In Loss, Victory

No one had looked at me that way before.

I knew the word for what was in her eyes,

But could not believe it was meant for me—

After all, what was there she could see,

In one the world at large chose to despise?

No one had looked at me that way before.

I came to realize that no jest was meant,

And turned to her, tried gently to dispel

What had to be infatuation's spell—

On another, her love would be better spent.

No one had looked at me that way before.

She was too young; I could not fail to see

The laughing little girl I had once known.

And no matter how lovely she had grown,

With her choice I could only disagree.

No one had looked at me that way before.

She came to me again; this time I said

To her that I could find no employ.

A life of privilege she should enjoy,

And so should find another in my stead.

No one had looked at me that way before.

She'd not heed a single word of my advice.

I told her of my curse, the damage wrought

When mind and body by the moon were caught,

And hoped against hope warning would suffice.

No one had looked at me that way before.

I knew it wouldn't; she would not relent.

I told her I'd not change my mind.

A human youth she ought to find,

And with one better than I, be content.

No one had looked at me that way before.

In Molly she had chosen to confide,

And so to mother's wrath I was subject.

She said on my choices I should reflect,

Lest gift beyond measure I'd be denied.

No one had looked at me that way before.

From the same cloth she and Sirius were made—

I knew that unthinking devotion well;

And lest my heart against my mind rebel,

I threw myself into the Light's crusade.

No one had looked at me that way before.

At last, when she cried out, I came to see

That all that year, I'd acted like a fool—

Over love, logic could never rule,

And Dora had known that, and chosen me.

No one had looked at me that way before.

I met her eyes, and nodded my consent,

Feeling too much for words to quite explain;

Yet as we stood together once again,

No words were needed for what I meant.