Chapter 4-The Morning After.
Professor Sgath felt as though she had just walked through a haze of thick
green light when she woke up the next morning. It was still very early and
very dark out when she woke up. Her sleep was thick and heavy, nothing from
her dream made sense, everything felt wet and she couldn't see anything
properly. As she got up from her low bed to get some tea, her owl Alexander
flew into through the window and dropped an letter on to her desk and then
perched himself on the chair.
Ava, you must come quickly to visit Snuffles and myself the "festivities"
have started you must come you will miss out on all the Christmas
celebration.
Dumbledore
This was what she was waiting for Dumbeldore would not have sent a message like this, she had already received a Christmas greeting the other day from Dumbeldore in person. Ava looked grimly at Alexander, this wasn't good. Ava quickly got dressed and walked over to Alexander.
'I'm not looking forward to this, how will I get there?' Alexander nipped at her arm and she knew what he ment. 'I don't know the way from here, you will have to show me Alexander.' Professor Sgath walked over to the open window; the air was crisp but not horribly cold, which was strange for an early December morning. She spread open her arms and closed her eyes, as she did this the skin on her arms became goose bumped and dark brown and white feather's grew from her skin, and her arms grew into graceful wings. The pinching of the feathers growing out of her skin made her cry out in pain, and as her feathers grew her arms and body began to shrink into a body of a hawk, her nose and mouth began to harden and come together and form a beak, her eyes became smaller and her vision increased she could see for miles. Her face and body grew feathers and her legs shrank and her feet became sharp talons. By the time she was complete her transformation she was standing with her tiny (for a hawk) body spread wings. Alexander was already out the window by they time she took flight. Professor Sgath only found out that she was an animagus in her second year of Auror studies; when she was studying the flight of a bird. She was so caught up in the flight that she only noticed she was almost half hawk when the pain of the feathers took place. The early morning cold bit the skin beneath the feathers; Ava also had some difficulty keeping up with Alexander, who often had to circle around to let Ava keep up. As the journey went on Ava began to get used to flying and she was going more swiftly as they entered London. 'I hope Dumbeldore is there I don't want to have stand out like a prat on the stoop weighting for the door to open.' She thought. Ava gave a commanding wail to let Alexander know that she recognized the area. Alexander circled around for a moment and then dove down towards a busy street and Ava followed. As she approached the house she noticed Dumbledore standing in what looked like a yard that had not been kept up for many years. Ava and Alexander circled around once over Dumbeldore and then landed on his out stretched arm. 'Let me take you inside, oh and again let me wish you a Happy Christmas.' Dumbeldore walked inside the shabby looking house, everyone on the street that was walking by did not seem to notice the oddly dressed man take a strange hawk and an owl into a run down house. When Dumbeldore got into the house Ava was free to change back into her human form. 'I trust you had a safe journey.' Ava looked around surprised to see that the insides did not match the outside of the house. 'Yes thank you sir" she let out an arm for Alexander to take. 'What is going on Dumbledore?' 'I'm afraid I have to leave quite suddenly but I'm sure that Sirius will gladly tell you what has happened' Dumbledore said smiling. Just as Dumeldore said that a tall dark haired handsome man walked into the corridor. "Have a very merry Christmas" and with that Dumbledore apparated from the corridor. After Dumbeldore left there was left an ackward silence between Ava and Sirius. Ava coughed breaking the silence. Ava looked darkly up at Sirius, 'Dumbledore said you would explain what was going on.' 'It appears that a snake that may have belonged to Volemort bit Mr. Weasly last night, we only found out because Harry Potter had seen what was happening in a dream he had, I'm afraid that it shook him up quite a bit. Harry and the other Weasly's are at Saint Mungo's right now, I'm expecting them back at any moment. 'Right then, I'll wait here until they come back.' Ava sat down on a bench near the door. Sirius turned to leave then turned back around, 'your not just going to sit there and wait are you? Please come and sit in the lounge.' 'No thank you I'm perfectly fine where I am.' Ava said tartly. 'Oh don't tell me you're still mad, that was so long ago, I was.being stupid, you have to know I'm sorry!' Sirius said half laughing. It seemed that as Sirius said that the petit Ava grew to the height of Sirius, her eyes burned with conviction. 'It's so easy for you to say sorry isn't? You have no idea what people like myself went through! You and James were such prat's for so many years; you picked on people younger than you or not as "cool" as yourselves just for a laugh. Of course I'm a little prickly towards you!' Just as Sirius was going to loose his temper the door opened and Moody, Lupin, Tonks, Harry, Hermonie, and the rest of the Weasly's came through the door. 'Ava?' 'Tonks!' Ava said turning around; 'It's so good to see you!' said Ava turning around to give Tonks a big hug. As Tonks and Ava hugged the twins, Ron, Harry and Hermonie looked at their divination teacher strangely. 'What is she doing here?' asked Ron to Harry. Harry just shook his head. 'How is he? Asked Sirius 'Oh he's just fine, he'll get threw it.' Mrs. Weasly said happily. 'Right now I think that everyone should get some sleep, we've had a long night' said Mrs. Weasly looking at the children. 'Right now kiddies, off to bed.'began Fred. 'Excuse me sir! You two as well! Off you go' Mrs. Weasly said pushing them all up the strairs. 'Ava let me introduce you to Mrs. Weasly.began Tonks. 'Oh Tonks thank you I'm already acquainted with Ava, her parents are in the Order as well, how are you doing dear? Mrs. Weasly said patting Ava's shoulder. 'Just fine thanks, a little over whelmed in what has just happened but glad to hear your husband is doing fine.' Ava said smiling. 'Will he be out in time fore Christmas?' 'Oh I'm afraid he'll be in there for Christmas but he will be out the following day.' 'That's wonderful to hear.' "Ava are you staying here for Christmas?" asked Mrs. Weasly 'Oh no, I'm just going to go back to Hogwarts for the remainder of the break.' 'No dear I insist that you stay here, there's more than enough room, I'm sure Sirius won't mind,' she said looking at Sirius, not waiting for the reply, 'of course you wouldn't mind, it's the holiday's' 'Are you sure that the children would be ok with that, I mean I'm their teacher?' 'Oh no, Ginny wrote me a letter a few day's after you became a member of the staff, saying you were wonderful' 'Well if it's not too much trouble I suppose I could arrange for some of my luggage to be sent down.' Ava said looking down blushing. Being invited to stay at Sirius's house was a little more that she thought she could handle. This would mean that she would have to moderately polite to him as long as she stayed in his home. Professor Sgath was ushered into the drawing room, and before she knew it a nice spot of tea was in her hands. 'I'm terribly sorry to bring down the mood, but I was wondering what exactly happened last night, no one actually filled me in on what happened.' Ava said leaning back in her chair. 'Well you know that Mr. Weasly is in hospital, because he was bitten by a very poisonous snake, he would have died if it weren't for Harry.' Tonk's said solemnly. 'Harry? How did he know, I'm sure he was no where near Mr. Weasly when it happened' 'Well it seems that you know who has managed to cross his mind with Harry's. This could be extremely dangerous if he doesn't take control of it.' Lupin said worriedly. 'There's only one thing that can be done to help him, I'm afraid for Harry's dislike Snape will have to teach him' Lupin said glancing at Sirius who was standing in the corner arms folded in utmost dislike to the suggestion. 'Surly you can find someone else, Ava, can't you do it? Sirius said facing Ava. Snape hates Harry, he'll do anything to make him miserable!' Sirius said loudly. 'Sirius, Dumbledore has already appointed Snape to teach Harry Occulamency.' Lupin said getting up from his seat. 'It's better that Snape do it, he is much more skilled at it than I am, it takes a lot out a person to do Occulemcy properly.' Ava said trying to back up Lupin. 'Everyone please quite down the children are upstairs sleeping you'll wake them, and Dumbeldore only wants members of the Order to know about Harry's training. Mrs. Weasly said in a harsh tone. Everyone just sit down, it's the holiday's let's not worry about any of this until the holidays are over. So until then, I suggest we make this place look more like Christmas.
' Your right Molly, but I'm afraid Moody and I must leave, Ava, we'll see if we can manage to get your luggage while we're out.' Lupin said as he and Moody got up from their seats. 'Nice to see you again Ava' Lupin said smiling. Ava smiled back, and got up as Lupin and Moody left. 'Sirius, were do you keep your Christmas decorations? Mrs. Weasly asked getting up. Come on Tonks you can help me gather them up.' Soon Mrs. Weasly and Tonks came back with numerous boxes floating behind them.
Two hours later Ron, Hermonie, Ginny and the twins came down stairs and were put to work attaching garlands and other decorations up around the house. Sirius conjured up a magnificent evergreen tree in the corner of the room across from the large fireplace. Mrs. Weasly was in the dining room decorating for the Christmas feast; Ron and Hermonie were in the drawing room putting up garlands and other do-dad's; the twins and Tonks were in the upper levels and Harry was still in his room sleeping off the pervious stressful night. Ava was in the lounge levitating decorations onto the high ceiling and Sirius was levitating the last of the non-tree burning candles in the tree. 'Ava, you're forgetting some decorations' Sirius said grinning slyly. 'Oh what would they be? Ava said turning around. When Ava turned around she saw Sirius closer than she thought he was. 'Mistletoe!' and with that Sirius grabbed Ava by the waist and planted a deep kiss on her and then he let her go and walked right out of the room, leaving Ava a mix between happiness and confusion. 'Damn!' she muttered to herself.
'Ron why do you think that Professor Sgath is here? Asked Hemonie. 'I'll tell you why she's here, she's part of the Order of the Phoenix, both her and her parents' George said walking down the stairs towards Ron and Hermonie. 'While you perfects were sleeping Fred and me were listening in with the extendable ears.' 'That's not all we heard.or saw' said Fred surpessing a laugh. 'What are you talking about?' Hermonie said narrowing her eye's at them. 'Well it appears that our self imposed shut in used to know our dear Professor in school, and well needless to say Sirius wasn't exactly kind to her. Right now he's kicking himself, because Professor Ava Sgath is rather. more.attractive than she used to be. 'What are you getting at Fred?' Ron said straightening up. 'All in good time my boy all in good time. Well we were in the hallway when we heard some voices in the lounge, we thought maybe they were talking about Order business, but we were unfourtuatly wrong about that. Instead we saw some interesting gossip; Sirius pulled the old mistletoe trick and planted a kiss right on Professor Sgath!' Both Ron and Hermonie were left completely stunned at hearing this. Teachers were supposed to be people without a social life, having one that a teacher had one out side of school was somewhat disturbing. 'Well.she is human, and so is Sirius.'began Hermonie. 'Wait until Harry hears this! Exclaimed Ron. Let's go wake him, he's been in bed all day.'
At supper that night they feasted on everything, it was sort of a celebration of Mr. Weasly being safe and getting well. Half way through supper Lupin, Moody and Muduguns apparated into the dining room with Professor Sgath's belongings and Alexander with them. 'Oh thank you so much for bringing my luggage for me.' Ava said getting up to collect her belongings. 'Ava I don't believe you have a room yet. Sirius said grinning and getting up from his seat. Ron, Harry, Hermonie, Ginny and the twins had to surpress their smiles at hearing Sirius being so obliging to help out Professor Sgath. 'Allow me to show you to your room' Sirius said levitating Professor Sgath's luggage. Ava reluctantly got up from her seat and followed Sirius through the dinning room and up the stairs. Sirius stopped suddenly at a large door, he pushed the door open and in side was a large bed. Ava was still standing in the doorway when Sirius turned around. 'This way please Miss. Ava, Sirius said presenting the room to Professor Sgath in a mock bellboy pose. There are draws and closets where you can put your belongings, and as you can see the wrecking crew has made the room festive.' Sirius said cocking an eyebrow. The room was filled with garlands and tinsel strewn every which way. Other than the obscure decorations the room was quite grand. The bed was large and made out of rose wood; all of the furniture in the room was made of rose wood. 'Thank you Sirius.for letting me stay here.' Ava said quietly and tightening up. 'Your welcome, either way I didn't have much of a choice did I?' As he said that he walked right out the room back to the dinning room, leaving Ava to collect her things together. 'Fine give me the cold should after what you did this afternoon, just like school, why did I think you had changed!' Ava thought furiously. Ava started putting her luggage in various cupboards and drawers rather violently with a grin on her face, looking back at the door hoping to see Sirius there, instead she only saw Kreature his house elf sneak by.
Ava, you must come quickly to visit Snuffles and myself the "festivities"
have started you must come you will miss out on all the Christmas
celebration.
Dumbledore
This was what she was waiting for Dumbeldore would not have sent a message like this, she had already received a Christmas greeting the other day from Dumbeldore in person. Ava looked grimly at Alexander, this wasn't good. Ava quickly got dressed and walked over to Alexander.
'I'm not looking forward to this, how will I get there?' Alexander nipped at her arm and she knew what he ment. 'I don't know the way from here, you will have to show me Alexander.' Professor Sgath walked over to the open window; the air was crisp but not horribly cold, which was strange for an early December morning. She spread open her arms and closed her eyes, as she did this the skin on her arms became goose bumped and dark brown and white feather's grew from her skin, and her arms grew into graceful wings. The pinching of the feathers growing out of her skin made her cry out in pain, and as her feathers grew her arms and body began to shrink into a body of a hawk, her nose and mouth began to harden and come together and form a beak, her eyes became smaller and her vision increased she could see for miles. Her face and body grew feathers and her legs shrank and her feet became sharp talons. By the time she was complete her transformation she was standing with her tiny (for a hawk) body spread wings. Alexander was already out the window by they time she took flight. Professor Sgath only found out that she was an animagus in her second year of Auror studies; when she was studying the flight of a bird. She was so caught up in the flight that she only noticed she was almost half hawk when the pain of the feathers took place. The early morning cold bit the skin beneath the feathers; Ava also had some difficulty keeping up with Alexander, who often had to circle around to let Ava keep up. As the journey went on Ava began to get used to flying and she was going more swiftly as they entered London. 'I hope Dumbeldore is there I don't want to have stand out like a prat on the stoop weighting for the door to open.' She thought. Ava gave a commanding wail to let Alexander know that she recognized the area. Alexander circled around for a moment and then dove down towards a busy street and Ava followed. As she approached the house she noticed Dumbledore standing in what looked like a yard that had not been kept up for many years. Ava and Alexander circled around once over Dumbeldore and then landed on his out stretched arm. 'Let me take you inside, oh and again let me wish you a Happy Christmas.' Dumbeldore walked inside the shabby looking house, everyone on the street that was walking by did not seem to notice the oddly dressed man take a strange hawk and an owl into a run down house. When Dumbeldore got into the house Ava was free to change back into her human form. 'I trust you had a safe journey.' Ava looked around surprised to see that the insides did not match the outside of the house. 'Yes thank you sir" she let out an arm for Alexander to take. 'What is going on Dumbledore?' 'I'm afraid I have to leave quite suddenly but I'm sure that Sirius will gladly tell you what has happened' Dumbledore said smiling. Just as Dumeldore said that a tall dark haired handsome man walked into the corridor. "Have a very merry Christmas" and with that Dumbledore apparated from the corridor. After Dumbeldore left there was left an ackward silence between Ava and Sirius. Ava coughed breaking the silence. Ava looked darkly up at Sirius, 'Dumbledore said you would explain what was going on.' 'It appears that a snake that may have belonged to Volemort bit Mr. Weasly last night, we only found out because Harry Potter had seen what was happening in a dream he had, I'm afraid that it shook him up quite a bit. Harry and the other Weasly's are at Saint Mungo's right now, I'm expecting them back at any moment. 'Right then, I'll wait here until they come back.' Ava sat down on a bench near the door. Sirius turned to leave then turned back around, 'your not just going to sit there and wait are you? Please come and sit in the lounge.' 'No thank you I'm perfectly fine where I am.' Ava said tartly. 'Oh don't tell me you're still mad, that was so long ago, I was.being stupid, you have to know I'm sorry!' Sirius said half laughing. It seemed that as Sirius said that the petit Ava grew to the height of Sirius, her eyes burned with conviction. 'It's so easy for you to say sorry isn't? You have no idea what people like myself went through! You and James were such prat's for so many years; you picked on people younger than you or not as "cool" as yourselves just for a laugh. Of course I'm a little prickly towards you!' Just as Sirius was going to loose his temper the door opened and Moody, Lupin, Tonks, Harry, Hermonie, and the rest of the Weasly's came through the door. 'Ava?' 'Tonks!' Ava said turning around; 'It's so good to see you!' said Ava turning around to give Tonks a big hug. As Tonks and Ava hugged the twins, Ron, Harry and Hermonie looked at their divination teacher strangely. 'What is she doing here?' asked Ron to Harry. Harry just shook his head. 'How is he? Asked Sirius 'Oh he's just fine, he'll get threw it.' Mrs. Weasly said happily. 'Right now I think that everyone should get some sleep, we've had a long night' said Mrs. Weasly looking at the children. 'Right now kiddies, off to bed.'began Fred. 'Excuse me sir! You two as well! Off you go' Mrs. Weasly said pushing them all up the strairs. 'Ava let me introduce you to Mrs. Weasly.began Tonks. 'Oh Tonks thank you I'm already acquainted with Ava, her parents are in the Order as well, how are you doing dear? Mrs. Weasly said patting Ava's shoulder. 'Just fine thanks, a little over whelmed in what has just happened but glad to hear your husband is doing fine.' Ava said smiling. 'Will he be out in time fore Christmas?' 'Oh I'm afraid he'll be in there for Christmas but he will be out the following day.' 'That's wonderful to hear.' "Ava are you staying here for Christmas?" asked Mrs. Weasly 'Oh no, I'm just going to go back to Hogwarts for the remainder of the break.' 'No dear I insist that you stay here, there's more than enough room, I'm sure Sirius won't mind,' she said looking at Sirius, not waiting for the reply, 'of course you wouldn't mind, it's the holiday's' 'Are you sure that the children would be ok with that, I mean I'm their teacher?' 'Oh no, Ginny wrote me a letter a few day's after you became a member of the staff, saying you were wonderful' 'Well if it's not too much trouble I suppose I could arrange for some of my luggage to be sent down.' Ava said looking down blushing. Being invited to stay at Sirius's house was a little more that she thought she could handle. This would mean that she would have to moderately polite to him as long as she stayed in his home. Professor Sgath was ushered into the drawing room, and before she knew it a nice spot of tea was in her hands. 'I'm terribly sorry to bring down the mood, but I was wondering what exactly happened last night, no one actually filled me in on what happened.' Ava said leaning back in her chair. 'Well you know that Mr. Weasly is in hospital, because he was bitten by a very poisonous snake, he would have died if it weren't for Harry.' Tonk's said solemnly. 'Harry? How did he know, I'm sure he was no where near Mr. Weasly when it happened' 'Well it seems that you know who has managed to cross his mind with Harry's. This could be extremely dangerous if he doesn't take control of it.' Lupin said worriedly. 'There's only one thing that can be done to help him, I'm afraid for Harry's dislike Snape will have to teach him' Lupin said glancing at Sirius who was standing in the corner arms folded in utmost dislike to the suggestion. 'Surly you can find someone else, Ava, can't you do it? Sirius said facing Ava. Snape hates Harry, he'll do anything to make him miserable!' Sirius said loudly. 'Sirius, Dumbledore has already appointed Snape to teach Harry Occulamency.' Lupin said getting up from his seat. 'It's better that Snape do it, he is much more skilled at it than I am, it takes a lot out a person to do Occulemcy properly.' Ava said trying to back up Lupin. 'Everyone please quite down the children are upstairs sleeping you'll wake them, and Dumbeldore only wants members of the Order to know about Harry's training. Mrs. Weasly said in a harsh tone. Everyone just sit down, it's the holiday's let's not worry about any of this until the holidays are over. So until then, I suggest we make this place look more like Christmas.
' Your right Molly, but I'm afraid Moody and I must leave, Ava, we'll see if we can manage to get your luggage while we're out.' Lupin said as he and Moody got up from their seats. 'Nice to see you again Ava' Lupin said smiling. Ava smiled back, and got up as Lupin and Moody left. 'Sirius, were do you keep your Christmas decorations? Mrs. Weasly asked getting up. Come on Tonks you can help me gather them up.' Soon Mrs. Weasly and Tonks came back with numerous boxes floating behind them.
Two hours later Ron, Hermonie, Ginny and the twins came down stairs and were put to work attaching garlands and other decorations up around the house. Sirius conjured up a magnificent evergreen tree in the corner of the room across from the large fireplace. Mrs. Weasly was in the dining room decorating for the Christmas feast; Ron and Hermonie were in the drawing room putting up garlands and other do-dad's; the twins and Tonks were in the upper levels and Harry was still in his room sleeping off the pervious stressful night. Ava was in the lounge levitating decorations onto the high ceiling and Sirius was levitating the last of the non-tree burning candles in the tree. 'Ava, you're forgetting some decorations' Sirius said grinning slyly. 'Oh what would they be? Ava said turning around. When Ava turned around she saw Sirius closer than she thought he was. 'Mistletoe!' and with that Sirius grabbed Ava by the waist and planted a deep kiss on her and then he let her go and walked right out of the room, leaving Ava a mix between happiness and confusion. 'Damn!' she muttered to herself.
'Ron why do you think that Professor Sgath is here? Asked Hemonie. 'I'll tell you why she's here, she's part of the Order of the Phoenix, both her and her parents' George said walking down the stairs towards Ron and Hermonie. 'While you perfects were sleeping Fred and me were listening in with the extendable ears.' 'That's not all we heard.or saw' said Fred surpessing a laugh. 'What are you talking about?' Hermonie said narrowing her eye's at them. 'Well it appears that our self imposed shut in used to know our dear Professor in school, and well needless to say Sirius wasn't exactly kind to her. Right now he's kicking himself, because Professor Ava Sgath is rather. more.attractive than she used to be. 'What are you getting at Fred?' Ron said straightening up. 'All in good time my boy all in good time. Well we were in the hallway when we heard some voices in the lounge, we thought maybe they were talking about Order business, but we were unfourtuatly wrong about that. Instead we saw some interesting gossip; Sirius pulled the old mistletoe trick and planted a kiss right on Professor Sgath!' Both Ron and Hermonie were left completely stunned at hearing this. Teachers were supposed to be people without a social life, having one that a teacher had one out side of school was somewhat disturbing. 'Well.she is human, and so is Sirius.'began Hermonie. 'Wait until Harry hears this! Exclaimed Ron. Let's go wake him, he's been in bed all day.'
At supper that night they feasted on everything, it was sort of a celebration of Mr. Weasly being safe and getting well. Half way through supper Lupin, Moody and Muduguns apparated into the dining room with Professor Sgath's belongings and Alexander with them. 'Oh thank you so much for bringing my luggage for me.' Ava said getting up to collect her belongings. 'Ava I don't believe you have a room yet. Sirius said grinning and getting up from his seat. Ron, Harry, Hermonie, Ginny and the twins had to surpress their smiles at hearing Sirius being so obliging to help out Professor Sgath. 'Allow me to show you to your room' Sirius said levitating Professor Sgath's luggage. Ava reluctantly got up from her seat and followed Sirius through the dinning room and up the stairs. Sirius stopped suddenly at a large door, he pushed the door open and in side was a large bed. Ava was still standing in the doorway when Sirius turned around. 'This way please Miss. Ava, Sirius said presenting the room to Professor Sgath in a mock bellboy pose. There are draws and closets where you can put your belongings, and as you can see the wrecking crew has made the room festive.' Sirius said cocking an eyebrow. The room was filled with garlands and tinsel strewn every which way. Other than the obscure decorations the room was quite grand. The bed was large and made out of rose wood; all of the furniture in the room was made of rose wood. 'Thank you Sirius.for letting me stay here.' Ava said quietly and tightening up. 'Your welcome, either way I didn't have much of a choice did I?' As he said that he walked right out the room back to the dinning room, leaving Ava to collect her things together. 'Fine give me the cold should after what you did this afternoon, just like school, why did I think you had changed!' Ava thought furiously. Ava started putting her luggage in various cupboards and drawers rather violently with a grin on her face, looking back at the door hoping to see Sirius there, instead she only saw Kreature his house elf sneak by.