Author's Note: Sorry for the delay, real life got in the way and then I was out of town and didn't have quite enough time to finish up this chapter. This chapter is also shorter than the last few because I figured a short chapter now was better than no chapter for a few more days.
Thank you so very much to everyone that's following this story and/or leaving reviews. I really do appreciate it and it's super encouraging :D
To Laurafxox: Thank you VERY much for the review! I honestly hadn't even realized that everyone was getting along great with Ava, so thanks for pointing that out :) I do have plans for the future with her clashing with Dumbledore and others, but we haven't gotten there yet :) I'm really happy that you're enjoying the story so far too!
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.
Chapter 12
Avalynn and Snape parted ways once they were back outside the Kitchens, with the Slytherin reminding her of their tutoring session before dinner on Wednesday. Feeling pleased and confident with her first encounter with Severus Snape, Ava headed the opposite direction down the corridor with a bounce in her step. The witch was too caught up in her thoughts of Potions and what she had learned that day, that she hadn't heard voices approaching from around the corner and was startled to see all four of the Marauders standing there, seemingly waiting for her. She could sense another useless lecture coming from the way James was standing with his arms crossed and how Sirius had his hands on his hips. Remus flashed her a friendly smile, sending warmth pulsing throughout her body, and forcing a smile from Ava in return. Her grin dropped slightly when she acknowledged Peter, but she was trying hard to not hold his future actions against him. She secretly hoped that it wasn't too late to save him, at least for his friends' sakes.
James cleared his throat and sternly asked, "Where were you just now, Ava?"
The young witch scoffed and sarcastically replied, "Oh, I'm sorry, dad. I didn't realize that I needed to let you know my whereabouts at all hours of the day." Gesturing at the parchment sticking slightly out of Sirius' robes, she added, "Clearly, you knew where I was."
Remus and Peter looked at their friends incredulously and the werewolf harshly whispered, "You told her about the map?"
Sirius shrugged off the question and took a couple of steps closer to Ava. "We swore that we would look out for you Ava, and that's what we're trying to do, but you need to listen to us."
Avalynn huffed out a sigh. Although she could detect the concern in the Animagus' voice, she couldn't not help Snape and Regulus just because the boys didn't like her hanging out with them. This whole situation was much bigger than trivial school and sibling rivalries, and she couldn't have the boys thwarting her every move if she was truly going to make a difference. "Sirius, James, I understand what you're trying to do and I really do appreciate it because it's nice having someone look out for me," she stated calmly. Relief flooded the boys' faces a little too soon though. "However, you need to listen to me, now." James' lips pressed together in annoyance as Sirius' expression turned stormy. "When it comes to Severus Snape and Regulus, I can handle myself, and you need to remember that."
"Ava, you don't understand what they're capable of. They're dark wizards," Sirius growled as he stepped within arm's reach of her.
The witch made a noise of exasperation before harshly poking the black haired wizard in the chest. "I know exactly what they may be capable of, Sirius Black, and I don't care," she stated firmly. He opened his mouth to retort, but she cut him off with another poke to the chest. "No! Listen to me carefully, I'm tired of having this conversation with you guys," she peeked around Sirius to glare at James to make sure he was listening, "I have faith that they will not harm me, and you just have to accept that. After all, every witch and wizard is capable of dark magic, but I trust that there is enough good in those two boys." She sucked in a breath and quickly added, "And I need to be around them for tutoring anyway."
With his face reddened in anger, Sirius took a deep breath. He wanted to shake some sense into the stubborn girl. "Ava, it's kind of you to have some hope for those bastards, but that's just it. They aren't good guys, and you can't let your guard down and be spending time with them. I'm sure you can ask McGonagall for different tutors."
Ava clenched her fists at her side to keep herself from physically attacking Sirius in frustration. She knew his personality from the books, but good Lord. It was a whole other experience to be face to face with his unrelenting prejudice. The boys were her first sort of friends at Hogwarts, but they seemed to be acting out of some sense of duty since it was technically their fault that she was here. If they couldn't handle being friends with her and let her behave as she saw fit, then she didn't need them, she concluded angrily. She took a deep breath with each step that she retreated from Sirius. Feeling that she was far enough away to not punch the Animagus in the face, she stopped and looked at James before speaking to Sirius. Although Ave spoke softly, her tone indicated the fact that she was fuming inside. "I'm going to say this one last time. I am going to continue hanging out with whoever I damn well please. No one tells me what I can and can't do. Beyond that, I will not be listening to any biased remarks about those who happen to be in unfortunate circumstances beyond their control. You have no right to judge others when you are not in their position. If you can't handle that, then maybe I shouldn't be spending time with you." When she finished speaking, the Marauders could see unshed tears forming in her eyes.
Seeing Ava that upset made Sirius' stomach drop, and he cautiously reached out to comfort her. However, she pulled away, quietly muttering, "I need to go study," and darted past the boys, sprinting down the corridor. They were all too astonished by her emotional speech to chase after her. They stood in silence for a few moments before Sirius began to pull the map out his robes.
"Padfoot," James said softly. "I think we need to leave her alone for now." The wizard in question looked to his friends and saw the same sentiment reflected on Remus' face. Peter merely looked uncomfortable as his eyes flickered between his friends.
The werewolf nodded. "I think she needs some space right now, Sirius." Fortunately, the Animagus pocketed the map and began walking towards the Gryffindor common room. Remus let out a relieved breath. He couldn't explain exactly why, but he would've stopped his friend had he not relented and continued to pursue Avalynn. During that entire argument, his feelings were a revolving door, agreeing with Sirius and wanting to protect Ava for some reason, and then sympathizing with Ava's indignation at being told what to do. Regardless of his confusing feelings, he knew for a fact that Ava was not a submissive witch. She's Alpha material for sure, he thought. Remus made a strangled sort of noise when his brain finally caught up with what he had just thought and the fact that Moony had made his agreement known with a low, pleased rumble in the back of his mind. Unbeknownst to his fellow Marauders, his expression turned grim at the realization that Moony had decided that he liked Ava, and not just as a friend.
Avalynn rushed through the corridors and up stairs, desperately hoping that the Marauders weren't following her. She couldn't keep back the tears as she left them behind, and she couldn't bear the thought of them seeing her cry. Ava had a habit of crying when she was angry or frustrated, but in this situation she was also sad. Feeling that James and Sirius were her only real friends at Hogwarts, she felt extremely bereft at the idea of losing their friendship. You aren't here to make friends anyway, she told herself harshly. You're here for Remus and to help change the future, if possible. Mumbling the password, Ava entered her quarters without spotting Professor McGonagall in the kitchen area as she dropped her bag and ungracefully flopped herself onto the couch as silent tears ran down her face. Hearing the young witch sniffle, the professor hesitated before approaching the sofa and gently calling her name. Ava flinched and sat up, revealing her puffy and teary eyes.
"Dear child, what's wrong?" McGonagall asked with worry lacing her tone.
Ava wiped her nose and eyes before explaining, "I just got into a fight with James and Sirius, mostly Sirius, again about hanging out with Slytherins. Specifically, Snape and Regulus."
The professor tutted before sitting beside Ava on the couch. "Those boys will come around, I'm sure of it. They just need time. But be sure to keep your wits about you, and not just around those two." Ava sniffled once more and nodded, silently hoping her aunt was right. "Would you like to tell me about your first day of classes?" McGonagall asked, hoping to distract the young girl.
It appeared to work as Ava's expression immediately brightened as she launched into telling the professor about her wonderful first day. Once Ava finished, McGonagall laughed lightly and commented, "I see you have an affinity for Slytherins," referencing her tentative friendship with Benedict Smith.
Avalynn smiled before informing her aunt that she was to meet up with Regulus for her first tutoring session in a few hours. McGonagall nodded in acknowledgment and let Ava know that she had moved the pain potions to a cabinet in the kitchen so that they would be more easily accessible. "I'll also speak with Poppy about obtaining more for your supply. There are only a few bottles left and it seems that you need about one each day. This weekend, we'll scour the library for resources to help us understand your connection with Mr. Lupin."
Ava voiced her thanks before settling in to review what she had learned that day, along with practicing the spells for second year Charms and first year Transfiguration. Noticing that she still had about an hour before needing to head up to the Astronomy Tower, Ava decided to read through the Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook for first year, considering all she knew was Expelliarmus. Thankfully, Professor McGonagall interrupted her reading with the reminder to meet Regulus, and Ava quickly made her way to the tower before reassuring her aunt that she remembered the way there.
In the seventh year boys' dormitory in Gryffindor Tower, two of the Marauders were seriously debating whether or not to check their map for Ava and talk to her about their argument earlier. Tired of hearing Sirius and James talking in circles, Remus spoke up, "Padfoot, Prongs, just leave it for tonight, alright?" Having the attention of his friends, he reminded them, "She said that she was going to study, right? She's probably in her quarters with McGonagall doing just that."
James and Sirius looked at each other before silently coming to a decision. The Potter heir jumped off his bed and placed the map into his trunk as Sirius reasoned, "I highly doubt Minnie would let Ava stay out late anyway."
Remus mentally thanked Merlin that his friends were finished deliberating and moving onto other topics for discussion. He was having enough trouble as it was to focus on his homework and not think of Ava, but she kept popping up in his mind. It took a lot of control to not take the map for himself and check on the witch, and he could feel Moony pacing in agitation at his human's choice. He was desperately trying to forget all about Moony's uncharacteristic feelings for her. There was a very specific, furry, once a month, reason that he hadn't entertained the notion of a relationship with a girl beyond just friendship. He grimaced at the idea of Ava finding out that he was a monster and understandably deciding to stay away from him. He was startled when Moony let out a pitiful whine at Remus' line of thinking. Shaking his head, the sandy haired wizard tried to drown out his wolf and friends to once more focus on his Ancient Runes homework.
Avalynn wrapped her robe around herself tightly as she climbed the stairs of the Astronomy Tower, feeling the chill of the night air. Reaching the top, she couldn't help but observe the stars in awe. Without any light pollution, she could see more than she even knew were there. She was so busy craning her neck back to gaze at the night sky that she didn't see a shadow move on the edge of the tower. Essentially appearing out of nowhere, an arm reached for Ava and grasped her shoulder.
"Holy shit!" the witch screamed shrilly as she jumped in fright. Turning to face the cause of her mild heart attack, Ava saw gray eyes filled with amusement framed by black hair. "Screw you, Regulus Black," she said heatedly.
Pulling his hand away from Ava, he chuckled deeply before replying, "Now, Miss McGonagall, is that any way to greet your tutor?"
She scoffed. "Oh, please. You're absolutely right, apologies my great and all-knowing Astronomy tutor," she sarcastically quipped with a curtsy.
Regulus flashed her a grin. "You really aren't like most girls, are you?" he asked curiously.
A bitter laugh left Ava's mouth at the reminder of her delicate situation, what with her soulmate and being deposited in another universe. "You don't even know the half of it, Regulus."
"See? Like that. We hardly know each other well enough to be on a first name basis, Miss McGonagall," he informed her with an amused look.
The witch cringed, realizing that he was right. "Is that okay though? That I call you Regulus? You can call me Ava, you know. Miss McGonagall makes me feel like a professor is reprimanding me."
The younger Black brother let out a dramatic huff. "Well, I suppose, Ava," he replied as he held out his arm for her to take. Avalynn obliged Regulus and looped her arm through his. He walked her towards the center of the tower and pulled a small piece of fabric out of his robes. After a quick Engorgio, an emerald green blanket appeared before them, and Regulus gestured for Ava to sit as he took his own seat on the blanket. After settling and laying back to see the stars, the Slytherin pointed out a handful of constellations, most of which Ava was familiar with. With a dejected sigh, he pointed to a particularly bright star and said, "That's Sirius."
Ava glanced over at him to see a pained expression pass over his face momentarily before it disappeared. "I know he's an ass a lot of the time, but your brother most definitely cares about you, Regulus," she reassured him.
The wizard merely shrugged and launched into an explanation of his tutoring plan. She was to attend the classes with the first years, but he offered for her to come out on all of the nights when the classes use the tower, even the upper classes. "I'll be there to help you understand what you're looking at and how to document it, but you've got to keep up with the readings. Astronomy is fairly easy if you're paying attention," he explained.
"Easy for you to say. You've been studying it for what, six years?" Ava retorted.
"Actually, I've been learning about the constellations my whole life," he said softly, reminding Ava of his home life and drawing up some pity and worry for the boy. "I believe the first and second years are supposed to be out here tomorrow night," Regulus stated as he stood from the blanket and offered his hand to Ava.
With a simple, "Alright," she took his hand and headed down the tower. The Slytherin insisted on walking Ava to her shared quarters with McGonagall, and they shared a polite conversation about their classes. When saying their goodbyes, Regulus gently grasped Ava's hand and laid a kiss on the back of it, making her flush red.
He smirked slightly at her blush, but a frown overtook his face when she quietly muttered, "Please stop doing that. I'm not looking for any sort of romantic relationship."
The wizard let out a laugh and insisted, "All Pureblooded gentlemen would treat you in such a manner. Except, possibly my brother and his Gryffindor friends since they have no manners."
Ava couldn't stop a grin from forming on her face. "I'm trying to teach them some," she reminded him.
After parting, Ava quickly said goodnight to her aunt and got ready for bed. It was very apparent to the professor, and Ava herself, that the younger witch was feeling much more confident than the night before.
The next morning, Avalynn and Professor arrived to the Great Hall for breakfast, with the younger witch wishing she had stayed in their quarters for the meal. Thankfully, the Marauders weren't at breakfast yet, but she knew they would be soon, causing her stomach to squirm with nerves. Ava knew that she had left their conversation the previous day with what could be boiled down to an ultimatum. She had no clue if the boys would still want to be around her if she was going to spend time with those in the Slytherin house. Finding Frank and Alice in their usual seats, Ava sat down and began to load food onto her plate. Over the next few minutes, she politely responded when prompted by the future Mrs. Longbottom while trying to silently will time to slow down. Maybe I can eat fast enough to get out of here before the boys show up, she thought. Unfortunately for the anxious witch, she noticed Peter and Remus sitting down across the table only a moment later. Ava's whole body tensed at the hovering presence of Sirius and James behind her. With her eyes glued to the plate in front of her, the witch resolutely ignored the boys as they claimed their seats on either side of her.
Remus could feel the nervousness rolling off of Ava in waves, making Moony pace anxiously. Even after James and Sirius sat down, she remained frozen, with only her hand and mouth moving as she ate a piece of toast. Hoping to settle down his wolf and Ava in a fell swoop, he asked, "So, how's studying going Ava?"
The poor girl startled at his voice addressing her. Her blue eyes were wide as she looked to Remus, as if to check to see that he was actually speaking to her. Ava cleared her throat and replied, "Good," as she put down her food. Trying not to draw attention to herself, Ava went on to explain which subjects she was excelling in so far and enjoying as she slowly moved her hand to her lap. The compulsion to touch the werewolf was rearing its ugly head once again, forcing Ava's hands to tremble slightly as she resisted reaching out for him. She was repeatedly clenching and unclenching her fists in the fabric of her robes that laid atop her thighs when something touched her hand. Looking down in surprise, Ava saw that Sirius had grasped her hand. She continued describing her first Defense class as if nothing at all was happening. The Animagus must have taken her silence as acceptance because he then threaded his fingers through hers and gave her a gentle squeeze. Unexpectedly, his touch seemed to ground her and help her focus, allowing the push to touch Remus simmer a little. For the rest of breakfast, Ava would hold Sirius' hand tight when the urge to reach for Remus would flare up once more.
Throughout Ava's retelling of yesterday, Remus mentally battled with himself and Moony. His wolf was clearly agitated when he noticed Sirius' hand disappear under the table, seemingly reaching towards Ava, whose hands had also withdrawn to beneath the table. He couldn't understand why his wolf would be so upset at such a thing because it's not like he really knew Ava at all. However, there was a part of him that wanted to release a growl at the notion of someone else besides himself touching Ava. He tried to remind himself that he had no business feeling such a way for a witch when he was burdened with a dark curse that he wouldn't wish upon others. He couldn't explain why he felt so relieved when the meal ended and Ava stood without her hand wrapped up in Sirius', so he shrugged it off as Moony's feelings affecting his, still clinging to the misinformed belief that the human and wolf were entirely separate entities.
Without a word to the occupants of the table, Ava quickly left the Great Hall for her first Transfiguration class, finding herself amongst first year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. Already knowing the spells due to her aunt's help, Ava was able to work throughout the class with half of her mind wandering through her thoughts. She pondered over Sirius' actions during breakfast and what it meant for their friendship, as well as how she would be able to cope being around Remus. Maybe Occlumency would help, the witch considered. I don't think Snape feels nearly comfortable with me yet to ask for his help. She mentally shrugged and pushed the idea to the back of her mind as Professor McGonagall approached her row of desks to see how well they were able to transfigure their handkerchiefs into worms.
After her double Transfiguration classes, lunchtime found Avalynn hesitantly approaching the Gryffindor table where the Marauders were already sat and shoveling food onto their plates. Seeing that James and Sirius had left enough room for her to sit between them, Ava took a deep breath and sat down. James leaned over and whispered, "We're not leaving you alone, Ava." She turned to the boy with surprise at his words, causing him to give her a soft smile and continue, "We talked it over, and we'll back off. We don't want to lose you as a friend."
Ava returned James' smile and rotated in her seat to look at Sirius. He seemed to be frowning at James, but then broke into a smile when Ava met his gray eyes. The witch couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she could tell that there was something off about Sirius' expression. She looked to Remus and Peter, who appeared to be as taken aback by James' words as she was. As Remus locked eyes with her, Ava felt a wave of warmth wash over her, making her limbs feel tingly. Time seemed to slow down as Remus flashed her a friendly smile and her hand unconsciously rose from her lap and extended towards Remus' that was sitting beside his plate. Hearing a throat clear, Ava was pulled from her trance and noticed her hand hovering midway over the table. Face flushing in embarrassment, the witch quickly retracted her hand and made sure to tuck both of her rebellious appendages underneath the table. Without hesitation, she moved her hand towards Sirius and fumbled around with his hand until their fingers managed to lock together. Giving him a thankful squeeze when he didn't pull away, Ava used her free hand to dish herself up some lunch. Neither the witch nor Animagus caught the gaze of the werewolf whose eyes flashed gold briefly before he spent the rest of the meal alternating between frowning and clenching his jaw.
Fortunately for Ava, her magic didn't flare up for the remainder of lunch and she excitedly thought that she had found at least a temporary solution to her strong connection with Remus as she walked to the History of Magic classroom. Noticing that her class consisted of the same students as Transfiguration, she took a seat at the back of the room, not having made any acquaintances with the first years yet besides the Gryffindors that she also had Defense and Potions with. With a mental sigh, Ava berated herself for being disappointed that she hadn't found any more eleven year-old friends. Only a few minutes into the lesson, Ava could see why students were constantly falling asleep in this particular class. Professor Binns spoke in a monotone voice and wasn't very animated, but it was minutely interesting to be able to see through your teacher to the blackboard behind him. Tuning out the professor, Ava cracked open her textbook for first year History of Magic, determined to educate herself. The witch was so absorbed in the text that a fellow Gryffindor tapped her on the shoulder to let her know that the class had ended. Quickly muttering her thanks, Ava packed up her bag and made her way to Astronomy. She thought the history of the Wizarding World was interesting, but not too different from that of Muggles. Different groups of people coming to power, subjugating others, the others rebel and fight the oppression, and repeat. The only real difference was that the Wizarding World had different species fighting each other. Within her thoughts, Ava was still able to notice the magical connection to Remus flare behind her ribs. Rolling her eyes as she stepped to the side of the corridor, the witch reached into her school bag for the vial of Pain Potion. Once she had gulped down the liquid and continued on her way to class, Ava slowly realized that it hadn't even been twenty-four hours yet since her last dose. Extra strength, my ass, she thought with a huff as she rounded a corner and saw her classmates stepping into Professor Gestirn's Astronomy class. Picking up her pace slightly, the witch managed to make it into the classroom before the door was closed. Once again, she chose a seat at the back of the class, and tried to focus on learning and pushed thoughts of Remus, her connection with him, her desire to go home, and the impending wizarding war to the back of her mind as best as she could.
