Look at the Stars

Sirius had been somewhat distracted during the day by his teaching, but nagging thoughts of Harry's danger kept seeping into the back of his mind. And, of course, he seldom stopped thinking of Hermione.

He was surprised that it didn't seem odd that he should have such feelings for his godson's best friend. As he thought the situation through, it seemed almost comically absurd. But despite the superficial appearance of romantic prospects between a 43-year-old and a 22-year-old, it felt right. To me, at least, he thought.

"Sirius," Hermione said authoritatively as he sat down beside her, "let's get right to the point. I hear a Ravenclaw sixth year might be asking you to the Halloween Ball."

Sirius smirked. He hadn't heard anything of this, but he played along, "And so what if she did?"

"You couldn't possibly be thinking of accepting her."

"Whyever not?"

"It would simply be inappropriate, Sirius. You know that. . . you don't want to start any rumors."

"Ah, well, what are you going to do about it?" Sirius smiled.

"I'm going to provide you with a way out. It's simple. If the silly floozy asks you, simply tell her you already have a date."

"For all you know, I do."

Hermione scowled as she considered this prospect. "You don't," she said decisively.

"Astute observation, Hermione. Are you advocating lying to the students?" he continued slyly.

"No, I'm advocating taking an old friend to the ball."

"Namely?"

"Me."

Sirius raised his eyebrows mysteriously. "This plan lacks your usual thorough logical consideration, Hermione. Rather than preventing the spread of rumors, taking you to the ball would, in fact, start rumors," he winked charmingly as he continued wearing that infuriating smirk. "I'm disappointed, 'Mione. I thought you were smarter than that."

Hermione looked outraged. "Rumors of what, Sirius? The students know there's nothing between us, eh?"

"Do they?" Sirius said, his eyes gleaming as he picked up his plate and started walking away. Heading back to the faculty table, he shouted, "I'll pick you up at six, in the Gryffindor common room, okay, dearest?"