Dreams and Desires

Dreams and Desires

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It was a regular afternoon for Grace Lilac Wentworth. Thursdays were routine, but with enough proximity to the weekends to fill her with hope for frivolity. She walked gracefully, her lilac dress flitting about her calves as she practically danced past the sun-streamed trees. Oblivious to the stress of passing students, she gazed at the glorious light reflecting off the lake. She was positively beaming as she consumed a breath of crisp air, the air of a new day.

The chorus of music in her head sent her spirits to the clouds. A loud grunt came from the exasperated Slytherin she had whirled right into. The older student just shook his head at Grace's obvious inattention to the world and continued on. Oops, she thought with a smile. A little shaken, she quickly threw her robes back on over her dress and bounded up to the Hogwarts castle, still walking to the irresistible beat of her song.

But alas, her personal freedom must be put aside for two hours, double Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Sirius Black. He seemed to mystically appear at the front after everyone had been seated, which may not sound like much considering he was a wizard, but he had this certain magical presence.

"Ugh, he is so attractive. I swear he stopped a foot from me in the corridors to ask me a question last week, and I just blanked!" Lavender snickered to Pansy behind her in hushed tones. House relations had improved vastly since the death of Voldemort.

"Oh, I know, but he's just so...moody. I don't know, he just has an off-putting darkness to him." Lavender agreed with a dismissive sigh. Grace took a moment to consider the allure of a man whose complex experiences left the shade of sorrow in his life. He is rather attractive, isn't he? I would never have noticed before...I wonder just how old he is, oh what a ridiculous thought. I--oh! Just then his eyes locked on hers as he caught her staring. Luckily, he had just begun the lecture. Before tucking her head into her notes, she thought of those eyes. Depth...and intriguing complication.

Sirius Black wondered what the silly girl had been staring at him so intently for. Not that it matters, he shook it off and concentrated on his lecture. He did not think of the girl again until later that night.

Sirius finished his supper as Dumbledore called for the attention of the Great Hall. He had that enlightened twinkle in his eye, similar to when he talks of Harry or his other prodigies.

"Attention students and faculty, we have a special treat for you all tonight!" he announced with a smiling tone. "I have received some assertive suggestions," he chuckled lightly, "about the lack of musical involvement at Hogwarts. So, to begin your weekly dose of culture to be instilled here, we have none other than the student who incited this new idea, Miss Grace Wentworth." The Gryffindor table chattered in surprise and anticipation.

Music...at Hogwarts? Sirius pondered. Now that was a brilliant idea, surprised I never thought of it. His thoughts drifted to his own closeted musical talents, but were suddenly interrupted by the entrance of a beautiful woman in a flowing dress of lilac silk trimmed with violet lace. His breath left him for a moment, his thoughts stuttered like a teenage boy taking notice of a woman's shape for the first time...and then she began singing.

Even more shocked than before, Sirius took in the warmth and emotion in her voice. What a beautiful sound! He found himself wishing her voice could be with him always. Gazing openly at this girl--no, woman--he imagined her to be a Greek muse rather than one of his 7^th year students. His daydreaming was broken by the roaring applause (especially from the Gryffindor table) and his realization...she was his student. He had no right to be thinking these thoughts or imagining her in any sort of way other than as his student. Had anyone noticed his gaping? Hermione smirked at him. Oh dear, does that girl miss a thing? She knows me too well. Being godfather to Harry had made him practically an Uncle to Hermione.

Grace glided back to the Gryffindor table where she was greeted by enthusiastic embraces and remarks of astonishment. Then she sat down by Hermione to eagerly converse. Oh no...of course she would be close friends with Hermione. I'll have to talk to her about that later, but if I do then she will make a big deal out of this. And it was nothing...wasn't it? He tried to convince himself that he was merely appreciating talent and beauty, nothing more.

Later in the Gryffindor common room, Grace tried to do her Potions homework, but her mind kept slipping back to what Hermione had told her. Why would Hermione think anything of Professor Black staring at me? It was an unexpected performance after all. He was probably just confused and thought she was awkward and pushy for insisting on music, an area not magical to the eye but magical in itself, to be presented at a school for witchcraft and wizardry. Yes, that must be it...but Hermione does know Siri--Professor Black awfully well. Ugh, stop it! Okay Grace, reading about Felix Felicis now...

A few days later in Defense Against the Dark Arts with the 6^th and 7^th years, Sirius couldn't help but notice that Grace, who was usually an attentive student, continually zoned out with a contemplative look, maybe even grim. Obviously, he had been watching her a little too closely that day. He already knew she was quite intelligent. Her grades and the proud faces at the staff table when she sang that night was proof of that. But never before had he taken as interest in a student other than their grades or perhaps a social issue, like poor Neville. Grace had been in his classes for almost three years, how could he not have noticed before how truly unique she was?

Looking at her taking her test, he began to recall things he shouldn't be able to remember about her. Like the incredible lushness of her eyelashes, the little bit of lilac in her outfit every day, the joyful smile she always gave him when their paths crossed--this was too much. He tore his gaze away from her. Why, oh why was he still thinking about this girl? At least no one is paying attention, Sirius knew he had given a difficult exam--oh bloody hell. Hermione, of course, had already completed her test and caught Sirius right at the deepest moment of his reflection. Caught again, I'm in for it now. Guess I'll have to talk to 'Mione and convince her she's making it up, even if that gives her more suspicions.

Hermione waited until she was the last person to turn in her test. I suppose she wants to talk to me as well, the Fates help me. At least Grace didn't act any differently; hopefully she wouldn't think he was crazy if he accidentally stared at her again. Wait, I cannot let myself daydream like that again, this is getting ridiculous.

"So, Sirius..." Hermione began with a mischievous smirk. Grace left with one last concerned look at her friend. Hermione turned back to him. "You seemed to enjoy the performance the other night."

"Put that eyebrow down, Hermione."

"Hear me out, I am just saying, I'm one of her best friends. She is intriguing and mature, but spirited. I think you really would like her as much as your subconscious supposes." He just looked at her incredulously, unable to speak. "And honestly, Harry and I are sick of watching you be depressed for no reason."

"Hermione Granger, you can't be serious. Keep in mind that I am still your professor!"

"And since when has that kept me from sharing my honest opinions with you?" She nearly shouted.

"I'm sorry, 'Mione. I didn't mean to upset you. However, you really need to drop this scheme of yours. You are seeing a tapestry out of a few insignificant strings." He tried glaring at her with authority, but to no avail.

"That's where every tapestry started, Professor Black." she retorted and then strode out of the classroom. He put his head in his hands, the worst part of that conversation is that Hermione had a point, several in fact. I really hope she is wrong for once.