“Well most of the people writing in ask questions about relationships don’t they?” Tom asked, reaching for a basket of muffins. “You don’t exactly have a lot of experience in that area. I mean you’ve had…no boyfriends…like ever.”

“Sirius,” Kathleen breathed, turning to face him. “I’m not going to dodge around the subject.” She took a breath. “I want to break up.” These words hit Sirius and all he could do was break into laughter.

“You’re kidding right?” he grinned, winking at her. “Girls don’t dump me, I dump them.”

“I lie about my grades.” Sirius’ response was so unexpected that Ava’s jaw almost dropped. She had never thought yelling at him might actually prompt an answer.

“You were gleeful,” Tom shot back. “And as your best friend I’m just telling you that I saw some sort of spark between you two.”

“You know something Tom?” Ava remarked calmly. “I’ve always thought of you as level headed and always on the ball, but now it’s really clear that you are flat out of your mind.”

“Methinks thou dost protest too much,” Tom joked, winking one of his green eyes at her.

“Who cares?” Sirius grinned, shrugging his shoulders. “Never thought you would care about that.”

“I don’t” Ava shot back, gritting her teeth.

“Then it’s a date?”

Ava’s heart gave a small flutter.

“Sure, sounds fun.”

“I’ve got the answer,” Sirius exclaimed brightly. “I’m going to write!” Remus stared back at him, confused.

“You’re going to write what?”

“An article in the Hogwarts Howler,” Sirius continued.