"in the end, she became
more than what she expected.
she became the journey,
and like all journeys,
she did not end, she just
simply changed directions
and kept going."
- r.m.drake

Kira rolled her eyes but allowed herself a small smile as Ava jumped into her and swung her arm around Kira's shoulder.

"We're done!" She exclaimed in excitement, joining in on the rest of the sixth year's excitement.

They finished their last exam of sixth year a few minutes ago.

"This year has gone by so fast," Kira sighed, allowing herself a small smile. She was happy with what had come of this year. She made two new friends, Regulus and Evan.

Sure, there had been the bad things but she had fun with her friends to distract her from it all and to help her get through it.

"You don't mind covering for me during Summer, right? I want to see my girlfriend," Ava said.

"Of course, Ava." Kira stopped before speaking again, "You know, you're going to have to break up with her soon. Your parents won't allow you to marry anyone other than Avery."

Ava had been dating a Gryffindor in the same year as them. Of course, the two kept their relationship secret, only sharing with their closest friends. Ava, however, neglected to tell Aailiyah Wilson that she was in an arranged marriage.

Ava mumbled, "Don't remind me," before perking up again to greet more cheerful students.

The pair walked past the Marauders who stopped their celebration to talk to them.

Sirius walked up next to Kira, while Ava started a conversation with Remus and Lily.

"You gonna miss me, Rose?" Sirius smirked.

"No," she deadpanned.

Sirius gasped and raised his hand to his chest.

She smiled, "I'm going to see you and James plenty over Summer. Irene arranged with James' mum for me to stay there for the last few months of summer."

"You sure you can handle spending Summer with the Marauders," Sirius smirked.

"Of course, it's better than," Kira stopped herself. She wanted to say it's better than spending it with Death Eaters but Sirius didn't know that. "Staying home alone," she finished.

Aurelia Bonneville waved at Kira and Sirius from where she stood with some other Hufflepuffs. Kira nodded to her. She watched Sirius's smirk turn into a smile as he looked at her.

Kira smirked to herself, oblivious to the pale, black-haired boy watching her interact with his brother.

Ava pulled Kira's arms as they walked to the Hogwarts Express.

"Ava, the train isn't going anywhere," she grumbled. Her bags were packed and they were in no way late.

"If I let you finish that book then it would be gone," Ava huffed and continued to drag her.

Kira rolled her eyes and let Ava pull her to the train. They got on the train and began the search for a compartment.

They walked past Evan and Regulus on the way. "Hey Evan, Regulus," Ava smiled and continued walking.

"Hey Evan," Kira said. He smiled and walked past. "Hi Reg."

He looked down and gave a small nod before walking past her. Kira frowned as she watched him go.

Ava patted her on the shoulder and pulled her towards an empty compartment. She closed the door and sat down opposite Kira.

"You like him, don't you?" Ava grinned.

Kira looked up, surprised, "What? No!" She denied it. She didn't like Regulus. No. He was her friend.

Ava gasped, "You do!"

Kira rolled her eyes, though she was unable to hide the small blush that covered her cheeks. "Well, he seems pretty uninterested in me," she said, referring to the way he acted earlier.

"Maybe he's in a bad mood? Come on, Kira, he definitely likes you."

Kira sighed, "If you say so." She leant her head on the window and watched Hogwarts disappear into the distance as the train left the station.

Kira grinned and wrapped her arms around her sister.

"Are you ready to go?" She asked.

Kira nodded and held Irene's forearm to side-apparate to Raymond Manor.

Raymond Manor was beautiful. She loved the architecture and decor. It was white and gold and luxurious.

It was so different from her home. Could she even call it that? Home. Rose Manor was too white, too cold, too quiet.

Kira went to her room and didn't bother unpacking. She could do that later. She flopped onto her bed on her stomach and rested her head on her folded arms.

She couldn't get Regulus off of her mind. He seemed to be in a bad mood. She couldn't tell if it was something he was going through or if he was upset with her. She hoped it wasn't the latter.

She should owl him.

No.

Yes.

She sighed and got up, fetching a piece of parchment and quill to write to him.

Dear Reg,

I didn't get to say goodbye to you at the station. I could not find you.

I hope you're okay and doing well.

I wanted to ask when you'll be free, so we can meet up during the Summer.

- K.

She put the letter into an envelope and sent it with her sister's owl.

She sighed and slumped back into her chair. Now she needed him to respond.

She yawned and rubbed her eyes. She could sleep. With that thought in mind she hopped onto her bed and passed out.

A tapping on the window woke Kira up. She tried to tune it out but once she realised what it was she jumped up and rushed towards the window to let the owl in.

It was raining outside. The poor owl was soaked. She muttered a quick sorry to the owl and gave him a treat.

She took the letter from his hold and opened it.

Dear K,

I'm okay.

Don't owl me. Too many DEs around.

My parents won't allow me to go anywhere without them during Summer. I'm sorry.

Be careful.

- R.

It was written in a messy scrawl, something that Regulus wouldn't do. He liked to take his time writing. In class, he rewrote his notes much neater than the mess he took down while listening.

He was in a rush.

His parents. That made sense at least. Kira knew his parents were strict and were keeping him busy.

She hoped he wasn't upset with her. She couldn't think of a reason why he would be but it pained her to think she did something wrong.

She didn't want to hurt him.

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So so sorry for taking so long to update.

I've got so much work to do and I've been stressing nonstop to the point where I'm too stressed out to do anything productive.

I hope you enjoy the chapter! Please vote and comment, it helps both me and the story!

- walkingmasterpiece xx