"I caught one! I caught one!"

Caroline turned, a sigh escaping her mouth as she followed the sound of Avery's cries. She was standing on the other side of the garden, beneath a grand oak tree that had been planted in the garden years before.

The Oak tree had been planted by her grandfather - her father's father - and had been a present to her grandmother. It used to grow using magic and produce delicious dragon fruits that would melt in one's mouth when eaten.

Occasionally, Emrys spoke about the Dragon Pie his mother would make him during the holidays - mainly his birthday, using the fruit from the tree. He could still remember the taste, and often craved the succulence that he could remember well.

The tree had stopped producing fruit after her grandfather had passed away. Emrys had explained later that his father had bound his magic to the tree, so the second he had died the tree lost its abilities, too.

Avery grinned happily up at her sister. She was only seven years old, her long brunette hair hung down as far as her waist, and her chocolate brown eyes glinted with happiness. She held up a glass jar, its lid closed tightly as a green glittering bug fluttered around inside.

"Avery," Caroline sighed. She rushed over, took the jar, and opened the lid. The bug flew out and disappeared into the leaves above.

"Hey!" Avery whined. "What did you do that for?"

"You have to put holes in the lid," said Caroline.

"Why?"

"Because glow worms need air to breathe."

Avery cocked her head with a frown.

"You know when we used to hold our breathe underwater?"

Avery nodded.

"Then our chests would hurt?"

Again, Avery nodded.

"That's because we needed air to breathe," Caroline said. "The same thing happens with glow worms. If they don't get air, they die."

Avery's eyes widened. "I'm sorry!" she gasped. She looked up, searching desperately for the glow worm. When she couldn't find it, she panicked. "What if I trapped him too long?"

"He's okay," said Caroline, placing a hand on her sister's shoulder. "We let him go in time. Here," she knelt and took her wand from inside her pocket. She tapped the lid of Avery's jar and five little holes appeared.

"What will that do?" Avery asked, awed.

"It will let the Glow worms breathe from inside," said Caroline. She handed the jar and lid back. "Go on. Try and catch one."

Avery grinned and run off behind the tree. Caroline followed, watching as her little sister climbed the tree as high as she could go, using the jar and lid to trap two glow worms inside.

"I got two!" Avery echoed, joyfully. "Look, Caroline!"

"Way to go, little rockstar!" Caroline called.

Avery giggled.

"I was told I would probably find you in here."

Teddie looked up from Caroline's diary, the book closing in her lap as she looked around. The woman in question stood in the doorway, leaning against the door frame with her arms folded. She was carrying a travelling cloak over her left arm and her hair was slightly damp from being outside.

It was the end of October. The weather had changed drastically in the last month. The warm sunshine had faded and been replaced with rain clouds and storms. Thunder rolled endlessly for a week, while grey clouds blanketed the skies.

The last time the weather had been this bad had been last year when Death Eaters and Dementors alike had been let loose on the city of London, terrorising innocent Muggles and wreaking chaos and destruction all over the country.

At breakfast that morning, Teddie had questioned Mo on the weather. Asking whether it could've been something of the same reasons. He hadn't said much, only that they needed to be careful and should be thankful that the wards surrounding the safe house were holding.

"What are you doing here?" Teddie asked. "I thought I had free reign with your diary, and could call if I wanted more information?"

"You do," said Caroline, raising one hand to calm her niece. "I'm not here for another meeting. I'm actually here for your birthday."

Teddie raised an eyebrow. Tomorrow was October 31st. Her eighteenth birthday. She hadn't forgotten, as much as she really wanted to, but she was hoping that because she was in hiding this year's event would be overlooked. Surely there wasn't much that could be celebrated while in a safe house.

"Mo and Ursula are planning a party, aren't they?" Caroline asked.

"I asked them not to," Teddie said, sinking back in her seat. "I mean, it's not like I'm not grateful for everything they've done. But why should we celebrate my birth when tomorrow also signifies the death of Harry's parents and the downfall of You-Know-Who?"

"But that happens every year," said Caroline. "You still celebrated your birthday then. Besides, all the negative things aside, your birthday is a happy event. It is celebrating the bird of a beautiful girl who has changed the lives of so many people."

"Changed them for the worst, you mean."

Hooking her cloak over the back of a chair, Caroline rounded the sofa and motioned to the empty space beside Teddie. "May I?" she asked.

"Sure."

Caroline sat, wedged between the back of the sofa and the arm. She could see Teddie clearly from this position, and as suspected, the youngster avoided her gaze.

"Teddie," Caroline began, reaching for her niece but pulled back at the last second. She was aware that Teddie still held her liable for her parents' deaths, and it was going to take a lot to get her to forgive. It was not something that was going to happen overnight.

"What?"

Caroline sighed and rested one arm on the back of the sofa. "What has happened to you isn't fair," she said, reiterating herself. She was surprised she couldn't give this speech in her sleep at this point, goodness knows she had said it so many times. "But if it hadn't have happened then you wouldn't be where you are now."

"Under house arrest in Switzerland,"

"Surrounded by people you love."

"While others I love are either fighting for their lives or already dead!"

Caroline swallowed as Teddie stood from the sofa. She watched the teenager pace back and forth angrily, her facial expression switching between rage and sadness like a flip of a switch.

"My real parents wanted a weapon so powerful that they had to birth one," Teddie said, her voice growing higher and higher with each word. "My adopted parents had to be tricked and enchanted to even take me in."

Teddie didn't slow down. The angrier she got, Caroline noted, the faster her pacing became. The air around her crackled with magic, while the fire in the fireplace flickered and danced beyond the grate.

"I had to put my life on the line to destroy something that could grant You-Know-Who a victorious return, something that an eleven-year-old should never have had to do," Teddie continued. "I was possessed by a damned diary when I was twelve and released an ancient evil on students that could've easily killed them if I had so much wished for it."

Caroline watched fascinated and terrified as the air around Teddie continued to crackle with excess magic; flickers of silver and purple mixed together, snapping and popping loudly along with the fireplace.

"I agreed to a protection detail, only because I was promised that Theo and Mason would be protected, too," Teddie ranted, her hands clenching and unclenching at her side. "But I lost the Auror that I came to care for. He sacrificed himself for me - his family now must find a way to live without him. They blame me, and I don't blame them. I should never have let him into my life."

"Uh, Teddie," Caroline said, her voice trailing off as Teddie either refused or blatantly ignored her. A black smoke had started to surround the youngster now, the air thick with darkness; and Caroline worried that something evil was about to happen.

"I received news over Christmas of all holidays, that my parents had been killed - murdered, slaughtered in their homes. Then I lose Dumbledore, the only person that was strong enough to ward off the Dark Lord and prevent me from being taken."

Teddie paused and for a second Caroline thought she had finished. She moved to stand, to stop the teenager from pacing, to evade the darkness that had accumulated and circled the room. But Teddie turned abruptly, her hand raising palm toward Caroline.

"Teddie!" Caroline gasped, her feet leaving the ground as she was thrown backward. She hit the wall, her arms and legs pinned to her sides. She looked down, her gaze meeting the youngsters but found that they were not the bright green she was accustom too, but a deep, deep brown.

Caroline swallowed.

"Hello, auntie," said Teddie, and while the voice was the exact same as had been a second ago, but the appearance was not. The loveable red-haired, green-eyed teenager that everyone adored was now dark-haired and dark eyes.

"Faye," Caroline whispered.

Faye Sutherland smiled; her head cocked to the side. "It's good to see you," she said. "It's been how many years? Sixteen? You haven't aged a day."

"Faye, let me down, please?" Caroline asked.

Faye lowered her hand and Caroline felt her body slide down, her feet planting the floor. She stumbled forward, bracing herself against the sofa as she refused to take her gaze off her niece. How had this happened? How had Faye surfaced? Where was Teddie?

"She's fine," said Faye. "Teddie. I can see the questions on your face," she added. "You're worried about the little Muggleborn. Everyone is worried about the little Muggleborn. But what about me? This is my body, always has been. I was just locked away."

"For your protection," said Caroline.

Faye chuckled. "That's what everyone keeps saying. But you know what I think? I think, instead of trying to understand me, trying to help me control what I was born to be, you hid me away. Banished me from a life that should've been mine and replaced me with someone you could control."

"That's not true."

"Liar!" Faye snapped. She raised her hand again and Caroline hit the wall once more. "You know, these last few years, I haven't technically been as asleep as you all think. Teddie may have been in control, but I was awake. Listening and watching everything through her eyes. I know what you're trying to do to her; trying to break down the wall that separates us."

Caroline watched as Faye smirked.

"Let me let you in on a little secret, Auntie…" Faye walked around the sofa, stopping when she was directly in front of Caroline. She lowered her arm, sliding the older woman down the wall until they were face to face. Still pinned, Caroline tensed as Faye leaned in closer, their cheeks brushing against one another as Faye whispered in her ear. "There is no wall. She and I co-exist, she's just not aware of it yet."

Caroline's eyed widened. If there was no wall, then the trials that Mo had been putting Teddie through were useless. The pain she was undergoing was not needed, except to torture her for the amusement of the little psycho trapped inside.

"Why are you doing this?" Caroline asked.

Faye shrugged. "Boredom," she answered simply.

"Torturing an innocent girl, one that has done nothing to you, is something you find enjoyment in?"

"What else am I supposed to do with my time?" Faye asked. "Up until six years ago, I didn't know any difference between me and Teddie. Then she had to get involved with the Potter boy."

Caroline furrowed her brow. What did Harry have to do with any of this? He and Teddie were friends, good friends, if she remembered correctly.

"She got involved with the Philosopher's Stone," said Faye, reading Caroline's face. "Destroyed it and Quirrell if you remember? The Dark Lord then tried to possess her, but I cast him out."

"You cast him out?"

"Of course," said Faye. "It was bad enough that I share my body with Teddie, I wasn't about to let another presence settle here. Then, five years ago, when Teddie got hold of the diary. That was all I really needed to awaken completely. She let the darkness in to herself, she awakened me."

"She didn't know," said Caroline.

Faye shrugged. "Regardless, it happened. Now she thinks she can even out the playing field?" she asked. "Why would I need her help?"

"We thought, given you were hidden at age two, you wouldn't have the mental capacity to fight like Teddie does," admitted Caroline.

Faye cocked her head. "So evening the playing field was your idea?" she asked.

"Yes. Your magic combined with Teddie's self-control should make things easier for you both."

Faye laughed. "Self-control?" she repeated. "Did you not hear what Teddie wants to do to Avery? She wants to slaughter her."

"She's angry and upset," said Caroline, "and rightly so. Avery murdered her parents."

"You know what? I think I may just give Teddie what she wants," said Faye. "I'll let her destroy Avery, then we'll see the fun begin. Do you know what happens to an innocent witch when they've committed the ultimate act of violence against another person?"

Caroline swallowed. She didn't like the sound of where this was going.

"They become the evil they're trying to hide from," said Faye. "I'll let Teddie kill Avery, I'll even help her. I mean, I have a bone or two to pick with dear mother mine, after all. Then the real chaos can begin."

Caroline opened her mouth to retort but cut off as the door clicked open. Mason trudged inside, a book in his hand and his head down, staring at the words.

"Guys, Ursula says dinner will be -" Mason broke off as he looked up, his gaze darting between Caroline and Faye. His eyes widened as he took the younger of the two in and he backpedalled. Although this was the first-time meeting Faye Sutherland, he knew enough about her to get the hell out of her way.

"Uh-huh!" said Faye, holding up her other hand. She curled her fingers inward, dragging Mason further into the room. With a slight flick of her head the door closed with a snap.

Mason struggled against the magic hold on him. "Ted…" he gasped.

"She's not here right now," said Faye. "But I'll make sure she knows you asked for her."

"Faye, don't!" Caroline begged. "He's just a boy."

"A boy that has the ability to strength Teddie against me," corrected Faye. She looked down at Mason, dragging her arm down and rendering him to his knees. "You don't even realise how powerful you are, little one."

Mason glared up into the face of Faye. "Teddie, if you can hear me…" he tried.

Faye rolled her eyes and tugged her arm to the left. Mason cried out as he flew across the room, landing with a crash into an armchair. "Enough of that," she sneered. "Teddie needs rest. She has had a rough few month… what with the torture and everything."

Caroline shook her head. "Fine, Faye, you want to be in control?" she asked. "Fine. Take it. But what are you planning to do now that you are back in your body? You can't go anywhere. This house is sealed."

"You think a few little charms and incantations can stop me?" Faye asked. "Oh, Auntie, I may not have had total control these last few years, but I've picked up a trick of two stuck in here. Also, Teddie has been instrumental in learning to control and strength my powers. I owe a lot to Severus, for that."

Caroline sighed. Severus had said that he would be giving Teddie lessons on controlling her shield, if only they had known that Faye was awake, they could've dealt with this a lot sooner. Between Teddie's use of her shield and Severus' teachings, Faye was a lot more powerful than once thought.

"Not to mention Teddie's vast knowledge of Charms," Faye continued. "She did alright for herself, you know? Personally, I saw Charms as a weak subject. But she didn't, she loved it and run with it. All that information she got from advanced Charms classes with Flitwick. It's going to come in real handy."

"Don't do this, Faye," Caroline begged. "We can help you."

"Who says I want your help?" Faye snapped. "Since when does anyone care what I want? You only care now because you think it will help Teddie reclaim control. But, until I am ready to relinquish my hold, she's not coming back."

Caroline took a deep breath. "Don't be so sure," she said. "Teddie has something you don't. A power greater than something you could ever possess."

"Yeah? What's that?"

"Love."

Faye scoffed. "Please, love is overrated," she said.

"Ted?"

Faye whipped around, surprised to find Theo standing behind her. The door leading from the conservatory into the garden was wedged open and the rest of the Flint's stood before it. Mo had his wand out, while Marcus was edging further into the room, and Ursula had started to make her way toward Mason.

"Sorry," Faye sneered. She raised her arm towards Theo and curled her hand at the wrist. He stumbled forward, stopping metres away.

Theo breathed evenly as Faye looked him over. Studying him closely. He may have caught her attention by saying the name of his best friend, but now that he was closer, he could see that she was no more the Teddie he loved than she was the person everyone feared.

"What is it about you people that make you think you can just shut me away?" Faye asked. "I was here first, you know. Before Teddie Green. Before any of you."

"We don't want to shut you away," said Marcus. "We're trying to help you."

Faye rolled her eyes and glanced at him. "I've already had this conversation, pet, it still doesn't mean anything. I didn't want your help, never asked for it. You just enforced it on me."

"And we're sorry," said Theo. "You're right. We didn't take into consideration what you wanted. But see it from our point of view. We didn't know you were awake. We've always worked under the assumption that when Teddie is awake, you're asleep. Just like in second year when you were attacking Muggleborns."

Faye re-met his gaze and smirked. "You deserve more credit than you're given, lover boy," she said. "You're smarter than you look. I can see why Teddie likes you."

Theo's breath caught.

"Oh, you didn't know that, did you?" Faye chuckled. "That's right. She hadn't told you yet." She pursed her lips, amusement glinting in her eyes. "Well, I guess the cat's out of the bag now, huh? Doesn't matter about being kept a secret. But, yes, Teddie is head over heels in love with you, Theodore Nott. Has been for two years -"

"I love you, too!" Theo blurted out.

Faye's eyes widened. "What?" she asked.

"Teddie," Theo said. "If you can hear me. I love you."

Faye scoffed at the desperation in Theo's voice. "You really thought that would work?" she asked. "Teddie can't hear you; you fool."

"You sure about that?" Caroline asked.

"What are you -?" Faye cut off as she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the wall mirror. Her hair had started to brighten from dark brown to a bright red, a circle of green rimmed her eyes and they too started to lighten.

The magic holding Caroline against the wall had started to fade, the older woman sliding down to the base. Panicked, Faye turned back to Theo. He too was free from her hold, his hand reaching for hers, wrapping around her wrist and pulling her toward him.

"No!" Faye hissed.

"Teddie…" Theo whispered, holding both her hands tightly between his own. He rested his forehead against hers, staring down into her eyes. He watched as they changed completely from brown to green, the same love and loyalty he usually found in them also returning.

"Theo…?" Teddie whispered. "I -"

Theo smiled and, leaning forward, pressed his lips to hers.