Chapter 13: A return to Hogwarts

The castle was silent when Ava stepped through its grand entrance late in the evening. The air was cool, the torches along the stone walls flickering gently as though welcoming her back. Hogwarts had always felt alive, its walls breathing with magic and history. Tonight, though, Ava felt every bit like a ghost returning to her own life.

Her boots echoed faintly against the flagstone floors as she moved through the dim corridors, her trunk floating obediently behind her. The familiar weight of the castle settled over her like a worn cloak, both comforting and heavy.

She rounded a corner and nearly walked into Professor Alderwood, who was leaving the staffroom with a cup of tea in hand. Esme stopped abruptly, blinking in surprise before her lips curled into a familiar smirk.

"Well, look who decided to haunt us again," Esme teased, her voice light but edged with relief. Her sharp eyes scanned Ava quickly, taking in the faint scar tracing her temple and the pale lines along her hands. "You're a bit worse for wear, I see."

Ava huffed softly, though her tone remained even. "You always have just the right words to cheer me up."

Esme tilted her head, smiling gently now. "It's good to see you, Ava. Truly. Half the castle's been worried, though no one more than—" She stopped herself, a sly glint in her eye. "Well, you'll find out."

Ava raised an eyebrow, too tired to entertain Esme's mischief. "Goodnight, Esme."

"Rest well," Esme called after her, her voice softer now. "You look like you'll need it."

Ava didn't respond, simply making her way toward her quarters. As she shut the door behind her, the quiet surrounded her again. For a moment, she stood still, running her fingers over the faint scars on her palms—the reminder of what she had endured.

Ava's reappearance at breakfast caused an immediate ripple of whispers among the students. Her return was sudden, and she didn't exactly ease the curiosity surrounding her absence. Her dark robes swished as she walked toward the staff table, her posture as composed as ever despite the faint tiredness shadowing her face.

Professor Merriweather was already seated, stirring tea absentmindedly when her gaze landed on Ava. For a moment, she froze, green eyes widening. She recovered quickly, though the teacup trembled faintly in her hand as she set it down.

Ava took her seat without looking around, folding her hands carefully on the table. It was only when she glanced up that Juniper spoke, her voice low but audible.

"Back in one piece, I see."

Ava turned slightly, meeting Juniper's gaze. "Mostly," she replied, her tone calm but with a touch of wry humor.

Juniper studied her carefully—the faint scar on her temple, the way her shoulders didn't carry quite the same strength as before. "You look…"

"Awful," Ava finished for her, with a faint lift of her brow.

Juniper's lips twitched, though concern still lingered behind her expression. "I wasn't going to say that. Tired, is what I meant."

The conversation faltered as other professors greeted Ava with quiet remarks of welcome, though their gazes lingered on her longer than they usually would. Juniper didn't take her eyes off Ava for the rest of breakfast, though she said nothing more.

When breakfast ended, Juniper didn't let Ava slip away unnoticed. She caught up with her in the corridor, striding quickly to close the distance. "Professor Blackthorn," she called.

Ava turned, her dark eyes settling on Juniper with calm curiosity. "Professor Merriweather."

"You didn't tell anyone you were coming back," Juniper said, her tone more frustrated than she'd intended. "I thought—" She hesitated, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Never mind. You're here now."

Ava tilted her head slightly, amused despite herself. "Missed me, Professor?"

Juniper scoffed, though the color rising in her cheeks betrayed her. "Someone had to keep your Slytherins in line."

The teasing faded as Juniper's expression softened, her voice quieting. "But really… are you all right?"

Ava hesitated, her first instinct to brush the question aside. But something in Juniper's steady gaze made her pause. "I will be," she admitted, the words holding more honesty than she intended.

Juniper nodded slowly, as though assessing Ava's answer. "Good. You better be."

By the afternoon, Ava was back in her classroom, standing before a group of attentive seventh-year students. She moved deliberately, her voice calm and controlled as she explained the properties of alchemical runes. Her hands, however, were unsteady as she picked up her wand to demonstrate a simple transmutation spell.

"Observe carefully," she instructed, focusing intently on the small stone carved with a few runes before her.

She whispered the incantation, but nothing happened. A second attempt brought only a faint spark, the stone remaining unchanged. Ava lowered her wand, her fingers curling tightly around the handle as whispers began to stir among the students.

"Professor?" one student asked cautiously.

"It's nothing," Ava said curtly, straightening. "Continue your notes."

Her magic was still fractured, her reserves depleted. She could feel it like an ache in her chest—a hollow space where her strength used to be. She flexed her fingers to hide the faint tremor, forcing herself to carry on as though nothing had happened.

That evening, Ava sat at her desk, papers scattered before her as she attempted to grade assignments. Her quill hovered above the parchment, but her focus faltered, her energy drained.

The soft creak of the door startled her. She glanced up to see Juniper, standing awkwardly with what seemed to be a steaming mug held in her hands.

"I didn't mean to interrupt," Juniper said, her voice lighter than usual. She hesitated, then stepped forward and set a steaming mug on Ava's desk. "You looked like you could use this."

Ava frowned slightly, surprised. "What is it?"

"Just tea," Juniper replied with a shrug. "Something to help you rest. Don't overthink it."

Ava's brow lifted, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she wrapped her hands around the warm mug. She could feel Juniper's gaze lingering, as though she wanted to say something more.

Juniper shifted on her feet, glancing toward the door. "You don't have to do everything alone, you know."

Ava's smile faded into something softer, her fingers tightening around the mug. She watched as Juniper turned and left, her footsteps fading down the corridor.

For the first time in weeks, the warmth from the tea seeped deeper than her hands.