Begin Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten: "Where's a Forgetfulness Potion when you need it?"

  Professor Dean and Percy were caught in the proverbial act. Harry and Ron had entered Professor Dean's office without realizing it. And now Harry realized why the Marauder's map had one dot with two names on it and why Snape was so angry. He had been walking from the direction of the DADA office. But the shock Harry was feeling was nothing to what Ron was feeling. There was a look of sheer revulsion and horror on his face. Percy and Professor Dean had no idea that there were two teenagers in the room, one of them Percy's brother, otherwise they wouldn't be like this. On her table, no less. Ron let out a shriek that Harry would have expected from a girl. Professor Dean and Percy jumped up and looked around which brought out shrieks from both Harry and Ron. It wasn't terrible seeing Professor Dean, but Percy… They both bolted out of the room, Ron still shrieking. They ran all the way to the Common Room, and bolted through the portrait. Once they threw the cloak off, Ron started rubbing his eyes furiously. He was babbling incoherently and his eyes were tearing. Harry wanted to forget that sight.

"Where's a Forgetfulness Potion when you need it?" He rubbed at his eyes to try to remove that wretched sight from his mind. He had completely forgotten about finding out what Malfoy and Dinah were up to. He also forgot about Ava and how he was going to make it up to her. He just needed to forget.

"Maybe Hermione could make one for us," Ron said weakly. Harry said nothing. He looked at the map, only to see Malfoy and Dinah were in the Slytherin Common Room. Hermione and Ava were on their way back to the Common Room from the girl's bathroom. He wondered why they would be in the girl's bathroom to begin with if they were supposed to be looking for Malfoy. Ron was muttering something about a Memory Charm in between gagging fits when the portrait hole opened. Harry heard light footsteps and then Hermione and Ava appeared. Ava's face was tear streaked and Hermione was comforting her. Harry stood up and Hermione and Ava noticed him. Ava took one look at him and bolted up the stairs. Harry tried to go after her but Hermione blocked him.

"She can't be that mad at me," Harry said.

"Harry," Hermione said quietly, "Ava's owl, Athena, showed up on our search. Ava's father has gone missing." Harry's heart dropped to his feet.

"I have to go to her," Harry said frantically. Hermione used all her might to shove him back.

"Harry, she doesn't want to see you," Hermione said quickly. "She wants to be left alone."

"Is that what she said?" Harry looked at Hermione, not wanting to believe her.

"No," Hermione said. She looked like she was holding something back.

"Hermione, what did she say?" Harry knew it was going to hurt, whatever Hermione was going to say. And he was right.

"Oh, Harry," Hermione whispered. "She said that she wants nothing to do with you."

"Great," Harry said. "I hurt her once and now she wants nothing to do with me." Harry rubbed his eyes again, not because of what he saw earlier, but because his eyes were threatening to tear up. He couldn't cry. He had been through so much in his life and he never shed a tear. So why did he want to cry now? Why did he feel like he just lost a part of himself? His heart literally ached now. It hurt so much. He couldn't be there for her when she needed him. He just looked at Hermione, who seemed to be holding something in her hand. She looked pained as she grabbed Harry's hand and put something cold in it. She closed Harry's hand and walked upstairs. Harry knew what it was almost instantly and his heart broke. He opened his hand to look at the bracelet that he gave Ava last month on their three-month anniversary. It was a delicate bracelet, with topaz and rubies creating a swirl, representing the Gryffindor colors. Ava loved it and had never taken it off since. Until now, Harry thought sadly. He looked at it for a moment and he felt horrible. Then anger took over his pain and he threw the bracelet into the fire, tears blinding his eyes. Let her be that way.

"Harry! What are you doing?" Ron yelled at him but Harry was already upstairs in his bed. He drew the drapes around him and he buried his face in his pillow. He just wanted to pretend this whole night didn't happen. He slowly fell into a fretful sleep, where he tossed and turned all night.

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The next day, Harry awoke to Ron shaking him.

"Harry! Harry! Wake up, Sirius is downstairs! He's come to visit you." Harry got up quickly. He threw on clean robes and ran to the bathroom to freshen up. When he came out, Ron looked at him worriedly.

"Harry, you look terrible. Did you get any sleep?" Harry just shook his head.

"When did he get here?" Harry didn't want to talk about last night.

"Just a couple of minutes ago. He said that the Ministry gave him a day off. But Harry, wait…" Ron started, only to notice Harry was already out the door. He could only run after him. Sirius was downstairs sitting on an armchair, reading the paper, a solemn look on his face. Sirius had changed a lot. His hair, once long and matted, was short and clean cut. His face was fuller, no longer gaunt. Sirius now resembled the man in Harry's picture of his parents wedding. Harry grinned despite the fact that he felt terrible.

"Sirius," Harry ran to him and barely gave Sirius time to stand before he hugged him. "I'm so glad to see you."

"Well," Sirius said chuckling, "that's the best greeting I've ever gotten." His smile faded, though as he looked at Harry. "What's wrong, Harry? You look like death warmed over. And don't lie to me either. Tell me what's wrong."

"I don't want to talk about it right now," Harry said quietly. Sirius remembered something that Hermione had said about Ava before running down to breakfast. He looked at Harry and put two and two together.

"So, last time you wrote me you said that I would get to meet your lovely Ava. Where is she?" Harry stiffened slightly. His face went slack and he looked at the ground.

"I can't rightly say that we're together anymore."

"You can't rightly say? What is that supposed to mean?"

"Well, we… just… she doesn't want to speak to me," Harry said quickly. "Can we not talk about it?" Sirius looked at him.

"We won't. For now. You will tell me later," Sirius said flatly. "So, how has Quidditch been going?"

"Good," Harry said. "The way it's going, it looks like we're up against Slytherin for the Quidditch Cup." He stopped talking. He just remembered that Ava was on the team. How were they going to coexist if they weren't even together? Sirius noticed his silence so he got up.

"Come on," he said briskly. "I have special permission from Dumbledore to take you to Hogsmeade. I'll take you Christmas shopping." Harry's spirits lifted just slightly.

"I've already done some of it."

"Who have you gotten out of the way?"

"You, Ron, Hagrid, and Hermione," Harry said, counting off the names.

"My, that sounds like everybody. Who's left?" There was a pregnant pause.

"Ava," Harry said. "But we're not together so I've got no one left," he added hastily. Sirius raised a questioning eyebrow.

"And just because you're not together anymore, you see fit that you don't have to get her a gift?" Harry's face was questioning. "You want her back, don't you?" Harry nodded slowly.

"But she said she wants nothing to do with me," he said quietly.

"People say crazy things when they are hurt, angry or sad. And it seems to me that Ava is all three. You've heard about her father haven't you?"

"Yes," Harry said.

"She needs you now more than ever, despite what she says. Apparently, she hasn't slept and she doesn't want to eat, according to Hermione. You go to her if she won't come to you." Sirius put his hand on Harry's shoulder. "So let's go shopping for those gifts."

Harry and Sirius went to Hogsmeade by means of Buckbeak, whose name was also cleared. They went into a new store; Mademoiselle Aradia's Jewels and Such. It was a jewelry store and Harry had to admit, some of the things were stunning. Glass cases lined the wall filled with breathtaking jewels. There was even a case with diamonds the size of eggs. Nobody was behind the counter, but there was a service bell shaped like a phoenix. Harry pressed it and the music of a phoenix filled the room. Suddenly, a woman appeared from behind a curtain leading into the back. She was a pretty young woman, about twenty-eight, with wavy hair pulled loosely back. Her big eyes were violet, Harry noticed as she focused them on him. She was wearing robes of mauve and had a beautiful ring on that instantly caught Harry's eyes. The center was like an exotic flower and it was made up of pink sapphires with a ruby center. He knew that's what he wanted for Ava. He had to have it.

"Hello and welcome to my shop. I hope there is something that will suit your needs," she said, smiling at Harry and Sirius.

"Well, he's looking for something special," Sirius said, pointing at Harry. She looked at Harry with a knowing smile on her face.

"Is it for that special girl?" Harry turned red.

"Yes."

"Well, what do you have in mind?" Harry looked at that ring. Ava would love it. He wanted Ava back so badly he would get her anything.

"Well, erm, Mademoiselle…" Harry started awkwardly.

"Call me Aradia," she said kindly.

"Aradia, do you have something like that ring you've got on? If it doesn't trouble you," he added hastily. She looked down at it.

"Oh, yes this ring. It's the only one," she said. She saw Harry's face drop. "Don't worry dear, it's not mine. I sometimes wear my merchandise to advertise it. If this is what you want, this is what you'll have." She plucked the ring delicately off of her finger. Harry grinned broadly. He could see the look on Ava's face now. Aradia placed the ring in a gold box shaped like an egg. At Sirius's quizzical look at the box, she smiled sheepishly.

"I have quite a fascination with phoenix's Mr. Black."

"How do you know my name?" Sirius looked at her searchingly.

"Well, how could I not? You're quite well known." Sirius's face turned red with the beginnings of anger. He thought she was going to talk about what his name was cleared for but she seemed not to notice it. She was focused on putting a charm on the box to open magically. Harry started to shift uncomfortably.

"Am I?" His voice was strained. She was now putting a bow on the box.

"Of course you are. Your work at the Ministry is well known. You're an excellent Auror Mr. Black." Sirius's face changed instantly. He looked at her like she was something remarkable. She looked up at him and noticed his shocked face. " What did you think I was talking about?"

"Nothing," Sirius said quickly. She looked at him for a second before turning her violet gaze back on Harry. Harry could feel himself start to blush. She leaned over the counter and extended the box as Harry handed her ten Galleons.

"I want to let you in on a secret. I knew you wanted this ring even before you did. I have a sort of knack for helping people find what they want before they do. Get your girlfriend back," she said. Looking at Harry's shocked face, she continued. "She'll love this ring because it, like she, is quite unique and beautiful. But this ring won't mend everything that's wrong. There will still be work to do."

"H-how did you know?" Harry croaked. She smiled secretively.

"Call it female intuition. Now, off with you, darling. I have another customer who'll want a unicorn collar and I have to go fetch it. Have a lovely day Mr. Black, Mr. Potter. And Mr. Potter, good luck." Harry and Sirius left the store, both a little shocked. Sirius seemed to be thinking about that visit. Harry grinned.

"Sirius, I think you fancy Aradia." Sirius looked flustered. He cleared his throat.

"Harry, you don't know what you're talking about. Let's go to the Three Broomsticks and grab a butterbeer and something to eat. We have to head back to the castle soon and I have some business to attend to at the Ministry." They ate at the Three Broomsticks and headed back to the castle on Buckbeak. Sirius dropped Harry off.

"Now remember, Christmas is in four days. So form a plan. I'll see you soon," Sirius said, hugging Harry tight. Then Sirius was up and away. Harry waved until he could no longer see Sirius and Buckbeak. He touched his pocket, where the box was nestled safely. He smiled softly and walked into the castle. He went straight into the Great Hall because he knew it was lunchtime. He needed to talk to Ron and show him what he bought. When he walked in, he saw an unexpected person sitting with Ron and Hermione. Ava was sitting, somber. They had piled her plate high with food and were cajoling her into eating. But she just picked at her plate. Ron looked up and spotted Harry eyeing Ava. He whispered something to Hermione, who looked up. She nodded at Ron, and Ron came running over to Harry.

"Harry, you look much better. What happened?" Harry looked at the table, and he noticed that Ava was looking at him. Her face held longing but she looked away when her eyes met Harry's. Harry felt a pain in his gut so he motioned Ron out of the Great Hall.

"Look what I bought for Ava," Harry said. He pulled the box out of his pocket. He pointed his wand at the box. "Dissendium." The box sprung open, revealing the ring.

"Bloody hell! That's a ring and a half! Hey," Ron said, suddenly hit by inspiration, "stop being friends with me, feel bad about it and get me something nice."

"Shut up Ron," Harry said. He couldn't help but feel better, though. But he was snapped out of his thoughts as the doors to the Great Hall burst open and people started flooding through. Harry said a hurried goodbye to Ron before running up to the Common Room. He had to make a plan of action and he had to make it work. He plopped sown on one of the squashy armchairs to think. But just moments later, the rest of Gryffindor came in from lunch. It grew too noisy to think so Harry decided to go upstairs to his bed. He needed rest anyway, seeing as he got no sleep. He got up and started walking towards the stairs. But there was a little something, rather someone, blocking the stairs. Ava was sitting on the stairs, hugging her knees to her chest. She was tracing a pattern on the step that she was sitting on with her finger. Her face was sad and Harry wanted to hold her badly. It hurt him to see her like this. So he gathered all of his courage and walked up to her. He kneeled down in front of her and she snapped out of her daze, startled. When she saw who it was, she looked down and started to get up. Harry put his arms on her shoulders gently but firmly and he pulled her down. He wanted to kiss her pain away but he remembered what Aradia said. He had to take it slow and try to comfort as a friend. He put his hand under her chin and tilted her face up so she would look at him. He was startled at how much pain she harbored in her eyes. Was this his Ava who was smiling and happy last night? The change in her demeanor was startling. He swallowed back the lump in his throat at seeing her like this and he cleared his throat slightly.

"Ava, I heard about your father and I wanted you to know that if you need a shoulder to lean on, mine is free. I'll be here for you. If that's what you want," he added awkwardly. Her eyes welled up and saying nothing, she buried her head in his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. It was killing him that he had to only be there for her as a friend. He now realized that this would take more time than he wanted to. Her father was missing and it would be selfish of him to try to get her back in a relationship. Mending a relationship wasn't going to be easy and he knew with what was happening now it would be too much for her. He took her to an isolated corner of the room, as it was now cleared of people. He curled up on the couch with her. Her tears quickly turned into sobs. He could only hold her tight and stroke her hair soothingly. Harry thought vaguely that this didn't feel at all awkward but after a few moments, she pulled away abruptly.

"I can't," she said, trying to go to her room. But Harry wasn't going to let her go like this. He held her tight.

"You can't what?" He said it so calmly and lovingly, that she stopped struggling.

"I can't let you see me like this. Let me go, Harry, please," she pleaded softly.

"I won't let you go. And you just showed me another side to you. I don't see it as you being weak. You're human, Ava." Her body relaxed against his. She rested her head on his shoulder again. He could tell she was exhausted. Maybe she had no sleep at all, either.

"I know. But that doesn't mean I want it known," she said weakly. Harry grinned. He felt her snuggle in to him and she fell asleep. Friends don't fall asleep together, Harry thought as he felt his drowsiness overpower him. But he really didn't mind and soon, Harry was carried off into a dreamless sleep.

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Ava awoke with a start. Her forehead was damp with sweat. She knew her dream had terrified her to the core but she couldn't remember what it was. All she could remember were the screams. The chilling screams. She shuddered. Then she felt a pair of arms around her and she realized where she was. Harry had fallen asleep with her and it was now dark. The fire was dying save for a few burning embers. She calmed down considerably. She felt safe here in his arms. But they weren't together anymore. She looked at his face, so peaceful. He was so beautiful, she thought wistfully. And she had to go and screw things up. She just felt so hurt and then her father… she didn't even want to think about it. She was no good for Harry. He deserved better. Much better than her. If she was with him, he would be in danger. She reluctantly slipped out from underneath his arms. She looked at his sleeping form. She felt like her heart was being wrenched out of her. This is what had to be done. She couldn't be with Harry. If she lost him like her father, she'd be heartbroken. She'd be lost without him. So she would love him from a distance. A very safe distance. Ava leaned in and pressed her lips gently against Harry's. A tear made it's way down her cheek as she pulled away.

"I love you Harry," she whispered, knowing that he couldn't hear how she felt for him. "I'm so sorry." And with that, she went up to her dormitory.

End Chapter

Begin Chapter Eleven