《Avalon (year 1)》


 Prologue

    It happened. He saw 3 flashes of green light coming out of the house, and then the roof seemed to explode. But 3! 3 flashes. He panicked and ran into the house. ¡°LILY!¡± He screamed. Shortly after, his master kept his promise. He thought. LILY! He screamed again, but more desperately this time. ¡®She was in shock, he thought, ¡®yes, that must be it. That''s why she''s not reacting.¡¯ He forced himself to think. He had to go inside now. To get to her. To comfort her. Tell her. He was a better man for her. They could have children together.


    He walked past the body of a man. Smirked a little. The strong and, oh so handsome, untouchable James. Lay dead on the ground. ¡°You could never have protected her. But I will.¡± He said to the body on the floor. ¡°LILY IT''S ALL GOOD, IT''S ME SEV. YOU ARE SAFE NOW.¡± He shouted. There was no reply. ¡°LILY...¡± he shouted again, but this time with panic in his voice. ¡°LILY!!!¡±


    Clearly panicked now, he ran up the stairs. She must be all right, she must be. He had promised. His master had promised. She would be spared. Before he opened the door, he heard a baby crying. The boy? But how? He asked himself. Then he noticed something. It made his blood run cold. No female voice could be heard trying to calm the child. ¡°L... L... Lily?¡± He clearly sounded frightened now. With difficulty, he pushed the door open. Immediately, he fell to his knees. In front of him was his greatest fear. There was the figure of a woman whose once beautiful green eyes were open and empty. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO." He screamed. ¡°NO LILY.¡± He pulled her close to him and howled like a wounded animal.


    ¡°Lily wake up! Please, Lily, wake up, !¡± He said, as tears ran down his cheeks like waterfalls. He looked into the crib next to her. The one-year-old little boy was sitting there, crying his eyes out, with a wound on his forehead in the shape of a lightning bolt. He gently laid the boy''s mother down and closed her eyes so he could pretend she was asleep. Yes, asleep, not dead. He looked at the boy with disgust.


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    It was his fault. His fault that his beautiful mother was lying dead on the floor. He looked at her one more time. The pain that rose in his chest was too great to bear. ¡°I... I''m... I''m so sorry, Lily. I am so sorry. He turned to leave when he heard another scream in the distance. A small cry. Another baby. He ran towards the sound. He had to tell Dumbledore that there were two babies. Quickly opening the door to a room that looked like a bedroom with a bassinet in it. It was decorated with pink bows. Obviously it was a girl.


    He sniffed. Probably dark-haired and useless like her father and brother. He peered into the bassinet. His heart skipped a beat. The same green eyes as Lily''s stared back at him. A wreath of deep red hair. Just like hers had been. He had to admit it. She was beautiful. He picked her up to look at her more closely. He held her gently. She was not much more than a few weeks old. Lily must have just given birth to her. She wore a bracelet around her tiny wrist. It was a golden name held together by two tiny chains: "Avalon" was written on the bracelet. He looked deep into the little girl''s eyes. She, for her part, looked at him curiously. She looked at his tear-stained, pale cheeks, his greasy long black hair. His hooked nose and dark eyes. He smiled slightly. ¡°


    I will make sure you are safe, little Avalon.¡± He said. He put her back in her cradle and ran back to her mother''s body. The pain of her death returned to his heart. He took off her necklace and pocketed it. Then he went back into the bedroom and to the baby. He quickly grabbed a few things and put them in a bag. There was a picture of Lily and James on the bedside table. He took it out of the frame and tore it so that the part showing Lily remained intact. And stored it in his black robes, Then he carefully picked up the little girl. He looked back once more. ¡°I won¡¯t let anything ever happen to her, Lily, I promise.¡± With those words, he turned on the spot and disappeared.

 interlude

    As soon as he had dis appeared he appeared in a small home in London. The women sitting in the chair near a television Jumped. ¡°My Severus. You gave me a good fright.¡± She exclaimed as she took her first good look at him.


    ¡°Severus what¡¯s wrong?¡± He shook his head and quickly handed her Avalon bundled up in blankets and the bag he had quickly packed. ¡°Sev?¡± She asked looking deep into his dark eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t explain aunt Jolene, I have no time. Her name is Avalon Lily. Please respect that name. And keep it.¡± He said looking back once more at the little girl. The contrast was emasculate.


    Where the baby had green eyes and red hair, a fair skin with some freckles. His aunt Jolene had his dark eyes a rosy complection and jet black hair.


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    She was a squib. One step up from the totally non magic Muggle folk. Although his former master wouldn¡¯t agree. Squibs possessed no magic there for were not rightfully alive. One of the reasons he kept his aunt a secret.


    ¡°Keep her safe aunt Jolene. Please.¡± He said pleading. She smiled warmly at him. ¡°The desperation in your voice shows me she is important to you.¡± She smiled wider. ¡°I can¡¯t refuse my favourite nephew. She will be safe here. I promise.¡± Jolene said putting down the baby.


    ¡°Are there things I must know? Like her parents.¡± Jolene said. ¡°It will only endanger you, and her.¡± He said. ¡° just.¡± He hesitated. ¡°No never mind.¡± Jolene smiled. ¡°She is hers isn¡¯t she,¡± Severus nodded his head as tears were again blinding him. ¡°I understand Severus, no need to speek it out loud.¡± She anwsered. He gave a very small smile and again disappeared.

 Turning 11

    She woke up very early one warm August morning. Her bright green eyes looked around curiously. Avalon was no longer a baby. No, today she would actually be 11 years old. And even better, it was still summer, which meant there was no school.


    She wasn¡¯t looking forward to school. She would be going to St Benedict''s School. Because the letter to another school had not arrived. Her mum had said.


    Avalon had known from an early age that she was adopted. Not only did she look nothing like her mum. But strange things also happened. Just last week, for example. Rich Thaw, the school bully, had teased Avalon outside of school by pushing her into the mud near the lake. Her flaming red hair had turned brown, wet and smelly. Not to mention the brand new dress she had just received from her mum.


    She was sure it would have been ruined. But as she ran home crying, her dress got cleaner and cleaner until, by the time she got home, it looked like it had never been dirty.


    And her horrible Aunt Eileen tried to lock her out of the house again at Christmas. But her keys kept shrinking. Yes, Avalon was sure of it. She would not have any friends at her new school again. She would be that strange little girl as she always was.


    The doorbell rang. She heard her mother answer it. ¡°Oh hello Eileen, what a surprise.¡± Said her mum. Avalon groaned. Aunt Eileen. This was going to be her worst birthday ever. She quickly got dressed and went into the living room.


    ¡°Did Severus send you with her present again?¡± Her mum asked Eileen. Her aunt had a son. Severus. She couldn¡¯t remember ever seeing him, but he always sent her great presents.


    Just last year he had sent her a gold necklace that mysteriously sang her favourite song and never needed charging or batteries. When she was a little girl, about 4 years old, she had been given a broom. Not the boring kind you kept in the cupboard. But this one could whizz around the room with her on it. When she asked her mum about it, she said that she would understand when she turned 11. But her favourite present she had ever received from Severus was when she was 9 years old. It was a feather pen. Her mum had called it a quill. It was a beautiful feather held by a solid gold quill. He had sent a matching gold inkwell with her name written on it in squiggly letters.


    She put on her most polite smile. ¡°Hello Aunt Eileen, how nice to see you.¡± Said Avalon. At least she had been polite. ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t have much time, here child Severus sends his regards.¡± Eileen gritted her teeth and pressed a packet into her hand, ¡°Not that he ever felt it, stone hearted boy.¡± She added under her breath. Avalon had never understood why her aunt seemed to hate her son, but she seemed to hate Avalon too, but simply seemed to loathe her mother.


    ¡°Eileen, would you like a nice cup of tea?¡± Her mum said with a smile. ¡°Oh God no. That would mean I am staying.¡± She said and right after she said that, Eileen yanked the door open and left.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, go back to your nice big house.¡± Mumbled her mum. ¡°Not that mum and dad would be any less ashamed of you.¡± She added bitterly.


    Avalon had always heard the stories of her grandparents and their dislike of her mother. Firstborn and then a Squib. Whatever that was. She left the house to Leeny, as her mother always called her sister. And how proud they were of her until she had married her husband. A muggle. Jolene always said that it was not a step up from herself but a descent. Avalon always stopped listening then. She only understood half of it anyway.


    Her mother smiled at her. ¡°Do not mind me, baby, today is your day,¡± she said. They sat down at the small dining table and ate breakfast. Afterwards, Avalon was able to unwrap her presents. Her mum had saved up and bought her a brand new computer. She would need it for school, her mum had said when she wanted to complain about how much it had cost. Her friend Joey had sent her a pen and pencil case for her new school. And finally, she came to Severus'' present. It had been beautifully wrapped. Inside was an envelope with a letter written on parchment.


    ¡°Dear Avalon.


    Happy birthday to you. 11 is a very special age, as you probably know by now. Enjoy your day and my present. You will need it soon.


    Severus.¡±


    She quickly tore open the gift. It looked like a solid gold pencil case. It had her name on the outside again and was decorated with many gems,


    but the inside was different. It had a green velvet cushion with a shape that looked like a stick. It was beautiful and somehow she liked the gift immediately. But why would she need it? She couldn¡¯t dwell on it for long. Her mother had arranged for them to go to her favourite museum, then have lunch and watch a film, and then her mother would cook her favourite meal. After that, she would probably be too tired to lift a finger. Let alone think.


    The visit to the museum was great fun, as always. She loved looking at all the artwork and antiques. She was even brave enough to get on an old witch''s scales. In the old days, when witches were still believed to exist, they thought they could fly on brooms and therefore had to be as light as a feather.


    The museum employee who weighed her came to the conclusion that her pounds were in proportion to her body shape and that she was not a witch. By the time they went to lunch, Avalon had already forgotten about her aunt¡¯s visit.


    When they went to the cinema, her day went perfectly. She was allowed to choose between 3 films. One film was called Sister Act. It was about an unusual-looking nun.


    The film A Leageu of there own about the very first women''s softball teams and Aladdin. A Disney film about what looked like 2 people and a blue genie. She chose Sister Act because it just looked like a fun film. Her mum bought her a big bucket of salted popcorn and a large Coca Cola.


    Meanwhile in the Scottish Highlands, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the mood was less festive.


    In the headmaster''s office, a man in a black robe with chin-length, greasy black hair and dark brown eyes paced around the room How could this have happened? He did not know. A few minutes pass as a man enters the room.


    His mane of silver-grey hair and long beard made him look ancient. He wore half-round glasses supported by a hooked nose. He wore a reddish-brown robe


    . "Severus, what gives me the honour?" said the old man.


    "One of the letters to the new students has not arrived, Dumbledore, I am sure of it," the dark-haired man replied. The old man''s light blue eyes sparkled behind his semi-circular glasses. "why would you care, Severus?" the old man said playfully curious. As if he already knew the answer, but wanted Severus to say it himself. "I am not interested. I just noticed and thought you should know," he replied, sounding defiant and slightly irritated,


    the old man smiled warmly. "I know Miss Prince has not received her letter yet. I was planning to send Hagrid. He took such good care of Harry last year," the old man said with a twinkle in his eye. "You can not put Hagrid on this case." Severus said adamantly. The old man looked slightly amused. "But Severus, Hagrid has done a marvellous job with Harry. They have even formed a warm friendship," the old man replied kindly. "Yes," Severus said through slightly clenched teeth. "But in this case, we are dealing with a young girl and I think that calls for a more discreet approach. I would think you would want to do that yourself, Headmaster," Severus said, as if weighing every word before uttering it.


    The Headmaster definitely looked amused now. "Very well, Severus. But why do you care who picks up the young lady?" the Headmaster asked agai as if he knew the answer. But wanted to hear it from Severus. He looked deep into the eyes of the man in front of him, as if to search his very soul.


    "I do not care, Albus. But I was under the impression that you cared. Sir." Severus said, looking at the headmaster. "Very well, keep your secrets Severus. I will fech the girl. Tonight, in fact." Said Dumbledore with a smile. Severus nobbed his head and left the room.


    Back in London, evening had fallen and Avalon and her mother were on their way home.


    She had been right. The film had been really funny.


    The strange-looking nun had been in the witness protection programme and had taken over the choir to make it amazing. It was very funny. She told her mum about it entusiastically and made her way home.


    "Mum, if I ever need protection, send me there." Avalon said and sat down on the couch. Smiling, Jolene began to cook. After an hour, they were sitting at the dining table. They were just about to start eating when there was a knock at the door. "I wonder who that could be." Jolene said as she got up and went to the front door.


    When she opened it, she was greeted by a man wearing a reddish-brown robe, a pointed hat and half-moon glasses. He had long grey hair and a shaggy beard. "Can I help you, mister?" she said. "Sorry to bother you, Miss Prince, but I am here on urgent business," said the old man. "Why do not you come in?" Jolene replied. "Thank you, that''s very kind. Oh, what a lovely house you have," said the old man, smiling warmly. Avalon stood up and was surprised by the man. She had never seen him before.


    "And this must be Avalon Lilly. Yes, no doubt, with your red hair and bright eyes," said the old man, looking at Avalon. "Excuse me, sir, but who are you?" she asked. "Oh dear, how rude of me. Forgive me for not introducing myself straight away, I suppose that''s an old man''s weakness," said the man, holding out his hand.


    "I am Albus Dumbledore," the old man said, hoping to shake Avalon''s hand, which she grasped warily so as not to appear rude.


    Her mum looked as if his name explained everything. "What an honour, Professor, please sit down." Said Jolene. "That''s very kind of you, Miss Prince. I suppose you know who I am then," he said. "Of course," said Jolene. Avalon was very confused. "I have never been in a Squib''s house before. Forgive me, Jolene, for the termenoligy," said the old man. "Forgiven, Professor. What brings you here?" she asked.


    Avalon understood less and less by the second. Every time her aunt had called her a Squib, she had been offended beyond measure, and this man used the word, and her mother did not even look offended. "It seems that young Miss Avalon''s letter has been lost. I am just here to let her and you know that she''s been accepted into Hogwarts," he said.


    Jolene seemed proud, although Avalon had never heard of what he had just said. "I was wondering why she was not honoured. What with all her quirks and all." Said Jolene. Avalon''s almost perfect day seemed to be getting as cold as her favourite food was getting. "Excuse me, I am still here," she said, annoyed.


    "Well, of course I apologise for that, Miss Avalon, you must have a lot of questions. I have an open ear and will answer any questions you may have. Within my means, of course."


    She looked at the old man. He spoke so strangely. "Just let me put it to you," the man said, as if he had read her mind. "Ask me anything and I will answer what I can," he said.


    "I have been chosen from where?" she asked. "My dear Jolene, I am a little worried, she does not know." Mr Dumbledore spoke. "I am sorry Professor, I never thought she was ready, and after all, she is 11," her mum said, sounding very ashamed.


    "No offence, my dear," he said, turning his gaze back to Avalon. "You have been accepted into my school, Miss Avalon. A school of magic. You are a witch," he said. "That''s a bit harsh, do not you think?" she said defensively. The old man smiled warmly.


    "I do not mean it as an insult, Avalon, but as a statement of fact. You are what my kind calls a witch. And I am a wizard," he said. She looked into the man''s light blue eyes. They seemed very kind. "What exactly do you mean?" she asked.


    "The strange things your mother calls quirks are bursts of untrained magic," the man said. "And in my school, you will learn to control your magic," he added with a warm smile.


    "Why would I want that?" Avalon asked.


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    "Well, if you do not, you will get very sick indeed," he said as his eyes seemed to betray pain for a second. "And our Ministry does not like it when a witch is not trained," he added. "Why should the Prime minister care what I do?" she asked. The man let out a soft, chuckling laugh.


    "I do not mean the Muggle Prime, young lady. I mean the Minister for Magic," he said.


    "I have heard that word before. Muggle." Said Avalon. "It''s a term we use to refer to non-magical people," replied the man. "Why did you call my mum a Squib? And what is that anyway?" Avalon asked. "Oh yes. That, my dear, is a term I do not like, but there is no other word for it. It means that a person who has spell-casting parents but no magic of his own," he replied.


    "I do not understand." Said Avalon, looking very confused. "I understand it''s a lot to take in," he said as he reached into his cloak and pulled out an envelope. "Here''s your letter," the man said. "My school would love it if you came to study. Especially our potions master, I suppose," said the man, chuckling again.


    "And why would that be?" Avalon asked, a little puzzled. "He was very found in the past. of a student with red hair and green eyes like you," said the old man, chuckling to himself, "but that does not matter now. What matters is my next question," he said. "And what''s that?" Avalon asked him. "Would you like to study at my school?" he asked, sounding very friendly, even like a grandfather.


    Avalon looked at her mum. "What do you think I should do, Mum?" she asked her.


    "I think it would be a wonderful experience for you," she said. "I have never been before, but all my magical friends loved it," she added.


    "Oho, that''s good to hear, Jolene. I always thought I was considered a bit mad," said the old mother, smiling gently. "Well, it is." Jolene said with a laugh.


    "You should go to Avalon. That''s where you really belong," she said. Her mum looked at Avalon as if the best thing ever had just happened.


    "But What about St Benedict''s?" asked Avalon. "That was always a last resort. I expected you to get into Hogwarts," she said. Avalon did not understand much, but she could see that it seemed very important to her mum that she would go there. She opened the envelope and read the letter inside.


    Dear Miss Prince


    we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted by Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The school year begins on 1 September. Please send us your own letter by 31 August.


    Enclosed you will find a list of everything you will need.


    Yours sincerely


    Prof Minerva McGonagall


    Deputy Headmistress.


    She read aloud. "Well, the owl will not be necessary if you tell me you are coming." Said Dumbledore with a warm smile.


    He looked around the small sitting room and spotted the gift Severus had given her. "Ah, I see you got a nice wand case," he said and picked up Severus'' gift. "Yes, a nice present," he said. Jolene looked at him. "So that''s what it''s for." she said. "Exactly." Said Dumbledore. "I will come back tomorrow and take you both to Diagon Alley to get everything you will need." Said Dumbledore.


    "Are not you staying for dinner?" Asked Jolene. "Oh go on, it looks so nice." he said.


    "Yes, but it''s probably cold already." Said Avalon angrily, who had been looking forward to dinner so much.


    "Oh dear, we can not have that," he said, taking a stick from his robe and moving it around. A small light came out of it and already the food on the plates and in the pot seemed to be steaming again. "Tug in." he said as I sat down on the empty chair, waved the stick again and a new plate whizzed out of the cupboard and landed in front of him.


    "I can learn all that?" Avalon asked. "Oh my dear Miss Avalon, that and much more," he said. "Then I am coming now," she replied. The old man''s face lit up with a smile. "I am glad to hear it." Said Dumbledore. "Then I will come back tomorrow," he said.


    The dinner afterwards was marvellous. Dumbledore told many stories about magic and she wondered if they were all true. But they were very entertaining.


    She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.


    When She woke up the next morning, she felt like she had not slept at all, but she was excited to go shopping.


    She jumped out of bed, got dressed and ran down the stairs. She wolfed down her breakfast without tasting what it was and waited for Dumbledore.


    She did not have to wait long. Around 10 of the clock, there was a soft knock on the door. She opened it quickly and was greeted by a strange looking Dumbledore.


    he was wearing a grey pinstripe suit and was tucking in his long beard. In his hand was a top hat.


    ¡°If I am going to use muggle transport, I might as well look the part.¡± He said. Avalon did her best not to laugh. Her mum joined them a few minutes later.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you look dashing, Professor?¡± She said, ¡° My muggle clothes.¡± He waved her off.


    ¡°That''s what I was afraid of. You are just as bad as my father was". She said. said. Avalon smiled.


    Her mother almost never talked about her dad. And if she did not as afectionate as she did now.


    ¡°When he used to visit my school. What ofcourse was a muggle one he would wear a suit with tails. You know like a pianist wears one of those beige ribbed trousers. And to top it off, an old-fashioned motorbike helmet. He looked ridiculous." Jolene shouted with glee in her voice.Dumbledore looked at her. "I certainly look better." he said. "My suit maches." he said, sounding playfully hurt. "I suppose it looks a little better, but my dear Professor, no one really wears a suit unless they have to." she said, smiling.


    "Well, I like to be, as they say, ah yes, smartly dressed." Dumbledore replied. "Well, you have certainly managed that, sir," Avalon said, amused. "Let us get on with it." Dumbledore replied, beckoning them to follow him.


    A little later, they arrived at the underground. People stared at them.


    "Did not anyone teach them that it''s impolite to stare?" Jolene said. "They must have, my dear Miss Prince, but I think they rarely see anyone like me." Dumbledore replied. "I imagine they do," Jolene added.


    "So, how do these things work?" he asked. "You have never been on an underground before?" Avalon asked with a hint of disbelief in her voice. "No, miss, I usually use other forms of transport," he said to Avalon as he pulled a small pouch from the pocket of his suit. "What am I supposed to do with this now?" the old man wondered aloud. He dropped a few coins that looked very strange.


    Jolene smiled as she picked one up. "I have not seen a galeon for years," she exclaimed in amazement. "What''s a galeon?" Avalon asked. "Well, you know, baby, just like we have pence and pounds, they have Knuts and Galeons. That''s their money." Jolene explained to her daughter. "They have their own ministry, their own money, it sounds like a different country." Said Avalon.


    "But it''s a very big country. All kinds of wizards use that money. Although the American wizards have their own government." Explained Dumbledore.


    A short, strange journey later, they found themselves in the shopping district in the centre of London. "I do not see any shops here that sell this sort of thing." Avalon looked through her list. "School robes." she added. "Well, of course not. The high street is for muggles. We have our own shopping centre, for lack of a better term." Said Dumbledore.


    He steered them towards an old looking pub. It was called The Leaky Cauldron. The pub looked a little dingy, but it was filled with a lot of people. All wearing strange garb.


    "This way." Shouted Dumbledore, leading them to the back door and into an alley that was a dead end. He then grabbed his stick and tapped on 3 bricks. As he struck the last brick, an archway opened and, even more amazingly, it led to a busy street. As they entered, the archway behind them returned to a solid wall.


    "I am sure you will find everything you need here.


    Let us see, I think the robes will take the longest," Dumble Dore said as he led them to a store named Madam Malakins. Avalon found it hard to concentrate on what she had to get.


    "But sir, what about money?" Avalon asked. "Oh, I took the liberty of getting some money in Gringots from the Propper vault yesterday afternoon," Dumbledore answered her. "Gringo thingy?" Avalon asked. The old man laughed in amusement. "Gringots, Miss Avalon," he said. "That sweetie is the wizard bank. The only one in the world, I think." Jolene added to Dumbledore''s reply. Avalon nodded in understanding.


    "So you knew I would say yes?" she asked. "I had a strong premonition. And between you and me, my hunches are usually right," he said.


    "And if I had said no?" she asked. "Oh, my dear, I would have returned the money to the vault immediately." Dumbledore answered her questions as they stepped into Madamin Malakin''s. A bored looking witch sat behind a desk.


    "hog..." she began before raising her head and looking at Professor Dumbledore.


    "Warts?" he finished the bored looking witch''s sentence, sounding amused. "I think we can safely assume that," he added with a smile. "This way, we will fit another student now," said the bored witch.


    They went into a back room where a young blonde girl with surprised grey eyes stood being fitted by a tense-looking witch."


    The mesuring witch rolled her eyes, "Please, little girl. Nergels do not exist." she said to the girl.


    "That''s what everyone says, but only because they always forget their victims," the girl explained. "Well, we will be very careful then, Miss Lovegood." Said Dumbledore, coming in with Avalon.


    "You must be Dumbledore." said the girl. He smiled at her. "I prefer Professor Dumbledore at school, Miss Lovegood." he said, smiling warmly. "I must admit, I have never seen a nergel myself. But I will be very careful." Added Dumbledore.


    "Oh yes, they are the little malleses that thankfully only play tricks on people and are almost harmless," the girl said in a matter-of-fact voice.


    "Noted." Dumbledore said to her. The girl looked up and caught sight of Avalon for the first time.


    "Oh, hello, I am Luna Lovegood, it''s a great pleasure to meet you," said the girl.


    "Avalon Prince." Avalon said to her.


    " Are you Realy. I have never heard of a wizarding royal house," Luna said, bowing her head. Dumbledore looked very amused as he sat down on a stool. "I am not royalty, Prince is just my surname." Said Avalon. "Oh I am terribly sorry for the mistake." Said Luna again.


    "Ouch"said the measuring witch. "Oh dear a nergel got you in the end." she said. The witch rolled her eyes again and quickly continued measuring. Obviously hoping to get rid of the blonde-haired Luna.


    "I hope you are in Ravenclaw. I should be. My whole family was in there and I am pretty smart too." Said Luna. "I''d love to make friends at school," she said. "Surely you must have friends," said Avalon. "Oh no, you know, even for a witch I"m considered pretty weird," said the girl matter-of-factly.


    "That''s terrible." Said Avalon. "Yes, it is indeed. But at least I have my father, he''s like my best friend," she said.


    Avalon was not sure what to make of Luna,


    "That is you done. " the horassed looking witch said to Luna. "Oh, thank you very much. They look great. I hope I grow out of them soon so I can come back here," Luna said. The annoyed witch sighed and Avalon could swear she heard her say. "I hope I am retired then," quietly as she walked away.


    "Well, I hope to see you again soon, Avalon, I am off to see Dad now, I hope he''s bought some pudding," she said as she quickly left the shop.


    An hour or so later, Avalon walked outside with a bag full of new school robes. And they made their way to a shop called Florish and Blots.


    There was a long queue of witches outside the shop, jostling each other to get ahead in the queue. On the side was a moving sign that read Gilderoy Lockhart Magical me. The moving wizard on the sign looked good. "Author signing today," a note under the sign read.


    "Ah, I think I will wait for this, give the scribe your book list and he will get it for you." Said Dumbledore.


    As she entered the shop, one of the clerks called out. "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Gilderoy Lockheart." All the witches in the shop clapped loudly as the handsome wizard stepped out from behind a curtain. A hulking-looking wizard with a camera pushed her aside, nearly toppling Avalon, and unceremoniously grabbed a red-haired young girl and pulled her roughly out of the way. "Please make room, this is for the daily proffet," the man said and a flash went off, almost blinding Avalon.


    The handsome wizard behind the counter smiled broadly and looked round quickly, his jaw dropping.


    "That can not be Harry Potter," the man said as he quickly stood next to the red-haired girl who was standing in the middle of a group of red-haired people. And he pulled a little boy not much older than herself. He was perhaps a year old, had dark, unkempt hair, a soot- covered robe and a lightning- shaped scar on his forehead.


    After a brief exchange of words, the handsome man addressed the entire shop.


    "What an extraordinary moment, because young Mr potter came into the shop today and wanted to buy my new autobiography, which I will now offer him free of charge along with all my collected works. I will be teaching at Hogwarts School starting this year,"said the man. All the witches in the shop clapped loudly.


    After the queue had thinned out a little, a commotion could be heard at the back of the shop. It seemed as if an argument had broken out between two wizards. One was a long, white, blond man in a black robe and the other was a somewhat bald, red-haired man in a green robe.


    A shop employee separated them. Avalon looked back at the counter, the handsome wizard seemed to be enjoying himself immensely.


    It was almost 3 hours before Avalon reached the counter herself. She turned to the shop employee. "Excuse me, could you perhaps help me? " Avalon said. The man grumpily accepted her list of books,


    He pulled a stick out of his jacket and waved it around. Within a few minutes, a whole pile of books was in front of her. She paid the man, who put the books in a bag, and grumpily squeezed the bag in her hands. She hurried out of the shop. It was about lunchtime now. She was greeted by her mother and Dumbledore in a small restaurant. She quickly told them what she had just learnt.


    "Ah, so you have seen Harry," was all Professor Dumbledore said. She did not understand why that was so important. But she nodded anyway. "Yes, he''s a second year student. He came in last year with a painful past," Dumbledore said. At this he smiled at Avalon. "But that''s something you do not want to hear yet," he said to her as a witch placed plates in front of them.


    "Please forgive this old man for ordering in advance." Dubledore said as he feasted on something that smelled like pumpkin. Avalon had been so hungry that she promptly ate it herself. Whatever he had ordered for her, it tasted wonderful.


    After lunch, they bought a pewter cauldron and a few other things she needed.


    As night fell, the professor smiled. "A wand," was all he said. "Excuse me?" Avalon asked. "You need a wand my dear Miss Prince. But I will have your mum take you there," he replied.


    Jolene and Avalon made their way to a shop called Olivanders while her mum explained to her that those stick things everyone seemed to have were called wands.


    She told her that her parents and sister all had one of these things. They needed them to bundle their Magic. They stepped into the shop, which seemed deserted. She went to a bell on the counter, but before she could pick it up, it lifted into the air and rang. A grey-haired wizard quickly appeared behind a cupboard.


    "Ah yes, a new student," he said. Then, as if by magic, he ran a tape measure over every inch of her body. "Yes, that should do it," he said as the tape measure fell to the floor and disintegrated. The old man quickly took 15 boxes out of the cupboards.


    "Right, let us get started," he said. The first wand she held was snatched from her hand almost as quickly as she had picked it up.


    "No Dragon Heartstring does not seem to be your kind of wand," he said. After 2 hours of holding up wands and having them snatched out of her hand, the old man came to her with a green package.


    "A 13-inch Elm with a core of Hunicorn hair," he said as he handed the wand to Avalon. It felt like she was touching an old friend. And she knew immediately what to do. She raised the wand above her head and golden sparks flew out.


    "A match. I knew it, I have never lost one before. Not even Harry Potter left here without a wand," he said.


    She did not understand what was so special about this 12-year-old boy. He had looked. no different from her, apart perhaps from the scar on his forehead And she had not cared enough to ask.


    She paid the old man and quickly left the shop. They were greeted by a broadly smiling Dumbledore. "All ready, I presume. Good, good. One more thing. In your envelope is your train ticket. It''s unique," he said, smiling at her. He took her back to the Leaky Caneron.


    "I have to go, I will see you soon, Miss Prince," Dumbledore said, bowing his head and letting out a yell. "Well, Av, I guess that means we should get back home," her mum spoke.


    Now she only had to wait two more weeks until school started and she had to admit that she was excited.

 off to school

    The weeks she had to wait flew by. She had read up in her school books and secretly tried out a few spells at home. Now it was finally the first of September.


    She had finally found out what was so special about the Potter boy. He had fought the greatest dark wizard of all time, and no one knew how. His parents had been killed during the attack on him.


    She had been sent a beautiful Trunk for her school things. She put everything in it.


    A note from Dumbledore saying that a backpack with school robes in it would be handy.


    So at 8am she was anxious and waiting. Although Avalon was a little sad to leave her mother behind for so long, Jolene had reassured her that Hogwarts was where she belonged and that she would have a great time. And Christmas was just around the corner anyway.


    They were at the station near her at nine to go to Kings Cross, from where she would catch the train to Hogwarts. At least, if she managed to get to the platform. Her ticket said platform 9 3/4, wherever that was.


    Her mother told her that she never went on the platform because she never went to Hogwarts. It was all a bit overwhelming.


    when she set foot in Kings Cross. It was a bustle of people all rushing about. At irregular intervals, a speaker called out, "Ladies and gentlemen, the train to Wessex is 10 minutes late, thank you for your patience,"


    and she walked with her mother to the point where platforms 9 and 10 met. But what should she do now? There were numbers on both sides of the wall, a 9 on one side and a 10 on the other. "So the platform is somewhere in between? When it was 10 to 11 and she was about to give up, she heard a familiar, sing-song voice behind her. "Are you confused, dear, did Nergels get you?" She looked around and saw the smiling face of Luna.


    "Oh, it''s you. Avalon was it? I am so pleased to see you again." Said Luna smiling "Oh hello Luna." Spoke Avalon. "Did the nergels get you? It seems you are confused?" Asked Luna again. "I am not sure, I have never met a nergel or I can not remember." Avalon replied, remembering the things Luna had said in Diagon Alley. "But I just do not know how to get to the platform and we do not have much time left." Added Avalon.


    "Well, it''s not that complicated. You just walk into the wall over there that separates platform 9 and 10." Luna said matter-of-factly. "Exactly. And what will stop me from flattening myself against this wall?" Avalon asked. "Magic, of course." Luna Anwsered.


    Still unsure if she should dare, she looked at Luna. "Are you sure?" Avalon asked. "I can show you if you are scared, it''s very simple." Avalon smiled, liking Luna more and more. "I''d like that." she said, "Follow me then." Luna said and walked quickly to the wall and when Avalon was sure that Luna would hit the wall, she did not and just disappeared into it.


    Jolene and Avalon just stared at the wall for a second. "Well, I think you should go then. Father always said I was not getting anywhere because I am a Squib," Jolene said. "Are you sure you will be all right, Mom?" Avalon asked her.


    "Of course I will. I will have time to visit my old friend Arabella Figg now. Her grandfather was a teacher at Hogwarts. He even saved the whole school and maybe even the wizarding world once, she always talks about that, even more than her cats." Jolene said with a smile.


    "You should ask around Hogwarts to see if that''s even true. Arabella likes to show off a little." Said Jolene. "Go before you miss the train." she added.


    Avalon turned back to Wall and walked straight towards it. Just like Luna, she seemed to simply melt into the wall. A second later, she found herself on a platform like everyone else. She moved to the left, looking for a door to enter through, when 4 boys came through the wall at breakneck speed.


    they all had flaming red hair, 2 of them were obviously twins. A few seconds later a girl with the same red hair and what appeared to be her parents came through the wall. "Now Ginny, let''s find you a seat," the girl''s mother said.


    Avalon quickly followed them to find a door. "Where on earth are those boys!" the girl''s mother said again. "HARRY, RON." she was yelling now. She was obviously very worried. "Arthur, can you look outside the barrier for the boys?"she asked, sounding worried. "Yes, Molly, dear." her husband replied, turning back to the wall, but when he tried to push through it, he could not get through.


    "That''s strange," the man said to himself. His wife escorted their sons and daughter onto the train. Avalon followed quickly, afraid of missing the train.


    "Do not worry, Ginny," she said, "Ron and Harry are sure to turn up any minute. I am sure they are under the influence of Fred and George." she added.


    "What have we done?" the twins said at the same time. "I am sure you have done something. You told them you were going to sneak until you had 2 minutes left and made them do it too or something," she said slightly annoyed.


    "Mom, would we do that to your favorite child?" one of the twins asked. "I do not know what you mean by favorite child," she snapped at them. "Harry!" the twins said in unison and laughed out loud. "Oh you two." she began, as a whistle sounded.


    "Oh dear, they really are going to be late. Get on, my dears, and have a good term i am sure we will find them," she said with a worried look.


    A few seconds later, the train started moving. Avalon walked along the train to find a compartment. All the compartments were full, except for one. The only one sitting there was Luna. She did not look faced by it she was simply reading a magazine.


    "Excuse me, may I join you?" Avalon asked. "Of course you can. How nice to have a travelling companion." she said with a smile. Avalon sat down.


    "Is Hogwarts far away?" she asked. "Well, I do not know, I have never been there, but Dad always told me that he left at 11 of the clock and that he reached Hogwarts when it was already dark, so I guess so." Luna replied.


    "What are you reading? Avalon asked her newfound companion. "The Quibler, my father is the publisher, would you like a copy, I have another." Luna smiled.


    "I''d like one," said Avalon, who did not know what the Quibler even was. Luna handed her a copy and dis apeared behind her own.


    It was a strange magazine with strange-sounding words and interviews about things that could not possibly happen. But it entertained her for at least an hour.


    Not long after both girls had put the magazines away, the door opened again and the red-haired girl stood in the doorway. "May I join you, my brothers are driving me crazy," she said. "Yes, of course," Avalon replied. The girl smiled and sat down.


    "I am Ginny, by the way, Ginny Weasley. The only girl in the Weasly clan," she introduced herself as


    ¡°Avalon Prince." Avalon did the same. "And you are?" Ginny asked Luna.


    ¡°Luna Lovegood. Are you really a Weasley? My father told me that you do not live far away," Luna replied.


    ¡°Yes, I am." Ginny said. "Then I am pleased to meet you Giny Weasley." Replied Luna. "It''s just Ginny." she said and began to look out of the window.


    For about an hour, the girls looked outside in silence.


    "I heard your mom outside, did they find your brothers at the end?" Avalon asked. "Brothers? " she asked, looking confused. "Oh you mean Ron and Harry? They are not both my brothers, only Ron is one. " she replied. "But no, they didnt. I am a bit worried." she added.


    "Do not be." Luna suddenly interjected. "If you think positively, everything will be fine, you will see," she added in her dreamy voice. "Thank you Luna." Ginny replied and smiled a little.


    "So you have four brothers?" Avalon asked Ginny. "Oh no I have 6." Ginny replied. "6!?" Avalon asked in astonishment. "Yes, 6, Bill and Charlie have already graduated and Percy is in 6th year. The twins are in 4th and my idiot brother Ron, who''s missing, is in 2nd and he''s Harry Potter''s best friend." Ginny blushed a little at the mention of Harry''s name.


    "Wow." was all Avalon knew to say. "I know." Ginny replied as if she actually knew exactly what Avalon meant.


    "Do you have any siblings?" Ginny asked Avalon. "No, it''s just me and my mom. She adopted me when I was a baby. And since she''s a single mother, I do not have any siblings." Avalon replied.


    "What about you Luna?" Luna smiled. "Oh no. Mom and dad wanted to, but mom wanted to wait until I could appreciate a sibling and when they thought I was ready, my mom died." Luna replied. Ginny and Avalon looked at each other a little sheepishly.


    "That''s awful Luna," Ginny finally managed to say. "Yes, it was. But at least I still have Dad." Luna turned to Ginny.


    Luckily, the tension was quickly broken by the rattling of an iron cart and a grey-looking older witch opened the door. "anything off he trolley dears?" she asked. Ginny felt a little embarrassed at that moment and mumbled something that Avalon could not understand. Luna bought a few things from the cart. Avalon quickly remembered that her mother had given her some money for lunch in Wizzard money and stood up.


    "Um, how much can I get for this?" she asked, showing the shopping cart witch her money.


    "My dear, you can get 10 pumpkin pastries or 2 licorish wands 3 pastries." and she went on to describe what Avalon could buy. Finally, she decided on 10 pastries. She sat down and smiled at Ginny.


    "You can not be the only one missing out." she said, holding out her hand with two Pumpking Pastries.


    "Go on, take them," she added. Hesitantly, Ginny took the two pies. "Thank you," she said, blushing. Over The next few hours, they told each other about their lives and their hopes for school.


    "Where do you think you will be sorted?" Ginny asked suddenly. "Sorted?" Avalon did not know what that meant.


    "Yes, the school houses. You have Gryffindor, Huffelpuf, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Professor McGonagall will explain most of it to you, but it''s like your school family. And it also determines whether you win the house cup or not. If you do well, you get points, but if you are like my brothers and Harry Potter and like to break rules, you lose points." she explained.


    "How do you know which house you are going to?" Avalon asked. "I do not know that. My brothers will not tell me. George said that you have to endure one of the unforgivable curses While anwsering questions.Ginny said


    ¡±Ah, my reputation precedes me, I hear," sounded from the compartment door as it slid ferther open further to reveal the redheaded twins.


    "Don''t stop, on my behalf Ginny," one of them said. She made a grunting noise that sounded a bit like "Uhhh." "My goodness, Ginerva, is that the way you address your best brothers now?" one of the twins said, his voice sounding high-pitched, almost like a woman. "Fred could you behave yourself for five minutes?" Ginny uttered, annoyed.


    "Well, we could do that, Ginny," one of the twins began. "But then our reputation would be in tatters," added the other. "And we can''t have that now, can we?" the first twin concluded. Ginny blew air out of her nose.


    "That''s Fred and George." Said Ginny. "That''s a girl, Ginerva." said one of the twins, patting Ginny on the head. "Yes Ginny, Mum would want you to be extra polite." said the other. "After all, you''re mummy''s little girl and all." Ginny turned as red as her hair and scowled at her brothers.


    "Could you stop it?" she asked, almost angrily. "We could, but why would we?" the brothers said in unison. Then they quickly left the compartment and pushed the door shut. Ginny made the UHH noise again and raised her arms.


    "I don''t understand why everyone loves them so much." she said, slightly annoyed. "What do you mean?" Avalon asked. "They''re always so obnoxious, but the whole school sees them as some sort of comic heroes." Explained Ginny.


    "They were not really funny."Luna chimed in unexpectedly.


    "They can be sometimes." Ginny replied, sounding slightly protective of her twin brothers. "Like last year, when I was sad that all my brothers were leaving and I had to stay behind, they cheered me up by saying they''d send me a toilet seet."


    Luna burst out laughing very hard. The door slid open again, but this time it was not one of the red-haired twins. It was a smal, overweight, fair-skinned girl with a menacing appearance who wore her short, curly, golden-blonde hair in pigtails.small, dark brown eyes, a cleft chin and a narrow face.


    "Can you be quiet?" the girl bit at her. Ginny stood up and made herself tall. "We were just having a laugh." she said, sounding defiant.


    "Yeah, the whole train heard that," the girl replied rudely.


    "My friends and I were just having a bit of fun. If you can not handle it, maybe you should find another part of the train." Ginny replied to the girl.


    "I mean, who do you think you are anyway?" she added. "I happen to be Briget Rockwood, i have you know," the girl said, sticking her nose in the air as if her name explained everything. "Congratulations." Ginny said, not moving a muscle.


    "My father happens to be friends with a lot of Ministry officials. And Lucius Malfoy." Said Briget, sounding hearty.


    "As if that''s something to be proud of." ginny muttered. "Excuse me?" Briget bit out. "You do not think being friends with the Malfoys makes you worth knowing do you" Ginny bit back.


    "They are highly respected, not like the Weasleys, blood trators and all. I mean, their youngest son is even friends with a mudblood."


    ginny then reached for her wand. It looked a little battered, as if it was second-hand. "Say something like that again, Rookwood, and I will curse you." Ginny said, sounding dangerous.


    "You are not allowed to do magic outside of school." Said Briget, still trying to sound superior, but a hint of fear resonated in her voice.


    "You just wach me, Rookwood. We are not in school yet." Ginny added, looking and sounding even more dangerous.


    "I am not scared of you." Briget bit at Ginny and walked away with her nose up like she was superior to everyone. Ginny grunted angrily and dropped back into her seat.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Do you really think of us as friends already?" Luna asked. "Is that all you have heard?" Ginny still sounded a little angry.


    "I am sorry."Ginny added, repeating her question a little more kindly. "No, of course not." Luna replied. "I heard every word, I just wanted to focus on the positive." Ginny looked at Luna for a second with a mixture of leftover anger and surprise before they all three burst out laughing.


    "You never answered me though." Said Luna. "Yes I did, the answer is yes Luna, I consider you my friends." Ginny replied still laughing.


    A few minutes later they were torn from their funny moment when a Ford Angelina flew past the window.


    "Was that a car? Flying?" Avalon asked, keeping her face to the window. Ginny grunted again, "Great, that''s my brother and Harry showing off," she said angrily. The car disappeared and reappeared seconds later.


    "They''re worse than Fred and George." Ginny added. Just a few seconds later, the car door seemed to open and a boy almost fell out.


    "Oh my God, Harry!"ginny screamed and stared at the window.


    Harry seemed to be holding on to the door handle of the car. The other boy in the car tried to pull him in, but Harry seemed to slip and fall back.


    Ginny held her breath and looked very frightened. For a minute or three, the red-haired boy tried to pull Harry back into the car. Eventually he managed it, which seemed to take seconds, before he would have toppled over.


    Ginny blew out the breath she was holding. "That should have been Ron almost falling out," she said and sat back down, sounding very relieved. A few seconds later, the twins were back in the compartment.


    "Did you see that, Ginny?" Fred asked. "I mean the cheekiness of them." Added George. "They should have told us they were going to do that. " Fred intervened immediately. "We should have been in the car with them."the two boys finished their remarks, sounding both impressed and annoyed. As they sat down.


    A moment later, the door slid open again and an older red-haired boy stood in the doorway, already in his school robes, which differed from Avalon''s in that they had red accents and a gold pin with a P on it on his chest.


    "Did you all just see that? " the boy asked with a slightly arrogant undertone.


    "Yeah, we Sure did perce," said one of the twins. "How cheeky they are. I mean, they are going to get into so much trouble. It will reflect badly on Gryffindor, not to mention the family. None of you encouraged them, did you?" the boy asked.


    "Percy, my man i am just as shocked as you are.¡± said George, standing up and putting an arm around his brother.


    "Yes Perce, we are as apauled as you are, honestly." Added Fred. "We were just saying to these lovely ladies and Ginny how awful it was." George added, stil holding his arm around his brother. "Of course we did not encourage them, Percy, what do you take us for?" Fred said, sounding hurt. "No, because if we did, perce." Added George in the same hurt voice. "We would have been up there with them," said the twins simultaneously.


    "And we thought icckle Ronniekins would be cool and tell us everything," George said with amusement. Percy seemed to get angrier with every word his twin brothers said.


    "Nice role model for your little sister," he said angrily. "I thought that was your job, Mr Prefect," Fred said."Besides, we are showing Ginny that it''s okay to be naughty once in a while, as long as you do not overdo it." Said George, when it was his turn.


    "I mean, we are not encouraging her to fly in Dad''s car and nearly kick Harry out, now are we?" Fred interjected, backing his brother up. Percy grunted and turned round before the door slammed shut, the five of them could hear him shouting


    "They are not an inch better the lot of them." the twins sat back down grinning. "I am sorry, lovely ladies, that you had to see that." Fred said apologetically.


    "Yeah, Percy''s a prat. Forget about him," George added.


    Avalon had the impression that the twins rarely did anything separately and always seemed to support each other. "We should go and see our mate Lee."Fred said as the twins got up and quickly left the compartment.


    It was quickly getting dark outside. "We should get our robes on. I think we will be there soon." Ginny said. They got dressed in silence.


    "Why is your brother wearing a cloak with red in it?" Asked Avalon. "Because he''s already sorted into Grifyndor." Explained Ginny.


    "Once you are sorted, your robes magically transform into your house collars. Red is for Grifyndor. Yellow is for Huffelpuf, blue for Ravenclaw and green for Slytherin."


    Again, Avalon noticed that Ginny pronounced the last house as if it was something like a dog turd under her shoe. A few minutes later, the train slowed down and finally stopped. A speaker clicked on.


    "Hogsmeade Station. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to school later, I wish you a good term." said the clear female voice on the intercom.


    The girls got off the train. Then they heard a loud male voice. "First years over here.¡±


    They looked round and saw a light in the distance, wobbling like a cork above the crowd of students. Not long after, a tall figure emerged from the vapour. He seemed too tall to be a real person. His brown mane and beard hid 80% of his face, but what was still visible looked very friendly.


    "That''s Hagrid." said Ginny. "The school gamekeeper." she added. They walked over to them and were soon joined by other students. Among them was Briget Rookwood.


    "Oh, do not tell me they are still letting that oaf ferry us across the lake," she complained. If Hagrid had heard her, he chose to ignore her.


    ¡±Right, first years, gather round!" he said. "Welcome to Hogwarts, all of yeh. I will pear yeh all into groups of three and you are going to get into a boat. Ill be upfront leading yeh all to the castle," he said in a warm voice.


    Ginny, Luna and Avalon quickly got into one of the first boats behind Hagrid. Soon they were travelling slowly across the glassy lake. In no time at all, they stopped at an underground harbour. Hagrid led them up 7 long spiral staircases. Exhausted and out of breath, the group of first years reached the top.


    "Has everyone got their breath back?" Hagrid asked. After a few minutes, everyone nodded. He opened the door, which contained a low marble staircase. They climbed them and were greeted by a stern looking witch in emerald Robes.


    "Good evening, may I introduce myself, I am Professor Mcgonagall. In a few minutes you will be taken to the Great Hall to be sorted before the Start of Term feast. I will return shortly to call you all in." She left the corridor. The children looked at each other. Each of them looked pale with nervousness. 5 minutes later the professor came back.


    "We''re ready," she said. "Please line up, two against two," the professor added.


    Luna quickly got into line, followed by Ginny. Avalon was close behind a dark-skinned girl. Nervously, they all followed Professor Mcgonagall.She led them into a large room.


    There were four tables, each with a different decoration. The table on the far right was decorated in red, the table next to it was decorated in blue, to the left of it was a yellow table and the last table on the far left was decorated in green. On the opposite side of the room was a podium with a big table with 12 subsidised chairs attached to it and a large, throne-like chair in the middle. Professor Dumbledore sat on it.


    2 seats were empty. One was obviously Professor McGonagall''s, but who was the other chair? Lockheart was sitting on Dumbledore''s left. Avalon was not sure if she really liked him, he looked so smug.


    But all the other girls seemed to have a crush on him. They all craned their necks to get a good look at him.


    On the far right, Hagird sat next to a very short man. On the far left sat a black-haired witch. Next to her sat a witch with curly grey hair, wearing brown robes with a few dirt stains here and there. Next to her sat a witch with grey hair, also with curls, but she was wearing an old-fashioned nurse''s uniform.


    The last witch at the table was a short grey-haired woman with strange cat-like eyes, wearing black robes. They walked in a line of two to the front of the hall. On the podium, which looked like an old lectern, was a stool with a very old, frayed and very dirty hat.


    Professor Mcgonnagal stood next to it. "When I call your name, you put the sorting hat on your head to be sorted into your house,"


    she explained. She walked away for a moment and the new students all looked around, not knowing what to do. The other students seemed to look at the hat with anticepation.


    "I am so going to kill George." Ginny said under her breath. " just putting on a hat," she added in a whisper.


    Suddenly a rip near the brim of the hat opened like a moth and it began to sing.


    I can cope with life like a teacher,


    I am a smart kinda hat.


    I like to play golf and watch football.


    I like to think about where you belong.


    Because it''s just sad on your own.


    So put me on and i will tell you exactly that.


    You are so brave in Griffyndor.


    But recklessness is a weakness


    those brave old Griffyndors will walk through the doors of danger.


    Wise old Ravenclaw is where your sharp mind,


    learning and great wisdom will be there ashured.


    But sharing is much caring, so bright minds work as one


    now huffelpuff priced loyalty and friendship above all else


    they keep their friends very close


    green thumb is what set them appart


    so plants come out to play.


    Slytherin,s ambition is what they have.


    Cunning folk is what they are


    and it can go both ways.


    So dont cross them is all I would say.


    if that''s a bit much for you,


    but do not worry my friend,


    I will decide it for you, now


    so put me on your head.


    The great hall burst into an aperitif.


    As soon as the hat stopped singing, Professor Mcgonnagall returned, holding a scroll in her hand. She unrolled it and began calling out names.


    "Aristo, Nicole," was the first name she called out. A pale, mousy, brown-haired girl stepped out of the line and sat down on the stool the hat had just been resting on.


    Mcgonagall placed the hat on her head, which fell over her nose. After a minute or two, she called out, "Huffelpuff."


    one by one, she called off the names. "Creevey Collin." She called out as she reached the C, the hat barely touching his head as he called out "Grifyndor"


    Avalon noticed that the tables where the students were sorted would erupt in cheers when someone was sorted there.


    As if in a flash, Mcgonnagall called out "Lovegood Luna" Luna skipped happily to the podium and sat down. The hat fell onto her moth. And she seemed to be having a conversation with it. After a minute, she fell silent. And another minute later, the hat called out, "Ravenclaw."


    The Ravenclaw table erupted in cheers and applause as Luna skipped over to their table and sat down. There were only a handful of students left. Oggle Jimmy became a Huffelpuff.


    "Prince Avalon." Mcgonnagall called out. With trembling knees, Avalon stepped up to the podium and sat down. The last thing she saw was the Great Hall awaiting her verdict.


    "Ahh, a mind that seems familiar." she suddenly heard in her ears. "Yes, difficult. There''s Courage. An adventurous spirit. Loyalty, definitely loyalty, but there''s more. An eagerness to learn. And a lot of cleverness, yes I know. "Ravenclaw," the hat called out to the crowded Great Hall.


    The Blue Table erupted in cheers again, and Luna seemed most pleased that Avalon was joining the Ravenclaws. Avalon stepped down and joined them she sat down next to Luna.


    "Maybe we can be real friends now," she said. Sallow Alan was the first new Slytherin. Valour Robbie. Was a new Grifyndor.


    "Weasly Ginerva." Said Mcgonagall. Ginny sat down nervously on the stool. the hat fell over her ears. But where with the others the hat said his resoning only to the person wearing it, with Ginny it spoke out loud.


    "Oh, but there''s another one. " said the hat. "I suppose you know what I am going to say next, eh?" he added. "Grifyndor!" the hat spoke loudly. The red table cheered and the twins seemed the happiest of all. They were chanting her name.


    Luna seemed a little disappointed that her 2nd friend would not be joining her table.


    Zinc Narsissa was the last,she became a Ravenclaw and sat opposite Avalon.


    Dumbledore rose from his seat and walked to the Speakers'' table.


    "Welcome to Hogwarts. To our older students, I say welcome back. I have been asked to say a few words, so here they are. Jumper, Waffle and Nickebocker.¡±


    Just after Dumbledore spoke, the blue Ford Angelina flew past the windows and seemed to crash near some trees. The whole Great Hall whispered to each other.


    Dumbledore stood up again. And the Great Hall fell silent."do not worry about the flying car, we will sort it out. Please eat," he said and he and Mcgonnagall quickly disappeared from the table.


    everyone in the Great Hall was talking loudly. When Avalon turned to the table, the plates in the centre of the table were filled with the most delicious dishes.


    She spooned everything onto her own plate and ate and drank until she was almost bursting. When the main course was finished, the food evaporated and was immediately replaced by delicious desserts. Luna cheered loudly.


    "PUDDING!" she shouted, helping herself to as much as she could fit on her plate.


    Avalon did not know what she wanted for dessert, so she took a small amount of everything. After the plates had been cleared and everyone was looking rather sleepy, Dumbledore, who had apparently returned back to the feast, stood up again.


    "now we have had our laibations i have a few more words to speek, Mr Filtch, our caretaker would like to remind you that the list of forbidden items is view able in his office," said Dumbledore.


    Avalon saw a tall, dark-haired man in a black robe sit down in the last available seat.


    "First years, the Forbidden Forest on the grounds is, as the name implies, Forbidden. It would be wise for some of the older students to realise this fact as well." Dumbledore added to his speech, looking at the Griffyndor table. The twins grinned broadly.


    "And now to the changes in our faculty. I am pleased to announce that the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts has been filled by none other than Gilderoy Lockheart."the large hall erupted in applause and girlish squeals.


    "I would also like to inform each and every one of you that young Mr Ronald Weasly and Mr Harry Potter have entered the school shaken but unharmed." Dumbeldore continued.


    "And now as i look upon all of your faces, I can see that you are all very tired, and I am sure you will all want to be rested when classes begin tomorrow, so off to bed you all go. Sleep well." Dumbeldore finished his speech.


    A deafening  sound of scraping benches echoed through the Great Hall and a tall blonde girl called out. "First years, please come with me."


    The group of 15 first years followed her. "I am Jullie Smith, your house prefect.She led them out of the great hall into the entrance of the school, where they continued straight ahead until they reached a large tower with a spiral staircase. It was magnificently decorated with hundreds of paintings that seemed to reach to the cealing.


    But the staircase was so high that they could not see the top. As they passed the paintings, Avalon noticed that people were moving around in the paintings. Some of them even greeted the new students.


    Julie took them higher and higher. It seemed like they were going straight up, but 2 rows down they stopped on a landing and she led them through double doors into a corridor. From there they went up another spiral staircase to the very top.


    There they stood on a wooden landing, in front of them a short straight staircase and above it a wooden door with an eagle with outstretched wings.


    Julie stepped up to the door and used the ring in the eagle''s paws as a knocker.


    A crisp female voice spoke to them. "What do you put in a bucket to make it lighter?" she asked. Julie smiled. "A hole, my lady." Julie anwsered.


    "Astute," she said "The eagle closed its wings and the door opened.


    "If you want to enter our common room, you will have to solve a riddle, if you answer incorrectly, you will have to wait outside for a housemate to solve the riddle correctly, that''s how you learn, you understand?" the prefect explained.


    They stepped through the door and it opened to a stone room with a beautiful raven carved in stone and more stairs. One of the students groaned.


    "I know it looks like a lot of climbing, but you will get used to it." Julie anwsered.


    At the top of the spiral staircase was a huge statue. Julie explained to them that it was the statue of Rowena Ravenclaw, one of the founders of the school.


    From the stateu there was a cosy-looking, round room with baroque sofas in the colours white and blue, a huge, round carpet with blue and yellow accents, on which small and large white stars could be seen in circles. A round table on the left-hand side of the room with 5 blue and white chairs around it.


    At the archway, which looked like a small corridor, there were 2 large bookcases from which books magically appeared when someone needed them. Floor lamps and a large chandelier provided a warm, cosy light.


    A small wooden corridor led through the archway, with stairs leading up and down both sides. Behind it was another round room with the same baroque sofas in the same blue and white colour. But here, too, there were identical- looking chairs and, in the centre of the room, a magnificent round fireplace with a warm fire blazing on its grate.


    On the wall behind it was another stone eagle, the sealing here was lower than in the previous room and had blue and gold-colouredconstalations painted on it, the windows were beautifully transparent stained glass.


    "That''s right, first years. This is the Ravenclaw common room area. You are very welcome. Your dormitories are on the left and all the way down for the boys and girls on the right and all the way down. I will leave you to settle in now. If you need me, because I sleep in the 5th years dormitories, which are on the right and down one flight of stairs. Do not hesitate to ask me anything," she said with a warm smile and then went down the right staircase herself.


    Luna Avalon and 4 other girls descended the stairs to their dormitory.


    On the left side of the corridor, they found a white door labelled " 1st years".They walked through a little nervously.


    On the other side they found a cosy looking room with three large bunk beds in the walls, all next to one of those clear glass windows.


    There was a blue round rug on the floor and next to the fifth window were small cupboards with brown baroque armchairs.


    To the left of the bunk beds were wooden cupboards where Avalon could store her clothes.


    The bottom bunk bed had 4 drawers with what appeared to be name plaqeus on them, which were still blanc at the moment.


    On the right wall was a small desk that could be used for studying. And a few shelves with various books on them. It all looked very cosy.


    "Come on Avalon, we''ll take the beds against the wall, you take the top bed." Luna said and sat down on the bottom bed. Luna''s name immediately appeared in golden letters on two of the nameplates on the drawers.


    Avalon climbed up the small ladder next to the bed and sat on the top bunk. It felt surprisingly comfortable. "Come on, take your pillow and keep me company down here." Said Luna.


    Luna had taken off her shoes and sat on her bed with her legs crossed, leaning her back against her pillow at the headboard. Avalon leaned her pillow against the wall and did the same.


    "We can talk like this for hours." Luna blurted out enthusiastically. "It''s just a shame Ginny''s not here," she added. Blue curtains hung next to each bunk, providing privacy.


    They were startled by a soft tapping on the window next to them as the clear class turned brown. Avalon quickly realised that they were shutters, closing to prevent the sun from waking them abruptly.


    According to Avalon''s watch, it was now 11 o''clock at night. She yawned, realising how tired she had been from the yourney to school.


    "I am sorry Luna, I''d love to talk for hours, but I am just too tired today." Avalon said and yawned. Luna nodded and yawned as well.


    "We will put a permanent sticking charm until we can then." Said Luna smiling. Avalon giggled, she loved the expression of the wizards.


    "We will do that," she replied, getting off the bed and climbing onto her own. She lay down on her comfy bed, wondering what she would learn when classes started the next day, and then quickly fell asleep.

 first steps

    A strange voice woke Avalon the next morning. "It is 8am, time to get up and have breakfast. Classes will be starting at 9:30. Your new timetables have been brought up. They are waiting for you next to your beds. Have a great day of learning." The voice fell silent.


    She looked down to see Luna''s bright eyes looking back, "Good morning, Avalon." She said and stood up quickly. Avalon followed suit. It was cold in their dormitory. As quickly as possible the girls put on their new school robes.


    had indeed had a magical change of colour. They were lined with blue silk and embroidered with a blue eagle. There were pairs of blue gloves, blue scarves and pointy black hats on the wardrobe chairs next to the robes.


    The girls put on the pointy hats and quickly cleared away the winter presents in their cupboards.


    were sheets of parchment lying next to all the beds. Luna took hers. "Oh yay, we have double Potions with Gryffindor," she said, indicating the block right after lunch.


    lunch they seemed to be doing Charms with the Slytherins and History of Magic with Huffelpuff. The rest of the day seemed to be free after Potions.


    There were 4 more lessons scheduled for the next day. Herbology was first. Then there was Transfiguration. Whatever that might have been. Both of them with Gryffindor. Then Defence Against the Dark Arts with Huffelpuf. And at the end of the day, it was Theory of Magic. with Slytherin.


    Then lessons somehow reset on Wednesday, but there day didn''t start until after lunch with a new double potions and then marked as midnight with again Gryffindor Astronomy.


    Everything seemed a bit overwhelming. But at least she had the support of Luna to lean on. So after breakfast, which was an extensive English breakfast for her. They went to the Charms class.


    The professor here was a very short man by the name of Professor Flitwick. He was standing on top of a big pile of very heavy books. Everything looked really funny.


    He began the class by calling out names. A couple of times he got the name of Avalon wrong, pronouncing it as Evian. They were supposed to make a feather float. But by the end of the lesson, no one had even managed to move it.


    Rockwood blew hers off the table and then pretended to Flitwick that she had done it using the spell. But all that did was make Slytherin lose 10 points for lying.


    History of Magic Nearly put Avalon into a coma. Well, okay, maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration. But Professor Binns, who was a ghost, managed to make the ancient magical crisis of the 1800s sound very dull.


    At the lunch table they were joined by Ginny, who looked annoyed. "I can''t believe we''ve got Snape for two hours." She said to them. "What''s so bad about that?" Avalon questioned. "According to all my brothers and Harry, Snape is probably the worst teacher in the world. That is saying something." She pointed out.


    "In the opinion of Fred, George, Bill and Charlie. He''s mean. Favours his own house. Which is surprising. Slytherin, and he takes pride in making you feel less than the eye of the newt you use in potions. That''s what''s so bad about it." Ginny finishes. "I heard he attempted poisoning a student once." Luna''s voice interjected.


    "Well." Ginny said, "I wouldn''t put it past him." She added. "He can''t be that bad. I mean, Dumbledore hired him." Avalon commented. "I respect Dumbledore and all that. But he''s a bit off his rocker, if you ask me." Ginny stated.


    "Last year, Harry almost died trying to get the Sorcerer''s Stone away from the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I mean, the guy died, and Harry swore he had You-Know-Who growing out of the back of his head." Added Ginny.


    "Impossible." Avalon stated. "No, it''s not. It''s called something that translates as half possession. You know who was like a tick. Living off Quirel. Harry wouldn''t lie about something like that." Ginny said matter-of-factly:


    "I mean, seeing You-Know-Who and telling people about it is not something you do lightly. Certainly not Harry,you know who killed his mum and dad and now almost killed him twice. No, Harry''s not going to lie about that. And Ron and Hermoine collaborate on his story. And Hermione can''t lie for sure." Ginny went on to tell them.


    "But what proof does that have that Dumbledore is." Avalon made a gesture with her hand next to her head to indicate madness. "He employed Quirel. So it''s not really iron clad to say that it''s okay because Dumbledore hired Snape." Ginny said in reply.


    The lunchbell rang. Ginny let out a groan. "Come on Gryffindors and Ravenclaws, let''s have two hours of abuse." She said in a dramatic manner.


    A mile and a half later they were in the surprisingly cool dungeons. It was a hot and humid day at the end of summer.but down there it felt like someone had left the air conditioning on. They made their way into the classroom, which was quickly filling up from the back. By the time Ginny, Luna and Avalon had found a place to sit, they had to sit at the very front of the class. What Ginny seemed to think was not fair.


    Not long after, a light-skinned man with black hair down to his chin, dressed in black robes, entered the room.


    "You are to put your wands away. There will not be any casting of spells in this classroom." He said with his back turned to them.


    "And there will be no talking, unless it is to ask a question, or to answer a question, and only after I have given you permission to speak." He continued. Not that there seemed to be any need for that last warning. Afte the Professor had entered the room, the class had fallen into a dead silence.


    "I won''t start the lesson with a reading of your names to show you how well I''ve practised them." He stated. Avalon looked at Ginny and gave a small chuckle. "Did I say something funny, Miss Weasley?" He said as he began to make his way Over towards them.


    "And I had no idea you had a twin." He said. "Sorry, sir, I made that noise." Avalon said to him. "And the one who gave you permission." He started to say as he stood in front of them. Avalon looked him in the eyes. Which oddly seemed to paralyse him.


    "Lily?." He said barely above whispering. "I am sorry, sir, that is my second name. I answer to Avalon." He shook his head, his focus now on what appeared to be her forehead.


    "Yes, well I''ll allow it this time young lady but next time wait for me to give you permission to speak." He said turning away.


    Ginny was stunned. He started the lesson quickly. They were supposed to be making a strengthening solution.


    It all looked very difficult. He walked around the students, checking their kettles. "Mister Crevery. You idiot boy. When are you supposed to add the crocodile tears?" he asked. A small Gryffindor looked at the board.


    "After stirring, Sir." Said the boy. "And you clearly did not." He said. "Which means no marks." Snape said and he walked over to the cauldron of Avalon.


    Her potion was bubbling. She didn''t think it should be doing that. "Ms. Prince." He said as he looked into her eyes. "My suggestion is that you lower the heat, it should be fine." He said in an oddly friendly way.


    "Thank you Sir." She said a little confused. She turned down the fire under her cauldron. The way the whole class looked at her. It was as if something was wrong with her.


    After almost two hours, Snape stood up from his seat. "Please put your brew into a sample flask so I can grade it for you. Oh, and don''t forget to write your name on it." He said in a bored tone.


    They made their way to the hall after handing in their potions and clearing out their cauldrons. "What the heck was that?" Ginny asked. "What do you mean what was that?" Avalon questioned.


    "The way he was treating you. He was. Well, I don''t'' know. He is human towards you. I''d even say nice if I didn''t know any better." Ginny said.


    "And why was he calling you Lily?" She added. "Well, that is my middle name." Avalon told her. "Mine''s Molly. But you won''t hear him ask about that. Not that he or anybody else should." Ginny said. "No, this was different. It was like he was seeing someone else." Ginny added.


    "Well, the only other Lily any of us have heard of is Potter," Luna added. "He can''t mean her, can he?" Luna asked.


    "As far as I know they have never even met each other. Harry would have known that and would have told me." Ginny put in. "You seem to be close with Harry." Luna said to her. At that Ginny''s face turned as red as her hair.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "N...n..not at all. H...h..he is close to my brother." She said with a stutter. The small group of students standing next to her made oohing and aahing sounds. "Shut up the lot of you." Ginny snapped at them and walked away.


    Luna and Avalon were on their way to the common room for the rest of the day.


    After dinner, Luna, Ginny and Avalon went outside until it got dark.


    Then they went back to their common room. Luna and Avalon sat on Luna''s bunk for hours. They talked about their first day. It was well after midnight. When Avalon climbed into her own bed and fell asleep.


    The next day was less eventful. However, Luna and Avalon ran into the school''s poltergeist, Peeves, who was knocking over pieces of armour.This meant that they were greeted by a huge noise.


    The Herbology lesson took place in the old greenhouses of the school. They had to look after various plants.


    Transfiguration was taught by Professor McGonagall. They had to try and turn a Beatle into a needle. None of them managed it by the end of the lesson. However, Avalon''s beetle was stretched and pointed.


    They went to eat, but Ginny had to leave early somehow. On their way into the corridor, Avalon bumped into a blonde second year.


    "Oy, watch it firsty." He said. His two friends, who were standing a little further along the corridor, laughed. They both had a fat, slightly stupid look about them.


    ¡°Sorry!¡± Avalon said to him. ¡°Sorry? Only sorry! Do you I happen to be Draco Malloy.¡±


    He seemed to get really angry when Avalon didn''t react. "What are you, a Muggleborn?" He spat at her in anger. "You are I am shure . A filthy little mudblood. He stated. It seemed very rude. There was even a gasp or a shake of the heads from some of the students.


    "No she isn''t." Luna interjects. "Who are your parents than? little girl." He snapped at her.


    "I don''t know that." Avalon spoke quietly. "What was that little firsty? You don''t know that?" How do you know if you''re not a Mudblood? You look like one to me." He shouted as he knocked her book bag out of her hands.


    ¡°ENOUGH.¡± The voice of Professor Snape barked. "You''re right Professor, that girl tried to push me. I could have been injured. "


    ¡±I said that was enough Malloy. Pick up the book bag and apologise." Snape snarled. "But professor." Malfoy said with a stunned look on his face.


    "Don''t make me tell you to do it again Draco." Snape said. "But Professor she tried to hurt me. She''s clearly a Mudblood." Malloy sounded annoyed.


    "THAT JUST COST YOU 50 POINTS BOY." Snape shouted at him. The whole of the school was looking at them now.


    "You wouldn''t, from your own house." Malfoy said in disbelief. "I would Malfoy. I just did." He said. Malloy''s jaw dropped. Clearly blaming Avalon, he gave her a hard shove. She fell, hitting her head and scraping her elbows.


    "AND THAT JUST GOT YOU A MONTH''S DETENTION MALFOY. NOW GET OUT OF MY SIGHT." Snape screamed.


    Malfoy ran past the assembled students. Snape bent down next to Avalon. "Are you all right, Miss Prince?" He asked her. She tried to nod her head, but every time she tried to move, the room would spin around her.


    "It will be fine." He said, lifting her. "Don''t you have a lesson to attend. He barked at the rest of the students.


    They all scattered in a hurry. Snape carried Avalon to his office and set her down gently. Then he walked over to a cupboard and took out a green flask. "Here, this is Wiggenwelt Potion. It will do wonders for your sore head."


    He said as he opened it and gave it to Avalon. She drank it quickly. Just stay still for one minute." He said as she felt the mist in her head begin to lift. She looked around. She saw Snape pointing his wand at her elbows and muttering something. The pain left her a second later.


    "There you are, right as rain." He said as he came to sit down next to her. "If he or anyone else ever calls you that again, you come straight to me, all right?" Snape said in a gentle tone.


    "No one should ever call you that again." He added. "What does that mean anyway?" Avalon asked. "That''s a very rude word for someone of Muggle parentage." He explained to her.


    "But what if that is what I am?" Avalon asked. "No one should call you that, even if you were what you most likely are not, Avalon. Never." He added.


    Avalon agreed when she saw that it meant a lot to him. "You should be all right now." He said and smiled at her.


    "You run along now." He said as he helped her up. She walked out of the room. As soon as she did she almost bumped into the Weasley twins.


    "I can''t believe this Fred." George said. "Nor can I George. She is in one piece. Added Fred. "Tell us all about it." They said in unison as they carefully steered Avalon up the stairs. They were quickly greeted by Ginny, Luna and another redheaded boy. who she assumed must be Ron.


    ¡°I told you. She was with Snape. Said one of the twins to Ginny. "Are you all right?" Ginny asked. "I''m fine now, actually. Snape gave me some potion. Wiggen somthing he called it, than he healed my elbows. " Avalon said.


    "Hang on a minute." The new boy said in reply. "Snape was taking care of you?" He said with disbelief. Avalon nodded. "I don''t believe that." He said. "He must have Ron. She must have had a concussion or something." Said George.


    "And the potion he gave you, was it Wiggenwelt?" Fred asked. Avalon nodded her head. "Inconceivable." George said gasping. "Totally unfathomable." Fred added.


    "That Snape gave it to me? " Avalon asked. "No, I mean, yes, but Snape looking after a student. Un frigging believable. Was he being kind to you?" George asked. "Yes." Avalon said.


    "Who are you." Fred asked. "Don''t be offended or anything like that. Snape friendly. It''s a miracle, you must be the reincarnation of Christ or something." George added.


    "But are you okay?" Gin asked. "Should we get you to the hospital wing?" She asked. Avalon shook her head. "Well your highness, I guess we''ll see you around." Fred said and the boys quickly left.


    "What were they on about?" Avalon asked. "According to them, Snape never treats students nicely, you might be the only person Snape''s nice to." Ginny said.


    "I mean. He''s only half decent to Slytherins. And he just ripped Malfoy a new one." She said. "So the twins are looking at this as a miracle." Ginny added.


    The news of Avalon being cured and treated by Snape seemed to reach the whole school over the next few days. And everyone seemed to be amazed by it. Draco Malfoy wasn''t happy about it at all. He whispered insults under his breath whenever she passed him in the corridors or the Great Hall.


    She was having dinner on the last day of her rather demanding first week. Ginny had made her way over to the Ravenclaw table. She looked rather strange.


    "Ginny, are you feeling all right?" Luna asked. The only thing she did was have a shrug of her shoulders. A minute or so later Ron walked over. He was accompanied by a bushy brown haired girl with slightly buck teeth. And Harry Potter.


    "Ginny is everything okay?" Ron asked his sister in turn. Once again she raised and lowered her shoulders in response.


    "Haven''t slept well I suppose." She said. "I just want to spend a little time with Avalon and Luna." She said. Harry looked at her. She noticed that the two of them seemed to have strangely similar eyes.


    ¡°So you are the famed Avalon Prince." He joked. Turning Scarlet Avalon nodded.


    "What is it like to be in Snapes good graces?" He asked. Avalon rolled her eyes at him. She had heared that question many times before. Harry didn''t seem to have noticed.


    "I can tell you a million stories about being on his, how shall I put it, very bad side. It''s hard to believe he has a good one." Harry added. He looked at Ron. "He''s like a skinny grown-up Dudley." He said. Avalon had no idea who Dudley was, and didn''t really care. She only knew that she hated being asked the same question over and over again.


    "I should have known as soon as I caught a whiff of it." Malfoy''s voice came from Harry''s back. "Weasleys, Grangers, whoever you are, and Potter." He said. Ron seemed to look behind Malfoy all of a sudden. "Oh hello Professor Snape. We were just talking about how badly Miss Prince was smelling." He said. Draco turned immediately. But there was no Snape to be seen.


    "A bit jumpy there, Malfoy." Ron said grinning. "Just wait till I tell my father about this." Draco bit and then walked away from the party. Avalon.Ginny and Luna chuckled.


    "It was irresistible." Ron said with a grin. Luna suddenly screamed "PUDDING". They all looked at her in amazement. "This is my favourite thing in the world." Luna added. The group laughed and said goodbye to Luna and Avalon.


    The second week of term flew by. They had had another practice session on the levitation spell. And they had another go at the Strengthening Solution as well.


    Avalon was the only one who could do it at the end of her Potions class. It was time for their first Defence Against the Dark Arts class at the end of the week.This was something Luna and Ginny had been looking forward to since the very first day of school. Ginny had her class right after Luna and Avalon.


    It looked like a beauty parlour outside the classroom. Girls were touching up their make-up or hair. A few of them were even trying to spruce up their robes. Avalon thought it was all a bit much. She and Luna entered their classroom and sat down.


    The class was filled with moving portraits of Lockhart. Most of the portraits winked at Luna and Avalon. A few minutes later, a couple of boys joined them. The girls came in, giggling loudly,a minute before the lesson was due to start.


    At the sound of the bell, the door above the small staircase was dramatically thrown open. Professor Lockhart, dressed in a periwinkle purple robe, emerged from the door a few seconds later. With a flair for the dramatic, he walked to the front of the class.


    "Welcome," he said as most of the girls in the class giggled. "You''re in for a treat." He added. He did a round of the room before coming back to the front of the class. "Let''s see how much you learned this summer. A pop quiz," he said with a wave of his wand. Pieces of parchment appeared and were placed on each pupil''s desk.


    "You will have the rest of the lesson." Lockheart said as he took a seat next to one of his paintings. Avalon turned her piece of parchment over. The questions in the quiz were a bit strange. All of them were about the Professor. Some were like: What is Gilderoy Lockheart''s favourite colour? And one was stranger still. What is Gilderoy''s date of birth?


    Avalon had not read any of his books. So she had no idea what to fill in. She had only managed to fill in her own name by the end of the lesson. But what did that have to do with defence? He waved his wand once more and the parchments zoomed over to where Lockheart was standing. He looked at them for a few minutes. Then he addressed the class.


    "Well, well, well. That''s not so good, is it?" He said. "Most of you had no idea what my favourite colour was. "He smiled at the class and said, "It''s purple. Most of the girls swooned. Even Luna had a misty look in her eyes.


    "Oh dear, this won''t do. Miss Prince has not answered a single question," he said. "Miss Prince, I would like you to stay after class to discuss this with me." Avalon gave a groan. The class emptied as the bell rang. All the girls in the class were telling her how lucky she was.


    "Miss Prince, I don''t think you''re doing your best in this class." He said. "You got that out of one lesson." said Avalon. He made a noise that sounded a little bit like a tut tut tut.


    "Miss Prince, I''d like you to come here for the next 7 nights to work on reading my books."


    "Detentions? What for?" Avalon asked him. "No. No, it''s not detention. Its like after school tutoring. I think you need it," he said.


    "Well, now that we have that sorted, I will let your Head of House know," he said smiling.


    Avalon grunted. Ginny and another of her classmates came into the room and found themselves a seat. Avalon walked past Ginny. She gave her a quick warning.Upset, she went back to her commonroom.

 Strange things

    Two months had passed before she knew it. And she settled in quite well. Potions quickly became her best class. Snape was her favourite professor.


    Her worst class was Defence Against the Dark arts mainly because Lockhart was a real phony in her eyes. He spent most of his classes reading passages from his books. And some things just seemed strange to her, even though she was new to magic. Like when he told her how he got rid of a banshee, whatever it was. In his words, he did a spell that took away the voice of the banshee. That was possible, but only temporarily, according to Flitwick.


    It was all a bit strange. Ginny acted strangely. For most of the time, she was just being Ginny. One her closest friends. But there was one time when she really seemed out of it.


    She seemed to be sleepwalking through the dungeons one night. And when she or Luna asked about it, Ginny always said she had no memory of it.


    Briget Rookwood started to become a real enemy. So was Draco Malfoy.


    It was November now. The weather was changing. There was a chill in the air. On a beautiful autumn Monday, she was walking in the gardens when she heard a commotion around the Quidditch pitch. When she went over she saw two groups of people. One was dressed in green and the other in scarlet.


    At the front of the green group was Draco Malfoy. When Avalon arrived, Ron and Hermoine were in the middle in the small gap that was separating the two groops.


    She couldn''t quite hear the argument, but she heard Draco call Hermoine a Mudblood. Then she saw Ron grab his wand, which was held together by tape.


    He said something and then the light that was supposed to come out of the tip burst from the tape. It bounced back and hit Ron. By the time Harry and Hermione managed to lift him off the ground, he had gone very pale. They quickly rushed past her.


    While they were eating dinner, she started to tell Luna all about what she had seen. "Should I go to Snape with this?" She asked Luna about it. "Oh no, he only seems to be fond of you. He doesn''t care for Ron." Luna answered.


    After eating Dinner everyone needed to go through the same corridor to get to their common rooms.


    What they found was Harry standing alone against the wall. Mrs Norris, the caretaker''s cat, was hanging from the ceiling by her tail. And there were words written on the wall, in what looked like blood.


    "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir beware,"


    The teachers quickly joined them. Avalon glanced over at Ginny, who had an extremely frightened look on her face. "Look at Ginny," she whispered to Luna. They carefully made their way over to her as Dumbledore examined Mrs Norris.


    "You all right?" Avalon asked Ginny who shook her head quickly. "It''s just so awful." She said, sobbing. "She''s not dead Argus." Dumbledore''s voice cut through. "She''s just been petrified." He added. Avalon threw an arm around Ginny''s shoulder.


    "See, it will be alright. Dumbledore is sure of it." Avalon told her. "What if they can''t save her." Ginny asked her. "I''m sure they can Ginny. Dumbledore is sure."Avalon answered. "But he . Can . Be. Wrong." She said between sobs. "Yes. He can." Luna chimed in. "Luna, you are not helping." Avalan whispered.


    "I am, even though they can make a mistake, but at least there is a chance. A lot of people don''t even get that. Luna added. Ginny smiled a little. "Thank you." She said.


    Professor McGonagall addressed the students. She told them to make their way to the common rooms. The students quickly listened. There was no other topic of conversation than the so-called Chamber of Secrets and what had happened to the Caretaker''s cat for the next few days.


    Every time Avalon ran into Ginny, she seemed to grow paler. Luna and Avalon were worried about her. In the Potions class, no one was able to keep their mind on their potions at all. This was to the great annoyance of Snape. He even made the class stay later. Avalon stayed behind after that.


    "Professor," she began. "Yes, Avalon?" he asked her. "I don''t have long, sweetheart," he added. "What is this Chamber of Secrets?" she asked. "It''s a myth, Avalon. Nothing to worry about." He said. "But what is it?" her question was. "Nobody will tell us. She added. "I know. We are forbidden to speak of it." He replied.


    Avalon looked at him. "Is it that dangerous?" she asked. "I don''t know." He said. "I''ve heard the legends. But no one knows if they are true." He said.


    "But what are those legends? "Avalon asked, looking into Snape''s eyes. "OK, fine, but don''t tell anyone I told you." He said as he pointed to a chair. She sat down.


    "We must go back to the earliest days of our school for this story. It was founded a thousand years ago. There were four founders. Salazar Slytherin, Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helena Huffelpuff. As to who we should teach, they had different ideas. Hellena Huffelpuff was in favour of anyone with magic. Regardless of who they were. Rowena Ravenclaw was in favour of those who were very clever.like yourself if I¡¯m not mistaken.¡± Snape said to her.


    "Godric Gryfindor wanted to teach the brave, and if you ask me, the reckless. And Salazar Slytherin thought that only pure-blooded wizards should be taught to use magic. But because his view was not shared by the others, he decided to leave..¡±


    ¡° But before he did, they said he built a room within the school known as the Chamber of Secrets, which he sealed with blood magic. And it is said that a monster was born in it. One that, if awakened, will rid the school of those who, in the eyes of Slytherin, are unfit to learn magic." He finished his story.


    "But what can wake this monster than?"Avalon asked.


    "The only true heir of Salazar Slitherin. He or she can open the chamber and control the monster." He replied. "But Avalon, this is a legend. The school has been searched. Every generation of headmasters has searched. But it has never been found." He added.


    "But then what has happened to Mrs Norris?" Avalon questioned. "There are ways to petrify a being. Potions, curses. I don''t know what happened''. Snape answered.


    "And what about Harry?" she asked. "What about him." He barked. "I''m sorry." he added quickly. "About Harry... I don''t think he has anything to do with this." He said. "Why do you think that?" She asked.


    "For two reasons. Even though he thinks he is, he is not clever enough. 2 This is not something a second year can do. Not on his own," the bell rang.


    "I have a new class, Avalon. You should go." he said. She left the classroom quickly. Back in the dormitory on Luna''s bed, she told her classmates and a visiting Ginny everything she had learned.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "If even Snape thinks that Harry is innocent, then he definitely has to be." Luna said. Ginny was strangely quiet. Her personality had been so bubbly before. she seemed like a wallflower now. But every time they asked her if she was all right, all she would say was: "I''m not sleeping well. So, after a couple of weeks, they just stopped asking her.


    Avalon noticed that she carried a black book with her wherever she went. That weekend was the first Quiditch match of the season. Avalon had never seen a quiditch match before. But she had found out. It was like football for the wizarding world.


    Just about everyone had their own favourite Quidditch team. Ginny told them. She dreamed of one day playing for the Hollyhead Harpies. They were the only all-girl Quidditch team in the whole world. Her twin brothers used to tease her about it. They said she would never make it because girls could not play quiditch well. She always smiled at them. She told them that one day they would eat their words.


    Gryffindor versus Slytherin would be the match. They all made their way to the Quidditch pitch 30 minutes before the match was due to start.


    Avalon had never seen the pitch from the inside before. It was as big as a football pitch with seats raised about 2 metres off the ground. On each side of the pitch were 3 rings even higher. It reminded Avalon of those soap bubble blowers.


    A whistle blew. The 2 teams walked to the centre of the pitch with brooms in hand. The witch Avalon had seen at the table at the beginning of the term feast was in the middle. She had short hair and cat-like eyes. She said something to the players and then blew her whistle and the team mounted their brooms and took off.


    The Gryfindor team included the Wasley twins, Harry Potter and some older students that Avalon had only seen around dinner time.She recognised the team captain as a boy with the name Wood. She did not know the names of the other members of the team.


    Draco Malfoy was the only one she knew from the Slytherin team. The match had started. The Slytherins were a blur in the sky. In the blink of an eye, they had 3 goals on their board. Ginny and Luna tried to explain to her how to play. But suddenly there was a grey ball chasing Harry. It was followed by the Weasley twins. The Weasley twins were chasing the grey ball and knocking it away all the time.


    There was a time-out after a while. Soon they were back on their broomsticks. The twins left Harry alone. But the strange grey ball still followed him. After a while he dived down. Draco was on his tail. Almost on the pitch itself, Harry pulled himself up and reached out. It looked like he was grabbing something, but the grey ball connected with his arm and Harry crashed to the ground.


    A few of the teachers, Ron and Hermione, made their way over to the pitch. Lockheart sat down next to Harry. He pointed his wand at Harry''s arm. It seemed as if something had gone wrong. Lockheart bent Harry''s arm at a very odd angle and it just snapped back like a rubber band. He was quickly rushed off the pitch.


    "Great, he''s going to be back in the hospital wing. My mum will have a fit." Ginny said. She walked off quickly.


    "She''s been acting weird." Luna said. She was being devastatingly honest again. "I know Luna." Avalon replied. "Do we have to tell a teacher?" Avalon asked. "I have no idea," Luna replied. "Maybe we should wait a little longer." She added. Discussing what to do, they made their way back to the castle.


    Dinner came and went, they saw no Ginny, which worried them. They were walking back down the long corridor when they saw someone lingering in the corridor. It was near where Mrs Norris had been attacked. And that someone looked very much like Ginny.


    "Hey Ginny why were you at dinner? Asked Avalon. Ginny turned around. Her eyes looked very strange and she quickly ran away.


    "Ginny wait." Avalon shouted. She and Luna ran after her. "GINNY!" it seemed as if Ginny had disappeared as they rounded the corner. "Ginny?" Luna yelled. They saw someone lying on the ground around another corner. Avalon screamed. "Who''s that?" Luna asked. When they were next to the person on the floor it turned out to be Collin Creavey. He was lying on the floor, not moving, as if he had been carved out of stone. He was holding his camera up to his eye.


    "Luna i will stay here, you get Snape, tell him I need help." Luna''s gaze was blank. "Luna, now!" she nodded and ran out of the hall as quickly as she could. Avalon took off her cloak. She rolled it up and put it under Collins head. She did not know what else she could do.


    A minute later, Professor Snape ran into the corridor. He looked extremely worried."Avalon!" he called out. "Over here," she shouted. A second later, he was running around the corner. He quickly knelt down and said,


    "Avalon, are you all right?" "Yes, I am fine. Its Collin," she said. Snape stood up. He looked at the boy. "Avalon, go get Professor Dumbledore. Miss Lovegood, go to Professor McGonagall and tell her a Gryfindor has been attacked." Luna ran off in a hurry. "Avalon!" Snape called before she rounded the corner. "Yes?" she asked. "Be careful." He said. She nodded and ran away quickly.


    At the staff room door she knocked. Lockheart opened it. "Ah, Miss Prince, how can I be of assistance?" he asked.


    "Dumbledore." she said, panting. "No my dear, I am Professor Lockheart." he said with a smile. "I need Dumbledore." A few seconds later, Dumbledore was standing behind Lockheart.


    "Professor Collin has been attacked. Professor Snape wanted me to come get you." She said, still out of breath. "Yes of course." Dumbledore said understandingly. He pushed Lockheart gently aside.


    "Has his head of house been alerted?" He asked as they ran through the corridors. He was surprisingly quick for his apparent age. "Yes. Luna is on her way." she replied. Snape was examining Collin when they reached the corridor.


    "thank you miss Prince." Snape said in a strangely stiff voice. "I don''t know Albus. This isn''t a spell or a potion." Snape said to Dumbledore. "I see." he said. Professor McGonagall and Luna came running in a few seconds later. Just like Dumbledore, she was surprisingly quick on her feet. She stopped dead in her tracks. She saw Collin.


    "What does this mean Albus?" she asked. "I have no idea yet, Minerva. First things first. Miss Prince and Miss Lovegood. You will go to your common room at once. No, before you ask, you are not in any trouble. But you girls need to be safe, so I want you to go to Ravenclaw Tower and stay there. We will inform you as soon as possible," the girls began walking.


    "Severus," they heard Dumbledore ask, "can you get Fillius, Pomona and Gilderoy for me? "Hang on a second." Avalon said.


    "We really should be going, Avalon. It could be dangerous. We could be next." Luna said as she pulled Avalon along with her. In the common room, Avalon was looking at Luna.


    "Snape''s name''s Severus?" she asked. "Yes of course, didn''t you know that?" Luna said with her brutal honesty once again.


    "No," she said. It was all falling into place for her now. Why he was so nice to her. How he knew her middle name. He was her aunt Eileen''s son. He was the one who had sent her all those wonderful presents. She still did not understand why, though, and why he did not just tell her who he was.


    "But why do you want to know?" Luna asked her, interrupting her train of thought. Avalon smiled. And she quickly told Luna all about being adopted. And how, as she now understood, Snape was sending her amazing birthday presents. Luna had been a silent listener.


    "Well, he seems to like you, then." Was all she said afterwards. A few seconds later they had a big laugh about it. It felt good. Laughing again. A couple of minutes later, Professor Flitwick stepped into the common room and said. "Gather round, everyone. I have news," The common room was filled with the entirety of Ravenclaw.


    "As you may or may not be aware, there has been an attack on a student. It''s not one of us, so don''t worry about your friends." He said. "Having said that, due to this attack, we''ve got some temporary rules which are going to apply right now.¡±


    ¡°All students will have to be in the common rooms by 6 pm and no later than that. Dinner will be served in the common rooms for all students.¡±


    ¡°All students must be accompanied by a professor between classes," he said. There were some gasps of outrage.


    "Listen children. Our concern is your safety and security. That is all that matters to all of us. And if the culprit behind these attacks is not found soon. The school may be closed.¡± He said, sounding very concerned.


    "Miss Prince." Flitwick called, "Yes Professor?" she said sounding worried. "I have your cloak. Thank you for being so considerate." He said as he handed the cloak back to Avalon.


    "Thank you, sir." She said to him. "Professor Snape wanted me to tell you to be very careful and stick to the new rules, no matter how frustrating they may be." He said smiling. "You are a very special person." Flitwick added. Before he left the common room.


    "This is serious." Luna said. "What I want to know is, where is Ginny, and what was she doing there?" Avalon said. Luna nods. "But we''re stuck here now." Luna said. "I know. But We have to find out." Avalon said. She looked really worried.

 Dangerous times

    The next morning, Luna and Avalon ran to breakfast before the professor who was to be their escort could stop them. They had set their minds on seeing Ginny. Panting, they made their way into the Great Hall.


    The Slytherins were already there, talking to each other in a cheerful manner.


    The Huffelpuffs entered just behind Luna and Avalon. They looked a little worried.


    The Gryffindors entered. They looked scared and sad. Avalon understood the fear after Collin had been the one who had been attacked. Luna nudged Avalon and pointed to the other end of the table. Thankfully Ginny sat there. She looked really pale and really tired. But she was safe.


    The two of them made their way over to her. "Ginny!" Avalon said as she quickly gave her a hug. "You''re all right. We were so worried about you." Ginny looked up. "Why?" she asked. "You were in the corridor where Colin was attacked seconds before or after it happened. We were so worried." Luna added.


    "No, I wasn''t." Ginny replied. "Yes, you were. We saw you," Avalon said. "Can''t have. I was never there." Ginny said again. "Ginny, we saw you." Avalon pressed. "Maybe she was sleepwalking. She looked really out of it." Luna said.


    Gilderoy Lock Heart had made his way into the Great Hall. He cleared his throat. His voice was magically amplified. It took him 3 times to get the attention of the whole school.


    "Good morning, students. I have special permission from the Headmaster to start a Dueling Club this evening at eight. Just in case we ever have to defend ourselves. He said. Avalon sat down beside Ginny. "There is no way I am going to that," she whispered.


    "Oh, and by the way, attendance is mandatory." he added. "Great, just what I wanted," Avalon said sarcastically. So that evening, after dinner, they were all back in the Great Hall. The house tables were all placed together to form a long podium. There was a large blue carpet on it, with stars and long white lines all over it. Gilderoy Lockheart''s voice came through the room,


    "Gather round, gather round. Can you all hear me? Can everyone see me?" he asked. It was barely audible over the squeaking of the girls'' voices. "As you all know," he said, "Professor Dumbledore has allowed me to form this Dueling Club. It is to teach you how to defend yourselves." Again the girls squealed as he passed. Lockheart took off his now sky-blue cloak and threw it into the gathered school. A full scale tug of war broke out over it. In the end, one of the older Gryfindor students managed to grab it. She folded it up beaming.


    "Alright, deueling you do with at least two, so I would like you to meet my lovely assistant. Professor Snape." He said. "Oh yes, he is lovely," said one of the Weasley twins. "about as lovely as a puke-flavoured bean is lovely." his brother interjected.


    Despite herself, Avalon laughed. Not really paying attention, she heard a crash. She looked back at the table and saw Lockheart lying flat on his back. "Do you think he''s all right?" she heard someone ask. "Who cares?"Ron Weasley reacted.


    Lockheart said something about it being obvious what Snapes was going to do, and if he wanted to stop it, it would be too easy. "That''s as likely as me becoming Minister for Magic," Fred said. Avalon laughed again.


    A few minutes later Lockheart asked for two volunteers. He suggested Ron and Harry first. Snape however intervened. "With the simplest of enchantments, Weasley''s wand causes devastation. Anything defensive and we can send Harry to hospitalwing in a matchbox." Snape replied. And then he suggested Draco Malfoy. Avalon could not really see what was happening, but after a couple of violent spells they were told that they only had to disarm each other.


    "Serpentsortia," Malfoy shouted. And a snake materialised from the tip of his wand. "Don''t worry Potter, I''ll get rid of it." Snape said. But before he could, Lockheart hit it with a spell. It sent the snake into the air and then back down to the tables with a thud. It was now clearly agitated. But what happened next was nothing short of terrefieing.


    Harry walked over to the snake and began to hiss at it. The snake seemed to understand him. It turned to face Harry who hissed at it again. The snake then turned to a Huffelpuff boy. Harry hissed at the snake again It seemed to get more agitated. For the last time, Harry hissed at the snake. It was now inches away from the Huffelpuff boy. Suddenly the snake burst into flames and as Avalon looked up she saw the snapes wand raised. It was obvious that he had just gotten rid of the snake.


    She looked back at Harry. He seemed very proud of himself and was beaming at the Huffelpuff boy. Who looked at him angrily. "What are you playing at?" the boy said as he walked out of the Great Hall. Harry quickly left and was followed by Hermione and Ron.


    "What just happened?" Avalon asked. "Is he a passle mouth?" Ginny asked aloud. "A what?" Avalon asked. "a passlemouth. He can talk to snakes," Ginny clarified. "That hissing? That was actually talking?" asked Avalon. "Yes. And it is bad."


    The whole school seemed to be discussing it. A Huffelpuff girl stepped up to the podium. "He''s the Heir of Slytherin. He has been attacking students," she shouted. Some of the other students panicked.


    "Oh don''t be ridiculous." Fred Weasley said. "Harry, the Heir of Slytherin? You don''t really believe that, do you?" he added. The girl looked at him. "Then how do you explain that he just tried to kill Justin?" she asked. "Well, it seemed to me that he was well enough to run away."George added. "Only because Snape intervened," the girl added. Now more students climbed onto the table


    "He can speak Passetounge. That''s the mark of a dark wizard." An Asian Ravenclaw girl said. Avalon recognised her as Cho Chang. "Yeah, right," Ginny said. "He stopped You Know Who when he was a baby, and again last year," she said.Supporting her brother.


    "No one knows how he did it." Another Huffelpuff said, this time a boy. "And no one knows why you know who wanted to kill him." he added. "Yeah," said a 7th year Ravenclaw student. "Maybe it was because Know Who was afraid of him. Maybe he saw what powers he was going to have and didn''t want another dark wizard to compete with him," he added.


    "Oh please Duncan." Fred said. "As if Lily and James Potter were ever seen as evil." he added. "No your right, but you know who''s parents were probably lovely people." Duncan said. "How do you know? Have you met them?" George shouted. "No." Duncan snapped. "It''s just speculation." Fred cut in, supporting his twin. "Presiseley, and I am saying that Harry being the heir of Slythering is about as likely as Lockheart being modest." George added. There was a roar of laughter from the students at George''s comment and the tension seemed to be temporarily at an end. Fred and George climbed onto the stage and bowed. "Thank you, thank you." Fred said. "We''ll be here all week." George added.


    "Look." Avalon said as she climbed onto the podium. She added, "Let''s not turn on each other." "Who asked you?" a Slytherin boy said. "Obviously not you, so shut up and listen." George said, supporting Avalon. "Turning on each other is exactly what this person wants. The more we point fingers, the less he or she gets noticed, the worse things get." Avalon said, not knowing where she got it from.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "It started when your class entered the school." A Slytherin boy said as he climbed onto the table. "I wouldn''t do that." she heard Draco say. "Shut up Malfoy, like I said it started when you and your classmates entered the school, so it''s one of you." The boy said.


    Luna and Ginny started to climb up now. "Shut your mouth Stuart Wallemby." Ginny said to him, grabbing her wand. "Oh, I get it. It''s her." he said pointing at Avalon. "You are the heir of Slitheryn. So you attack things left and right, huh? What are you, part Gorgon?" he said, walking over to Avalon. Stuart was a tall, slightly overweight 5th year with sneering, steel grey eyes. "Maybe we should just get rid of you to be on the safe side," he said taking out his wand. "I''ve been wanting to try this ever since I read about it." he raised his wand. "Avada," he began.


    Suddenly, as fast as a cat, Snape leapt between them. His wand was barely an inch from Stuart''s throat. "Finish this spell and you''ll be lucky to breathe through a tube for the rest of your life." He said. "It''s an illegal curse. But don''t worry about ending up in Azkaban. I will have taken care of you before they can find you."


    "if you ever try to hurt her again." He said. George jumped down from the podium. He quickly grabbed his little sister and Luna. Once they were on the floor, Fred handed him Avalon.before jumping off the podium himself.


    "Did I make myself clear, Wallemby?" Snape asked. He spoke each word slowly, making it sound dangerous. When Stuart did not react, Snape pressed his wand down on his flesh. "I said: Have I made myself clear?"Snape asked again. Stuart coughed a little. "Yes professor," he said in a stammer. "Good, and just to make sure this doesn''t happen again, I''ll take 100 points off you and give you detentions every night until the end of term." Snape added. "And be glad I am not reporting you to Professor Dumbledore for trying to cast an unforgivable curse. Now get back to your dormitories." He barked at the assembled school.


    They all knew better than to argue. So they all left quickly and quietly. Avalon sat down on Luna''s bed. "That was scary." Luna said. "I know, what was that spell Stuart tried to use on me?" Avalon asked. "I don''t know, but it must be extremely bad for Snape to mention Azkaban," Luna said. "What is that?" Avalon asked. "The wizard prison. Dad told me about it once, it sounds very scary." Luna added.


    "Don''t read too much into it." A girl called Oona Barnes said as she joined them on Luna''s bed. She said. "The whole school was on edge about what happened." She materialised popcorn with her wand. "But what was it that he was going to use on me?" Avalon asked. "Yeah, that part was really scary, and you should tell Dumbledore that he was going to use the Killing Curse on you. Snape just saved your neck." She said. "That''s not okay." Oona said.


    "Snape handled it. I trust him." Avalon said. "You seem to be the only one but ok." Oona said. They talked for a while. Trying to make sense of things, eating some popcorn. Before they all went to bed, the clock had struck two in the morning.


    The school felt the effects of the attack for the next few days. Students were never alone. They walked around in groups. Almost no one had the courage to speak to people from other houses.


    Harry was seen as a very dangerous person. Avalon, too, was looked upon with suspicion. Luckily only by Slytherin, and no one seemed to care about them any way. Fred and George were their joking selves. They even went so far as to make fun of the idea that Harry was the Heir of Slytherin. They said things like "The Heir of Slytherin is coming through, let him pass on his way to the Chamber to have a cup of tea with the old monster there." After a few weeks, things even started to feel normal again.


    Except for Huffelpuff, especially Justin. He thought he was a marked man. And he did not trust Harry at all. He seemed to trust Avalon. He even told her that he had written a letter to his parents telling them that he loved them, just in case. He also let it slip that he had a sister and that Avalon reminded him of her. He also told her that he hoped that she would not come to Hogwarts in the state that it was in at the moment.


    Avalon had to agree. For the first time since the Christmas holidays had ended, she longed for home. during the holliday she wanted to go back to school. Now she wanted to go home with the state the school was in. It was no longer the warm, safe and friendly castle that she had made her home for the last couple of months. It seemed cold because of what had happened. Hostile and unwelcoming. But the school seemed to calm down as time went on and there were no more attacks.


    Ginny seemed to be getting better too. She was becoming her bubbly self again. Avalon also noticed that the black book Ginny had been carrying around with her was no longer with her. She was smiling again. Her face was less pale every time she saw her.


    It was late Febuari when things started to change again. They all walked down the same corridor where Colin and Mrs Norris had been attacked. What greeted them was horrible. nearly headless, Nick, the ghost of the Gryfindor house, was no longer white and semi-transparent, but black and floating in space. Smoke hung around him here and there. Behind him on the ground was a figure. It wore black and yellow robes. And seemed to be carved in stone, just like Collin. It was Justin. And in the middle of it all was Harry Potter.


    It was getting harder and harder to see his innocence. She looked around, but saw Ginny no where. "Luna. Where is Ginny?" Avalon asked. "I don''t know, I saw her leave 10 minutes before dinner ended." Luna said. "We have to find her. The girls ran off quickly.


    "We were going to be in so much trouble." Luna said. "I know," Avalon said, standing still. "But isn''t our friend worth it?" she asked. Luna nodded. "I was going to say the same thing, just a little differently." she said smiling. Soon the girls were running again.


    They soon found the portrait of the fat lady. The painting was, according to Ginny, the door to the common room. "We just need her password." Luna said. "I know, and we don''t.know it"Avalon said. "What are two Ravenclaws doing here?" They heard behind them. They turned quickly. They were greeted by the orange face of Peeves.


    "Two little first-year Ravenclaws. Trying to break into Gryfindor''s place. Tus tus tus", he said. "Peeves, shut up." Avalon said. "Ooooh, maybe Peeves is offended by this little firsty." he said. "PEEVES." she shouted now. They heard footsteps around the corner. "Hahaha naughty naughty you get caughty!" said Peeves, flying through a wall.


    "We should go." Luna said sounding scared. "We haven''t done anything wrong?" Avalon answered her. "What if it is the attacker?" asked Luna. "Then I guess we were done for." Avalon said. The footsteps stopped. "were done for." Luna said, closing her eyes.


    "BOOH." The voice of either Fred or George Weasly shouted. Luna and Avalon were so frightened that they screamed. Grinning, the twins jumped around the corner. "George, I think our work here is done." Fred said. "You two are." Avalon started to say, grunting at the end of her sentence.


    "I know. But what are two young Ravenclaws doing on our doorstep?" Fred asked. "It''s very suspicious," George added. "We wanted to know where Ginny was, she left dinner early." Avalon explained. "She said she had to study." George added. "Why do you want to know?" Fred asked, "She''s been acting weird." Avalon said. "She''s a Weasley, we think weird is normal." George joked,


    "No, like really weird George. "What do you mean?" George asked Avalon. "Well, she was in the dungeons after hours and when we saw her, she was like sleepwalking. She was in the corridor when Colin was attacked, also sleepwalking. She looked very sick. And well, she has been very quiet lately," Avalon said. George and Fred looked worried.


    "That''s not like her." Fred said. "Wattle bird." George said. "What?" Avalon asked. The portrait of the Fat Lady swung forward, "Its the password." Fred said. They walked into the Gryffindor common room. "Ginny?" Avalon called. There was no answer. "Ginny!!" Fred called after Avalon. "GINNY I WILL TELL MUM." George shouted. They were startled by the opening of the portrait hole. Several seconds later, Ginny appeared. "Where have you been?" asked Fred. "You sound like Mum," she said as she walked past them. "Ginny Molly Weasley. You had your brother and I worried sick." George said, supporting his twin. "Now you sound like Mum." Ginny said again. "Ginny just answer us." Luna said. "I was out for a walk. Why?" she said annoyed.


    "Justin was just attacked." Fred said to his little sister. "Really?" she said as she sat down. "That''s terrible." she added looking shocked. "So when you weren''t there and you weren''t in here we were worried." George said. "I mean, we might have had a tease about you and Sometimes we make you look a bit stupid, but in the end you are our sister. Fred added. "Yes, and turning you to stone is really our job." George said jokingly. "Stupid." Ginny said to her brother. "Just trying to ease the tension." Ginny smiled. "I''m fine, just not sleeping well." she said. They all sat down and talked for a while.


    The school was even more terrified for the next few weeks. Nobody was in the halls any longer than they had to be. They went to class accompanied by teachers and after class they were in the common rooms. Breakfast and dinner were served there. School became a prison for Avalon. It was almost forbidden to visit another house. The teachers all seemed very concerned. What would happen next?

 Fear contineus

    The school started to go crazy. All the classes were divided up because of all the attacks. They used to do Potions with Gryffindor. They hadn''t seen Ginny for days, because now they only had Potions with the other Ravenclaws.


    In the corridor they met the second year Gryffindors. They were being brought back from Transfiguration by Professor McGonagall. "Ron," Luna said quickly. He looked up. "Tell Ginny we love her." She added. Ron gave her a smile. "Will do." he said.


    Snape dropped them off at Defence Against the Dark Arts. He knocked on the door. No one answered. "Bloody hell Lockheart, open the door." Snape shouted. "You could leave us here." Avalon said. "And risk you." He cleared his throat. "I mean risk all of you being attacked. No." He said. After 5 minutes of knocking and shouting, Lockheart opened the door to his room.


    "Are you finally through with the painting of your ugly mug, Lockheart?" Snape said annoyed, "or did you get your curlers tangled up?" he added.


    "I actually have a class to teach," he went on. "Yes Severus, we all do. This accompanying them to classes is nonsense." Lockheard complained. "I don''t really care what you think. Just make sure these students are safe." Snape said as the class entered. "Watch them." Snape said to Lockheart. "If there is any harm to her, I will make your ugly face even uglier." Snape added before walking away.


    Again Lockheart read from his book. This time it was about getting rid of a werewolf. One he had cured with a wolfsbane potion. When she asked Snape about it a couple of days later, he told her that, yes, there was a potion that could make it safe for them to be around her. But there was no such thing as a cure for a werewolf. So she knew he was lying.


    The evenings were quite boring, but the nice thing about being locked up in the common room was that you could make friends in your own house.


    One cold March evening, Luna, Avalon and Oona sat in their dormitory. They were doing their homework with the other girls in their year.


    One of them had light purple hair, which she could change most of the time. She had beautiful grey eyes and it was clear that she would be a striking beauty when she grew out of her childish appearance. Her name was Emma Tonks, an other girl had the annoying habit of knowing what you were thinking. She called it Liggilimesy. And that she had it naturally, and that her power skipped a generation. She got it from her grandmother. She had brown hair. Light skin and blue eyes. Her name was Lucy Kowalski. According to her stories, her grandmother and grandfather had a great influence on the fall of. Grindelwald, whoever that was. And that although she was considered Pureblood because her mother was a witch and her father a wizard, she told them that her paternal grandfather had been a baker who had married a witch.


    The last girl in her dormitory was called Sharon Prewett, who had been orphaned almost at birth. She had spent her life in a muggle orphanage near London. She had told Avalon. She had never known her parents either. And according to the orphanage matron, she was registered as Sharon Prewett, so they went with that name. She had chestnut hair that was almost red. And bright brown eyes. She also told them that until the day her letter arrived, he had no idea she was a witch.


    "Can you block the reading of people''s minds?" Avalon asked Lucy. "Yes, I can. I can also close my mind to other wizards," she said. "Can you read Snape?" asked Luna. "No I can''t, I think he''s learned how to block his thoughts." Lucy replied.


    "Who would want that?" Emma asked. "Well, I don''t know. I would like to know what he is hiding." Avalon said. "Be careful what you wish for." Oona said. "I wanted to know what my father was hiding. After a well-aimed spell, he told me exactly what it was. Little did I know that he was only my stepfather." Oona explained.


    "That sucks." Luna said. "I got over it." Oona explained. "At least you have parents. Steph or adoptive." Sharon said. "I was in the orphanage for 11 years. Nobody wanted me. I wasn''t cute enough as a baby and I wasn''t young enough when I got older." Sharon said, looking sad.


    "You have a family now." Luna said. Sharon smiled at her. The next few weeks Avalon enjoyed spending time in their common room, but the topics of conversation became boring. They longed for more to do. The next lesson in Defence Against the Dark Arts was even more ridiculous. After reading pages from his own book again, he addressed the class.


    "i think the worst is over, children."Lockheart said, "I think the perpetrator knows I am here now and will back off. I think the attacks are over," he said. "And on what do you base that?" Avalon said, finally fed up with him.


    "Have there been any more attacks?" he said. "No, but last time it was quiet for months." Sharon called out. "Yes Miss Prewett. But this time we have found a cure in Mandrakes. Once that is done we will get to the bottom of this." Lockheart said smiling.


    The bell rang and Lockheart groaned. "Let''s go I have to get you to Potions," he said sounding angry. "Lets go I have more to do. Like get ready for my second year Gryffindor class. And my hair needs attention." He complained as the class gathered their books. "CAN YOU JUST HURRY UP?" he shouted.


    "Some one''s testy," Avalon whispered to Luna. "He could let us go ourselves if it''s that much of an inconvenience." Luna Whispered"I mean, he''s so sure it''s over, right?"she added a little louder than a whisper.


    "You know what Miss Lovegood. I think you''re right," he said. "You just go. Go to Potions," he said. "But Sir, these are the rules." Emma said. "I don''t care about those rules, GO!" he shouted, "let''s just go." Avalon said. And they all left the room quickly.


    When they reached Potions, they had to wait a few minutes for Snape to return. When he came into the corridor he looked angry. "Where''s Lockheart?" he asked. "He wouldn''t come with us," Avalon said plainly. "What?" Snape snapped, quickly opening his classroom.


    "Get inside. Stay there, I''ll be right back." he said and walked away again. After about 15 minutes he came back, looking even angrier. "I won''t be teaching today, I''m taking you to your common room," he said. The class did not want to push him, they had all seen him snap at first hand. So instead of saying anything, they all followed him quietly.


    That night they all speculated about what had happened. "I swear I hope Snape beat the smug out of him." Avalon said when the conversation turned to Lockheart. "He''s such a phony. I can''t believe I ever liked him." Lucy said. "Totally." Luna added.


    The next day they were allowed a treat. After a few weeks of no attacks, the faculty decided it was okay to have a Quidditch match with an audience. Today would be Gryffindor against Ravenclaw. They passed the Great Hall, which was still locked.


    "Oh damn it." Luna screamed suddenly. "I forgot my hat," she added. Luna had made a habit of making hats for the Quiditch maches. She had made one that looked like a lion and another that looked like an eagle. "I''ll go back and get them," she said. "Want me to come with you?" asked Avalon. "No, I''ll be right back." Luna said. "Are you sure?" Avalon asked again. "Yeah, who wants to attack Loony?" she said as she ran off. "Be careful!" she called after her.


    20 minutes passed and Luna had not returned. "I don''t trust it" Avalon said. "I know." Lucy said. "Stop reading my mind," Avalon said. "Sorry." Lucy replied. "Give it a few more minutes." Lucy started to say as Luna''s blood curdling scream ripped through what seemed like the entire school.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "LUNA!" Avalon ran up the stairs. And she kept running. "LUNA!!" she shouted again. "AVA!" she heard Luna scream, which seemed to come from around the corner of the library, and as she rounded the corner she stopped dead in her tracks.


    There were two bodies on the floor. One of them they recognised as a girl called Penelope, because she was with them in Ravenclaw. But what was more frightening. Next to her was Hermione Granger. There was a small hand mirror next to the girls.


    "Luna." Avalon said. Luna stood stunned and looked nailed the floor. "Luna." Avalon said again. "LUNA!" Avalon shouted, which seemed to wake Luna. "Yes?" she said. "Get Snape and McGonagall." Luna ran off quickly.


    Avalon put her cloak under Hermione''s head and found something else to put under Penelope''s. After another 10 minutes, both Snape and McGonagall came running in. "Oh my goodness, Miss Granger, Miss Clearwater." McGonnagall shouted.


    "Professors. I found this near them," Avalon said. She handed them the mirror. "What does it mean?" asked Snape. "And you found them,?" he asked. "No, Luna did. I heard her scream and came to find her."


    Avalon said. "5 points from each of you." Snape said. "I hate doing this, Avalon. I do, but you two put yourselves in danger and that''s not right." Snape said. McGonagall gave him a look of suprise but then quickly looked back at Luna and Avalon.


    "I agree, Professor Snape. But now, first things first. Miss Prince, Miss Lovegood, go to your common room immediately and stay there." McGonagall said. "Professor Snape, have Madam Pomfrey take Miss Clearwatter and Miss Granger to safety." She added.


    "But what about Quiditch?" Luna asked. "That will be cancelled, I must hurry. Do as I say, ladies," she said. If ever there were two teachers not to cross, it was McGonagall and Snape, so they did as they were told.


    That evening they heard screams coming from the gamekeeper''s hut. They could not quite make it out. It seemed to be two people being led away by two others. But they were too high up to see properly. The next day there was a message on the Builitin board, which had been put up since the attacks had begon."Important Update


    Official Update by Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge,


    Announcement of the arrest of suspect


    Rubius Hagrid.


    By order of the representetives of Hogwarts


    Dismissal of Professor A, P, W, B Dumbledore effective immediately."


    "Oh my God," was all Avalon could say. "Hagrid''s gone? Dumbledore is gone. This is bad." She added. "Bad? This is worse than bad." Luna said. "No kidding, this is catastrophic." Sharon cut in. "I could be Muggle-born, so could you, Avalon. We are so going to die." Sharon said sounding panicked.


    "Calm down." Luna said. "Why?" Sharon said, sounding more desperate by the second. "Because if you expect the worst, the worst will happen." Luna said. "We are beyond the wax on wax of approach Lovegood," a boy said.


    "STOP IT." Avalon shouted. "Stop. We''re all scared, we all mean well. Let''s not fight." Avalon added. "She''s right." Julie Smith, the House Prefect, said. "We''re all scared, let''s stick together." she said. "Yes, I am sorry." the boy said. "I will get more information. As Prefect I am allowed to leave the tower." she said.


    "Your Muggle born." Emma said, "I''m half-blood, I''m safer. If you give me permission, I can get the information," she added. "You are very brave and noble, almost Gryffindor. But no, you are a first year, I cannot send you." Julie said.


    A moment later the intercom clicked on and Professor McGonnagall''s voice came on. "All students are allowed to eat in the Great Hall," the intercom clicked off.


    "Let''s go together." Julie said. And just like that, the entire Ravenclaw common room walked down to the Great Hall. When they got there, everyone was already sitting at their house tables.


    "How nice of Ravenclaw to join us," a smug looking Slytherin said. All the other students were rather defeated because now every house had lost a student. Well, almost every house except Slytherin.


    A Huffelpuff stood up. "All I''m saying is that Potter can''t be the Heir of Slytherin," he said. "What makes you think that? Fred Weasley said, sounding less cheerful than ever. "He would never attack the Granger Girl. If he was going to attack the Muggle-borns, she would be the only one that would be immune," he added. "I''m sorry, Harry," he said finally.


    The only one who looked as smug as the Slytherins was Gilderoy Lockheart. He was talking to Professor Sinistra, looking very amused. Dumbledore''s throne-like chair was empty. Professor McGonagall was sitting next to it. She stood up after breakfast.


    "Let''s face facts. We are safer together now. So I am allowing the classes to resume as before. And I want everyone to travel with at least 3 people. I am sorry. But this is probably the end of our beloved school. So you might want to get your trunks ready, just in case we have to close abruptly. That is all," she said and sat down, clearly defeated.


    The next weeks The school felt as defeated as McGonagall looked. No one was hanging around anywhere. Or even talking to each other, it seemed. It was late may now, the chill had left the air but definitely not the castle.


    Having Ginny back on their side was the only good thing that came out of this new situation. They were just as much inseparable as they had been from the very beginning. Their last lesson before the weekend was Potions.


    "I want you to know that we are close to making the Mandrake Potion to heal our petrified students. We are reluctant to do so until we have clarity," he said. "He looks kind of human," Ginny whispered. Avalon looked at her favourite teacher. He did indeed look as defeated as the whole school seemed to feel.


    "Avalon, I want you to stay behind if that means Miss Lovegood and Miss Weasley stay behind. is fine." he said. So again Avalon waited until almost the whole class had left.


    "Listen Avalon. I have spoken to your mother. I want you to leave here. Tonight," he said. "Why? You said I wasn''t Muggle born , so I''m not in that much danger." she said. "Any danger you are in is too much danger. I do not care who you take with you to keep you safe. But I want you to be completely safe and if that means I have to home school you and keep you away from the wizarding world, then so be it," he said.


    "I don''t want to go," she said. "But you are in danger." he said, looking worried. "I''ll be fine." she said. "With Dumbledore gone, it is more dangerous than any of you know." he said, sounding desperate now. "I can''t leave my friends." She said.


    His eyes went a little glassy at that. "No. I thought you would say that." Snape said. "Just be very, very careful." he told her, sounding begging. "I will." she told Snape.They then left his class to go to dinner.


    At dinner Lockheart spoke again, but this time to the whole school."It''s over now, Hogwarts, the culprit has been caught," he claimed. The whole school began to talk excitedly. "The Mandrake Potions are days away from being ready, and once they are, I am 100% sure that the newly awakened students will tell us that Hagrid was behind it. I never trusted him to begin with," he finished.


    "Are you mad?" Ron Weasley said. "Hagrid would never hurt any of us. Certainly not Hermione." he shouted across the hall. Renewed chatter broke out.


    "Look, the Ministry arrested him, they must have had a reason." Lockheard defended himself. "To protect themselves from further embarrassment. To pretend they were doing something." Harry Potter had said after getting up. "The attacks stopped after he was arrested, Mr Potter. Besides, I am the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher and I know what I am talking about. I have more information than you. And more knowledge," he said, sounding annoyed.


    "About what, reading from your stupid books?" a Huffelpuff screamed, Avalon was recognising him as Cedric Diggory. "Yeah, or telling us that you won the most daring smile for 5 years in a row or something." Emma Tonks said. "There''s no need to turn on me. I am just stating facts." Lockheart said.


    "What facts?" Fred Weasley asked. "Two facts realy Mister Weasley, one: that I have been a great teacher to you all and two "that there have been no more attacks since Mr Hagrid was arrested." Lockheart sounded threatened.


    "A great teacher do''t not make me laugh," said a boy called Erneie MC Millan. "No kidding." A dark-skinned boy called Lee agreed. "You''ve only told us what you supposedly did in your books, which doesn''t teach us anything," Fred Weasley said. "No, that does not prepare us for a world of Dark Arts outside. Even Snape could do a better job," George added. "Oh totally, and he would probably tell us to use the Dark Arts and it would be more instructive in defending ourselves than what you have been teaching us." Dean Thomas of Gryffindor exclaimed. "Indeed," his best friend Shamus Finnagan added.


    "And who made you so clever?" shouted Bridged Rookwood. "So you think Hagrid''s guilty?" Fred asked. "No. He''s too stupid for that." Briget spoke. "Like you''re any smarter," George said. "But may I point out that Slytherin is the only house that hasn''t lost anyone?" George added."Duh." Malfoy cut in. "We''re all purebloods." Malfoy said smugly. "Well congratulations then." Fred said,


    "SILENCE." McGonagall''s voice cut through the school-wide argument. Her voice was magically amplified. "This is not the time to argue. This is a time to stand together," she said. "With Dumbledore not here, we could all be in very real danger. More danger than we were in with the other attacks. It is up to all of us to stay safe now," she added, sounding very scared. In fact, all the teachers looked scared. Well, if you did not count Lockheart. But no one seemed to take him seriously anymore. All Avalon knew was that she was more afraid of what was to come than she had ever been in her life.

 The End?

    There was a lot of commotion in the common room as people were taking their personal belongings and stuffing them into their trunks. It was just as bad in the dormitories. everyone was running around and packing. Tempers flared.


    Sharon looked very frightened. "Hey Sharon what''s up?" Avalon asked. "If the school is going to close, I have to go back to the orphanage," she said. "I''m just scared of losing you all." Avalon hugged her. "That will never happen. We are a family now." Avalon said to comfort her.


    "But what if the school is closed?" asked Sharon. "Why don''t we all write down our home addresses." Luna said from nowhere. "We can send owls to visit," Luna added. This made Sharon smile. "Yeah, maybe we can. So they all spent the next few minutes writing down all the information they had, just in case. "What are these numbers?" Luna asked, "a phone number," Avalon added. "A what now?" Lucy said. "You''ve never heard of a telephone?" Avalon asked. "No, what is it?" Sharon and Avalon laughed. "I guess we''ll have to show you when you visit." Avalon replied.


    Suddenly the door opened and it scared all the girls. "What am I, a monster?" they heard Ginny say. "If it were Fred or George, I''d be saying yes, but i am not. It''s good to see you," Avalon said. "I think someone has a crush. Is it Fred or George?" Ginny teased. All the girls laughed, it was good to have fun again for a while.


    When it came time to eat, Lockheart walked around the Great Hall like he owned the place. "Don''t worry kids, it will be over soon," was just one of the things he said. He was even starting to drive the teachers crazy. Professor Sprout even went so far as to threaten him.venomous tentacula when she thought no one was listening.


    When they tried to visit Hermoine, she stopped them. "No, I''m sorry, no visitors. Dumbledore''s gone now. We were afraid the culprit would come back and finish off the students," she said. "But Harry and Ron were alowed Ginny said angrily. "Yes, Miss Weasley, but they had a note from the Headmistress. Madam Pomfrey told them.


    Luna, Ginny and Avalon left again. They ran into Peeves in the corridor. "Well, well, well. Meazley Weazley. Loony and Princess. What a treet." Peeves said. And before they knew it, he was spraying them with something that smelled like whipped cream that had gone bad. Laughing out loud, he then disappeared. "If I could kill that thing, I would," Ginny screamed. "Too bad it was never alive," Luna said. The girls left the corridor laughing. After dinner they went to their own common rooms.


    The next day, Lockheart picked up the Ravenclaws for Defence Against the Dark Arts. He still hated picking up students and taking them to classes. "I don''t see why we still have to do this!!! The culprit has been caught," he said angrily. The lesson might have been different, but it was still terrible. He made them repeat all the chapters he had read to them. If they mixed up even one word, he shouted at the student, telling them they got a zero on their report and to leave the classroom. If the student dared to say anything that was considered dangerous, Lockheart would get even nastier by personally dragging the student out into the corridor and continuing to shout. So after a few weeks they just went along with it.


    Herbology was also called off, as Professor Sprout had to concentrate on the Mandrake draft. So they spent more and more time in their common rooms.


    "Another month of classes." Lucy commented. "I don''t know if I can survive it. And exams are starting soon." She added. "I''m more afraid of the school closing," said Sharon. Sharon''s fear seemed to be shared by most of the school. Students were travelling in packs again.


    One late afternoon in June, Luna and Avalon were walking through the corridors and the next thing they knew, they were walking down the now famous corridor. Where almost all of the attacks had happened, but this time there was a new message to read.


    "Her skeleton will lie in the chamber forever," the message had said.


    "What the hell?" Luna asked. "I don''t know." Avalon replied. Ginny ran towards them within seconds. "We have to get out of here." She shouted. She had a strange, wild look in her eyes. "I''m serious, we have to get out of here." Ginny shouted again.


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    A tentacle-like thing came out of nowhere and wrapped around Ginny before she could move. Avalon grabbed Ginny''s arm. Not knowing what she was doing. "GINNY!!!" she screamed, clinging to her friend. Ginny screamed in terror. She and Avalon were being pulled further and further away. "HEEEEELP" Avalon screamed. She wouldn''t let go of Ginny''s arm but it seemed like they were being dragged forever.


    "Hang on to something Ginny." Avalon shouted. Suddenly she felt a hand around her own arm. When she dared to look back she saw Luna trying to stop her from being dragged any further, but like Avalon she had no luck. Seconds later, Luna fell over. The tentacle, which looked strangely like a snake''s tail, dragged them on.


    They reached another corridor and were approaching a door. Avalon thought she saw a fanged snout. She was not sure when it happened. But suddenly they were being dragged more slowly. Looking past Luna she suddenly saw Snape pulling at her. She felt her grip slip.


    "Hang on Ginny," she cried. The fanged head came closer. She could see what looked like the beginnings of eye sockets. Then she felt a stronger pull. "Close your eyes," Snape shouted. "What?" asked Avalon, still holding on to Ginny. "Close your eyes now, all of you." he said. "Now!" he shouted. At an old column, Snape managed to get an arm around it, temporarily stopping them beeing dragged on.


    "Keep your eyes closed. She saw sparks fly through her closed eyelids. "Confringo," she heard Snape shout. "Depulso." was the next thing Snape shouted. "Reducto." he shouted. Nothing seemed to be working. Worse, she could feel Ginny slipping out of her grip. "Bombarda." was the next thing Snape shouted. It was followed by the sound of an explosion. Still, the pull on Ginny did not lessen or even weaken. "Difindo," Snape shouted. But again nothing seemed to work. And Avalon''s grip felt weaker and weaker, she couldnt hold on much longer.


    "Expeliarmus, Expulso." Snape cried out. With the last spell, Avalons strength gave out and Ginny slipped through her grip. "NOOO GINNY!" she screamed. "Keep your eyes closed, Avalon," Snape told her. They heard the door close in front of them, "You girls can open your eyes now. He said, sounding both tired and disappointed. She opened her eyes to see that they were in the dungeons. "Are you two all right?" he asked. "Yes, I think so."Avalon said as she stood up.


    "Luna?" She asked. "Yeah, I think I''m fine," she said. "Good."


    At that, she started to run towards the door that she had seen Ginny appear in, but she was held back by Snape. "Let me go. I have to save her." Avalon screamed. "You can''t." Snape said as he kept a firm hold on her. "She''s locked in there." Avalon said, fighting Snape''s grip. "She''s not in there anymore. The monster took her into the Chamber." He said. "How do you know?" Avalon replied. She was still fighting Snapes grip. "You can no longer help her, Avalon." he said, struggling to hold on to her arm. "I''ve got to try!" she screamed. "You can''t." Snape kept trying to tell her that. But after about 2 minutes she managed to get free of him and ran through the door.


    But all she could see was the girls'' bathroom. It was a large room with 8 to 10 stalls on the far wall. There was a round block of sinks on the wall next to the door. "GINNY!" Avalon called, opening all the stalls but seeing no sign of her. "Ginny where are you...?" she said as tears formed in her eyes. "Ginny." she said again weakly, tears now streaming down her face, leaving the bathroom. Snape pulled her into his arms in a hug. "She''s gone." Avalon said.


    "I know. I am sorry." he said. "We have to go now, Avalon. I have to tell the Headmistress." He said, putting an arm around Avalon. "Where is Luna?" she asked not seeing her "LUNA!" she shouted. "LUNA!!!" "I have send her to the common room," but Avalon had not heard him, she ran away. "AVALON, IT''S NOT SAFE. Snape said as he ran behind her.


    "LUNA!!!" he caught up around the corner. "LUNA!!!"Avalon screamed again. Snape grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her around to face him. "Avalon," he said. She was still screaming her friend''s name. "Avalon, calm down." He said. Her scream continued. "AVALON STOP." he said. When she had calmed down enough he looked her in the eyes.


    "Now you listen to me. I have sent Miss Lovegood to her common room. She is safe." Panting, Avalon looked around. "Avalon, can you hear me?" Snape said. "What?" she said at last, seeming to have finally calmed down.


    "Miss Lovegood is safe. She is waiting for you in the common room." Snape told her. "I''ll take you there myself." he said as he gently pulled Avalon with him. "And Ginny?" "As soon as I get to McGonagall''s. We''ll do what we can for her," he said. Luna was waiting for Avalon in the common room. She quickly gave her a hug.


    "I was so worried about you." She said. "Snape was beside himself to. I have never seen anything like it." Luna said. A few seconds later the intercom went on and McGonagall''s voice was heard.


    "All students are to return to your common rooms. Teachers will meet me in the staff room." She said and the intercom clicked off. "We have to do something Luna." Avalon said. "But what? Luna asked. "I don''t know. But something." Avalon said.

 The Truth beneath the Legend

    They had decided. They were going to get Fred, George and maybe even their brother Ron.


    They ran out of the common room and made their way to the portrait that hid the Gryffindor common room. They gave the password and went inside. Avalon would never forget what they found there. Standing by the fireplace staring into the flames was Percy, the eldest of the Weasley brothers. The twins were sitting in the chairs in front of the fire. They looked defeated. A teenage boy with a dark tan was sitting in front of them, talking in a low voice. The rest of the Gryffindor house looked as defeated as the 3 brothers.


    There was no sign of Ron or Harry. Luna and Avalon sat down next to the Weasleys. "Guys, we need to do something." Avalon said. "I''m all ears." George said. "We need to get into that chamber." Luna said. "Would love to, but how?" Fred replied. One step at a time. First find out where it is. We were dragged into one of the dungeon bathrooms. Why not start there?" Avalon replied. "Good idea," George said, "there may be hope for you yet." Fred added. "Let''s go ladies." George said.


    The four of them made their way to the portrait hole. "Where do you think you''re going?" Percy said suddenly. "Perce. I know you love the rules and stuff, but this is about our sister!" Fred said, "And that gives you the right to be a rule breaker?" Percy said. "Yes Percy,i think it does." George said. "So do I," Fred added. "So if you don''t mind, could you stand aside?" The twins both said. "Can''t do that." He said. "I promised Mum I would keep you in line." He said. "That''s all well and good. But what are you going to tell her when Ginny dies? Oh, sorry Mum, but at least I kept the twins in line?" George shouted at his older brother. "Now stand aside." George added. As he pushed his brother aside.


    "Like I said, lets go ladies." They climbed out of the portrait hole and headed for the dungeons. "You said it was in one of the bathrooms?" Fred asked. "Yes, ladies." Avalon explained. The twins looked at each other. They raised and lowered their eyebrows a few times. "You two are incourageable," Avalon said. "We do have a try." Fred said smiling.


    "Can we concentrate. It''s your sister." Avalon said again. "Your right, sorry," George said. They entered the bathroom. This time it wasn''t empty, there was a ghost hovering inside. It was a young girl with black braids, round glasses, big sad eyes. She was wearing a school robe.


    "Who are you?" She asked. "Can''t I be dead in peace?" she added. "We need help, I am Avalon." She said to the ghost. "Myrtle." The spirit said. "Your Moaning Myrtle." Gerge said. "We heard about you." Fred added. Myrtle blushed a little. "You look a bit like that Ron boy." She said. "Yeah, he''s our brother." Fred and George said. "How do you know him?" Luna asked. "This is a girls'' bathroom." She added. "So I can''t have male visitors who like me?" Myrtle snapped.


    "When was the last time you saw him?" Fred asked. "Why should I tell you?" she asked. "Look, Myrtle, you''re a nice girl, and all but my best friend''s life is at stake." Avalon said. "They were here a couple of hours ago." She said. "They?" Fred asked. "Yes, they," Myrtle replied.


    "Care to be less vague, who are they?" George asked. "Well Ron Harry and a teacher, he was very handsome." Myrtle said a bit saultry. Fred rolled his eyes. "Lockheart." He said. "Obviously." Avalon agreed. "Where did they go?" Myrtle fluttered down. "I''m not an answering machine." She said. "Please Myrtle," Avalon said. "Well they were looking at the sink, Where i saw the yellow eyes before I died." She pointed at the sink. "When Harry said a couple of weird made up words, it sank into the floor and they jumped down." She explained.


    "You mean like hissing?" George asked. "Yes," she said a little snappishly. "Damn. Passletongeu. We can''t do that." George said. " It ends here than?" Avalon asked. "I''m afraid so." Fred said.


    "If you don''t leave this bathroom right now, you''re going to be in trouble." Snape''s voice came from behind the door. Fred put his finger on his moth to indicate that they needed to be quiet. "I heard you in there." Snape said. "Girls you hide. well take the fall." George whispered. "Come on Freddie." George said. They made a stance like two old warriors going to their doom.


    "Listen, everyone out of there before the Chamber opens." Snape said. "It''s all right Severus..." Dumbledore''s voice came in. "Misters Weasley, Miss Lovegood and Miss Prince you can come out now, you are not in trouble." He said. "Well I guess the jigg is up." Fred said as they all left the bathroom.


    "Charming to see you." Dumbledore said. "your back?." Avalon said. "I could not stay away. But we must leave here. It could be dangerous." Dumbledore said. "But my sister! "George said. "Ah, that''s beyond my powers. But I believe your brother Mr Potter and Professor Lockheart are doing their best." Dumbledore said.


    "I''m sure you have questions," he said. "Yes, like how can you leave my sisters'' fate in the hands of two twelve year olds and an impostor." George said angrily.


    "Because Mr Weasley. I have no choice. I have many talents, but snake-language is not one of them. But please let us finish this in Professor Snape''s classroom. You don''t mind, do you Severus?" Dumbledore said. "Not at all," he replied.


    They made their way to the Potions classroom. "Now that we are in here, I will answer anything you want to know. Unless I have a very good reason not to, but I won''t lie." Dumbledire said.


    "What is the truth behind the chamber?" Avalon asked. "Ah yes, I was expecting that. Have a seat, this will take a while." He said.


    "The chamber was built 1000 years ago. Salazar Slytherin was angry at the other 3 founders for letting Muggle borns in. He stayed in there for months and hatched a monster. He is what you might call an animal  Voldemort." Fred, George and Luna winced.


    Amused, Dumbledore continued his story. "After the monster was born, he trained it. Then he sealed the room until his heir returned to cleanse the school." He told them, "That''s basically what we know. But who is this hier, and what does my sister have to do with it? What''s this bathroom about? And why can''t you help?" Fred asked.


    "All Valid questions, Mr Weasley. If you will indulge me. All your questions will be answered." Dumbledore said. "After Slytherin left. The Chamber was not opened for 900 years. It wasn''t until an orphan boy called Tom Riddle entered the school. I was only a teacher then. The Chamber took a life. I believe you met the poor victim." He said. "Myrtle." George said.


    "Indeed. The simularity is striking. Dumbledore said. "But Ginny is pureblood." Fred interrupted. "Yes, Mr Weasley. I will get to that." He said. "Where was I? Oh yes. Fifty years ago, the school would have been closed because of the monster that roamed the castle and killed poor Myrtle. Now Tom was pretending to be a hero. And he pointed to one of his classmates.The classmate was expelled, and sure enough, nothing more happened. The school was safe. And it looked like it was over," Dumbledore said.


    "So this former pupil is back?" Luna asked. "Without revealing anyone''s identity. Yes. But it has been years. And that former student was never guilty," Dumbledore explained.


    "Then why was this student expelled? and who was it in the end?" George asked, "I was only a professor and expulsion is a matter for the Headmaster, Tom was very persuasive and the Headmaster fell for it. He was convinced that he was telling the truth. And acted on that bad information. I strongly believe that Tom was the one who opened the chamber. But I could never prove it," Dumbledore said.


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    "But he''s back now?" Luna asked. "In a way, and that is where Miss Weasley comes in. Tom has been using her to do his bidding. And before you ask, how do I know this? Because Tom is the only surviving heir. And we knew he was using someone. But I had no idea who it was until Professor Snape told me that Miss Weasley had been taken in to the chamber.


    Stunned, the four of them just sat there. "She didn''t do it willingly. "Fred finally managed to say.


    "No. I believe she was possessed.Miss Weasley is not the sort of person who would hurt anyone on her own, Unless it was out of self-preservation" Dumbledore clarified.


    "What is the monster?" Avalon asked. "You''ve met it. "Snape said suddenly. "Indeed. But to satisfy all your curiosities, the monster is called a Bassalisk. It is a serpent. Known as the king of snakes. It kills simply by looking into your eyes." Dumbledore said.


    "That''s why I told you to close your eyes." Snape said. "Is Ginny dead?" Fred asked. "I don''t know, Mr Weasley. I honestly don''t. I hope she is alive and will return safely with Harry and your brother. But I cannot be certain." Dumbledore replied."I know that is not the answer you wanted to hear. I wish I knew more." Dumbledore said.


    "How come nobody died this time?" Avalon asked. "Because I think no one looked the monster straight in the eye. A reflection of its eyes petrifies you," Dumbledore explained. "Now, unfortunately, I have to go to my office and deal with some matters, so I will allow you four to go to the Gryffindor common room. When I know more I will let you know. You have my word." Dumbledore said and left. Silently


    The 4 of them made their way to the Gryffindor common room. There they sat for a while.


    "You two were very brave. Whatever happeneds next .you both did try to save Ginny." Fred said. "Yeah, we''ll never forget that." George finished. After that they fell silent again. Hours passed. even the sun came up. And finally there was a message from Dumbledore.


    They went to his office. Mr and Mrs Weasley were waiting for them, and she quickly hugged her sons. She looked sad and frightened. She walked over to Avalon. "I heard you and Luna tried to save her." She said on the verge of tears. She hugged her. "Thank you for trying." she burst into tears. "I''m sorry," she said. "My dear Molly, I don''t think anyone here blames you. One bit so Sorry is a bit out of place," Dumbledore said.


    A moment later a brilliant bird flew in. It was red with yellow details on the feathers with long red tallons, a yellow face and a grey beak. It looked as if the bird was made of fire. "Ah Fawkes, glad to see you." Dumbledore said. A moment later Harry entered the room, followed by Ginny, Ron and Lockheart.


    "GINNY." Mrs Weasley shouted and threw herself on her daughter. Harry looked worse for wear. His robes were torn and bloody here and there, and he had cuts all over his face. In one hand he held a long sword, covered in blood and some black residue. In the other he held the black book that Ginny always carried with her. This time the pages were black, the book was slightly out of shape and it had a huge gaping hole in the middle. As Mrs Weasley released Ginny from her embrace, Avalon noticed that her red hair had black streaks in it. She looked very pale and there were cuts here and there. But most of all, she looked frightened.


    "Well, I''m glad that''s all over with." Dumbledore said. "I will be interviewing all 3 of you, Mr and Miss Weasley. And Harry of course. But I don''t think now is the best time. Miss Weasley, I would like you to go to the hospital wing to be examined by Madam Pomfrey. No punishment will be necessary. You did not act of your own free will," Dumbledore said, smiling.


    "What do you mean?" Molly said. "Well, Molly, I believe she was possessed by the entity preserved in the pages of this diary," Dumbledore explained, holding up the black book. "But its effects have now been naturalised. And the students who were attacked will soon wake up, so there are no lasting consequences." He added.


    "But Ginny, have I not always told you never to trust anything that can think for itself when you can''t see where it keeps its brain?" Molly said. Dumbledore chuckled at the expression.


    "Molly, Arthur, am I right in thinking you want to stay in the hospital wing with your daughter?" he asked. "Yes." Mrs Weasley said. Then I will escort you to the hospital wing. "Harry, would you please wait for me here.


    "Miss Prince, Miss Lovegood would you please return to your common room." Dumbledore said. It sounded very friendly but very final. So they decided to just listen to him and go. As they walked past the Great Hall they saw a wizard with long blonde hair wearing black robes. He was accompanied by a small creature that was a bit hunched over. It was weiring what looked like a pillowcase. It had small, lanky legs and stick-like arms. They were going in the direction Luna and Avalon had come from.


    They quickly Went to the common room. The next evening everyone was invited to a feast. It was 2 weeks before the end of term. They were all sitting in the Common room. All the Peterfied students were returned to normal and were sitting among them.


    The atmpsphere was Festive. Dumbledore stood up and the entire school became silent. ¡°an other year has gone. And what a year it was. I am glad everything has worked out the way it did. There for as a school treat all exams will be canseld. The entire school burst out in cheers. A few minutes later the door opened and Hagrid walked in.


    ¡°I would have come sooner but an owl called Erol was al confused.¡± He walked over to where Harry ron and Hermoine were sitting and said something to them. Harry replied and started clapping his hand before long the entire school exept for ofcourse slytherin were clapping.


    the following weeks Avalon enjoyed the company of her Best friends. Often they were teased by the Weasley twins. And before they knew it there Trunks were packed and they were m making their way onto the train. During the yourney Avalon and Luna spend time getting to know their ravenclaw dorm mates better.


    Ginny was sitting with them. And they were all having a great time.The last hour Sharon had become more silent by the minute. Luna and Ginny tried to chear her up but nothing seemed to help


    "whats the matter honey?" Avalon asked. But Sharon didnt ract only raised her and lowerd her shoulders. The rest of the yourney Luna Ginny and Avalon remenised over what they had been trough and how well it all had ended. Ginny was a bit ashamed that Harry had saved her.


    "well Next timne just make shure he is expelled." Luna joked. After an other hour the train finaly stopped. All the students disembarked taking thier trunks. "man can i tell my mom alot."Avalon said. At that Sharon broke out in tears. Avalon finaly understood she was upset about returning to her orphanage.


    When they got of the platform into the hall of the station Jolene was waiting for her. "My Little Unicorn." she called out and hugged Avalon close to her. "oh you must be Ginny." Jolene said shaking Ginny,s hand. "and you are Luna right? She said. Luna nodded at Jolene. "i have heard so much about you. You would think you were my children to thats how much she told me."Jolene said winking. "about that mom i wanted to ask you somthing." Avalon said. "anything honey." jolene replied.


    "you see that girl there.." Avalon said pointing at Sharon who was sitting down at a bench aperently waiting for some one. "yes i do."Jolene anwsered her daugther. "Thats Sharon Prewett. She lives in an orphanage. Can she like stay with us for the summer?" Jolene Smiled. "and here i thought you wanted to ask the monster of Slytherin over for Tea."Jolene Joked.


    "go on tell her she has a place to stay." Entosiacticly Avalon ran over to Sharon. "Hey if you want you can come home with me and my mother." Avalon said. In an instant, Sharon''s face brightened. "I would love to do that. But we''ll have to wait for my caretaker to tell her about it."


    Mrs Weasley and Mr weasley, Mr Lovegood had joined Jolene by now. "Come on. Let''s go see my mum." Avalon walked over. "Mum we have to wait for her carer." Avalon clarified. "Well then lets go and have something to drink over there. I''ve always wanted to try some Muggle coffee." Mrs Weasley said.


    They sat down in a small cafe after a few laughs. "Avalon my dear, can I ask you something?" Arthur Weasley said, sounding serious. "Yes of course." Avalon said. "Well, seeing as you know all about Muggles. Can you tell me the function of a rubber duck?" Avalon laughed as she explained what Muggle children did with their bath buddies. Mr Weasley looked fascinated.


    "Dad loves Muggles." Fred explained. He even collects those pointy things they stick on walls." George added. "Plugs?" Jolene asked. Mr Weasley responded. "Oh yes, I have quite a collection, you should come and see them sometime," he said, sounding very proud.


    Sharon''s carer came in and was pleased to hear that she would have somewhere other than the orphanage to stay this summer. "If you ever want to," Mrs Weasley said. You are all welcome at our house," she said. Avalon smiled at her. "I would love that." She said. This was going to be a great summer, she just knew it. And for the first time in her life, she was looking forward to the summer. As much as she looked forward to the start of the next school year. Her mother was right, she had found a place where she really belonged.