Months passed as I traveled with the gang. Daphne bless her heart was a huge support for me as my pregnancy progressed, and Scooby and Shaggy kept me supplied with snacks whenever my cravings hit. We'd solved so many mysteries while travelling the globe, and when we weren't solving mysteries, I was living with Daphne as her roommate. We even decorated a nursery for Hadrian together. Currently, we were a few weeks away from my due date when the gang wanted to visit their friends the Hex Girls as they shot their new music video. The flight staff were worried about me flying so far along, but I assured them I would be fine. When we got to Transylvania, it reminded me of home slightly. Especially Hogsmeade. 

"Like why are we traveling through this creepy town? Our vacations usually start out nice then turn creepy." Shaggy complained.

"Relax, Shaggy. We're just passing through this town on the way to a super awesome Castle." Velma assured the nervous young man as Fred drove through the rain.

"Castles and old villages hold so much history. I actually went to school at one in Scotland." I said looking out the window. Daphne said she hoped to be an extra, but Fred told her not to push it.

     I laughed at their antics as I rubbed my swollen belly. Hadrian kicked my hand as I did so. Whether it was out of love or annoyance, I couldn't be sure. We drove for about another half hour before Fred stopped in front of an ancient looking bridge. Oh boy. Shaggy suggested we all turn around and go to Bavaria, but Fred just laughed before kicking the van into high gear and speeding across the bridge. The rumble of the van made the bridge shake and caused nausea to form. Covering my mouth, I tried to hold it in. Suddenly, the bridge started to collapse behind us making me panic. Finally, though he pulled to a stop in front of the doors. Not wasting any time, I scrambled out of the van and found some bushes where I released my snack from earlier. Groaning and wiping my mouth, I placed a hand on my back as I righted myself. Daphne gave me a concerned look while I glared at Fred.

"Maybe a little warning next time?" I suggested as I followed the gang into the castle. When we came to the main room, we saw three girls dressed as brides arguing before one stormed off.

"I wonder what's going on." Velma hummed. Daphne made a weird theory but stopped when the girls came over to us.

"We're so glad you're here." one girl said. It was Thorn!

"Where's my wedding dress and black fingernails?" Daphne asked excitedly.

"Sorry, but the shoot in on hold because some weird vampire guy decided to crash it." Thorn explained as I wandered around the room.

     This place was definitely old. Not as old as Hogwarts, but old. By the gang, I could hear Shaggy and Scooby freaking out as Velma told them that vampires didn't exist. That got a snort out of me as I wandered the room. I could feel eyes on me and shook my head. Suddenly I felt an arm grab me and pull me into a hidden room. Breaking free, I turned around and felt my blood freeze. It was a guy dressed as a vampire. I tried to scream and look for the exit when cloth covered my mouth, and I was then dragged up some stairs and into a tower room. Shouting through my gag, I tried fighting him off, but he was physically stronger than me. Eventually, he let me go and left while locking the door. Ripping the gag off, I rushed up to the door and began beating on it and shouting. Of course, I left my damn wand in the van. Why did I always end up trapped or hidden away somewhere?

"Now I know how Daphne feels." I muttered rubbing my hands from where I had been hitting the door. Looking around the room, I saw it was decently furnished and warm. "Of course, locked in a tower."

As the night wore on, I couldn't find any escape from the room. Exhaustion soon came over me and I decided to just get some sleep. The storm raged outside as I fitfully slept. When suddenly, a scream echoed in the silent castle. Throwing back the covers, I rolled out of bed and looked around in a panic. That was Daphne. Rushing to the balcony of the tower, I looked at the castle below me before my eyes spotted the Mystery Machine.

"Accio Wand!" I shouted holding out my hand, the door of the van burst open, and my larch wand came flying up. Once it was in my hand, I magically shut the van's door and turned back to the door leading out of this tower. "Alohomora."

The door opened with a click, and I cautiously ventured out. Casting Lumos, I used the wall for support as I made my way down the stairs. Eventually, I made it to a long hallway. This place was huge!

"Hello? Fred? Daphne? Shaggy?" I called out wandering the endless expanse of hallways and rooms. Screams came from various directions, giving me no definite direction.

Groaning, I pinched the bridge of my nose. 

"Point me Main Hall." I cast as my wand floated above my palm and began leading me through many floors and chambers until I finally found the gang. "Guys! There you are!"

"Ava, where have you been?" Fred had a relieved look on his face.

"Your vampire pulled me through a hidden door and into one of the towers." I deadpanned brushing some of my curls out of my face. "If it isn't one thing, it's another when it comes to the mysteries."

"Like, tell me about it." Shaggy nervously laughed as he and Scooby came running into the room.

The gang and Hex Girls talked to the director until the vampire showed up. We all scattered and ran all over as the vampire took turns chasing all of us. When he cornered me in a bedroom, I grabbed a sword off the wall and brandished it at him.

"Not so tough now, are you?" I sneered. "A hormonal pregnant woman with a sword."

     The vampire glared at me before turning and leaving the room. I just stood there blinking confused. Keeping the sword in hand, I rushed after him, but when I got into the hallway. He was gone. Not dropping my guard, I searched the castle looking for the others and came to the dungeons, where I saw a young man in a cell dressed as the vampire.

"How did you get out of the tower?" he demanded when he saw me.

"Trick of the trade." I snapped looking him over. "How were you just chasing us right now if you're here?"

"You shouldn't have left the tower. I put you there when I saw you were pregnant." he glared at me.

"Answer my damn question." I growled brandishing the sword. "If you're here, who is chasing us?"

"My twin brother." he sighed looking at his hands. I dropped the sword in shock. 

"You're kidding me. I have to tell the others." I turned to leave when he stopped me.

"You mustn't. This castle was my family's legacy and without it we've lost our pride and dignity." the man jumped towards the bars.

"Seriously? A castle doesn't determine pride or dignity, only the people who reside within." I scoffed heading for the stairs. When I made it back to the main hall, I saw everyone with the vampire tied up. "There you guys are. I found the first vampire, he said he has a twin brother who's helping him."

"We figured that out too." Velma said explaining how the brothers were ruining the shoot to ruin the current owner's business. 

     Shaggy and Scooby finally showed up with a bat on their shoulder and announced they had found Fred, only to see the real Fred and freak out over having a normal bat on their shoulder. I couldn't help the laugh that escaped me at their shenanigans. Once everything was put to rights, the Hex Girls did a cover of What's New: Scooby-Doo and even did a little memorial bit for the missing singer of Rising Phoenix. After a few days, the bridge was fixed, and we were on our way back to the United States.

"Man, being back in Europe is nice, but the States is where it's at!" I yawned stretching as we waited outside the airport for Fred to bring the van around.

"Yeah. How's Hadrian?" Daphne asked for the millionth time.

"Well, just Braxton Hicks and no broken water. So, we're doing great." I replied as I spotted Velma on the phone.

"Hey guys! My aunt and uncle invited us to a Halloween party their town throws." Velma exclaimed. "And KISS is going to be there!"

     Something within me sent ice through my veins and it caused me to place a hand on my stomach. Memories had been popping up lately, especially the one with the dimly lit hotel room. During the flight back, I had finally seen the face of the man in that room with me. Could Paul Stanley really be Hadrian's father. Only one way to find out.

"Well? What are we waiting for?" I asked as we all climbed into the van. 

"You sure are eager to go." Velma teased.

"Of course! KISS is going to be there. My favorite band ever!" I scoffed trying to hide my unease.

"Then let's go!" Fred agreed with mild annoyance. I gave him a grateful smile as we set off down the road. Since I was in the very back with Shaggy and Scooby, I opened my trunk and began rifling through it.

"Hmm, I have costumes. But they're all pre-pregnancy stuff." I hummed. "I could go with the belly dancer, but who wants to see my massive as belly."

"What about that witch costume?" Daphne suggested pointing to my school robes.

"Great idea!" I beamed at her, setting my old uniform to the side. It was one of the few things that still fit to an extent from before I got pregnant. "And it's actually my old school uniform. My dad's is also in here. His shirt would fit better."

"Really?" she asked.

"Yeah, the robes were to keep us warm in the drafty castle." I nodded before closing my trunk and settling into my seat.

     The day wore on and I eventually fell asleep. Shaggy and Scooby had to unbuckle me and lay me down on the seat so I would be more comfortable. When I finally woke up, we were passing cornfields in the dark. It took another hour before we arrived at a nicely decorated house. As we all got out, a mob appeared, and I dropped into a fighting stance. Not that I could do much as I was due any day now. Eventually, Velma's aunt and uncle calmed the mob down and brought us inside. They told us we came at a great year as it the was hundredth anniversary.

"I'm more excited to see KISS. Once I have the baby, I'll be stuck home for a while." I said rubbing my belly. "Hopefully, Hadrian can hold out for a couple days."

"Oh my, imagine if he was born tomorrow!" Velma's aunt gushed making me blush.

"That would be one hell of a birthday." I chuckled. "But hopefully not, I'd hate for him to have to not only celebrate his birthday, but the death day of his great grandparents."

That sobered everyone up.

"Well, we have a great doctor here. So, even if he is born tomorrow, you'll be in great hands!" Velma's uncle assured me.

"I appreciate that." I smiled before yawning. 

"Oh dear, I remember those days. Let me show you to your room." Velma's aunt giggled helping me to my feet and grabbing my trunk for me.  

"Thank you." I said after she led me into one of the rooms. 

     She gave me a hug before leaving the room. Closing the door, I put on my nightgown and crawled into bed. Before my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light. Morning came soon enough, and I managed to be the first in the shower before going to my room and putting on my uniform. The smell of my father's cologne on his old shirt made me miss him even more as I adjusted my tie and hat before applying yellow and black makeup to represent Hufflepuff. Once I was done, I left my room and saw the gang wearing their normal clothes.

"Wow, you sure are in the Halloween spirit." Shaggy laughed as we all left the house to head to the festival.

"It's my favorite time of year." I giggled as the tantalizing smell of food reached my nose. "Well, I'll see you all at the ball. Hadrian and I are starving."

"See you later, Ava!" they all waved before wandering off.

"Wow! Love your witch costume!" one girl said as I passed by them.

"Thank you." I smiled before going to a pie stand and getting a slice of apple pie. Once I had my food in hand, I began looking for somewhere to sit. As I was waddling towards a table where four guys were dressed as KISS, I saw a booth selling pumpkin juice.

Grabbing the juice, I then began making my way to that table.

"Hi, could I, um sit here with you all? Everywhere else is full." I nervously said. They all looked up at me and my jaw dropped. "Holy shit!"

Starchild's eyes widened before he smiled.

"Of course, you can. Little Lady." he scooted over and pat the spot next to him. 

"Thanks." I said placing my food down before somehow managing to sit without falling back because of my stomach. "I'm excited to see you all perform tonight."

"Really?" Catman asked. Spaceman looked constipated as he looked at me.

"Is everything alright?" I looked at him in concern.

"I'm fine. Surprised you aren't losing your mind over meeting us." he muttered looking away. Giving him a way look, I took a sip of my pumpkin juice and had to spit it out coughing. 

"This is horrid!" I gagged pushing it away. "My schools was so much better."

"Hogwarts?" Demon gave me a wary look.

"Yes..." I paused. "How did you-?"

"So, are you pregnant?" Starchild asked changing the subject.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm having a boy." I nodded rubbing my belly while taking a bite of pie. "His name is Hadrian Paul." 

"That's a great name! Can I feel?" Starchild asked. I looked at him before nodding. His touch was gentle, and Hadrian kicked and moved around causing a contraction.

"Ouch." I winced as Starchild jerked back. "Sorry, I've been having Braxton Hicks. I'm due any day now."

The band looked at me before leaning close to one another.

"I can't believe we finally found her." Catman whispered getting nods from them.

"And she's still pregnant." Demon agreed. 

"Paul, what did you see when you felt the baby?" Spaceman asked.

"Um, I can hear you guys." I muttered before going back to my pie. "Have we met before or something?"

"Or Something." Spaceman stated. 

"Listen, you might not believe us. But you used to live with us." Starchild said giving me a sad look.

"This is a joke, right?" I scoffed fumbling to try and get up. "Because, I would have remembered if I lived and traveled with my favorite band."

"Seattle." Starchild said making me freeze. "Do you remember that?"

"I was in Seattle back in February, but how did you know that?" I glared at him.

"Ava, it's me Paul." his eyes were pleading.

"I-I'm sorry, but I have to go." I grabbed my food containers and threw them in the trash before walking off.

"Avalon, wait!" I heard Starchild call out running after me. 

He finally stopped me when I entered the corn maze.

"What." I snapped rounding on him. "You expect me to believe you're the guy I fucked nine months ago? The father of my son?" 

"Just listen. Please." he pleaded.

"You have five minutes." I growled fingering my wand.

     He sighed and began telling me about how I appeared on the tour bus last year and worked for the band. Then how he and I became a couple around Christmas. What happened in New York at the Nutcracker, and my history with the Queen. How he knew about my magic and even told me I was like him. A KISSterian. Then he explained Valentine's Day to me before telling me about what happened in Hawaii when I went missing and how he and the band had been searching for me.

"Ha ha ha." I laughed. "You really expect me to believe all that?"

"You were at Louder Than Life when you were crushed by the mosh pit." he stated taking my hands in his. I paused.

"I've never told anyone that." I stated.

"You told the band." he replied before pulling me into a searing kiss. More memories flashed in my mind, proving a lot of what he said is true. Finally, I regained my wits and pushed him back.

"Look, maybe what you say is true. But honestly, it's too unbelievable." I said backing up. "I'll keep your superhuman secret and you keep mine and we'll leave it at that."

"But-" he tried to say, but I ran off through the corn losing him. Finally emerging back at the festival, the sun was going down. Collapsing onto a bench, I touched my tingling lips. Starchild kissed me and claimed I was his missing girlfriend.

     Eventually, everyone started filing into the town hall and I followed suit. Music played over speakers as everyone milled about in costume. I received many compliments, and the town doctor actually came up to me, so I knew who to go to if I went into labor. His gesture was appreciated, and I told him that before he wandered off. Spotting the stage, I saw Starchild didn't take his eyes off me. Rolling my eyes, I waddled over to the buffet and filled a plate. Having just had pie to eat as my only meal, I was starving. Soon, Velma's aunt and uncle announced KISS and the band started playing Shout It Out Loud. Not one to miss a good show, I polished off my food before joining the crowd and dancing along. As the song was halfway through, the lights went out before a specter appeared over us claiming to be the ghost of the town's first mayor. Whipping out my wand, I cast Scurge, but it didn't work. Not a real ghost then, a hologram. 

"Oh hell no." I growled holstering my wand as the guys kept playing. Spotting a crowbar, I picked it up and gave it a twirl as scarecrows circled me. "You want some? Come and get some."

Growling, I sung the bar at the closest scarecrow knocking its head of to reveal its a robot. The others looked at their fallen compatriot before advancing on me. Unleashing my best battle cry, I charged and began hacking away at the robots. Fighting and being nine months pregnant was not easy, and when a big contraction hit, it took everything not to scream. Clutching my stomach in one hand, I danced around the room destroying the robots with the crowbar like it was a sword. Finally, all the robots were destroyed, and I looked around at the townspeople before spotting the guys on stage. Starchild looked concerned. Which changed when another contraction hit me, this time I did scream out and fall to my knees as warm liquid gushed out from between my legs.

"AVA!" Starchild yelled, jumping off stage and rushing to my side.

"Gah!" I responded as another contraction hit less than a minute later. "Doctor. I need the doctor."

"I'm right here!" the man dressed as Frankenstein said rushing up. He reached under my skirt and into my womanhood where I could feel him checking my dilation. "There's no time to get her to the clinic."

"We'll clear off a table." one of the townsfolk said as a group ran off and pushed food and drinks to the floor as Starchild picked me up and carried me to the table. A curtain was placed over my legs after being positioned and my underwear removed.

"Everything will be okay." Starchild assured me petting my hair.

"How the fuck do you know that?" I roared as another contraction hit. "You're not the one pushing a human out of you without and epidural."

"Miss Potter, with the next contraction, I need you to push." the doctor instructed before motioning two men to hold my legs up. When the next contraction did come, I pushed and screamed. Starchild wrapped his arm around my shoulder and his free hand took one of mine.

Someone came with hot water and paper towels while another used a damp cloth to wipe away sweat. I pushed again with the next contraction and again. It felt like hours were passing as I pushed, feeling exhausted.

"You're doing great, Ava." Starchild whispered in my ear making me glare at him. 

"Somehow this is your fucking fault." I screamed pushing again.

"I see the head!" the doctor exclaimed. Panting, I started to cry because of the pain. "Push, Miss Potter, push!"

Curling forward, I pushed with all I had and felt my son sliding out of me quickly.

"It's a boy!" exclaimed the doctor as the cry of a baby filled the air. One of the women handed the doctor a wet rag as he cleaned my son off before placing him on my chest.

I couldn't help the sob that escaped me as I leaned into Starchild and hugged my baby boy close. 

"Good thing is, there was no tearing. We'll get the cord cut and the placenta out before moving you to the clinic to rest." the doctor explained as he ducked back under the curtain. I winced as I felt him start pulling the afterbirth out.

"He's so beautiful." Starchild said placing a kiss on my temple. I just ignored him as I tried to wrap my squalling baby in my robes to keep him warm.

     Eventually, paramedics arrived and helped me into the ambulance. Starchild wanted to climb in, but The Demon stopped him with a shake of his head. The frontman looked upset but sighed and walked off. My whole body ached as I let the EMTs tends to me and Hadrian. The gang met us at the clinic and gushed over my son as the doctor, now out of costume examined up both.

"Well, it looks like you'll be good to leave tomorrow." he said giving me a pat on the arm. "But you'll need to take it easy for a while."

"Thank you." I said tiredly.

"I'll need a name for the birth certificate." he looked at my swaddled son.

"Hadrian Paul Ryder-Potter-Stanley." I replied. The way Starchild held me during delivery and the memories I regained solidified my son's last name.

"I'll have everything taken care of. Now, get some rest." he nodded before walking out of the room.

Looking down at my sleeping baby boy, I smiled softly before letting my head fall back onto the pillow and falling asleep.