Author's Note: Thank you so much for the support and in case you're wondering, my dog is doing just fine. He's got several weeks of healing ahead of him, but it's looking like he's all good.
Another thank you for all the favorites and follows! :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 44
Avalynn spent Christmas Eve much like every other day of the holiday break so far—dueling.
A streak of orange light flew past and she rolled out of the way. Popping up from the floor, she cast Protego Horribilis, dodging a particularly nasty looking spell as it fizzled against her shield.
Unfortunately, having multiple opponents meant that she didn't have time to catch her breath. Her eyes darted around the Room in an attempt to determine where to move next. However, a tingle of magic raised the hairs on the back of her neck and her head snapped to the side, just in time to see a spell headed her way. She ducked and let out a grunt from her impact against the dueling mat, but managed to cast Protego Horribilis just in case.
"Ava! Please don't tell me you've asked the Room to use lethal force! That last one looked like Sectumsempra!" Severus shouted, sending a wave of irritation through her.
Without taking her eyes off of the target dummies, she yelled, "Let me focus!" and continued to alternate between launching attacks and erecting the new protective shield she had learned. It was created to block any dark spells, so she wanted to truly test it before relying on it in the real world. Not that she was planning on engaging any Death Eaters in a duel, but "constant vigilance" and all that.
Not only had she requested that the Room use lethal force, she had also asked that the assault not stop until she either finished off her opponents or she called out a safe word. It may have appeared brutal to Severus, but she wanted to push herself in her training and the newly learned Protego Horribilis should protect her. In theory.
Thankfully, her best friend stayed relatively quiet for the next few minutes, allowing her to concentrate. She was able to push his occasional grumbling to the back of her mind, and decimated the targets. With an exhausted smile, she straightened up from her crouched position and turned to Severus. She didn't even have a chance to wipe sweat from her brow before he bombarded her with questions about the new spell and where she found it, considering he hadn't heard of it before.
She shrugged and fiddled with her wand. "I couldn't get back to sleep this morning, so I went to the Restricted Section for more defensive spells, like Moody suggested."
Severus grinned while shaking his head. "I still can't believe you dueled an Auror." His smile slowly dropped. "But I don't agree with the extremes to which you're willing to train under," he said, his tone stern.
She rolled her eyes. "Why do you think I have you here? Hmm?"
He looked gobsmacked as his mouth opened and closed without words coming out, but his expression turned stormy as he finally found his tongue. "Ava," he growled. "I have already experienced all-consuming dread when I thought your life in danger before. I have no need to do so again."
They stared at each other in silence for a beat before he added, "Don't push me."
She waved him off. "Alright, fine." Ava wasn't going to keep arguing with Severus when he was in a mood like that. There was no point. He didn't want to budge and neither did she. Her ability to protect herself and others was of the utmost importance and nothing would change that.
Slowly twirling her Blackthorn between her fingers, she nonchalantly said, "Speaking of protecting me from danger…there's a really cool shielding spell that I found."
He rose an eyebrow. "Is that so? And pray-tell, why didn't you use it during that demonstration?" he asked, gesturing at the burnt and tattered remains of the target dummies over her shoulder.
She pressed her lips together and rocked on her feet. "Well, it's a bit intense and stronger than what I really need to use against the Room. But I'd still like to practice it."
His dark eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms.
Ava had to keep herself from laughing at the almost pouting look on the face of the man who was supposedly going to become one of the most powerful wizards in all of Britain.
Apparently, she didn't reign in her amusement enough because he snapped, "What?"
She shook her head while closing the distance between them. "Nothing. It's just good to know that you care about me." She elbowed his side gently.
Severus's face softened. "Of course I do. That's why I find it so trying when you make decisions that border on the imbecilic."
She huffed out a laugh. "Geez. Tell me how you really feel."
He must've taken her joke to heart because he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. After a long moment of silence, he dropped his hand and met her gaze. "I have experienced more distress in these past months than in all of my life. You're likely to give me an ulcer, witch." He quirked a brow. "With how you approach your training, it makes me wonder how you'll handle yourself as a member of the Order."
Ava grimaced at the reminder.
"What is it now?"
"I may have left something out of my recap last night." Glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, she could see that he was patiently waiting for her to continue. She took a deep breath and explained how Dumbledore wanted to meet with her privately about her position within the Order.
"Why is that cause for concern?" Severus asked with furrowed brows.
"He only mentioned it after watching me duel Moody."
Understanding dawned in her friend's eyes.
Frustration laced her tone. "I wasn't thinking. I didn't know he was watching, otherwise I might not have egged Moody on." She dropped her voice. "I just wanted to see how I'd stand against a strong wizard, you know?"
Severus squeezed her shoulder. "I doubt it's much comfort, but I can't imagine Dumbledore would try anything. Even without Professor McGonagall there."
"Yeah. I just hate having to navigate the old man's manipulations and half-truths."
"I don't know," he said lightly. "Headmaster Black seems to think you can handle yourself."
She grinned, thinking of how Phineas had joined them last night for a retelling of the Order meeting. It was annoying as hell because her vocal cords would simply stop working if she was about to mention any specific names or strategies they were using due to the Oath, but she struggled through. Since her duel with Moody after the meeting wasn't directly related to the secret organization, she was able to explain that event in greater detail.
Severus and Phineas had both praised Ava after she reenacted her behavior during several points of the meeting where she had called on her Pureblood knowledge and body language and when she had stood up for herself under the scrutiny of the other members. Though there was a hint of teasing as the wizards clapped and nodded for her performance, both of them flashed her genuine smiles.
After the Slytherin Headmaster's appearance, Severus seemed more comfortable being inside her quarters. But that only lasted until Aunt Minerva had come out of her bedroom to get some tea, startling the poor kid. The professor had rolled her eyes and snapped at him for being so timid and awkward, and Ava had to keep herself from laughing at his wide-eyed expression.
Once McGonagall was back in her room, Severus had turned to her and dryly remarked, "Clearly, she doesn't know me at all."
Ava's repressed laughter burst out of her then, but her aunt's presence must've faded into the background since his body language eventually relaxed and he laughed more openly as they continued to chat with Phineas and discuss their plans for the rest of break.
She shook her head, focusing on Severus and the Room once again. "Anyway, I want to try that other shield spell."
He pressed his lips into a thin line.
"Please, please, please?" she asked, pushing out her bottom lip and widening her eyes.
He sniffed and busied himself with straighten the sleeves of his robe. "Just so you're aware, that pathetic look of yours doesn't work. However, I am interested in seeing the spell you mentioned."
She bit her lip to keep from smiling too widely. "So, the incantation is Protego Diabolica. It's supposed to differentiate between friends and enemies, and it'll form a circle of flames around us. The flames are supposed to keep anyone who's fighting against us from crossing, but it should let people in who are trying to help or aid us. The book stated that harmful spells won't be able to cross the barrier either." Ava's enthusiasm began to leak through during her explanation, causing her to be out of breath when she finished speaking.
Severus eyed her warily when she instructed him to stay inside the circle with her as she cast the spell, but she wasn't going to voice her doubts. It was probably the most powerful spell she had attempted to cast, and she wasn't going to take any chances of allowing the magic to mistake him for an enemy.
Why are the spell books always so vague? she mentally complained as they moved to the center of the dueling mat. Though, that's probably why they're in the Restricted Section, Avalynn.
"Whenever you're ready."
She took a moment to run through the correct wand movements in her head before casting the spell aloud. "Protego Diabolica!"
Black flames surged from her wand, spilling out onto the floor in a great mass before racing around them to shape a protective barrier. Ava's hand trembled as the flames continued to pour out for a few more seconds. They suddenly stopped and a wave of exhaustion swept through her.
Hoping Severus wouldn't notice, she shook herself, rapidly blinking her heavy eyes open. The dark, glittering blaze flickered and billowed as if it were part of a fire, but added no warmth to the Room. A thin layer of sweat had broken out across her forehead even though no heat radiated from the flames.
That's not good, she thought, considering she hadn't been this physically affected by casting a single spell before.
Ava could feel something emanating from the shield though. The air around them felt heavy, pressurized, like when you dive down deep underwater. Any slight shift of her body caused a tingle of magic to race along her skin, raising the hairs on edge.
"The flames are black."
She looked at Severus who was still taking in their surroundings with wide eyes. "Yeah, that's the coolest part," she said before returning her gaze to the fiery shield.
The color of the spell wasn't the most unusual thing in her opinion. It was the sound. The wavering flames brought to mind the crackle and snapping of wood in a fire, but that noise was nowhere to be found. Instead, the shield was releasing a constant, low hiss, reminding her of a bouncy house that had gotten punctured.
Her eyes spotted the target dummies reassembled on the other side of the magical fire—but not real fire, Ava reminded herself. She turned to face her best friend. "Do you trust me?"
His eyes narrowed, glimmering with the reflection of the flames surrounding them. "I do," he said slowly, seeming to hesitate.
Glancing around the Room randomly, as she always did when making a request aloud, Ava asked, "Can you have the dummies cast more aggressive and harmful spells at us, please?"
"Ava," Severus growled with a warning as he raised his wand, whirling to face the target dummies.
"Thank you!" she called out, seeing the targets come to life. She stepped closer to the Slytherin. "Just cast a shield if you're that nervous, and wait to see what the flames do."
Sure enough, he muttered something unintelligible under his breath and kept his wand lowered. She would've rolled her eyes, but she was too busy waiting to see how the shield would react to their magically animated attackers.
Just a moment later, all of the target dummies fired a variety of spells at the pair. Her wand hand twitched and she suppressed the need to defend herself as she recognized a Slicing Hex, Entrail-Expelling Curse, and Sectumsempra heading towards them. She didn't even have time to check what the other spells were before the black flames came alive and whisked out from the circle. The blaze engulfed each dummy, and with a loud fizzle, similar to that of an insect flying into a bug zapper, left nothing behind but a pile of ashes.
Ava and Severus turned to each other with wide eyes and open mouths before their attention snapped back to the flames encircling them. The Room replaced their opponents and continued its assault. Once again, the flames roared to life and ruthlessly disintegrated the target dummies.
"Okay! Okay," she yelled, waving her hands. "That's enough."
Their attackers halted their movement and the fire retreated to its circle.
"I'd like to try something," Severus said.
"Go for it."
His brows furrowed for a moment before he cleared his throat. "Uh, Room?"
Ava had to use every ounce of self-control in her body to not laugh at his expression. Clearly, he felt ridiculous speaking aloud to Hogwarts.
"Could you have one of the targets attempt to cast a healing spell on one of us? Thank you."
Her eyebrows rose. "Good idea." She faced outward, curious to see how the flames handled a perceived ally.
A bundle of bandages flew at them and wrapped itself around Ava's arm, settling over a bruise that she had earned during her duel with Moody the night before.
She glanced up and found the target dummy still intact. "Nice," she said with a smile before turning to Severus as she pulled off the unnecessary medical wrap.
He looked thoughtful.
"What is it?"
His gaze met hers, showing concern. "Do you really foresee yourself needing this kind of protection?" he asked, gesturing to the black flames around them.
Ava sighed. "Honestly? I have no clue. I really fucking hope not, but I have no idea."
After a long moment, he nodded. "Why don't we end the spell?"
She gulped. "Yeah, okay." While the book in the Restricted Section hadn't actually mentioned the little detail of how to douse the protective flames, Ava assumed that a basic counter-spell would suffice. "Finite."
The black fire continued to hiss and flicker around them.
She cleared her throat and focused. "Finite Incantatem," she said, the strength of her effort clear in her voice. Again, nothing happened. She looked to Severus, who had his arms crossed and eyes narrowed. "Don't look at me like that," she groaned, feeling like a small child caught sneaking dessert before dinner.
"Then quit being a dunderhead. What's the counter-spell?"
She fiddled with her wand in her hands. "There wasn't one listed," she mumbled.
"Pardon?" he asked with raised brows, leaning closer.
She let out a huff of irritation. "There wasn't one listed, okay?"
"Ava—," he began.
"I just figured that the normal counter-spell we use for literally everything would've been enough."
"Obviously," he said, slowly trailing over each syllable.
She inhaled quickly, ready to lay into him for directing that professor tone of his at her, but he held up his hand.
"You're going to lead me to an early grave, McGonagall." As she opened her mouth to toss an insult back, he added, "I wasn't finished."
Rolling her eyes, she said, "Continue, oh wise one."
"Theoretically, Finite Incantatem should work on any spell that can be ended by another spell. It appears that this one just needs more power to cancel it."
It took her a moment, then a light bulb went off. "You think we should use Magicus Extremos?"
He smiled. "Precisely."
Without further discussion, Ava reached out and interlaced her fingers with his. "Ready?"
"Ready."
In tandem, they cast Magicus Extremos, and magic thrummed along her arm, linking them together. Taking charge like they had practiced before, Ava raised her wand. Severus gave her hand a gentle squeeze before releasing his magic, allowing it to course through her more freely. "Finite Incantatem!" she yelled, putting all of her power, and then some, into the spell.
Wind whirled throughout the Room and the black flames were pulled towards her, retreating into her wand as though it were a vacuum. Ava gripped her wand, holding on for dear life as the shield disappeared with a roar. She stood still, heart pounding, when it was all over. She glanced at Severus and he appeared as ruffled as she felt, his dark hair askew and slightly tangled.
A wave of dizziness overcame her and she tightened her grip on his hand as the floor tilted. "Whoa."
He reached to steady her shoulder and pulled her hand close in an attempt to keep her upright, or so she assumed until he let out a groan.
"What wrong?" she asked, as they staggered to a table and set of chairs that had just popped into existence.
"I think we're experiencing the side effects of casting a spell that required copious amounts of power."
Relaxing into her seat, Ava frowned and rubbed her temples, trying to ease the headache she could feel coming on. "Shouldn't it just affect me since I'm the one who cast it?"
"Avalynn," Severus muttered tiredly from across the small table. "We were linked together while you cast it, so the backlash swept through my magic too."
Duh. "I blame my lapse in thinking on the magical exhaustion." Slowly, she reached out and grabbed a glass of water that appeared a moment before.
He chuckled, then his expression sobered. "Clearly, Protego Diabolica should only be used if extremely necessary, as canceling the spell would likely leave you vulnerable." He took a few sips of his own water. "If you're even able to extinguish the flames, that is."
She silently agreed with him. There was no way she could perform that spell entirely on her own. It would need to be saved for dire circumstances because she'd essentially be trapping herself inside the black flames until trusted assistance came along. Fear clawed at her throat and she shook herself, even though it caused the pounding in her head to spike.
No strong emotions, she scolded mentally. Taking a deep breath, she centered her mind and called upon her shield, shoving her dark thoughts of future deadly skirmishes against Death Eaters to the far recesses of her mind. She almost laughed, realizing she was becoming as paranoid as Mad-Eye Moody was during the second war, but her laughter deflated with the reminder of why she was closing off her mind.
Earlier that morning, she had received a concerned letter from Remus because he had felt her panic attack the evening before through their bond. As caring and thoughtful as her soulmate had come across at first, it became clear from his words that he was becoming frustrated—with himself and her. He and Moony both felt as though they weren't being the best mate they could be unless they helped to soothe her anxiety, but they couldn't do so without her cooperation.
He insisted that she tell him more of the truth and use him as a sounding board or someone to share responsibility with. Ava was happy to have another couple of days before seeing Remus as she was debating on the best course of action. Of course, it could lighten her burden if she shared everything, but she wasn't ready to tell him everything. Not about a potential future that could be avoided.
However, she couldn't bear the thought of her soulmate blaming himself for her troubling emotions. None of what was happening or what could happen was his fault. Maybe I should just tell him something. Just a little something. He'll feel better and probably back off a bit. She desperately didn't want her withholding information to become an issue in their relationship.
"Did you get a letter from Malfoy?"
Ava lifted her head. "For tea in a few days? Yeah."
His eyes scanned her face. "You sure you're up for that?"
She scoffed. "Please. I'm not about to let Lucius Malfoy intimidate me."
A smile started to peek out, but then he said, "Others will be there. And knowing Lucius, Narcissa will be close by, with other Pureblood witches."
"I can deal with catty mean girls, I'll be fine."
"Regulus and I will be present anyhow. And Rabastan, for what it's worth."
The corners of her mouth lifted at the thought of the Slytherin, who seemed to barely tolerate her, coming to her rescue.
Ava and Severus rested for several more minutes before retreating to the Kitchens for lunch. The meal reinvigorated her energy and she pestered her friend until he agreed to join her in the library for some studying. While Severus may have rolled his eyes at her insistence, she knew that he enjoyed learning just as much as she did.
It's Christmas! Ava mentally cheered the next morning when her eyes opened. She sprung out of bed. "It's Christmas!" she yelled out in a sing-song voice, knowing that Aunt Minerva was likely already awake.
As a firm believer of staying in your pajamas all day on Christmas, Ava merely used the bathroom and brushed her teeth and hair. She stepped out into the living room and gasped.
A thick pine tree stood in the corner of the room, near the fireplace. It was tall enough that the first foot or so at the top was bent over, curling against the ceiling. Red and gold ornaments and ribbon decorated the tree, and there was a pile of presents underneath.
"Do you like it?" Aunt Minerva asked, her voice hesitant.
Ava's gaze whipped to the older witch who was standing in their kitchen. "Of course! I love it." She looked back at the Christmas tree. "When did it get here? Did you—it wasn't here last night?" She frowned and turned back to her aunt. "Was it?"
She chuckled. "No, dear. Hagrid delivered it this morning."
Ava's mouth dropped open. "Hagrid?"
"Yes. He's our Ground's Keeper, and has been away on a business trip for the Headmaster these past few months, but returned yesterday. He still felt it was his duty to help decorate the castle for the holiday. He's such a sweet man." Noticing Ava's expression, she asked, "Do you recognize the name?"
She picked her jaw up off the ground and laughed. "Yes, of course." I can't believe I forgot about Hagrid this whole time! "I'll have to introduce myself at some point."
"We'll see him along with the rest of the staff and students at lunch today."
Ava beamed. "Awesome." Her brows furrowed. "He was on a trip for Dumbledore? Do you know where?"
"No idea, dear. You can ask him about it later if you want." She cleared her throat. "Now, don't you have somewhere you need to pop off to?" she asked with a smile.
"Yes, I do." She waggled her eyebrows. As planned, with special permission from her aunt, the supposedly strict Hogwarts professor, Ava called out for Flopsy.
The little house elf grabbed Ava's hand. "Are you ready missus?"
She nodded and glanced at her aunt who was smiling encouragingly.
Flopsy snapped her fingers and Ava's vision swirled as pressure pushed in on her from all sides.
Her body barely had time to adjust to what she assumed blasting off into space felt like before everything settled and the world was still again. Nausea bubbled its way up from her stomach and she pressed a hand against her mouth.
Flopsy snapped and the unpleasant feeling disappeared.
She looked down at the house elf. "Thank you, that's amazing," she whispered, not wanting to wake up any sleeping students.
"Of course, missus McGonagall," she said with a nod.
Ava gently squeezed her hand before letting go. "That was my first time Apparating Flopsy. I'll never forget it."
The house elf peered up at her with wide, watery eyes. "It was my honor," she whispered.
The Gryffindor witch took in her surroundings. They stood on a spiral stone staircase that led above and below them. In front of her was a polished wooden door. "You're sure this is the seventh-years' Slytherin dorm?"
Flopsy let out an indignant noise. "I have served Hogwarts for many years, missus, and—"
Ava put up her hand, halting the house elf's tirade. "Of course, sorry," she whispered. "I just wanted to be sure. Thank you, Flopsy."
She nodded and snapped her wrinkled fingers before silently disappearing.
A clicking noise came from the door, drawing Ava's attention. I can't wait to see his face, she thought, reaching for the unlocked doorknob with the exorbitant amount of glee that one feels only on Christmas morning.
The door creaked open to reveal a dorm room dimly lit by dark green lanterns hung on the stone walls. Ava's brows rose in surprise at the slight emerald hue cast over the room. It wasn't as hideous as she would've assumed with the lights being green and all, but the glass on the lanterns appeared dark enough that it made the green glow more subtle.
Several beds were spaced out nicely and only one had the curtain drawn around it. Gotcha. She tiptoed over to where Severus was sleeping and carefully pulled back the curtain. Her hand snapped up to her mouth to smother her laughter.
He looks positively adorable, she mused, eyes roving over the most relaxed expression she had ever seen on her best friend's face. His hair was a mess and a little drool was at the corner of his mouth, but the worry lines that she knew to be on his forehead and around his eyes were smoothed out.
Her heart stuttered at the thought of this man being subjected to the life of a double agent because of insurmountable grief and misplaced trust in Dumbledore. Sure, the information he'd provide as a spy would be valuable, but what would've been required of Severus to maintain his cover with Voldemort?
She clenched her jaw. That won't ever happen. He'll be free to live the life he wants. She shook herself. It's Christmas, no time for dark thoughts.
She leaned closer and gently shook his shoulder. "Severus," she whispered.
He barely stirred.
"Severus," she repeated, raising her voice slightly. "It's Christmas."
He let out a groan and mumbled something about it being the holiday break and not needing to go to class.
She grinned and poked his shoulder several times. "Exactly! It's Christmas!" she whispered excitedly.
He blinked slowly and wiped a hand down his face. "Ava?"
"It's Christmas, Severus. You've got to wake up."
Realization came over his face and his eyes widened. "Ava!" he yelped, shooting up in the bed, causing the sheet to drop and reveal his bare chest. He quickly scrambled for the bed sheet and yanked it up in an attempt to hide himself.
Ava tossed her head back and laughed. "Yes, Severus, please cover yourself. It's quite scandalous."
He seemed shocked beyond words as he continued to gape at her.
She held her aching stomach as her laughter started to die off. "Get dressed. I'll wait for you outside."
Ava stood out in the stairwell, wiping tears from her eyes. Do all teenage wizards act like that? she wondered with a smile.
Not a minute later, Severus came rushing out of his dorm, robes thrown on haphazardly and softly closed the door behind him. Peering up and down the spiral stairs, he hissed, "What are you doing here?" Not waiting for an answer, he gripped her arm and dragged her up one flight of steps and they spilled out into the common room.
With quick glances around the room, Ava noticed the Slytherin House wasn't as spooky as she imagined it to be. The black, leather furniture looked soft and there were cozy, emerald and silver blankets neatly folded on the arms of couches and chairs. Granted, the green tinged lanterns did give an eerie feeling to the common room, but the plush, cream rugs warmed the space as did the massive lit fireplace, making her almost forget they were in a dungeon.
She tried to get a closer look at the figures on the sculpted marble lining the fireplace, but he continued to pull her swiftly through the room. Just as they were about the cross the threshold of what appeared to be a foyer, movement caught her eye and she pulled against Severus to get a better look.
"C'mon," he whispered.
With furrowed brows, she peeked into the shadows. "I thought I—Oh my god, what are those?" She escaped her best friend's clutches and darted over to a glass table that displayed a smorgasbord of treats and pastries in the entryway.
She snagged a plate from a small stack and began loading it up, ignoring Severus's groans. "I'll have one of you," she said cheerfully to what looked to be a croissant with chocolate coming out both ends. "And one of you." She picked another tasty morsel. "Oh! And one of each of you little guys," she said, delicately placing a few extravagant truffles with her collection.
"Ava, we need to leave," Severus whispered. "Please."
The seriousness lacing his tone caused her to look up at him to find his eyes beseeching hers.
"Alright, geez. Let's go," she said, gesturing towards where she assumed the portrait door would be.
He sighed and turned, expecting her to follow, which she did. But not before frantically stacking a few more desserts on her plate, including some frosted Christmas cookies.
As Severus politely held the door for her, she caught him rolling his eyes at the sight of her delicious bounty.
She grinned around a mouthful of dark chocolate and caramel as they walked down the corridor. "I'm willing to share, bestie. Don't pout." She held out the treats, waving them in front of his face.
He grimaced. "It's a little early for such richness, don't you think?"
"Nope. Besides, it's Christmas and I'm hungry."
"Speaking of which, can I assume we aren't going to the Great Hall?" he asked, eyeing her matching pajama set decorated with snowmen and reindeer.
"You would be right. We're going to my quarters and we're going to have breakfast with Aunt Minerva and then we're opening presents," she said matter-of-factly.
He frowned and grew silent as they climbed a set of stone stairs.
Swallowing a bite of an apple-filled pastry, she asked, "What is it?"
"Nothing," he muttered with a shake of his head.
Ava watched her friend with narrowed eyes, not that he would've noticed. Severus kept his head down as they continued towards her rooms. Maybe he doesn't like Christmas. He's never brought it up before though. She decided not to pry, not wanting to upset him further.
The first couple of minutes of their meal felt so stiff that Ava had enough and finally said, "Aunt Minerva, Severus respects the hell out of you and doesn't want to make a fool of himself." She turned to said friend, who was glaring at her with murder clear in his eyes. "Severus, Aunt Minerva is a smart, caring teacher that pushes her students. But she's also cheeky and won't give any fucks as to your behavior within these walls as long as you don't start stripping down naked or something equally ridiculous."
Severus's wide eyes darted back and forth between Ava and McGonagall, probably waiting for the professor to contradict her words. But the older witch hid a grin behind her cup of tea and softly admonished, "Language."
Ava beamed. "See?" she asked, gesturing towards her aunt. "I just want to have some semblance of normalcy on Christmas of all days."
They must've heard something in her tone because Severus's face softened and Aunt Minerva reached out and gently squeezed her hand and said, "Of course, dear." The professor looked to the Slytherin. "Do you think you can handle that, Mr. Snape?"
He straightened up in his chair. "Yes, professor." He turned to Ava. "It's Christmas after all. Why don't we just—" his face wrinkled up as though he'd swallowed a lemon "—chill?"
Both of the witches laughed and even Severus let a smile onto his face briefly.
They chatted amicably about classes, with McGonagall warning both of them that the seventh year courses would be doubling down on assignments after break. Her aunt politely inquired about Severus's future and Ava wasn't surprised to hear that he wished to become a Potions Master and eventually find a career conducting research and experiments of his own.
Thankfully, they finished their meal before the conversation could shift to Ava's desired occupation after graduation. Whenever the topic came up, she avoided it at all costs or pushed the thoughts away, not waiting to bother considering something that might never come to fruition. She had no delusions about the element of violence and death that accompanied her ultimate goal of defeating Voldemort. While she had no intention of taking on the dark wizard herself, there would be plenty of opportunity for her to fail and be killed by a Death Eater.
Noticing the silence around the table, she glanced between Severus and Aunt Minerva. They were both wearing expressions of concern that were directed at her.
"Everything alright?" her best friend asked softly.
She plastered a smile on her face. "Of course! Ready for presents?" Not waiting for a response, she stood and walked to the tree. Ducking down, she scanned the items for each of their names and handed the gifts out as her aunt and Severus took their seats. She plopped down onto the couch next to the Slytherin.
"Why don't you go first, Ava?" McGonagall asked.
"Alright. It's from Aunt Minerva." She considered the colorful, shimmery paper that was so beautifully wrapped, and tore into it. She shredded the wrapping and let it litter the floor around her feet.
Her aunt chuckled. "I hadn't realized you were quite so enthusiastic about Christmas, dear. You're as giddy as a child."
"Everyone's inner child comes out on Christmas," she said without looking up from her gift. Ava's wide eyes scanned the title of the book. She can't be serious. Her head lifted and looked to McGonagall for confirmation.
The older witch was grinning widely. "You'll have to find time in your busy schedule, but it will be easier for you to learn from an expert, so I'll be providing you lessons myself."
Ava squealed and launched from her seat, throwing herself at the professor. "Thank you so much! This is crazy! I can't believe it!"
Severus cleared his throat.
She pulled away from Aunt Minerva and looked to her friend, cheeks already starting to ache from smiling. She held up the book.
His squinted in an attempt to read the cover. "Finding Your Inner Animal: How to Become an Animagus." His brows disappeared into his hairline and he looked to her aunt. "You're going to teach Ava yourself, professor?"
"Yes, and—"
"Can Severus come too?" Ava asked excitedly.
McGonagall chuckled.
Her friend made a peculiar high-pitched noise and coughed, seemingly trying to clear his throat. "Ava," he croaked, before coughing again.
"If you hadn't interrupted me just now," Aunt Minerva said with a smile, "I was about to let you know that I wouldn't be opposed to you inviting Mr. Snape or even Mr. Regulus Black to our lessons if you'd like."
Her eyes darted between the professor and Severus, looking to her friend, hoping that he'd say yes. Of course she would learn to be an Animagus on her own, but it'd be a lot more fun if he and Regulus were learning alongside her. And it would be something that could very well save their lives in the future.
"Professor—" Severus began, protest clear in his tone.
"Mr. Snape, I am extending an invitation to you not only because you are close with my niece, but because I know she trusts you." The older witch looked at him pointedly. "We haven't discussed our potential future between the two of us, but you know as well as I do, that Ava has revealed the truth to each of us, including Mr. Black."
McGonagall's gaze flicked between them. "Learning to become an Animagus isn't something you do just for the fun of it. It's complex and challenging magic. We have dangerous times ahead of us, and I'd like for Ava to be prepared as possible for any situation that might arise." She locked eyes with Ava. "I have no issues privately tutoring those that you've placed your trust in and have obviously come to care for so very much."
Ava gave her a watery smile before smothering her with another grateful hug. "This is an incredible gift. Thank you, Aunt Minerva."
The professor patted her back. "You're very welcome dear."
Severus cleared his throat and Ava pulled away from her aunt, returning to her seat. "Yes, thank you very much, professor. Words cannot fully express how appreciative of this opportunity I am, and I'm sure Regulus would feel the same."
McGonagall nodded with a kind smile. "I expect nothing less than the dedication you two show in your other studies."
He bowed his head. "Of course."
Ava beamed, excitement still flooding her veins at the prospect of becoming an Animagus. "Severus, you next."
He peeked down at the gift in his hands. He tried to master his surprise, but she caught the brief emotion dance across his face. "It's from you, Ava."
She knew that, of course, since she picked it out herself for him to open first. She loved giving people presents, loving that moment of awe and delight in their eyes when they realized what they had been given.
Severus carefully unwrapped the package, causing her to roll her eyes. "Just rip it open already."
He flashed her a look of annoyance and continued with his methodical removal of the paper. His brows rose once he glimpsed the title, setting the wrapping aside.
"I know how much you like to experiment," Ava said. "I thought it'd be interesting to see what Muggle ingredients you could use."
He lifted his head and gave her a small smile. "Thank you." His voice was soft and almost reverent. He slowly opened the book and perused the table of contents before thrumming through the pages.
Pleased with herself, Ava smiled and turned to Aunt Minerva, indicating she should open her present. The older witch let out a loud laugh when she realized that her gifts were the next installments of the romance novels she read occasionally during her free time and thanked Ava with a wink.
They continued to take turns, as each of them had several packages to open. Ava's frown deepened every time Severus received another gift, as he continued to struggle hiding his bewilderment. He seemed shocked to have presents, except for the one from his mother, which contained baked cookies and thick, wool socks that he looked over with fondness.
She had shared a look with her aunt after Severus had voiced his confusion aloud over be handed yet another gift from Ava. She had rolled her eyes and said, "I'm allowed to give you more than one thing. Besides, it's from me and Regulus."
His brows were furrowed as he muttered, "But I already got one from him too."
McGonagall had pressed her lips together, but remained silent as Severus fawned over the rare issues of The Potioners' Scrolls professional research journal that Ava and Regulus had given him.
However, she didn't hold her tongue when he went to open a present from the professor herself and protested, claiming that it was too much and he hadn't bought her anything in return. "Mr. Snape," she said, using her teacher voice. "I hardly require a gift in exchange, and you insult my character by assuming such a thing. Now open your damn present."
His eyes widened slightly as he rushed to unwrap the package, which turned out to be a green and silver scarf.
Ava laughed. "Not what I would've expected from the Gryffindor Head of House."
The corners of Severus's mouth twitched as he thanked the older witch, and he seemed to relax a bit, especially after Ava opened her gift from him.
"Thank you, Severus," she told him with a smile, inspecting the wand holster in her hands. "This is awesome." She immediately moved to put it on and test it out.
As she fiddled with the straps, Aunt Minerva opened a bottle of firewhisky from the Headmaster and then asked, "I'm assuming since I don't see any present from your Gryffindor boys that you'll exchange those once you're at the Potters?"
She rolled her eyes. "They're not my Gryffindor boys."
Severus scoffed, drawing a mild glare from her. "Of course they are. You and Lupin are practically attached at the hip when he's here, and even Black and Potter follow you around like lovesick puppies pretending to be bodyguards."
McGonagall chuckled lightly.
"Well, then I guess you're part of my Slytherin boys then, aren't you, Severus?" she asked with a grin.
He looked affronted at the notion but didn't disagree.
Having affixed the wand holster to her forearm, Ava began to organize her presents a bit before grabbing her wand from her bedroom nightstand. She had gotten some of her preferred sweets from Honeyduke's in a package from Alice and Lily had cheekily given her a Muggle book about soulmates. She only hoped that the others would appreciate her gifts as much.
"What did you get my housemates?" Severus asked.
Ava stacked her new books together. "Well, I got Regulus a Muggle book on constellations. I thought he might like to see what nonwizards think of astronomy." Severus hummed in agreement. "I bought Barty Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them since Care for Magical Creatures is his favorite class, and you know he has a soft spot for animals with the way he talks about them. And I gave Benedict some sweets from Honeyduke's, along with Quidditch Through the Ages." And a special flying lesson, she added mentally with a smile.
"Merlin, witch. Did you give everyone a book?"
She let out a huff. "There's nothing wrong with books." She crossed her arms and smirked. He thinks that's everyone. "Besides, I didn't give everyone a book."
His eyes narrowed. "Ava. Who else did you buy a gift for?"
Her aunt frowned, probably wondering the same.
"I bought Rabastan scarf," she told him with a wide grin.
Severus's jaw dropped.
"Don't worry, it's emerald and high quality. Regulus helped me pick out the brand."
Aunt Minerva cleared her throat. "Ava, did you just say that you purchased Rabastan Lestrange a Christmas present?"
She nodded.
The older witch's eyebrows rose. "Well, then. I hadn't known the two of you were friends."
"They aren't," Severus said tersely. "Not really." His dark eyes bored into hers. "You need to be careful Ava, and tread lightly around the Purebloods."
Rolling her eyes, she continued to pick up her presents. "Yeah, yeah, I know, Severus. I know." Arms full, she turned to him. "I know that you just want me to be safe, but why do you think I'm reaching out to others besides just you and Regulus?"
He stood and stormed towards her. "It isn't a game," he hissed.
"I know that!" she snapped. "I understand that better than anyone, don't you think?"
She whirled around and stomped into her bedroom, depositing her gifts on top of her bed. She snatched up her wand from the night stand and returned to the living room. Waving her Blackthorn in front of her friend and aunt, she asked, "Why do you think I'm learning to use this, huh?" She slid it into the holster strapped to her arm. "I'm learning and practicing as much as I can so that I will be safe, but you can't protect me from everything."
She crossed her arms as her eyes darted between Severus and Aunt Minerva. "Neither of you can. That's just the way it is. But if I can save even just one more person from following Voldemort or becoming a Death Eater, then I will. And you will not stop me."
The silence seemed to last an eternity as anger and worry alternated across Severus's face, but his features smoothed as resignation won out. "You're right," he said tiredly, returning to the couch.
"You are," McGonagall agreed. "But Ava, dear, you have to realize that won't keep us, and probably others, from being concerned for your safety."
"She's quite right, young lady," a masculine voice piped up from above the fireplace.
Ava jumped and swiveled her head. "Phineas!" she yelled, clutching her chest. "You scared the shit out of me!"
Severus and Aunt Minerva appeared just as startled as she did, with their wide eyes and tense bodies.
"Well, Happy Christmas to you too, Avalynn McGonagall," the portrait remarked primly.
She laughed and walked towards the painting. "How long were you there, just watching us, like a creep?"
The wizard let out an indignant noise. "I resent that!"
They all chuckled at his outrage.
Ignoring them, he said, "I came upon your room right as you were brandishing your wand about and putting those two in their place."
"I resent that," Severus muttered from over her shoulder, causing her and Phineas to share a smile.
The portrait joined them for the remaining of the morning and demanded that they show him all of their gifts. He was quite interested in Severus's book about Muggle plants and their medicinal properties and requested that Severus tell him about any that were deemed worthwhile.
Ava practiced using her wand holster and adapted to it quickly. Then she proceeded to strut around their quarters and randomly flex her wrist, calling upon her wand, and shouting out dramatic lines at invisible foes.
"My name is Inigo Montoya." She flicked her wrist. "You killed my father." She raised her wand and pointed it at a bookshelf. "Prepare to die." She shuffled forward on her feet as though she was fighting with a sword.
Severus let out a groan. "Can you please cease your ridiculous antics? Some of us are trying to read."
Ava pivoted on her heel to face her aggressor. She cast a glance at Aunt Minerva, who seemed happy reading one of her new novels, oblivious to the outside world, and Phineas appeared to be taking a nap, sitting in the bench in front of the cottage.
She wielded her wand as a rapier while approaching Severus, striking and thrusting about. "You must clear your mind, young padawan." She slipped her wand back into the holster. "You cannot always control your surroundings."
Flickering her wrist, the Blackthorn reemerged, causing Severus to roll his eyes. She continued with her sage advice. "But you can always control—" she poked her wand into his chest. "—Your—"
He let out a grumble of annoyance.
She lifted her wand to his forehead "—mind."
Ava leapt backwards as Severus let out a near growl, and she yelped before running around the coffee table from him. She giggled in delight, having escaped and left him standing, chest heaving, face reddened in exasperation.
"Children," Aunt Minerva scolded absentmindedly.
They both glanced at the professor as she sat with her head down, completely focused on her novel. Locking eyes, she and Severus bursted out laughing.
As the evening drew nearer, butterflies erupted in Ava's stomach, excited and nervous to be heading to Potter Manor. If I managed to get through meeting Hagrid, I can do this, she told herself as she packed a bag. I've already met the Potters and they're nice people.
Lunch with the others hadn't gone quite as planned. Ava was introduced to Hagrid, got engulfed in a bear hug from the half-giant, but then didn't get the chance to speak to him for the entire meal as he sat up at the Head Table. She was insanely curious to know where he had been on orders from Dumbledore and knew that she could probably get truthful answers out of the loose-lipped Ground's Keeper.
She had already said her goodbyes to Severus and Phineas, having parted ways with them earlier, and it was only her and Aunt Minerva in their quarters. While Remus wouldn't get to the Potters' until the next day, if she was being honest with herself, she needed to get out of the castle. Other than a few quick visits to shops in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, Hogwarts was the only building she had seen the inside of for months. She desperately needed a change of scenery.
Not to mention, she missed James and Sirius almost as much as her soulmate. It was extremely odd to not see them regularly and their absence left her feeling more bereft every day.
"Are you nearly ready, dear?" Aunt Minerva called from the living room.
Scanning her room quickly, Ava snatched up the wand holster and tossed it in her bag. No harm getting some practice in at the Potters'. "Ready," she called out. She swung the bag over her shoulder and walked out to the living room where the professor was waiting for her in front of the fireplace. "Ready to see my Gryffindors boys," she said with a smile.
Author Note:
I couldn't help but put in the actions similar to Ron with Severus and the bed sheet :) I can't remember if Ron did that in the book too, but I definitely remember it from the movie because of the meme and it always manages to make me laugh.
Also, I interpreted Protego Diabolica in my own way based on the description and the fact that it's a shielding spell, and not exactly on how it was portrayed in the Crimes of Grindelwald movie.
