The sun rose slowly over the grounds of Hogwarts, casting golden rays that softened the edges of the castle. Inside the library, Sorrel sat cross-legged at a table by the tall arched window. Her soft humming intertwined with the rustle of turning pages, creating an almost ethereal melody that complemented the morning peace. A massive Herbology tome lay open before her, but her quill scratched the edges of her notebook, leaving whimsical doodles of flowers and stars.

Remus stood at the entrance, clutching a book he had barely skimmed through in an attempt to appear casual. His heart skipped when he saw Sorrel. She was utterly absorbed, the sunlight catching the streaks of gold in her hair, and her mismatched eyes sparkling as they followed her sketches. Gathering his courage, he walked over, clearing his throat softly.

"Good morning, Sorrel," he greeted, his voice quieter than intended.

Her head shot up, and the warmest smile spread across her face. "Remus! Oh, you startled me. Not in a bad way, of course. You're always welcome company." She shifted slightly, tucking her notebook to the side. "Are you looking for a book, or is it the calming whispers of knowledge that have drawn you here?"

Remus chuckled nervously. "A bit of both, maybe? Mind if I sit?"

"Not at all! This chair loves company." She gestured to the chair beside her, her eyes crinkling with joy.

He slid into the seat, feeling both at ease and oddly aware of how close they were. "What are you working on?"

Sorrel flipped the page to show him her doodles. "Not much. Just some wandering thoughts about plants and stars. The two are more connected than people think."

Remus found himself smiling. "I've never thought about it that way. Leave it to you to find magic in such a comparison."

They spoke for what felt like hours, delving into favorite books, their shared love for quiet places, and Sorrel's passion for spreading happiness. Her soft-spoken peculiarities charmed Remus further, her words like a warm blanket on a cold evening. Yet, every time he thought about getting closer to her, he faltered, his scars feeling heavier than usual.

Before leaving, Sorrel reached into her satchel and pulled out a small note card. It bore a doodle of the moon and stars, paired with the words: "Even the darkest nights end with a sunrise. Carry this with you when it feels like too much."

"Here," she said, handing it to him with a small smile. "For those days when the clouds feel heavier than the stars."

Remus blinked, stunned by her thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Sorrel. This... means a lot."

She grinned, brushing it off as though it were nothing. "It's just paper and ink. But I hope it brings you some light."

~~~~

That evening, Remus returned to the Gryffindor common room with the note still in his hand. James and Sirius were sprawled on the couch, while Peter sat nearby, scribbling on a piece of parchment.

Sirius's sharp eyes caught the small card, and he immediately sat up. "Oi, what's that? A love letter?"

James smirked, leaning over to grab it. "Let's see what's got our Moony so—"

Remus snatched it back, his ears turning pink. "It's nothing. Just a... note."

"From Sorrel?" James waggled his eyebrows. "You've got that dreamy look again, mate."

"She's kind, that's all," Remus mumbled, slipping the card into his pocket. "Leave it alone."

The teasing continued, but Remus tuned them out. Later that night, lying in his bed, he pulled the card out again. The neat handwriting and the drawing seemed familiar, stirring a memory. His mind darted back to the note he had received in the library days ago, the one that had lifted his spirits after the full moon. The style, the warmth... it matched Sorrel's exactly.

His heart raced at the realization. Could it really have been her? A soft smile crept across his face as he tucked the card under his pillow. He'd have to ask her someday, but for now, the thought was enough to fill his chest with quiet wonder.