Closed Darkness Always Creeps Closer Part 1 Solo

Interacting with: N/A Mentioning: N/A Date: 02/22/25

Word Count: 664

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Avery walked out of her dorm, Thestral Thicket, with her cat, Jasper. She had a determined look on her face. Today was the day that she would finally give herself a break from all the stress she had been going through. Since she first came to Hogwarts, things had been different to her. She had always been worrying about her family. The secrets they kept from each other, and the tension between them was becoming too much. That's why Avery wanted to take Jasper out to the grounds where they would finally be free. Jasper trotted close behind Avery as she walked down the hall towards the stairs. She watched people passing by her, but she didn't really pay much mind to them. She was determined to get to the grounds as fast as possible. She felt bad the past few days because she had forced Jasper to stay inside all day. But now that she was free, it was time to finally take him outside into the snow. Since he was only a baby still, he had never seen snow. Avery couldn't wait to see his reaction. He was always so playful and excited when new things came along, so she couldn't wait to see this. When Avery and Jasper made it to the stairs, Avery gently picked Jasper up so she could get down the stairs faster. He was still small, so getting up and down stairs was hard for him. Avery ran quickly down the stairs, taking care to watch where she was stepping. She didn't want to accidentally trip on the stairs. She wasn't ready to go back into the Hospital Wing. Though, she did enjoy chatting with Claire and Colin. But still, being injured isn't fun. Avery finally made it to the ground floor of Hogwarts. Then she carefully set Jasper down and began to run. Jasper following close behind, excitement in each step. Avery continued to run with Jasper in tow until they were at the tree Avery always loved to sit under. It was near the Forbidden Forest, but it was also far enough away to be safe from the creatures of it. Jasper looked curiously at snow. He sniffed it. Unsure of what it was. Avery laughed at his curiosity. It was sweet. He tentatively touched his paw against it. Still unsure of what it was. Avery smiled again and gave him a scratch on his head. He quickly turned his attention away from the snow, and climbed up into his owner's lap. Curling into a small ball and falling asleep. The trip down must have exhausted him. Avery sighed and leaned into the tree. Gently stroking Jasper's sleeping form. It was so peaceful. Finally. Avery needed this. So much had been going on in her life lately, and it was starting to wear on her. All she wanted was to have a break from the world. Which is exactly what she was doing right now. Avery must have dozed off because she woke up to a rustling coming from the Forbidden Forest. She tensed, but so far, Jasper didn't pay any mind to it. It's probably something harmless. Like a bird. Avery thought to herself. She relaxed into the tree again. That's when it happened again. The rustling. It was more evident now. Something was there, and it was getting closer. Jasper popped his head up and stood. He jumped off her lap and sat down on the ground next to her. Staring into the woods where Avery had heard the rustling. He growled as the hairs on his back stood up. That's when Avery began to realize that whatever creature was in the woods, it was probably dangerous. Especially since Jasper didn't like it. Suddenly, the creature jumped out of the woods. Avery couldn't tell what the creature looked like. Jasper hissed beside her, but he was too small to defend her. She stood there, in shock. Unsure of what to do next.

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