to put up with any of that nonsense, I’m envious. Please let me know if there’s a rich bachelor going around so I can marry rich and quit. You’d not believe how many masseuse appointments I have to make to get the cramp out of my hands from writing every day!” 

@dvffodllblack​

[marlemck]

mollsweaslxy‌:

       “we’re all good. he’s, of course, overworked, as i’m sure you are as well,” she said as she smiled. molly looked around to make sure she had all five of her kids. how was she going to do this with another kid? she was almost positive that when the littlest weasley came she would need to leave a few of them home with a sitter.

       “how have you been?” she asked. marlene was right, it had been a while since she had last seen the other woman. it was nice to see a familiar face, especially one she hadn’t seen in a while. “how long as it been?”

Marlene didn’t know how Molly did it- a busy dad and what seemed like a million kids. She didn’t stop, her head was darting around every 2 minutes calculating the number of children by her side. “I’ve been well, thanks. Just keeping busy with work, I should probably do more with my social life but I blink and before I know it the day’s over.”

“Quite a while... last summer? The McDowells wedding? With the cake and the dog...” Marlene shuddered to remember; that big beautiful cake and that big beautiful hungry dog... “It was an event to remember at least.”

@mollsweaslxy​

[marlemck]

Diamonds are a girls best friend || Narcissa & Marlene

[marlemck]

dvffodllblack‌:

Which mask should she wear today? , she wondered to herself, brushing powder over her nose with a smile. She was meant to meet Marlene McKinnon for a drink or two, draping a necklace over her chest before standing up. What a peculiar friendship it was. That, she knew. But, then again, weren’t most of her friendships a bit strange? Wasn’t it odd that she received an invitation to the tea lady’s wedding despite the fact that Narcissa didn’t care about her in the slightest? 

It was all very odd. But it meant she was doing her job well. Socialite. Socialite . What a funny response to the question - “what do you do for a career?” She spoke to people for a profession. Bended them to her will. Made them like her. Love her. Invite her to their wedding. 

She played her role well. But she preferred when it was at least enjoyable, as it was with Marlene. They had fun. Their time together was a wonderful distraction from the impending, suffocating doom she feared was coming their way. So she slipped into her favorite dress, bidding her dog a goodbye before Disapparating to the jazz club. 

“Ms. Black, ”the doorman said. “What a pleasure it is to see you. Please, come in. ” So she breezed past the line, like she always did, and found Marlene quickly. 

"My Darling,” she gushed. “Forgive my lateness! I just simply could not  get my hair to lie flat! ” 

Marlene jumped up with an abundance of energy when she saw Narcissa walking towards her, acting the part of an enthusiastic pal. She went to embrace her as she said hello. “Honestly, Narcissa, I’d start to worry if you weren’t late. Please sit down, I’m afraid I’m just finishing your drink off for you. But I’m sure-” She darted her head around to catch the gaze of one of the waiters, and held up her glass and signed ‘two’ with her fingers “-this boy won’t be too long with the next round.”

“How are you? Merlin, don’t you always look amazing. I would kill to have your figure.” Within a moment, the waiter had already appeared with their drinks. That’s the kind of service you get when you pay a bomb to sit and drink. “I don’t know about you, but this is exactly what I need right now.”

@dvffodllblack​

[marlemck]

The Library, Hogwarts; 1974

[marlemck]

swearwolfremuslupin‌:

Remus laughed quietly, grateful for the distraction. Marlene had a point. He felt sure if somebody offered him treats after every detention he was given, he wouldn’t feel so bad about actually showing up. “Well it’s greatly appreciated.” He said, picking up another truffle to prove his point. He carefully unwrapped it, using it as an excuse to avoid answering her question right away. If only she knew how wrong she was. He shrugged awkwardly, shaking his head. “Nobody is going to want to hire somebody who gets ill so often.” He murmured. “I haven’t really thought about it… don’t want to get my hopes up, you know?” He ate the chocolate, allowing the familiar taste to comfort him as he struggled to change the subject again, shift the focus from himself. “What are your plans? Do you know what you want to do?” 

Marlene narrowed her eyes in confusion. What a strange comment. Sure, he was ill every now and then but why should that interfere with his future? She munched slowly, trying to calculate what exactly she must be missing. She came to the conclusion that this kid just needed an ego boost. She’d make sure to work on that. “Hmm. Not sure... Although it would be great to be my own boss and do something I love. Maybe open up a bookshop that has shelves full of books and chocolate, and has tables everywhere so people can meet up and do what we do. You could work with me; as co-boss you could take as many sickies as you want.”

@swearwolfremuslupin​

[marlemck]

A cold night || Open

There was a sharp chill and a strong gust in the air as Marlene walked home. Dried leaves scattered across the pavement, making horrible scratchy noises. She’d stayed late at work as her mind had been on overdrive all day and she’d got lost in a rabbit-hole on one of her cases. When she’d noticed how dark it was outside she packed up and apparated to the end of her street.  

Almost like a hidden sense, Marlene thought she could feel someone close by, despite the roads appearing empty…

[marlemck]

The Library, Hogwarts; 1974

[marlemck]

swearwolfremuslupin‌

“Oh, so I’m charity work?” Remus laughed. “Well, if you can’t pity me for being insane, can you pity me for having to put up with the friends I got stuck with? If anybody deserves a break, I think it’s me.” He reached out and lowered the book Marlene was waving, if only so that he could catch her eye and offer her a grin. “I haven’t managed yet, I said I was making an effort.” He pointed out. Lily and James still argued like an old married couple, though he could already hear their vehement protests at being called a couple of any kind. His smile faded immediately when Marlene finished talking though, the word Werewolves cutting through him like a knife. “Beings…” He echoed, a few beats of silence passing between them before he realised his reaction was probably more than a little disconcerting. “I mean- yes… I-uh… somehow I don’t think the Ministry would have me.” He admitted, forcing a weak smile back onto his face. “Dad works in the Creatures department… it might be a- a conflict of interest.” 

“Ha! I won’t argue with that. That’s why I brought all these.” She sucked on a liquorish wand. “Purely medicinal. To help you recover from all the detentions you’ve been forced to have. Poor thing.”

Remus’s compassion was moving; he thought about Marlene’s statement about strained wizarding relations for a moment and appeared a little paler. She didn’t think that would be such a sensitive topic for him, but he obviously had such a big heart. Marlene felt guilty for dampening his spirit, so she tried to stay peppy. “What are you thinking you’ll get into after Hogwarts? You’re acing every subject so I guess the world’s your oyster?”

@swearwolfremuslupin​