CHAPTER SIX

"Let's see if you can catch me."

Those words echoed repeatedly in Teddy's thoughts, a constant loop that relentlessly intruded on his mind. For days, the encounter had left him in a state of distraction.

The memory of Aviana's taunt haunted his waking moments, a lingering presence in the back of his mind. Every time he attempted to push it aside, those words reemerged, an unstoppable barrage of thoughts invading his consciousness. It was a constant battle between his thoughts and the memory of their encounter, a mental tug-of-war with no end in sight.

Teddy found himself at a total loss, struggling to comprehend the situation. He couldn't help but wonder how he was supposed to even bring up the subject with his own best mates, feeling unsure of how to approach the topic.

Aviana, on the other hand, was enjoying the moment, her mind focused on the next individual she would liberate. She did not doubt that it was not a mistake.

Although Teddy had gained quite the reputation for being idolized and swooned over, she was certain that the attention and adoration were not what he truly desired.

Aviana had observed Teddy's eyes, and she could clearly see the desire to break free and spread his wings. The yearning was evident in his gaze.

She was well aware that Teddy needed this liberation before he was consumed by a path that he thought necessary to follow. She had witnessed others like him, trapped by the expectations and responsibilities placed upon them. Just like the other birds she had released, she was determined to provide Teddy with the same freedom and sense of belonging.

It was, her name after all, that held significance as it meant "like a bird." It served as a reminder of her own free spirit and the ability to soar through life unburdened by societal expectations.

Aviana was born in the midst of the war, one of the countless nameless children brought into a world torn apart by conflict. Her adoptive parents had given her the name, a reflection of their belief in her nature and the desire for freedom they saw in her. They understood that life would not be easy for their daughter, burdened by the weight of expectations placed on their family.

Pansy had understood from the moment she saw her daughter that she would never want her to be a bird confined to a cage, mirroring her own experiences as a daughter of a Death Eater, shaped since birth to follow the path behind the Dark Lord.

The past had haunted Pansy for years, a constant presence that still lingered in her life. However, with the support and strength she found in her husband, she was able to grow strong and refuse to let it drive her to madness.

Aviana hummed gently as she sat on a tree branch, her feet dangling near the Black Lake. Her mind wandered momentarily, thoughts turning to her parents.

The water's ripples before her shimmered in the sunlight, creating a mesmerising display that held her gaze captive.

"Edward Lupin" she muttered to herself, her excitement undeniable. She couldn't deny her curiosity about what was in store for this male, realizing that he was the first who had caught her attention in such a significant way. It bothered her, however, that she hadn't known of him until recently.

Aviana felt a subtle tinge of frustration, yet it also fueled her determination. Compared to her other birds, she sensed that Edward would be the most difficult to reach. Despite his eyes telling a story, she could sense that there was still more hidden beneath the surface, something that even she couldn't quite grasp.

It was like a thrilling game of cat and mouse, a constant mix of excitement and anticipation that left her feeling both entranced and puzzled. Aviana could not ignore the strange draw she felt towards him, despite the mystery he presented.

Aviana had diligently gathered information about Teddy, discovering that he was primarily regarded for his good looks, remarkable intelligence, and the somewhat forced label of 'perfection' that often accompanied him. Despite his perceived flawlessness, she was more drawn to the hints of an intriguing inner world he carefully kept to himself.

She knew that Teddy's reputation and titles were merely projections of others' expectations, not necessarily the true essence of who he was. His carefully constructed image was not chosen by himself but rather imposed upon him.

Aviana jested, looking up at the sky and scoffing, "And people say I'm trouble."