Being a Greengrass after all should sound pretty serene.
But being a part of "the Emeralds" should not, especially when hearts become entangled with the infamous Regulus Black.
Goodness, lawfulness, or evilness. Which path will they tread in the ti...
Voices echoed across the Hogwarts grounds as protective charms were cast around the castle. Avery stood beside Regulus near the western side with Pandora, Professor Morwenna, and the Longbottoms, reinforcing the wards as fast as they could.
Somewhere farther off, Dorcas and Marlene were handling the east side with the rest of the Order taking charge of different areas.
Avery barely had time to catch her breath before a voice interrupted beside them.
"Regulus."
Both of them turned. Sirius was walking toward them, looking strangely awkward for someone who usually acted like he owned every room he walked into.
Regulus frowned immediately. "What do you want?"
Sirius ignored the tone. "Can I talk to you for a second?"
Then he glanced at Avery. "You too, Veve."
Avery lowered her wand slightly. Despite knowing the many reasons behind, she didn't want to get dragged into their conflicting family business. "Why am I involved?"
"Because if I talk to him alone, he'll probably leave halfway through."
"We don't have time," Regulus cut in flatly. The dislike in his voice was still clear as day, even if Sirius looked like he'd already dropped whatever defenses he came with.
Sirius let out a quiet breath. "It'll take one minute."
Regulus held his stare for a moment, clearly debating whether this was worth tolerating at all before stepping away from the barrier line. "If this is pointless, I'm leaving."
He started walking toward a quieter part of the grounds near the stone courtyard wall, far enough from the others that their conversation wouldn't carry over the noise of spellcasting and shouted instructions. Avery and Sirius exchanged a brief glance before following after him.
The second they stopped, Regulus turned. "Well?"
Sirius looked oddly uncomfortable now that he actually had the chance to speak.
Avery blinked. "You interrupted active wartime preparations and don't even know how to start?"
"I knew how to start before he started glaring at me."
"I'm still glaring at you."
"Exactly."
Avery pinched the bridge of her nose. "Merlin."
For a second, Sirius just looked at his brother, like he was trying to figure out how to say something without immediately starting another argument.
"I just..." He exhaled quietly. "I think you owe me a lot of explanations, Regulus."
