Marlene McKinnon

[Ink in this message is blurred, stained with obvious teardrops. You may have to strain to see the words]

I don't--

I can't--

Why does this keep happening to me?

[PRIVATE TO SIRIUS, EDGAR, BENJY & LILY]
My dad is dead gone. I don't--

I don't know what to do.

I know it was him. It was Dolly.
[/PRIVATE]

Sunday dinner is always so much better when your mum cooks it. Surely I can't be the only person who has discovered this? I know almost everyone says this, but nobody can cook a roast like my mum. It was nice to catch up with them all, save Cal whose still at school. It was me, Liz, and the 'rents and I can't ever remember having so much fun. Everyone who knows me should be aware of how much of a slag friendly my sister is, and today was no exception. She brought her new toy boyfriend around. He's called Noah and he's American. Yeah, American. Seemed like a decent bloke. I only wish he knew what he was letting himself in for...

We all went out for drinks afterwards. Dad paid for once in honour of Liz and Noah. Perhaps I can con one out of him sometime soon when--

It was a great day. I had forgotten how amazing my family were. Happy Sunday, everyone!

[PRIVATE TO BENJY]
Due to Liz bringing Noah around, my parents were asking about you. I think they want to meet you. It's completely up to you if you want to. Are we ready for the whole meet and greet thing? I don't know. I'll leave it in your hands.
[/PRIVATE]

[PRIVATE TO BENJY]
So...What's eating Kingsley? Don't say 'nothing', because something has Dorcas all worried and he's not letting slip. So who better to ask than you, my dear? Truth please!
[/PRIVATE]

[PRIVATE TO BENJY, SIRIUS & LILY]
He was there. One of them was there.

I went to Lorcan Yaxley's party with Edgar last night and I heard the voice of one of them...He was there. I was in the same room as him!





I don't know what to do. I can't stop thinking about it. I can't stop shaking.



I think i'm going to be sick.
[/PRIVATE]

Ever had a song that you can't get out of your head? Being a DJ, this happens to me a lot. I'm always up for listening to new tunes and discovering new artists. For the past week or so though, I haven't really been able to listen to much of anything, save Vespa and The Veelas.

Vespa and The Veelas are the best thing to come out of Sweden for a long time. Their English is actually pretty good for a couple of Swedish birds. I've been playing their debut single, Forever Fifteen, as often as I can without getting myself sacked. It's just so catchy! It's very poppy, which is perfect as summer is almost here! They're over here on tour this month and I have the pleasure of going to see them tomorrow night! I have three two spare tickets, if anyone is interested?

Oh, Sirius? Two out of four of them are Veela. Doesn't that make you want to tag along?

[PRIVATE TO BENJY]
Feel up for it? I've saved you a ticket if you feel like coming along.
[/PRIVATE]

[PRIVATE TO LILY, EDGAR, AND SIRIUS]
The date with Benjy went AMAZINGLY. He's such a gentleman (and none of us ever thought i'd end up dating one of those, am I right?) and he's adorable! I had the best time and he said that he wanted to go on another date!

Is it bad that I think i'm in love? It's too soon, isn't it?

Oh, shit. This is going to be like Sam all over again, isn't it? What am I supposed to do?!
[/PRIVATE]

So, it's Valentine's Day tomorrow. Another year, another day.

All of the singles should get together. There's a possibility that Dorcas and I will be herding everyone who is partner-less together for drinks and deserts, so we can while away the afternoon together. No moping around or feeling sorry for yourself though. Anyone caught doing so will receive a cheering charm to the face. Sorry to all of you in relationships, but you're not invited. I expect you'll all have your own plans anyway.

Since nobody has sent me a dozen roses and an invitation for dinner, it'll be me and Edgar out on the town again. Yes, we made a pact when we were in fifth year that every Valentine's Day, if we don't have a date, we'll dress up all fancy and just go out as friends. I can't say that he's ever stood me up or let me down, unlike some other guys i'd rather not mention. This year is his choice too, so i'm looking forward to whatever he has in store.

So, whatever you're doing this V Day, have fun and don't scoff too much chocolate.

[PRIVATE]
I can't stop thinking about Benjy.

Is it because he cared so much after what happened? I don't know if these feelings are gratitude or something else. I mean, I am grateful, of course I am. I only started having these feelings recently though, so are they there on a whim? Or is it real?

I haven't felt this way since Sam bloody Martin asked me out at the end of sixth year and I stupidly said yes. Look how that turned out.
[/PRIVATE]

Back to work tomorrow after my week-long vacation. It'll be good to get back into the swing of things. I never knew how much I would miss doing what I do. I will never take the piss poor coffee for granted ever again.

[PRIVATE TO ORDER/SUPPORTERS]
I'm doing good. Benjy took me to Mungo's last night, and i'm pretty much as good as new. That bloody cut on my side is finally closed up, and it's left an even cooler scar than i'd first anticipated. Here's hoping that I don't get any more for a while, as i've had enough of getting injured.

Before anybody says it, I promise not to work too hard (not that I do anyway) and I swear i'll take it easy. If anybody needs me, or feels the urge to check up on me (which I hope you don't), you know where to find me.

Oh, and Benjy? Thank you.
[/PRIVATE]


[PRIVATE TO SELF]
Is it wrong that as I was crying all over him, I found Benjy slightly attractive? I mean, he actually sat and listened like he cared. He didn't freeze up or stutter or anything. He's not a bad looking guy, but i've never actually looked at him in that way before. Was it just vulnerability? Or do I actually sort of like him?

I guess i'll have to wait and see.
[/PRIVATE]

I'm back.

Woke up in an alley somewhere in Reading. Managed to apparate home without splinching myself even though I doubt it would hurt as much as... and I passed out soon after. I just woke up, and I thought it would be a good idea to tell everyone that i'm alive.

What did I miss whilst I was busy? Did everyone else get out alive okay?

The annual Wrock festival is on in Glasgow this week, which means I get a wonderful week off! Paid as well! Being a DJ does have its perks. I have free tickets to go, if anybody feels like it? Our good buddy Edgar will be playing on Tuesday afternoon, so I reckon we should all go along and support him. Apart from that, my week is free. It's going to be a good'un, I can tell.

Here's to seven days of freedom!

Okay, so this is a fanmix I created about the soon-to-be in-game relationship between Benjy and Marlene. Tasha and I both agreed that their relationship would be pretty light-hearted and extremely cute, so that's what I've tried to encompass.

Special thanks to Lily for some seriously awesome recc's!

Remus,

I figured that you might like this. The Prophet might be printing rubbish, but at least you can still entertain yourself. Expect one every day from now on!

Love,
Marly.

[ENCLOSED - The crossword page from The Daily Prophet]

Comments about Marlene would be very much appreciated. I'd love to know what you think of her, be it good or bad. Criticism is encouraged, as are tips and praise!

Thanks! <3