Embers of Discord

Chapter Thirty-One

Sirius-

The carriage ride to Hogsmeade was relatively short and I hop out when it is over. 

'You know, I'm curious as to how these contraptions move'- Remus says, pointing to the peculiar carriage. 

I shrug in return and we begin to walk through Hogsmeade. There is so much fun to do. Personally, I like Honeydukes and Zonko's the best. And that's where I'm now-Zonko's. They have the best prank material.

'Hey-hey, Mr. Zen!'-I hold up the box of nose biting teacup-'How much is this?'

'Five galleons, lad'-he replies.

'What? It was four last time!' 

'Why'd you ask then boy?'

'Cause I'm a special customer?' 

That's right though. The boys and I, we come here almost every weekend. 

'Come on, Zen. Give us some discount'- Prongs emerges behind the counting, setting the pack of Dung-bombs on the counter. 

'Fine'-Mr.Zen agrees gruffly. 

Apparently, he's getting too old for this job. He should just pass this shop onto his son- Edward.
Edward's still young but he's a mastermind when it comes to this joke-shop.

'Say Pads, how about we set the nose-biting teacup in front of Malfoy at dinner?'-Prongs suggests glancing at the box in my hand.

'Let's do the Densaugeo curse while he's at the middle of eating'-I add deviously. 

'Sounds brilliant, mate!'-He agrees excitedly-'It's the first prank I've heard you suggest this year.'

'Come to think of it, you've been rather docile lately'-Remus notes as we walk aimlessly along the lanes. 

'Yeah, what's keeping your inner prankster at bay?'-even Peter asks. 

'Nothing, just been busy'-I mutter. 

'I think you should just get laid'-Prongs flicks his eyebrows with a mischievous smirk

I roll my eyes along with Moony, for once we agree that James's an idiot. 

'Yeah, you think?'

'Hmm, what of Marlene McKinnon?'

'What of it?'-I walk closer to a tree and lean against it. 

'Noticed you two getting cozy last year'-he says smugly.

' Yeah, she's hot and all that. But if we are going by your knowledge then she was just a fling.'

'What's the hold-up?'-he inquires. 

'Not that interested in her. Uh, Prongs, you like Evans a lot, correct?'

He pauses for a minute -'What of it?'

I scratch my chin, awkwardly-' Since you like her so much, wouldn't it feel wrong to mingle with someone else while you've.....?'

' While I have what??'-the three of them pin me down with a dumfounded expression.

I say it nonetheless-'While you've got feelings for someone else.'

'You're saying you fancy someone?'- Remus is the first to decipher my words.

Calculative-he is, as always. 

'Fancy someone??'- Prongs snorts and leans in to stare at me closely, knocking on my head-'ello, Sirius? You in there?' 

'Get off me'- I grumble, shoving him off.' 'I was just saying it, hypothetically. These one-night stands are getting old. Maybe, they were enthralling at the beginning when I hit puberty but now-they are kinda meaningless -not to mention boring'

James opens his shit-loaded mouth again but thankfully Moony chooses to interrupt-

'Let it go, James. It's good that Padfoot wants to do something more worthwhile than just shagging girls here and there.'

I grin at him-'I knew you'll be proud of me, Mum.' 

Moony cracks up-'I'm, son.'

Sometimes, I'm more than grateful to have him as a friend.

We laugh and crack jokes as we make our way to a pub called-' Melody's Heaven'

Moony is dragging us there to attend some performances. Basically, it's a pub where people can sing or listen to any kind of songs  freely. 

I'm not the touchy-feely guy but I tag along anyway to return my favor to Moony as he saved me from the  Nosy-Prongs. 

Stepping inside, I am immediately greeted by an inviting atmosphere that seems to dance to the rhythm of laughter and song. The air hums with the anticipation of melodies yet to be sung, as the murmur of conversations blends harmoniously with the distant strumming of guitars and the delicate tinkling of a piano.

The exposed brick walls are adorned with vintage posters and sepia-toned photographs of renowned musicians from bygone eras. 

'Over here, Rem!'-I see Ruhani waving at us from a table.

So that's the reason little ol' Remus wanted to come here.

'Did you perform?'- Remus asks her, taking a seat beside her.

'Nope, I'm not doing anything today but A-'

She doesn't get to finish as the emcee appears on the stage and tries to pump up the crowd. 

'Next up, we have a lovely lady who wants to sing a song in memory of a loved one!'

The crowd begins to cheer as a girl in white dress rises up to the podium and cradles the mike in her  hands. The place was so dim that I couldn't make out her appearance from this far. 

When her voice emerges through the air ethereal and delicate, a hush falls over the room and all conversations halt mid-way-

Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you
That is how I know you go onFar across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more, you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

When the song unfurls, it is impossible not to be swept away. The world outside fades into insignificance and all that remains is her voice.

Love can touch us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never let go 'til we're gone
Love was when I loved you
One true time I'd hold to
In my life, we'll always go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on 
Once more, you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

Suddenly the spotlights hit the girl on the stage and-behold, it's none other than Ahava herself.
She wasn't merely a singer but a vessel of emotions, pouring her heart into every line, breathing life into every chord.

The songs come to an end as a huge round of applause erupts. Ahava bows down to everyone, smiling shyly. 

When she comes to our table, it feels I'm looking at an angel-descended from heaven. 
For a moment, I only stand there, awestruck. 

'Earth to Sirius!!'- Remus nudges me. 

I come to my senses and realize that Ahava is looking at me expectantly. 

Did she say something??

'I have never seen you here before.'- she says, taking a sip of water. 

'I'm glad I came here , Ahava, you were  just...just amazing!'

She smiles, tugging a loose hair behind her hair-'Thanks.'

'When are you gonna sing again?'-I ask, desperate to hear her again. 

'Probably, next week. Will you attend?'

'You bet I will'- my lips curl into the brightest smile I've got. 

When we are about to depart , Moony walks besides me.

'I think I've got an inkling to the girl you might fancy.'

Of course, he did. 

I give him the finger-'Go and shag Ruhani.' 

That bloke keeps laughing as if it's the most entertaining thing he's got to know. 

But one thing is crystal clear-

I do fancy Ahava a little. Maybe, more than I think I do.