#threads;; marlene

[fcrox]

Amycus glanced over at her, eyes sparkling with a dark curiosity. Of course, he knew how the McKinnons had come to perish. It wasn’t a secret, both due to making it onto the front cover of the Daily Prophet as well as the insight he had due to the circles he ran. Amycus Carrow walked among those that had dared to inflict the pain the other now dealt with every single day. A smirk caused his lips to perk as he turned just slightly, not bothering to fully face her. “Is that how they died?” He knew the answer. “How I was I to know any of that. I don’t bother reading about every little thing that happens.” The blond took a sip, letting the firewhiskey run down his throat with that perfect burn. Ha, burning yet again. Somehow that was what it all came down to that day, wasn’t it?

It was her that moved closer again, that step taken not unnoticed and the very same time enough cause and motivation for the wizard to turn, facing her with his face only inches away. Had it not been for the difference in heights perhaps the distance would have almost seemed dangerous. More so than it was then and there. “Hmm, perhaps I haven’t decided.” A shrug. “Perhaps I simply want to be entertained. That is the reason one goes to bars like these, is it not?” That, and the drinks. “Why are you here?” He was more than happy to turn the whole game around. “What do you seek?” - @mkmarlene

It was a dangerous game to play, any and all interactions with those she knew stood amongst the lines she was so keen on bringing down. Still it seemed to be a tempting one, a evergrowing need to face them up and push as far as they'd let her, see for herself what their breaking point was. It was obvious they were doing the same with her, pushing and prying, eventually getting information on her as she did on them. Fun, risky and absolutely interesting. "For someone whose family was killed in an arson, fire is a peculiar word to be used when referring to her." Marlene spat out, though her features remained unfazed, a shrug of her shoulders following. "Perhaps it's nothing, but it does feel an interesting choice of word." Drawing a line, turning the conversation into something else, far away from the topics she wasn't willing to discuss without her wand out. "So it's not scared you want to see." The brunette mused, her finger dancing along the rim of the glass placed before her. A drink would suit her good, a drink could betray her. "What is it, then, that you'd like to see in me?" She asked, daring yet truly wondering, curiosity sparkling in her eyes as she took a step closer towards him, locking gazes with the wizard. A pause, silence, grabbing the glass and taking a sip. "Simply this?"

[gildcdmind]

about marlene.

if only the stars contained me. if only everything kept happening in such a way that the so-called world opposed the so-called flesh.

personal. name: marlene ai mckinnon age and birthday: twenty-four, march 30 gender: cis female sexuality: openly bisexual occupation: university student, studying care of magical creatures allegiance: the order of the stag family: father; douglas mckinnon - world war ii veteran, now dragonologist [deceased] | mother; meilin mckinnon (nee tcheng) - diplomatic envoy at french ministry of magic [deceased] | siblings; angus mckinnon [deceased], alastair mckinnon [deceased], rowan mckinnon [deceased] birthplace: killin, scotland residence: in childhood, killin, scotland & marseille, france; now london, england languages known: english, french

physical. faceclaim: natasha liu bordizzo style preference: very “effortless indie rock” mixed with "hippie lovechild", long skirts and doc martens, oversized denim jackets and daisy dukes, no makeup and unstyled hair tattoos: a small "a" on her wrist, a rising sun on her bicep scars/beauty marks: many, many scars ranging from quidditch practice when she was younger to much darker battles as part of the order

personality. zodiac: aries mbti: estp-t alignment: chaotic neutral enneagram: the challenger good: determined, strategic, loyal, adventurous, humorous bad: scathing, insulting, impulsive, emotionally-detached, envious neutral: daring, ambitious, intense, straight-forward, fearless fears: losing those close to her, never being good enough self-esteem: marlene projects confidence and is shamelessly herself, rough edges and all. insecurity settles in her blind spots in the form of jealousy and the feeling of never being enough. she struggles with dissecting her emotions and properly understanding them. to make up for this, she’s constantly on the defense, putting up a wall of fire to prevent anyone, including herself from reading too deeply into her.

personality, a deep dive. sharp tongue, sharper insight; marlene’s humor is quick and often scathing—her sharp tongue a weapon as dangerous as any spell. but beneath that biting sarcasm and bravado is a mind that picks up on everything. she’s perceptive, able to read between the lines and catch the things others try to hide. her sharpness doesn’t just come from her words; it’s also in her ability to see right through a person, to understand their motives, desires, and weaknesses without them ever saying a word. while she often uses this insight as a shield, marlene isn’t blind to her own contradictions. she knows when she’s pushing people away with her words, and she does it anyway, because allowing herself to be vulnerable feels like a weakness she can’t afford.

pride and shame: the unseen tug-of-war; marlene’s pride runs deep. she doesn’t ever want to admit she’s wrong or that she needs help. admitting vulnerability feels like admitting failure—a weakness that she cannot bear. this is a constant internal struggle for her, as the emotions she tries so desperately to ignore—shame, guilt, sadness—are always knocking at the door. her pride makes it hard for her to accept help, even when she’s drowning. but when she finally does, it’s not because she’s learned to ask for it—it’s because she’s been broken open. sometimes, the cracks she fights so hard to keep closed are the only things that allow her to grow.

unyielding love; despite her walls and her sharp edges, marlene’s heart is enormous. it’s raw, untamed, and it burns with a fierce desire to love, to protect, and to fight for what is right. she may not always show it, but marlene feels things deeply. she’s not one for soft words, but the care she shows is no less profound. when she chooses to let someone in, they get the whole of her. her affection may come in the form of a joke, an insult, or a challenge, but underneath it all, there’s a burning desire to give all of herself. for those she loves, marlene would set the world on fire just to see them smile.

magical. status: pureblood house: gryffindor wand: 10.5" cherry wood, phoenix tail feather, unyielding boggart: herself, struggling against invisible bonds, alone, screaming for help. one of her greatest fears is being abandoned by everyone she loves and left for dead. patronus: tiger. a very strong, independent patronus. they have a fierce personality to them that they show openly, and have no problem doing it. however, there is more to them than just an impression, they have parts of their past that are a bit dark, and that has caused them to grow a bit cynical. they don’t like to show their feelings to others, as they like to maintain the impression for themselves and for others that they are unbreakable. they are not fast to warm up to anyone, but once they do they will protect you with all that they have. amortentia: fresh dirt, campfires, her mother’s perfume best discipline: offensive magic / transfiguration / potions worst discipline: medi-magic / astronomy

backstory. (tw child death) chapter one: ignition

From the moment she was born, Marlene McKinnon was a spark, a restless flicker in the dark. she was the darling daughter her family was praying for. Her parents, so vastly different in nature, met in the blaze of war—her father, a war hero who fought alongside Muggles in WWII, and her mother, a French diplomat whose elegance and wit were admired throughout the nation.

Theirs was a love forged in the fires of war, a collision of steel and silk that burned brightly enough to defy the odds. When Marlene was born, she became the living embodiment of their passion—a tempestuous child whose spirit seemed to promise something greater. Her father, ever steadfast and visionary, looked at her and saw the fire that would one day carve her path. Her mother, though full of dreams for Marlene’s grace, elegance, and refinement, could only watch as her daughter’s spirit raged against those confines. She was a tempest in the making—always too much, always too wild.

“She’s a fierce one,” Her father had said the day Marlene first wrapped her tiny fingers around his thumb. His voice, weathered but warm, held a note of pride. “A spark, just like her mother.”

Her mother had smiled softly, her gaze never leaving Marlene. “She’s more than that, mon amour. She’s a flame—one that will burn brighter than either of us could dream.”

chapter two: kindling

As a child, Marlene was always surrounded by the warmth of family. She had two older brothers—Alastair and Rowan— who, though older, were her entire world. The trio were an unstoppable force, united in their defiance of authority and their endless curiosity. They ran wild through the countryside, their laughter echoing like embers crackling in a hearth. Yet, even in their mischief, there was a silent understanding: Marlene was the spark, and they were the sturdy kindling that fed her flames.

Then, when she was three, her youngest brother, Angus, was born. The soft, smiling boy with his innocent wonder seemed to calm her spirit. From the moment she held him, her heart swelled with fierce love, a vow imprinted on the back of her heart to protect him from the world's storms. But not even that could stave off the inevitable. She was twelve when Angus fell ill with dragon pox. When his chest fell for the last time, there began a smolder behind her ribcage with a kind of agony she'd never felt before.

chapter three: inferno

Her brother's death was a strike of lightning, sudden and shattering. The spark in Marlene that had once burned with youthful defiance now became an all-consuming inferno, churning with grief, guilt, and anger. Her parents, whose marriage had once been a testament to love’s endurance, crumbled under the weight of their loss. Her mother retreated, locking herself away in sorrow, and her father, the stalwart soldier, drowned his pain in silence. There was a chasm that opened between her and her brothers, keeping them all stranded lonely and yearning in their own circles of Hell.

By now, the world had known her—reckless, bold, and full of laughter that could shake the walls of Hogwarts. She made her name not just through her wit but through the sheer intensity of her spirit, always charging headfirst into life’s chaos. Her words were as fiery as her heart, and her temper could ignite a room, but beneath that wild energy was an unshakable loyalty to those she loved. But it all changed after the incident. Detentions and fights, where you found trouble, you found Marlene.

It wasn’t until the summer after her third year that the walls began to close in. Her parents received countless owls from the school, urging them to guide their daughter before she threw her life away. Marlene’s rebellion, once a source of pride, began to feel like a burden, a fire that consumed her and left nothing but ash behind.

chapter four: smolder

The weight of her future, and the worry it stirred, pulled the family from their collective grief, forcing them to confront the unraveling threads of their lives. Her father, despite his sorrows, took her to work with him caring for magical creatures—teaching her patience, discipline, and the importance of control. Her mother, whose love had always been fierce and tender, took her to her own motherland of France, where strong women with their own stories of defiance and rebellion breathed new life into her.

“Strength isn’t just about burning brightly,” Her mother had told her over tea one afternoon. “It’s about knowing when to smolder and when to ignite.”

In the chaos of it all, Marlene found her brothers once again, their bond solidified by shared loss, their laughter a reminder of the strength they still carried. For the first time in her life, Marlene understood that the fire within her didn’t need to burn everything to the ground—she learned that to live was to burn.

chapter five: ashes

It seemed that life had already dealt her so many blows, yet it was still unrelenting, still cruel in ways she couldn't have foreseen. Her parents and older brothers were taken by a curse—struck down in a brutal, merciless attack, their lives extinguished in an instant. She had been miles away, too far removed from the storm she had felt whispering in the air. Her heart had sensed it, a creeping dread that gnawed at her edges, but she had been too absorbed in her own business heed the warning. Marlene was left alone to carry their names and their legacy, the weight of their absence heavier than anything she could bear.

But she would not let their death be the end of her. Marlene had always been a flame—a bright, unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous force. Now, with the last embers of her family smoldering in her chest, she realized that her fire was no longer just her own. It was theirs too. And she would burn brighter, fiercer, for them.

Her loss had forged something different in her. It had tempered the rage she had once known into a quiet, determined fury. She no longer shouted at the world, demanding it bend to her will. She was more deliberate now. More strategic. But beneath it all, that same untamable fire still burned. It was quiet at times, subdued, but never fully extinguished.

Her body fell amidst the chaos, but her spirit—unyielding, unbroken—was carried on the winds of memory. Marlene's sacrifice, though a quiet one, was no less profound, a silent testament to the indomitable will of a soul that refused to bend beneath the weight of war. Her name became another whispered legend of the First Wizarding War, a story told not with fanfare, but with reverence, a reminder that some flames, no matter how fleeting, are destined to burn brighter in the hearts of those they leave behind.

chapter six: the phoenix

But fate, it seemed, was not done with her. Death itself had a different plan. The veil, already gossamer-thin, trembled at the call of the Hallows, and in that tremor, Marlene found herself drawn back. Not reborn in the way the living would understand, but resurrected—her body, once broken, now remade, her soul returned to a world she had left behind. In her eyes, the world had changed, yet it was she who had changed the most. Her heart beat still, but it beat in a silence broken only by the whispers of the dead, and the faintest, most haunting echo of a fire that could never burn as brightly again.

For as the returned, Marlene was no longer a woman of flesh and bone, but a tool of fate, her existence bound to the whims of those who controlled the boundary between life and death. And yet, within her, the ember of defiance remained, waiting. Because though death had its grip on her, she had never been one to surrender. Not then, not now. And perhaps, just perhaps, the fire that had once given her life could be used to take it back.

wanted connections. “the devil’s voice speaks in the language of the heart” ; a member of the erinyes drawing her in. i think marlene could find herself torn between her loyalty to the order of the stag and the allure of the erinyes and this individual sees the darkness in marlene—her pain, her rage—and subtly encourages her to embrace it. they might offer her a way to use her grief as power, challenging her to throw away the moral constraints of her family’s legacy. the temptation they represent is dangerous because they understand her struggles better than anyone else, and they offer a solution to her frustration with justice. this could be someone who fought alongside her in the original Order or as part of the resistance, but who has since embraced the darker side

“I will find a way, or I will make one" ; a fellow grief survivor. this person could relate to marlene’s grief on a profound level, and their bond is built on mutual understanding and shared pain. they don’t need to speak much to each other to communicate their inner turmoil, yet they find solace in each other’s presence. their shared grief could lead to an unhealthy co-dependence, where both of them rely too heavily on each other to cope with their losses, hindering their emotional healing. alternatively, this relationship could evolve into something of a redemption arc for marlene, where she helps the other person find peace, thus healing a part of herself in the process.

"we could be heroes, just for one day” ; rival order member. in my head, this is someone who is from a different era than her. this person might challenge marlene’s views and decision-making, often questioning her recklessness or her approach to leadership. They could be an ally on the surface, but with a strong rivalry underneath. an initial thought was marlene could unexpectedly left in charge during a crucial mission when senior members are incapacitated. perhaps her decisions spark tension with the current leaders of the order once they return. while marlene proves her ability to lead under pressure, the aftermath reveals deep-rooted frustrations and differing philosophies about the order’s direction.

“Some sins cannot be washed away, but I will keep trying" ; the death eater that killed her. this would have been the last face marlene saw before she died. this could be an interesting relationship to build out whether the death eater that killed her was part of the resurrection and chose to defect or stayed aligned with the wraiths OR an relationship to build out with a child of her killer.

“the stories we grow up with are only the shadows of the real things that lived" ; an ally in a future generation. this could be interesting to explore with a character who was born after marlene's death, perhaps the child of one of her friends from the order or a young member of the resistance who only knows marlene as a figure of myth and legend. this person might look to her for guidance, but also be hesitant about the idea of befriending someone who has been returned from the dead.

“I lost you once, and now you’ve returned—but not in the way I imagined ” ; a soulmate lost in the veil. this could be someone who shared a deep, profound connection with marlene before her death—someone who might or might not have been a romantic partner, but in general, someone whose bond with her transcended typical friendship or family.

[jadedviews]

marley’s still fuming, fists clenched so tight her nails dig into her palms, but under the rage there’s that same damn heat -- vibrating low in her gut. every time she looks at tace, it gets worse. and maybe that’s why she lashes out, why the sharp words come so easy, because it’s easier to hate her than admit what’s really going on. so she argues, bites, claws out with every sharp - witted words that screams from the back of her throat. for a beat, marlene thinks maybe it’s working. she’s in control again, vibrating with leftover adrenaline, and she thinks tace is about to fold under pressure and leave. but she doesn't. she folds. suddenly everything inside marley screeches to a halt. what the fuck just happened? she watches tace’s body curl inward, and suddenly the heat in marlene's face is gone, replaced with something cold. “uh -- fuck,” she mutters, her voice small now. her hands feel wrong at her sides, so she rubs them against her jeans, awkward. “tace,” she tries, crouching down slowly, awkwardly, like she’s approaching a hurt deer on the side of the road. “hey, i’m not -- i didn’t -- i wasn’t gonna…” words fall flat, feeling useless, so she pauses, swallows hard instead as her gaze drops down. "i'm sorry, that was shitty." the apology feels strange in her mouth, too honest for someone who’s usually all edge and deflection, but she means it. eyes lift to look at tate again, head tipping sideways, eyes narrowing. “can you just… say something? or look at me? i don’t know if you’re okay, and i don’t -- i don’t know what the fuck i’m supposed to do right now.”

@rosyviews continued from here.

[leogratia]

The place was crowded and with each passing moment seemed to only get worse. It was lively, but at times a tad much to handle. Lily had only just slipped out of the Three Broomsticks tent when she noticed a figure stumble and, quite elegantly so, catch themselves before things too out of hand. The chuckle that ensued came only due to the redhead recognizing the figure in question to be a friend of hers. Her laughter burst forth, only supressed by a quick hand to cover her mouth.

"More times than I can count on both my hands, Marls." Lily glanced at the other. "It isn't a first and I doubt it'll be the last, given your self-proclaimed two left feet." Lily let her eyes drift around the area before settling back on the blonde in front of her. "Lets avoid anymore accidents, though, hm?" Of course, if need be the witch knew what to do to take care of most of the simpler things but if it could be avoided then she'd have been ever so grateful. "Not working this time around?" - @mckns

Quidditch Event, Before the Match Outside the Vendor Tents Marlene & Open

Marlene was doing everything she could to avoid the Three Broomsticks tent. Rosmerta wouldn't be upset with her, but she did feel a little bad for declining helping out for the event. She was a massive quidditch fan, after all. The tent had a massive crowd around it, surely Ros was busy and wouldn't even notice Marlene walking by, but she still decided to make a U-turn to avoid being seen.

Stumbling slightly over her own feet at the abrupt turn, Marlene took a moment to ensure she wouldn't trip over. Proud of herself for staying upright, she grinned to herself. Feeling a set of eyes on her, she turned her head, eyes narrowing at the person staring. "Can I help you?" She asked in a teasing manner, laughing, "Never see a girl with two left feet before?"

[mayaxmoon]

closed starter

"Back again, are you?" Maya glanced up from the sheaf of parchments she was rifling through, sending @xmarlenegrant a smile.

An unusual customer, this one. Half the time seemingly unsure of what she was looking for, and the other time on an incessant hunt. A wide range of topics as well, from beasts and poachers, to being stealthily handed a book on the Dark Arts. Not something Maya normally, or ever, planned on giving to a student, but this one had proven a good level of self control and good intent.

Besides, the book had been more of a history on the topic than a guide.

"Whilst I enjoy your company, there are other stores around here, young witch," she continued, straightening up and in a smooth movement putting the parchments into her desk drawer. "I sometimes wonder whether your frequent custom is beneficial or a hindrance."

All said with good nature. Of course.

Truthfully, Maya had no issues with Marlene and had a fair amount of respect for her. Sharing a small book on the background of Dark Arts was one sign of this respect. Marlene seemed quite capable, and was good for a chat as well. Somehow always knew the gossip. People opened up to her, Maya supposed. Hadn't she done the same?

"I was actually about to brew some tea. Are you here to shop, or just for a look around? You're welcome to join me."

[xmarlenegrant]

closed starter;; @thelaylacooper

"You know, Butterbeer is safe for consumption. Usually. But the way you've been glaring at that glass, I think it's apt to have gone flat."

It wasn't unusual or surprising that Marlene had managed to find a fellow Hogwarts student within Hogsmeade. Most everyone seemed to be here these days; gathering supplies for the new year, or trying to make the most of those final, glorious days of sunshine.

It seemed about right that she should should run into someone within the Three Broomsticks. It was where the best people went, after all - though she could recall far too many unpleasant and odd moments in the pub as well as the good.

For the next few days, until term began, the Broomsticks was where Marlene was staying. Her parents were gone again. Flying off (perhaps literally) around the globe. It was fine. She was used to it in a way. Besides, her last year at Hogwarts had led to her finding that odd thing - a found family. Of sorts. ...There were perhaps a few that were more an annoyance, or that 'odd' one in the family.

Had Layla made the cut into the group yet? No, perhaps not. Not yet. But Marlene still could remember a few chats and study sessions with the Ravenclaw. She seemed bright. And able to speak to people. Marlene could appreciate that, greatly.

The currently blonde soon-to-be-sixth-year slid onto the stool next to her friend, soft smile on her face. And perhaps a little worry. Or curiosity. A mix of both. Something seemed not quite right. However did she always seem to find people in need of dire assistance? She ought to start charging for help - some sort of private detective perhaps. ...But that thought was shaken from her head and she focused on her fellow student. "Are you alright, Layla? I know this time of year sometimes brings on doom and gloom for some. But normally, well... isn't going back to Hogwarts a good thing?"

[fidemaledicta]

There's something calmer about not having to walk about with a filter attached to each word escaping one's mouth. Whenever presented with the ears of someone that didn't require planned words or sneakiness the weight on her shoulders seemed to slip off so much easier, allowing for a temporary feeling of floating to set in.

"So,... the usual then?" Emmeline chuckles, tilting her head to the side with a shrug. "How bizarre is it that it seems almost too normal for me to consider it breaking news?" She glanced at her friend. "Don't know if I'd call providing potions or breaking curses all that glamorous. I do have my moments, I suppose but it's nothing out of the ordinary." The brunette glanced around, scanning the park area around them. Caution never quite seemed to leave her.

fidemaledicta​:

Emmeline allowed herself a moment to take it all in, the peaceful atmosphere so very different from anything she’d gotten used to over the past few years. A part of her almost struggles to believe that such a place could exist in a world that was filled with more horrors than she would have dared to imagine during their shared time at Hogwarts and yet the proof was right in front of her. “Let’s walk then. We haven’t caught up in a while. Life’s too hectic.”

Her feet carry her, walking down the unfamiliar path without waiting around. There’s faith the other will follow, eventually lead the way. “How’ve you been?” She glances over at her friend. “You know, flying would have been more fun, though I don’t guess that is something so easily done around here.”

She laughs at the question— it has been far too generic for a while. How are you? Survivng. Still alive, you? Marlene could not really use those excuses anymore- she’s always been one gor geniune converstions.

They start walking and it feels like old friends getting to know one another again, getting to know how the othee has really been. “You know the jist, working my ass off and sleeping couple hours a night.” She chuckles then, feeling somehow jittery to be able to say it so real outloud. “Work has not been easier, despite everything. And you? Having the most glamours life?”

[thursdaygrl]

closed starter for @heartintact

The second that Juliet's gaze caught on that familiar face, the entire trajectory of her night shifted in an instant. It'd been a few months, maybe close to six since she'd last seen Marlene, a fight following a particularly messy trip with a group of their debaucherous friends had called for another ending, followed by an extended stay for Juliet in Europe. She'd been swanning around attending different fashion week events, building up the attention on her Instagram in a way she hadn't since the glory days of her skating. In a way it was the perfect time to see her again, considering the fact that Juliet had been feeling the boredom seeping in as of late. It was all too easy for her, the influencing, the fashion, charming people. She'd been bred for it she supposed, like a prize fucking mare. She approached the table with a grin, greeting her former coach first as she stood behind a couple of young, waif-thin girls who were probably tapped to be the next her. In their dreams, she couldn't help thinking internally. "I didn't mean to interrupt, but I just couldn't not say hi." She said, ignoring the starstruck looks from the girls she wasn't paying attention to. Instead, her attention had shifted entirely to Marlene, as her mother began to insist she join them. "I couldn't intrude, really, no, I was happy to dine alone." The rebuffing was for show, of course and Juliet tried to stifle her satisfied smile as the woman began to offer her a spot next to her daughter at the table.

[dementrd]

@redemptioninterlude  liked  for  a  starter

he’s  waiting  for  her  in  the  leaky  cauldron  ,  relaxed  as  ever  despite  the  risk  surrounding  this  particular  meeting  .  so  much  can  go  wrong  for  them  ,  and  at  times  he  feels  himself  the  worst  spy  possible  ,  and  yet  he  hasn’t  been  caught  .  a  miracle  for  someone  like  him  ,  sat  there  leather  clad  ,  long  haired  ,  cigarette  between  perfect  teeth  —  he  demands  attention  ,  in  fact  he  needs  it  .  somehow  ,  his  head  is  still  on  his  shoulders  ,  but  how  long  until  a  death  eater  throws  a  curse  his  way  ?

when  he  catches  sight  of  marlene  ,  sirius  grins  around  his  cigarette  and  waves  her  over  .  it’s  been  a  while  since  he’s  last  seen  his  old  classmate  and  any  reminder  of  hogwarts  is  a  welcome  one  .  he  misses  it  like  a  limb  ,  that  place  where  he  was  the  star  his  woeful  parents  named  him  for  ,  where  he  knew  where  he  stood  and  he  felt  as  though  the  world  was  too  small  for  to  hold  him  in  its  grasp  ;  these  days  it  feels  all  too  big  ,  and  too  easy  to  get  lost  in  .  “  fancy  seeing  you  here  ,  ”  he  winks  in  her  direction  ,  kicking  out  the  spare  seat  for  her  with  ease  .  “  want  a  drink  ?  ” 

[m-macdonaldx]

where: daisy & tilden's house party who: @mckns

"MARS BAR" The brunette squeals, racing up to the third to her pie, she would have been lost without the other, and Sirius. They were her rock. Again, life saver, who let her rummage through their closet to find the outfit she was currently wearing, too drunk to care how revealing it was. Mary was certain she may have flashed her ass since the fabric kept riding up.

It was natural for her eyes to drift to the words written on her friends chest, squinting her eyes to focus better. "Touch. Boobs." There were more words, but those two stood out and without hesitation, her hands reach forward, and not merely touch, but fondle Marlene's boobs. "WAIT...." She gives a little squeeze. "They are so....firm but plush, like I could keep doing this all night." Clearly drunk Mary's common sense was thrown to the wind.

"Touch mine." It seemed fair, reaching for Marlene's hands to place over top of hers. "Do they feel like yours?" Her words serious, a pout on her face with almost sad puppy eyes. She wanted them to feel like theirs. They felt great. Then out of the blue. "I'm going to kiss Sirius tonight."

[fcrox]

Hestia listened, observed, gave the other witch the space she needed to get it out into the open should she wish to and when she did, not a word escaped the former Hufflepuff. Instead, she found herself nodding, most of the words making sense and explaining in perfect detail why Marlene had seemed off, had seemed to be carrying a burden much heavier than most. Not because she truly had it worse, or better – that was not a judgement for anyone to make – but because she felt it her duty to put herself second even while her whole world had crumbled. The witch got up, placed her cup on the table and moved to a cabinet just off to the side. It was the only time she found herself feeling the whole thing appropriate as she instead came back with a bottle of firewhiskey, only to pour a proper shot into both their cups. Afterwards the bottle was stored back where it came from. It was one of those moments that left her feeling like one needed the burn to sooth the issue itself; sooth, not discard.

“You are allowed those moments, you know? In fact, you need those moments, and they are okay.” Hestia looked at her with an expression that left no doubt about how much she wished to just take the pain away from the other. Losing family had been one very big luxury that the auror had not taken for granted, simply because of how unrealistic it was for her – for any of them – to think they would not be in a position with the same risk the blonde in front of her had known and then experienced. “If you’re not done dealing with it, deal with it. That is your damn right.” She was firm on that stance, felt the need to emphasize it. “The tricky part is to allow yourself that time to grieve and then go back to being that strong person that you are.” Hestia did not see the strong persona to be a mask, no, rather someone pushed back in favor of other things at times. “You are strong. You don’t have to be. And your friends, they know that more than you think. Besides,” and there it was, the harsh truth that held so much kindness and caring within its words. “if you keep pouring water, or whatever else it is, over your walls and foundations, all aiming to be strong, what do you think will happen with the sand that holds it up?” She let those words sink in for a moment. “Sometimes it is okay to take a moment and make sure those walls that you have, even you don’t believe it, remain as they are. Take that time to grieve if you want to, if you need to and don’t feel ashamed of it. Anyone who makes you feel ashamed, I’ll rain hell down on them.” - @mkmarlene

Always loud and never once shying away from the world, Marlene was experiencing a whole new version of herself, dismissing every opportunity given by her friends to voice her thoughts and keeping most everything hidden from those who cared for her. What good could possibly come out of sharing the many issues that burdened her, the nightmares she woke up screaming from, the hollowness in her chest that didn't seem to go away, no matter how hard she tried. The witch had tried to heal, to move past the grief but to no avail, it wasn't an easy task to accomplish when everything around her was a constant reminder of the great loss she'd suffered. The worst part seemed to be, she was not only one facing such fate, the people she cared about exposed to the same thing happening to them-- and that was what she couldn't allow. Marlene kept her sadness her own, pretending everything was okay, dealing with matters as best as she could. Alcohol, sex, nonsense. Whatever worked.

And yet it didn't, nothing ever did. Lost without escape, the witch found herself taking Hestia up on her offer, some distance from the usual faces and same old places perhaps enough to get her talking. A sigh leaving her lips, the blonde nodded her head slowly. "Trying, it's all I ever seem to do, while no one knows I'm even doing it." She admitted at last, her shoulders shrugged as she focused her gaze on the cup of tea on her hands. "My family's dead, Hestia, and I'm nowhere near done dealing with it. I'm a bloody mess and I keep lying, saying I'm just fine. I'm not, but I can't not be fine, not when my friends need me. I don't even have a breather from the pretense, I have to be strong for them." A confession she'd been bottling up for so long, even as she got home and grabbed a bottle to blur the emotions away, Dorcas was there and she forced herself to smile and hide the pain as well.

[hauntedscreams]

where: somewhere overlooking the stables / haunted mansion who: anyone

"i almost didn't recognize him." marlene pointed her chin in the direction of the man assisting the graphorn. "my own father and i almost didn't recognize him." she could feel tears threatening to pool in her eyes. "how sad is that?" she had been so young when he passed, not even at hogwarts, yet, but was that really an excuse?

[gildcdmind]

WHO marlene mckinnon & OPEN WHEN 25.12.30 (christmas with the order) WHERE outside 12 grimmauld place

She's going to hurl. In typical Marlene fashion, she had drank and drank and drank if only to just show off that she could hold her liquor as well as everyone else seemed to. But all of that and she still didn't quite understand how she was standing here. Bloodied crescent-moons dug into her palms, her own reminder to herself that she was in fact standing here. She was standing here.

Sunset-flushed, with ruffled hair, and breath panting out in small, burning clouds against the night air, she stumbles her way away from the party and to a quieter part of the street. She can barely see straight when she bends over, her stomach starting to bubble and boil its way past her tongue and straight into the bushes, the sounds of retching the only thing cutting through the silence. She hated it—hated the weakness in it—but she could not stop. The goblet remains clenched in her grip, as though it alone could tether her to this world, this moment, this fleeting shred of something resembling life. But even as her stomach writhes, her fingers tighten around the chalice with desperate conviction.

Her hands are shaking when she straightened back up and out of the corner of her eye she sees – in her spinning, fluorescent world – a figure standing opposite her. Another gulp of her drink seemed necessary, and she doesn't even care that her mouth was still coated with the thick taste of vomit. Her eyes flicker up to theirs, the back of her hand dragging across her mouth in a half-assed attempt to seem decent.

Her lips twitch into something that resembled a grin, “Ah, well. A second chance at life and this is what I do with it—big surprise.” Her voice cracks slightly, but she brushes it off. She takes another swig from her goblet, almost as if to prove a point.

“I should probably start charging admission for the entertainment, don’t you think? I’ve got all the drama and none of the dignity.” The words coming out more challenge than apology. A short bark of laughter passing through her lips, the sound brittle and unfamiliar. She tries to steady herself, and then gave a little shrug before allowing the wall beside her to take her weight. It was an offer of nothing—no excuse, no reason. Just her, standing in the hollow silence of the street, still wearing the remnants of the life she no longer knew how to live.

[thefvrious]

@redemptioninterlude said -> ‘ almost dead yesterday , maybe dead tomorrow , but alive , gloriously alive , today . ’

The exhaustion is worn deep into his bones, like it's sucked out all the marrow, replaced the hollowness there with an aching that can't be satiated because there's never enough rest. The bags under his eyes have bags, the worry he carries is like the weight of the world, and yet there's no end in sight. And yet, and yet...

He's reminded of his hunt for danger and mischief and adventure only a few short years earlier. If only he'd known then what they would be thrust into now. Still, Marlene and the others seem to find their solace in whatever they can, find their peace, and James'll cling to whatever morsel is offered.

He's wet from dueling in the rain, bruised from not being able to block every single attack, but he's alive, like Marlene said. Gloriously alive. He can't help the force of his grin as he looks at her over a plate of shitty food one of them has cooked up quickly, just enough to sustain them. "That's right, McKinnon. Keep the positive thoughts for the lot of us, yeah? A morning like this ought to have us all in high spirits. Why aren't we celebrating?"

[tragedicn]

@killerhubby / sc.

            hand smoothing over his suit  ,  something certainly felt missing . . . or perhaps she's forgotten something  .  while trying to right his jacket's collar  ,  the thought dawned on her  .  ❝  i almost forgot  !!  ❞  she exclaims  ,  leaving her spot in front of the other to rush towards the closet  .  oh dear . . . where had she misplaced the item now  .  ❝  i was sure i put it in here when i came back from my trip . . .  ❞  she rifled through the drawers  .

[impcrios]

@bewitchcd

mary was chugging her caffeine like her life depended on it, staring directly at the ministry and the gaggle of people that were probably asking the same thing : what do we do now? immediately as the dark mark hit the sky mary knew that she needed to get into action mode, she of course was an obliviator and didn't know exactly the non wixen surrounding had saw and the results didn't surprise her. she was shaking slightly, thinking of what today would bring. "oh merlin, i can't do it. i can't go in. i haven't slept i was up all night with the obliviation team and aurors." she looks over at marlene for a moment. "are you alright? i know you might have training today or is that on pause given the whole fucking skull and snake thing we saw in the sky?"