Word Count: 356


It shouldn't be so nerve wracking. Sirius knows how charming he is. He might pretend not to notice the way others stare at him and admire him. He could have damn near any person in this castle if he wanted them.

But he doesn't. The only person he wants is sitting in front of the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room, and he has to give himself a quick motiva speech.

Dorcas is lovely. Even if she rejects him, she'll be good and kind to him because that's just the way she is. Why would anyone be afraid to approach her?

Sirius almost laughs. It doesn't matter that he and his friends always find some dangerous and ridiculous adventure. The thought of actually admitting his feelings is the only thing that makes him afraid.

"Now or never," he mutters.

And it's too true for comfort. In a few months, Hogwarts will be a thing of the past. They will be out in the real world, and the real world has a war that seems to grow worse every day, and he plans to fight. He shouldn't wait.

He takes a deep breath and makes his way closer. Dorcas looks up, and she is beautiful in the fire's glow. "Cider?" she asks, lifting her glass. "Has a bit of cinnamon in it."

"No, thank you," Sirius says, sitting beside her. "I did want to tell you something."

Dorcas sips her cider, smiling happily. Her cheeks glow a beautiful pink. Sirius doesn't think he's ever seen anything more beautiful.

"I love you," he says. "Always have."

She sets her glass aside, smiling brightly and adjusting her Gryffindor scarf. It's one of the greatest comforts. Sirius had been worried he would get his heart broken tonight, but, instead, he has made her smile.

"I've always had a bit of a crush on you," she admits.

And it goes from there. They sit by the fireplace, cuddling together as they talk about anything and everything. Sirius knows that this is the chance at a beautiful new beginning, and it's enough to make him forget how dark the world is getting.