The crisp autumn air wrapped around the students of Hogwarts as they prepared for the first Hogsmeade weekend of the term. The excitement was palpable, with groups huddled together in scarves and cloaks, chattering about butterbeer, sweets, and the latest Zonko products. Among the eager crowd, Sorrel stood near the entrance hall, adjusting her yellow scarf as Mr. Sheaf peeked out from the pocket of her cloak.

"Don't worry, little moon," she cooed at the kitten. "You'll be snug here. Just promise to behave, hmm?"

She turned as Cleo approached, her black hair gleaming in the morning light, and her expression hovering between exasperation and amusement. "You're sneaking him into Hogsmeade, aren't you?" Cleo asked, her arms crossed.

"Sneaking? I'd call it... introducing him to the world," Sorrel replied with a mischievous grin. "Besides, he deserves a little adventure too."

Cleo sighed but smiled, ruffling Sorrel's hair. "You're hopeless."

Before Sorrel could respond, James's unmistakable voice rang out, "Oi, Sunshine! Fancy joining us?"

The Marauders strode over, James leading the pack with his trademark grin. Sirius was right behind him, his gray eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hogsmeade trips are always better with friends Ray Ray," Sirius added, slinging an arm around Cleo's shoulders.

Sorrel decided to ignore the sudden nicknames. Quite frankly, they made her feel fuzzy inside.

Cleo immediately shrugged him off. "Don't touch me, Black," she said, her tone sharp but her lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smile.

"But you look cold baby," Sirius teased. "Don't worry, I'm a walking furnace."

Sorrel giggled, her voice a soft melody. "You do look a bit chilly, Cleo. Perhaps he's not entirely wrong?"

Cleo shot her a look, though it lacked any real bite. "Don't encourage him."

Remus, standing slightly apart from the group, offered Sorrel a warm smile. "It'll be nice to have you with us," he said, his voice quieter but no less sincere.

Sorrel beamed. "The more, the merrier. Shall we, then?"

The streets of Hogsmeade were alive with energy, the scent of honeydukes' confections mingling with the crisp autumn breeze. Sorrel walked between Remus and Cleo, her mismatched eyes darting to every window display, her awe as radiant as the sunshine James had nicknamed her after.

James, ever the charmer, led the way with Lily in his sights. He made every excuse to linger near her, from holding doors open to "casually" offering his opinion on her favorite sweets. Lily's exasperated sighs were met with unwavering determination, much to the amusement of their group.

Sirius, meanwhile, couldn't help but gravitate towards Cleo. "So, Cleo love, tell me," he began, his tone light but his eyes intent, "how do you stay so stunningly intimidating?"

"By keeping people like you at arm's length," Cleo retorted, though the faint blush on her cheeks didn't escape Sorrel's notice.

Sorrel's laughter bubbled up, drawing everyone's attention. "You two are like fire and ice," she said, her tone airy and amused. "But isn't it fascinating how those opposites create steam?"

Cleo groaned. "Not you too, Sorrel."

As the group wandered towards the Three Broomsticks, Remus found himself lagging slightly behind, lost in thought. Sorrel noticed and fell into step beside him. "Penny for your thoughts?" she asked softly, her head tilting to catch his gaze.

Remus hesitated, then offered a small smile. "Just enjoying the day. It's been a while since I've felt... normal."

Sorrel nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Normal is overrated. I'd rather be odd and happy than ordinary and lost."

Her words struck a chord, and Remus felt the corners of his mouth lift. "You have a way of looking at things, Sorrel. It's refreshing."

She shrugged, her cheeks tinting pink. "I just see the world as it is-full of little wonders, even in the hardest moments."

They walked in comfortable silence for a moment before Sorrel turned to him again. "If you ever need someone to share your thoughts with, you know where to find me."

Remus's heart swelled at her kindness. "I might take you up on that."

The day ended with laughter and warmth, the group's bonds feeling stronger than ever. As they returned to the castle, the Marauders' teasing and banter filled the air, but Remus couldn't help but glance at Sorrel. Her presence felt like sunlight breaking through clouds, and he realized he was already looking forward to the next time they'd talk.