A Time For A Change

Ah, so they're doing this immediately. It would make sense, really. Also, the sooner this is done, the sooner this can be put behind them. "I don't mind at all," she says softly.

Quietly, she takes a seat as Severus does what he needs to do. It's not that she's being held hostage, by any means, but she knows she cannot go anywhere or do anything just yet. She knows her animals are fine, but she still worries about being gone too long. Indeed, she really needs a House Elf!

Lost in her musings, her head pops up when Severus returns to the living room. Smiling a bit, she rises and comes straight toward him. There is still one more thing to be done.

"Before we go, let me connect you to this place, so that you'll know if anyone is approaching while we're gone. Breathe deeply." Taking out her wand, she gently rests the tip against his sternum. Closing her eyes, she lets him feel her intent, her energy coursing through her, as well as through her ebony wand.

Her mouth works soundlessly a moment, her eyes still closed, and then Severus will feel a very interesting sensation: the wards are flowing through is body--both bubbles, with the, 'flavor,' of the early autumn air, all the scents that go with it, and the temperature. He will be able to discern everything, as it will touch him as innately as these sensations touch his heart. The bubble travels through his chest and out his back before going back to its original position outside. Then, the next bubble follows suit--strong where it needs to be, soft where it is allowed. Much as the first, it travels, unseen, through his chest and out his back, like a breath of fresh autumn air.

It took the span of only a few deep, full breaths, and it is done. Severus will be a bit more cognizant about the life around him, but it won't be intrusive at all. Smiling warmly up at him, watching him take this in, she now nods.

"Now we're ready." Coming to the front door, she heads outside, a calm surety in her step. It's getting much later, and the world has that lovely evening scent to it. Waiting patiently for him, she holds out her arm for him to take, guessing that he will likely Apparate them away. Though, she supposes they could walk.

Severus, about to leave, and he stopped as Avalon reminded him that the wards needed to be completed before they left.  He stood very, very still as she pulled out her wand and touched the tip to his chest.  He felt a surge of near-panic at the sensation and reminded himself that this was needed for the wards and that even though he felt that her intent was for his benefit, old trials, memories and instinctive reactions are sometimes slower to fade into the past.  He could not recall a time where someone actually had touched their wand to his physical body.  It was unnerving at the best of times.

He nodded as she told him what to expect, then closed his eyes.  This was quite fascinating and he wanted to feel every sensation, both physically and mentally.  As the spell began to weave within him, the smell, feel and even taste of the autumn season pulsed through is body and out his back.  This was a very pleasant experience though quite intense.  Just as he was about to open his eyes, another sensation pulsed through his body, this one even more intense than the last and he gasped.  The second sensation was extremely powerful yet there were places within his psyche that were gentle, subtle, soft and sensual.  He felt those sensations roil and rush through him.  Coupled with the autumn "flavor" and though intense, he continued to keep his eyes closed.

Something else happened to Severus that he had never experienced before as well.  There was a definite sense of Avalon as a person in the warding spell that she cast upon him.  There was a subtle sense that this was not intended..........but he nevertheless sensed a deep feminine strength, humor, a mischievousness that bordered on child-like playfulness and a smoldering sensuality that longed to be set free.  He also sensed that she was extremely loyal yet with that loyalty, longed to be free as well..........but always wanting to come back to something solid, loving and safe...................home.  

This exchange was totally unbidden from Severus' perspective but what it did to his mind AND body were intense.  He knew in the depth of his being that the woman that was Avalon was a perfect match for a woman he would want in his life.  And his body, reacted to that emotional and mental intimacy unexpectedly...........and much to his chagrin.  He hadn't expected THAT reaction and hadn't experienced such a lack of control for several decades.  His body instinctively desired to claim that which was a perfect match for him.

Opening his eyes after the spell had been completed, he shifted his body so he was a bit more comfortable, if at all possible and cleared his throat in an attempt to bring his mind and body back to business.  Closing his cloak around him lest he totally embarrass himself he stepped back and looked intently at Avalon.

"That was some of the most impressive and intense magic I have experienced.  The experience was reminiscent of performing bondings for others and the weaving of an unbreakable vow with another person.  Very complex and very deep.  And.............I shall remind the Order that had you wished me ill, you could have killed me instantly.  But it appears that I am alive and well.  Thank you for sharing your skills on my behalf."

He smiled softly at her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder to lead her outside........but as he was a gentleman, he wanted her to exit the home first as she was to lead the way.  It also served to give him some time for his body to behave itself.

Interestingly, there has been a good deal of magic at play, and Avalon has been the caster. She's not yet been the recipient of any of Severus' magic, really, and so he's had a good sense of her, but she still knows only little of his own being. In time, she knows that will change, but she can sense that he knows more about her, now, than what she usually shows a person, so soon.

It isn't that she's uncomfortable. Far from it. She simply doesn't know...what all he senses from her. She's made it a point, in her life, to only show certain people certain things from herself, but not the whole picture.

Then again, even though you can tell a great deal from a person's magical signature--wards, especially, are the essence of a person--you can hardly know them at all. One might know their personality, but the details can still be vague. Oddly, she takes comfort in this, though she doesn't quite know why. Surely, if she allows herself to think more on it, she would know, but she pushes all of that aside.

Once the warding spells left her, she no longer had contact with them. As such, she didn't get a sense of Severus, in return. Again, she is content with this, for the time being--content to observe Severus. By nature, she is always wary, and allows herself only small glimmers of sight into another; as much as she wants to see, and nothing more. This has been a learned skill. Experience has taught her well, in its myriad forms.

After he readjusts after the experience, her brows rise as he speaks. A small smile comes to her features, and she nods. He is correct, indeed.

"Thank you for your trust. Yes, you are alive and well. Ah, and you are most welcome. I know you love this place, and now you have an extension of yourself, looking out for it. Oh, and I should say that if anything DOES happen to your home--I would never rule out the possibility, though it is slim as hell--if, someone, say, was chipping away at my wards for five years, and somehow broke through and set it on fire: no harm would come to you. You wouldn't feel the flames or anything of the sort, so don't worry." She feels quite confident in that, indeed.

In her mind, she likes to think of everything as much as she can. If she has a what-if, later, she will adjust her wards to accommodate the new worry. Everything compounds over time, making her wards...rather impenetrable, if she does say so.

When they're both outside, she takes a look around them. Of course, after the work they've done, they could be picked off easily, outside the wards. Her perception is excellent, however, and she is always on alert, anyway.

"Apparate or walk?" She asks softly, when he's ready. Looking around casually, she senses nothing, and feels fairly much at ease. Looking at him, she knows this is going to be intense. It's not exactly going to be a friendly interrogation. They'll want to be sure she isn't Alecto, and they're going to be harsh with their intent, to be sure. Instinctively, she's tensing up, and she sighs inwardly.

"I'd like to apparate if you don't mind.  I prefer a quick trip there and perhaps after this ordeal is over, we could have a casual walk back.  I know you have your animals to tend do..........oh and Minky says she knows of a house elf looking for employment.  It is a relative of the Potter elf, Kreacher.  The elf is a female and seems to have a knack for cooking and sewing.........if that interests you.  I shall tell Potter to send the elf to you for interview if that suits you.  To Hogwarts then.  I shall meet you there."

With a quick nod of his head, he twisted quickly and almost instantly was at the gates outside the massive castle.  He pursed his lips in concentration and very soon, he heard the cracking sound of someone apparating close to him.  Avalon appeared by his side and she also looked a bit grim.  She knew what was in store but Severus would damn well make sure that she was treated as gently as possible or they would answer to him personally.

Entering the gates and walking up to the great doors for the second time in 24 hours, he noticed that they were slightly ajar.  They were expected. As they both entered the the large foyer, Kingsley and Potter met them with a nod.  They too looked grim.

They all acknowledged each other with a polite nod but no words were spoken.  As they walked towards the hidden door leading to the headmistresses quarters, Severus noticed that Kinglsey and Potter flanked Avalon on both sides.  They were taking no chances with her OR Severus' life.  He had to be flattered on one hand, but then again, they didn't know her like he did.......especially after talking to Minerva and the warding spells he just experienced.

The password to the Headmistresses quarters was spoken and they mounted the upward bound spiral staircase.   Severus felt his stomach clench as it always did when entering these rooms.  He took a deep breath as they approached the large oak door and this too was ajar.  They were indeed expected.

Harry, Avalon and Kingsley walked through the door and Severus entered the large room after them.  Minerva was there watching and her face looked grim until she spotted Avalon.  She immediately smiled and held out her hands to embrace the woman as she entered.

"Oh look at you!  I am so glad you are alive and well.  I was nearly faint with worry for you all these years.  Bless you but I am glad you are alive."

She held her back to make an appraisal of Avalon and she nodded her approval.

"You are wonderfully intact and I am so grateful!"

She then cast a surreptitious look at Harry and Kingsley and then scowled.

"These fellows here have some necessary work to do Avalon and I'm so glad you decided to come.  I vouched for your distaste of the Dark Arts and anything associated with them, but these are still troubling times and we must be sure.  Please sit down and make yourself as comfortable as you can my dear."

She turned and walked up to her desk and turned over a large hour glass and looked at Severus.

"Severus the Veritaserum if you please.  And I will conduct this meeting if you don't mind.  But you may each ask one question.  We will be here for approximately 2 hours so there will be no doubt of your concerns for polyjuice potion.  Also the veritaserum will last longer than that if I am not mistaken, so please tread lightly after this meeting is over."

She held out her hand and Severus handed her the small bottle that had been in his cloak pocket.  Looking at the bottle and then the label before cracking the seal on the stopper, she pointed her wand at a small feather on her desk and tapped her wand to it.  It immediately transformed into a glass of cold pumpkin juice.  She then tipped the bottle so that three drops of Veritaserum dripped into the juice.  Looking at Severus who gave her a nod that the three drops was sufficient.  She stoppered the bottle, handed it back to Severus and then held out the goblet to Avalon.

"To your and our health Avalon my dear.  Please forgive old war weary fools."

A House Elf! Oh, fantastic! She hopes the little one is kind, and doesn't come from a house of high expectations of what her mistress should be like. "Yes, please, Severus--that would be fantastic."

She takes the merest moment to heave a huge sigh after Severus Disapparates. Taking just one moment, she follows him, appearing in front of the castle a moment later.

It's no secret that she loves this place. Absolutely loves it. The castle, to her, is like an extension of her home. With its many secrets, she loves it as though it were her own.

She crosses the threshold with a light heart, but it quickly becomes heavy when she sees the expressions on Harry's and the Minster's respective faces. For some reason, she feels as though she's under arrest, escorted by a pair of Aurors into the castle for interrogation. So fucking serious... This chafes Avalon to no end, even though she knows it's necessary. The weight of the silence is too heavy, and it furthers her irritation, but she bears it. To do otherwise would be folly. Still...Harry and Kingsley are close. Too close. She's feeling boxed in, and a part of her wants to turn and lash out at them, verbally, physically, or magically--and yes, she could do it--but she won't. Concentrate, she tells herself.

It's been awhile since the griffon leapt aside for her to lead her to the Headmaster's--Headmistress', in this case--office. She has to marvel at this part, and it is a wonderful distraction. Standing at the very end of the staircase, she knows there's a spell to keep people from falling over the ledge, but still, she watches below as they rise. Truth be told, she wants to fuck with Harry and Kingsley and pretend to teeter over the edge. If she knew them just a bit better...she would, just to be an ass.

Oh, but then, the ride is over, and she strides forward through the doors. Then, she sees Minerva...and she crumbles. With lips trembling slightly, she walks quickly to her friend and gives her a huge hug, trying to bite back the inward shame she feels at the indignity of this. "I've missed you," she says thickly, and blinks back the tears that threaten to fall.

She feels like she's in trouble. At once, she feels apologetic to Minerva, as though she's silently asking her to bail her out, when she's done nothing wrong. However, at the phrase, 'wonderfully intact,' she has to chuckle.

As her friend continues, she blushes. She wouldn't quite say that she has a distaste of the Dark Arts... She knows them, yes. In most cases, it is because she wants to understand them so she combat them. Yet, at the same time, she is a Slytherin, and there will always be a draw to darker or forbidden things. It's knowledge, and the Dark Arts have their place. It would be more accurate to say that she has a distaste for most who practice the Dark Arts, as there are very few responsible practitioners out there. Again, she says none of this, as it wouldn't be wise, otherwise.

With another sigh, she moves to the couch and sits down in the middle, fully expecting to be flanked, again. Ah, yes...here come Kingsley and Harry. Sitting on the edge of the cushion, spine rigid, excellent posture, she waits, watching the goings on.

Oh, hell...two hours, with the others only asking one question each. It's going to be a long two hours. Grousing hugely, her jaws are set.

Ooh, pumpkin juice! At least this is going to taste decent! Yes, she's looking at it as though it's a treat. She'll take what she can get, that's for damn sure.

"Indeed, Professor," she says softly as she takes the goblet, "We're all old war-weary fools, are we not? For all I know, you lot could have lured me here to question me over any details of my life, any involvements I may have had, or any secrets that I rather need to keep for work." Meaning Gringott's, she looks at Severus pointedly, as he is the only one who knows that particular secret.

Feeling rather righteously pissed off, she upends the the drink and downs the lot of it--just to be sure they know she's not holding back by taking sips here and there. No, she has no qualms about drinking it all in one go. So be it.

"All right! Let the Witch-hunt begin, so to speak," she says, rather cooly, putting the goblet back down on the table before leaning back into the couch and folding her hands primly in her lap. Still, she is glad this is Minerva, and she knows she bears her no ill will.

"Are you Alecto Carrow?" Asks the Headmistress.

"No," Avalon states simply.

"State that your name is Minerva McGonagall."

Oh, here we go... "My name is..." Here, her face contorts slightly as she tries. Of course, the Veritaserum will not allow it, but a perverse part of her wants to try. She tries to believe it, and there is a definite challenge in her eyes as she looks at the Headmistress. Minerva just sighs and shakes her head.

"State your name."

"My name is Avalon Tremain." Yes, she left out her first name, as she goes by her middle. To her, it is natural, and the Veritaserum allows it.

"Your name is Avalon Tremain?" Says Minerva, going through the necessary identification process.

"Yes." For fuck's sake, yes. At a thought, Avalon smirks, "For the record, when the Veritaserum wears off, at the first opportunity I get, I have the intention to say that my name is Wanky McTitterbollocks."

Minerva pinches the bridge of her nose. Oh, this is how it's going to go... Time to take her down a notch before she gets too out of hand and the lads raise their hackles.

"When I was in St. Mungo's...I was trying to move a cup of water, but I couldn't quite manage it, because my hands were shaking. What happened next?"

Instantly, Avalon's countenance falls, and she sobers. "I moved it for you, and you got irritated with the situation. Frustrated, more like."

"What did I say that I wanted to be?" Minerva asks, and tears come to Avalon's eyes once more.

"Worthy." She hates that she's getting emotional, and her body tenses.

"Why did I say that?"

"You...wanted to be self-sufficient...and I told you that you were so worthy, so full of merit, that others wish to do things for you--to help you--because we care about you so much." There's a giant frog in her throat, but she swallows it down.

"What happened after that?"

"You were tired. I asked if I could stay there and hold your hand--I told you that you didn't have to entertain me, for Merlin's sake. I just wanted to be there. You nodded. So...I held your hand as you fell asleep." Avalon was so scared that Minerva was going to die. Dredging this all up is killing her.

Yes, a Slytherin can feel so fond of a Gryffindor. Minerva helped her so much, in school. Avalon was never a bad kid, but she was brilliant, and there came a bit of arrogance with it. After a brief, but sharp talking-to, Minerva was the only professor--aside from Headmaster Dumbledore, himself--who could get her to toe the line, and Avalon adored her for that. Minerva gave a damn enough to stand up to Avalon when she needed it most.

Severus sat down on the edge of Minerva's desk, ignoring the swift scowl she gave him for the intimacy with her office furniture.  He didn't care at this point and just wanted the 2 hours to be finished.  He surmised that Avalon was seething inside, as he would be as well...........

He watched Harry and Kingsley sit next to Avalon and he could feel her anger.........but she kept her mouth still, until the questions started.  He listened carefully to make sure that Avalon was under the influence of the potion and that the potion was working properly but also to make sure that she was doing as best as she could under the trying circumstances.  He was extremely composed and no matter what he heard, his face would be a blank slate until he heard..........................

Wanky McTitterbollocks???!!!  

A loud guffaw burst from his chest at the name and he looked down at his boots while shaking his head chuckling.  He would surely remember THAT name and filed it away for future reference.  Looking up, Potter was grinning and Kingsley was smirking.  

::Good job Avalon.  Lighten the fucking mood!!::

The harder questions began to come and Severus learned more than he would have imagined about the time Minerva was in the hospital.  No wonder the witches were fond of each other.  They were also very much alike, Minerva and Avalon.  Neither one of them might outwardly admit to it, but they had strong similarities to be sure.

There was a pause in Minerva's questions as the depth of the anguish both had endured when Minerva had nearly died came to the surface.........each tending to their own feelings now and to regain composure.

Harry turned to Avalon and asked, "Do you wish Severus Snape any harm?"

Avalon's countenance is grave. She's feeling agitated, for more than one reason. She doesn't mind being up in front of just a few, or many, when it comes to more impersonal matters. However, when she is the subject of conversation, she clams up, and doesn't like to speak whatsoever.

Not talking about herself has saved her life on more than one occasion, she surmises. The less people know, the better. If she were carefree back in her school days, being all jovial and conversational about her Muggle family would have eventually gotten her killed--and she damn well knew it back then, as well.

Then there are the other things, but she won't even touch on those. Let sleeping dogs lie. Forget. Well, no, she can't forget. Ever. In truth, she will never forgive, and she will never forget, but at least she has the mental capability of putting it in this null space in the back of her mind where it sleeps, dormant, most days. The times she allows herself to think about it all--every single transgression--she gets outrageously angry, and has to take herself away for awhile before it simmers back down.

At any rate, she doesn't talk about herself. Not if she can help it. She's certainly not one to volunteer information. Only under certain circumstances will she answer such personal things.

Like now. Under Veritaserum. Proving her identity to the Minster for Magic, the Head of the Auror department, the Headmistress of Hogwarts, and the former Headmaster of Hogwarts--formerly her fellow Slytherin House resident.

She has to remind herself of the reasoning for all this. They need to know she didn't kill the butcher in Hogsmeade. There IS an actual crime afoot, and so she will follow due process.

Looking at Harry when he asks his question, she shakes her head and responds quietly, "No." She knows to keep her answers simple. If there are any minor caveats or anecdotes, she doesn't say them. For one, she doesn't want anything to dilute her answer. For another, she's not there to entertain them; there's still too much bite and edge in her for that.

Her countenance is composed, if a bit cool. She is all-business, and looks each of them in the eyes, waiting for the next question. Expressionless, she raises her brows.

Severus straightened up slightly and narrowed his eyes.  Avalon had changed moods slightly and he was acutely aware of the change.  He wondered what had been going through her mind so suddenly............from making a joke about her name, to her dour and almost angry energy.

He watched her closely when Kingsley asks his question.

Kingsley turned to look at Avalon and asked her, "Have you ever been in league with any Death Eaters and/or worked with or for Lord Voldemort in the past 5 years?"

Severus held his breath in anticipation of the answer.

Even with the quip about her name, there was an undertone of crispness. Wondering how many questions they might ask in two hours, she's already thinking about her escape. However, patience is definitely one of her fortes. She will weather this, like all else.

Now, she turns her attention to the Minster with the deep voice. She actually rather likes him, but under the circumstances, her shields are up. True, she has nothing to hide in regards to their line of questioning, but she doesn't trust it won't deviate.

"No," she answers simply, but with an earnestness to the word that has gravity.

At a thought, she wants to cast the aguamenti spell into the goblet and have Severus put a bit more Veritaserum in it...for the other four to share. After all, they are all familiar to each other, and she's being questioned because she's unknown. Well, two are unknown to her--nearly three--and perhaps she has some questions of her own.

She says nothing of what's on her mind, and keeps her mental images quiet. It's been mentioned once before that she has quite the poker face, and it serves her well. Sitting as still as a stone, the only things that move are her eyes. Another thought has her looking up into the portraits.

"Any questions from the portrait gallery?" She would have said, 'peanut gallery,' but she refrained.

"You are, I believe...a Muggle-born?" Turning her head toward the voice, she recognizes the speaker: a Headmaster from Slytherin House, long ago. Phineas, perhaps? Phineas Nigellus Black? Looking at him, she wonders if his feathers are ruffled that one slipped through the cracks and infiltrated his precious House.

"Yes," she says with a grim, satisfied smile. She can't tell if he's pleased with her or if he finds her distasteful. Either way, she pays it no mind--unless his portrait can link to others that could pose problems for her. "You are, I believe...bound by confidentiality?" She asks, with the same tone and inflections he used.

"Yes," says the man in the portrait, his eyes glinting with something akin to amusement. Oh, Avalon will go toe-to-toe with this one, any day. She feels ready for a fight, and tenses for one.

However, he seems satisfied, as though she passed a test. He no doubt approves of her keeping her answers to a minimum. Avalon looks at Albus, wondering if he has anything to say.

"Hello, Avalon," he says warmly, kindly.

"Hello," she says softly, feeling herself disarm in the face of kindness. She misses Albus. She owes him a great deal. Her life, her sanity, her freedom, and probably more than that.

"How is your house coming along?" He asks, trying to smooth the tension and deescalate Avalon, because he does know her.

"I can't think of anything more to add or change at the moment," she says, relaxing marginally, but still guarded.

Quietly watching the scene unfold before him, Severus felt a stab of intense annoyance with Phineas Nigellus Black as he asked his question about Avalon's bloodline.  In Phineas's time, bloodline was everything but now, Albus and those in the Order had worked hard to make bloodlines secondary or even less when managing new students at Hogwarts.

Severus could just imagine what she had to live through, being a muggle-born Slytherin.  She would have had to learn discretion at its highest form in order to survive.  He understood that trait exceptionally well.  He smiled inwardly at her answer to him..............calling him out about confidentiality!  ::Good for you Avalon!::

Albus to the rescue!  Severus breathed a sigh of relief at his warmth and hoped that he could soothe Avalon.  The energy he felt from her was tight, edgy and intense.  Albus continued to speak with Avalon, as he always liked her and was impressed with her.  Albus always knew Avalon would do well and always wished the best for her.

"I am very pleased to hear your house is finished."  Looking around the room over his glasses, his face posed a query that, when he had THIS look on his face, he meant to be heard AND understood.

"I am assuming that there were questions that you all had of Avalon that necessitated using Veritaserum?  How unfortunate you didn't think of me first.  I can vouch for Avalon, her past and present.  As I said only one time before, I would trust Avalon with my life, when I was alive.  Perhaps you all forgot that I can not lie in my portrait?  Now, perhaps you can all stop wasting Avalon's AND our time and move along.  Shooooo!"

Albus then looked through is glasses and smiled sweetly and blinked.

Severus looked around the room.  He had completely forgotten about Albus in this form and was mentally kicking himself for not thinking of it so Avalon could have been sparred this indignity.  He spoke up quickly at that point then.

"Well, THAT certainly ends any speculation, concerns or troubling thoughts I would think!  Does anyone here have ANY other concerns.  Avalon has proven herself to all of us and endured quite enough."

Minerva looked around the room as did Kingsley and Harry.

"Well I am satisfied that Avalon is an upstanding member of our community and bears no ill will to Severus and nor is she Alecto Carrow in another form.  I am comfortable ending this matter now."  Kingsley then stood and folded his cloak around him as if this signaled the end of the meeting.

Harry stood as well and looked at Avalon.

"Errmmmmmm, I hope you understood that we needed to know if you were OK........and that you weren't Alecto.  I hope you're not upset with us."

Minerva stood and walked over to Avalon and stood near her.  "Now will you all leave her be?  Just leave her be!  Off with the lot of you!"

Severus walked over to Avalon and had no look on his face whatsoever.  His face was a blank.

"Would you like me to accompany you to your home Avalon?  I give you my apologies for all you have had to endure in the last 24 hours on my behalf."

He looked at Harry and Kingsley and made a simple statement.  "Catch her soon."  

Kingsley and Harry nodded, knowing they had their work cut our for them to catch Alecto soon before she could disrupt any more lives............or take any more lives.

Dear Albus… Her eyes feel hot with unshed tears as he basically hands her her independence—much in the way he did, all those years ago; when she could have been detained and questioned, he simply…lets her go, with his blessing.

She owes him so much. Her life. Her sanity. Her freedom. All of that, if not more. She misses him a great deal. They would sometimes talk at length about her house, her plans. He is the only one she’s ever told the extent of her story. Not even Minerva knows half of it. She doesn’t fault Severus for Albus’ death. She knows that there was a great deal more afoot.

Perhaps she could return to the Headmistress’ office, just to talk to him. No doubt she’ll be returning to speak to Minerva, in time, but she would really like to talk to Albus. She doesn’t mind if the other portraits overhear them. Or, perhaps they could clear off.

At any rate, she sits as still as a statue as they all look at each other, now. No one seems to have anything more to say. She knows quite well that words fail her in this moment.

When Kingsley speaks, she looks at him quietly, and nods in acknowledgment. Dismissed. Meeting adjourned. Case closed. Verdict: not guilty. That is what she hears.

Guilty until proven innocent, or innocent until proven guilty, however? She doesn’t let her mind think too much on it. No, that is not something she wants to mull over, in the slightest.

When Harry approaches, she nods once more, “It’s all right, Harry. I understand. You lot needed to know that I am, in fact, who I say I am, and you needed to know my character. I would have done the same thing, if I were in your position.” This is certainly true enough. She will always be fair. Plus, she’s still under Veritaserum, so she can’t lie, anyway.

Ah, and now Minerva comes to her rescue, and Avalon gives a bit of a smile, “It’s all right, Professor. Really.” Yes, she’s trying to de-fuse the Headmistress; not for the sake of the others, but for her own. She doesn’t want the elder Witch on the war path; it always unsettles Avalon when others get worked up. Perhaps it’s a defense mechanism. She’ll be the peacekeeper at all costs.

Swallowing, it’s then that Severus closes in, as well, and she’s feeling more than slightly overwhelmed, as well as surrounded. Smiling a little more, she shakes her head and tries to appear calm and gracious, “I’ll be fine, Severus, but thank you. Don’t worry, all is well. We’ll be in contact soon.” She wants him to know that all is well between them.

Oh…but those three words catch her attention: catch her soon. Just like that, a switch is flipped in Avalon’s mind, and she stills, centering herself. Ideas swarm her mind, and she stares sightlessly ahead of her for a moment. She has an advantage: she can think like a Slytherin.

She can suddenly feel Albus’ eyes on her. Risking a glance up at him for a split second, she quickly looks away. If he doesn’t already know, he will. Finding her voice once more, it is clear and all-business.

“I should thank you lot for a relatively painless evening. It could have been a lot worse, under the circumstances. Headmistress, Minister, Harry, and Severus, goodnight. Headmaster, thank you—for always—and I will no doubt see you later. To those of you in the portraits I haven’t met, I look forward to it. Ah, and Headmaster Black…until next time.” Smirking up at him, specifically, she then turns on her heel, her long legs carrying her swiftly toward the door, until Albus calls her back.

“Avalon…”

The Witch turns around, brows raised in silent question.

“Do not go looking for a fight…and do not try to lure Alecto to you,” the former Headmaster warns.

Without a word, expressionless, Avalon turns and sweeps out of the room, her strides quick and purposeful. Ah, so he had guessed. Unfortunate. Now, what to do? Weaving through the halls of the castle, she could certainly Apparate home directly after going through the outer gates. Or, she could take a walk into Hogsmeade. Check in on the shop. Then, take a long, leisurely stroll home…

Back in the Headmistress’ office, Albus is rubbing his temples and sighing. “I highly suggest you do catch Alecto soon…before Avalon does. I do not doubt her skills—she is capable of capturing and holding Alecto. Let’s just say that her wards are…inventive. Still, there should probably be Aurors, there. Unless we’re not exactly worried about legality, then…Avalon can handle it, entirely.” Brows rising, he clears his throat, trying to ignore the slightly scandalized look Minerva is giving him. “At any rate, I would also suggest that you utilize, her talents for the Order.”

The small group of people now standing in the room after Avalon left, watched her back as she nearly fled from the room.  Harry, Kingsley, Severus and Minerva then looked at one another and then at Albus.  Albus looked over his glasses at them once again and nodded.

"Yes, she will do as she pleases and will attempt to lure Alecto to her.  I suggest Aurors be placed around her shop discreetly.  She will not appreciate the protection but she is in extreme danger.  Suggesting protection does not reflect on any weakness on her part.  I dare say she could best all of you, yes even you too Severus, in a dual.  She has formidable power and is brilliant, which makes her extremely dangerous.  You will not be able to find her home as it is protected.  I could not even find her home and indeed I looked for it long ago.  But the good news is that Alecto will not discover it's location either.   Take care of her.  Her skills and talents would be a perfect fit for the Order.  The war may be over, but you need her."

With that, Albus appeared to fall asleep and snored softly.

Harry looked at Kingsley and Severus, nodded once and left the room after bowing his head in honor to Minerva.  Kingsley left and Severus stood alone with Minerva, who looked up at Severus while placing a hand on his arm.

"You will do what is right of course Severus.  Be discreet and careful.  She is like my daughter."

Severus nodded and swept from the room, his mind in a mode he hadn't felt since the last days of the war. Sweeping through the castle and exiting the gates, he immediately apparated to Hogsmeade and walked quickly to the Apothecary Shop.  There were no lights on in the shop and it looked empty.  As it was early evening when the lanterns and lights in all the Hogsmeade shops were beginning to flicker on, he walked past the shop and hoped he would see some lights.  Seeing no movement inside, he walked to the Three Broomsticks and entered.  Looking around quickly he then walked to the bar and sat down.  Rosmerta was not there this evening and a wizard approached him while cleaning a glass.

"Sir?"

"Fire whiskey on ice please."

As soon as the drink arrived, he drank it down in one gulp and set the glass down on the bar.  He needed to think.  Since Alecto was after him, could he lure her out before she could find Avalon?

Making a sudden decision, he stood and left the bar after leaving a galleon on the bar top.  Walking out into the early evening, he started to walk home, slowly while singing loudly.  He pulled his wand out and tucked it up his sleeve with a firm grasp on it, hoping for an attack.

This has gone on long enough. Alecto will carry on, study them, and then pick her time and place for her target--or targets--with too much information in her favor. Beating her to the punch would be optimal. There's no sense in dragging it out, and Avalon bloody well knows she capable of handling this, herself.

The others are Gryffindors. They think they know what to expect, from Slytherins--and Slytherins, knowing Gryffindors, will anticipate their every move. Severus is innovative enough to where he might try his own path, and Avalon decides this is not optimal. Alecto only anticipates the one Slytherin opponent in Severus and what he might do...but has no idea about the second Slytherin, making the white-haired Witch the best candidate to take this head on.

With enough energy as she has, she knows her course. Everything is ready, on her part. If the others aren't ready, that's fine. They can catch up.

Apparating briefly home, she knows her animals will be fine. In the event of her death, the wards will lift, and that will create a hell of a light show of magic un-working itself, drawing people to the place so that her menagerie will be found. They'll be fine. No, she came back to her home for a different reason. It may be early evening, but it is still growing ever darker, earlier. It will be dark, soon, and as such, Avalon quickly changes into all black clothing, including a black skull cap to hide her shock of white hair.

With one very important item in one hand, she then goes outside and casts her Patronus with the other. Smiling almost lovingly at the dragon as it lunges from her wand, it then turns to face her, and she strokes its snout, feeling the energy roiling from it.

"You are the hound. I am the hunter. Find Alecto, my darling." The dragon flaps its great wings and soars away. Smiling grimly, Avalon kicks off, as well.

***

Back in Hogsmeade, night is falling, and Harry is just finishing putting Aurors on watch over the Apothecary when he sees--or, rather, hears Severus. Singing? What in the ABSOLUTE hell?! He just came from The Three Broomsticks. He can't have gotten that drunk, that quickly!

"Sev? Hey! Sev!" Trotting up to Severus, he puts a hand on his shoulder, looking around--because, as a typical Gryffindor, he has no knack for subtlety. "What the actual fuck are you doing?!" He murmurs urgently, his eyes shifting nervously.

Actually, he needn't ask. He thinks he knows. He's fairly certain, anyway. "Hey, let's just...go somewhere, yeah? Think this through a little bit more, maybe?" Severus is offering himself up as bait, and thinks he can just...do that. Jesus Christ-Merlin! "I think we need to not be daft right now. Can we please not be daft right now?"

Harry doesn't like this. There are too many variables. It's dark, there's a murderer out there, the rest of the Aurors are around the Apothecary, but at least they're still relatively close, there's a light coming toward them...

There's a light coming toward them?! Looking to the trees of the forest, Harry hears a woman scream, and his heart sinks. Holding on to Severus, he's ready to Disapparate him away if need be.

***

Avalon's Patronus makes a wide arc and starts to fly low over the forest, talons outstretched and flapping its great wings menacingly. That is Avalon's cue. Alecto has been found. She'd been pacing her Patronus about a quarter of a mile away astride her Firebolt, hovering far out to the side.

Now, she closes in from the front, while her dragon flushes Alecto out from behind. Her, 'hound,' is bringing Alecto straight to her, the hunter. Unfortunately, they're a bit close to Hogsmeade, but it can't be helped. Her Patronus looks almost real, and is snapping and snarling on Alecto's heels. Avalon smiles dispassionately as her dragon directs Alecto toward the road, giving Avalon a perfect shot.

Oh, damn...pedestrians. Wait, is that Severus?! Oh, and Harry, too, goddammit! Heaving a sigh, she hovers high in the air above them on her broom. The one very interesting thing about her dragon--besides its size--is that it actually looks like it breathes fire like a real dragon; except, this fire looks more like lightning, with it being pure white, just like the dragon, itself. At this moment in time, it lands on the ground, rears up, takes aim at Alecto, and oh, how she screams as the false lightning-fire careens toward her. Indeed, it's not Avalon screaming. It's Alecto. Avalon can hear her coming, and she waits almost nonchalantly as Alecto spills out from the forest and onto the road, stumbling and tripping as she goes.

"Stupefy!" Avalon calls out from her unseen perch, hovering on her Firebolt about fifty yards in the air. She hits her mark easily, but unexpectedly, there is a second set of lungs heard trying to flee from her dragon--and yes, her dragon is still very much on the attack. Interesting. Another form trips and falls onto the roadway, and Avalon Stupefys that one, as well.

Then, eerily, with its task of harrying and herding done, the dragon roars its flame skyward. Landing so that Severus and Harry will see her, Avalon trains her wand on both Stupefied, unconscious forms on the dirt road. One is, indeed, Alecto. The other is...pink...

"Dolores Jane Umbridge, you absolute skeasy bitch," Avalon intones to the unconscious woman. So, Alecto sought out Umbridge. This isn't a total surprise; if Alecto is like Bellatrix was, then it would make sense that the two sadistic bitches would form a bond.

"So," Avalon says, conversationally, "Do we keep them alive, or no?"

"Erm...yes. Alive," says Harry, still processing. Processing everything, really. Perhaps gaping a little.

"Really? You sure? It'd be a pity--it would be a lot less paperwork and angst if we just..." Avalon trails off as she hears the shouts of Aurors in the distance, closing in. Sighing, she wants no part of it. However, she won't leave until both Alecto and Dolores are properly taken away by the authorities.

So, she simply casts a spell on each, physically binding them with rope. Then, she disarms them with Expelliarmus, taking both their wands away and handing them to Harry. There...

"Ah, and Harry, I'm sincerely hoping you find evidence that links Alecto and Dolores to the butcher's death. That would definitely help me out--putting me in the clear for what just happened. Thanks." Smirking a bit, she then turns to Severus and winks.

Everything happened quickly from the moment that Harry grabbed Severus after hearing the woman's scream.  Severus roughly shrugged Harry off of him before they could apparate away, pulled out his wand and ran full speed in the direction of the scream.......only to stop up short at seeing Avalon's patronus..............then the amazing creature basically herding two people from the trees towards the street to............a figure in the sky.............and.................what the fuck??  Avalon??  It could ONLY be her.  Alecto and Umbridge????!!!!!  By the time Severus and Harry arrived at the scene, Avalon had the scene secured and the two women incapacitated.  He felt his eyes being drawn from Avalon to the women on the ground to the amazing patronus still heaving with excitement at the successful completion of its mission.

Just then the Aurors arrived in force, better late than never, and examined the bonds that were holding Alecto and Umbridge.  Severus pulled the bottle of Veritaserum out of his cloak pocket and handed it to Harry with a whispered, "You may need this."

"FUCKING BLOOD TRAITOR...................FUCKING PUTRID PIECE OF TRAITOROUS MUGGLE-LOVING SHIT."  Alecto was screaming at Severus now that the Stupefy spell had worn off enough for her to speak.  She was crazed.  As she screamed, spittle flew from her mouth but Severus stood his ground.  Umbridge made no sound at all but she didn't take her hateful, beady eyes off of Harry.

Harry was about to actually kick out at her and Alecto but Severus stopped him with a wave of his hand and a shake of his head.

"She is insane and not worthy of your energy.  Take her and this pink piece of dragon dung.  I believe that now, you may have enough on Delores to keep her in Azkaban this time Harry?"

Looking at Avalon, he grinned at the smile and wink as Harry and the Aurors packed the two women onto brooms and flew away into the night.

"Well done Avalon!  That patronus is an amazing piece of magic.  You are an amazing woman!!!  You should be in the Order Avalon."

He noted her black clothing and skull cap then looked around him and at the Three Broomsticks not far from them.  Witches and wizards who had come out of shops to see what the commotion was about, were now heading back to their respective tasks, murmuring loudly about what had just happened.

"Care to talk about it over Rosmerta's chicken dinner?"

Oh, my... Alecto is quite the piece of work, isn't she? Avalon stands guard, ready to hex either or both of them at a moment's notice. Really, she wishes Harry would have let her...take care of the matter. Permanently. She has no qualms, when it comes to protecting herself, or those she cares about.

Her brows rise when Harry's about to--aw, but Severus stops him. Pity. Of the two nefarious women, Avalon doesn't know who has it coming more.

Looking at Potter, Avalon smiles a bit. "Indeed, let's hope they both spend the rest of their lives, there. I think that would be best." Watching the Aurors get situated and head out, she's tempted to follow to make sure nothing happens along the way. Yet, she realizes she should trust Harry and a bunch of Aurors to know what they're doing. Should...

Ah, and alone at last. Smiling quietly at Severus' praise, she traipses over to her dragon and nuzzles it lovingly. Yes, it's a part of her, but it's its own entity, too. How can she not give it affection for a job well done?

"Thank you, Severus. If anything, Arawn--my dragon--would probably be a more fitting addition to the Order than I. He doesn't have a House affiliation, so he'll naturally be fine," she looks at the Wizard wryly. The dragon gives a bit of a shake, rather pleased with itself, before popping out of sight.

At the offer of dinner, she smirks. She's actually quite hungry, not having had anything since the ill-fated barbecue at Severus' earlier at lunch. Goodness, was that today? It was... A lot has happened, since then. Transfiguring her cap into a slate blue knitted scarf, she keeps the rest of her clothing as it is, but takes off her black gloves.

"I'd love to, actually." Smiling, she's not quite sure what to talk about, but she links her arm with his, anyway, and heads toward The Three Broomsticks. "I'm really, really hoping we're in time for this. I just. Want. Some goddamn chicken," she chuckles, imploring the universe to come through, just this once. "Ah, and let's go upstairs, also--I'm hoping no one recognizes me from what just happened; I don't feel like entertaining lookie-loos tonight. Or ever, for that matter."

Stepping into the pub, her first instinct is to want to hide behind Severus and let him do the talking, but she just bagged a couple of real assholes, so this should be easy, she reasons with herself. Politely, quietly, she asks Madam Rosmerta if there's a table available upstairs. The elder Witch seems only too happy to oblige. Curious at the other's behavior as she looks at Severus, Avalon looks at Severus, as well, before they're quickly led up to the quieter dining area.

Seated, settled, she sighs and looks out the window. It's actually empty up here, and for that, she is grateful. Looking at Severus once more, she smiles quietly.

"So, what would you like to talk about? I'm still under Veritaserum, so...have at," she teases him dryly.

All eyes turned to Severus and Avalon as they walked into The Three Broomsticks.  Severus hated to be noticed and gawked at so he was more than willing to move to an upstairs table area, which they pleasantly had to themselves.

Rosmerta winked at Severus before she turned and left but he ignored her and then turned his attention back to Avalon.

Severus smiled back at Avalon with a small smirk..........knowing full well that she was still under the influence of the Veritaserum.  He would, however, not take advantage of that fact as he didn't wish to ever do anything to give the impression that he was a cad.  He was quite the gentleman actually.................until committed.............then all gentlemanly ways went out the window if he had a willing partner.

"Yes I know you still have the Veritaserum running through your veins but I will not press the issue Avalon.  I wish for you to think well of me.  I DO want to let you know that your patronus is amazing.  What a grand piece of magic!"

At that time, Rosmerta came up with two large chicken dinners, mashed potatoes and gravy with fresh vegetables and home made bread.  She also brought them iced water.

"Is there anything else for you two?"

Severus shook his head and said, "We will call you if there's anything else, thank you."

Severus looked at the meal and realized how hungry he was..........as their previous meal had been interrupted.

After Rosmerta left, Severus dug into his food and yes, it was as good as everyone had stated.

"This is as good as I had heard.  Are you enjoying your meal?"

Just as he was going to engage in a conversation, Harry came upstairs and spotted them at their table.  He pulled a chair up to the table and sat down with them with a smirk.  Severus set his fork and knife down gently, wiped his mouth with his napkin and then looked at Harry as if he wanted to kill him, not for the first time.

"Will I EVER be able to enjoy a meal without you barging in Potter?"

He knew however that he had news.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhh..........sorry for me butting in Avalon but I wanted to tell you that Alecto did poison your food and Umbridge killed the butcher.  They were in league together to kill Severus here as well as me and my family.  They are the last of the scum that's out there Sev so you can finally relax.  All the rest are in Azkaban and will stay there.   Also I have formally asked to have the parole laws reviewed.  What just happened is a direct result of being "fair" gone too far in my opinion.  Erm.....................so the food looks great.  I hear Rosmerta cooks up a hell of a chicken dinner!"

Harry grinned and winked at Avalon and then looked innocently at Severus.  He was baiting him and he always enjoyed this game.  He loved to watch Severus squirm and get angry.  He always looked like he had an eye that would pop out.

As they get settled, Avalon can only chuckle. Severus really is quite sweet. At the mention of her dragon, she smiles widely.

"Ah, my dear Arawn. If only he were a flesh and blood dragon that I could ride and hug. That would be truly amazing. Ah--and my dear Severus, I already do think well of you, so do not fear that." Oh, and now...chicken. Yes. Yesss... Swallowing hungrily, she sits up in her chair, quite attentive. Once Madam Rosmerta leaves them, Avalon slides her eyes to her company.

"If I fall face-first into my food, just leave me there. I'll die happily. That, or I'll just absorb the food." Mouth watering, she tears into a bit of everything, very quickly slowing down, though--all the excitement having clamped down on her stomach so she can't eat as quickly as she might like. About to answer that she's very much enjoying her meal...suddenly, there's Potter.

"He really does pop 'round at mealtimes, doesn't he?" She asks, amused. At least Severus put his knife down, for goodness sake. Snorting at Harry's elegant opening, she continues taking bits of mashed potatoes, gravy, and chicken, and putting spoonfuls onto half a roll. Delightful!

Listening on to the lad's report, her chewing slows, and she raises an eyebrow. Interesting... Oh, sweet Merlin--Potter AND his family? Shudder-worthy. Her brows are furrowed and she's making a bit of a face at that. Indeed, she listens carefully...and smirks when Harry teases Severus. Oh, these two!

"It's delicious, Harry! Feel free to try and steal a couple of bites, but you're going to have to be quick, because I don't pause long, you might have to try your luck stealing a spoon from one of us, and Severus might take up his knife again. So...yes, be quick." Smirking, she looks between the One Who Wears Glasses and the One Who Glowers.

"Now, first, I don't know if that's the last of the scum, as you put it. Though the Death Eaters, themselves, are accounted for, there were many unmarked sympathizers who might still hold a grudge. So...I'm not going to rest easy or relax--and I'm sure it would behove Severus to do likewise." Sitting back in her chair, she folds her arms thoughtfully.

"Mm, and second, I'm glad--I didn't think too much of Hermione's catch-and-release program. Yes, in theory, it's a good idea. However, when dealing with the kinds of people we're dealing with, that kind of mentality just isn't going to hold water. When crimes are committed, there are consequences. Period. If you don't want to be in Azkaban, then don't fuck up." She's not going to apologize for her language. This is what she's like, and she's not going to bow and scrape and by mortified by the occasional--perhaps more than just occasional--profanity. "Yes, of course, I know there are exceptions--there always are. However, you have to know it when you see it." Albus did. Hermione and her crew? Not so much.

"I know Hermione has a good heart--and she's quite smart. Still, here's the thing: tell her to use her logic. That should snap her into focus. She needs to be a lot more cut and dry about this. If these people want to not be in Azkaban, then they needed to not be assholes and war criminals. No, Azkaban isn't a nice place, but tough shit. They should have thought about that when they tried to take over the goddamn world with a megalomaniac who wanted to kill everyone, along with a Ministry that wanted to enslave everyone." Shrugging, she sits back and crosses her arms for a moment...and then smiles rather grimly, "Mm, and if you don't want to tell her all that, I'd be only too happy to."

That's the truth. Hermione is brilliant, certainly, but her naïveté has made her blind, and it nearly cost Severus, Harry, Ginny, their child, and Avalon's lives. The white-haired Witch doesn't say as much, of course, as she doesn't want to offend Harry...but the look she gives him says it all. Of course, it wasn't Hermione, alone, who was behind this. She had quite a bit of backing from those who were all too ready to believe the born-again Death Eaters. Romanticists who perhaps took Severus' example and say that they can be changed. Some can, some can't, but you have to take a look at the entire picture, and have a damn good idea of what the individual's personality is really like. You have to be excellent at reading people. Perhaps administer some Veritaserum. Be a Legilimens... Heaving a sigh, she looks at them both.

"Look...I have no aspirations to join the Order. I don't. However, I get the distinct feeling that it might be best if I were there, anyway--seeing as you lot make a great many decisions that affect this little world of ours. Perhaps you could use a voice that tells it like it is. I don't think like others. I might come up with some angles or questions others might not think of...and in that case, I'd be happy to help."

Severus snorted in agreement and Harry laughed out loud at Avalon's "catch and release" line concerning the prisoners in Azkaban.  Harry quipped quickly, "I thought it was a lousy idea myself but once Hermione sets her mind on something, it's pretty hard to get her to let go of it.  You should have seen her with SPEW................well never mind.  It's a long story and you're eating."

Severus looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow at the word SPEW and then swallowing a mouthful of chicken he asked, "Don't you have someone else to annoy Potter?  Or a diaper to change.............or something Potter-like to attend to?"

Severus continued to eat while glowering at Harry, willing the lad to leave him be with Avalon so he could continue to get to know her.

Harry turned and winked again at Avalon and then stood.

"Well I believe that's my cue to leave.  Sev is such a charmer.  Good day Avalon."

He left then and he could be heard clunking down the stairs until he was gone.

Severus sighed and continued to eat but asked Avalon, "Where were we?  You were just telling me about your Patronus named Arawn.  How in the name of Merlin did you react when you first conjured that amazing creature?"

SPEW, hm? Avalon raises an eyebrow, but doesn't press the matter. It sounds like something vomit-related, and she doesn't want to think too much on that. Potter confirms that he'd rather not say while they're eating, and that's just fine with her.

Now, her attention shifts toward Severus. Something Potter-like? Goodness, what on earth would that entail? Sounds rather nebulous and foreboding, to her!

Snickering as Harry takes the hint from Severus, she sips from her glass of water and gives the younger lad a small wave. Oh, goodness...having these two in her life is going to be interesting. In fact, her usually quiet life has gotten much busier, lately.

"Until later, Harry. Beware the firehose factor of your son. I have no idea what else to say, other than that, but have fun with that." Cringing inwardly at such thoughts, there's no way she would want to be in his shoes at the moment. Hell, she'd linger around their table, too, if she were Potter.

When they're alone once more, she chuckles at Severus' question. Softening at the memory of it, she takes a deep breath. How to describe such a thing.

"Well, when I was thinking of my happy memory, I remember how I felt with that memory--that I could take on the world. I felt...powerful. The image of the dragon came to my mind, and it just...surged from my wand. It didn't take shape immediately; the white nebulous fog just kept pouring out of my wand, and I let it run its course. Then, all of a sudden, it unfurled its wings from around itself and soared." Staring off into space a moment, she comes back to herself, smiling a bit.

"I laughed triumphantly. I cried. Of course, I nearly pissed myself. I was terrified I wouldn't be able to duplicate him, but he kept coming back. He is...the best part of me," she says quietly.

"What about you?" She smiles, coming back to the present, "The raven--the smartest of all birds. That has to be quite pleasing." Sitting back in her chair, it's his turn to talk about himself.

Severus smiled in the shared joy of experiencing Avalon's first experience with her Patronus.  What a lovely memory that must have been for her.  Severus' was quite different...........and Avalon just asked him to reveal his experience.  Well, this could prove to be interesting but he will be honest with her.  

"Indeed, the Raven is the smartest of all birds, quite the problem-solver, befriends a rare few and loves to fly.  That is certainly me....now............. but that was not always the case.  My Patronus changed 2 years ago into the Raven."

Taking his wand out of his sleeve, he waved it while looking up at the ceiling and a huge, beautiful Raven flew from the end of his wand and flew about the room for a moment, then landed on Severus' outstretched arm.  He smiled quite fondly at the apparition and then whispered a soft suggestion to it.  The beautiful bird immediately flew out the nearest window and was gone into the rapidly approaching night.  He took a deep breath, and began his story.  It will come out in bits and pieces, but for now, he will keep his answer short.

"My Patronus for many, many years was a doe.  It is a very long and sad story about why my Patronus was such.  But now, I am pleased to have my Raven..........who I call Brandwen.  My Patronus is female.  Perhaps that is a vestige of my past.  I am unsure but whatever it may be, I am very pleased with my Brandwen.  She illustrates the best parts of me."

He finishes his water and then waited for his Patronus to return.............knowing full well that he will see Harry's soon.........after Brandwen relieves himself on him.

Listening to Severus describe his Patronus--as well as himself--she smiles softly. Ah, so his Patronus changed? That doesn't surprise her, really. She's heard that near-death experiences can sometimes change a person's Patronus, so she doesn't think much of it, more than that. There could be more to the story, but she doesn't realize it right away.

She grins when he casts the spell. For a time, that's what she pictured her Patronus might be. Severus seems quite comfortable with the bird, and really, it is a perfect extension of him. Watching as it flies away, her brows rise, wondering what errand it might be on.

As her companion continues, her brows rise once more. A doe? A long and sad story? She's heard bits and pieces--and several rumors--but never the whole story, before. She won't pry, however. Brandwen!

"Welsh! I know Branwen is close--it means, 'white crow.'" Lovely, indeed. Perhaps Brandwen and Branwen are similar.

Just then, a great stag Patronus enters the room, and Avalon tilts her head to the side as it flutters its tail over Severus' shoulder and...little pellets start to drop. Avalon's jaw drops, but she dares not say a word for a moment. That is, until she cannot contain herself any longer.

"Let me guess...that's Harry's?" Just then, Harry's voice comes from the stag.

"Avalon, I apologize if you're still there. You see, Sev's Patronus just flew in and pooped on my head. I was so distracted by that, that when I was changing my son's nappy, my son wet...right in my eye. So...this is just part of the retribution. There will be more coming. I just have to bide my time. Severus...you are a right arse, and at the first opportunity, you will be holding my naked son, and may he pee right in your mouth." With that, the stag prances off, rather primly.

Still blinking...Avalon then snorts before breaking into uncontrollable chuckles. Hiding her mouth behind her hand, the droppings are fading...but still. Trying to think of a way to be helpful, she shrugs.

"Well, look at it this way, you probably made Ginny laugh..."

Severus was just settling in for a wonderful dinner dialogue with the woman he was interested in getting to know better.  He nodded and smiled a bit.

"Yes, Brandwen is Welsh and it means white or beautiful raven.  I am very fond of her and she came to me while I was sitting by my lake, quite unexpectedly actually.  I was fishing one warm day and having horrid luck catching anything that was edible.  I thought my patronus might help me so I cast the charm and there she was.  She was about as good at fishing as I am but I am still pleased by her.  She has quite the sense of humor and enjoys my pranks.  I actually didn't think of anything especially happy when casting the charm, but I was very content and happy with my home and my lake so perhaps that is what brought her to me."

Severus was just about to finish his meal when he saw the stag and immediately sat very still.............until he heard that Harry's son baptized him appropriately and Severus began to laugh as well.......deep chuckles crept through his chest and he was quite pleased with Harry's discomfort.  The threat................was probably a bluff.  Nobody in their right mind would have Severus near most children and that was fine with him.  At the stags prim disappearance, Severus burst out laughing and leaned forward towards Avalon.

"As you have noticed, I am sure, Mr. Potter and I share a mutual animosity towards one another.  We enjoy poking each other rather mercilessly.  This has been ongoing for about a year now and I enjoy myself immensely while attempting to make him miserable.  I feel it is my job to keep him from obtaining an enormously large head after his defeat of the Dark Lord.............so I keep him humble at the very least.  I have known him since he was a child and he absolutely needs someone to keep him in line.  His wife does a job on her end and I do mine on my end.  The world would not be a safe or sane place with Potter running amok in it I assure you!"

He sat back and after using his napkin he sighed contentedly.

"That was indeed an excellent meal.  People were't exaggerating when they said that Rosmerta's chicken dinner was worth it."

He sat and looked at Avalon with a growing fondness.

"I hope you found the meal and evening enjoyable............after we arrived here.  Earlier was certainly not something I would like to repeat.  On that note, I believe that you are correct, that the Death Eaters are all accounted for in Azkaban.  There is one that remains free due to his assistance in rounding the rest up after the war, but he is not a threat to me nor would he be.  Mr. Lucius Malfoy, perhaps you have heard of him, is free and will remain so.  I have spoken to him off and on a few times in the past two years, but he and his family keep to themselves and are quite alone in the wizarding world.  There are those that were not full-fledged Death Eaters who, as we saw earlier today, may mean to harm me or those that I associate with.....................or care about.  I will remain vigilant."

He looked at Avalon and wanted to know more.  He wanted to know much more.  He liked her and enjoyed her company.

Listening to the tale of how Brandwen came to be, she smiles warmly. Somehow, it's difficult for her to picture Severus fishing... Chuckling in that Brandwen and he are well-suited to not catching fish together, she likes the way he speaks. His subtle humor.

"Ah, and in some Native American traditions, Raven is a bit of a trickster, so that suits you quite well, I see," she smiles warmly. That is all evident with everything that is going on with the stag at the moment. He and Potter are perfect antagonists to each other!

Smirking as he explains his relationship with Potter, she knows that Harry vouched for Severus after the Battle of Hogwarts was over. Of course he'd only tell one side of it. Plus, she imagines the other--more caring--aspect of their friendship is too personal to share, and she definitely respects that.

Now she's only picking at her food, being completely full, but still wanting to milk it for all its worth. She's stuffed, but it tastes too good to put down. Using her napkin, as well, she nods in definite agreement as to the assessment of the meal, finally acquiescing to the urge to stop eating.

"Agreed! Definitely worth it, and excellent company with whom to share it." She sees the way Severus is looking at her, and she feels glad. Tentatively glad. She's fond of him, too, though she might be more skittish.

As he continues, she nods in regards to the other Death Eater who isn't in Azkaban. Lucius Malfoy. His son, Draco, too.

"I know Mr. Malfoy...and I have to confess, I like him. At one point, I knew he would hate me for what I am, but I believe that has changed. He and his family have been brought low, for certain, but that's not the reason for the change in his mindset. I knew him before all that. Well before." Trailing off, she smiles a bit, shaking her head, "It might be that he never had that mindset, at all. Let's just say he wears many masks."

Avalon is...a bit protective when it comes to the Malfoys. She knows that Severus is probably curious as to her association with the family. It's complicated, to say the least. "The Malfoys have been my clients for many years," she says, wanting to reassure her company. However, she can't think of a way to elaborate without breaching confidentiality, so she goes back to more neutral ground. She trusts Severus, of course, but she knows the Malfoys would prefer to keep some things private in their ravaged lives.

"At any rate, yes, do be careful...and I will do the same. I'll be keeping my eyes out for both of us," she says with a smile. Taking up her water, she sips before sitting back and crossing her legs, holding the glass lightly. "What are your plans for the rest of the evening?"

Severus hadn't known the Native American tradition stating that the raven could also be known as a trickster.  That suited him quite a bit.  He used to play jokes on Albus, Flitwick and Minerva when life at Hogwarts was a bit calmer, on rare occasions.

Listening to Avalon and her knowledge of the Malfoys' perked his interest a great deal, though he had the impression that she was being very discreet.  He also knew Lucius Malfoy very well.

"I have know Lucius since we were students at Hogwarts together.  He and I shared many adventures together as youth.............and then darker times ensued which is another story for another time perhaps.  Suffice it to say, I know Lucius well and his proclivities towards power and wealth rather than delving deeper in the Darker Arts."

He then pushed his chair back and gently patted his stomach a few times, relishing the pleasantly full feeling after such a wonderful meal.

"Yes I shall be careful.  I based an entire career on "being careful" but shall heed your words.  As to what my plans are for the rest of the evening..................those tend to be rather tame on the weekdays.  I tend to my potions, sit by the lake and read while sipping some wine or muggle micro-brew.  I prefer a rather uneventful life actually.  Now the weekends are another story.  On Saturday's I am usually skulking around muggle college football arena's watching games that interest me.  I will also take in the occasional quidditch game, depending on the team.  On Saturday or Sunday evenings, I am off attending concerts around the globe.  I prefer classical music at times and at others, I enjoy muggle classic rock & roll.  My tastes are..................shall we say, rather eclectic within the muggle and magical world."

He sat back and surveyed Avalon.

"And what are YOUR plans for the evening?  I understand you have animals to attend to..........?"

Coyote was the main trickster in the Native American traditions, but Raven, as well. Seeing the glint in Severus' eyes, she is pleased that it pleases him. She can tell he can be quite the imp, and she hopes she can bring out his playful side more often.

Listening to him speak about Lucius, her ears perk up. Adventures...? Interesting. Unable to quell a notion of agreement, she ways quietly, "Indeed, power and wealth are more the Malfoy way--not the Dark Arts. They are interested in self-preservation, and go in the direction the strongest wind is blowing. Sadly, Lucius bet on the wrong horse long ago. Thankfully, they're free of the Dark Lord, now. Now, they just have to deal with the rest of the Wizarding World." She's a bit sad, in that regard. Yet, she remembers something else, and adds something else to liven the mood, "I'd be curious to hear of your adventures with him--the lighter variety. I don't think either of us is ready to delve so deeply into the darker times just yet."

As he talks about his plans, she smiles. A tame life... Her brows rise at his drastic change on the weekends, and she chuckles. Such a male.

"Well, I actually tended to them earlier, when I left your home the first time and thought to settle in for the evening. Then I got to thinking about warding your home, and the rest is history. They're settled, but probably waiting for me to get home. Hence, my hope for a House Elf." Taking a deep breath, she thinks of her routines and crosses her arms, thoughtful.

"In all likelihood, I will likely go to sleep. Or read. Or write. I'm a voracious writer. My days have changed significantly since taking over the shop, and I have to say...I'm not sure if I like the change. With my harvesting business, I was free to come and go--Apparating all over the world to get ingredients. Now, I sit behind a counter and wait for idiots to come in and ask me stupid questions." She dreads it. She loathes it. If there were anyone else to run it, she would hand over the keys tonight.

"At any rate, when I was free, I would take in concerts--classical only, I'm afraid. I enjoy the symphony very much. I'd go outside and walk out in the middle of nowhere. Try and tame animals. See new things. Taste new food. Learn new things. I think it's safe to say that my taste in life, in general, is eccentric," she smiles ruefully.