Author's Note: Enjoy! :) I hope everyone catches this new chapter with the email alert issues going on!
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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 64
Ava slowly opened her bedroom door just far enough to peek out towards the living room, making sure the coast was clear. She had purposely slept in, attempting to avoid Aunt Minerva before breakfast, as Ava hadn't seen her aunt since the meeting with Dumbledore and Moody the night before. Though her evasive behavior was probably futile, Ava really didn't want to be the one to tell Aunt Minerva that her niece was now being instructed to go on Order missions.
With no sign of the Transfiguration professor, Ava let out a breath and waltzed to the small dining table to retrieve her schoolbag.
A throat cleared.
Ava squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, then plastered a fake smile on her face before spinning around.
Aunt Minerva was sitting on the far side of the living room, and over her shoulder was the cottage painting where Phineas was currently standing, with his arms crossed. Both were staring Ava down, presumably waiting for an explanation of some sort.
"Good morning," Ava chirped before turning back to the table. She haphazardly stuffed her essays and textbooks into her bag before beelining towards the door.
"Where do you think you're going, Avalynn McGonagall?" her aunt asked in a firm voice.
Ava's hand stilled above the doorknob. She sighed. Fine. Might as well get this over with. Without a word, she plopped herself on the couch. Glancing between her aunt and Phineas, Ava got the feeling that she was about to be lectured.
Phineas broke the silence. "I told Professor McGonagall about Dumbledore's decision regarding your participation in Order missions. It seems that I made the correct choice considering how you were about to sneak out of here with your aunt none the wiser." He quirked an unimpressed brow at her.
Aunt Minerva tsked, but let Phineas continue.
"I also wanted to explain myself," the former Headmaster said.
Ava frowned.
Phineas cleared his throat. "I would have spoken up on your behalf last night, but I didn't want to expose our…friendship to Dumbledore for fear that he would use it against us. As the current Headmaster, Dumbledore could order me to spy on you or prevent me from speaking to you." By the end of his explanation, Phineas was scowling fiercely, his words coming out terse.
Ava smiled at his show of affection. "Thanks, Phineas." When the wizard's cheeks reddened, she added, "I love you too," with a teasing lilt in her voice.
He sputtered for a moment. "I said no such thing."
She laughed.
Aunt Minerva joined in with a few chuckles before saying, "Don't try to deny it, Phineas. It's perfectly alright to have a soft spot for the lass." She winked at Ava. "The dear girl tends to bring it out of people, even the gruffest of wizards."
Ava winced at the mention of Moody, a pang of hurt lancing through her heart. She still couldn't believe that Moody didn't even try to stand up for her.
Before bed last night, Ava's blood was still boiling at the mere thought of the Auror. But now, her anger had mostly been replaced with disappointment. In both Moody and herself. Ava had allowed for herself to be put in a vulnerable position from the very beginning, unable to sit on the sidelines and watch events unfold.
She was the one who decided to speak to Dumbledore about joining the Order—she was the one who decided to track down and destroy all of the Horcruxes—she was the one who insisted on learning how to duel and training every moment that she could. So no, Ava couldn't really lay the blame of her current situation entirely on Moody, or even Dumbledore.
But still, she had thought the Auror had her back—one hundred percent—and it turned out that he didn't. His actions, or lack thereof, had crushed Ava's spirit and severed her absolute trust in Moody, but she would just have to accept this fact and move on with her life. However, Ava would be keeping her former mentor at arm's length from now on.
"Ava!" Phineas snapped, drawing her attention back to the conversation at hand.
The older witch and wizard peered at Ava with frowns etched onto their faces.
"Why are you acting so resigned, Ava?" Aunt Minerva asked. "Based on what Phineas told me, you were a raging storm in the Headmaster's Office last night."
She shrugged. "It is what it is. Dumbledore is a meddling old coot, and I should've expected as much."
A wave of hot frustration swept through Ava. In the light of day, she was irritated with herself for not pushing back harder against Dumbledore. But she had been so blindsided by Moody jumping to Dumbledore's beck and call, not even attempting to sway the Headmaster's decision to include her on missions.
"I just don't understand," Aunt Minerva said, tone seeming to war between anger and confusion. "Why would Albus willing put you at risk? Granted, we haven't had very many missions go sideways, but Godric knows that something can always go wrong."
Ava pressed her lips together. She was in complete agreement with her aunt, but part of her also understood where Dumbledore was coming from. Before Ava could voice her thoughts, Phineas chimed in.
"Minerva, there are actually a few reasons why the Headmaster would instruct Ava to join Order missions," he said, "regardless of the potential for danger. Despite any Oaths Ava may have taken, participating in missions further proves her loyalty. She'll have more contact with Order members and their allies, making her more seen amongst the ranks. The missions will also give her more real-world experience as Dumbledore clearly has an interest in developing Ava's abilities."
Ava let out an annoyed grunt, agreeing with Phineas. "Not to mention, it reminds me of my place. I might have useful information and skills, but I'm to be moved across the chess board at Dumbledore's discretion, not my own."
"Indeed," Phineas said, the single word bursting at the seams with animosity.
Aunt Minerva paled and pressed a hand to her chest. "Sur—surely, not, dear child. You're not even out of school yet."
A hollow bark of laughter escaped from Ava. "When it comes down to it, Dumbledore is almost just as ruthless as Voldemort," she said, thinking of the original time line.
When her aunt began to argue, Ava held up a hand. "It'll be fine." She sighed, knowing she didn't sound entirely confident. "There's a part of me that knew something like this was bound to happen."
Ava let herself fall back, laying down on the couch, and closed her eyes. She ran her hands over her face with a groan. "I suppose it would be a good idea to spend more time around other Order members anyway. I could get a better idea of how they've been handling the collection of intel, if that's what I'll be doing too."
A spark of curiosity lit, and Ava peeked her eyes open to look at Aunt Minerva. "There could be something I see or hear that jogs my memory. There are still foggy details of the original time line that could clear up just from hanging around the Order or anyone else that we come across on missions."
Missions. The word echoed in Ava's mind. She gritted her teeth. I really should've known this day would come. It had been silly of her to think that Voldemort and the Death Eaters would be eliminated easy-peasy, without Dumbledore wanting to put her in the field. Though, by his own admission, she wasn't going to be in the thick of it. I sure as shit hope not.
Despite Ava's eternal worries that something would go wrong on the missions, her interest grew further. Even if only one of the missions Ava went on lead to her remembering another key detail, then she could potentially save someone else.
Aunt Minerva stood from her chair. "Maybe Albus will listen to me. I'm your legal guardian after all."
Ava waved her off. "Honestly, it'll be fine," she repeated, trying to sound more reassuring this time. "I think the missions might actually be a decent idea since I could remember something else. But also, I have no idea how Dumbledore would react to my defiance, and I'm not convinced this is the hill I'm willing to die on—so to speak."
The professor and Phineas glowered at Ava.
She gave them a weak smile. "Just kidding." Ava knew her paranoia about Death Eaters held some truth, but how much trouble could she really get into if the missions were as tame as Dumbledore and Moody claimed?
Aunt Minerva's glare didn't lessen. "No one is dying," she said in a tone that brokered no argument, making Ava think that if something did indeed happen to her, Aunt Minerva would resurrect Ava just to scold her for failing to stay alive. The professor cleared her throat. "I need to report to the Great Hall. Make sure you eat something, dear, even if you decide not to come down before classes."
"Yes, ma'am," Ava said, smiling after her adoptive aunt as the older witch left their quarters.
I should reread my notebook before the mission next week, Ava thought, wanting to be as prepared as possible to recognize a name or place or anything that could save someone from dying or being hurt. At the thought of being able to prevent a death, but not doing so in time, anxiety flashed through Ava, her skin flushing and magic swirling.
She closed her eyes and took several steadying breaths, trying to soothe her mind and magic. I will save who I can, and it will have to be enough. I can't save everyone, but I will save some. It's enough that I'm trying.
The psuedo affirmations had calmed Ava for the moment, but deep down, she knew the statements weren't true. She'd never be able to forgive herself if someone she knew died. Her stomach churned, thoughts drifting to her close friends and packmates.
Her wolf seemed to whine, and her magic coiled tightly in her chest, as if bracing for the very outcome she feared. I'll protect them. They'll be safe. I swear, they'll be safe.
Phineas's voice cut into her pervasive thoughts, repeating her name.
Ava shook herself and peeled her eyes open. "Yeah?"
He was looking down at her, brows furrowed in concern. "Are you alright, dear girl?"
She swallowed. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Phineas narrowed his eyes. "If you say so."
He continued to peer at her for several seconds, then asked, "Why didn't you use your leverage against Dumbledore to refuse to participate in the Order missions?"
Ava perked up. He's right.
"From what you told me dear," Phineas said, "it sounded as though the Headmaster owed you a great deal since you saved him from humiliation and exposing his secrets."
"I could use the IOU," she murmured, mind racing. But how Dumbledore react? Would he remove me from the Order altogether? And what about finding out more information? The missions could be helpful.
Maybe she was being impatient, but a part of Ava was feeling restless about their progress since they had destroyed the diary Horcrux. The missions would at least give her something to do, a way to contribute. If any recon with the Order gave off even a hint of danger, Ava could always cash in her IOU with Dumbledore if push came to shove, and she'd deal with his reaction if the time came.
"What are you thinking, Ava?" Phineas asked.
"I'm going to hold onto that leverage for now. I doubt I'll ever get the chance to request nearly anything I want from Dumbledore ever again, I'm not willing to throw it away so easily."
He nodded. "Very true."
"And if anything should go wrong, I'll speak to him about removing me from any missions in the future," she said, standing from the couch and approaching the painting. "It's just…the more I think about it, the more I think I should go on these missions."
Phineas quirked a brow.
"Well, there's the chance that I'll remember something else that's important, but I could also make sure that Dumbledore is actually using the information that I've given him. If we're watching or moving a potential target that I'm familiar with, then I'll know that he's taking me seriously."
"Sounds like you have a solid plan," he said, giving Ava a small smile.
She let out a relieved breath, glad that Phineas agreed with her reasoning.
"But," he added, holding a pointed finger in the air. "If you get so much as a mere whiff of anything that seems unusual or isn't what you've previously recalled, then you must remove yourself from the situation at once."
"Yes, Phineas," Ava said, grinning at the portrait, for the umpteenth time marveling at the fact that the former Headmaster had somehow become her friend.
Phineas blushed. "Don't look at me like that." He shooed her. "Off you go—go get some breakfast."
She chuckled. "Okay, okay." Ava headed towards the door. "I'll see you later," she threw over her shoulder with a wave.
Ava made her way through the stacks of the library, heading towards the usual study spot that the Marauders, plus herself and Lily, preferred. She turned the corner and came to a stop at the sight of Peter already sitting at the tables.
He flashed her a tentative smile.
Narrowing her eyes in return, Ava moved to join him.
Peter still hadn't apologized for his part in the prank, and it had been two days. James and Sirius had sworn up and down that the rat Animagus would make his apology, but clearly he needed to work up the courage.
Some Gryffindor, Ava thought snidely, taking the seat furthest away from Peter. She began to unload her homework supplies without glancing at him, taking a deep breath through her nose and closing her eyes briefly. Temper slightly cooled off, Ava could admit that at least Peter had seemed to be trying to apologize to her a few times now. He would open his mouth to say something, but then snap it shut and spin away from her or step away and play off his awkward movement with a fake cough.
Each time she'd roll her eyes and continue on with her day, assuming that the fourth Marauder would never make his apology, but Ava could suppose that she wasn't the most approachable witch at the moment. All day she'd been rather surly, upset at nearly everything and everyone, even if they had nothing to do with the position she found herself in with Dumbledore. Yes, she'd made her peace with it that very morning, but that didn't mean she wasn't still pissed off.
Even though Ava had already forgiven Sirius and James, Peter had played a part in her new orders from Dumbledore, and he should own up to it. So, until he apologized, he was on her shit list.
Ava flipped open her history textbook, but had barely begun reading when a throat cleared. Her eyes flicked up to Peter. "Yes?"
He swallowed. "I'm—I'm—"
She quirked a brow.
Peter straightened in his seat and took a breath. "I'm really sorry, Ava." His words sounded remorseful, almost pleading.
Her annoyance with Peter softened, but she wasn't go to cut him any slack. "For what?"
His cheeks flushed. "I—well—," Peter began. He then proceeded to ramble on, stumbling over his words, mentioning everything from how he shouldn't have been planning with Sirius and James when he had helped Ava prank them in the first place, to how he was grateful to her for all the Defense tutoring she'd been helping him with, to how he should've apologized immediately with the boys before going into Charms, and Ava had heard enough.
She held up her hand, hearing the sincerity in his voice and clearly James and Sirius had spoken to him. "I forgive you, Peter," Ava said, giving him a little grin to show she meant it.
After all the effort she'd put into forming a friendship with the rat Animagus, she wasn't going to let it all go to waste over a stupid prank. Especially if she could influence Peter to keep him from joining the Death Eaters. "Just don't try anything in front of the Slytherins ever again, or all bets are off."
Peter's smile didn't reach his eyes. "The guys actually said that you're off-limits, for now at least."
Ava scrunched her eyebrows. "Is anyone else off-limits?"
He shrugged. "Not really, Sirius still gets even Lily every now and then, but just little, harmless stuff."
Her frown deepened.
"But," Peter rushed out his words, "it's not because we think you're some damsel or something that can't handle the pranks."
She smiled softly, hearing Sirius in those words.
"You're also too quick for us," he continued. "The way you responded to our prank, and when we've been dueling." He gave her a curious look. "You're rather talented, you know. I don't think anyone else at Hogwarts moves that fast."
Suddenly uncomfortable, Ava sent him a forced grin and asked, "Do you want me to look over your Charms essay?", hoping that Peter would take her offer and drop the current topic of conversation.
Fortunately, he did want her feedback, and the Charms essay kept them occupied until the rest of their study group showed up.
It wasn't until a while later, when Sirius whispered something about planning a prank on the Slytherin Quidditch team, Ava realized that Peter had said she was off-limits "for now."
She rolled her eyes, fairly certain that the boys wouldn't be able to catch her off guard. With a huff, Ava lowered her quill for a moment. The only reason she was able to detect magic and protect herself as she had against the three Marauders was because of Moody. At least he hadn't led her astray in his teachings.
Ava pressed her lips together, eyes unfocused on her parchment. The Auror had been an endless fountain of knowledge for her, and even though their relationship would likely never be the same, that didn't mean she couldn't continue to learn from him. But Ava didn't know if Moody would even want to keep training with her, other than the missions. She'd been rather confrontational the last time they spoke, though it was warranted. She doubted the Auror would expect an apology, nor would he give one in return.
Remus placed his hand on her thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. He leaned into Ava, "Whatever it is you're fretting over, I'm sure it'll be fine, love."
She let the side of her head drop against him. "Thanks," Ava whispered back, thinking that Remus would eat his words later.
He had felt her anger and panic through the bond last night, but apparently, target practice was just what Ava had needed. After unleashing her wrath upon the dummies in the Room of Requirement, her fury had withered enough that Remus was able to reason with Moony and wait until the morning to check on his mate.
Ava picked up her quill and resumed writing her Defense essay, using her tongue to absentmindedly trace the Mandrake leaf stuck to the roof of her mouth. She briefly wondered what animal she'd transform into—a wolf or a fox.
Her quill paused once more, the back of Ava's neck tingling with the sensation of someone watching her. Ava discreetly observed the students seated around their tables and turned in her seat as if she were grabbing something from her schoolbag to glance behind her.
She locked eyes with Avery.
His jaw ticked and he dropped his gaze.
Uncertainty tip-toed into her stomach, causing nervous butterflies to take flight. Ava hadn't forgotten her surprising interaction with Avery after causing McNair to earn a detention in the library.
She swiveled back around in her seat, shoving thoughts of the Slytherin from her mind. Ava already had too many plates to juggle, she wasn't sure she could add a future Death Eater she knew virtually nothing about to the list at the moment.
Ava cuddled up against Remus on her bed, breathing deeply to take in as much of his comforting scent as possible.
A pleased rumble emanated from the werewolf's chest.
She smiled then nipped at his neck, just about where his mating mark would be if she were a full werewolf herself.
"Ava," Remus whined, begging and scolding her at the same time.
She giggled and pulled away slightly, propping up on her elbow. "You know Aunt Minerva isn't here anymore, right?"
It was the first time that Remus and Ava were alone in her own bedroom, rather than the Room of Requirement. Her soulmate had been more than hesitant to join Ava in her shared quarters with Professor McGonagall, but since Ava had had questions about her Transfiguration homework, he had acquiesced.
Once the couple had finished up their homework, Ava had grabbed Remus's hand and dragged him towards her bedroom.
Aunt Minerva had cleared her throat, halting their steps. She'd given them a pointed look and said, "No funny business under my watch."
Remus had gulped audibly while embarrassment crept across their bond.
But then Aunt Minerva had winked and reminded Ava that she would be leaving in a few minutes for her patrols.
Her werewolf's cheeks had flushed and absolute mortification swept through her bond with Remus.
Ava had just laughed and continued moving towards her bedroom.
Aunt Minerva had recently sat Ava down for a very frank conversation about sex and contraception potions, belatedly realizing that she should've had this discussion with her niece when they'd come to the conclusion that Ava and Remus would need to consummate their bond. The professor hadn't even batted an eyelash when Ava had informed her aunt that she'd already taken the necessary precautions.
Considering the types of romance novels Aunt Minerva enjoyed reading, Ava should've known there wouldn't be any prudish or awkward behavior from the older witch. But Ava hadn't been able to stop her own blush when Aunt Minerva had asked if she and Remus experienced any sort of effects in their relationship with regards to Remus's lycanthropy. Though Ava kept the details to a minimum, Aunt Minerva was now aware of the urges that came upon the couple around the full moon, and otherwise.
"You know I can feel you laughing at me," Remus said with a pout, pulling Ava back to the present. "Even if you aren't doing so aloud."
She grinned. "Just be grateful that you didn't have to endure the sex talk with Aunt Minerva."
A strangled noise escaped from Remus and he choked over his words, "Sweet Merlin."
Ava had a fit of giggles as he composed himself.
Remus cleared his throat. "I can't even imagine. Did she really ask you about our sex life?"
She raised her brows, nodding. "Oh yeah."
He grimaced. "I don't know if I can ever face her again. She's my professor, Ava."
Snuggling up to her soulmate once again, in an effort to soothe his discomfort, even as she continued to laugh at him, she said, "Believe me, I know. You'll be fine. It's not like she's going to talk to you about it."
"Thank Godric for that," Remus said, his emotions finally seeming to settle along their bond into contentment. He stilled beneath Ava. "You cannot tell the guys about this. I won't ever hear the end of it."
Ava lifted her head and quirked an eyebrow. "Why would I tell James and Sirius? Do you talk about our sex life with them?"
Remus paled as his mouth dropped open. "No! Not at all!" he blurted. "I wouldn't do that, love. That's private."
"Good," Ava said firmly. "You would've had a stern talking to with me and my wand if you did."
He chuckled and grabbed her thigh, moving out from underneath her.
Remus leaned over Ava with his elbows on either side of her head and used his knee to nudge her legs apart so he could settle in-between them. His eyes flashed amber briefly as he said, "I love it when my mate gets all fiery." He dipped down to kiss her thoroughly.
Ava let out a pleased moan when his lips moved down her neck, and she lifted her hips to meet his.
Her soulmate kissed his way back up to her mouth, but then pulled away, shifting off of Ava and back to her side.
She didn't suppress her wanton whine, wanting Remus to know she was annoyed with him for cooling the mood.
He gave her a soft smile as he threaded their fingers together. "Don't you have something to tell me, love?"
Ava pursed her lips, knowing that her werewolf had been patiently waiting all day to hear an explanation for the storm of anger and panic he felt through their bond last night. She attempted to bury any lingering emotions about the night before and summoned her confidence, making sure it bled into her words as she recounted the meeting with Dumbledore and Moody to Remus. As worried as Ava might've been about the looming Order missions, she didn't want Remus to be concerned about her, knowing that if their situations were reversed, she wouldn't handle this development very well.
Ava clung tighter to Remus as she reached the point in the story when she fled from Dumbledore's office and Moody chased after her. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat. Ava's words were a mere whisper as she repeated her terse conversation with Moody, blinking back tears that gathered in her eyes.
Remus's arms tensed around her. "Oh, Ava." He kissed the top of her hair. "Love, I'm so sorry."
"S'fine." She gave a half-hearted shrug with a sniffle. Ava had thought that she'd accepted the new normal with Moody, but it seemed her heart hadn't quite moved on.
The grip she had on her emotions must've slipped because Remus growled. "I can't believe Moody didn't have your back."
He knew how close Ava had grown to the Auror. Despite her werewolf's sweet offerings to speak to Moody and take him to task for treating Ava in such a manner, she told him not to worry about it. It would be pointless. She wasn't planning on leaving the Order or trying to change Dumbledore's mind, not now anyway. Ava wanted to keep her IOU in her back pocket for when shit really hit the fan.
"I still want to rip him to shreds," Remus grumbled.
Ava smiled and gave him a loving squeeze. "I appreciate that."
"Are you worried about the missions?" he asked.
She kept her emotions and tone even. "I was a little at first, but not really. If Dumbledore and Moody insist that the missions aren't dangerous, then we'll just have to trust them since they have more experience with those kinds of things."
"Hmm," he said. "Well, I don't think they'd lie to you about that."
Ava swallowed her retort. The two older wizards couldn't control or predict every variable for every mission, as much as they thought that they could. There were no guarantees, but until something did go sideways, Ava's protests would fall on deaf ears.
Remus nuzzled the top of her head. "It's probably time for you to get going, love."
She sighed and sat up. "Yeah, probably." Ava mentally shook herself. I can't go to the Burrow all upset and sniffly. Get a grip. She grabbed her wand from her nightstand and cast Tempus. "I've got ten minutes."
Without warning, Remus playfully pinned her to the bed and kissed her soundly, affection and desire pouring into Ava through their bond, washing away her sadness and worries.
She was smiling when her werewolf pulled away.
"As soon as you get back," he said, voice gravelly, "you're mine for the rest of the night." He nipped her marking mark at the juncture of her neck and shoulder before backing away entirely and standing beside the bed to hold out a hand.
Ava took his offered assistance. "Sounds good to me," she said, reaching up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
Remus groaned. "Those Weasley boys had better appreciate their time with you."
She smiled and wrapped him up in a hug. "Thanks for sharing me."
"Yeah, yeah," he said sarcastically, but leaned back to show her his grin. "I know your wolf wants to see them too."
Her cheeks reddened, still not quite used to the idea of having an inner animal that has its own wants and preferences. And her wolf certainly wanted time with the little boys. Maybe it was their pure joy as young children, or maybe because they consumed her full attention and forced her worries to the side, but Ava's previous time at the Burrow had been restorative.
Remus had told her himself that he simply couldn't begrudge her for wanting more of the same if it settled her wolf and magic to be around the boys. Plus, he teased her that it was practice for the future when they had their own cubs.
Ava sat cross-legged on the plush carpet of the Weasleys' living room with Percy in her lap as she attempted to keep his coloring book balanced atop their combined legs. His scribbles were frantic and forceful, making her job that much more difficult.
"Easy, Perce," Gideon said, chuckling from his spot on the couch.
She smiled at the boys' uncle despite her mild exasperation with the one-year-old. Percy seemed to be in a particular mood today, so Ava was more than grateful that she'd had an extra pair of hands during dinner.
Bill and Charlie were sitting on the floor along with Ava and Percy, both of the older boys within arm's reach. Originally, Charlie had snuggled right up against her side, but he had quickly found out that he needed more elbow room to color properly.
While the older boys were taking care to color inside the lines, Percy required more attention, Ava mostly trying to help him keep a proper grip on the markers and stop any swipes of his hand that veered towards the edge of the paper. Even if she was fairly confident that magic could erase any marker ink that was left behind, she'd rather not risk it.
The boys were as happy as could be when Ava revealed the markers and coloring books she'd ordered, their eyes round with excitement as she showed them how the Muggle inventions worked. Having found a Muggle specialty store, Ava had bought three packs of markers, along with multiple copies of the same coloring books in an attempt to prevent any squabbling over who got what pictures to color. She had been pleasantly surprised to find books with animals, superheroes, and fairytale characters in them, knowing that Bill and Charlie would probably take interest in those. She'd also bought a blank sketchbook in case they wanted to create their own drawings.
Even Gideon was entertained with the markers, as he was currently doodling in the sketchbook. Ava had smiled at the Auror's curiosity, but kept herself from laughing for fear of offending him. It wasn't Gideon's fault that he'd never encountered Muggle coloring supplies before today.
She made a mental note to ask Arthur if he knew about the Muggle specialty store. According to their ordering catalogue, they carried all sorts of things like walkie talkies, tennis rackets, and paper clips—completely random stuff that Arthur would probably be fascinated with.
Percy drew Ava's attention, the little one fussing immediately when the marker slipped out of his small hand and began to roll away.
She snatched up the marker. "Here you go, Percy."
The happy squeal that came from the little boy made her smile.
As soon as Ava had stepped through the Floo into the Burrow, her magic and wolf had perked up, taking notice of the Weasley boys, and then both had settled with pleasant hums of contentment at their mere presence. Through each of her greeting hugs with Bill, Charlie, and Percy, Ava's magic had whirled with delight at each show of affection, especially when Charlie had continued to cling onto her legs even as Molly had transferred Percy into her arms. Ava had thought she'd burst with joy, her cheeks hurting from grinning so widely, when Percy had nuzzled into her and rested his head against her shoulder.
Mr. Weasley smiled as well at his son's actions, and Molly looked on the brink of tears, her eyes roving over Ava and her boys.
Ava had swallowed and nearly apologized, though she didn't know what for, but Gideon had spoken up from behind the parents, remarking in a surprised tone that the boys had clearly taken a likening to her.
Both Bill and Charlie had instantly proclaimed their excitement for Ava's arrival, wondering aloud to their uncle why they wouldn't like her. Then, Charlie had proceeded to ask Gideon if he didn't like Ava and leveled his uncle with a glare, causing the adults to laugh as Gideon quickly apologized for any misunderstandings.
Ava glanced at Charlie and Bill, still coloring to their hearts content. She was incredibly pleased to introduce the boys to an activity they seemed to love.
Even once Ava had realized that the Wizarding World was entirely real, not once had it crossed her mind that she'd find herself so irrevocably attached to the Weasley boys. They brought a certain kind of familial happiness to her life that Ava soaked up like a sponge. Her magic, and very soul, were at ease around Bill, Charlie, and Percy. They made her laugh, forced her to flex her imagination, and see the enjoyment in the little things through the lens of a child.
There was a small part of Ava that acknowledged the easy relationships she'd formed with these particular Weasley boys might've been because she knew they'd be alright if she failed in the end. If she wasn't able to alter the original time line, these boys would make it through. Yes, they would suffer loss, but they'd be alive. They weren't exactly depending on Ava as much as nearly everyone else in her life was.
But all the same, she could feel her wolf's hackles rise and her magic buzzing in agitation at the thought of harm befalling the little boys surrounding her and currently squirming in her lap.
Percy's movement forced Ava from her wandering thoughts, and she quickly realized that the youngest Weasley had lost interest in coloring on paper.
Ava was trying, and failing, to keep Percy from coloring on himself when a masculine voice exclaimed, "What in Godric's name are you all doing?"
Her head whipped up to see Fabian standing in the doorway, staring intently at the markers and coloring books.
"Coloring!" Charlie and Bill announced with wide smiles before returning their attention to their drawings.
"It's brilliant," Gideon told his twin. "Come look at this, Fabian. Muggles invented these!" He held up a marker and went on to explain how they held colored ink and didn't have to be dipped every time you wanted to write with them.
Fabian's eyebrows shot up.
"It's awesome, right Uncle Fabian?" Bill asked. "Look at my knight!" He shoved a paper into Fabian's hands.
"Good job, little mate," Fabian told him. "Where'd you guys get this stuff?"
Charlie perked up. "Ava brought us the markers and coloring books—just like she promised." He beamed at her. "Look at my picture!" He held up the page to show off his elephant, purple with black polka dots.
She smiled. "Very nice, Charlie."
He returned her grin, then snatched up a superhero coloring book to find a page that struck his fancy.
"What are those?" Fabian asked, pointing at the book Charlie had just picked up. He perched on the couch beside his twin, but leaned forward, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
"Muggles call them superheroes," Ava explained. "They have all different kinds of powers—abilities—like flying, super strength, invisibility, mind control, that kind of stuff."
His brows raised. "And Muggles just thought of this on their own?"
Ava rolled her eyes. "Yes, Fabian. They do have imaginations, after all."
"Oh, that's true," he said, nodding.
She shook her head with a snort. Wizards always underestimate Muggles.
Without prompting, Gideon ripped out a piece of blank paper from the sketchbook and handed it to Fabian and slid a set of markers across the coffee table to sit between them.
Ava flicked her wrist, causing her Blackthorn wand to descend. "Tergeo," she said quickly, siphoning the marker ink from Percy's arm, keeping her hand high above the one-year-old when his interest in her wand became apparent. Tucking the Blackthorn wand away, Ava picked up an unused page of a lion and said, "Ooo, Percy, look at this! A lion!" And just like that, Percy's attention shifted back to coloring.
As Fabian experimented with the different colors of markers and quickly learned that the ink would bleed through the paper if he merely pressed and held the marker to the page, Ava could feel her magic poke its head up. Its curiosity got the better of it, and her magic began to ever so carefully creep towards the twin Aurors sitting on the couch.
Stop it, Ava mentally scolded, reining in her magic. She wasn't sure if Fabian and Gideon would notice if her magic happened to venture a little too close for comfort, but she wasn't willing to find out. Even if the twins didn't demand to know where she'd learned a skill like that, it was probably considered rude to magically inspect someone.
The group of children and their babysitters continued to be preoccupied with the Muggle art supplies for a while longer, but eventually, Ava moved herself and Percy to the couch for a more comfortable position since the one-year-old was beginning to nod off. She took Gideon's seat, the Auror moving to the floor to assist Bill and Charlie. They'd decided to create a landscape backdrop on the blank pieces of paper for all of their colored-in animals and characters, and their uncle was helping with the magic needed to stick multiple pieces of paper together to create one, large canvas for the older boys to draw on.
Fabian leaned closer to Ava and whispered, "I'm sorry about my behavior before."
She rose a brow and waited for an explanation, though she had an idea of what he meant.
"For all of my flirting," Fabian muttered with a sheepish look. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Molly explained that you have a soulmate."
"Yep, that's true," she said.
When Percy dropped his marker and didn't fuss for it to be returned, Ava gently pat his back, encouraging him to snuggle against her so he could fully fall asleep as she put his coloring book to the side. She'd put Percy down for bed soon, but Molly and Arthur were right that their youngest son would sleep through just about anything. Percy didn't even stir at the burst of laughter from his brothers as Gideon fought with a couple pieces of paper that he'd managed to stick to himself.
"Am I forgiven?" Fabian asked, a flicker of concern crossing his face.
"Of course," Ava said with a wave of her hand. She smiled and added, "I didn't really take you seriously anyway, you're obviously a flirt. And you haven't been told 'no' many times, have you?"
Fabian had the audacity to look outraged at her assumption, but then he eyed her speculatively. "You would've given in, had you not been attached to someone else."
A surprised laugh escaped her lips and Ava froze, worried that she'd disturbed Percy. Seeing that he was still fast asleep, she glanced at Fabian, who was smirking.
"See? I'm charming."
Ava rolled her eyes. He's as bad as Sirius. "Whatever you need to tell yourself."
He smiled and drew even closer to Ava. "So, who is it? Your soulmate."
She shooed him away. "None of your business, Fabian Prewett."
Throwing his hands up in supplication, he said, "Alright, alright. Keep your secrets, McGonagall." Fabian winked. "You'll tell me eventually."
"Not likely," Ava said in a dry tone.
He gently nudged her side with his elbow. "C'mon, we'll be the best of friends in no time, you'll see. Once we've been on a few missions together, you'll come around," Fabian told her with a smile.
Her brows shot up. "I'm going with you?" Moody certainly worked out the details quickly. He could've at least owled me, Ava thought with a frown.
"Yep, me and Gid," he said, with a toss of his head towards Gideon. Catching the look on her face, he asked, "You didn't know?"
Ava shook her head. "No, I only found out that I was being ordered to go on missions last night."
It was Fabian's turn to frown. "Ordered?" he repeated.
She merely nodded once, then turned to face Bill and Charlie. Fortunately, Fabian didn't pester her further.
When Bill and Charlie began to argue about whether or not they should draw a castle or a dragon's lair on their now pieced together backdrop, Ava spoke up. "Boys?"
When she had their attention, she continued, "Why don't you draw one on the paper and create the other like we did with the fort last time I was here? Or you could draw a forest or village on the paper and make two forts, one for the castle and one for the dragon's cave."
"Brilliant!" Bill said as Charlie shouted, "Yes!"
The three adults laughed at their enthusiasm.
Ava began to stand, but Gideon told her to stay put and insisted on helping the boys himself.
"Yeah, Ava," Charlie said. "Then it'll be a surprise when we're done."
Bill lit up at the prospect of a surprise reveal. "Yes, Ava, you stay here. Uncle Gideon, c'mon." Bill grabbed a fist full of markers and began to climb the stairs.
Charlie did the same as Gideon gingerly picked up the canvas of blank pages, both following Bill up the stairs.
Ava's gaze roved over the living room, taking stock once more of the fact that she was in the Weasleys' living room. Her eyes landed on a book resting on the end table beside her. "Oh," Ava said softly, carefully leaning forward to pick up The Most Useful Household Spells, which Molly had no doubt left out for her to read. Settling back against the couch, Ava waited to be sure Percy was settled, and she flipped open the book, resting it atop her knee with one hand.
Ava was skimming the table of contents when Fabian cleared his throat, startling her. "Shit, Fabian," Ava whispered. "You scared me." She'd completely forgotten the Auror was sitting there, mind totally focused on learning new spells.
He chuckled. "I can see that." Fabian jerked his chin towards the book in Ava's hands. "Are you an aspiring housewife?" he asked with a teasing grin.
She quirked a brow. "Really?" Ava replied, tone not impressed in the slightest.
Fabian's eyes widened for a brief moment before he blurted out, "No, I didn't mean it as an insult. I've got serious respect for Molly. She takes care of three boys, along with the majority of the chores around the house, plus another two little ones on the way, and it seems like she never even breaks a sweat."
Ava narrowed her eyes at him. "Uh huh, right."
"No, I mean it. It's impressive really. I couldn't do it," Fabian said, expression bordering on pleading with her to recognize the truth of his words.
Deciding to tease the Auror in return, Ava said, "You're just afraid I'll tell Molly what you said."
He paled. "Please, don't do that. I was only joking."
She let out a laugh, perhaps with too much enthusiasm based on the pout forming on Fabian's face.
"Cheeky witch," he mumbled, lips twitching into a small smile.
Ava soothingly rubbed Percy's back. "I figured you didn't mean for that to come out the way it did, but it's nice to know that Molly strikes that kind of fear in you. I'll have to keep that in mind."
Fabian rolled his eyes. "So, why are you reading that book anyway? I can't imagine you have much cleaning to worry about at Hogwarts, what with the house elves."
"Well, the last time I babysat the boys," Ava said, "I needed to change Percy's diaper, but I only knew the Muggle way of doing so. I wasn't sure if there was a specific spell I should use." He nodded along to her words, so she continued. "I figured out a temporary solution, but Molly thought this book would be useful, so I took her up on the offer."
She shifted, careful not to jostle Percy, and laid the book back on the end table since Fabian had struck up a conversation with her. "I just like learning new magic for the sake of learning, you know?" She gave a small shrug. "You never know when you'll need that random second-year Transfiguration spell or an obscure Russian curse."
Ava hadn't thought anything of her words until she realized that Fabian had stilled beside her.
"What in Godric's name are you doing researching 'obscure Russian curses', Ava McGonagall?" he whispered at her heatedly, eyes darting between her and Percy, the boy still fast asleep in her lap. Fabian's hands twitched, as if he wanted to pull his nephew from her grasp.
A growl slipped out before Ava could swallow it, her magic rising to the surface in a heated storm, and her wolf snapping at the insinuation that she was a danger to Percy.
Fabian's eyes widened as his lips parted in surprise.
Ava quelled the impulse to draw her wand and took a deep breath through her nose. Fabian is not a threat, he's Percy's uncle. Calm down, he isn't going to hurt either of us. He only wants to protect Percy.
The final thought seemed to break through to her magic, both it and her wolf quieting down to an angry simmer. Thank God. She locked eyes with the Auror, temper still flaring. Between clenched teeth, Ava grounded out, "I would never hurt them, Fabian. And fuck you for implying that I would."
Fabian's jaw dropped.
She glared at him, wanting the words to sink in. Ava didn't want there to be any lingering doubt about her feelings towards the Weasley boys.
After another moment, Fabian's mouth snapped shut and his eyes narrowed, brow wrinkled. He opened his mouth again, but no words came out before he closed it once more.
Percy stirred slightly in Ava's grasp, burrowing into her chest before settling.
Fabian continued to stare, his eyes bouncing between her and Percy, contently nestled in her arms.
Her magic tingled in agitation. Couldn't he see that Ava wouldn't harm the little boy? Her wolf paced, still unsure if he would try to take Percy from her. Not that she'd have the right to refuse Fabian, he was Percy's uncle for fuck's sake, but Ava couldn't get her wolf and magic to relax until Fabian made his next move. What's it gonna be? she nearly asked aloud, but Ava didn't want to goad the Auror.
The silence stretched between them, Gideon startling them both when he appeared in the doorway to the living room. "What's going on?" he asked, eyes scrutinizing his brother and Ava, no doubt sensing the tension.
Fabian peered at Ava for another second, then shook his head and turned to his twin. "Nothing." Looking back at Ava, he asked, "Why don't you go put Percy down for the night?"
Relief flooded her body. Ava gave him a soft smile as she stood, holding Percy close to her chest. "Thanks, Fabian," she whispered, ignoring a curious look from Gideon.
Fabian merely nodded in return.
As Ava began to climb the stairs, she heard Fabian repeat, "Nothing—really. Don't worry about it, it was just a misunderstanding."
Though, Ava wondered if the Auror would confront her at a later date about her behavior. She rolled her eyes. Growling? Honestly.
With the first Order mission looming over Ava's head, she found that the weekend and two days of classes flew by, and Tuesday was already upon her. As Ava sat curled up in an oversized chair in her quarters, her mind wasn't really taking in the words from the History of Magic textbook that rested in her lap and hadn't been for some time.
She wondered if Fabian would ask any questions about her behavior the night she babysat with the Prewett twins when she saw them later tonight. Ava supposed she would just have to wait and see, but there was still a sliver of worry that Fabian wouldn't want her around the Weasley boys any longer. Ava chewed on her lip. He might even say something to Molly. She shook herself. But he didn't tell her anything was wrong when he could have.
When Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had returned to the Burrow from their well-deserved date night, Fabian had acted like nothing was amiss and said something along the lines of understanding why the boys liked Ava so much. The Prewett twins had laughed along with Ava and Molly at Arthur's keen interest in the Muggle markers and coloring books, both Gideon and Fabian admitting that they had played with the items as well.
Arthur had been delighted when Ava mentioned the Muggle specialty store, and he was very enthusiastic at the prospect of ordering "Muggle artifacts" as he had called them.
Ava put aside her history textbook, accepting that her thoughts wouldn't let her continue to study, and smiled to herself at the memory of Arthur's excitement. She could completely understand because that's how she felt about various aspects of the Wizarding World, but Ava was still amused that Arthur would be entranced with items that would be considered everyday things for most people in the world.
It was still a wild thought to Ava that within the next few months, teleportation could be a part of her everyday life. She was struggling to remain patient after the second Apparition training session had been yet another lecture on the magical theory, and she wanted the lessons to be over with for another reason entirely.
During the session, Ava had felt eyes crawling over her skin. She had swiveled around to glare at what she'd thought would be Avery staring at her again, but it was McNair.
They had barely made eye contact before McNair shifted his gaze from her back towards the Apparition instructor.
Ava still believed the interaction was odd, even after Remus, Sirius, and Severus all assured her that it wasn't anything to worry about. They had suggested that McNair might've learned not to fuck with her after her display of magic outside of Charms the week before. After all, McNair hadn't actually said or done anything untoward since then.
But that was the exact problem. He always glowered or sneered at her.
Although Severus didn't believe McNair was silently plotting anything against her, both he and Regulus promised to keep their eyes and ears open in the Slytherin common room just that afternoon. Ava and her two friends had met to catch up about the final Horcrux and how Regulus's plan was moving along.
Bellatrix was willing to give Regulus access to her Gringotts vault since he'd mentioned that there were some Black family artifacts in hers that he was interested in using for a cross-subject project for Arithmancy and Astronomy. It just so happened that the two classes really were doing a joint project this year, so it helped Regulus to have a legitimate reason to fall back on.
Now having confirmed that Bellatrix would allow Regulus to enter her vault, unchaperoned no less, as the witch had many more important things to attend to, Ava was adamant that Regulus prepare before stealing Hufflepuff's Cup.
It was incredibly fortunate for them that the Room of Requirement really did produce anything you needed, including a replica of the ancient goblet. Ava had intended for a book or maybe a single drawing that depicted what the Cup looked like, but the Room had actually conjured a full replica. Just to be on the safe side, Ava then had asked the magical room for an imitation of the Cup that was exact, down to any dents or discoloring that may have happened over the centuries. She had then added the request that the fake artifact would hold it's shape and appearance.
Though the Cup hadn't seemed to change much from the item that had originally appeared in the Room, Ava had felt a gentle brush of magic from Hogwarts acknowledging that the Room had done as she'd asked. The only thing the magical room couldn't help replicate was the bit of dark magic that resided inside the actual Cup, courtesy of Voldemort's soul.
Ava shifted in her chair, throwing her legs over one arm and resting her head back against the other. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. One thing at a time, Ava reminded herself as her thoughts and worries began to swirl into a torrent of fear.
Voldemort might be able to feel his Horcruxes being destroyed, especially with the Cup being the last one. Ava racked her brain, trying to remember if the dark wizard had actually felt anything when the pieces of his soul had been extinguished in the original time line. All she could recall was that Harry could tell Voldemort was furious through their unintended connection when he discovered that Hufflepuff's Cup was indeed missing. But had Voldemort checked on his Horcruxes because he could sense them or because the Trio had been captured and Bellatrix realized that they had been in her vault?
She sighed and rubbed her temples. Ava didn't have the answers, and she wouldn't until it was possibly too late.
But on the other hand, she and the Order had already snuffed out the diary, the Gaunt ring, and Ravenclaw's diadem, seemingly with no notice by Voldemort. Lucius, at least, would be aware if the Dark Lord had noticed his diary missing from Malfoy Manor, considering it was his father that had been tasked with keeping that particular Horcrux safe.
Ava smirked, thinking that any punishment handed out to Abraxas Malfoy would be well-deserved, given how he had treated Lucius over the years. Her wolf let out a pleased rumble as her magic sang to life, buzzing at the prospect of Mr. Malfoy receiving his just desserts.
What I would give to be the one punishing him, Ava thought wistfully, wishing that if Abraxas Malfoy was to be tortured, she could at least witness it herself.
Ava shot up in the chair, eyes wide. "Holy shit," she whispered, realizing that she had meant that thought whole-heartedly. She wanted to hurt Lucius's father herself. She wanted to seek retribution on behalf of her packmate.
Her brow furrowed. Ava's protective side had just reached a level of ruthlessness and violence that she wasn't sure she was capable of. She swallowed and shook her head, standing from her seat. Picking her wand up from the coffee table and securing it in the holster on her forearm, Ava buried the faint trickle of fear that her own thoughts had inspired in herself.
"I've got work to do," she said aloud, hoping that would help her mind focus on the task at hand.
It was time to meet with Moody.
Ava halted her steps before ascending the staircase that led to the Headmaster's Office. She closed her eyes and took a few steadying breaths, trapping her nerves and anger, along with any lingering guilt or resentment, beneath the surface of the mountainous landscape conjured in her mind. Despite knowing that Occlumency wasn't a permanent solution to resolving her feelings regarding Dumbledore, but especially Moody, Ava still welcomed the mental technique to smother her emotions.
I refuse to show weakness, she thought, clenching her fists at her side as she climbed the stairs. Ava didn't want the Auror to see her still struggling to come to terms with how their relationship had taken a turn. She wouldn't have Moody questioning her loyalty or capabilities going into her very first mission either. Ava was given a task, and she'd complete it as best as she could while satiating her own curiosity and personal interest in the Order missions.
As Ava lifted her hand to knock, Dumbledore's voice called out, "Come in."
She called on every bit of her magic to solidify the mental shield keeping her emotions at bay. Ava could still dimly feel all of her conflicting feelings about Moody, but they were almost muted entirely—much easier for her to ignore.
Keep it together, she internally pleaded with her wolf and magic.
Upon opening the large, wooden door, Ava found the Headmaster and Moody standing near the Floo, watching her expectantly as she came into the room.
"Good evening, Miss McGonagall," Dumbledore said with a genial smile.
Ava dipped her head. "Headmaster." Her eyes traveled to Moody.
The Auror was inspecting her with his usual intense gaze.
Anger and disappointment sputtered to life for a split second, but Ava flicked them away with hardly any effort. She allowed herself to meet Moody's stare. She felt…nothing. It was as if the events from last week had happened to someone else. Ava knew what Moody did, and more importantly, didn't do, and she could recall every terse word spoken between them, but she didn't care. She couldn't be bothered to dwell on it.
A thought casually swam across Ava's mind, wondering if Occluding this strongly was a good idea.
Knowing she had an order to follow, Ava turned to Dumbledore. "Shall we get on with the mission, sir?"
His white eyebrows rose ever so slightly with surprise, perhaps at the fact that Ava had addressed him instead of Moody.
"Yes, of course," Dumbledore said. "You'll be following Alastor through the Floo to Headquarters, and then you'll Side-Along Apparate to your rendezvous spot with the Prewett twins. I'm sure Alastor and the Prewett boys can answer any of your questions." He gestured towards the Floo, indicating that she'd have to get any real details about her mission from the gruff Auror.
Ava and Moody locked eyes.
His jaw ticked before he turned away, stepping into the fireplace and vanishing in a flash of green flames.
She moved forward, prepared to follow the Auror, but Dumbledore gently grasped her shoulder.
"A moment, Miss McGonagall?" he asked in a tone that wasn't really questioning.
"Yes?" she asked, the typical annoyance she would've felt at him further delaying the mission, and consequently when she'd be free of Moody for the night, not even making an appearance.
"Are you feeling well?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes boring into Ava's.
"I'm fine," she said in an even tone, amusement not fully manifesting at his casual, personal question when he'd never bothered to care before.
The old wizard sighed. "I know you feel that I've burdened you with yet another responsibility, Avalynn, but I only do so because I think you're well-prepared. And I do not believe you'll be in any danger."
She merely nodded.
Dumbledore pursed his lips. "I must admit that I had thought you would've accepted the chance to go on Order missions with more enthusiasm."
This time, Ava didn't let her minimal worry and anger slip away, she clung onto them, allowing some feeling to leak into her words. "I am a little excited about the missions and to see this side of the Order. I'll do the best that I can, sir."
"That's all I ask for, Miss McGonagall."
She could barely keep in a relieved breath. Ava couldn't have Dumbledore pulling her from the missions now that she had decided they could prove to be useful. And if he began to doubt Ava, would she be barred from the Order meetings as well?
"Is that all, sir?" she asked.
At his nod, Ava took a quick moment to reinforce her Occlumency shield, shoving any hint of her tumultuous feelings down deep.
Dumbledore inspected her for another moment, then swept a hand towards the Floo. "Go on, my dear."
Ava grabbed a fistful of Floo powder.
"One last thing, Miss McGonagall," the Headmaster called out.
She glanced over her shoulder at the old wizard.
"I do hope you aren't planning on Occluding to the degree that you are now for an extended period of time," Dumbledore said. "It can have disastrous affects on the psyche."
"Noted," she muttered, stepping into the fireplace. Ava threw down the magical powder and shouted, "Number 20, Mablethorpe Lane!"
As the green flames engulfed her vision, Ava let the seriousness of what Dumbledore had said to skim across her mind, but she pushed it away for later, not willing to let her calm and collected facade crumble in front of Moody.