Embers of Discord

Chapter Twenty-One

Sirius-

The wall of the hall-room is filled with a collection of pictures, featuring Ahava, Ruhani, and their parents. Some of the photos come to life with moving images, while others capture their childhood moments.

Among the pictures, I notice three little girls tightly hugging each other. Two of them, with their brown hair and brown eyes, must be Ahava and Ruhani. The third girl, older-looking with her blue eyes and lighter brown hair, could be a cousin or a friend.

Or she could be Ishaani. 

I know, I appear to be a nincompoop most of the time, but I could be observant when I want.

I tap my foot against the wooden floor, waiting with the boys in the Shafiq's hall-room.

 Moony suggested visiting a nearby muggle bookstore and invited the girls to join us.

"Hey, Rem, thanks for waiting," Ruhani enters the room with Ahava.

Seeing Ahava, I can't help but rise from the couch. She's wearing a simple pink skirt and a white top, her hair tied in a messy bun. Even in such an ordinary outfit, she looks stunning.

"You...uh...look amazing," the words slip out before I can stop them.

I mentally facepalm. Normally, it's the girls who swoon over me, not the other way around.

Ahava eyes me skeptically but chooses to ignore the compliment. I hate it when she does that, acting as if I don't exist at all. It really gets under my skin.

"Though you could really use some make-up," I smirk at her, provoking a reaction.

"Maybe you should eat some make-up so that you can be attractive from the inside too," she retorts sharply.

"So, you do think I'm attractive?" I smile smugly.

"You may be handsome, but you've got the persona and brain cells of a pig," she shoots back.

"Ooo, someone's getting all feisty."

"Guys, we should get going," Moony interrupts our banter, putting an end to our verbal sparring.

It takes about twenty minutes to reach the bookstore. Moony engrosses himself in a discussion with the girls about which books to buy. A trip to a bookstore...how mundane.

As Ahava enters the bookstalls, her eyes light up like a child on Christmas. She picks up a book and asks the shopkeeper, "How much is that?"

I glance at the cover—it reads "Romeo and Juliet."

I may not be an avid reader, but I know the gist of this famous play.

Leaning on the counter next to her, I comment, "Romeo and Juliet? Really? I didn't peg you for the romantic type."

"You know what it's about?" she asks, surprised.

"Yup, Moony was kind of obsessed with it. Tell me, is it that thrilling to read about some woeful bloke dying for his one true love?"

She crosses her arms defensively. "You wouldn't understand how remarkable this book is. People love it."

"Which people?"

"The evolved people of planet Earth. The ones who are actually in touch with their feelings."

"Whoa, buttercup, I love it when you get all savage," I tease with a grin.

"Don't call me that, Black," she glowers at me.

"Buttercup," I repeat with a smirk, ignoring her protest.

"Ugh, you're insufferable!" Ahava huffs, crossing her arms over her chest.

I lean back, still grinning. "Oh, come on, Ahava. You secretly enjoy our little exchanges. It's the highlight of your day."

Her eyes flash with irritation. "The highlight of my day is when I don't have to endure your presence."

"Harsh, but I'll take it," I tease, thoroughly enjoying getting a rise out of her.

Ahava rolls her eyes dramatically. "Just stay out of my way, Black. It'll make both our lives easier."

"Where's the fun in that, buttercup?" I wink mischievously.

"Don't call me that!" she snaps, her voice sharp with frustration.

I laugh, thoroughly entertained by her reaction. "You're too easy to rile up, Ahava. It's like a game."

"It's not a game!" she retorts, her cheeks flushing with anger.

I lean in closer, unable to resist pushing her buttons further. "Well, you're playing along quite well. Keep up the good work."

Ahava clenches her fists, clearly fighting the urge to give me a piece of her mind. "You're impossible, Black. Completely insufferable."

I lean back with a satisfied grin. "Thank you, Ahava. I try my best."

Her gaze burns with annoyance, and she turns away, refusing to engage with me

For the rest of the day, Ahava tries to avoid me while I try to nag her. It has become one of my hobbies-my most favorite one.

Yet, there are moments when I can't help but wish she would engage with me in a civil manner. Despite our constant bickering, there's a part of me that craves genuine conversation with her. But that's a secret I keep locked away.

And if you're wondering whether I'm falling for her, the answer is a resounding no. Absolutely not. I don't harbor any romantic feelings towards Ahava. She's just an entertaining adversary, nothing more.