Page 42 of Burning Embers

Dumbledore?

Emery

Merlin, actually. But you seem to know your wizards.

Izzy

This is a really random conversation.

Emery

Random is my middle name.

Emery

Actually, that’s a lie. It’s Micah. But don't tell anyone that. It’s a safely guarded secret.

Izzy

Why would that be a secret? Micah is a normal name. At least it’s not Leslie or Patricia or Anus or anything like that.

Emery

Ethan’s middle name is Anus.

This time, I can’t quite keep my snort in, though I try to smother it when I feel that whisper of a stare ghosting across my skin.

My phone dings again, indicating that Emery has sent another text message.

Emery

I’m sure you figured out by now that the two of us are related.

Izzy

Nooo. I never would’ve guessed. Are you distant cousins?

Emery

He’s my fifth cousin twice removed.

Izzy

Good genes must run in the family, then.

Emery

Good genes, you say?

This text is proceeded by a flurry of jean GIFs.

Emery

Am I mistaken, or are you trying to hit on me, Iz? You want to get into my jeans, don’t you?

I roll my eyes, even as a tiny smile flutters at the corners of my lips.

I’m just about to reply to his text when a throat begins to clear obnoxiously from across the room.

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