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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 29
Over the next couple of weeks, Avalynn advanced through her classes, moving onto third year for Transfiguration, fourth year for Defense Against the Dark Arts, and fifth year for Charms. Her current placement in second year classes for Astronomy, History of Magic, and Potions made it clear which types of magic she preferred. Thankfully, Severus didn't seem to mind that her progress in Potions wasn't moving as quickly as the others. Although, since he had some insider information, he must've understood better than anyone else, except for maybe Regulus, why Ava pushed herself so hard when it came to dueling and spell casting.
While spending more time with Regulus, and attempting to nonchalantly ask him questions about his life at home and his true beliefs about Muggleborns and magical creatures, it was rather apparent that he didn't prescribe to the same bigoted values that the typical members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight did. Especially once Ava revealed the original reason why Regulus plotted against Voldemort. The boy had been distressed enough that he called immediately for Kreacher just to see with his own eyes that the house elf was indeed alright. Another Slytherin that Ava found herself growing fond of was Barty Crouch Jr. He had dutifully returned to their study group and sheepishly presented his graded Charms essay for Ava to read over. Just like she knew he would, Barty had earned points exceeding full credit. Ava had accidentally startled him when she raised her hand for a high-five, causing her face to darken at his resulting flinch. From that moment, she vowed to herself to protect the abused Slytherin as much as she could in the coming years.
Ava was currently between classes, as was rest of the student body, making her way towards a hidden alcove to place herself in a prime position to sneak up on Remus. During the last two weeks, they seemed to take turns slowly torturing each other with heated encounters that never lasted for more than a minute or two. Even though they had barely discussed it aloud, they had an agreement of sorts to not push their physical relationship any further for the time being beyond fervent kissing and touching. And only above the clothes, Ava grumbled to herself. But that ends today. She quickly ducked behind a tapestry that James had assured her they walked in front of every day and tossed her schoolbag to the side after casting Lumos to take a quick peek at her surroundings.
"Why are there so many make-out spots readily accessible in a school?" she whispered aloud to herself. While she and Remus had primarily used secretive spots and the library, she knew from the others that there were broom closets to take advantage of as well.
Ava shook her head and settled in, waiting for a signal from James as the Marauders passed her hiding spot. Thinking about her recent intimate rendezvous with Remus caused her to chuckle lightly, knowing that he and Moony both completely enjoyed it. Those smug jerks. She had come to the conclusion that Remus was intentionally riling her up, to the point of wetness and pressing her thighs together to get some sort of friction, and then leaving her purposefully in that state, all hot and bothered. The most he had touched her was grasping her hips, back, and rear end. Nothing more private, she thought dejectedly before reminding herself that would hopefully be changing once she launched her attack on Remus in just a few minutes.
She could hear students exiting classrooms and emptying out into the corridors, so she doused the light at the end of her wand and pocketed it for now. Ava was slowly coming around to telling Remus the truth as they got to know each other better. She knew more about his parents and hobbies, as well as basic likes and dislikes, and a plethora of seemingly mundane information, but it thrilled her each time she learned something new. She coveted each piece of information, loving everything about Remus. Even experiencing his flaws were a joy because she felt closer to him afterwards. And though his stubbornness, incessant quill tapping while studying, and habit of correcting other's use of the English language could grate on her nerves, they didn't detract from all of his good qualities.
Ava was yanked from her thoughts as she heard James's voice clearly ring out in the hallway.
"So, Marauders, any plans for the next trip to Hogsmeade?" he asked, his voice projecting over the other students.
She rolled her eyes. Way to be inconspicuous James.
"What about you, Moony?" James asked, placing emphasis on the nickname.
That's it! Ava thought as she quickly reached out from between the castle wall and tapestry, snatching the arm within reach and heaving the person into the alcove with her. Without the light from her wand or heightened senses around the full moon, Ava could tell Remus was her captive just from the way their magic reacted. It had slowly come to life, sensing her soulmate on the other side of the hanging decoration, and evolved into a giddy swirl within her at the mere touch of Remus's hand as he grasped for something to steady himself with.
"Ava?" he whispered.
She could hear the smile in his voice as she trailed her hands up his shoulders, intent on removing his schoolbag and robes.
Remus shivered from Ava's touch, which left behind the pleasant tingle of magic along his arms up to his shoulders. Realizing what she was trying to accomplish, he quickly acquiesced and let his bag drop to the floor. However, he let out a breath of surprise when Ava slid her hands beneath his robes and pushed them from his shoulders. What's she doing? he wondered, knowing they wouldn't have much time together. But that fact didn't seem to matter to his witch as she pressed her soft body against his, threading her fingers through his hair to pull him down for a searing kiss.
Any questions that had been on the tip of his tongue left his mind the moment her lips greeted his in a familiar dance. He gripped her hips, holding her tightly against him. Too soon, Ava's lips left his, but she peppered his cheek and jaw with kisses until she met his neck. He groaned, her lips seeming to leave magic burning into his very being wherever she touched his skin. He desperately wanted to rip off her clothes and have his way with her right there on the floor. Remus could feel Moony growling in agreement, inadvertently helping him reign in his self-control. No, not like this, he told himself harshly, regardless of the growing bulge in his pants.
Ava let out a breathy, "Finally," as he felt a wave of pleasure shudder through him.
Wading through his lust-filled haze, he slowly realized that Ava had pulled the bottom of his shirt loose and was running her hands up and down his bare back. "Ava," he groaned, in half want and half exasperation. She kept her fingers pressed against his skin as she reached up on her toes to silence him with a kiss. "I thought— we were—taking things—slow," he managed to utter in between moments of Ava occupying his mouth and mind with her enchanting tongue.
"We are", she insisted, reaching down to squeeze his ass.
Remus could feel his eyes widen and face flush even more so than it already was. "Ava!" he yelped.
She giggled. "What?" she asked innocently. "Do you not want me to touch you?"
He shook his head vehemently. "No! Of course I do! It's just that—"
Ava seemed intent on testing his strength of will as she slid her small hand past the waistband of his pants to cup his bare ass as she quieted his protests with another mind-numbing kiss.
For a few moments, Remus lost himself in Ava's touch, relishing the way her body and magic felt against his own. The werewolf finally came to his senses when he felt a tug around the front of his waist and heard the telltale sound of his belt being undone. He snatched Ava's hands in his own and held them firmly away from himself. He almost felt his resolve crumble when she let out a disappoint whine, but he quickly shook his head. No! She deserves better than this! He continued to grasp her hands as he said, "Ava, I'm really enjoying myself, truly, I promise. But I can only keep myself in check for so long."
She huffed and ripped her hands from his. Within seconds, their little hideout was washed in a pale light coming from Ava's wand. She fixed him with the glare that he had come to know as an indicator that she was rearing up for a battle. "Maybe I don't want you to hold yourself back."
He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Look, I really care about you and—"
"Then treat me with some respect," she snapped. "Women can have sexual desires too, you know."
He groaned. "Ava, trust me, I know. And I'm glad that you do. It's just that—well. I'm trying to treat you respectfully." He paused. They hadn't discussed their relationship outright with each other yet. Sex hadn't even come up once. How am I supposed to say this?! he panicked internally.
Ava must've seen the nervous fright on his face in the dimly lit space because she sighed softly and reached out, placing her hand against his cheek. "Remus Lupin, are you trying to protect my virtue?" she asked with a smile.
He rolled his eyes. Of course, she'd find humor in this situation. "Yeah. That's what I'm trying to do at least. But you're making it exceedingly difficult," he said, returning her smile as he nuzzled the palm of her hand.
"I better be on my best behavior then."
He let out a relieved breath. "Thank you."
Even in the low lighting, his werewolf senses allowed him to see Ava's eyes darken a moment later. She stepped closer to him, standing on the tips of her toes to whisper in his ear. "I guess you'll just have to punish me if I misbehave." She pulled back from him, biting her bottom lip.
His cock twitched, picturing Ava naked beneath him, begging him to let her come. "Oh, Godric," Remus moaned before closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose. He felt Ava kiss his cheek before he heard the rustle of the tapestry. He peeked his eyes open to see that he was alone, letting out an instinctual frustrated growl which originated from Moony, but one that he whole-heartedly agreed with. "That witch is going to be the death of me," he grumbled aloud as he shouldered his schoolbag, before reluctantly continuing on his way to class and not to track down his mate that he was eager to claim.
Ava spent nearly the entire time in Astronomy with her thoughts in the clouds, primarily focusing on her soulmate. She both resented and admired the fact that Remus was able to maintain a clear head about their relationship. She enjoyed giving into the draw between them and soaking up all the pleasurable feelings that came with their hasty and heated interactions. But realistically, she wasn't sure she could live with herself if they ended up having sex before Remus knew the truth about her. She couldn't help but worry about his reaction, especially if he had felt comfortable enough to be with her in such an intimate way. Determined to keep her soulmate from regretting any sort of relationship with her, physical or not, Ava knew she'd have to come clean soon. Telling Regulus wasn't so bad, she thought while packing up her belongings at the end of class. Then again, he's not my soulmate, so there's that. She huffed an exasperated breath as she filed out of the classroom with the other students and headed towards the library. In order to keep the peace, she had begun to alternate days that she spent studying with her friends from Slytherin and those in Gryffindor, along with Remus. Today, she was to meet up with Severus and Regulus, and possibly Barty. The younger boy had warmed slightly to their group, but didn't always make an appearance.
Not paying attention to where she was walking, Ava bumped into someone, automatically apologizing.
"That's quite alright, Miss McGonagall," a deep voice replied.
Her head snapped up to see Lucius Malfoy standing in front of her. Eyes quickly scanning the corridor, she realized that while lost in the "what ifs" her mind continuously conjured, the hallway had become deserted. It was just her and Malfoy. Her eyes narrowed. He must've run into me on purpose. "Can I help you?" she asked, keeping her tone friendly.
He rose an elegant brow. "Quite the coincidence to stumble upon one another like this. I was hoping to have the chance to speak with you regarding an important matter."
Ava's brows furrowed. "Oh, really?"
"Yes. How are you finding Hogwarts? To your liking?"
A scoff slipped out before she could stop it. "Of course, I'm learning about magic."
He nodded. "Indeed. Your upbringing must have been quite inadequate."
Ava pursed her lips, but stayed silent.
"I've noticed that you've formed an interesting social circle since arriving to Hogwarts."
"What's your point, Malfoy?"
"While being a Gryffindor, you've been accruing more and more Slytherins into your group of acquaintances," he said with a blank expression.
She raised her eyebrows. "I didn't realize that my group of friends was of such interest to you."
He sneered. "I don't know what you're playing at, McGonagall, but I'm sure I'll find out eventually."
Ava frowned, praying that her panic wasn't visible. "What are you talking about?"
"Since your arrival, you've befriended every type of wizard there is. Half-bloods like yourself, but also Purebloods. Blood traitors amongst them, as well as those from the families of the Sacred Twenty-Eight." He paused and gave her a calculating look. "Inevitably, you'll have to choose a side."
She narrowed her eyes in return. "So you say," she said with steel in her tone.
"You cannot stand alongside Purebloods that uphold the traditions and values of the Wizarding World and mingle with blood traitors and Muggle lovers on the side. It simply isn't done." While Malfoy's tone resembled that of an academic lecture, the meaning behind his words was clear to Ava. Conform to our ways, or you stand against us.
"Hmm," she said with a shrug before fixing him with a hard stare. "Perhaps that's only because no one has done so before."
His eyes flashed with an unreadable expression.
She mentally scoffed, assuming that she had offending his delicate sensibilities, but waited in silence for Malfoy to speak his mind.
"You think you'll be the one to lead the Wizarding people into a new era?" he asked with narrowed eyes. "Into the light?"
It surprised Ava, but there was a trace of genuine curiosity in his tone. "Possibly." She maintained eye contact, waiting to see if he would back off. Looking into his slate gray eyes, Ava felt a presence slither up against her mind, subtly trying to find a crack to sneak through. Shit! She immediately reinforced her mental shields and discreetly palmed her wand. Raising one brow, she asked, "Are we finished here?"
The unwelcome company in her mind perused her shield more frantically for a few moments before it withdrew. Malfoy quirked a pale eyebrow at her. "Seems there is more to you than meets the eye, Miss McGonagall."
She gave him a feral grin, visibly startling the wizard in front of her. "You have no idea," she muttered before walking past him and continuing on her way to the library.
Ava sat in her usual seat, trying to catch her breath. Though she tried to remain her composure in front of Malfoy, she was panicking on the inside. What if he finds out? I don't know how loyal he really is to Voldemort. Maybe bringing him on is just being too naive. But what if he doesn't truly believe in everything the Death Eaters represent? She let out a startled yelp when Severus and Regulus greeted her as they sat down at the table.
Both wizards frowned at her. "You scary easy," Regulus commented before pulling out his books and supplies.
However, Severus continued to stare at her. Ava knew if she looked away, then he would assume something was wrong and she didn't want to give the two Slytherins anything to worry about on top of everything else. Besides, Severus will probably rip into me for hearing how I handled it, she thought. She forced a smile onto her face, causing Severus to narrow his eyes.
Immediately, he drew his wand and cast Muffliato. "What happened?" he demanded.
Ava's lips formed a line.
Regulus's gaze flickered between the two and he sighed. "What's wrong now?"
"Yes, Ava. What's wrong now?" Severus repeated, crossing his arms.
She shook her head. "It's nothing."
Now Regulus had his eyes narrowed at her. "If it's nothing, then just tell us."
"I ran into Malfoy, we exchanged pleasantries, and went about our ways, that's all," she said in one breath.
The younger Slytherin scoffed. "Nothing about Malfoy is pleasant, Ava."
"What about your conversation left you so jumpy that our appearance frightened you?" Severus asked, with a brow raised.
"As if," Ava said with a scoff. "You two don't frighten me."
Both wizards looked slightly taken aback. Most likely thinking some nonsense about how they're dark wizards who can't be trusted, she thought.
"What? You're my friends," she said with a shrug. "Best friend," she added, smiling at Severus.
His expression briefly softened before turning stormy. "Don't change the subject, Ava."
She sighed. "Fine. If you must know, Malfoy has taken it upon himself to keep track of my friends. Like the fact that some are Slytherin, some Gryffindor, all different kinds of backgrounds. Purebloods and what not," she explained gesturing with her hands. "And he doesn't seem to like it."
"While not surprising, that revelation doesn't explain why you were startled," Regulus said after a few moments.
Her eyes darted back and forth between the boys, before settling on Severus. "He may have tried Legilimency on me. And I may have been able to keep him out, but now he still knows that I'm studying Occlumency." The anger in Severus's eyes forced her to duck her head. "I'm really sorry. I probably should've let him in and given him false memories or something, but I didn't think I was ready for that. I just reinforced my shield and hoped for the best. I had my wand ready in case he broke through though." It was silent for a few moments as she continued to stare at the table. "I'm sorry, Severus. I should've done better." A hand resting on her shoulder startled Ava. She looked up to see Severus standing over her with the most tender expression she had ever seen on his face.
"I'm not angry with you at all, Ava," he said quietly. "You did exactly as I would've instructed you. If you had let him into your mind, or if he had broken through, who knows what kind of damage he could have caused." His hand tightened around her shoulder. "The cretin might not have any real understanding of the art and could have wrecked your mind irreparably," he hissed.
Her mouth hung open. That was not at all how she expected him to react. "Oh, well, I'm fine." She gestured down her body with one hand. "All in one piece."
He nodded and pat her shoulder before resuming his seat. "This doesn't really change anything for us though. Malfoy might believe you are keeping secrets, but so is everyone. He'll never find yours out."
Ava nodded absentmindedly. "Does he already have the Mark?"
Both wizards looked at her with wide eyes before Severus said, "We're supposed to get ours together. After graduation."
"And his family's legacy is important to him, right? Like his heir and public standing?" she asked.
"Please, Ava, don't tell me—" Regulus began, but she held up her hand.
"I don't want to argue, can you just answer the question?"
Regulus looked to Severus for support, but the older wizard nodded. Turning back to Ava, Regulus said, "Being of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, Malfoy would do everything in his power to maintain his family's legacy." He paused. "But in his eyes, I don't know what you could provide that the Dark Lord cannot."
Ava smiled. "Guarantees."
"Stupefy!" Ava yelled, pointing her wand at Sirius before bouncing on her feet to another defensive position on the dueling mat that the Room had created for them once again.
The wizard cast a shield, easily deflecting the spell before sending a Stinging Jinx her way, followed quickly by an Expelliarmus.
Her eyes widened as she hurriedly cast Protego, hoping her shield would form before the spells crossed the distance between them.
When she managed to protect herself in time, Sirius grinned and lowered his wand, but Ava was still running on the adrenaline from their duel. Without realizing that her partner had relaxed his fighting stance, she threw a Slicing Hex, which successfully landed its mark.
Sirius yelped in pain. "Ava! I had my wand lowered, witch! Were you even paying attention?"
"I'm sorry!" she called before running over to him. Seeing the grimace on his face and the blood seeping through his uniform shirt caused Ava to be flooded with guilt. "I really am sorry, Sirius. I was just too caught up in the duel," she said softly before reaching out to inspect his arm. She cast a quick glance to see Sirius watching her movement, and her hand stopped midair before pulling back. I don't know if he's okay with me touching him, she reminded herself. He probably wouldn't want me to anyway.
Sirius sighed before shrugging off his wound and deciding that Ava demanded his attention. He caught her gaze and asked, "What's wrong? Why have you been walking on eggshells around me lately?"
I dunno Sirius, maybe because you could smell the fact that I was turned on? Ava kept her features schooled. "Nothing," she told him with a shrug. "Ready for another round?"
He shook his head with a frown. "No way. We're going to talk about whatever is it that's going on and work it out."
Ava crossed her arms. "Nothing's bothering me." I just don't know how to act around you anymore.
Sirius narrowed his eyes. "Then why won't you touch me?"
Her eyes widened slightly before forcing a scoff from her lips. "You're being ridiculous."
His fist clenched at his sides. "I am not. You wouldn't touch me just now, even though I'm hurt. You don't really need us anymore around Remus, but when you do, you hold James's hand, not mine. You haven't hugged me in weeks." The anger left his face. "What did I do wrong?" he asked in a small voice.
Ava's heart broke just a little in that moment. "You didn't do anything wrong, Sirius." She shifted from foot to foot. "It's just—well, that comment you made must've sat funny with me and I don't know how to handle it.
He tilted his head. "What comment?"
Ava huffed. "You know, when we were in the Great Hall, and you said you could—you know, smell—," she gestured around the space in front of her crotch, "—that."
His brows furrowed and he pointed at her movement. "And what is that supposed to be?"
She let out a noise of frustration as she stomped her foot. "You can what I damn well mean, Sirius Black!" she snapped. "You could smell my—", she lowered her voice, "—arousal."
Sirius beamed. "Was that so hard to say?" he asked before chuckling.
She smacked him hard on his uninjured arm. "You asshole! You just wanted to make me say it!"
"Yep," he said matter-of-factly before continuing to laugh.
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Now I don't know why I even bothered trying to consider your feelings."
Sirius stopped laughing. "My feelings?"
She nodded. "I didn't know why exactly you told me that you could smell how turned on I was," she said, gesturing wildly with her hands.
He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. His gray eyes flicked to hers momentarily before he began pacing. "I understand that you're Moony's girl, and while I think you're easy on the eyes and pretty cool for a girl, I don't really feel that way about you." He stopped moving and looked to her again. "But when I can scent how ready you are to mate, it's confusing, and it does something to me, and more of Padfoot than myself comes out."
Ava's jaw dropped. "Oh."
He smiled. "Yeah, 'oh'." He closed the few steps between them. "Look, I don't want this to change anything. I'm still your friend, and I don't want you like that." He gave her a small smile. "Except when you get all randy," he said, waggling his eyebrows.
She huffed a laugh. "I'll just have to keep it under control then. No more getting all turned on in public."
"Just make sure to tell that boyfriend of yours the same. It won't do any good if he's still acting like it's his life's mission to make you so wet you soak your panties."
Ava gasped. "Sirius!" she scolded him with wide eyes.
He bursted out laughing. "Don't act so scandalized. I know you do the exact same thing to him." He winked at her before heading towards the table with water glasses resting atop it.
Her cheeks flamed as she silently followed Sirius to get a drink of water. He's not wrong, you know, she told herself. After quenching their thirst, Ava hesitantly asked, "So, am I allowed to still hug you?"
Sirius's eyes lit up and instead of responding, he threw his arms around her and pulled her in close.
She giggled. "I didn't realize you were so touchy-feely, Sirius."
His body tensed.
Her mind raced. Shit. What did I say?
He relaxed and pulled back from her. "Let's just say my family isn't the most loving and cuddly bunch out there," he whispered.
Another crack struck through her heart at his admission. She tugged him back to her and squeezed tight. "You have people who truly love you Sirius, never doubt that."
After a few moments, he withdrew from her embrace, revealing wet eyes.
"Oh, Sirius," she whispered, reaching out to cup his cheek.
He leaned into her hand for only a brief moment before transforming into Padfoot and poking her with his wet nose. When Ava reached out to pet his head, he raced away to leap onto the couch in front of the fireplace.
"Silly puppy," she muttered under her breath as she approached the sofa where the Animagus had made himself comfortable. Ava plopped down on the other end of the couch, thoughts unwillingly drifting to her previous home world. She missed her dog desperately and Padfoot's appearance seemed to break the damn that had been keeping her emotions in check over the past few weeks. Her eyes began to gather tears as her mind conjured up images of her mother and best friends. She sniffled and wiped her eyes. A weight settled on her lap and against her side and looking through her blurry vision, Ava could see that Padfoot had snuggled up to her. Instinctively, she reached out and began to pet the fluffy dog. She began to cry harder, causing him to let out a whine and nuzzle closer to her. "I'm okay," she told him. "I just miss my family." She continued to self-soothe by rhythmically petting Padfoot's head and back. "I'm usually too busy to think about them, but sometimes the grief of losing them is overwhelming," Ava said to the Animagus in a shaky voice. She let out a sob. "And it just really sucks," she added, voice breaking.
Padfoot whined again, pushing his head under her hand, prompting her to continue with her pets.
Ava let out a watery laugh. "You're just like a real dog, Sirius."
He let out what she interpreted as an indignant huff.
She smiled down at him, but gave in, stroking his fur. Thankfully, her friend was enjoying her attention or maybe he could sense just how much she needed his comfort because he let her continue petting him to her heart's content as she mourned for her lost family. Ava's red and puffy eyes eventually closed from exhaustion and sleep consumed her.
Later that night, she shifted in her sleep, waking enough to realize that she was in her own bed. Her mind quickly recalled the events in the Room of Requirement before she snuggled back into her soft covers, telling herself to remember to thank Sirius for being such a good friend.
Sirius stormed through the Gryffindor common room, not stopping to even glance in the direction of his best friends. I need to change before Remus freaks out. He dashed up the stairs, dug through his trunk, and had managed to take off his robes and shirt before the rest of the Marauders plowed through the door to their dorm.
Remus inhaled deeply and looked to Sirius, eyes flashing amber. "Where were you?" he asked in a low voice.
Sirius sighed. "I was practice dueling with Ava, and she wasn't hurt, Moony," he assured the werewolf as he changed out of his pants.
"Then why can I smell her all over you?" he growled.
James and Peter looked back and forth between their friends with wide eyes.
"She was sad and needed a hug from a friend," Sirius said.
Remus's tense body seemed to relax. "What upset her?" he asked, concerning lacing his tone.
He tugged on clean, non-Ava smelling clothes as he said, "She missed her family. She said sometimes it just surprises her. But I think it's good for her to cry it out instead of bottling all of that emotion in."
Remus stepped over to him with narrowed eyes. "And you're the one she wanted comfort from?"
Sirius shrugged. "I just happened to be there, Moony. I doubt she would've chosen me over you, mate," he said, trying to keep his voice level and not antagonize Moony, regardless of how much he wanted to tell Remus off. If anyone were to comfort Ava, it should've been Remus. But he wasn't there.
The werewolf took a couple deep breaths. Looking at Sirius with his green eyes full of worry, he asked, "Is she okay now?"
Sirius scoffed. "Of course. I wouldn't just leave her like that." Ava deserves better than that at least, he thought. He noticed Remus clenching his jaw, so he added, "She's your mate, Moony, of course I'd help take care of her."
Remus relaxed and offered him a small smile. "Thanks, Sirius." He turned and headed back down to the stairs towards the common room.
The three remaining Marauders shared relieved looks before walking to the stairs themselves.
"Wait, what did you mean Ava is Moony's mate?" Peter asked, causing James and Sirius to look at each other with matching expressions of shock, worry clear in their eyes.
