The rain came down in a light mist, wrapping the castle grounds in a silvery haze. The soft pitter-patter on the cobblestones created a soothing rhythm, broken only by the occasional chirp of a bird or the rustle of leaves. Sorrel sat beneath the shelter of a sprawling tree in the courtyard, her golden hair shimmering faintly in the dim light. Her cloak spread around her, she was cross-legged on the damp grass, holding a book open on her lap as she read aloud to Mr. Sheaf, her pure white kitten.

"And so," she intoned softly, her voice lilting and whimsical, "the little star told the moon, 'You don't have to shine all the time. Sometimes it's lovely just to be.'" She paused, glancing at the kitten, who blinked back at her with mismatched eyes. "Don't you think that's true, Mr. Sheaf?"

The kitten meowed in what sounded like agreement, earning a tinkling laugh from Sorrel. "Exactly! Even stars need to rest."

Her voice carried faintly on the breeze, catching the attention of Remus Lupin as he walked through the courtyard, a book tucked under his arm. He had sought the quiet after an intense day of classes, but her voice, soft and musical, halted him in his tracks. For a moment, he stood there, half-hidden by the rain and shadows, watching as she gestured animatedly to her kitten, completely lost in her own little world.

She was impossible to ignore with her radiant smile and peculiar charm. But standing here, watching her speak to a kitten under the gentle drizzle, he saw her in a different light. She seemed... otherworldly, like she belonged more to the whimsical stories she told than to the stone walls of the castle.

As he debated whether to walk past or quietly retreat, Sorrel's gaze lifted, catching him. Her face lit up instantly, her smile as bright as the sun breaking through the rain.

"Oh! Hello there!" she called, waving at him as if they were old friends. "You're not just passing by, are you? There's a perfectly dry spot right here!"

Remus hesitated, his pulse quickening. "I-I didn't mean to intrude," he stammered, his cheeks flushing bright red. "I was just... on my way to the library."

"Nonsense," Sorrel said cheerily, patting the ground beside her. "Library can wait. Besides, it's much more magical when it's not raining, don't you think?"

Her airy logic left him momentarily speechless, and before he could protest further, she added, "Unless you're carrying something terribly serious in that book of yours. In that case, I'll forgive you."

Remus blinked down at the worn cover of his book. "It's, uh, Advanced Charms Theory."

"Oh! Terribly serious indeed!" Sorrel laughed, scooping up Mr. Sheaf and cradling him in her arms. "Come, sit! You'll make Mr. Sheaf and me terribly lonely otherwise."

Despite himself, Remus found his feet moving. He sank onto the dry patch of ground she had indicated, clutching his book as if it were a shield. Sorrel beamed at him, her eyes sparkling with warmth. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her eyes. They were so mesmerizing.

"There now," she said, settling back with her kitten. "Doesn't that feel better?"

Remus managed a small smile, his usual reserve faltering under her unabashed kindness. "I suppose it does."

Sorrel tilted her head, studying him with an intensity that was both disarming and comforting. "You're Remus Lupin, aren't you?"

He nodded, startled. "Yes."

"I thought so," she said with a soft giggle. "You've got the thoughtful look of someone who spends more time in books than in the sunshine."

Remus laughed despite himself, a quiet, self-conscious sound. "That's... not entirely untrue."

"Books are wonderful, though," Sorrel said, her voice softening. "They let you escape when the world feels too big. But sometimes, it's nice to share a story with someone, don't you think?"

Her words struck a chord in him, though he couldn't quite explain why. He nodded, unsure how to respond.

As the rain lightened, Mr. Sheaf jumped from Sorrel's lap onto Remus's, startling him. Sorrel clapped her hands in delight. "Oh, he likes you! He's an excellent judge of character, you know."

Remus hesitated, his hand hovering over the kitten. When he finally gave in and stroked its fur, he couldn't help but smile as the kitten purred. Sorrel watched him, her own smile soft and serene.

When the rain finally stopped, and Remus stood to leave, Sorrel called after him, "You should come by again! Mr. Sheaf and I always welcome good company."

Remus walked away, cheeks warm and thoughts tangled, clutching his book but thinking more about her than anything written in its pages.