Eeeee! Thanks! On to chapter nine!
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Great Hall: September 2, 1995

That night was a restless sleep for Ava. Several times she was woken by nightmares, only to find that she was actually drenched in her own sweat and tangled amongst the bed sheets. Many of the dreams consisted of her being yelled at by the sorting hat or being abandoned by Draco. However, in each of them there was once reoccurring theme- she could not scream. The sound was lodged in her throat and refused to erupt. Morning came far too late.

As soon as the sun emerged, Ava quickly dressed and bounded down the stairwell to the great hall. Looking around, she saw that she was alone except for the Potions Professor, who was seated up at the staff table. Anxiously, she sat down at the end of the Gryffindor table closest to her professor and began filling her plate.

Looking up from his paper, Professor Snape inhaled sharply as he saw his daughter. Getting used to seeing her everywhere was going to take some time. As was treating her like his other students. "To bed late and to breakfast early, what are your professors going to think when you fall asleep in class?" he asked cooly.

Ava glanced up. "I-I couldn't sleep," she stammered. He raised an eyebrow.

"Of course you couldn't. And next time you bother the headmaster, make sure it's not over something as rediculous as a sorting," he spat. Professor Snape gathered up his paper, disappearing through the door beside the staff table, and leaving Ava to wonder what she'd done wrong.

★ ★ ★ ★

That morning went by sluggishly, most of the classes filled with detailed explanations of classroom procedures and what to expect that year. The only plus side was that Ava found she'd be having classes with the first year Slytherins, and took to gathering with them. By lunch time, she was already an honorary snake and was invited to sit with them during meals. This excited her greatly over the distress of being sorted as a Gryffindor.

Ava wedged herself in between Beatrice and Roxanna, finding that she was directly across from Malfoy. He smirked. "I knew you weren't really one of them," he confirmed. "Besides, the sorting hat's a load of rubbish anyways. At least half of the entire Ravenclaw house are idiots." The rest of them howled with laughter.

"Why did the hat put you into Gryffindor?" Roxanna asked. "You're just as much a Slytherin as I am."

Ava sighed. "I have no idea." Her stomach growled in protest. "Doesn't really matter anyways, it's not like I can fix it. C'mon let's eat." But something inside knew better. Something inside said there was a mistake.

Great chapter, it's interesting to see how Snape tries to keep the distance. Please update soon!

Aw, please make another one.

Hogwarts Grounds: September 6, 1995

That week went by sluggishly for Ava. Not only because of the fact that she was frowned upon by the majority of her house, but also because of the whispers starting to erupt. Particularly among the upperclassman. She did her best to roll her eyes and move on. However, soon it was becoming difficult.

On the first Wednesday of the girl's school year, she was due for double potions directly after charms. With a sigh, Ava walked ahead of her group of friends and down into the dungeons. Like every time she came down, she examined the walls and statues, the layout and the tapestries, and breathed in the cool air deeply- all the while fantasizing what it would be like to be down there all the time. In her empty headedness, the first year didn't realize until it was too late and she was on the ground, that she was walking right into an older student from her house.

"Watch where you're--!" a boy started, only to be shoved irritably by a girl.

"RON!" the girl exclaimed. She offered out a hand to Ava. "Are you alright?" she asked.

Ava looked at her skeptically. She'd seen this girl before. Where? She couldn't remember, but she didn't want to take any chances. "I'm fine," she huffed, ignoring the girl's hand. "Watch where you're going next time." The first year picked up her books and stalked off towards the potions classroom, just as another boy with dark hair popped up.

The girl and the two boys exchanged glances. "What am I missing?" the darker haired boy asked. The other one shrugged.

"Just an obnoxious first year, mate. Nothing to worry about."

The dark haired boy shook his head. "Not that. It's something else," he said vaguely. The other two exchanged glances. "I'll be right back," he assured, before taking off towards the potions room.

"HARRY!" one of them called. But it was too late, he was already on his way.

Arriving at the door to the potions classroom, the fifth year did a quick once over of the room. There! That was the obnoxious girl Ron had been talking about. But there was something strangely familiar. Of course, she had the scarlet robes. It was probably just somebody from the common room. But still... he couldn't shake the feeling of déja vu. Giving a sigh, Harry turned around and headed towards the common room.

"And what are you doing here Potter?" a snide voice asked. Professor Snape.

And that's when it hit him. When two and two fit together. When the crooked nose and sleek black hair, the gangly frame and the piercing gaze made sense. "Nothing, Professor," he stated. And without waiting for a response, Harry Potter took off in search of Hermione.

Yay, an update! Hehe, Harry is going to tell Hermione and Ron

This is really good (:
I want to read more.
pamspamspams

Eviee <33

Gryffindor Common Room: September 6, 1995

Later that evening, Harry and Hermione sat in front of the fire working on homework. "Harry?" she asked. "Helloooo?" she snapped her fingers in front of his face, causing him to blink and push her hand away.

"What?!" Harry asked irritably.

Hermione looked at him warily. "You've been distracted all day. And you haven't even started on our charms assignment!" she said, pointing at his empty sheet of parchment. She, of course, had already finished and turned it in. "What's the matter?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Nothing! Just-- look." He pointed across the common room towards the girl they'd seen earlier just as Ron sat down.

"What are we looking at?" Ron asked. Harry pointed again.

"Her."

The three looked over at the first year. Hermione looked back at Harry and raised her eyebrows as if to say, 'So?'. "So," Harry started, "Does anybody else see the resemblance?!" he asked.

"To...?" Ron and Hermione both started.

Harry sighed. "To Snape!" At this point, the girl had edged closer to them and the three were talking in hushed whispers. Ron shrugged.

"I dunno mate, I guess they've sort of got the same nose and the hair and the bad attitude. What's it matter?" he asked.

"Harry," Hermione said. "I know what you're thinking, but it simply doesn't add up. Professor Snape isn't even married," she pointed out.

"But you don't think--"

"No. I don't. And it isn't any of our business anyways," Hermione finished. End of conversation.

And that was the last of that anybody mentioned for a long time. After all, there were much more important matters at hand.

Thanks for the update, I love this story!

Hehe, no problem And thanks! You guys fuel my ego

Ooh brilliant chapter! (:
Gotta love Hermione!
Can't wait for more.

Eviee <33

Dumbledore's Office: August 3, 1996

Professor Dumbledore sat at his desk late that evening. The school year would be starting up again soon. Indeed, he had pressing matters at hand. And as such, a small black box sat on his desk. Of course, he had opened the box many times and gone through it's contents- several photos, a dark lock of baby hair pinned to a child's blanket, a silver locket. A dense white envelope, yellowed with age, sat at the bottom of the box. It was now that Dumbledore sat another, newer envelope on top of that one and locked the box.

A timid knock came at the door. "Come in," he answered. And the door opened. The same young girl he'd met for the first time nearly a year ago, after hearing her name bounced around for what seemed like ages, now stood in his office once more. "Take a seat," he instructed. She did.

"I must start by telling you how truly sorry I am for your mother's passing," Albus started. The girl sat wordlessly, showing no signs of response. It wasn't until she gave a small nod that he continued. "Of course, along with this comes the issue of whom you are going to be living with until you come of age." Still no response. "And it was decided by your father quite some time ago-- "

"You knew my father?" Ava interrupted. There. That got her talking.

The Headmaster nodded. "Knew would be an incorrect verb of choice here. I believe 'know' would be better suited for our purposes," he answered calmly. The girl stared.

"He's- ... he's-- "

"Alive? Yes. And healthy as well," Dumbledore paused. "Miss Pierce, there are some things you ought to know about your mother," he said quietly. Ava remained silent, allowing the man to continue. "Your mother went mad when she found out she was going to be giving birth. Rather than to sort things out logically with your father, she denied him in every way. Even after you were born she was gravely ill and in constant need of medical attention. Which she... denied," he paused to collect his thoughts and take a breath. "Your father never saw you until..." he stopped.

"Until what?" Ava burst. Professor Dumbledore shook his head. He set a hand on the box and slid it towards the girl in front of him. She read the tiny etched lettering on the lid carefully.

Misses Avery Harlan Corriane Pierce
She took the box in both hands and pried at the lid. No good. "You'll be spending the remainder of your summer here with me, and starting with school in the fall just as planned. Your things have already been sent for. They should be here soon," Professor Dumbledore said, beginning to stand. He walked to a stairwell leading to a tower above. "You'll be staying just up these stairs and to the right. The box and its contents are yours," he finished.

Ava nodded, picking up the box and following him to the stairwell. Looking up, she realized that only one thing was important to her now- she had to get that box open.

Oooh, I'm so curious what happens next! I hope Snape spends the summer at Hogwarts too

Hogwarts: August 18, 1996

Every night for the remainder of the summer was spent as follows- at promptly six thirty, three house-elves would come up from the kitchens with their dinner. From then until about seven thirty, Ava and Professor Dumbledore would sit at a round table in one of the rooms at the top of the stairs and talk while they ate. They talked about her mother mostly, and Ava would try to fish out answers about her father.

"What's he like?" she would ask, and Dumbledore would chuckle.

"Well what's anybody like?" And his answers would leave her to ponder as the man changed the subject to quidditch, or something of the like.

After dinner, the house-elves would come to take away the dishes and the Headmaster would head off to his study. Which left Ava sitting on the four-poster in her room, trying to figure out how to get the box open. She tried everything.

First, the girl tried forcing it open to no avail. Then throwing it at the wall. The box itself seemed indestructible, however she was not sure about its contents. She tried cutting the lid off with a knife. She tried cutting the lid off using magic. She tried simple spells- alohamora, reducto, diffindo, etc.- all with no effect, except in making the box rattle and shake before sitting completely unharmed.

The only spell showing any effect on the box at all was Lumos, which caused the letters of Ava's name to burn in bright silver and then fade rapidly, some letters faster than others.

Two weeks before school started, the Professors returned to Hogwarts. Instead of eating by themselves, Ava and Professor Dumbledore joined the others at the staff table in the Great Hall. This year they were joined by Professor Horace Slughorn.

"Professor Dumbledore! It's good to see you again," he greeted at their first dinner altogether. "But I can't say I know this one," he added, indicating Ava.

The other Professors exchanged glances nervously, looking at each other in a way that implied they knew exactly why she was here and that Horace had crossed some sort of unspoken boundary. "Ah, yes," Dumbledore answered. "Miss Pierce has been staying with us due to the unfortunate passing of her mother. Special arrangements," he said calmly.

And as if taking the hint, Professor Slughorn said no more except, "Well then it's certainly a pleasure to meet you. Perhaps you can come by my office sometime for a chat."

Hehe, hopefully Slughorn will blab about Severus when Ava visits him *fingers crossed* PAMS!

Brilliant chapters!
I want to read more!

Eviee <33

Professor Slughorn's Office: August 19, 1996

Late that next night, Ava lay in bed trying to fall asleep. It seemed like everything was trying to keep her awake. The wind was blowing the leaves on the trees outside, the light of a few lamps still flickered. Even the summer moonlight shone through the open window and fell at her feet in a puddle. It seemed like everybody was awake. She needed to get up.

Crawling quietly out of bed, the twelve year old opened the bedroom door and crept down the stairs. She peered around the corner, and only set off out of the office when she was sure the Headmaster had retreated to his study. Ava descended the stairs quickly, careful not to slip on her too-long pajama bottoms.

The girl climbed one flight of stairs after another, after another, after another, unsure of where exactly she was going. The castle was dim and empty at night. Even the portraits were sleeping. But it wasn't long until she arrived at the door to Professor Snape's old office.

Ava knocked quietly on the door twice. There was no answer. "Professor?" she asked, pushing open the door. "Hello?" A large figure wrapped in an elegant robe appeared from behind a corner.

"Miss Pierce!" Professor Slughorn said, surprised.

"Sorry to bother you sir, I just--"

"What are you doing up at this hour? he asked. The man looked down at the girl's feet. "And with no shoes!"

Ava grinned sheepishly. "Couldn't sleep."

The Professor nodded. "I've been having trouble myself. Here, take a seat and I'll see what I can whip up," he gestured to an overstuffed arm chair before setting about gathering potion ingredients and setting a cauldron over the fire. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Professor Slughorn returned with a small vial and a cup of tea, and sat down in the armchair across from her.

"That ought to do it," he said finally. "Go ahead and take it now, it takes a little bit to kick in." He poured the vial's contents into the tea and handed it to her. Ava took the cup in both hands and took a few gulps of the warm liquid. It smelled of peppermint.

"I don't suppose we've had a proper conversation until just now then," Professor Slughorn added.

"I suppose not," Ava agreed, setting down her tea.

"Dumbledore mentioned your mother had passed. I'm truly, very sorry."

Ava shrugged. "Thanks."

"What did she do? I might have known her- many of my former students do grow up to fill big shoes in their professions," he stopped to let her answer.

"She didn't do much actually. Mostly stayed home with me until she was admitted into St. Mungo's," Ava answered quietly.

"Of course, of course. I'm sorry to press you, it's hard loosing a parent," Professor Slughorn said sincerely. "You're father certainly turned out to be quite something, he always was an excellent--"

"You taught my father?" Ava interrupted. It seemed to be a habit she was developing.

Slughorn inhaled cautiously. It was clear he'd already said too much. "Well, yes. But I've taught lots of students, you have to remember I'm not as young as I once was," he said with a sort of forced chuckle.

"I think it would be best for you to head back up to bed, Dumbledore must be wondering where you've run off to."

That was close...wonder what Ava will do when she finds out who her father is.
Good chapter (:

Eviee <33

Argh, why must Slughorn be so cautious? I'm looking forward to your next update.More Snape, please

Man, that was good. Why isn't there anymore?!

UPDATE! And welcome, new reader!

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Hogwarts: August 30, 1996

The rest of the summer went on rather blandly. Each night was spent attempting to pry open the box as usual, followed by hours of restless sleep. Several times, Ava went to talk to Professor Slughorn. Some of them merely in order to restore her sleep. However, she soon developed a great fondness for the man and it wasn't long until she'd shown him her box.

"It's truly a maddening piece of work," she said, holding it out. "I haven't gotten it to do much."

Slughorn took the box and shook it gently, peering at it from all sides. Indeed, he also found it puzzling. "How immensely peculiar!" he'd remarked. He eyed the box. "Well show me where you've gotten so far."

Ava drew her wand and pointed at the letters of the box. "Lumos!" she cast. And as usual, the letters were set ablaze with a hot silver light and then quickly diminished.

Slughorn blinked at the box, clearly mystified. "Let me have a go," he said. The man handed her the box and drew his own wand. "Lumos!" Just the same, the lettering illuminated and quickly faded. The Professor narrowed his eyes. "Hmm." He cast the spell again, watching the letters carefully as their brightness began to fade. "Now why is it," he proposed, "that some letters fade faster than others?" Ava stared at him blankly before shrugging.

Professor Slughorn traced a finger over the letters. He smirked. "How peculiar, how peculiar indeed!" But the man did not look trumped, no, he had a grin of satisfaction upon his face.

"WHAT?!" Ava burst at last. The Professor only grinned and gave a hearty laugh so full that the girl could not help but laugh herself.

Professor Slughorn patted her on the back. "My dear girl, I am not surprised you haven't found the lock yet. However, I think it is up to you to open the box," he said with a wink.

Ava stared at him, her jaw slack. "I've been working on this all month!" she cried out. "And as you said yourself, it's not surprising that I haven't found it. Clearly meaning that this is magic far beyond my comprehension!" But the girl didn't stop there, oh no, she had far much more to say. "And now you have the key to what might be information I've been yearning for my whole life, and you're telling me that I have to figure it out myself?!" She gaped at him, heat racing and eyes full with disbelief. Ava bit her lower lip.

"Think of it as a puzzle," Slughorn prompted after a long pause. "It's rather simple actually, just tell the box what you want it to do."

Ava blinked at him, unsure, before sighing and picking up the box. "Open," she told it. Nothing. She gave a disproving glance at the Professor, who shrugged in return.

"Perhaps other methods are necessary," he said with a wink.

Ooh interesting
Such a good read, your really good at writing!
PAMS!

Eviee <33

Very interesting! I hope Ava opens the box soon, I'm as impatient as her

Thankyou for continuing this<3
PAMS!<3

Soooo, just a few things for you guys. Firstly, I would like to squish whoever nominated me for the Golden Goblin Awards. *SQUISHESYOUPEOPLE* Even if I don't win, I'm so grateful for whoever nominated me. Honestly, I didn't think I was that good Secondly, I would like to say that I am on vacation and there might be a little delay on the next chapter. But I promise, I'm working on it and it'll be up in a few days!

And lastly, within a few chapters the story is going to be done! Meaning that I'll have finished my first FF ever! So I'd like to thank all you people in advance for reading and I already have ideas for my next story-- watch out you guys. And thank you all so much.

Hogwarts: 1996

Selective Letters From Ava:

9/7
I've never written in a diary before. Now that class has started, Professor McGonagall thinks it's a good idea that I start. So that I can organize my thoughts, I suppose. Dumbledore agreed. Professor Slughorn didn't really have an opinion. Just that if Dumbledore said it was a good idea, then it must be. I'm not so sure about that. The man is getting old.

Today was the last day of our first week back. Beatrice and Roxy were pleased to see me, though it's incredible how people change over the summer. I guess it's because of all this talk about He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Even Draco seemed to be more worn and older looking. His skin is sallow. His hair is lank. That's what war does to people. But what kind of a war is this?

Professor Slughorn has stopped helping me with my box since my last visit. I don't see him much now, other than in class. He did ask me to a dinner party of his, though. I think I'll be going. To be entirely honest, I don't know what to do with this box any more. It refuses to open. Obviously, there is a way in. But nobody will tell me. I've been wanting to ask Draco to help me, but he's been preoccupied-- even in the first week of school. I wonder what he's up to sometimes. He can't have that much homework.

I'm going to tell you right off that I don't like this journal idea. Not one bit. It's just something else for me to keep track of. Something else to worry about-- I don't want anyone to find it. If anything, it's raising my stress levels. I've been sleeping a lot lately. It seems to be the only thing that gets my mind to calm down. I want to stop thinking. I want to relax. I want that stupid box to open up. I want to meet my father.

10/8
It seems like life has been very confusing lately, and being confused has left me feeling more alone than ever. Though I do have classes with the second year Slytherins, I still have to sit with the twelve year olds from my own house, and sitting with somebody in class has become such a rare occurrence anymore that I don't even begin to expect it. I don't see Draco much at all, since he always seems to have run off somewhere with more important matters to tend to. I catch him whispering to people sometimes. He doesn't like to make eye contact to much of anyone. In fact, I can't remember when the last time we spoke was.

Even in the evenings I don't have anybody to talk to, since I've been moved back into the Gryffindor dormitory. I stay up late, and admittedly, get much more work done. I will say that my grades have been better this term. The bushy haired prefect smiles at me sometimes. She's a bookworm, I think. She must applaud my studious change in character.

I catch that dark haired friend of her's sneaking out some nights. I don't know what he's up to, but nobody seems to want to stop him. Then again, I don't think anybody sees him leave besides myself. I have half a mind to tell Professor McGonagall, but that would just write me up as a rat. Honestly, I'm so bored and alone anymore, that I don't really care.

The only things I've got worth my time are this (unfortunately), my box (which still refuses to do anything), and the "Slug Club" dinners Professor Slughorn invites me to every so often. Last I saw Draco, he seemed fairly upset that he wasn't invited to the dinners. I don't see why he's so upset, it's mostly a bunch of losers anyways. Including the bushy haired prefect and her dark haired friend. The red haired one I always see them with is never invited, which makes me chuckle, despite myself. I know I shouldn't, but he really seems so aggravated by it that I just can't help myself. It's sometimes good to know that other people hurt too.

12/18
Everybody's headed off for Christmas break tomorrow. I can't say I'm excited in the least, to be entirely honest. I'll just be alone through the holiday since everybody's going home. I suppose Dumbledore's got something planned... I really hope he does. Then I won't be on my own the entire time. I might go explore the castle some while I'm here, and maybe visit the house elves. I've been working on a 'thank you' card for them- it has drawings and beads and I even got the bushy haired prefect to help me charm it so the letters light up when it's opened! I'm so proud of it. I really hope they like it.

I really don't have much else to say, except that last night was Professor Slughorn's Christmas dinner. The food was nice, and he even had a few old friends come visit. There was a real vampire and the entire night he kept staring at me. Professor told him to bugger off, and he told me not to worry about it. Honestly, it freaked me out a bit. But they left eventually, so I suppose it was alright in the end.

I think I'm going to do myself a favor and put this wretched thing away for a while. Or at least until break is over. I need to save my hands for the ridiculously long essay Professor Snape wants finished. I swear, that man is out to get me. But maybe he's just out to get everybody. I feel sorry for him sometimes.

I wonder what he's doing for Christmas...