Embers of Discord

Chapter Thirty-Three

Ahava-

I gently crush the leaves of Ampalaya in a bowl, grinding them into a fine paste. Pomfrey instructed us to prepare and store herbs for future use. You never know when someone can show up at the infirmary, injured.

 Beside I hear Bertam Aubrey groaning. Unfortunately, he had broken his arm during yesterday's intense quidditch match, where he played as a chaser for the Ravenclaw team.

"Is your arm still causing you pain?" I inquire, retrieving the Dittany from my pocket. "Would you like me to apply some Dittany?"

"Yes," he replies with a grateful smile. "That would be very kind of you."

Nodding, I take a seat beside his bed, carefully removing the bandages to apply the healing herb to the wound.

"You're in Slytherin, aren't you?" he asks, clearing his throat.

"Yes." 

"I can't believe I've never noticed you before," he murmurs, mostly to himself.

I smile. "Perhaps it's because I'm not much of a talker."

"Ah... you're Ruhani's sister, right?" he queries.

"Yes," I answer.

"Did you receive an invitation to Slughorn's party?" 

"Indeed," I deftly roll the bandages. "Will you be attending?"

"Yes, I will," he confirms.

An awkward silence settles between us as we both remain silent.

Once I finish with the bandages, I raise my eyes and find him staring at me.

"I'm finished," I announce, capturing his attention.

"Oh, um, thank you. I truly appreciate your assistance," he says.

"No need to mention it," I respond, flashing a bright smile.

"It's unusual to see a Slytherin working in the Wing," he blurts out.

My smile falters as I become defensive. "Being a Slytherin doesn't mean I can't work here."

"Apologies, I didn't mean to offend you," he quickly interjects, shaking his head. "I, uh... it's just a little out of the ordinary. But I truly appreciate everything you're doing."

I let out a sigh. "Yeah, thanks."

"I'm sorry for..." he trails off.

"It's alright," I assure him. "At least you didn't call me a snake."

His eyebrows raise in surprise. "Do people refer to you that often?"

"All too frequently," I admit.

"I'm sorry to hear that," he says earnestly.

I offer him a warm smile.

Glancing at my watch, I realize it's only 7 am. I'm making my way downstairs to History of Magic class when I overhear a group of girls gushing, "Marlene, are you dating Sirius? He just winked at you!"

Intrigued, I pause and turn my head towards the group. Marlene, Dorcas, Hestia, and Mary are all present.

Marlene giggles and responds, "He did wink, but no, we're not dating. We're just... friends."

Friends? That seems hard to believe. The entire Hogwarts population knows they've been quite close for the past two years. A sense of unease settles in my stomach as I question why it should even concern me.

Sirius is known for being a womanizer, and that fact is common knowledge. There's no reason for me to be upset or feel uneasy about it. After all, he and I are merely acquaintances.