Embers of Discord

Chapter- Forty

Ahava-

Frantically flipping through healing books, I search for answers. It's Saturday, our day off from classes.

This morning something peculiar occurred. I was in Ruhani's dorm when she emerged from the bathroom, looking terrified. There was a tattoo-like mark on her back—a circular moon shape. Ruhani claimed it appeared out of nowhere, so I'm here at the library, trying to unravel this mystery. However, none of the diseases I've come across bear any symptoms like this.

Carrying the books to a nearby table, I spot Remus engrossed in his own reading. I tap his head, prompting him to look up.

"What are you doing at the library this morning?" I inquire.

Remus smiles and replies, "I could ask you the same." He glances behind me, seemingly searching for my sister.

"She's feeling unwell, so she didn't accompany me," I clarify. Lately, things have been tense between them. They hardly speak to each other, acting as if the other doesn't exist. It's not really my business, but I can't help myself as I blurt out,

"Why do you like Dorcas? She's unpleasant."

For a moment, Remus appears confused, then he nervously scratches his head. "Oh, um, I don't know. Maybe because she's beautiful?"

His response sounds uncertain, as if he's unsure of his own reasoning. He seems uncomfortable discussing this topic, but I'm genuinely curious about the reasons behind his poor choice in a girl.

Am I being nosy? Well, perhaps.

"But don't you think you deserve someone better?? Someone else who is pretty but not bitchy."

It draws a chuckle out of Remus, as he asks in return- "Yeah?? And who might that person be?"

" Maybe, my sister."

Remus freezes, his eyes widening as he stares at me. He stammers, "What, uh, um, are you talking about Ruhani?"

Smirking internally, I pull out a chair and move closer to him. He may not want it, but I'm determined to play matchmaker for him and Ru.

"Sorry if I sound like a lunatic, but Rem, you're single, and so is my sister. Don't you think you two would make a cute couple? I mean, come on, Remus and Dorcas—it sounds like some failed scientific experiment of diarrhea. But Remus and Ruhani—REMANI—BAM! It sounds fantastic."

Remus remains silent, and I worry if I've gone too far. But then, his chest rumbles with laughter as he bursts into loud, boisterous laughter. My own face mirrors his amusement. We're lucky Madame Pince isn't here, or we'd surely be kicked out of the library.

After our laughter subsides, Remus becomes quiet. He lowers his gaze and says, "I appreciate your enthusiasm for shipping us, Ava. But you know, not all people are meant to be together. Some relationships just aren't meant to be. Also, I'd prefer if you don't mention my feelings for Dorcas in front of others. You know how people can be."

I let his words sink in, although they don't entirely make sense to me. Is there something deeper going on with Remus? Has he experienced heartbreak in the past?

I keep these questions to myself. I understand when it's necessary to be direct and when it's important to respect boundaries. Pushing someone too far is never a good idea.

"Alright then," I nod in agreement.

Remus simply smiles, his kind honey brown eyes radiating warmth. We shift our conversation towards homework and other topics.

Later that evening, I continue working on completing the homework assignment on Amortentia. Ruhani has already finished her portion, and now it's my turn to complete mine. I'm nearly done, just needing to jot down the final lists.

As I write down the scents I detected—strawberry, rose, sandalwood, spaghetti, and chocolate cake, cinnamon, leather, tangerines—I can't help but blush. The last three scents aren't mine, though. I know exactly who they belong to. Sirius, in particular, exuded the fragrance of cinnamon and his leather jacket. And as for the tangerine scent, he had a fondness for oranges and tamarind

Each day, my feelings for him seem to grow stronger. I find myself enthralled by the anticipation of what surprise he has in store for me. And he never fails to amaze me. His reasons, which initially felt like apologies, now feel more like "10 reasons why I should fall in love with him."

Last week, he provided me with two more reasons. The third reason was when he invited me to a Quidditch game against the Slytherins. There I was, a Slytherin surrounded by Gryffindors in their own territory. But no one dared to say anything to me, fearing Sirius- my bully-boy.

My lips curve as I recall the moment he blew a kiss to me, securing the victory in the game.

The fourth reason occurred when Sirius defended me against Muciber and Malfoy, who were humiliating me by calling me a blood-traitor and insinuating that I was just a plaything for Sirius. His anger flared up, and he ended up punching Mulciber in the face, resulting in a detention for himself.

Sirius refused to consider this as a reason, claiming that he would always be there for me and it didn't count. But I couldn't help but count it anyway. It meant a great deal to me that he deemed me worthy of fighting for.

I'm already falling so deeply for him that I'm contemplating putting an end to this "deal" we made. Because by the tenth reason, I might actually find myself truly in love with him.