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Previously, on Love Knows No Bounds:

Dorea took a seat on the couch across from her and closed the living room doors with a flick of her wand. "Now, why don't you tell me what really happened at Malfoy Manor?"


Chapter 48

Avalynn inspected her nails, not meeting the eyes of the Potter matriarch. "There's not really much to tell." When Dorea responded with silence, her eyes flicked up to find the older witch appearing calm but clearly not buying her lie. The expression was eerily similar to that of Aunt Minerva and caused Ava to squirm in her seat.

"Dear, it's quite obvious that the meeting unsettled you since you're so keen to avoid discussing it." She attempted to read Ava's face with narrowed eyes for another moment before softening. "You mentioned that the portrait of Headmaster Black had tutored you in the ways of Pureblood society, but was it enough? After hearing that you were to visit Malfoy Manor, I was concerned about your ability to navigate the grindylow infested waters that awaited you. I know how those witches can be."

Ava scoffed. "That's not what I had to worry about."

Dorea stood from the opposite couch and walked around to where the young witch was sitting. "Why don't you tell me about it? I'm not here to judge. I'd like to help you in any way that I can," she said, reaching out to place a comforting hand atop Ava's.

She bit her lip. When she discovered that the Wizarding World was real and became determined to help change the original time line, she hadn't considered how much concealing the truth would eat away at her. It wasn't so much that she felt guilty about lying and deceiving nearly everyone around her, though that played its own part, but more so that she couldn't speak freely about her self-assigned mission to anyone other than her best friend, who was a fellow student. She was bearing the brunt of the responsibility for the livelihood of the Wizarding World, how could she not want someone else, an adult, to shoulder it with her? And Aunt Minerva's already done so much, she thought, continuing to gnaw on her bottom lip.

Aside from Severus, no one else really knew what Ava was working against. Sure, Aunt Minerva, Dumbledore, Regulus, and even Sirius understood the threat that Voldemort posed if he was allowed to rise to power, but they didn't know of the prophecy. At least in Sirius's case, not in its entirety. She hadn't even written it in her charmed notebook, wanting to keep that piece of information close to the chest. And no one, including Severus, knew details of the Second Wizarding War that awaited them if she failed to bring down the crazed leader. She hadn't scribbled down those potential events in the notebook, refusing to believe that it was necessary quite yet.

Not to mention, the Headmaster now wanted Ava to lie to her aunt about training with Moody, and left it up to her to figure out. Maybe Dorea can help, she thought, gazing into the mother's concerned eyes. Mrs. Potter had proven herself to care about the boys, which made Ava more inclined to trust her, as well as the fact that she had sworn an Oath to the Order. She couldn't help but think of how nice it would be to have someone else to speak frankly to about the impending events of the war. Someone who would have just as much interest in saving the boys and her innocent extended family members from their dark futures.

She slid her hand out from underneath Dorea's and wrung them together. "I don't even know where to start." Or finish, she added mentally, undecided if she should dump the entire truth of the terrible shit-storm that the 90s could be on the mother's lap.

"Why don't you start with Lucius Malfoy? Any idea why he'd invite you to tea?"

Ava took a breath and then dove into an explanation of everything from her meeting with Lucius in the corridor outside the library when he discovered she was a "Seer", to Voldemort's intentions with the Wizarding World and his Horcruxes, which led into why she was willing to visit Malfoy Manor, then she jumped to why she spent time befriending the Slytherins, to a prophecy that would lead Voldemort to James and Lily, and finished with what her meeting with Dumbledore was truly about. But once again, she hesitated to divulge the fact that Peter was the one who betrayed her son and future daughter-in-law. There's still hope, she reminded herself.

Throughout Ava's rambling, Dorea's face paled but a determined edge to her features hardened and sat there resolutely by the end though there were tears in her eyes. The only time she had interrupted was when Ava revealed that her "afternoon tea" had turned into a Death Eater bro fest with Firewhisky. "Those devious little boys are lucky that I'm not friendly with their mothers any longer. Otherwise, I'd owl them immediately. I have half a mind to do so still."

Ava kept the details of her experience with the alcoholic beverage and McNair to a minimum, not wanting to scandalize Dorea any further. By the time she had finished with her story, the older witch had once again reached out to clasp her hand around Ava's, squeezing it tighter than before.

"You can come to me about anything. Absolutely anything. I mean it. Whatever you may need assistance with. We cannot allow the future as you know it to come to fruition."

"Don't worry, I'll definitely tell you if I need any help. That's mostly why I joined the Order. I can't do all this on my own."

Dorea tsked and shook her head. "I can't believe Dumbledore wants you to train, practically as an Auror, before you've even left Hogwarts."

She shrugged. "I'll only be safer in the long run if Moody's training me. I need every advantage I can get, you know, just in case."

"But to think that he wants you to keep it from Professor McGonagall, your guardian, for all intents and purposes."

With a frustrated groan, Ava slumped into the couch. "While I don't like the idea of lying to her about the training, I don't really want to tell her either. She didn't want me to become an Order member in the first place and I don't want to stress her out any more than she already is." She wiped a hand down her face as she sighed. "I'll need a pretty good excuse for disappearing every now and then."

Dorea stayed silent, allowing Ava to ruminate on her options. She absentmindedly glanced around the room, hoping for inspiration to strike, when the older witch shifted in her seat. Ava's eyes were drawn to the movement and another moment later, they widened in realization. Before she could even open her mouth, Mrs. Potter held up a hand.

"No, absolutely not, young lady. I will not be a participant in deceiving the witch that has come to love you as if you are truly her blood."

Ava grimaced. "When you put it that way, I sound like a complete asshole for not telling her."

"I would wager that she would be more hurt by the deception than if you were to tell her the truth."

"But if I tell her the truth, she'd probably go running to Dumbledore to rip him a new one."

Dorea tilted her head in confusion.

"Kick his ass," Ava explained.

Mrs. Potter quirked a brow. "I see." She pressed her lips together in thought. "What if you explain the situation to your aunt? Tell her that the Headmaster requested you conceal the truth from her. It should certainly give her enough pause to not confront him if she cannot trust him."

"Do you trust him? Dumbledore?"

Dorea picked up her tea and took a sip before answering. "I find it rare that anyone acts with truly altruistic motives. While you haven't described the Headmaster's role in the Second Wizarding War you mentioned—" she paused to give Ava a knowing look "—or much of anything from that time frame, I'm assuming you know enough to keep your distance from the man?"

She nodded emphatically, grateful that the mother wasn't pushing the issue of the war that could start with her unborn grandson. Ava decided that she didn't even want to entertain those events with the slightest consideration until October 31st, 1981 drew much, much closer. Pushing away those thoughts for now, she answered Dorea's question. "When I first got here, James and Sirius wanted to tell Dumbledore first, but I forced them to get Professor McGonagall instead. I only told the Headmaster part of the truth because I needed him to let me into the Order and to actually listen to the information I give him."

"How exactly did you 'force' the boys to retrieve Minerva for you?"

She smiled. "I might have snatched James's wand right out of his hand and held it to his neck until Sirius went to get the professor."

Dorea seemed to be suppressing her own grin. "At the time, you didn't have access to your magic, did you?"

"Nope. They both forgot that I was a Muggle. Though I did manage to cast a Protego when I thought Sirius was going to kill me."

The mother shook her head. "Yes, that boy has quite the temper."

Ava shrugged. "Eh, I can't really judge him for that when I know I can get pretty riled up sometimes too."

"Is that what you call drawing a wand on a friend at the dinner table? 'Riled up'?" she asked with a quirked brow.

Ducking her head, she muttered, "Sorry."

Dorea pat her leg gently. "It's quite alright, dear. I'm used to rambunctious teenagers after all these years."

They shared a laugh, but then sobered.

Ava cleared her throat. "I have a notebook that's got a lot of information about—well—everything, and it's all organized if you'd like to take a look. And it's charmed, so don't think I'm not being careful."

"I appreciate the trust you're placing in me, Avalynn."

She nodded. "You can tell Charlus if you'd like, or even give it to him to read. I only ask that you keep it secure and away from prying eyes." They both knew exactly who she was talking about. "And I'll definitely need it back before I return to Hogwarts."

"Of course."

The dam built of trepidation and self-imposed isolation broke, allowing sweet blessed relief to rush through Ava's body. Though she wasn't sure in what capacity Dorea could help yet, she already felt lighter knowing another person could help bear some of the responsibility for stopping Voldemort before it became too late.

A quick call to Bucky and a whisper of "Zac Efron" later, Mrs. Potter had the charmed notebook detailing the future in hand. Ava stood. "To seal it back up, press your wand to it again and say 'Red Vines'."

Dorea mouthed the words to herself with a quirked brow and nodded to herself. "I'll see you at dinner?"

"Yep." She let out a huff. "I've got a soulmate to track down. Might as well keep this ball rolling."

The older witch smiled softly. "Have fun, dear."

Oh yeah, so much fun, Ava thought sarcastically. She wandered out into the hall before realizing she had no clue where the others were. "Bucky?"

With a pop, the house elf appeared in front of her. "Yes, missus?"

"Do you know where Remus is?"

"In the library, along with Master James, Master Sirius, and Missus Lily. Lady Dorea would want me to tell yous dinner will be in an hour."

Before Bucky could disappear, she thanked him quickly and strolled in the direction of her mate and friends, taking her time. Her thoughts were in a jumble after her conversation with Mrs. Potter and she rubbed her temples, knowing that Remus was wanting a similar discussion. It's too much work keeping track of who knows what. Ava knew from Remus's letter before Christmas that he wanted to have a serious talk with her about the panic attack he felt through their bond the night of the Order meeting. I should really just tell him the truth, like Dorea. He's my soulmate for fuck's sake. If I can't talk to him, who can I talk to?

She rounded the corner and found the library doors wide open and the telltale chatter of her friends reached her ears. Knowing that she'd be spilling some secrets any minute now, Ava didn't bother constructing her mental shield, but cleared her mind and focused on soothing her nerves. It's just Remus, she reminded herself in a light, nonchalant voice. Your fluffy, understanding, completely cuddly werewolf. He won't take offense to you keeping secrets from him. No, not at all. She plastered a false smile on her face in an attempt to convince herself. It'll be fine. She balled her fists in determination. Yep! she cheered internally, It'll be fine.

She strode into the room, pulling Lily's attention from a book. The redhead gave her an odd look, appearing slightly alarmed. Belatedly, Ava realized she probably looked like a maniac, charging into the library with a wide grin, and forced her cheeks to relax.

Remus and James were playing Wizard's Chess while Sirius egged them on, but her soulmate leapt from his seat when she caught his eye. "Have at him, Sirius," he said, gesturing to the chessboard. He closed the distance between them and wrapped Ava in his arms, inhaling deeply and nuzzling the side of her head. "Sorry," he whispered in a exasperated tone.

She giggled. "I really don't mind. And I get it, so don't worry." Leaning back a little, she popped up on her tiptoes and pecked a kiss to his lips. "Can we talk?" she asked, lacing their fingers. "In one of our rooms?"

Ava was positive her anxiety skittered across their bond when his brows furrowed. He grasped her hand, swiping his thumb across the back of it and gave her a nod.

Sirius called out, "Just don't forget a Silencing Charm this time," interrupting their departure.

James snickered while Lily gaped at them.

Ignoring the Animagus, Ava rolled her eyes though she could feel a warm blush creeping up her cheeks.

Remus didn't bother with a response either, but he leaned down to nip at her ear. "We'll have to keep that in mind for later."

Her face reddened even further and she dragged him out of the library before Sirius could say anything else.

"Whoa, what's the hurry?" Remus asked through a laugh when she didn't slow down and continued to pull him towards the stairs up to their bedrooms.

Her fingers flexed around his. "Nothing."

As they ascended the staircase, in a tone that was soft and coaxing, he asked, "Is this about what I said in my letter?"

She released a slow breath, hoping that his calm demeanor would remain that way. She stopped in front of her room since it was the closest and turned to face her werewolf. "If we talk about my panic attack, then we're going to talk about what caused it. And once I tell you these things, I can't take them back." She bit her lip and looked to the ground, not sure what answer she truly wanted to hear. After speaking with Dorea, she felt liberated and wanted to continue that trend with Remus, but she also didn't relish being the one to tell him that his closest friends were to be targeted by the most powerful dark wizard since Grindelwald.

Hands cupped her cheeks, pulling her gaze up to his. There was a deep frown on his face and understanding shining in his eyes. "Is that what I felt that night? A panic attack?"

She nodded, barely moving her head, not wanting to pull away from his comforting warmth.

"Merlin, love," he whispered before pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Please talk to me. I don't want you to feel alone in this. Whatever it is. We'll handle it—together."

There was a tingle of his magic cuddling up to hers and her heart was ready to burst with a surge of emotion. Ava closed the small distance between them and planted her mouth on his, shoving her appreciation and affection through their bond with all her might as her tongue danced with his. Needing air, she pulled back, arms still wrapped around his neck. "I love you so much, Remus."

A pleased rumble reverberated from his chest, and his hands slid down to her hips and pulled her close. "I love you too, mate. But at this rate, we'll never get to talking." He stepped out of reach and turned to her bedroom, stepping inside.

Shutting the door behind her, Ava took a brief moment to muster all of her courage to tell Remus the truth. Most of the truth, she admitted mentally, still planning on withholding the itsy bitty detail of Peter being the one to lead Voldemort to James and Lily. She crawled up onto the bed and pat the mattress next to her, pulling up her legs to sit crisscross. "So, shall we start with the panic attack that I handled oh so bravely?" she asked, instinctively trying to bring some levity to the conversation.

He cracked a small smile as he settled down, facing her. "I'm sure you weathered it in true Gryffindor fashion." He took one of her hands in his and intertwined their fingers, resting the other on her knee before giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I don't know if I'd go that far. Madame Pomfrey had to give me a Calming Draught after all," she told him hesitantly.

Remus kept his tone light as he asked, "And what exactly was it that had you in such a state?"

She pressed her lips together. "I went to a meeting. For the Order of the Phoenix."

His brows shot up. "But I thought that wasn't going to be for a while? Closer to graduation?"

Ava shrugged.

"Why didn't you tell me?" The hurt lacing his voice made her flinch.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled. "I guess I just didn't want you to worry."

He huffed. "Well, I'm inclined to worry about you regardless, so you might as well tell me when things like that happen."

Fair enough. She nodded. "I will."

"So, why exactly did that make you panic?"

"Because!" she cried with wide eyes. "It's the fucking Order of the Phoenix!

A startled laugh burst from her soulmate.

With a pout, she exclaimed, "Don't laugh! It's intimidating as all hell!"

"But that's what you wanted, isn't it?"

She sighed. "I told myself the exact same thing right before the meeting. I know I need to be in the thick of it so I'm kept in the loop about what's going on and so I can give them information that'll help."

"Not too 'in the thick of it', I hope?" he asked, absentmindedly playing with her fingers.

"Uh—" she gulped "—maybe just a little?" She held up her free hand, pinching her finger and thumb to show exactly how little she hoped to be involved in Order missions that would require dueling practice with Moody.

Remus dropped her hand, his fingers curling into fists. "What do you mean?"

Consciously trying to keep the frustration, confusion, and worry echoing through their bond separate from her own emotions, Ava said, "Well, after the meeting, I dueled with Moody and—"

"Isn't he an Auror? I think James and Sirius have mentioned him before."

She nodded. "Yeah, he's one of the best, if not the best. But anyway—"

"And you dueled him? On purpose?" he asked with an incredulous expression.

"Yes! He offered and I accepted just like anyone else would've," she snapped, slapping the mattress with her open palms. "Now, if you would let me finish? It's hard enough as it is to talk with you about this kind of stuff and it's not any easier when you keep interrupting."

The werewolf looked at her sheepishly. "Sorry, love. I was just surprised is all. I mean, he's an Auror. And the way the guys talk about him, he lives for chasing dark wizards. I would think he's a tough bloke to go up against."

Ava rolled her eyes. "Well, yeah. But that's why I wanted to duel him. I wanted a better idea of how good I really am. Regulus and Severus only provide so much variety, you know?"

"Hey," he said with a slight pout. "We practiced with you a couple of times too. We only stopped because…" he trailed off, seemingly unwilling to voice the reminder that he, along with James and Sirius had walked out on their last training session together.

She swallowed her pride. "Because I was excluding Peter, I know. I'll play nice from now on, I promise. Starting tomorrow when he gets here."

Remus beamed at her. "Thank you, Ava."

With a shake of her head, she said, "Anyway, —"

"Wait!"

"Remus John Lupin!" she cried, smacking his arm. "If you interrupt me one more time, so help me God!"

He chuckled. "I just wanted to know how you did." He lifted his brows. "You know, against Moody."

"Oh, well." The memory of the duel surfaced—her and Moody exchanging spells and quickly circling each other for some time before she actually managed to hit him with a Slicing Hex. "Not too shabby, if I may say so myself." She stuck her nose in the air slightly, failing to hold back a proud smirk but choosing not to mention that the Auror had gotten the drop on her after she had the ridiculous notion to pause mid-fight to apologize for cutting the gruff wizard deeper than she meant to.

"I guess I'll have to take your word for it."

His tone made her eyes narrow. "Interrupt me again and you'll see for yourself, wolf."

Despite the threat she had just lobbed at him, amusement danced in his eyes.

"Anyway," she drew out slowly before pausing with a quirked eyebrow to see if Remus would cut her off once again. When he merely smiled and took her hand, she continued. "My 'performance' in the duel seemed to impress Dumbledore or something and now he wants me to train with Moody."

A frown overtook her soulmate's face. "And he likely wouldn't ask that of you unless he meant for you to need the skills."

"Exactly. And while that's got me on edge, I wouldn't mind having more practice if I'm being honest. In general, I'll be safer if I'm ready to handle a fight, but it also wouldn't hurt to have some tricks up my sleeve while we're tracking down the Horcruxes. Just in case we run into some…resistance." From the Horcruxes or Death Eaters. She sighed. "Getting the Horcrux from Malfoy's isn't going to be a piece of cake either. I'm glad I went there today so we'll be better prepared for the ball."

"You've said that word twice now and I have no clue what it means."

Her gaze whipped to Remus, his stony voice and their bond alerting her to his simmering temper. "Which word?" she asked hesitantly.

"Horcrux," he grounded out.

Shit. She grimaced. "I haven't mentioned the Horcruxes?"

His nostrils flared as his fingers tightened their grip on hers. "No, you haven't."

"Ah, well, I—" she started.

"For fuck's sake, Ava! When are you going to tell me the truth?"

"Stop it!" She tore her hand from his and stood from the bed. "You don't know what it's like!" she cried, throwing her hands up in the air.

"Then tell me!"

She scoffed bitterly and began to pace the bedroom. "Because that's so easy!" Tears pricked at her eyes, only adding to the growing anger boiling beneath her skin. "I can't just go around blabbing my mouth to everyone, Remus."

He glared and opened his mouth, but she sliced her hand through the air.

"I know! You're not just anyone. I get that. But somehow it's up to me to decide who gets to know things and exactly what they should be allowed to know. Which is ridiculous. Everything's falling to me." She stopped her rapid trail across the room and looked at him, the responsibility of the future sitting squarely on her chest as if it were an elephant. "It falls to me, Remus. Me." Her fists clenched at her sides. "The girl who wasn't even a witch until recently. How ridiculous is that?"

Frantic energy sent her pacing once more. "You know how I feel about Severus and the others. It would literally gut me if something happened to them. And I'm the only one who understands the real consequences if I fuck this all up!" She tossed her hands towards the ceiling. "But that's the way it is with everyone!"

She swiveled to face him. "It's not just the Slytherins that I have to help! There are people in the Order that are supposed to die! People in the future that are going to be killed!" An image of Sirius disappearing into the Veil in the Department of Mysteries flashed in her mind. She shook her head. "Good people. And I can save them if I can just keep my shit together long enough." Panting, her blurry gaze dropped to the floor, unable to face the anger and disappointment that she could still feel permeating their bond. "It isn't fair that I'm in charge of all this bullshit. And it isn't exactly fair for me to put this on other people either. But sometimes I feel like I'm drowning, Remus. And I just keep treading water, hoping that it'll be enough."

Ava's thoughts were too chaotic for her to calmly stow them away and rebuild her mental wall to shut out the bond. But another moment later and she was almost glad that she couldn't. Something warm and comforting crept across her connection with Remus, replacing the negative emotions her soulmate had projected during her outburst. As she couldn't identify the feeling he was sending her way, she continued to stare at the ground, unwilling to get her hopes up that he wasn't upset with her any longer.

She heard Remus shuffle off the bed and approach her. His socked feet came into view. "Ava," he whispered.

Clenching her eyes shut, she chose to ignore him and the wetness that streaked down her face, impossibly praying that if she wished hard enough they could just start the conversation over again.

"Avalynn." While his tone was encouraging, there was a thread of warning, and wasn't like Remus to use her full name.

With a gulp, she forced her head up and her shoulders slumped with relief when he reached out to gently hold her cheeks and wipe away her tears. He can't be that mad. She met his green eyes and felt the same unnamed emotion trickling into her body and wrapping itself around her magic. It was soothing and gave the impression that he understood her. Her heart skipped a beat. Sympathy, Ava realized.

The werewolf's voice was soft as he said, "I want to support you in any way that I can. But you have to let me in, love."

Thank God. She wasn't sure how much damage her secret-keeping had done to their relationship. The fear of screwing up with her soulmate combined with the pleading, eager expression on his face crumbled the last bit of resolve she had.

Remus must've sensed her acquiescence as his hands drifted down to her shoulders and carefully guided her back towards the bed. He sat against the headboard with his legs outstretched and pulled her into his side, draping her legs across his lap and allowing her to lean into his chest. One hand laid atop her thighs as the other that cradled her began to caress her hair.

Ava let out a pleased sigh, soaking up the tender care that her mate was willing to give in her emotionally exhausted state. She took a deep breath before murmuring, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. You're going through something that no one can understand properly, but you don't have to do any of this all by yourself. I'm not going anywhere, no matter how crazy or terrifying the future may be. So, like your first meeting with the Order, tell me the things that worry you. Tell me whatever you need to get off your chest, even if you just need a sounding board. I'm here for you, just like I know you are for me."

She bit hard on her lip to keep it from trembling and hoped the shock of pain would stall the waterworks she could sense were building once again. "Remus Lupin, you are the sweetest wizard a girl could ever hope for," she told him, wiggling to wrap an arm around his back and give him a fierce squeeze of love. "I'm incredibly grateful you're in my life," she said into his chest.

A satisfied growl left his lips and he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I am too, mate."

Steeling her nerves, she lifted her head. "Do you want me to explain what Horcruxes are first?"

He continued to delicately stroke her hair. "Why not? I'd like to know what that has to do with Malfoy and this New Year's Eve Ball you're going to. Without me, I might add."

She nearly rolled her eyes at the petulant tone that masked his last sentence. "I'm not going for fun. I doubt I'll even dance if I'm being honest—I have no intention of doing so anyway. But yeah, I'll start with that. What do you know about splitting your soul?"

Avalynn found herself rehashing much of the same information she had with Dorea just a short while before. And once she began, she couldn't stop. She explained the determination Voldemort had for becoming immortal and taking over the Wizarding World and described how violent the Death Eaters would become. She ranted that she couldn't even fathom how the wizards she knew today could become the same criminals locked away in Azkaban or how Regulus was destined to give his life in order to help bring down the leader. She confessed that there was to be a prophecy that would lead Voldemort to target James and Lily, but insisted that they wouldn't come to harm if she had anything to say about it.

She told him everything—well, nearly everything. A little piece of her withered in self-loathing at the omission of exactly how Voldemort was to find their friends Halloween night in 1981. But she wasn't going to budge on that topic until she had spent more time with Peter and put in some effort to steer him in the right direction just like she had with certain Slytherins. However, she did take the time to explain how protections from the Order had failed Lily and James in the end and would only lead to a Second Wizarding War if all of the Horcruxes weren't found, trying to emphasize the magnitude of the need to stop Voldemort.

With each drop of dreadful information, Remus tensed and held her tighter. When her soulmate was finally caught up on everything Ava was willing to divulge at the moment, she allowed him a stretch of silence to begin processing it all.

Though his breathing remained steady, his fingers continued to flex and curl around her, unwilling to let her out of his grasp.

"Remus?" she whispered, turning his face towards her to meet his gaze.

"Hmm?" His green eyes were ringed with amber and unfocused.

Ava's stomach dropped. This is exactly what I didn't want. It isn't fair to have all of this weighing on him. It's too much. She crawled over his legs and settled next to him against the headboard. "C'mere." She gently grasped his shoulders and pulled his head down to rest on her lap, then began to slowly run her fingers through his hair. He just needs a minute, she assured herself.

The couple stayed in that position for some time, Ava soothing the werewolf as he took the time he needed. Though she cared deeply for him, she couldn't help but become a tad bored after nearly fifteen minutes or so had passed. Her eyes drifted around the room and lit up with gratitude when she spotted the scrapbook Remus had given her on the nightstand just within arm's reach.

She picked it up as best as she could without jostling Remus and set it next to her on the bed before casually perusing the photos and notes. She nearly flipped past Peter's, but chose to read it once again in an effort to remind herself why he deserved her support as much as the Slytherins did.

Ava,

You arrived in our lives suddenly, and though we aren't very close, I'm glad that Remus had found you. You seem to really care about him, so I hope you'll stick around and maybe we can get to know each other better.

Happy Christmas,

Peter

She mentally shrugged. Friendly enough. Especially since I never give him the time of day. Ava knew she needed to make more of an effort with the fourth Marauder. If not for Peter's sake, then for the sake of Remus and the boys. She couldn't imagine the devastation they would feel upon realizing that one of their closest friends had betrayed them. Not yet, she reminded herself determinedly.

A renewed enthusiasm to make a positive change in the time line with regards to Peter took root in her mind. Ava wanted to bolster that motivation by glancing over the letters from Regulus, Barty, and Benedict as well, knowing their words had made her feel utterly delighted in her choices to upend the time line so far. She pulled the one from Regulus out of its sleeve first.

Miss Avalynn McGonagall,

We've only known each other for these short, few months, but I consider you to be a dear friend. I don't think it's out of turn to say that you feel the same. I struggle to fathom what my life may have been like without your presence, but I know one thing is certain. It surely would have been much darker. I'm grateful that you've deigned to spend your time and energy on our friendship as well as our future. And you know I don't mean just the two of us. Though many will never know of your efforts, understand that there are those that do appreciate you. I look forward to seeing you over the break, and I hope you enjoy your Christmas.

Humbly yours,

Regulus Arcturus Black

Throughout her rereading, her grin grew bigger and bigger. Ava tucked away his letter and reached for Barty's.

Ava,

I feel rather silly writing you this letter, but Severus and Regulus assured me that you'd enjoy it. If they misled me, please let me know and I apologize in advance. I'm not sure exactly what to say, but you aren't what I was expecting when I realized you were a Gryffindor, and related to Professor McGonagall at that. Your easy acceptance of me has opened my eyes to the somewhat harsh nature of others. Mostly within my own house. I think you might know that I don't just mean Slytherin, as embarrassing as it is to admit. You've helped me in more than just my studies and I'm grateful. It pleases me to count you among my friends.

Have a Happy Christmas,

Barty

Her heart soared, reaffirmed that she was having a positive impact on the Wizarding World. She grasped onto that feeling, wanting to keep it close for when she felt her mission was insurmountable. It wasn't an "if", but a "when". Ava knew she wouldn't feel like she had accomplished anything until Voldemort was dead, his Horcruxes destroyed, and the Death Eaters disbanded. And that would take some time. She was bound to struggle under the weight of it all again before everything was said and done.

In an effort to keep the ball of pleasant emotions going, she replaced Barty's note and pulled out the one from Benedict.

Ava,

I hope you're having a great Christmas! I'm glad we get to go home for the break, I missed my parents and dog a lot. I don't think I ever told you that I have a dog. Her name is Snowflake and she's a Westie. That's a West Highland White Terrier, and that's why we named her Snowflake. Your boyfriend—gross, girls have cooties and you won't change my mind—asked me to write you a letter about us being friends. I'm not sure how he meant it, but we're definitely friends and I thought you knew that which is why I was a little confused. But I'll try my best. I don't care that you're in Gryffindor, or new, or practically a seventh year. I might have been a little scared of you when we first met in Defense, but you turned out to be nice and pretty cool. You make me laugh and help me with my schoolwork, and it doesn't hurt to have you on my side if anyone decided to pick on me. I have my first year friends in Slytherin and a couple in Ravenclaw, but you're special and make Hogwarts not seem so lonely. I'm glad you're my friend.

Happy Christmas!

Benedict

With a wide smile she put away the little snake's letter and said, "What a cutie."

Remus startled, his head whipping to look up at her, eyes wide.

"Sorry," she told him with a grimace. She cupped his cheek. "Are you alright?" When he didn't respond at first, she continued, "I know it's a lot, and I really am sorry, but I don't like keeping things from you and—"

"Ava, it's okay. I'm okay," he said, laying his hand over hers. "I'm glad you told me." He sat up and faced her. "And I'm sorry—for getting all quiet like that." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I can't believe I just zoned out. You weren't talking to me, were you? That would've been quite rude. I was rather lost in my thoughts."

She gave him a weak smile. "I understand, really. And no, I wasn't carrying on a one-sided conversation or anything of the sort. I figured you just needed some time."

He nodded. "Yeah." His brows furrowed as he reached for her hand. "I can see why you've been so hesitant to share everything you know."

Holding back a flinch at the reminder that she distinctly did not tell him everything, she repeated her question. "Are you alright? Really?"

Remus sighed as he played with her fingers. "As good as I can be, I suppose. I'm still trying to wrap my head around how dire our situation could get if nothing's done."

A fire flared in her heart, unable to bear the thought of failure. "That's not gonna happen. Everything that can be done is going to be done." Her tone brokered no argument.

He grinned, concern and fear no longer clouding his face. "I love it when you get all fierce." He pressed a lingering kiss to her lips. "Just like a lioness, my utterly Gryffindor mate." His eyes flashed amber.

She let out a huff of laughter. "I take it Moony also enjoys it when I get all riled up?"

"Of course." He leaned forward once more but ducked his head to the juncture of her neck and shoulder, nipping at her bite mark.

"Remus," she said in a breathy voice, tangling her fingers in his hair.

"How much time do we have before dinner?" he whispered, peppering her exposed skin with kisses.

A quickly cast Tempus caused Ava to groan and climb off the bed. "Not enough, I'm afraid."

"Then I'll make sure to save room for dessert," he told her with a smirk.

She giggled and shook her head. "Naughty wolf." She righted her clothes and folded the sleeves of Remus's cardigan to fit her a bit better.

"I can take that back if you want."

"No," she said quickly, wrapping her arms around herself as if to prevent him from stealing back his sweater.

Remus threw up his hands in surrender with a wide smile. "Okay, keep it then."

Pretending to pick lint off her shoulder, she murmured, "Maybe just for a bit longer," unwilling to admit that she loved being covered in her mate's scent. Beyond the smell being one of her favorite things in the world, there was a part of Ava that enjoyed the fact that everyone else would know that he had claimed her. Even if it was a stereotypical declaration of young love to wear the cardigan that was a couple sizes too large for her.

She froze, a memory popping to the front of her mind without her permission. Her mother teasing her lightly when she came home from school one day wearing the hoodie of a boy who played basketball and happened to be rather cute. Her heart stuttered. I really need to make that second journal, Ava reminded herself, hoping that documenting her previous life would help the lingering pain whenever she remembered it.

Remus had been muttering something in the background, so she shook her head and looked to him, an apology on her lips. But she hesitated when she saw Bucky handing over her Christmas gifts from downstairs.

The werewolf must've read the question on her face because he said, "I thought you'd like these up here with the rest of your things."

"Yeah, thanks." She squinted at him, then asked, "Do you often take advantage of the Potters' house elves like that?"

A faint blush rose to his cheeks and he opened his mouth, probably to defend himself, but she cut him off.

"I'm just teasing. They do make things easier. Though, if I thought any shenanigans were going on, I'd give the Potters an earful about it."

With a frown, he asked, "What do you mean?"

She shrugged, moving to take the gifts from him and place them with the others on the desk. "You know, like if they weren't treated fairly or if they were abused in any way."

He startled her with a hug from behind as she reorganized the stack of books she received for Christmas. He tickled her ear when he said, "You're amazing, you know that? For the most part, house elves are looked down on by wizards and aren't given a second thought." His voice lowered. "A lot like werewolves, I'm afraid."

Ava could sense his melancholy and self-loathing slithering in. "You stop that, Remus Lupin," she snapped, slamming the box holding the gloves from Rabastan onto the desk and spinning to face him. "I won't tolerate any of this 'oh, woe is me, I'm a monstrous werewolf nonsense'."

He leveled a glare at her as he breathed through his flared nostrils. "That's not what I was thinking, actually."

She quirked a brow. "No?"

His eyes flicked down to the gifts on the desk. "No. I'll admit that I still catch myself thinking along those lines occasionally, but not nearly as often or as harshly as I did before I met you, but that's not what I was thinking." He released a heavy sigh. "I was thinking about how werewolves can hardly find gainful employment and my future is uncertain, and I'm not entirely sure that I'll be able to provide for you the way you deserve."

Ava frowned. Where is this coming from? She followed his gaze to see it still locked on the expensive presents from Regulus and Rabastan. Oh. But after another moment, her temper bubbled up. Wait a second. "Do you honestly think so low of me that I would appreciate a book and gloves more than the wonderful scrapbook you made me?"

Remus's eyebrows shot up and his eyes widened as he took a step back. "Um—uh—"

"Well?" She placed her hands on her hips.

He raised his arms in supplication. "Of course not, it's just that—"

"That you assumed I would want things that I could always buy for myself rather than a unique scrapbook—made by someone I adore—which can't be bought in a store anywhere on the face of this planet?" she asked testily, now crossing her arms.

It only took a moment before Ava could see understanding dawn in her soulmate's eyes. "Right," he said quietly, rubbing the back of his neck as his cheeks reddened. He was having trouble meeting her eyes when he added, "Sorry. I was being a bit of a dick just then."

She rolled her eyes. "It's alright, Remus. I'll forgive you if you come give me a kiss and never think so lowly of yourself again. Of course you can take care of me. All I need is you."

He cracked a grin and strode towards her. "I think I can handle that." He proceeded to snog the daylights out of her, nearly causing them to miss getting to dinner on-time.

As the couple made their way to the dining room, Ava's happy mood soured a little when she recalled that Peter would be arriving the next day, and it completely disappeared when she remembered that the New Year's Eve Ball was in just a few days. But the sight of her friends and the Potters chatting cheerfully around the table allowed her to push away her worries and bask in the moment while it lasted.