Chapter 43

As winter changed to spring, Avedra and Sirius managed some quality alone time between preparations for their sixth year exams. They spent Hogsmeade weekends with their friends, slipping away for quiet breaks at the gate to the Shrieking Shack. In the evening, when Lily and Remus were taking turns monitoring the halls, they snuggled in front of the fire reading the Evening Prophet and sneaking kisses. They took long walks around the grounds and spent time getting to know each other even better than spending six years in the same school house together could allow.

During one of their walks, they talked about the time they spent in Animagus form. Sirius told her that James suggested he make the change permanent. Avedra grew thoughtful at this flippant remark.

"I suppose you agree with him?" Sirius asked, mistaking her silence for agreement.

She smiled sadly at him. "No, of course I don't agree. I was just considering…"

"Avedra?" Sirius said, looking into her eyes. "What is it?"

"The four of you, you all think that the future holds glory and adventure. Did you ever consider that it could hold pain? Or death?" She sighed and took his hand. "Wars are not pretty, Sirius. Both sides lose soldiers; innocent people are caught in the crossfire. I was just thinking that disappearing into my animagus form was tempting, if only I could take you all, my mother and Lily included away from all of it."

Sirius tightened his grip on her hand. He should have known that all their talk of putting Deatheaters in their place, the thrill of the fight would be off-putting to her. Of course she would think of saving them all from the fight.

"We'll be ready for them, Ave. We'll prepare, we'll know what's coming. We've got Dumbledore, remember?" He said, stroking her cheek with his free hand.

"Dumbledore is human, Sirius. He's not infallible." She whispered, turning from his touch. "Do you honestly think all of us will remain unscathed in all this?"

"I can't promise that we'll be untouched. I can only promise to you that we'll try very hard to do what needs to be done, so that our world, and the world at large, will be safe from the taint of Voldemort." He said, turning her face to his. "We'll get through this, Avedra."

She sighed and leaned into his touch. "I hope so, Sirius, I really do."