The Brightest Star- A Sirius Black Love Story

Chapter 5

Later that night, after all my friends had disappeared into their rooms to sleep, I snuck outside to the Gryffindor balcony. But instead of having an opportunity to look on out at the beautiful stars and the shining moon, I ran straight into August McLaggen. 

"Oh, I'm so sorry Willow!" he said, helping me up after our fall.

I smiled, and I couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. A tall, muscular boy with wavy brown hair and green eyes filled with concern stared down at me. 

"Oh, it's ok!" I blushed, taking his hand. "I couldn't sleep, so I came to look at the stars..."

"They're beautiful aren't they?" he asked looking up into the shimmering night sky. 

I noticed he was still holding my hand, but I was certainly fine with it. 

"Yes," I sighed, resting my arm on the balcony. "I love the stars and astronomy for that matter, but no one seems to share my interests."

"I do!" August said eagerly, who had noticed our interlocked hands and was blushing a furious red. "I love Astronomy! It's been my favorite class for ages!" 

I grinned at him, excited to share my knowledge. "Do you know that one?" I asked, pointing to one of my favorite constellations. 

"Lyra!" he exclaimed and pointed to a different, very familiar star. "That one is one of my favorites."

"Oh..." I said, the pang of sadness hit me like a wave. "Yes, that's the Canis Majoris, otherwise known as the Dogstar." Or Sirius....  I thought internally. 

August was oblivious to my mood change, and he was nodding his head. "I'm glad I finally met someone who.. understands me."

"Me too," I said sadly, knowing if Sirius was here all he would do was make fun of me and joke. 

We sat in comfortable silence, soaking in the beauty of the night sky. 

"Do you want to go to Hogsmeade with me?"

I looked up into the dreamy sixth year's eyes. 

"I'd love to!" I smiled at him and he grinned, waving goodbye before he headed up to the boy's dorm. 

I sighed, happy that my heart was finally able to move on from the frivolous troublemaker Sirius Black. 

***********************************************************************

"You mean that August McLaggen, Quidditch Captain and sixth-year heartthrob asked you to Hogsmeade?" Lily gushed, as we gossiped over hot chocolate and Herbology essays. 

"Don't sound so surprised, Lily!" I chuckled, happier than I'd been in weeks. "Just because I was stuck on Sirius for ages doesn't mean I can't move on!" 

"Of course you can!" she gave me a one-armed hug. "All the boys stare at you and I'm sure more than half of them would love to take you to Hogsmeade!" 

"Boys don't stare at me!" I scoffed, my face turning red at the thought. 

Lily sipped her hot chocolate with a smirk. "Of course they do, it's only because of James that none of them have asked you out!"

"Lily Evans, you astonish me every day!" I playfully hit her on the arm. "Since when do you pay attention to James?" 

She blushed, changing the conversation quickly. "Anyways... what are you planning on wearing?"

"Hmm?" I asked, my thoughts on all the boys my brother has stopped from flirting with me. 

"What are you going to wear, I mean, to your date with McLaggen?"