I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters or anything else resembling what J.K Rowling introduced us all to. Just the plot and OC are mine.

Author's Note: *squeal* I'm SO happy that you guys are all enjoying this story! Thank you so much for the reviews and support! :D

Chapter 5

"Are you positive about this?" Avalynn asked worriedly, her hands toying with the sleeves of the navy witches' robes that her "aunt" transfigured for her from the pajamas she had been wearing when she'd arrived in the Shrieking Shack.

McGonagall kept herself from rolling her eyes at Ava's third attempt to stop the visit to Professor Dumbledore. As they walked towards the Headmaster's office she firmly told her newly adopted niece, "Yes, Ava. This is necessary. I will do most of the talking, so do not fret." She lowered her voice and leaned closer to the girl. "Just don't maintain eye contact for more than a few seconds."

Ava stopped walking as her jaw dropped, understanding what the professor meant. She quickly shook her head and took long strides to catch up with her guardian. You can do this Ava. Just pretend to be shy. Yeah, that should work, Ava thought. As the gargoyle statue came into sight, the young woman shook her hands at her sides and bounced a little on her toes as she followed Professor McGonagall. I've got this, was the thought running through Ava's mind as she heard the professor mumble, "Licorice wands." Ava jumped slightly when the gargoyle began to move, revealing the staircase leading up to Dumbledore's office. As nervous as she was, she knew that McGonagall would be with her. And how else do I expect to become a student of Hogwarts without discussing my abnormal situation with the Headmaster? she reminded herself. Ava let out a deep breath as they reached the top of the stairs and McGonagall knocked on the door. She could hear a muffled, "Come in," right before the door opened on its own.

She silently followed McGonagall into Dumbledore's office, unable to help herself as she glanced around the room, looking over the shelves full of magical objects and trinkets. Her eyes eventually landed on Fawkes, perched next to Dumbledore's desk. Ava left out a soft gasp seeing his colorful feathers in person. Her noise of delightful surprise drew the old wizard's attention.

"Who might this be Professor McGonagall?" he asked curiously, peering at Avalynn over his half-moon shaped glasses.

Ava's gaze flickered to his as her "aunt" explained the unfortunate circumstance of her mother's death, resulting in her arrival to Hogwarts. She made sure to break eye contact with the Headmaster soon after looking into his bespectacled blue eyes, dropping hers to the floor. Throughout the retelling of Ava's cover story, Dumbledore made several noises of sympathy and surprise. Once McGonagall was finished explaining, he asked, "Do you wish to stay here and learn magic?" directing the question at Ava.

She quickly glanced up and nodded immediately, vehemently saying, "Oh yes, sir."

The old wizard gave her a genuine smile and clapped his hands together. "Well, it's settled then. You'll be enrolled as a student, we'll have you sorted, and we'll have a class schedule ready for you by Monday." He turned to McGonagall and added, "I'm sure you've already considered how to place her in classes?"

The older witch nodded once and explained, "Yes. I'll have her perform some diagnostic tests and place her into classes based on her abilities. Her accidental magic seems to be stronger than those of young children as we normally see, so she may surprise us." She smiled slightly and continued, "Due to my niece's background, it would not be surprising if she is in classes under seventh year, where she would be if she had been attending Hogwarts since she turned eleven. I intend to have her complete the typical course work and spells for each year and continuously move her up in classes as her skills progress."

The Headmaster nodded in agreement. "I believe that would be the best course of action as well. I also think that Miss McGonagall would benefit from tutoring outside of her classes in order to help her advance more quickly." He turned his gaze to Ava and inquired, "Is that suitable to you, Miss McGonagall?"

Once again, Ava nodded quickly. "Yes, sir. I appreciate you allowing me to stay and finally learn magic."

Dumbledore smiled at her kindly. He believed there to be more to the story of the young witch, but he could not sense any ill-will from her, and McGonagall was willing to stand by her, which meant a great deal to the Headmaster. "Of course. I can imagine how eager you are to learn and practice magic so late in life."

Ava merely nodded again, turning to McGonagall, waiting to see if she had anything else to add to the conversation. "I would also like to express my gratitude Headmaster, thank you," the professor said while bowing her head slightly.

"You are most welcome." Once more, he clapped his hands together, wordlessly summoning the Sorting Hat from one of the shelves in his office. "Now, we must get you sorted so you'll know what robes to buy," he informed Avalynn with an amused smile. He was rather curious to see where the mysterious young witch would be placed.

Ava gulped, taking in the appearance of the patchy, dark brown Sorting Hat as she cautiously approached Dumbledore's desk. She cast a quick glance over her shoulder at Professor McGonagall, who gave her an encouraging smile and nod. Ava turned back to the Headmaster and nervously asked, "So, do I just put it on?"

Dumbledore looked at her with an amused expression, as if she were a small child, causing her to berate herself mentally for being so skittish. She reached out and gingerly picked the large, floppy hat off of the desk. Slowly, she lifted it above her head and let it drop quickly, not wanting to delay the experience any longer.

Hello there, the hat grumbled, causing Ava to jump slightly. It sounded as if she were wearing headphones when the hat spoke, the voice seemingly loud, but it didn't appear that Dumbledore or McGonagall could hear the voice as well. Maybe it was in her mind. Ava closed her eyes in concentration and thought, Hello?

Oh my, you are rather intelligent. Most children are too startled to respond during their sorting. Although it seems that you are older, wiser, the Sorting Hat replied.

Ava shrugged. Well, I'm sixteen instead of eleven.

Liar, the hat accused with a chuckle.

Ava gulped. Shit. I, um—

Tsk, tsk, young witch. Such language in front of a respectable magical item as myself, the teasing hat admonished. Do not fear witchling. I have no issue with your true identity. In fact, I'm rather curious to see how it plays out.

Ava couldn't help but roll her eyes. Great. Well, please don't place me in a house just for fun. Please place me where I belong.

The Sorting Hat was silent for a moment. Hmm, not quite a Hufflepuff. A tad of Ravenclaw with a thirst for knowledge, but that's not why you're here is it? No. Gryffindor could be a good choice.

Thank you baby Jesus, Ava thought, but the hat wasn't finished.

Ah, ah. You could do well in Slytherin as well, you know. It seems that you can be rather cunning and the task you're attempting to complete is certainly the most ambitious I've ever seen.

Ava's eyes widened in shock. Please not Slytherin. I might have those traits, but I wouldn't fit in. I'd never be able to stay under the radar. It would be too dangerous.

The Sorting Hat released a sound of agreement. Hmm, that is true. You can be rather brash and emotional it appears. Ava rolled her eyes. However, the task you have chosen to take on is also the most courageous I've ever seen.

Please, I don't know if I could survive in Slytherin, Ava pleaded.

The hat huffed, thinking that sorting her into the house of snakes would've been more entertaining, but fortunately the animated accessory acknowledged that Ava's goal could be hindered by that choice. A moment later, The Sorting Hat loudly declared, "Gryffindor!" to the office, interrupting the casual conversation between the Headmaster and McGonagall, and causing both of them to break out in smiles. McGonagall approached her niece as she replaced the Sorting Hat onto the desk and wrapped her up in a hug, muttering, "You were right, Ava. I know you'll make our house proud." When she pulled back, she noticed that Ava's eyes were watery.

The young woman sniffled, "Thank you, Aunt Minerva." The professor's face revealed her surprise at Ava's use of the familial title, but it quickly softened and she pulled Ava in for another brief hug. Dumbledore was happy for his Deputy Headmistress as she had always seemed a little lonely without any close family to speak of, not that he had much room to talk, but it warmed his heart to witness this touching moment.

McGonagall detached from Ava and turned to Dumbledore, stating, "I intend to take Ava to Diagon Alley after I finish my classes this morning, and I assure you that she will be prepared for learning come Monday morning."

"A bid you a good day of shopping then, ladies," he replied politely. Ava quickly thanked him again for the opportunity and then traipsed down the stairs after her adoptive aunt. She could barely contain her excitement, alternating between skipping and bouncing on her toes ahead of Professor McGonagall through the corridor leading back to the teacher's office and living quarters. Ava was so caught up in her excitement that she was unable to prevent a collision between herself and another person, causing them both to topple to the floor in a tangle of limbs. McGonagall let out an exasperated breath, and stopped to wait for Ava to right herself.

"I'm so sorry," Ava immediately apologized as she sat up from the ground and tried to see who she had bumped into. The student's robes had actually flipped over the front of his or her body, concealing their identify momentarily. Ava giggled at the person's struggle, and decided to help when a muffled groan followed. Once the robbed were righted, she took in the appearance of the wizard she collided with. He had black hair, probably about to his shoulders, but tied back with a ribbon. Probably a pureblood, Ava thought. When he finished grumbling about the fall and fixed his robes, he stood, then offered his hand to Ava like a perfect gentleman. As she was being lifted from the ground, Ava took in his stormy gray eyes, very similar to that of Sirius Black. This has got to be Regulus, right? He looked to be only a couple years younger than herself and the Marauders.

Rather quietly she said, "I'm sorry for crashing into you. I'm Avalynn McGonagall. I'm a new student. It's a pleasure to meet you." She stuck out her hand to shake his, but was shocked when he grasped her hand gently and raised it to his mouth to place a soft kiss on her knuckles. Dumbfounded, she slowly retracted her hand with a blush forming on her cheeks, causing Regulus to smile slightly.

"It is most definitely a pleasure to meet you, Miss McGonagall. My name is Regulus Black," he informed her in a light tone. I knew it, Ava thought as she smirked internally. Regulus turned to acknowledge her aunt with a brief, "Good morning, Professor McGonagall," before he continued down the corridor. Ava couldn't help but stare after him in amazement. She had totally forgotten about Regulus. There must be some way to prevent his death and still obtain the locket horcrux. Besides, she was still flushed from the whole "kiss on the hand" thing. No one had ever done that to her before.

Avalynn shook her thoughts from her head when she was interrupted by a throat clearing. She looked at the source of the sound to see her aunt shaking her head slightly with a small smile. "Come my dear, I want to get you settled in my rooms before I attend breakfast in the Great Hall." She paused and then turned to look at Ava fully. "That is, unless you would like to accompany me there."

Ava immediately shook her head no. "I have no desire to be in the Great Hall right now. Everyone's eyes would be on me the entire time. I can just have the house elves bring me food in your rooms, right?"

McGonagall chuckled. "It's an absolute delight to be continuously surprised at your knowledge of our world just from a simple book series from another reality. At least, that's where I'd wager you were summoned from."

Ava sighed. "I have no real hope of returning home, do I?" she softly asked the professor, turning her gaze to the floor. Her guardian's smile dropped and was replaced by a concerned frown. Before she could attempt to console the poor girl, Ava shrugged and added, "I suppose that I should at least figure out all this soulmate business between myself and Remus."

Ava was too busy trying to distract herself from thoughts of home by tracing the patterns of the corridor's rug with her eyes, otherwise she would've seen McGonagall's relief. The professor wasn't sure what to tell her adopted niece about the possibility of returning to her world and didn't want to give her any false hope. She gently placed her hand on Avalynn's shoulder. "Why don't we head back to my quarters and I'll set you up with a couple books to help you familiarize yourself with the Wizarding World a bit more, hm?" she suggested. Ava nodded once and began to slowly walk in the direction they had come from earlier that morning. She hoped that with her sense of direction and memory that she'd quickly learn her way around the castle. Ooo, I could ask the boys for the map, she thought excitedly. Then Ava frowned, realizing that they probably didn't trust her enough with that kind of resource in her hands. Maybe once they get to know me, she hoped.

The professor led Ava into her personal quarters, which were decorated similarly to her office. The main difference that she noticed was that instead of just armchairs, the living space had a full sofa as well. Ava let out a happy sigh and immediately plopped herself down on the soft cushions. McGonagall let out a small chuckle as she summoned her latest copy of Hogwarts, A History. Eyeing the title from her comfortable spot on the couch, Ava thanked the professor for her thoughtfulness, which was waved off by the older witch, of course.

"Ya might not even need it, lass. Not with your…experience," she told Avalynn. "Now, I must be on my way to breakfast. I trust you'll be alright until I return?" she asked with a look of genuine concern on her face.

Ava nodded instantly. "Yep, I'll be fine," she reassured the professor. McGonagall gave her a quick nod and reminded her that she'd be back around noon before quickly saying, "Flopsy!" With a small crack, a tiny brown and wrinkly house elf appeared, wearing what looked like a miniature toga. "Can you please serve my niece, Ava, breakfast?" McGonagall asked.

The elf's eyes widened and she jumped in place as she noticed the young girl laying on the sofa. "Of course, professor," she squeaked out. After giving Ava one last look-over, the older witch turned and left to attend to her teacher duties for the day.

Ava sat up and kept her eye on the curious house elf. "Hi, Flopsy, I'm Ava," she told the small creature who looked like she was struggling to contain her excitement.

Flopsy quickly disappeared from across the room and reappeared right in front of Ava, causing the girl to jump backwards in surprise. The elf's happy expression immediately crumbled and she began to take steps backwards while apologizing profusely for scaring the "Missus McGonagall." Ava rapidly explained that she was not scared, just surprised, and pleasantly so since she had never met a house elf before. Thankfully, the house elf understood her reaction and offered to bring her breakfast.

Ava thought for a moment and shyly asked, "Could I have scrambled eggs and French toast?" She felt super awkward asking for something that the elf might have to make individually for her, but she also knew from the book series that the elves supposedly enjoyed serving wizards and witches. Flopsy nodded enthusiastically and was about to vanish when Avalynn quickly reached out and grabbed Flopsy's tiny hand. "Wait!" she shouted. "Do you like working here? At Hogwarts?"

The elf's eyes widened as she firmly replied, "Oh yes, Flopsy is loving Hogwarts Missus McGonagall. Hogwarts is a good place for Flopsy."

Ava nodded and released her hand. "Okay, just checking. Thank you, Flopsy." The house elf nodded with a smile and disappeared for a couple minutes, quickly returning with the exact food that Ava had requested as well as glasses of water and orange juice.

Avalynn's eyebrows rose in surprise and she slowly asked, "Flopsy, how did you know what I was going to ask to drink?"

The little, mischievous elf just flashed Ava a wide grin and cheekily said, "Magic."

Ava stared at her in shock for a brief moment and then let out a peal of laughter. "I like you Flopsy," she informed the house elf, causing her to maintain her giant smile.

"Just call for Flopsy Missus, if yous be needing anything," Flopsy reminded Ava before leaving once again.

Alone at last, Ava let out a sigh and dug into her breakfast, feeling ravenous. As she ate, her mind worked in overdrive, reviewing all that had happened since she awoke in the Shrieking Shack. She still couldn't believe that magic was real and that she was actually sitting in Professor freakin' McGonagall's living room in an actual castle. She couldn't help but grin to herself. I'm in motherfuckin' Hogwarts! she mentally shouted. She sobered when her brain supplied the reason she was here in the first place. So, I'm supposedly Remus' soulmate? she thought as she drizzled more syrup onto her French toast. I'm guessing it's a romantic kinda soulmate, but I suppose it could be like a friendship soulmate sorta thing too, she rationalized to herself. Thinking on Remus' personality in the book series and the drastic measures James and Sirius took to help a fellow bro out with his love life, Ava assumed that he was probably too harsh with himself for being a werewolf and had sworn off the opposite sex. Although, I could just be here as a shoulder to cry on, so to speak, Ava reminded herself.

As she continued to eat her meal, Ava's thoughts drifted to thinking about her world and what could possibly be happening there now. She wondered how long it would take for someone to notice she was gone. I hope it's soon enough for Moose to be okay, she thought worriedly. Mom will probably freak out and come over the second I don't answer my phone. Ava usually spoke with her mom on the phone every day or every other day. Sometimes she felt like she was an antisocial loner, since she just wanted to stay home and curl up on the couch with her fluffy dog and a good book or TV show. Her friends would have to drag her out of her apartment and bribe her with good food. Avalynn smiled, thinking about her tenacious best friends, then mentally rolled her eyes at the thought of them finding out about her having a "soulmate." They were fairly insistent that she go out on more dates to find "the right one" because she always seemed to find something wrong with the guys they set her up with, so the relationships never lasted long. The longest relationship she had was about three months. She could imagine her friends' ecstatic faces at the mention of a "soulmate."

Avalynn didn't realize that she had been crying until several tears had rolled down her face and neck. She wiped them away, trying to shake the thoughts from her head about never seeing her friends, mom, or dog again. This is temporary, Ava. Everything will be fine, she told herself. Full of tasty food and not wanting to wallow in her emotions, Ava picked up Hogwarts, A History and began reading. Most of the information about the school was information she already knew, but the houses were described in a bit more detail and the layout of the castle was too. After mere minutes, she was beginning to drift off to with her head propped up on one hand and the other attempting to keep the heavy tome from falling out of her lap. With a disgruntled sigh, Ava sluggishly closed the book and set it on the table in front of the couch. She wished that she could continue reading, but she couldn't keep her eyes open to save her life right now. I'll just rest my eyes for a little while, she thought as she re-positioned herself into laying down on the sofa with her head on a pillow that had a cat stitched onto the front of it.