The train was a peculiar little thing. A billion emotions and a billion different final destinations all swimming around in passengers.

Aveline always took notice of two things in particular during train rides home

Number one: Well some students were full of cheer, practically bursting with anticipation to go home for the holidays, others seemed as if  they wished the train ride could go on forever. That they'd be trapped in a worm hole somehow, and never reach their final destination. These students often stared out the window in deep thought, occasionally chatting with friends to make it seem as if everything was okay.

And number two— the students that were happy didn't notice the ones who weren't. For they often couldn't possibly picture how it felt to not be happy to be returning home.

Sirius and Aveline had always been in the number one category, though as she watched Sirius snicker and giggle with James, she realized this year things were different. For where she was going back to Rosier mansion, this year Sirius was going to the Potters.

And merlin, was it nice to see the boy finally happy.

"Mum makes the best sugar cookies," James was telling them, his face giddy already. "Sirius your gonna gain ten pounds by the time she's done with you."

Sirius patted his stomach happily, wiggling his eyebrows like a goofball. So carefree, as if he was trying to live all the happiness that had been taking from him so young.

"And you know, if anyone wanted to swing by or even stay at my place for the holidays, Mum always make extra," James spoke out loud, though talking

to no one in particular, everyone knew it was directed at Aveline.

The girl sat in the corner, her posture unusually straight and hands in her lap as she looked at the country side rolling by. The only response James got was a slight raise of her eyebrow, though she did send the boy a gentle smile.

No matter how hard Aveline wished the train ride could last forever, before she knew it the train was screeching to a halt, the familiar sight of the platform sending shivers down her spine.

James helped her get her luggage down, the whole time trying to catch her eye, and ever so slowly, the group made their way off the train.

She had barely even noticed, but somewhere along the way Sirius had grabbed her hand, and was squeezing it so tight as if he was scared she'd disappear.

And before Aveline knew it, it was time to her goodbyes.

"You lot have a happy christmas!" She said cheerfully, pulling Peter into a hug first. She ruffled his hair as she usually did, causing him to roll his eyes.

She moved onto James next, who seemed as if he was half ready to just drag her with him. Grudgingly letting go as he sent her a look of sympathy.
James Potter hated not being in control. He hated that his friend might be in danger and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Next was Sirius, who practically crushed her ribs, a slight tremble in his body as he did.

"Please Aveline just come with us," he pleaded, trying to her to make a final decision.

"Happy christmas Sirius," she told him, patting him on the back as she pryed herself away.

And last but certainly not least, Remus, who wrapped his arms around her tighly, as if was the most natural thing in the world. He hugged her right to his chest, slightly swaying back and fourth as they both squeezed their eyes shut.

He was so warm, so gentle and in that moment all Aveline wanted was to be in his arms forever.

When she pulled away he gently reached out, pulling her by the waist and placing a small kiss on her forehead.

"Alright," she said awkwardly, picking her trunk up in her hand as she held her pet rabbit in the other. "See you all in the new year then."

With that, the girl walked off, towards the sight of a stern looking man and Evan Rosier. Both who looked displeased Aveline had held them
up with their goodbyes.

Her father didn't even greet her, simply grabbing her by the hand and apparating away with a quick snap.

"Go upstairs and clean yourselves up. We have guests arriving in an hour," Mr Rosier spoke, not even looking at either of his children, before promptly walking away as if he business to attend too.

By the look on Evan's face he hadn't greeted him either. Aveline knew he would never admit it, but their fathers distance upset him more then he let on. Evan was constantly batting for his approval, trying to do anything he could do the man would even show that he somewhat liked him.

She watched as he jaw clenched in annoyance, walking up the fancy marble stairs of Rosier mansion without a word.

The house was cold, much to big for the three of them that lived their. With tall grey roofs, stretching far above their heads, and marvel everything, that no matter the season was always cold to the touch. Aveline swore sometimes she could see her breath in the mansion, though perhaps that was just the way it made her feel.

Already she was longing for her friends, for Hogwarts, for anything but this cold miserable place.

When she reached her room a dress was layed out for her as usual when they were expecting someone. Mr Rosier always liked his children to look the part— even Aveline.

It was long, no doubt would fall to her ankles. A black silly material with puffy sleeves.

The thought of putting it on her body was sickening. She would be frozen, left for the cold winter winds of the mansion.

Though she didn't have a choice, and she had to be on her best behaviour this christmas. So slowly, she made her way to small vanity set with its fancy mirrors, opening the drawers to see all her magical makeups and such.

It didn't take her long to clean herself up, she was far used to this. Getting herself all pampered and pretty to sit at a table like a doll well her father entertained important people.

She had slicked her curly hair back into a tight groomed ponytail, adorned her face with just the right amount of makeup. The dress was tighter to her figure then she would've like, and also a little too deep cut then she was comfortable with.

All she wanted to do was curl up in a little ball under her blankets, and let their warmth build her back up. Though she couldn't, so ignoring the goose bumps travelling down her arms she made her way back downstairs.

The only sound she could hear was the clatter of her own shoes. Not even the mice dared to make a squeek in this place, the haunted feeling travelling through it all.

Evan was already in their formal sitting room, and expensive black suit on as he sat, reading the daily prophet.

"Father wishes to speak to you in his study," Evan grumbled without even looking up from the paper.

"Alright, thank you evan," she told him politely, to receive nothing in response

Mr Rosier's study was a room they never were allowed to go into anymore. The door was always locked, though as she pushed it open softly she realized nothing had changed since she had last been in it.

It was still decorated like some sort of weird Slytherin alumni who couldn't get over his glory days in school. Hints of green and snakes all over, with his grand leather chair sitting behind a even more grand desk.

"Aveline," Mr Rosier spoke, his back turned to her as he looked out the window.

He had a glass in his hand, fire whiskey no doubt, the man swirling it as he downed the last bit.

"Hello Father," Aveline greeted, quietly shutting the door behind her. "Evan says you wish to speak to him?"

He turned around, his tall frame making her feel no more then a little girl. He pointed to the chair infront of his desk, a gesture for her to sit.

She did so, being mindful of keeping her back straight and head up. Her legs perfectly cross, the way a ladies ought too.

"I believe you received my letter?" he asked, his heavy hands resting on the wood of his desk.

He looked as if he had aged ten years since she last saw him. His features no longer youthful, but striking with the hardness of an old man. A man who looked as if he endeared battle, had truly seen the horrors of life.

All she could do was nod, the claw in her chest holding down her tongue.

"Then you know I will be terminating your mother once you and your brother go back to Hogwarts?"

"Please don't," she couldn't help it, her voice begged her composure breaking. "I'll do anything, I promise I'll do anything. Just please don't."

She had told herself she'd go in there, guns blazing and demand her father not harm her mother. That she'd threaten him, tell him she'd go to the ministry.

Though that was all in her head, where the imaginary Aveline had a whole much more courage then the one currently sitting in her fathers study.

She couldn't help it, even his mere presence seemed to squish her down, as if everything she had done to build herself up was powerless against him.

In this room she was nothing more then a scared eight year old, being told she had to kill a rabbit, and she wanted nothing more then to escape this horrid place.

"I was hoping you'd say that."

And then, he did the most terrifying thing he could've ever done, he grinned a sickly grin. Tapping his fingers on the desk as he looked up at her.

"You know Aveline, when you went and made yourself a blood traitor I thought no man in his right mind would want you," Mr Rosier began to speak, standing up and walking slowly over to her, his matching blue eyes staring down at her, "though it appears my dear," he reached a hand out, grabbing her face, "your in high demand amongst the suitable pureblood matches."

Her stomach lurched, her heart beating a million miles a minute.

"You know I will never marry one of them," she got the courage to spit the words out, though her wide worried eyes were all too telling she was scared.

Mr Rosier laughed, tossing his head back in a manic sort of way.

"That's fine by me," relief washed through body. "As long as your okay with your mother dying."

Her head snapped up, eyes staring at to her father who was watching with amusement as the pieces clicked together in her mind.

"You don't mean—"

"Your lucky I'm giving you a choice Aveline," he sighed in a mocking tone, walking over to his bar cart to refill his class. "Most Fathers aren't as nice as I."

She watched as he poured himself another glass, looked as if christmas had come early. For a moment he stood, enjoying it as Aveline sat their horrified.

"So what will it be?" He asked again. "Shall I kill your mother or will you marry one of the poor lads who so badly wants your hand?"

"You can't—"

"Oh but I can and I will," he stated bluntly, setting the glass down with a clunk on his desk.

He was standing behind it, both hands leaning on it as he stared down at her with pure menace in his eyes. Practically seething with pure anger.

"You have done nothing but bring this family and I shame Aveline, just as your wretched mother. You are lucky I am letting you choose and you should be grateful that any man even wants to put his hands on that filthy blood traitor whore body of yours. So to make myself very clear I am giving you an option—

"— If you choose to marry I will not harm your mother."

When Aveline thought about her mother, the only thing she could think of is that she was the only person her mother had to protect her. Elenore Rosier was helpless, and Aveline was the only one who could stand up for her.

Her mother didn't deserve any of this. She was a beautiful brilliant soul, one Aveline knew for a factly was still there, behind her sleeping eyes.

One day, when Aveline was old enough to figure out such things, she'd help her mother. She'd wake her up again, she was determined.

So that is why perhaps Aveline gulped, before locking her eyes with her father.

"I'll do it. I'll marry whoever you want, just please don't hurt her."

Her father smirked a dangerous smirk, the type of look you have when you've won.

"Excellent, because the Nott family will be over soon for your engagement party."

"Does that mean—"

"Yes Aveline, Theodore Nott is your new fiancé."