Author's Note: So this chapter might not have been any faster, but it's certainly longer! Hope you enjoy it :D
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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 42
Exams had lasted nearly all day for Remus, and he was beyond ready to see his mate. Especially because he hadn't seen Ava since the night before. She had sent him an owl early that morning to let him know she'd be eating breakfast and lunch in the Kitchens, away from everyone so she could study in a more peaceful environment than the Great Hall. But he felt that it had more to do with her avoiding him, as well as James and Sirius.
Moony whined in the back of his mind for the hundredth time, full of desperation. His wolf had been restless since the moment he'd left the Room of Requirement, calling out for Remus to return to their mate's side. While the wizard could feel the anger and sadness pulsing though their bond, he resisted the compulsion to run back to Ava in an attempt to soothe her because he was part of the reason she was so upset. Her feelings were so potent that he wasn't sure she would actually want to see him in that moment.
Over the last month, since the completion of their bond, Remus had discovered that if he concentrated on Ava and their connection, he could feel her emotions even if they weren't physically near each other. Reaching out to her now, he could sense contentment and curiosity, bringing a soft smile to his face. She's probably in the library, he thought. After using the map to confirm, he headed in that direction, determined to speak with her since tomorrow he would be boarding the train for London with all of the other students returning home for the holidays.
He'd written to his mother a couple of times, mentioning that he had a girlfriend, which of course, she gushed over. Completely embarrassing him even though it was only through letters that no one else had read, other than possibly his father. Remus, as well as his mother, were both disappointed that Ava wasn't going to be traveling with him to King's Cross Station, since she'd be unable to meet his parents, but he understood that she wanted to spend time with her aunt.
He frowned to himself as he approached the library. He knew that Professor McGonagall wasn't actually Ava's aunt, but it seemed that his mate and the older witch had formed a familial bond nonetheless. I wonder if they've formally sealed the bond. That would make Ava a true McGonagall, in both the eyes of magic and the Wizarding legal system.
His mother had suggested speaking with Ava about visiting their home over the break to make introductions, but Remus wasn't sure how well that would go over, considering his father's way of thinking. While both of his parents tried their best to show their love for him, his mother struggled with her fear of the monster he turned into each month and his father had been vocal about the chance of contaminating his future children ever since he developed his first crush.
Knowing Ava as he did, she wouldn't take any negative views about werewolves very well. Remus could foresee the fact that he and Ava were mates being a point of contention as well. He wasn't even sure his parents believed in that kind of magic since they thought of him as a monster. He could see his father now—"What kind of dark creature would be deserving of a lifelong partner?"
Moony interjected, NOT a monster.
No, you're right, Remus told his wolf with a resigned sigh. Ava's care and stubbornness had helped him become more accepting of himself and his ability to have a romantic life. Not to mention, now that Ava transformed into a wolf alongside him during the full moon, he couldn't even imagine looking at her any differently just because of that. She was the furthest thing from a monster.
Entering the library, he walked through the stacks, immediately heading towards her usual study table. Even though Ava's belongings were present, the witch herself was not, but Snape and Sirius's younger brother were.
The two Slytherins glanced at him before sharing an unreadable look.
He crept to the table and hesitantly asked, "Do you know where Ava is?"
Snape sneered before pinning Remus with his dark eyes. "And why would I tell you, if I happen to know where she is?" He scoffed. "As if you truly cared."
Snape sounded genuinely upset with him, and Regulus seemed to give his friend a warning look.
What did I do to piss him off? he questioned internally.
Snape must've seen the confusion on his face because the wizard sighed before muttering, "You left her in a rather emotional state last night, Lupin."
His stomach dropped, realizing that his mate felt more comfortable calling on her friend than him for comfort. Moony snarled at the idea of another male being so close with Ava, but Remus's logic prevailed, knowing that she was merely friends with Snape. Maybe he knows what's going on with her, he told his wolf.
He stepped closer to the table and lowered his voice. "I could feel how upset she was, but I didn't think she'd want to see me." He clenched his fists and released a deep breath. "Do you think that was a mistake? Should I have gone back to her?" His green eyes flickered between the wizards, hopeful for some insight.
Snape's harsh demeanor faltered at his questioning, and both Slytherins' mouths popped open in surprise as Remus took a seat. "Is she okay?" he asked.
Regulus cleared his throat. "I think that as long as you treat Ava with the respect and dignity a witch of her caliber deserves, then you should have no problems maintaining your relationship with her."
It appeared that Snape too was amused by the younger student's posh, Pureblood gentleman act as the corners of his mouth twitched.
But Remus stifled his chuckle and shook his head vehemently, wanting the wizards to take him seriously. "I would never treat my ma—Ava with disrespect."
"Ava isn't like most other witches though," Snape said under his breath. His gaze locked on Remus. "I admit, she might not have been happy to see you again after you left." He fidgeted in his seat, seeming uncomfortable with the topic of their conversation being his best friend.
"But she's okay though?" Remus asked again.
"No," the Slytherin snapped at him. "I doubt she'll be okay until all of this is over. She's bearing the brunt of multiple responsibilities that are an enormous undertaking, and she'll be needing you even more so after the holidays."
Confusion flooded Remus as the palpable anger in Snape's tone washed over him. The werewolf opened his mouth to ask what exactly the wizard meant by his words, but he was distracted when his nose and ears picked up on Ava's presence. He turned in her direction as she emerged from a bookshelf and caught the look of surprise flash across her face upon seeing him sitting at the study table.
A smile slowly started to form on her face but she shook herself, continuing on her path. She placed down the textbook in her hands and gently tugged on his robe, pulling him out of the chair. "I'll be just a minute, guys," she told Snape and Regulus.
Grabbing his hand, Ava dragged Remus to a more private location within the dimly lit bookshelves before extracting her fingers from his and facing him with crossed arms and an expectant look on her face. "Well?"
"You've been dodging me all day."
Her eyes darted to the floor and back as she shifted on her feet. "No, I haven't. I've been busy studying."
He closed the distance between them. "You might be studying, but you've also been avoiding me."
Her brows furrowed and she opened her mouth to speak, but he continued.
"It's alright. I understand if you need space sometimes, but just let me know instead of pretending with me, okay?"
Guilt rushed across their bond, followed by appreciation and love. She ducked her head with a quick apology, and peered back up at him with a sheepish expression.
Remus wrapped his arms around his mate and kissed the top of her head. "Just don't do it again."
"I won't," she said, slowly returning his embrace.
He steeled himself and then blurted, "I still want you to at least give Peter a chance."
She tensed in his arms and was silent for a long moment. His connection with Ava seemed to fade before she nodded, but then it returned to normal.
"I'm sorry for leaving you the way I did, but with how much anger I could feel traveling through the bond, I didn't think you'd want me to come back."
"I wasn't angry with you, Remus. Just the situation." She frowned and mumbled to herself, "I should've made sure you couldn't feel all that though."
"What do you mean?" he asked with a tilt of his head.
She schooled her features, but not fast enough to mask the guilt that danced across her face.
"Ava," he warned in a low voice.
Letting out a huff of annoyance, she pinched the bridge of her nose, nearly causing him to shudder from how reminiscent of Snape the gesture was. "I've been studying Occlumency," she whispered. "And I can seal off my end of the bond, or at least I'm assuming I can from my skill level."
Moony bristled at the idea, but Remus's academic curiosity won out. "That's an incredibly interesting and difficult branch of magic, Ava. How far along are you in your studies?"
She leaned into him with a smile. "You're such a nerd," she teased.
He could feel his cheeks warm, but he knew his mate felt the same way about magic. "Is it weird that I'm curious to see what it feels like if you close it off?"
"No," she said without hesitation. "I'm curious myself." She pressed her lips together with furrowed brows. "I doubt it'll be pleasant though. Are you sure?"
"Yeah, you can always open it back up, right?"
"Of course," she insisted in a loud voice. She cringed at her own volume in the quiet library. "Of course I can. I wouldn't suggest it otherwise," she whispered. "Ready?"
He nodded and then watched Ava closely, wanting to see how Occlumency would appear to an outside observer. It wasn't the most intriguing process. She simply closed her eyes and several moments later he felt something deep within his chest snap.
He gasped at the sharp pain and the sudden, overwhelming sense of loss. "Ava," he whispered in a plea, fingers wrapping tight around her shoulders. "Open the bond, please." Not a moment later, his chest warmed with the tingle of magic and he felt whole once again.
Ava's eyes shot open and she proceeded to fuss over him, hands roving all over, as if looking for injuries. "Are you okay? What's wrong? I'm so sorry, Remus."
He shook his head as he rubbed the center of his chest. "It's alright. I asked you to. What did that feel like for you?"
A look of sadness settled on her face. "I could feel that I was missing something. There was an echo of loneliness." She shivered. "I don't want to feel that ever again. I knew I was disconnected from something, but I almost didn't care." She leaned into him, resting her cheek against his chest.
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "It sounds like it was worse for me. Please never close our bond again," he whispered as he nuzzled her hair.
"Never."
After relishing in each other's embrace for another few moments, Remus softly grasped Ava's cheeks and tilted her head back, locking his lips over hers. Their magic sizzled as it raced across where their bodies were touching and it felt like he was falling in love with her all over again. She was so open and responsive to him, and the care and adoration that oozed from her side of the bond made him shudder from the control required to not worship her body right then and there.
Feeling her pull away, he loosened his grip and slowed his kisses.
"There's something I want to finish researching," she said with her lips still lingering a breath away.
He groaned. "Exams are all done. What else have you got to do?"
She giggled with amusement sparking in her eyes. She trailed a finger down his chest and said, "Someone's impatient to get me all alone and naked, spread out for him."
He growled and latched onto her lips once again, punishing her mouth with the frustration he felt at the library not being conducive for sex. He felt Moony rise to the surface and welcomed him, knowing that Ava didn't mind when his wolfish side made an appearance. If anything, she liked it.
With another low growl, he bit down on her bottom lip and cupped her ass, lifting her from the floor and pinning her against the bookshelf. With her legs wrapped around him, Remus rubbed his hardened cock against her clothed center. "See what you do to me, mate?"
She whimpered with need, but he steadied himself.
"You have until dinner to finish up your extra curricular research. Then I want dessert. In the Room. With you." With each punctuation of his command, he continued to work his mate into a hot state of arousal, nipping her shoulder, squeezing her ass, and trailing his tongue over his mark.
He pulled away from Ava and a burst of masculine pride coursed through him at the sight of her flushed skin, swollen lips, and eyes heated with desire. She was still in a haze when he demanded, "You'll go with me to the Room of Requirement after dinner, mate, and we'll finish this."
She nodded distractedly, and began to lean towards him again, tilting her head back, but Remus held her at arm's-length. "Now, now, you've got research to get back to, remember?" He allowed her body to slide down his, setting her feet back on the floor.
Her eyes were clear and focused once more as she fixed a pout on her face.
He let out a deep chuckle. "Don't be so impatient, mate." He kissed Ava's forehead before leaving her amidst the stacks all hot and bothered.
Flurries of snow gently drifted through the air as students gathered around carriages that would take them to the Hogwarts Express, waiting for the return to London. Ava peered at the front of the carriage closest to her, but obviously couldn't see the Thestrals that powered the seemingly horseless transportation. A poke to the ribs drew her attention back to the first-year attempting to say goodbye.
She looked down at Benedict with a smile. "I'm gonna miss you, little snake."
He nearly plowed her over with the force of his hug. "I'll miss you too, Ava."
"It's only a couple of weeks," she murmured before pecking a kiss to the top of his head. Releasing Benedict, she moved down the line of Slytherins and flashed Barty a friendly grin. "Is this okay?" she whispered, slowly raising her arms.
He nodded with the hint of a smile and stepped towards her, giving her a quick hug.
That-a-boy, she thought, sending him a proud look. From the increasing hustle and bustle around them, Ava assumed they needed to hurry, so she quickly turned to Regulus and threw her arms around him. "I'll see you soon. Stay safe."
He squeezed her back. "You too," he said before pulling away.
Absentmindedly assuming the line of her Slytherin friends continued, Ava didn't hesitate to wrap the next person up in a hug. It slowly dawned on her who exactly she was affectionately squeezing because of how tense his body was. Oh shit, she thought, starting to pull away. But his body seemed to sag and arms cautiously embraced her without applying much pressure before strong hands gripped her shoulders, holding her at a safer distance.
"Please never do that again unless it's a life or death situation, McGonagall," Rabastan told her in a firm tone, but she could see the confusion towards her affection swimming in his eyes.
"You got it," she muttered, feeling her face flame in embarrassment. Jesus Christ, Ava. Pay attention! How was she supposed to get through a party full of people if she couldn't even keep her mind level enough to not accidentally manhandle an unsuspecting wizard?
Looking at the others didn't abate the awkward situation since Barty and Regulus looked torn between laughing and concerned that Rabastan might retaliate for the unwelcomed attack on his person.
"You're lucky," Benedict told Rabastan, ignoring the tension in the air. "Ava gives the best hugs." The younger Slytherin gave her another brief squeeze before running off to join his other first-year friends.
Barty stepped closer to her with his cheeks reddening as he asked, "Would you mind if I owled you over break?"
"Of course not! I'd really like that." She was glad that he was finally coming out of his shell, and besides the fact that she truly didn't mind, there was no way she's jeopardize their friendship. Anything to keep him from the Death Eaters.
Regulus appeared to be containing his laughter at Barty's shyness while he said, "I'll be owling you as well."
"I'm sorry to say, but I will not be owling you," Rabastan dryly commented.
Regulus lost his composure, causing a giggle to burst from Ava. Even Barty cracked a grin before he too left to board a carriage.
"I see that many people take delight in your company, Miss McGonagall," a smooth voice drawled.
She rolled her eyes to the boys before turning to face Malfoy. Regulus and Severus, who had been patiently waiting, bristled at the blonde's presence but Rabastan looked the most nonchalant she had ever seen him. "Have you come for your goodbye hug as well?" she asked, hearing noises of laughter and disbelief from behind her.
Unexpectedly, his resulting chuckle sounded genuine and his patented, arrogant sneer didn't make an appearance. "No, that's not what I'm here for. I find myself looking forward to seeing you at our New Year's Eve Ball, but perhaps you'd like to join myself and some others for tea one afternoon?"
Ava opened her mouth, intent on turning his offer down, but he continued.
"I have several business proposals I'm working on and I would find your…expertise most helpful." At her hesitation, his eyes narrowed threateningly.
She gave him a polite smile. "That would be lovely, Lucius." Goddamn it. Couldn't he have just asked me about that here? I'll need to find out who else will be there. While Malfoy had taken an Oath, she couldn't help but be worried that he somehow found a loophole.
His gray eyes seemed to gleam with the knowledge that she couldn't turn down the invitation for tea.
Oh yeah, asshole? Before the wizard could step away, she let out a tsk. "Don't you think these pleasant young men would enjoy our company for an afternoon as well?" she asked, gesturing to Severus and Regulus. "It'd be a shame if the Head of House Black found out that his heir was passed over for a mere Half-blood."
Lucius's lips thinned, but he nodded with a tight smile. "Very well, the four of you should expect owls with the details soon." He turned and strutted over to a blonde girl, who Ava now realized was Narcissa Black.
"Thanks for that, Ava. I do so enjoy taking tea with Malfoy," Severus commented sarcastically once the wizard was out of earshot.
She rolled her eyes with a huff. "What else was I supposed to do? You want me going alone?"
"No," he and Regulus both said quickly.
Rabastan's calculating eyes were glancing between herself and the boys. "Is there a particular reason you felt the need for their presence? Or mine?"
"I'm sorry you got dragged into this," she said with a frown.
His dark eyebrows raised. "Oh, no. I'm looking forward to the experience. Not many Half-bloods have willingly stepped foot into Malfoy Manor over the centuries. Usually, it's under duress with an interrogation or confinement to shortly follow."
Her lips parted in surprise before she let out a quick laugh of shock. "Thank you, Rabastan. That makes me feel so much better."
He gave her a wide grin, eyes full of mischief as he crossed his arms. "You're welcome."
She shook her head with mirth and was unable to stop herself from giving him a playful shove. The tension rolling off the other Slytherins caused her gaze to dart to Rabastan's, thinking she had crossed a line of some sort.
Once again, his features were schooled as his body stood frozen, but she couldn't ignore the confusion and uncertainty in his eyes. "Rabastan?" she called softly. "I'm sorry if my behavior made you uncomfortable."
His brows furrowed as his eyes scanned her face.
With a grimace she said, "Apparently, I can be a bit too touchy-feely with my Slytherin friends, so I'm sorry."
His eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. "Friends?" he asked under his breath. If he had spoken any quieter, she would've missed it. He glanced at Severus and Regulus over her shoulder. "Friends?" he repeated, a little louder, but with incredulity still lacing his tone. His gaze dropped back to her, eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"
Ava clenched her fists and breathed sharply through her nose. "What is it with you Slytherins, huh?" She whipped around to glare at Severus and Regulus before turning back to Rabastan. She poked him in the chest. "I have friends because I like a person, not because I need something from them," she hissed.
The other boys had sidled up to her, blocking out the other students saying goodbye. "Ava, you need to lower your voice," Regulus told her calmly as she heard Severus mutter, "Muffliato."
She seethed, taking comfort in the fact that Severus had cast a privacy spell. She just needed to keep her body language low-key. She smiled through clenched teeth. "Look, Rabastan. You can talk with these two, or at least Regulus while on the train, about me if you want. I understand that it's highly unusual for a Gryffindor to befriend a Slytherin, but I don't prematurely judge people by what House they were sorted into. I choose my friends based on their actions and words."
She shuffled on her feet while glancing to the ground. "If you don't want my friendship, that's fine, but at least keep these two close, yeah?"
He nodded, eyes scanning her face as if he was trying to discern the truth.
"Have a good break. I'm sure I'll see you at Malfoy Manor before long," she said before pivoting to give Regulus one more quick hug.
Severus stayed behind with his fellow Slytherins to give his goodbyes as Ava headed towards the Gryffindors congregating a good distance from where she had been standing. She took a deep breath to calm her ire, tired of her motives being called into question once again. She gave a wave to the larger group of seventh-year Gryffindors, but singled out Lily for a hug.
"I can't wait to see you over break at the Potters'," she told the redhead. "I'm in desperate need of some girl time."
Lily chuckled. "Just let me know when and where." She stepped away to chat with the other girls and Ava turned towards the Marauders.
She took another deep breath and cleared her mind, calming her nerves. "Have a great break, Peter. I'm sure I'll see you at James's."
He shot her a friendly smile, and resumed his conversation with Remus while she approached James and Sirius.
As she wrapped her arms around James, he whispered, "Watch your back with Snape. I know the git hasn't done anything yet, but you never know."
With a roll of her eyes, she pulled back. "Don't you think if Severus wanted to hurt me somehow, he would've done it already? We've been alone loads of times and he's never done anything. You need to accept that he isn't evil just because he used to be Lily's friend, James."
His lips were pressed together, but he seemed contemplative, his eyes searching hers and flicking over her shoulder, probably spotting Severus, who she knew was waiting for her.
She stepped away from James and spun to launch herself at Sirius, squeezing him tightly.
"Blimey, witch! Let up, would you? You're crushing my bones." He lowered his voice. "I'll miss you too." He grabbed her shoulders and held her at arm's length. "It's only for a week and then you'll be with us."
Ava could feel her eyes stinging and tears starting to form. She knew it was silly to be upset over such a short separation, but the majority of her friends were leaving Hogwarts for the first time since she arrived. Of course, she'll be with Aunt Minerva and Severus, but it wouldn't be quite the same, especially with her soulmate leaving.
Sirius's eyes widened when he noticed the moisture gathering in her eyes. "Uh, oh. Moony!" he yelled, directing her by the shoulders towards Remus.
She gave a watery chuckle at his dramatics and continued to smile up into her mate's face.
Remus cupped her cheeks and wiped away her tears with his thumbs. He smirked right before a monsoon of love and respect flooded through their bond.
She gasped from the impact as her magic reached out to greet his.
He leaned down and captured the noise with his lips, kissing her thoroughly.
She clung to him, her tongue and lips returning the gesture with fervor. Wolf-whistles and giggles brought her back to reality, and she slowly pulled away and tucked her head to his chest. Ava inhaled deeply, committing his scent to memory, hoping it would hold her over until Christmas night when she'd be heading to Potter Manor for dinner.
"Time will fly, and we'll be together before you know it," Remus reassured her. "We can owl every day, several times a day if you want."
She smiled. "I'll be sure to use different birds then. I'd feel bad tiring them out like that." She stood on her tiptoes, pecking one last kiss to his lips before backing away slowly.
The group of Gryffindors returned her wave and shouts of farewells as they loaded onto the carriages, and she felt Severus approach. She ignored the silent tears running down her face. It's not that big of a deal, Ava. You'll see them soon enough.
Her eyes trailed along with the carriage that the Marauders had climbed into, and when it was nothing more than a distant blur, Ava finally wiped her eyes with a sniffle.
Severus let out a put upon sigh, but wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
She startled, knowing that he loathed displaying any sort of affection publicly, but after glancing around them, she saw that any other students who were staying at Hogwarts over break had all returned inside, probably to warm up again.
"Don't be so alarmed," he said dryly. "You're incessant crying was aggravating my senses."
She beamed at him as he turned her towards the warm castle and nudged her along. "I'm sorry, Severus. I'll strive to be less emotional in the future."
The corners of his mouth twitched. "See that you do."
Once the pair was back inside, he withdrew his arm and looked her over before whispering, "Are you alright?"
After a nod from her, he asked, "What do you want to do? I've got—"
Before he could even finish, Ava jolted with excitement and begged, "Please, please, please, can we try out a couple new spells?"
With a raised brow, he shrugged her hand off him and said, "Get a hold of yourself, witch."
"Severus," she returned in a low, warning tone.
He rolled his eyes. "Yes, of course, we can test out some spells."
"Yes!" she shouted with a fist pump, her words echoing throughout the Entrance Hall.
His lips were pressed together in the way they were whenever Severus was attempting not to laugh. "You are an absolute heathen." He pivoted on his heel and strode towards the staircase, robe billowing behind him.
She smiled at the intimidating image he struck and for the thousandth time marveled at the fact that Severus Snape was her best friend.
"Come along, McGonagall," he called out in what she had deemed his professor voice.
She shook out her thoughts and dashed up the stairs.
Once at his side, Severus muttered, "I thought you had found someone to teach you proper manners and etiquette."
She snorted. "I did, but I can still choose when to act like a snobbish robot, thank you very much."
He glanced down at her with a quirked brow as they climbed the staircase. "Indeed."
Her resounding laughter managed to garner a smile from him.
On their way to the Room of Requirement, the new normal of the castle sunk in. Ava thought it was eerie how empty and quiet the halls were, especially since it was a Saturday and usually there were students milling about everywhere. They had only passed a handful of other students and professors, making Ava realize that compared to the current state of things, the school had been practically bursting with life. The wide corridors seemed to stretch on forever with no one to jostle her around, and she found herself speeding up her steps. The sooner she was able to practice her magic, the sooner her absent friends and soulmate would once again be pushed to the back of her mind.
Having arrived at the Room of Requirement, Severus commanded that she cast several rounds of Sectumsempra and Vulnera Sanentur to prove that she had full control of the spells. After that, Ava introduced him to the Entrail-Expelling Curse. The grim look she received in return after he saw the effects on the dummy reminded her that though these targets were repairable, the people they were preparing to use these spells against were not.
She grimaced but doused that line of thinking with the recollection of what could potentially happen if the Death Eaters weren't taken seriously for the threat they posed. It was only a matter of time before their activities and political moves picked up the pace and people began to be targeted for standing against Voldemort.
"Have you shared your knowledge of this spell with anyone else?" Severus asked.
"God, no!" she exclaimed with a huff of laughter. "Could you imagine the look on the boys' faces if I showed them that this was one of the spells I picked up from the Restricted Section?" She scoffed. Even Ava could hear the bitterness that tinged her tone as she said, "They couldn't even stomach a spell that would allow us to share our magic. And it wasn't even dark!"
Severus sighed and stared at her for a long moment. "It pains me to say this, but have you looked at it from their perspective?"
Her mouth fell open.
"Have you told them how cruel and ruthless the Death Eaters are supposed to become over the next couple of years? Regulus and I have more insight because of attending meetings and being privy to the true nature of our peers, but your Gryffindor friends wouldn't know anything of the sort."
She frowned and chewed over his words. "I mean, I guess that James and Remus wouldn't know really, but Sirius should. And he does. I know he does."
He stepped closer. "No offense, Ava, but Gryffindors can be rather naive at times."
She gave a huff of frustration and flung out her arms. "Well, what am I supposed to do, Severus? If I tell them too much or the wrong detail that gets them all riled up, I'm sure they'll keep pushing Dumbledore until they're inducted into the Order, and I want them as far away from this as possible."
He gently grasped her shoulder. "Maybe you can't control that."
Tears sprung to her eyes. He looked thoughtful, prompting her to ask, "What are you thinking about?"
"How involved were Lily, Lupin, and the rest in the original time line?"
She wiped her eyes. "They were in the Order, but it was after they had graduated, I'm sure. Why?"
"Have you considered it's possible that might change with your presence?"
"Me?" she asked with raised brows.
He nodded. "Yes, if they were supposed to be in the Order in the original time line, maybe your connection to Lupin is merely speeding up the time frame. Since they have a more personal connection to the events, they're more likely to be pulled into this whether you want them to be or not. It's possible that they'll participate in the Order no matter what you do, so perhaps you should just tell them the whole truth so they can at least understand why you're researching the particular spells that you are."
Ava stood frozen, mind whirling with the idea of her friends and mate being at the center of this war whether she liked it or not. She let out a deep breath. "I don't even know if that'll convince them. I don't remember the Order using gray spells a lot, and certainly not any considered dark. I understand the reluctance to use the Killing Curse because it can fracture your soul, but other spells that kill don't do that. I can't help but feel that I'll be an easier target if I stick to the spells everyone learns in class."
Her gaze locked on his dark eyes. "I don't know if anyone on the light side of the war would understand that I just want to have as many spells as possible in my arsenal if I come face to face with a Death Eater. Even Aunt Minerva, who gave me access to the Restricted Section, ducks out of a conversation if I bring up a spell deemed…" She widened her eyes and wiggled her fingers, deepening her voice. "Forbidden."
His smile seemed forced before it disappeared. "I don't know what to tell you, Ava, but you're going to drive yourself insane if you keep trying to control everyone and the entire situation. You can't keep Lupin, Black, and Potter, or anyone else for that matter, from joining the Order any more than I can keep you from doing the very same." He lowered his voice. "As much as I might want to."
She hugged him. "I know exactly how you feel, Severus."
He returned her embrace and rested a hand atop her hair, letting out a tired sigh.
"I don't want you or Regulus anywhere near the Death Eaters or Voldemort but it wouldn't be wise for you to try to step away now, and you're both in a position that gives us an advantage." She pulled away from him. "And I really appreciate the help you both are giving me. And the trust."
His expression tightened. "Yes, well, just make sure you don't trust the wrong person. You need to be cautious of who you decide to reveal the truth to. I know you asked about Lucius before and now he thinks you're a Seer, but I don't know where his true allegiances lie."
She shrugged. "That's a concern for another day." She shook her head as if to dispel the mountain of worries that seemed to keep growing.
"Would you like to tell me about the spell your beloved Marauders wouldn't perform with you?" he asked, knowing it would cheer Ava up. He smiled when her face lit up like a child in Honeyduke's.
She quickly explained the theory and wand movements behind Magicus Extremos, which would allow for their magic to be shared across the connection established once the spell was cast. While it wasn't mentioned in the text Ava read, she hypothesized based on her experience with Lupin that the connection between casters would be stronger if they made skin to skin contact.
Severus could mildly understand the Marauders' reluctance to attempt the spell since the consequences weren't fully described in the book Ava perused, but the spell theory was sound and the magical connection between casters should only be temporary. He wasn't concerned about the spell becoming permanent or anything of the sort since there were other spells specifically designed for those kinds of bonds, like the soulmate connection tethering Lupin and Ava together. Or what he suspected the Dark Lord used to mark his followers.
He shuddered. I can't believe I nearly bound myself to that mad wizard. It was one thing to attempt to achieve immortality, but another to purposefully split your soul and house it in an object. He had conducted his own research once Ava revealed the truth about the Horcruxes. To create such an object, there was a separate spell that needed to be performed other than just the Killing Curse. However, he found that simply using Avada Kedavra could splinter your soul. It wouldn't fracture it to the same extent as moving a piece of your soul into a Horcrux, but it could still cause damage to the soul and magical core of the caster nonetheless.
He shook his head from his dark thoughts as Ava called his name, having shed her robe. She was currently rolling up the sleeves of her shirt and he recalled the spell before disrobing and doing the same.
It would have been awkward had they both needed to cast the spell simultaneously, since they were both right-handed, but Severus was merely required to maintain contact with Ava and repeat the incantation with her. Facing the line of target dummies at the back wall of the Room, he and Ava stood side by side, with their hands clasped and arms pressed together tightly.
"Ready?" she asked in an excited whisper.
He peered down at her. "What spell are we going to practice with after we've done Magicus Extremos?"
She shrugged, bumping his shoulder. "Confringo? That way we can really see the difference?"
He nodded, thinking along the same lines.
"Alright," she said with a smile. "I hope you've got your big boy pants on today."
He huffed out a laugh but quieted down as Ava raised her wand. Her movements were slow and precise and they voiced the incantation in unison.
A rush of magic shot from his hand, up his arm, spreading throughout his body. It was warm and sizzled along his nerves, but it didn't hurt. The power and magic were building up, beckoning him to use them. Tentatively reaching out, Severus could easily detect the connection between himself and Ava. "Do you feel that?"
"Yeah, it's totally different than what I feel with Remus."
He snorted. "I certainly hope so." Concentrating once more, he said, "I'm going to purposefully widen the connection and direct my magic across to you. Okay?" Severus closed his eyes and focused on releasing control over his magic and encouraging it to flow towards Ava. He felt her nod and immediately relinquished his hold on the magic.
"Oh, wow," she breathed out, fingers clenching against his. She shouted, "Confringo!" and the fiery blast jettisoned from the tip of her wand.
Peeking at the bright fire through squinted eyes, he could see the broader than usual flame ignite the target immediately, but then jump to the other dummies, as if it had a mind of its own. His jaw dropped, having never before seen a spell work like that.
He and Ava stood there for several moments in silence, other than the crackling fire destroying the practice targets.
"Well, that was different," she muttered.
He looked to her with a raised brow. "You don't say?"
"Why do you think it bounced around like that?"
"I have no idea," he murmured, eyes still fixed on the disintegrating targets. He glanced at Ava and flexed his fingers around hers. "There's only one way to find out."
The curious pair continued to practice Magicus Extremos, using Confringo, Stupefy, Ventus, and several other spells, coming to the conclusion that the increase in magic behind the spell must also be why the spell acted intuitively, attacking the other targets as well. Once they realized the magic functioned in that manner, they chose to test it out with Expulso.
For their first attempt, the explosion spell only affected the single dummy that Ava aimed the spell towards, and that was the only target they considered an enemy. For the second time, however, they both focused on the idea that every target was the enemy, and once again, the spell collided with the first dummy and then seemingly jumped, causing the targets to explode one after another. Each time, the spell reacted the way they wanted it to based on how they perceived their opponents.
Of course, their curiosity won out and they continued to practice with a couple of other spells to see if they could eradicate all of the targets simultaneously, which indeed they could. The only difference was in how they thought about the magic attacking the dummies.
It occurred to Severus that the spell would only be labeled as dark depending on the intent of the caster. He knew that magic wasn't divided into merely light and dark, and this experience further proved that. Someone could use Magicus Extremos to heal multiple people at once, but it likely wouldn't be used in such a manner because the self-proclaimed "light" wizards and witches wouldn't bother to learn the useful spell.
He and Ava eventually stopped practicing once they began to feel woozy, and headed out of the Room, finding a nice alcove in a naturally lit corridor. Ava called on Flopsy and politely asked the house-elf to bring them some lunch, which they both scarfed down. He assumed it was because they had magically drained themselves practicing the spells, so he didn't comment on Ava's choice to request a second slice of chocolate cake.
Regardless of the castle being near empty, Severus cast Muffliato as a precaution before asking, "Has Madame Pomfrey checked on your magical core recently?" He hadn't realized what a loaded question that would be.
Ava dove into the story of the full moon from last week, revealing that she transformed into a wolf during the full moon now that her bond with Lupin had been completed. She reassured him that it was a good thing because now her werewolf could keep his mind while in wolf form and was less dangerous, but another upside was that the healer looked over her magical core closely and it appeared to have healed and was at full strength as of a week ago.
A deep frown overcame her face and her eyes darted away from him.
He straightened in his seat. "What's wrong?"
"Are you—are you okay with that?"
His brows furrowed in confusion for a moment before he realized that Ava must be worried about what he would think of her now that she turned into a wolf, essentially making her a werewolf like Lupin. He reached out to squeeze her hand. "You're truly my best friend, Ava, and nothing will ever change that."
Tears gathered in her eyes.
Foolish boy! Now look what you've done. You've made her cry with your ridiculous declaration. "I didn't mean to upset you," he said gruffly, shifting in his seat uncomfortably.
"No, you're fine. It's okay." She quickly wiped away the drops that had escaped and were rolling down her cheeks.
He cleared his throat. "So, where are you at with your classes? I know you had your third-year exam for Potions, which you obviously passed. Is there anything in particular that you might need assistance with over the break?"
Ava smiled at his offer and he held back an eye roll. Of course he was willing to help her as much as possible, he cared for the Gryffindor witch despite all the reasons that would usually deter him. He hadn't realized how much he missed the close companionship of someone other than Regulus until Ava had come along and planted herself at his side, settling deep roots within his everyday life.
"I actually took the third-year exams for Astronomy and History of Magic too." Pink tinted her cheeks as she added, "And I tested out of sixth-year Charms."
He raised an impressed brow.
She ducked her head in what he surmised was embarrassment. "I know it's really fast, but there's something about Charms that just clicks for me."
"I understand. I'm the same way with Potions. Who am I to judge you for your abilities and intellect, Ava?"
She peeked up at him and then let out a breath. "Yeah, I suppose. I didn't know if it was weird that I'm so good in one subject but just okay in the others, and not to mention, I'm trying not draw any more attention to myself."
He could completely understand why she'd want to keep her magical prowess a secret, especially with her knowledge. The Dark Lord does like to collect unique and talented individuals, even Half-bloods, he thought, considering his own position with the powerful wizard.
His head tilted as he considered Ava. "Even in Muggle education, aren't there students that excel in certain areas?"
Her brows furrowed for a brief moment before her entire body relaxed. "Yeah, you're right."
A throat cleared, drawing their attention to a painting of the African savanna on the castle wall. There appeared to be a wizard wanting to speak with them, so Severus dropped the privacy spell.
"Phineas!" Ava exclaimed with a smile.
He looked at his friend in surprise. She's on a first-name basis with a portrait?
"Miss McGonagall," the wizard intoned formally.
Ava's eyebrows rose before a blank look overcame her face. "Excuse me, Headmaster Black, may I introduce you to Severus Snape, potions extraordinaire and my best friend? And Severus, this is Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black, a fellow Slytherin and dedicated teacher of Pureblood customs." She beamed, looking back and forth between himself and the portrait, obviously pleased with herself.
"So you can be house trained," Severus teased in a tone of superiority.
A bark of laughter sounded from the portrait. "Oh, I like him."
"Ha ha, very funny you two," Ava said, lightly pushing against his arm before she fixed a mock glare at the painting.
For the next few minutes, Headmaster Black interrogated Severus on everything from his classes to which bed he occupied in the Slytherin dorm. What was most curious for him was watching the interactions between Ava and the former Headmaster. The old wizard was notorious for his antiquated views of anyone other than Purebloods, but it seemed to not be entirely true.
He even had a difficult time maintaining an unaffected demeanor when the wizard declared that Severus should address him as "Phineas", especially since he was such a dear friend of Ava's. Once the wizard had vacated the painting, he turned to his best friend and asked if she realized how rare it was for that particular Headmaster to befriend a Half-blood, but she just shrugged it off with pink cheeks, so he let the subject drop.
The first few days of break seemed to fly by for Ava, and she nearly wished that time would slow down because she was enjoying her time with Severus. Since there were hardly any students who remained behind for the holidays, the House tables in the Great Hall were sparsely populated, and ever since the first dinner, Ava had been sitting with her friend.
At dinner the night all the other students had departed for London, Ava had at first taken her usual seat at the Gryffindor table out of habit, but then realized that she was entirely alone at her portion of the table. The only other Gryffindors occupying the space were a couple of younger students that sat at the opposite end. While she was acquainted with them, having shared classes briefly, she felt more comfortable sitting with her best friend rather than imposing upon some kids she barely knew.
She had glanced at the Slytherin table and noticed it was much the same for Severus. He was the only remaining seventh-year and the rest of the Slytherins were clustered around a section of the table at least twenty feet from the wizard.
They locked eyes and Severus raised a brow in question.
Ava waggled her eyebrows with a smile, causing him to roll his eyes in exasperation at her suggestion.
Nevertheless, he had inclined his head slightly, giving her the go ahead. Without hesitation, she stood and made her way over to the Slytherin table. Despite the fact that Severus was the only older student present at the table, Ava felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach at the thought of the usual occupants as she sat down.
She ignored the stares directed her way from the other students, as well as the staff members. She was pretty sure that a Gryffindor sitting at the Slytherin table hadn't happened in a very long time, if ever.
Leaning forward with a conspiratorial smile, she whispered, "Could you imagine if McNair, Avery, or Malfoy saw me right now? They'd probably shit themselves."
A startled laugh escaped before Severus could shut his mouth and he sent her a mock glare before collecting the rest of his meal onto a plate.
They had been able to eat that meal and the rest that followed without any flack from the remaining students, but Aunt Minerva had warned her later that evening to not get too comfortable because she doubted that Ava would be still be welcomed once classes resumed. No shit, she had thought to herself, barely containing an eye roll.
Besides indulging in the unusual seating arrangement, without the majority of the students and her friends being present, Ava had more time to devote towards learning magic. Their daily routine formed naturally, without needing to discuss it aloud. Severus worked on his own potions research while she studied aggressively since she had more free time and wanted to catch up to the seventh-year curriculum as quickly as possible. They would duel every day, at least once, and she continued to hone her Occlumency skills.
Other than tutoring her in Potions, Severus helped her progress through the Charms material that the seventh-years had already covered so that she could be placed into the seventh-year class by the time school resumed. Other than focusing on Charms and Potions, Severus worked with her on Defense Against the Dark Arts, and she would get some instructional time from Aunt Minerva here and there for Transfiguration as well.
Professor McGonagall told her to think about whether or not she'd like to take any electives starting after break, but while classes like Ancient Runes could be interesting, the N.E.W.T.S. weren't essential for most jobs, unless she wanted to be a specialist of some sort. And at the moment, Ava felt like planning for her career was another massive pile of stress that she didn't need to endure. If worse came to worst, she figured that she could always study and take her required N.E.W.T.S. retroactively, which according to Aunt Minerva, international witches and wizards did occasionally when applying for jobs within the British Wizarding World because the school tests weren't standardized world-wide.
Even though it had only been a few days, Ava and Remus had owled back and forth about a dozen times. While her soulmate was glad to be home and see his parents for a bit, he and Moony both missed her. Remus had mentioned the lack of her scent driving him and his wolf up the wall, so she wore a clean school shirt to bed one night and packaged it up for him the next morning to have it delivered. His follow-up letter had been quite enthusiastic and a little naughty, making her groan in frustration at their separation.
For the most part, McGonagall had been spending more time in their quarters while grading and writing lesson plans, allowing Ava to have more one on one time with her guardian. The night before, she had hesitantly asked the professor if the idea of officially adopting her had ever come up since Remus had asked about it in one of his letters.
The older witch was surprised, thinking that since Ava was truly an adult, having spent several years as one in her other world, she didn't need to be adopted. But her disappointment must've shown because not a moment later, McGonagall jumped at the offer and excitedly declared that she'd take care of it at once. The professor immediately set aside the essays she was grading in order to write the Ministry regarding the matter.
At the moment, Ava was busy wrapping Christmas presents in her quarters with Phineas for company. While she absentmindedly folded and taped the paper around the gifts, the wizard drilled her on scenarios and information that could be used to her advantage should she need it while attending the New Year's Eve Ball.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Phineas said, "I suggest that you use the afternoon tea invitation as a chance to learn the layout of the manor so that you'll be more prepared to locate the Horcrux during the Ball."
She groaned. "Don't remind me. I know Lucius only invited me so that he could have an excuse to pick my Seer brain. I've got to figure out what to tell him."
"No time like the present, young lady. What do you have in mind thus far?"
She launched into a rambling list of events that she thought might cause Lucius to second guess his relationship with Voldemort: the fact that he would be caught as a Death Eater after Voldemort vanished, the danger that his sole heir would be in and that he'd be unwillingly marked at sixteen, Lucius would spend time in Azkaban and how haggard he'd be afterwards, and the Malfoys would fall from grace as their involvement with Voldemort became more obvious to the public.
Phineas quietly asked, "Is that all true?"
She scoffed. "You better believe it. And there's more. I just can't imagine him remaining loyal to the snake bastard if he knew the true consequences of his actions. It'll take multiple generations, if ever, for the Wizarding World to forget the part that the Malfoys play in the war. It's been what, a thousand years since the founding of Hogwarts? And no one's forgotten that Salazar Slytherin was prejudiced."
The wizard huffed indignantly. "Now listen here, Avalynn McGonagall—"
But she waved him off. "I get, alright. I understand that the truth can be twisted, but the same thing will happen after this war. Not everyone will believe that Malfoy was coerced or taken advantage of or too scared to stand up to Voldemort."
Phineas seemed to mull over her words, but as he took a breath to respond, the door to her quarters creaked opened.
With a quick glance over her shoulder, she greeted Aunt Minerva.
"Ava, Phineas," the professor replied in a tired voice.
"That bad, huh?" Ava asked as she turned around, knowing that the older witch had just come from a meeting with Dumbledore on her behalf since she hadn't wanted to see or speak to the wizard since their last encounter.
McGonagall pressed her lips together in a firm line before speaking. "I explained to the Headmaster what you expect for the Order meeting tomorrow, and he asked me to brief you so that you'll be more prepared." She rose a brow at Ava. "And I shan't continue acting as your personal owl. You and Albus are both adults. You need to act like it and come to an understanding."
Feeling chastised, Ava's cheeks reddened and she ducked her head. "Yes, ma'am."
Titters from the painting above the fireplace caused Ava to lift her head and glare at Phineas, who appeared to be innocently picking lint of his robes.
Aunt Minerva sighed. "Well, there isn't much to tell you about how the Order meetings are run, but we might as well get started, and I'll outline the agenda for the meeting tomorrow as well."
Ava smiled and rubbed her hands together like a Bond villain. "Let's do this." She was finally in the thick of things, and she was looking forward to it.
