CHAPTER TWO

Many individuals perceived Aviana through a lens of trouble, judging her based solely on her exterior. Students who had only caught glimpses of her assumed she was nothing more than a troublemaker, a source of disruption and disturbance.

When students discussed the Slytherin, whispers would often circulate behind closed doors, warning others to steer clear of her. She was known for her acts of sneaking around and stirring up trouble, evoking a sense of caution and concern among her peers.

As the word 'trouble' has become synonymous with various undesirable activities, it has come to define many things that students would rather avoid engaging in.

The term itself had taken on a broader, more encompassing significance, representing actions that they deemed unworthy of their time and energy.

When a situation became labelled as hopeless, run-of-the-mill, or a waste of effort, it often signified that no amount of energy or work would ultimately lead to the desired outcome. The chances of success were slim, and efforts made were seen as futile and pointless.

Despite the rumours and speculation, the truth surrounding Aviana's true nature remained elusive and enigmatic. While some believed the stories about her penchant for trouble, others remained uncertain, leaving her personality shrouded in mystery.

Aviana's fame, or rather, notoriety, was a victim of unfortunate circumstances. While her parents were widely known and admired, she herself wasn't so lucky. Her association with the reputation of her parents often overshadowed her individuality, and she found herself caught in a cycle of being judged as simply a byproduct of her parent's well-known personalities.

Professor Slughorn exhaled heavily, watching as Aviana entered the classroom. The sigh was not one born out of annoyance, but rather one of sympathy. Having learned from his past mistakes, he understood the challenges Aviana faced, and his sigh was a sign of understanding, rather than disdain.

Despite his somewhat limited understanding of the thoughts and concerns of his students, Professor Slughorn had developed a new approach to mentorship. He had gradually come to the realization that he didn't need to overcomplicate things or try to fathom every aspect of his student's lives. Instead, he aimed to provide a supportive and empathetic presence, being there to listen and offer guidance when needed.

Professor Slughorn, having learned from his past involvement with Tom Riddle, realized that he didn't need to let himself be consumed by fear of repeating the same mistakes. He had recognized the importance of being a positive influence on his students, rather than inadvertently contributing to their dark tendencies, like he had with Riddle.

The Professor believed that he needn't worry about Aviana following a path of evil intent. Judging from the brief interaction he had observed, the young girl displayed no signs of malevolent intentions, unlike Tom Riddle from many years ago.

He was taken aback yet honoured that Aviana had sought him out as her mentor. Given the numerous experienced faculty members within the confines of Hogwarts, he was surprised that she had chosen him for guidance and advice.

Professor Slughorn couldn't help but entertain the idea that even the Hogwarts ghosts might have been a better choice than him as a mentor. Despite this, Aviana had firmly decided that he was the person she wanted to seek guidance from. Reluctantly, Slughorn accepted her decision, though he harboured some self-doubt about his ability to provide the support she needed.

Slughorn observed Aviana as she poured herself a cup of tea, and he turned to her with a gentle expression, asking, "If I may ask, what's on your mind, dear? Is there something troubling you?"

Aviana took a moment to savour the scent of the tea before her gaze drifted out the window. Many thoughts were swirling in her mind, but she hesitated, unsure of where to begin. Her gaze remained fixed on the window, her mind a tangle of unspoken words.

Aviana corrected herself in her thoughts. She knew exactly what she wanted to express, but grappling with her own understanding of these feelings made it challenging. A flicker of exhaustion crossed her face as the weight of her thoughts seemed to burden her mind, causing her head to tilt to the side.

Aviana's thoughts drifted towards a particular Hufflepuff that she had found herself involved with for months - Edward Lupin. His presence in her thoughts was like a constant thread woven through her thoughts, a connection that had gradually grown stronger over time.