"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like?"

"It looks like you're packing. Why are you packing? School doesn't start for another three weeks."

Avery huffed and stuffed the rest of her clothes into her bag. "I'm leaving!" she announced. "Mother and Father basically threw me out last night, but I had nowhere to go. I'm going to stay with Narcissa for a little while."

"They didn't throw you out, Avery."

"They told me that I couldn't follow him," Avery argued, whirling around, and glaring at her sister. "I'm almost seventeen. I should be allowed to do what I want."

Caroline shook her head. "Do you really not see that he has corrupted you?" she asked.

"I don't understand how you cannot see his views. Mother and Father's stand against Muggles has always put them beneath us, we are superior. But now someone is actually taking a stand against them they want to bury their heads in the sand!"

"It's not about taking a stand against them," said Caroline. "We may be superior, but that doesn't mean we're better."

Avery scoffed. "Of course you would stand with them. You and that Muggle-loving boyfriend of yours," she sneered. "When are you going to open your eyes, Caroline? Realise that they want to be ruled. They desire order and dictatorship, they're just too afraid to ask for it."

Caroline shook her head. "You don't know them," she said. "Benjamin has lived amongst them since leaving school. He understands them a lot better than most Wizards."

"He is filth!"

"Stop it, Avery."

"Or what, big sister? Going to use your abilities against me?" Avery asked, scornfully. "Mother would not be impressed if she found out. Not her little angel breaking the rules, after all."

Caroline glared at her sister. "What happened to you?" she asked.

"What happened to you?" Avery retorted. "I thought we would be in this together. Sisters, you, and I, until the end of the line."

"I don't agree with his methods."

"I do."

"Torture? Murder? You agree with that?"

Avery shrugged. "Sometimes a little force is all you need," she said. "The Mudbloods and Muggles will fall into line without retaliation, and everything will be ours. It's like it is meant to be. You'll see."

"But -"

"What, Caroline?" Avery snapped. "But what?"

Caroline sighed and stared at her little sister. What had happened to the fun-loving girl that only cared about fireflies and tadpoles? The little girl that wanted adventure after Hogwarts, who wanted to see new places and discover new things. The little girl desired the taste of freedom and knowledge.

"She grew up," said Avery, sensing her sister's questions.

"You didn't just grow up," said Caroline. "You changed. You allowed yourself to be manipulated."

Avery groaned in annoyance. "I have not been manipulated. Everything my Lord has showed me, everything he has said, it's true. I believe him when he says that it is for the Greater Good that we take our rightful places above the Muggles. We wouldn't be the superior race if we didn't."

Caroline watched as Avery turned back to packing. "What happens if he is wrong?" she asked.

"He isn't."

"What if he is?"

Avery paused, her hands stilling as they roughly stuffed a dress robe into the bag. She didn't want to acknowledge that anything could be wrong with the path she was choosing to take. Witches and Wizards trumped Muggles in every way possible — they weren't fragile, they weren't vulnerable to disease and therefore lived longer, they were able to defend themselves, and had tricks that most wouldn't see coming.

They were better in every way known to wizard kind.

"He's not," Avery insisted. "You'll see. You, Mother, Father… you'll all see." She zipped up her bag, grabbed her wand and Disapparated.

~X~

Teddie was drawn out of the memory and returned to the present day. Sitting behind the desk, her elbows propped on the surface was Caroline. She raised an eyebrow as Teddie took a deep breath, as if emerging from water.

"She was seventeen?" Teddie asked.

"Almost," Caroline answered. "Avery was one of You-Know-Who's youngest followers."

"Was she his lover then, too?"

Caroline shrugged. "No one knows," she answered. "All we did know was that she believed every word he spoke, regardless of whether it was true or not."

"I noticed she said that you would all see the truth," said Teddie. "Including your father."

"Yes, and you're probably wondering why she would include him when he was supposedly already a part of You-Know-Who's group, yes?"

Teddie nodded. Back when she had been taking sessions with Dumbledore and Harry, she had witnessed a memory that relayed information that Emrys Sutherland was a miniature Death Eater in the making. He used to run with Tom Riddle in school and was even part of his followers when Tom returned for the Defence position at the school.

"My father may have shared the same values as You-Know-Who when it came to Muggles and Muggleborns, but he wasn't a killer, Teddie," said Caroline. "He would never approve of my relationship with Benjamin, though."

"Benjamin was a pureblood, though, wasn't he?" Teddie questioned.

Caroline nodded. "But he loved Muggles," she answered. "That, in my father's eye, was as good as being one."

"Did your father ever find out?"

"Yes. By which point I was already pregnant with John," said Caroline.

"Speaking of John, where is he?" Teddie asked. Caroline had spent Halloween and Christmas at the summer house, but John had not visited once.

Caroline smiled. "He's still in England," she answered. "He's working undercover at the Ministry."

"What? Why?"

"Because we need as much information on what's going on behind enemy lines as we can," said Caroline. "I don't like the idea any more than you do, but he volunteered."

Teddie sighed heavily. The idea of her oldest friend working behind enemy lines nerved her. What if John was caught? What if it was found out they were friends? He would be tortured for information on her, and possibly killed if he refused to give even an ounce of it.

Caroline watched Teddie closely. "He's a big boy," she said, soothingly. "He knows how to look after himself."

"He shouldn't have to, though," said Teddie, quietly. "He shouldn't have to do any of this, none of you should."

"We do it because we want too, Ted. Because we care."

Teddie huffed and raised a hand to wipe away the tears that formed in her eyes. She was the cause of so much concern for her friends and their families, so much heartbreak and trauma. She understood that they were choosing to help her, but sometimes she wished that they would just kick her to the curb and save themselves.

Was she really worth all this trouble?

A knock on the door interrupted the session, and Caroline called for whomever was on the other side to enter.

Mason beamed as he spotted his sister. "Uncle Mongoose is asking if you're done," he said. "He wants to help take down the decorations and give me my birthday gifts before he heads home."

"He's not staying for the party?"

Mason shook his head. "He says he has affair to attend to in London, and they cannot be delayed," he said.

"Okay. I'll be out in a minute."

Mason nodded and withdrew, closing the door behind him.

Teddie took a deep breath and turned back to Caroline. "I know you're dying to ask me," she said, "so I'll tell you anyway. I don't know how I feel about tonight's memory. It doesn't really make me feel anything towards Avery, only that she's blinded by power. I wouldn't go as far as to say she is in love with You-Know-Who, but merely in love with the idea of him. It's like, she was promised a kingdom to rule if she joined him."

"She was," said Caroline. "You-Know-Who promised Avery the best of both worlds, and the chance to rule over both of them as his leading Lady. All she had to do was give him an Heir."

"And she did."

Caroline nodded. "But you're not any mere Heir, Teddie, you are the Heir. The most important part of You-Know-Who's army. You were supposed to be his most trusted Death Eater, his most loyal follower. You were supposed to be the weapon of his desire."

"I still am," said Teddie. "He's not going to stop until he gets me. I just worry what will happen to the rest of you when he does."

Caroline cocked her head. "Why do you believe that he will get you?" she asked. "There's been no indication that he will."

"Because it is inevitable. At some point, You-Know-Who and Avery will get what they want - me. It doesn't matter whether it is dead or alive, although I am sure they would prefer the latter."

"Well, it's a good thing we have plenty of time to prepare you for that inevitably then, isn't it?" Caroline asked.

Teddie furrowed her brow. "I thought there was nothing more Mo could do to help me?" she asked. "I mean, you said Faye was adamant when she said there was no shield between us."

"We don't need to lower any defences, no," said Caroline. "But, we can still even the playing field. You and Faye need to have a face-to-face, and the only way to do that is to force an interaction."

"You want me to lose control?"

"No. We want you to let Faye in."

"I can't do that while being in control," Teddie argued. "Only one of us can be in control at one time."

"Only one of you can be awake at one time," said Caroline. "But, if we're able to shut the body down, then both of you should enter a plane of subconsciousness where you can both be awake at the same time."

Teddie swallowed. What Caroline was proposing sounded dangerous, and she wasn't entirely sure if she wanted to do it.

"You want to save your friends, don't you, Teddie?" Caroline asked, sensing the teenager's hesitation. "Protect Mason?"

Teddie nodded.

"Then this is the only way."

Teddie sighed. "Fine," she agreed. "I'll do it. For the others."

"Good. But, tonight, I want you to go enjoy the rest of your evening," said Caroline. "I'll speak to your soon."

"You're not staying for the party, either?"

Caroline shook her head. "I'll return soon, and hopefully bring good news with me," she said.

~X~

But Caroline didn't return for months.

What should have been a quick check in with her son, turned into a monthly affair. The more time that went by between visits, the more Teddie became nervous that something had happened.

"Have you heard from Caroline?" Teddie asked Mo. It was Easter Sunday, and officially four months after Caroline had returned to London.

Mo looked up from his breakfast and shook his head. "Sorry, Teddie, but I haven't," he said. "The last conversation I had with her was New Year's Eve when she left."

"Don't you find that alarmingly suspicious?" Teddie asked.

"She could've just got caught up helping back home," said Ursula. "There's no need to make a fuss over something that is harmless."

"But what if it isn't harmless?" Teddie asked. "What if something serious has happened? What if Avery found her? It's no secret that Avery wants Caroline for taking me, she said so herself."

"When?" Marcus asked. "When did she say that?"

Teddie turned to her friend. "When she abducted me at the end of year four," she answered. "She said she recognised the signature magic that bound Faye, and therefore knew who to go after next."

"But she didn't get to Caroline then," said Mason. "Maybe Caroline has a safe house of her own?" He looked to Mo.

Mo shrugged. "It's not uncommon for Purebloods to have Summer houses across the world," he said. "But I'm not entirely sure if Caroline has one per sae."

"Her family would," said Theo.

"But Avery would have access to it, too," said Marcus.

Teddie sighed and looked down at her meal. Suddenly she didn't feel hungry anymore.

A rap at the window diverted attention and Mo stood from his seat. He strode over to the conservatory door, opened the topmost glass pane, and allowed an owl entry into the house.

The bird circled the table and then landed on the back of Teddie's chair. It had a satchel around it's small body, and a small bag tied to its leg.

"That looks like a Hogwarts Owl," said Mason, spying the creature from across the table. "Who's at school that would write to us?"

"It would have to be someone who knows where you are," said Ursula. "Did you tell anyone?"

The whole table shook their heads.

Once she had taken the letters from the Owl, the creature spread it's feathery wings and lifted into the air. It circled the table once more and then disappeared through the window again, disappearing into the distance.

"Who are they from, Ted?" Mason asked.

Teddie shrugged. The first was an unaddressed envelope, but before she could open it she noticed two black pouches attached together. They were labelled — Credence Barebone, 1926 — and the second was labelled — Obscurial, 1932.

"They're memories," said Theo, inspecting the two vials as Teddie set them down on the table. The silvery essence shimmered behind the glass casing.

"One is of Credence Barebone," said Teddie, indicating to the slip. She turned to Mo. "Wasn't that the name of the Obscurial you told me about?"

Mo nodded. "If they are the memories then I think I know who sent the letter," he said. He held out his hand and Teddie handed over the envelope. It wasn't addressed to anyone in particular, and for a split second the outside was blank. But as Mo handed it off, she noticed writing appear in a slanted black scrawl.

"Professor Snape," Teddie gasped.

Mo raised an eyebrow. "How did you -?" he asked.

"I'd recognise his handwriting anywhere," said Teddie. "He was my neighbour for eleven years and taught me for six. After a while you start to recognise his handwriting. It's slanted, but deliberate. Like he thinks before he writes and is careful to place the words in the exact spot."

The others nodded. Over the years, they too had noticed how Professor Snape's handwriting differentiated to the rest of the Hogwarts staff.

"Why did the address only appear when I touched it?" Teddie asked.

"Severus has cast a particular spell on the parchment," explained Mo. "It will react only the recipients magical essence and reveal its contents. It's an ancient spell that was used during the first wizarding war, to stop enemies from snooping on post that didn't belong to them. Severus has obviously linked the spell with you magical essence."

Teddie cocked an eyebrow. She could remember Professor Flitwick talking about such a charm during one of his seventh-year lessons. "But that's not fool proof," she said. "If Mason had got the letter before me, then the letter would've revealed itself to him."

"Actually, it wouldn't have," said Mason. "We're not biologically related. So, it wouldn't have recognised me DNA. Now, Avery on the other hand…"

"Severus must be desperate for you to see these," said Mo.

"Or highly certain that Avery wouldn't be able to get beyond the charm," said Teddie, staring at her name. She was certain that Snape wouldn't risk Avery and Voldemort finding out where she was, or what she was doing behind closed doors.

"Speaking of Charms," said Ursula. "Isn't today the day of your exams?"

Mason perked up. Over the last few months he, Teddie, and Theo had been undergoing a home-schooling regime where Ursula and Mo had sent away for schoolwork, had the trio fill it out and perform the practical while being recorded, and then sent it away to be marked by a team of vetted tutors. So far, Teddie was excelling as expected in Charms, Theo in Ancient Runes, and Mason in a variety of subjects.

"Since both NEWTs and OWLs are in session," said Ursula, "we'll have to separate you. Teddie, you, and Theo will stay here once breakfast is over, while Mason, you can use the downstairs study. We'll do the theory tests today and the practical's tomorrow, how does that sound?"

"Will we be doing them the same as the coursework?" Theo asked.

Ursula nodded. "We'll record the practical's and send them off along with the theory papers, and you should hear by the end of June," she said.

"Are we doing them early because we're home-schooled?" Mason asked. Normal exams weren't sat until the end of May, beginning of June anyway.

Again, Ursula nodded,

Teddie felt her stomach churn. The only lesson she had remotely paid attention in during the last few months had been Charms, everything else had gone in one ear and out the other. The sessions she had been taking with Caroline, and the painful ones with Mo had taken up most of her time, while coursework had fallen to the wayside.

Soon the breakfast table cleared.

"Right then," said Ursula. "Mason, if you'll follow me, we'll get you set up in the study. Marcus, make yourself scares for a few hours."

"Yes, Mum," said Marcus. He winked at Teddie, squeezed Mason's shoulder, and wished Theo luck before leaving the room.

As Mason and Ursula rose from the table, Mo held up his hand. "Hold on a moment, Ursula," he said. "There's something here for Mason."

Mason slid back into his chair and Mo handed over a parcel with his name on it. Rising an eyebrow, Mason looked up at Teddie only to notice she was watching him closely. Taking a deep breath, he opened the envelope and pulled out a book.

"The Secrets and Lies of Albus Dumbledore," Theo read. "Isn't that the book that Rita Skeeter was writing last year?"

Teddie nodded. "Why would Professor Snape send that to you?" she asked her brother.

Mason shrugged. "Maybe he thinks there is something in here than could help?" he suggested. He picked up the book and turned it over, reading the blurb on the back.

"There is also a letter for you, Teddie," said Mo. "It's to do with the memories."

Teddie took the handwritten parchment and, sharing it with Theo, started to read quietly to herself.

Dear Teddie,

I'm sorry that I haven't been in contact much this year. Things have been rather difficult and keeping up with my personal responsibilities to you have been downsized. I hope you are well and are listening to everything Mo and Ursula tell you. I hear that you have a difficult birthday, and for that I am truly sorry. If you're wondering how I know then I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I get regular updates from Caroline.

I received one recently from her, stating that you questioned a decision that she suggested. I know you're probably more hesitant now to face Faye, especially since there is no barrier between the pair of you, but I cannot stress how important it is that you become one with her. The two memories I have sent, Professor Dumbledore acquired them during your third year of school, or at least, he acquired the one labelled Credence Barebone during that time.

The memory is of one Newt Scamander, I'm sure you have heard about him? The author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. You would've used the book during Care of Magical Creatures and throughout your Hogwarts career.

The second memory is from Dumbledore himself. Again, it refers to Credence, but it shows how dangerous an Obscurial can become if its powers are left untamed. We're not asking you to fully tame Faye, Teddie, but we are asking that you at least try and gain some understanding with her. It is important in the final fight, and it could be the difference between life and death for a lot of people.

I bet you're wondering what school is like. It's changed a lot since you were here. Death Eaters now roam the castle and grounds, and even Hogsmeade is under lockdown. There is a curfew that must be abided by, and not all trips to the village are allowed to go ahead. It's a lot quieter, mostly only Purebloods and Halfbloods walk the halls. I'll admit, as much of a pain you and your friends were, at least you livened it up.

Teddie smiled. Professor Snape may have been a bee in her bonnet at times and given her more detentions that she could count on one hand, but Hogwarts must've become a sad place if he were wishing for her antics to be back in swing there.

I don't know how much you know about Mr. Potter, but I'm sure you know what he is up, too. He is still currently missing to the Ministry of Magic, despite being public enemy number one — actually, he was picked up a few weeks ago by scavengers and taken to Malfoy Manor. I'm not sure if you felt the burn of the Dark Mark, but several people were slaughtered, including a Goblin. Potter was captured and then later escaped.

I am safe if you are concerned.

I hate to cut this short, but I have a meeting with the Carrow siblings soon, and I must prepare. Good luck, Teddie, and hopefully we shall see each other soon. If we don't, know that I have always believed in you and whatever happens next, is not your fault.

From, Severus.

"That doesn't sound all bad," said Theo.

Teddie, however, was still staring at the words her brow ceased in concentration. She quickly flicked through the letter again, taking it in for a second time. Unlike Theo, she could tell something was wrong, why would Professor Snape sign off with 'Severus' instead of his title and surname, yes, they were close, but he wasn't talking to her as a friend, he was informing her as a teacher. Also, why address her as 'Teddie' instead of 'Miss Green'.

Something wasn't right.

But for the life of her, Teddie couldn't figure out what.