Marlene wasn’t sure when their tradition started, but her visit to the Gryffindor Common Room was part of it. As she waited for Lily to arrive, she mentally tallied the things she had in her bag. Bless magic, she didn’t think she’d be able to carry all of the snacks without it. She’d spent nearly all afternoon prepping for her annual beginning of school date with Lily.
Looking down at her watch, she grinned at being a few minutes earlier than they planned. Many weren’t privileged to the greatness that was Marlene’s baking skills, and she liked to keep it that way. Holding her bag close against her hip, she silently reminded James that he could not have anything she had. His stare turned doe like as he tried to beg from across the room. Just as she was nearly ready to crack, however, a familiar red-head grabbed both of their attentions. Grinning, she immediately pulled her into a hug. “Lily! Hurry, let’s get out of here before James tackles me for sweets.”