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

Chapter 4: A Night Under The Stars

Saturday evening arrived with a palpable sense of anticipation. Velora found herself in the Slytherin common room once again, her nerves more pronounced than they had been for their initial bet. She had agreed to a real date with Sirius Black, and despite her best efforts to remain distant, she couldn't deny the flutter of excitement in her chest.

Sirius appeared, looking uncharacteristically nervous himself. "Ready?" he asked, a boyish grin on his face.

Velora eyed him carefully, her expression reserved. "As I'll ever be," she replied, standing. She smoothed down her robes, masking her mixed feelings with an indifferent look.

They made their way through the castle, the halls quieter than usual with most students in their common rooms or the library. The cool evening air greeted them as they stepped outside, the sky a deep indigo, dotted with stars. Sirius led her to the Astronomy Tower, a favorite spot for couples seeking privacy. The view of the night sky was breathtaking, the stars twinkling like diamonds against the velvet darkness.

"Why here?" Velora asked, her voice steady, though curiosity danced behind her eyes as they settled on a stone bench.

"It's quiet, and the view is amazing," Sirius replied, glancing out at the sky. "I thought you'd appreciate the peace."

Velora nodded, a flicker of tension leaving her shoulders. "It is beautiful."

Sirius watched her, his gaze more thoughtful than teasing. "Velora, I want to thank you for giving this a chance. I know it's not easy for you to trust people."

She looked at him, a hint of surprise in her expression, though she remained guarded. "It isn't," she said quietly. "But you've been... persistent."

He laughed softly, his eyes warm. "That's one way to put it. I just... I feel like there's more to you than what everyone else sees."

"There is," she admitted, though her voice was barely above a whisper. "But it's easier to keep people at arm's length."

Sirius looked down, his smile softening. "I get that. But I'm not going to hurt you, Velora. I promise."

Velora turned to him, her green eyes searching his for any hint of dishonesty. "Why should I believe you, Black? You have a reputation—people say you're only in this for a good time."

Sirius held her gaze, his expression serious. "Because I'm not like them. I don't care what people say, and I don't care who you think you have to be. I just want to know you."

She studied him in silence, his honesty disarming her despite her reservations. "Maybe... maybe I'll give you a chance," she said finally, her voice softer than she intended.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the night wrapping around them. Bit by bit, Velora felt herself relaxing, allowing a sense of ease she hadn't felt in a long time to settle in. The tension that had been there earlier melted away, replaced by a warmth she couldn't quite name.

Sirius broke the silence, glancing up at the stars. "Do you ever think about the future?"

Velora's gaze drifted out to the night sky. "Sometimes. But I try not to—it's hard to imagine what it'll be like."

Sirius nodded thoughtfully. "I get it. I mean, I think we all do. Nothing's certain, and it feels like everything's out of our hands sometimes."

She tilted her head, looking at him with newfound understanding. "It's strange... Hogwarts is the closest thing I've had to a home. It's the only place I feel like I could actually belong."

"I feel the same way," he replied, his voice laced with something sad and unspoken. "My family... well, let's just say they aren't the most supportive."

"I've heard the rumors," Velora said gently. "But you're not like them."

Sirius met her gaze, his expression softening. "That means more than you know, Velora."

Their conversation flowed naturally after that, each of them sharing stories of their childhoods, their hopes, and memories. Velora found herself laughing more than she had in years, the sound feeling unfamiliar but welcome. Sirius's charm was undeniable, but tonight it was his sincerity that touched her in ways she hadn't anticipated.

At one point, Sirius reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, enchanted trinket. "I won this for you at Hogsmeade," he said, handing it to her with a shy grin.

Velora took it, her fingers grazing the delicate surface of the locket, which shimmered with a soft, golden glow. "It's... beautiful," she murmured, taken aback by the gesture.

"I'm glad you like it," Sirius said, his eyes shining.

They sat in companionable silence, the night air cool around them as they lingered under the stars. Velora felt a sense of belonging, a warmth she hadn't felt in years.

As the evening drew to a close, Sirius turned to her, his expression serious. "Velora, I had a great time tonight."

She nodded, her voice almost reluctant. "Me too."

"Maybe we can do it again sometime?" he asked, his eyes full of hope.

"Maybe," she replied, allowing a small smile to break through.

Sirius grinned, looking genuinely happy. "I'll take that as a yes."

However, as they walked back toward the castle, Sirius's playful side returned, and Velora's mood shifted.

"So, not so much of an Ice Queen, are you?" he teased with a smirk, his tone light but the words stinging.

Velora stopped, her smile vanishing. "Don't ruin it, Black. This wasn't some conquest for you, and I'm not here to boost your ego."

Sirius's grin faded, clearly taken aback. "Velora, I didn't mean it like that—"

"Then don't make me feel like it is," she replied coldly, turning on her heel. "I don't play games, Sirius. If that's all you want, you can find someone else."

Without another word, she strode away, leaving Sirius standing in the shadows, watching her disappear into the castle.

The days that followed were tense. Velora found herself feeling more withdrawn, avoiding Sirius and his usual hangouts, though she caught his gaze lingering on her more than once. The distance grew, and Velora convinced herself it was for the best.

But one evening, as she left the library after a late study session, she heard footsteps hurrying up behind her. She turned, seeing Sirius approach, a mixture of apology and determination on his face.

"Velora, wait!" he called, slowing to a stop when he reached her.

She crossed her arms, looking at him guardedly. "What do you want, Sirius?"

He exhaled, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "I know I messed up at the end of the night. I wasn't thinking, and I just... I made it feel like some joke. I didn't mean to."

She looked away, fighting the flicker of hurt that resurfaced. "Then why did you say it? Why treat me like some prize?"

Sirius's shoulders slumped, regret plain in his eyes. "I don't know... I guess I tried to cover up how much I actually care. You make me nervous, Velora," he admitted with a sheepish smile. "Give me a chance to make it up to you?"

She hesitated, but something in his voice—something vulnerable—made her relent. "And how would you do that?"

"A real date," he said, his voice steady. "No jokes, no games. Just you and me."

Velora studied him, still wary, though his sincerity seemed genuine. "If you mess this up, Black, I won't hesitate to hex you."

Sirius laughed, relieved. "Fair enough. Saturday evening, after dinner?"

She nodded, finally allowing herself a small smile. "Fine. But remember, this is your last chance."

Sirius raised his hands in mock surrender. "Noted. And I won't waste it."

As she turned to go, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope stir within her, despite her best efforts to remain guarded. Perhaps, she thought, just this once, it wouldn't hurt to let her guard down. Just a little.