MINOR EDITS IN PROGRESS - The Forgotten Heir | Sirius Black (Marauders Era)

Chapter 2: Reputation and Resolve

The corridors of Hogwarts were alive with the usual bustle of students hurrying to their classes, laughter and chatter echoing off the stone walls. It was Velora Wool's fourth year, and she had carved out a reputation that preceded her. Among the Slytherins, she was known as a cold-hearted bitch, a term whispered with a mixture of fear and grudging respect. She befriended Mudbloods and Half-bloods, a fact that isolated her from many within her own house.

The same people who had shown her kindness in her first year now looked at her with disdain. The warmth of those initial friendships had turned cold, replaced by a stark animosity. Velora didn't shy away from confrontation; she met their scorn with hexes and duels, often taking on opponents older and more experienced than herself. Her skill and maturity as a witch had grown significantly, earning her a formidable reputation.

Despite her icy demeanor, Velora attracted attention. Many boys were drawn to her, fascinated by her beauty and her defiant spirit. But Velora had eyes for only one: Sirius Black. Sirius, with his effortless charm and rebellious nature, was the center of attention himself. He was known as a player, his flirtations legendary, yet Velora saw through his facade.

In the library, Velora sat alone at a table, her books spread out before her. She ignored the glares and whispers from her housemates, focusing on her Potions assignment.

"Well, if it isn't the Ice Queen herself," Sirius drawled, leaning casually against the table.

Velora looked up, her green eyes locking onto his grey ones. "What do you want, Black?" she asked, her tone as cold as the nickname she had earned.

Sirius grinned, undeterred. "Just thought I'd grace you with my presence. It seems to be the highlight of most girls' days."

"Fortunately, I'm not most girls," Velora replied, her gaze drifting back to her book as if he were an afterthought.

"You wound me, Velora," Sirius said, placing a hand over his heart in mock pain. "But seriously, why do you always have to be so distant? You know, it wouldn't kill you to smile once in a while."

She sighed, closing her book with a snap. "And why do you always have to flirt with every girl you meet? Or is that just your way of compensating for something?"

Sirius chuckled, leaning closer. "Maybe I just haven't met the right girl yet. Or maybe she's too busy pretending she doesn't care to notice."

Velora arched an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk playing at her lips. "Is that your best attempt at flirting? Because I'm not impressed."

"Well, maybe you're just a tougher crowd," Sirius said, grinning wider. He lowered his voice, leaning in a bit closer. "But then, I do love a challenge."

"You might be biting off more than you can chew, Black," she replied coolly, crossing her arms as she met his gaze with an unwavering stare.

"Is that so?" Sirius replied, clearly enjoying the banter. "Tell me, Velora, has anyone ever actually managed to make you smile? Or are you saving that for some particularly special occasion?"

Velora shrugged, her expression still guarded. "If they did, I doubt I'd be telling you about it."

Sirius laughed, undeterred. "How about a bet, then?"

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not interested in your games."

"Afraid you'll lose?" he challenged, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Velora glared at him, a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth betraying her amusement. "Fine. What's the bet?"

"If I can make you smile, genuinely smile, by the end of the week, you have to go to Hogsmeade with me."

"And if you don't?" she asked, her tone skeptical.

"I'll leave you alone for the rest of the year," Sirius promised, leaning back with a cocky grin.

Velora considered it for a moment, her eyes narrowing. The thought of some peace and quiet was tempting. "Deal," she said finally.

Sirius winked. "You won't regret it."

"We'll see," Velora muttered, returning to her studies as Sirius sauntered off, his confidence unwavering.

Over the next few days, Sirius made good on his bet. He appeared everywhere Velora went, his presence as constant as her shadow. In the Great Hall, he would send enchanted paper birds to her, each one carrying a humorous or absurd message. During classes, he found opportunities to sit next to her, his whispered comments designed to amuse or distract her.

One afternoon, while Velora was studying by the lake, Sirius approached with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Velora, do you know why the sun never sets on the wizarding world?"

She looked at him skeptically. "No, why?"

"Because it's always a spell-binding place," he said, his grin widening.

Velora couldn't help it. A small, reluctant smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Sirius's eyes lit up, triumphant. "There it is! I knew I could do it."

Her smile vanished almost immediately, but Sirius had caught it. "Fine, you win," she conceded. "One trip to Hogsmeade."

"Excellent. I'll pick you up at ten on Saturday," Sirius said, his tone smug.

"Don't be late," Velora replied, turning back to her book. She watched him walk away, a mixture of irritation and amusement bubbling inside her.