Evelyn's p.o.v.

After the meeting with the Order is finished, Nick suggests that me and him have a beer and a chat at Three Broomsticks. Albus stayed at Black mansion because everyone was visibly discomfortable with the fact that my biological father is contemplating the end of the world with Voldemort and, well, sometimes apple doesn't fall far from the tree. They didn't verbalize that but I could feel it. And the fact that Severus never showed up didn't help the feeling of anxiety I had around them.

"Distrust is normal in these type of situations.", Nick tells me and I nod, "I guess so."

"How are you? Honestly.", he asks and I sigh, looking out of the window as the snow slowly but surely covers the streets of Hogsmeade.

"Most of the time I'm holding on. But, there are these moments where I feel anger, despair, disgust, discomfort. I'm fully aware that escaping this skin isn't possible but sometimes I wonder... why me?"

"Are you talking to someone? Thor? Albus? Severus?", he asks.

"I am."

"But it doesn't help.", he concludes.

"Sometimes talking isn't enough."

"Did it ever cross your mind that, maybe, talking to Tony would help? In the end, you two grew up together. In a way, he's the person that knows you the most."

I narrow my eyes, "Is he? Is he really? Lately, I'm not sure of that. And that feeling was present way before me finding out who I am not."

"Maybe that's the problem. You focusing on who you are not. Instead, focus on who you are. Blood doesn't change a lot. It changes a few things, I suppose, but you are still you... an Avenger. A strong, kind, smart woman that always finds a solution to every problem."

I smile, "Because most of the problems I cause by myself."

"You have an extraordinary brain, just like Tony. And just like in Tony's case, that's your biggest curse. Don't let your mind work against you."

I chuckle, "I forgot how full of wisdom you are."

He smirks, "Time is the best teacher, because with time, comes the experience."

"And time, I do not have.", I say with a small smile.

"Time is a relative concept. Some need more, some need less.", he tells me.

"I just, I hope I will learn how to control the sword as soon as possible."

"My understanding of this is that you already know how to control it, you just need to unlock that part of you. As I said, accept yourself for who you are, focus on that. It is what it is, you can't change that. The only thing you can do, is to move on."

"I guess you're right.", I say, grabbing the stein of bee.

"So, how are things between Severus and you?"

His question takes me off guard and I choke on the bubbly fluid a little, "What?"

Nick laughs, "Don't play dumb with me. I saw the way you two look at each other."

"No, it's not that, just... the question is not something you would ask. Ever."

"Things change.", he says with a smile.

"It's... fine.", I say, tugging on my sleeves, feeling uncomfortable.

He raises his eyebrow, "That's all I get?"

I raise my eyebrows and blink a few times, "I'm not sure what exactly would you like to hear."

"Oh, some on Stark. Is that all you would say to Nat, for example?"

I laugh, "You are far away from Nat. No hard feelings."

"Are you happy?", he asks and I smile, "Yes, I am."

"Do you trust him? Not to be intrusive but, I know about his past... and his work now."

"Do you trust Nat?", I ask and he smiles, "Point taken."

"How is everybody at S.H.I.E.L.D.?", I ask, changing the subject.

"Good. Most of them, at least."

I realize he must be talking about Tony and decide to ignore it. When I'm ready, we will talk.

"We are planning a Christmas party. I would invite you but I know you have a ball or something at Hogwarts."

"Yes, the ball. I hope Ivar won't attack. I could use a good excuse to drink, without handling swords and guns in the middle of it."

"Well, we are used to parties being crashed by creatures that want to kill us. At least I am.", he speaks and I smile, "That's true."

Nick finishes his beer and looks at his watch, "I would love to stay and drink some more, but I have to get going. It's a long trip to New York."

"I will stay here and have another one. I rarely leave Hogwarts so this is my chance to enjoy.", I say.

"Do they accept cards in here?", Nick asks, taking his wallet out.

I smile, "I will pay, don't worry."

"You are a true gentleman, my lady. Actually, my queen.", he tells, then bows his neck.

"Oh yea, I forget that part all the time.", I say, smirking.

"Well, if one Stark needed to be royalty, better be you. Tony's ego is big enough as it is.", he speaks and I laugh.

"Can you imagine that?", I say, sipping the beer.

"I rather not, thank you."

"Have a safe trip.", I say as he puts his scarf on.

"And, call him. He's desperate and he's getting on my nerves more than usual. Do it for me, I can't afford pre-retirement.", he comments and I nod, "Will do."

He leaves and I order another beer.

I like the Three Broomsticks. I know students like to go out here but now it's quite empty and that suits me. I need some time alone to think and, as much as I've grown to love Hogwarts, it's crowded and finding peace, even on the grounds, is difficult.

I start to think about Dumbledore's and Fury's words and, I have to say, they are right. I need to change my mindset or this is not going to end well. Not for me, not for the world.

If Nick is right and I just have to unlock the part of me that controls the sword, maybe Severus could help with that. By now he's used to digging trough my mind. Maybe there's a part of my memory that I need to activate for the sword to finally listen to me.

"You are the new teacher at Hogwarts, right?"

I snap out of my thoughts, seeing madam Rosmerta standing beside my table.

"Yes, I am.", I say with a small smile.

"I rarely see you around here.", she speaks.

"Yes, I don't go out much.", I say.

"I see. A few beers before shopping are always a good choice.", she comments and I frown, "Shopping?"

"Or you already have a dress?", she asks but sees my confused face.

"The dress for the Yule ball, my love."

"Oh! Yes. The dress. I do need a dress.", I say.

"Madam Aubrey has the finest dresses. Just around the corner. You should check them.", she informs me and then leaves.

I completely forgot about the Yule ball. And I actually do need a dress. Or maybe some pants, in case Ivar decides to visit? Oh, the hell with it, it's a ball, I can't wear pants.

I quickly drink the rest of my beer and walk towards the bar to pay.

"Around the corner you said?", I ask and she nods.

I dress up and follow Rosmerta's instructions. It took me a few minutes of walking to get there but I finally find the shop.

"Wellcome to Madam Aubrey. My name is, well, Aubrey! How can I help you on this beautiful, snowy day?", a short, blond haired woman greets me with a big smile.

"Hello. I'm looking for a dress.", I say, looking around the small shop.

"What's the occasion, love?", she asks, quickly dashing towards me.

"Um, a Christmas ball.", I say and her eyes widen in excitement, a big, full on smile appearing on her face.

"A ball! Well, well, then the dress has to be extra special.", she claims.

"I was actually thinking something simple.", I say and her smile disappears, "Oh no. No, no, love. Ball dresses need to be extravagant! Something that will turn heads."

"I don't really like to turn heads.", I say as she takes off my scarf and coat.

"You can't cover a body like that!", she states, looking me up and down.

"But I really like to.", I say as she grabs me by the arm and drags me across the shop.

"Nonsense. Let me just-"

She goes trough the dresses and pulls out a long, tight, red dress, covered with rhinestones.

"This!", she tells, showing it to me proudly.

"I... don't really like color. That much.", I say, trying to sound polite.

"Oh.", she looks at it, disappointed.

"How about... this one. Look how beautiful this is."

It's a short, green dress.

"Too short. I'm a professor. At Hogwarts.", I say and she looks at me, "Well why didn't you say sooner. Yule ball, that is. I have a section for that."

After a painful and long half an hour of word wrestling and trying on, we finally decide on one.

"This is the one for you, I just feel it.", she speaks, handing me a big box.

Yea, that's what she said for the last three.

"It really is.", I say, by now just wanting to rush out of here.

"I hope you have a great time.", she says with a smile as I walk out of the shop.

Snow is now heavily falling and I rush to catch my train to Hogwarts, knowing I still have quite a long way to walk.

X X X

I come to Hogwarts half frozen, looking like a snowman, and the first person I see is Thor.

"You look... white.", he comments, looking at me.

"I'm freezing.", I say.

His eyes land on the box, and he lifts his arm, "What's in the box. Is it cake?", he asks with excitement, ready to open it.

I slam his hand away, "It's a dress."

He frowns, "A dress? For who?"

"For Loki. For me you twat!", I say.

"You don't like dresses.", he states.

"I don't like balls but here we are.", I say, starting to walk towards my room.

"Oh yes, the ball. Why can't I see it?", he asks, walking beside me.

"You will see it at the ball.", I say.

"Well okay, misses 'I have secrets'."

"Did you see Severus?", I ask, remembering Severus now.

"Yes. He went to talk to Dumbledore. He wasn't in a good mood."

Maybe Voldemort called him.

"Oh, okay."

"Will we train today?", he asks as we reach my room.

"We will, yes."

He smiles, "Great! Get ready, I have something special in plan."

"Okay.", I say, hesitating a bit.

"You come and pick me up when you're ready, okay?"

"Sure.", I say, wondering what the hell did he plan out for me.