"Bitter are the wars between brothers."

The bitter weather of autumn nipped at Kira's cheeks. Despite loving autumn itself, she much preferred spending her days indoors by the fire. Today, however, she had been dragged to Hogsmeade by Ava, whose parents have forced her to spend more time with Avery.

Despite Ava's burning hatred for the boy she thought it best if she tried to at least get along with him, so that her life would be somewhat less miserable.

Both girls wore long thick coats, along with high waisted skirts and stockings. Their skirts reached just above their knees. Under their coats, Kira wore a dark blue sweater and a beige skirt, while Ava wore a black sweater and a maroon skirt. They both wore black boots.

Kira complained once again about how unfair she found it that Ava had to drag her along, though she would have come regardless of whether Ava forced her to or not.

They arrived in Hogsmeade where they spotted a group of Slytherins outside of Honeydukes. Avery, Mulciber, Rabastan Lestrange, Severus Snape, Evan Rosier, and Regulus Black stood outside the candy shop. Mulciber had Lucia Greengrass on his arm, and Rosier had Celestia Holloway on his own.

Kira and Ava stopped in front of them. Avery noticed them and smirked. "Hello ladies."

"Avery." Kira muttered. Ava attempted a gentle smile but it came out more forced.

Avery put an arm around Ava's shoulder and turned towards the rest of the group. "Lads, this is Ava Blackwell." He introduced her. She managed a smile and got some nods in return and smiles from the girls.

Kira refrained from rolling her eyes and greeted Regulus. "Hello Regulus, Rosier." She smiled at them both.

"Kira, nice to see you. Will you be joining us today?" Regulus asked with a genuine smile on his face. Evan couldn't help but notice it. He was frowning only moments earlier.

"Unfortunately." She sighed, "Ava has to spend some time with Avery. They are to be married after all." She finished. She still felt bad for the girl. Avery could be vile. Though she hoped that he would be more respectful towards Ava because she was to be his wife.

Regulus nodded and then turned back to the group. They conversed for a while before the couples roamed off to have their dates. Lestrange and Snape wandered off somewhere and that left Regulus, Kira, Ava, and Avery.

"Let's go to the Three Broomsticks." Avery muttered to Ava, attempting to be polite.

She quickly turned to look at Kira to ask for help before her eyes glowed up. "Let's make it a double date." She spoke quickly. Avery shrugged and nodded.

Kira glared at her best friend while Regulus blushed, though it was barely noticeable under his already flushed cheeks from the cold.

Ava smirked, she had noticed how they have been spending more time together. If she had to suffer with Avery then at least the two of them could suffer with her.

Regulus smirked and held out his arm for Kira, "Milady." He said rather dramatically.

Kira rolled her eyes but took his arm nonetheless.

They arrived at the Three Broomsticks and sat at a table in the corner. Avery and Ava on one side and Kira across from Ava, Regulus next to her.

Regulus got up to go get drinks.

Ava cleared her throat, "So Avery, you're on the Quidditch team correct?"

Avery nodded. "Yeah, Chaser. Regulus is Seeker."

Kira zoned out while they conversed about Quidditch. Soon Regulus returned with their butterbeers.

"Thank goodness," Kira muttered, "those two are driving me nuts." They had begun bickering about which Quidditch teams were the best.

Regulus snickered. "What do you say we finish these butterbeers and then ditch them?" Regulus leaned closer to whisper without the other two hearing.

Kira smirked, "sounds like a plan."

Ava and Avery continued arguing about nearly everything. Kira could've sworn they were already married but nevertheless they still gave her a headache.

Regulus and her finished their butterbeers and got up. Ava and Avery stopped their bickering to look up at them.

"We have to go. Homework doesn't complete itself." Regulus excused them.

Ava glared at Kira who smirked. She had already finished her homework for the weekend and Ava knew that.

They quickly escaped the crowded pub and made it outside into the cold.

"I would have been fine in there if I didn't have to hear them arguing all day." Kira grumbled, her hands rubbing themselves against each other for warmth.

"I'd be anywhere but near them while they argued." Regulus countered.

She laughed, "of course you would. Do you even feel the cold?" She inquired.

"Now that would be telling." He grinned and tapped the side of his nose.

Kira scoffed and shook her head. She continued walking down the street and Regulus quickly caught up with her.

"Where to?" He asked as he looked around at the surrounding shops.

Kira thought for a second, "Honeydukes." She replied, "I need to stock up."

Regulus nodded and they walked in a comfortable silence to the candy shop everyone loved.

They arrived at the shop and were about to enter when someone exited. Sirius Black. He was followed by the rest of the Marauders.

"Kira, Reggie. So good to you see." Sirius said with a sarcastic smile plastered on his face.

Kira rolled her eyes at his antics and turned to James. "Hello James." She said softly. He was her cousin and she cared immensely for him, though when paired with Sirius he could be a handful.

He grinned, "Kira." She allowed herself a small smile and nodded to Lupin and Pettigrew.

"Kira," Sirius calling her caused her to turn towards him. "You might not want to hang around ickle Reggie here. He's a soon to be Death Eater after all." He finished, glaring at his brother.

Kira's eyes widened. She knew the two brothers were not on good terms but the hatred and disgust in Sirius' voice proved otherwise.

Quickly gaining her composure she answered, "I can talk to whoever I please. I don't recall needing your permission."

"Why would you even want to speak to him anyway?" He shoves Regulus. "Are mummy and daddy dearest proud of you yet? They must be so happy." He spat.

"Sirius. Let's go." James commanded, putting a hand on Sirius' shoulder. Ever since he became Head Boy, Kira noticed he had become more responsible and mature. It was a good change for him.

Regulus stood there not saying anything but he's jaw and fists were clenched tightly. His knuckles were beginning to turn white as he glared at his brother.

Kira put a hand on his forearm and he turned to look at her, his eyes softening. She nodded towards the castle and he sighed. She led the two of them past the Marauders and to the castle, Sirius knocking shoulders with Regulus as they passed.

Neither of them spoke but Kira's hand never left his arm. He was grateful for that. He liked the way it felt, the way she had looped her arm with his and held it tightly. It was comforting and he needed that.

He couldn't help but think about how true Sirius' words were. He was already a Death Eater. His parents were proud of him. They were happy.

He wasn't.

A few hours later Kira sat alone in her dorm room, when Ava came bursting in.

"I can't believe you left me with that wanker!" She shouted. Kira laughed at her. She was going to have to get used to spending some alone time with him anyway.

"Well I can't believe you forced me to go on a double-date with Regulus." Kira quipped. Though, she missed the wide grin on Ava's face at the sound of Kira calling him by his first name.

She gasped, "Did you guys kiss? Oh please tell me you've snogged him. Or at least a peck." She squealed. Ava could be quite the romantic at times.

"No. Ava, I didn't kiss him." Kira scoffed, baffled by Ava's outrageous suggestions. Regulus was barely even a friend, why would she want to kiss him.

"Whatever you say." Ava mocked in a singsong voice. Kira rolled her eyes and continued reading the book she had in her hand.

Ava smirked. She was going to play some match-maker.

Unfortunately for them, Regulus and Kira were her victims.