Chapter 3,
Aira shoved the huge doors open, and they both stepped through. "Ah, and here they are now. Miss. Revye, and Miss. Fledjer. Right on time, now if you'll please step up to the front. You need to be sorted." Dumbledore's voice was saying. The two witches walked up.
"Avateine Revye." called Professor McGonagal. Ava stepped up, and sat on the stool. Who would have guessed she'd be sorted twice in her life? Professor McGonagal gently placed the hat on her head.
"Ah. You've a complicated mind, Miss Black." Said the Old and torn hat as it dug around in her thoughts. "Another Slytherin, then." He exclaimed, and was just on the verge of shouting it out, when Avateine shot back.
'If you put me in Slytherin I'll tear you into tiny bits and feed you to a werewolf.' She thought, thinking of Remus. The hat laughed in her mind. "Very well, very well. Best put you back into Gryffindor then. You were there before, after all. It's all here in your mind..." GRYFFINDOR! Shouted the hat.
"Aira Fledjer." Aira stepped up and sat on the stool. "Hmmm," The hat mused looking into her mind. "You...well, you're a very interesting person, you...WHAT?! Why did you turn him into a ferret? I must say, he might have deserved it, but aren't you supposed to be kind to your fellows?"
Aira just muttered, squirming. "Well then, if you're in such a hurry, might as well choose. Better be- "Gryffindor!" The hat said this last part to the whole school and the Gryffindors clapped and whistled, grinning evilly at the Slytherin table.
Ava waited beside Aira until her sorting was done, and the two took off to the Gryffindor table together. They were met by numerous pats on the back, and cheers. Ava looked over to the Slytherin table to see her cousins, Narcissa and Bellatrix Black glaring daggers at her. Ava would recognize Bellatrix's face anywhere. She was wearing the same smile she had been donning the moment she killed Sirius....Ava was pulled down next to Sirius. James on the other side of her, was smirking.
"Just look at those Slytherins. They're furious. This is great." Avateine laughed.
"Congratulations, Avateine." exclaimed Remus across the table.
Aira was looking rather uncomfortable being smushed between a Remus and Peter, the filthy deatheater. She was relieved, however, when Lily Evans and two of her friends came. Remus scooted over courteously, and the girls sat down.
"So glad you're in Gryffindor!" They chatted with Aira. Meanwhile, Sirius and James had broke out into conversation about Quidditch, talking across Ava.
"Only three days till the game." commented James. "You practicing that new swing Dale taught you?"
Sirius grinned. "Works like a charm, that does." Then he turned to Ava. "Do you play?" he asked.
She nodded. "Chaser. I'm a brilliant seeker though. If my friend Harry," She looked nervously at James," hadn't taken the position in his first year, I would have had it." Avateine finished. The two looked shocked.
"He got to play seeker in his first year?" She laughed at the awestruck looks on their faces.
"He's the fastest on a broom you'll ever see, challenged by no one, except maybe me." Sirius laughed. "Confident aren't you?"
She smirked. "Not without reason."
"Well, you'll get over your confidence soon enough. My family-the Blacks- own the largest broom manufacturing company in all of Britain. We've produced all sorts of the latest models. Cleansweep two-sixty included."
Avateine nodded. "Yes, yes. Nimbus 2000, Nimbus 2001, Firebolt...."
"How in bloody hell did you know about those? The plans were only drawn up last month! They won't be out for years." asked a particularly shocked Sirius Black.
"Erm....My..friend works for the company.."
Sirius looked at her suspiciously. "Right...Well, Mine isn't even on the market yet. Black Atmosphere. There's not one that can surpass it. Not a one."
Avateine laughed. "Is that a challenge?" Sirius put on a wolfish grin. "It could be."
The next morning Ava came down to the great hall. She donned dark blue wizarding robes of Lily's, and her hair was done up in a messy bun. "I hate mornings." She complained. Lily, beside her, laughed.
"You'd have slept all day if I hadn't gotten you up." She pointed out.
Ava yawned. "True enough, but I would have been happy." Happy was an understatement. Avateine simply loved sleep.
Lily frowned. "But you would have missed the trip to Hogsmeade!"
Aira and Ava both looked at her. "This is a Hogsmeade weekend?" Aira questioned.
"Yes. I'll show you around. I daresay I need some new robes though. You two won't mind if I skip off for a bit of cloth shopping, will you?"
Ava shook her head. "Nah, we need new robes too. And quite a few other things-for that matter."
Lily smiled. "Alright then." She exclaimed, finishing her quick breakfast. "The carriages should be out front of the school at 9:00. Be there." Aira and Ava nodded in unison, watching as Lily waltzed off.
Truth be told, Aira and Ava had absolutely nothing. Aira had some rubber bands, her wand, and a picture of the 'gang', and Avateine had some galleons. Well.....'some' was a bit off. More like 'mountains' of galleons, stored in the inside pocket of her robe. She'd charmed the pocket so she could fit plenty of things in, and it would weight nearly nothing. It really came in handy. After all, you never know when something good would show up that you absolutely had to buy.
A hour and a half later Lily, Ava, and Aira were boarding the carriages that would take them to Hogsmeade. "Oh, we have to go to the 3 broomsticks." Aira exclaimed happily as she watched the carriages all around them pull away from Hogwarts.
Lily looked at her, eyebrows arched. "How do you know about the 3 broomsticks?"
"Oh… I heard all 'bout it from Sirius and them. I also heard a certain boy ranting about a certain girl." Aira said, smirking as Lily blushed.
Ava laughed. "We also have to do a bit of shoppin' Aira."
Aira groaned. "Why do we have to ruin this perfect day looking at clothes? Shopping for clothes is just so..."
"Boring?" Ava supplied. Aira nodded, leaping out of the carriage. They had arrived.
"So; you can go look at clothes and I'll be with my pal Lup here!" Aira exclaimed running over and hiding behind Lupin. "So...bye. Run Lup!"
Just as Aira turned to run, Ava caught her by the collar of her robes with a sigh. "Halt!" Aira groaned as she was tugged away from the boys. Sirius and James laughed, and she growled at them.
Their first stop was Gladrags Wizardwear for everyday use. They spent two horrid hours in there, with Aira complaining every second.
Finally Avateine whirled on Aira. "Shut up, will you? I don't like shopping any more then you do, but it's not like we have a bloody choice, so stop unleashing hell! Here!" She yelled, shoving three black robes, one dark green, and one light blue into Aira's arms. "Try those on!"
They stalked out a half-hour later, each of the three girls were heavily laden with at least six different robes, shoes, and a few other essentials. After a quick stop to get some quills, ink, and parchment, they loaded their shopping bags back into the carriage. At least then they wouldn't have to carry them around, and could enjoy themselves.
Aira grinned. "Finally! Now we can go to Zonkos and Honeydukes and The shrieking sh-" Ava smiled at Lily. "And now comes the ranting....it'll be a while before she is mentally able to answer questions or uphold a descent conversation." Lily laughed, as they followed Aira in the direction of Honeydukes. "She really does know her way around, doesn't she?" Lily mused.
After Honeydukes, followed the shrieking shack, and after that they visited the Three Broomsticks. They all ordered a round of butterbeer and about 15 minutes later Sirius, James, Lupin and Peter came in, sitting down next to them.
"I bought a whole crate full of fizzing whizbees, man do I love fizzing whizbees." James exclaimed happily, popping some into his mouth.
"And I'll give them all to you love of my life, if you'll go out with me."
Lily growled. "Keep dreaming Potter."
"Well Miss Ava," Sirius huffed, puffing out his chest. "Think your man enough to take me on today in that quidditch match of ours?"
Ava grinned, poking Sirius in the gut. "Course I am and why not we make a little wager, eh? 20 Galleons says I win."
Sirius stared at her suspiciously. "How do I know you even have that kind of money? When I win I would like all of it."
Ava sighed, reaching into her pocket and taking out a handful of galleons. Everyone (besides Aira, she was quite used to this) stared in awe at the gold glittering on the table.
"Wow," Lupin gasped, before getting elbowed in the stomach. "whose side are you on?"
"So," Ava drawled. "Do we have ourselves a deal Mister Black?"
Sirius grinned extending his hand. "Of course we do, why turn away free money?"
"Yes, why?" Ava grinned, as they shook hands. "Lily?" asked Ava.
"Yes?"
"When do the carriages leave for Hogwarts?"
Lily looked at the magical clock on the wall. "Well, in about 40 minutes."
Ava grinned mischievously. "Then we'd best hurry. Come on, Aira, You too!"
Sirius stood up, blocking their way. "Where do you think you're going? Rigging up something so you can cheat? I think not!" He said, smirking.
"On the contrary, Sirius. I simply figured that if I'm going to race you this afternoon, I might want to have a broom." Avateine retorted, slipping past him. "Come along, if you like. I'm just going down the road, after all."
Sirius stood there gaping. Aira couldn't help but giggle. He glared at her, before turning back to Ava.
"You're saying you don't have a broom? Right. With all that money? I think I will come along with you. This will be interesting. Come Marauders!" James leapt from his seat enthusiastically to join Sirius, attempting a flip in mid air; landing on Lily instead. Lupin sighed, reluctantly getting up along with Peter.
Aira glared at him, before going out the door. "So...Ava." Aira asked innocently, her eyes crystalline blue. "You are lending me some money right? For a broom?"
Ava sighed, nodding. "You're lucky I'm so bloody rich." Aira grinned, punching Ava in the shoulder playfully, before running into the store.
Avateine walked to the back of the store, ignoring all of her friend's comments. "Bloody hell! The new Titan 34! Ava! It's the fastest version yet!" yelled James's awed voice.
Sirius smacked him upside the head. "Don't help her. Lets see how well she can choose a broom! Anyway, she's the competition, Prongs!" James glared at him.
"I know Padfoot, it's just....Look at this thing!"
Avateine chuckled, she new what she wanted, and it was definitely not the Titan 34. She quietly asked the shopkeeper if he had a 1974 Lightbolt.
"Well, yes....but no one's been able to afford one of them in years. I went through great pains to acquire this girl." He exclaimed, opening up a locked cabinet to his left, and pulling out a shining silver broomstick. "No one seems to think they're worth anything anymore. Speedy brooms are always loved, and precise brooms overlooked. I trust you know the capabilities of this beauty?" He asked.
She smiled. "I wouldn't be asking for it if I didn't. Bloody expensive things, aren't they?"
The man smiled knowingly. "More expensive then a lass like you could ever imagine."
Avateine raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Will this do?" She asked, pulling out a large bag of galleons.
"Aye, that just might do it." He said, his eyes lighting up. Avateine took her purchase to the front of the store, having to physically drag James away from the Nickle thirty-four. On her way out the door, James in tow, she collided into Sirius.
"Why did you buy THAT old model?" He scorned.
Avateine grinned, prodding him in the chest. "Because this old model is the most precise broomstick ever made, better even then that Firebolt your family is producing. It turns in a millisecond, obeying your will power, over your skills. Plus, it's not bad on speed either. This, my friend. Is a winner." She exclaimed, showing him the silver broom.
The group was once again sitting in the three broomsticks, talking over a round of butterbeer. Avateine looked across the table, where Lily and James were whispering to each other. Since when did Lily even bother to look at James? Thought Ava. Something's up. Discreetly, she nudged Sirius in the ribs. "What are they on about?" she asked into his ear. Sirius peered over at the couple.
Sirius, however, found no need to be quiet, and yelled across the table. "Oi, James! What in bloody hell are you up to?" He asked. Ava mentally kicked herself.
"Really Sirius, do you want to repeat that? I'm not sure someone halfway across the world heard you properly."
Peter broke out into fits of laughter. How pathetic is that? Sirius shot him an irritated look. "Wormtail."
"What?"
"Shut up."
"Oh...." Peter squeaked, quieting instantly.
"Don't you think that was a bit harsh, Siri?" asked Aira across the table.
"No."
"Well,. why not?" Aira huffed.
"Because he's annoying me, that's why, you nosy woman!" said Sirius crossly, looking expectantly back at James and Lily.
"Well...we were uh...." Stuttered Lily. James finished for her, apparently deciding that there was no point in secrecy. "We were betting on the race." he said shortly. This interested Sirius and Ava.
"Oh really?"
"Yup, and I'm all for you" Sirius smirked at Ava.
"-Avateine." Sirius instantly went into a fit.
Lily was waiting for Avateine and Aira in the carriage. They had insisted that they had one more thing to do, and she could not come along. Lily wasn't stupid, and she knew something was up. But she also trusted Aira and Ava, so she agreed.
Meanwhile- "Prongs? Do you mind waiting for us in that carriage over there?" asked Sirius, innocently.
Remus butted in. "We're just going to take the girls over to theirs, and we want to make sure to have one reserved."
James looked suspiciously at him. "Why don't you make Wormtail do it?"
Ava glared at him. "Just go! We all know that Peter can't hold his own, should a gang of Slytherins come along or something." This comment made James stand a little bit taller.
"You know, you're right! Bring on those slimy Slytherin gits!" He muttered, heading towards the carriage. Sirius and Aira winked at each other. The moment James stepped in, to meet a very surprised Lily Evans; Remus, Ava, and Sirius all shot their strongest sealing charms at the door. "Try breaking out of that, Prongsie." cackled Aira.
All laughing merrily, they made their way to another carriage. "I wonder what those two are up to," Aira said smirking. Sirius chuckled.
"James is probably trying to get within 3 feet of Lily," Remus stated.
"Oh, I'm sure Lily has realized she likes him, and James will be reading her poetry!" Ava suggested, and they all burst out laughing.
They arrived at the school a while later, still chuckling. "May I help you out of the carriage M'lady?" Remus asked innocently, holding out his hand for Aira. Aira grinned, trying not to laugh.
"Of course Sir Lup, I would be honored." He smiled, taking her hand and leading her up to Hogwarts. Sirius looked at Ava mischievously.
"I do not want any help." Ava stated dryly, trying to get around Sirius to exit the carriage but Sirius just tutted.
"Now, now. A lady such as yourself can surely not be expecting to get down from the carriage all by herself?"
Ava growled, pushing him aside but Sirius just grabbed her, hoisting her into the air.
"Here we go now! Off to Hogwarts!"
Ava kicked him in the shin, but he didn't seem to notice. "Put me down Sirius Black! Or I'll have to get my wand!" He grinned,
"Only if you admit you like me." By this time they had caught up with Lupin and Aira, and Aira shivered.
"That would be so gross! Ewwww!" She pretended to gag.
Sirius' eyes narrowed. "Why would that be so bad?" He barked. Ava sighed. "In more ways than you know."
After a while Avateine gave up pounding on Sirius's back and simply hung there. "When do you plan on putting me down?" she asked him."Never." came the reply.
Avateine instantly hit him upside the head. "You'd better rethink that answer, Mr. Black." she exclaimed.
Remus shook his head. "Looks like we've got another Lily/James situation on our hands."
Avateine glared at him, and Aira went back to shaking her head and gagging. The group made their way up to the Gryffindor common room, ignoring the stares people gave them. "Mandrake pus." muttered Aira to the Fat Lady. A moment later the portrait swung open, and they emerged into the Gryffindor common room. It was much the same as it was in the year 2004. The same Scarlet couches and roaring fires. As cozy as ever. Sirius threw Avateine onto the couch, where she landed with a small shriek. He shrugged innocently. "You were getting heavy."
Aira plopped herself down next to Ava, looking extremely happy. "So, enjoy your ride?" Ava answered by hitting Aira on the head.
"Ow," Aira hissed, rubbing her head. Ava just sighed, making herself comfy. Looking over at the clock that hung above the fireplace she noticed it was 2 o' clock. Her gaze then turned to Sirius, who was plopped himself down in a chair. He really did look a bit tired after their journey. She snorted, served him right.
"So, Mister Black. When is this little match of ours?" Sirius looked up at the clock as well, then nodded. "2 now, how about in 2 hours? That's 4 if you didn't know, my sweet."
Aira gagged again, and Sirius threw a pillow at her. "Stop gagging! There's nothing wrong with me!" Aira just stayed hidden behind the pillow. Sirius growled. "So, do we have an accord?"
Ava nodded. "See you in two hours then.
With that, Sirius up and left. Remus and Wormtail behind him; followed by someone Avateine didn't recognize. Suddenly she realized the same features framed his face, as someone who had been watching that last quidditch game, two days ago. Or, Ava chuckled lightly to herself, 18 years from now. It was Neville Longbottom's face. So this boy must be his father, Frank Longbottom.
Avateine looked at Aira. "Up for some practice flying? Maybe a short game?" she asked.
Aira grinned, leaping up. "I'll go get my bro-Oh crap. We left our stuff in the carriage with Lily and James, and we never really let them out."
Ava shook her head. "I rescued the brooms before Lily got in. We can live without out spare robes for now, and I think Lily and James will be alright in by themselves for a while more; supposing Lily doesn't try to kill him."
The two girls laughed, as they grabbed their brooms from where they were lying, beside the couch; and went out to the quidditch pitch.