CHAPTER ONE
' let it be gryffindor '

AURORA shuffled her way through the Hogwarts Express, fingers clasped tightly around her trunk. Her eyes darted around the train, sighing in relief when she found an empty compartment to stow away her things and perhaps even get some rest. It was her first year on the train and to say she was intimidated was an understatement. She grinned, counting her blessings that she was able to find an unoccupied compartment.

The curly-headed first year trudged her way into the compartment, gingerly closing the door behind her before she sat as close to the window as possible, brown eyes wide in excitement as she watched the hills roll over one another, the pure blue sky bright. She could feel the machinery of the Hogwarts Express beneath her feet, the gentle squeal filling the air as the train moved closer to her new home. Aurora let the corners of her lips tugged back, resting her head on the wall, eyes trained on the view from the window— she was grateful for the silence, it helping to put her at ease.

Her peaceful atmosphere didn't last long as the compartment door opened, a redhead popping her head in, "Mind if I sit here? My mum made me wait so I could wave goodbye and now almost all the seats are filled."

"No, I don't mind, go ahead," Aurora offered the girl a smile, which was returned instantly.

The redhead put her trunk in the overhead area, wiping her palms on the faded fabric of her muggle-style jeans before extending her hand to Aurora, "I'm Ginny Weasley, first year."

Aurora let out a sigh of relief, grasping Ginny's hand in her own, "Aurora Deveraux, also a first-year."

"Thank Merlin," Ginny plopped down on the seat across from Aurora, "I was worried I wouldn't find any other first years."

"I was too," Aurora grinned, swinging her feet slightly.

"What house are you hoping to get?"

"Gryffindor, like my dad."

Ginny seemed pleased at her answer, nodding. "Me too. My whole family has been Gryffindors, suppose it's a tradition." Ginny grinned in Aurora's direction, "I'm most excited for Quidditch I think. You like Quidditch, don't you?"

"I do,"

"Again," Ginny held a hand up to her chest, "thank Merlin for that. Otherwise, I'm not sure what I would talk about. Now, the most important question, favorite professional team?"

"Easy," Aurora mimicked the grin on Ginny's face, relieved to have found a friend so early on, "Holyhead Harpies."

Ginny dramatically lead back in her seat, laughing under her breath. "I can tell we are going to be great friends."

AURORA nervously chewed on her lip as they followed closely behind Professor McGonagall. Ginny was at her side, holding onto the sleeve of Aurora's robes as the doors to the Great Hall opened. McGonagall entered first, hands clasped in front of her as she led the children to the front of the Hall, backs facing the students seated with their houses.

Aurora surveyed the room as the students were delivered a short speech before the first child was called up, being sorted into Ravenclaw. Three more students went up to the stool, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw, Aurora's name being called next.

"Aurora Deveraux!"

Aurora drew in a deep breath, squeezing Ginny's hand before she stepped up beside McGonagall, sitting down on the stool as the woman placed the Sorting Hat on her head.

"Ah, Miss Deveraux, I remember your father. Was quite a bit of trouble that one. Let's see. Perhaps a Hufflepuff? Very loyal indeed, though, I don't believe you are patient enough to be a Hufflepuff."

"Blimey, can you hurry up?" Aurora swung her legs back and forth, glaring up in the air as the hat continued to ramble, she was hungry and hated the eyes that were watching her.

"Hm, definitely not a Hufflepuff." The hat paused for a second, making a humming sound. "Not Slytherin either, you're driven but you go about your problems differently than a Slytherin would. I can see that you are intelligent and passionate, Ravenclaw maybe. Ah, I believe I know where you belong."

"Thank Merlin, you ramble a lot, has anyone told you that before?"

"Ah yes, this will be the perfect house for you. Let it be, Gryffindor!"

Aurora grinned, allowing McGonagall to remove the hat from her head before she jumped down from the stool. Her grin was wide, practically beaming as she strolled to the Gryffindor table which was screaming and clapping upon her sorting. She took a seat in an empty spot. The sorting continued, Aurora zoning out while she glanced around the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall had reached Ginny's name, the hat sorting her into Gryffindor in less than thirty seconds.

Ginny took her seat beside Aurora, grinning as Dumbledore delivered a speech before allowing them to begin their feast. Aurora glanced around the table, assuming the boys seated across from her were twins with their identical features.

One of the boys smiled at her, gesturing to himself, "I'm Fred," he gestured to the other boy, "he's George."

Ginny groaned from beside her, reaching over the table to smack the boy on the head. She plopped back down in her seat before turning to Aurora. "They're messing with you," Ginny lifted her hand to point in the direction of the boy on the left, "That's Fred," her finger moved in the direction of the boy on the right, "and he's George. Honestly, whenever they tell you anything, just assume or do the opposite, they're most likely messing with you."

Fred, who Aurora had already figured out looked slightly different, scoffed, "And you are supposed to be our sister Ginevra!"

George nodded at his twin's words. "This will be marked as the greatest betrayal in the Weasley family."

Ginny ignored her brothers, piling food on Aurora's plate mindlessly, "Ignore them, Rory, that's what I do."

Aurora grinned at the nickname, the dimple on her right cheek poking out. "So Ginevra?"

Ginny raised her fork, holding it up to Aurora's face, attempting to threaten her as a scowl formed on her face, "We may be first years but I already know how to give a good bat-boogey hex and I am not afraid to use it on you."

Aurora only shrugged, "That would be one hell of a way to start a friendship, don't you think?"

GINNY had Aurora's head in her lap, messing with the Deveraux girl's curls after asking for permission, rambling as the first year's all inspected the Gryffindor common room with an innocent curiosity. Ginny's face was red, almost matching the color the roots of her hair sported. "I mean, he took our car and crashed it into the Whomping Willow! Mum is going to be furious."

Aurora peered up at Ginny, a coy smile playing at her lips, "Come on Gin, it's pretty cool."

Ginny shrugged in response, eyes darting to the doors of the common room as it opened, three kids entering. Aurora noticed the redhead first, assuming that it was Ginny's older brother Ron by the infamous color of his hair.

He was joined by a boy with messy dark hair and green eyes, Aurora already knew who it was before seeing the scar he bore, Harry Potter.

The last person with them was a girl with bushy hair and a scowl on her face as she stared at Ron and Harry. Going off the descriptions given to her by Ginny on the train, the girl must be Hermione Granger.

Lee Jordan jumped up from one of the couches, "Brilliant! Inspired! What an entrance! Flying a car right into the Whomping Willow. People will be talking."

Aurora stood up, pulling Ginny up with her, facing the trio. Aurora stifled a laugh as a kid clapped Harry on the back, a crowd forming around them.

Fred and George fought to the front of the crowd, speaking in unison, "Why couldn't we have come in the car?"

Harry gave Ron a gentle shove to the ribs, gesturing in the distance. Ron visibly paled, "Got to get upstairs. A bit tired."

They shoved their way through the crowd, bidding their housemates goodbye before running up the stairs, disappearing into the dorms. Ginny groaned, crossing her arms over her chest as she turned to face Aurora, "Well, that's Ron."

"He seems lovely."

"One way of putting it I suppose."

GRABBING the knife in her hand, Aurora spread the marmalade across her toast, doing the same to another piece before setting it down on Ginny's plate, noticing the girl had yet to put food on her face because she was busy talking to Neville.

Neville Longbottom— Aurora liked him. He was very kind, stuttered some when he got nervous but Aurora thought it was sweet. He had offered them a seat, talking them down to try and calm their nerves on their first day, sharing stories of all the professors and classes.

Harry and Ron entered, taking a seat near Hermione, who was reading, and Neville. Neville redirected his attention to Harry, talking to the second year.

Ginny too redirected her attention, glancing down at her plate which was now filled, courtesy of Aurora who smiled, "I didn't know what you liked, so I got you a bit of everything."

"I'm a Weasley," Ginny gestured to Ron who was shoveling food in his mouth, "we eat anything."

Aurora laughed, taking a bite of her toast. A rushing sound caused her to glance upwards, owls flying above them as they dropped packages and letters off to the students. A letter was dropped on Aurora's plate, her family owl Flora flying down to sit on the table. Aurora nudged the owl with her finger, feeding her some scraps, "Have at it, Flora."

Aurora grabbed the letter in her hands, beaming as she recognized her father's print on the outside. However, before she could open it up, Ron's words caught her attention, "She's sent me a Howler."

Oh no, that's not good. Not good at all. Aurora would hex her father if he ever sent her a Howler. Which she was certain he probably would to mess with her.

"You'd better open it, Ron. It'll be worse if you don't. My Gran sent me one once, and I ignored it and it was horrible," Neville spoke in a hushed whisper.

Harry, however, didn't match the scared faces of his fellow pupils, instead curiously staring at the Howler. "What's a Howler?"

Poor Harry, Aurora shook her head tentatively, pausing as she thought again, or maybe lucky Harry if he hasn't even gotten a Howler.

Aurora grimaced as the Howler began to smoke at the sides. Neville set his fork down, urging Ron to get on with it. "Open it. It'll all be over in a few minutes."

Ron nodded, not looking convince but grasped the Howler from his owl, opening it slowly. The Howler opened the rest of the way, a booming voice bouncing off the walls of the Great Hall, "Ronald Weasley! How dare you steal that car! I am absolutely disgusted. Your father's now facing an inquiry at work and it is entirely your fault! If you put another toe out of line, we'll bring you straight home!" The Howler was silent for a few seconds before speaking once more, this time the tone very calm and light, "Oh, and Ginny, dear, congratulations on making Gryffindor, your father and I are so proud."

And with that, the Howler burst into flames, ash covering the table as Ron stared at its ashes, his face the color of his hair. Ginny too had a small flush to her cheeks, taking a small bite of her food. She met Aurora's amused glance, "Well, that's Mum for you."

SNAPE. Aurora had come to the conclusion that she despised the Professor. She groaned, rubbing her fingers against her temples as she stared down at her parchment, trying to think of something, anything, to write down for her Potions essay.

"Oh fuck this!" For being so young, she had a very extensive vocabulary, something she inherited from her father who swore more than a sailor. Aurora's eyes widened, glancing around to make sure no one had heard her, sighing in relief when she realized no one had.

"Excuse me, do you mind if I sit here?"

Aurora peered up, eyes meeting the brown ones of Hermione Granger, the second year gesturing to the chair across from Aurora. "Go ahead."

"Thank you," Hermione took a seat, pulling out her books and some parchment, "Aurora right? You're friends with Ginny?"

"Yeah,"

"What are you working on?"

"Well, I'm not working on anything," Aurora glared down at her blank parchment, the urge to snap her quill growing. Sheepishly looking back at Hermione, Aurora let out a breathy laugh, "Sorry, it's a Potions essay. Snape's a proper arse."

Hermione appeared to be taken aback by Aurora's blatant disrespect to an authoritative figure, "He is still a Professor!"

Aurora shrugged her shoulders, "Doesn't mean he isn't an arse."

Aurora could tell Hermione was holding in a chuckle. Instead, Hermione pursed her lips, shaking her bushy hair and adverting her eyes down to her book, "Do you need any help with it?"

"Really?"

"I have to force Harry and Ron to let me help them. It would be a relief for someone to willingly take my help for once." Hermione closed her book, marking the page with a bookmark, a sheepish smile on her face. "Though I do warn you, I'm very pushy and passionate about my studies."

Aurora returned the smile, pushing her curls from her face, groaning as they fell back into her eyes. Lifting her wand, she whispered a charm, causing her hair to be pulled back into a braid. Aurora sighed in content, looking back at Hermione who was gaping. "What?"

"That," Hermione gestured to her hair, "how did you do that? I've never read about a Charm like that."

"Oh, my dad taught me it. It's how he did my hair when I was young. I could teach if you like?"

Hermione let herself laugh, "I would like that a lot. Payment for me helping your essay possibly?"

"You, Hermione Granger, have a deal."

CONSTANT shaking caused Aurora to groan, rolling over in her bed, eyes peeling open to meet Ginny's, "Gin, what're you doing?"

"Waking you up?" Ginny presented the statement as a question, holding her arms up in a defensive position, knowing how much Aurora despised being woken up.

"Why?"

"I'm hungry and I wanted you to come to the kitchens with me."

Aurora went to deny but paused when she realized she hadn't seen much of Ginny lately. She had been glued to a journal of some sorts— she had never let Aurora get close enough to inspect it. Aurora yawned, sitting up in her bed, swinging her legs over the side, and grabbing her sweatshirt from the ground, "Fine, let's go."

"Wait, really?"

"Yes, but if Filch catches us, you're taking the blame."

"Deal."

They were quick in the halls, ducking in and out of alcoves when they heard footsteps, finally arriving in the kitchens after about ten minutes, having taken longer due to Aurora's sleepy tumbling.

"Do you have two left feet or something?"

"Forgive me for being tired. You're the one who woke me up in the middle of the night to get food. You're lucky I didn't bring my wand."

"Hey! Hexing is my thing."

"You can't own hexing Ginny."

Ginny opened her mouth to respond, being cut off by a snort. Aurora looked over Ginny's shoulder, two boys standing further in the kitchen meeting her gaze. One had dark skin, a buzz cut, and dark brown eyes. He wasn't the one who had laughed.

The other boy had messy brown hair and green eyes, holding his palm to his mouth to stop his laughter. Moving his hand away, he grinned at the girls, "Please, don't stop on our accord." His grin only grew when the girls remained silent, he jumped down from the counter, strolling over to them with an extended hand, "Theodore Nott. Call me Theo." He gestured behind him to the other boy, "That's Blaise."

Aurora went to shake his hand, yelping when Ginny smacked her hand away, "Rory, they're Slytherins."

"Okay?" Aurora raised her hand once more, frowning when it was slapped away again.

"They're snakes!"

"Salazar, the number of times people have judged me for my house," Theo pressed his fingers against his temples, "honestly, if anyone should hate anyone here for their house, it should be us! Dumbledore pulls house points out of his arse for you guys and you don't see us judging."

Aurora gingerly held her hand out again, sighing in relief when it wasn't smacked again, Theo accepting the handshake. "Aurora Deveraux, you can call me Rory."

Theo grinned. "Pretty." Ginny had her arms crossed over her chest, huffing. Theo turned to her, nudging her shoulder, "C'mon Weasley, promise I won't say anything about how obnoxious your brothers are or about how I hate the colour red. Well, it may slip but just know I tried."

Ginny bit down on her lip, trying to sue press the smile but she failed. Finally, she shook his hand. "Fine."

Blaise eventually spoke up, "Still hungry?"

THEO had proved to be an unexpected friend for Aurora. After meeting in the kitchen, he would assist her in walking to classes, help her study in the library, and sometimes even eat meals with her if her table was empty.

Blaise and Ginny sometimes joined them but Ginny seemed occupied with something and Blaise seemed to like keeping to himself, an exception of a select few.

"Don't take it personally," Theo sighed as he watched Blaise's retreating figure. He sat down on the bench beside Aurora, glancing around the almost empty courtyard. "He'll open up within time."

"It's alright," Aurora opened up her textbook, glaring down at the page, something that never failed to amuse Theo, "Lavender was the same until only a few weeks ago."

"She's in my year, right?"

"Yeah."

"I think she's in my Transfiguration class, not sure though."

Aurora nodded, a comfortable silence filling the air as they both began reading their textbooks. Theo looked up after a few seconds, eyes lingering on Aurora. She looked up to meet his eye, "Yes?"

"Can I ask you a question?"

"I know you well enough to know you'll ask even if I say no."

"True," Theo poked the dimple on her right cheek with a chuckle, "when you met us in the kitchens, you didn't care that we were Slytherins, why is that?"

Aurora closed her book, brows furrowed as she processed his question, "Why would I have cared?"

Theo pursed his lips, setting his textbook aside, "Most Gryffindors hate us, Rory, I mean, you saw how Weasley reacted to us."

"I don't care what house you're in. I care about what kind of person you are," Aurora replied nonchalant as ever while she spoke. Slytherins are stereotypically seen a selfish and mean. Which in some cases, that may be true," Cough, Draco Malfoy. "Though they aren't inherently mean, their attitudes depend on the impression you give. But overall, they're ambitious. They know what they want and how to go about getting it. Most of them have something to live up to, to prove."

Theo's gaze was soft, patting Aurora on the head, a chuckle of disbelief falling from his lips, "Promise me you'll never change Rory."

Aurora held a hand up to her heart, "Why would I ever do that? I'm amazing."

Theo nudged her, grabbing his textbook, "Humble too."

AURORA followed Theo down the hallway, following the sound of a shout. Coming up on a crowd, Theo pulled Aurora to his side, green eyes wide as they stared at the stone wall,

THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE.

Aurora grimaced at Mrs. Norris who was hanging by her tail near the message. Theo instinctively grabbed her hand, "Don't look, Rory, it's ghastly."

Too late.

"Enemies of the Heir, beware. You'll be next, Mudbloods."

Aurora shuddered as Draco Malfoy shouted, using the horrific word so casually when he spoke. She reached for her wand, aiming a hex at his feet. Before she could shoot the hex at him, she was shoved aside, Filch shoving her as he ran through the crowd, "What's going on here? What's going on?" Aurora felt sick when his eyes fell on his cat, his face sporting a horrified look, "My cat! What's happened to Mrs. Norris?" He pointed a finger in an accusing manner at Harry, "You! You! You've murdered my cat! You've killed her! I'll kill you! I'll-"

Dumbledore's voice halted Filch from finishing his sentence, "Argus!" Dumbledore walked to Mrs. Norris, taking her down and instructing Filch, Harry, Ron, and Hermione to follow him to his office.

McGonagall cleared her throat, having arrived at the scene, "Alright children, head to your common rooms. Prefects, begin your rounds in a few minutes please."

Theo tugged on Aurora's hand, "Come on Rory, I'll walk you back."

Aurora nodded, sighing when she couldn't find Ginny in the crowd, "Did you see Ginny?"

Theo kept walking, biting the inside of his cheek as he thought, "No, I don't recall seeing her." He glimpsed down at Aurora, reading her carefully. "I'm sure she's alright. Probably in the kitchens or your common room."

"Yeah."

Aurora really hoped Ginny was alright.

GINNY was anything but alright. Aurora entered her common room after bidding goodbye to Theo, eyes widening as Percy, Fred, and George all huddled around Ginny who was crying.

"What if he gets expelled?" Ginny sobbed, clutching George's shirt in her hands. She looked over to Aurora, jumping up from the couch to pull Aurora into a hug, "Blimey! Are you okay?"

"I'm alright, Gin."

Ginny nodded, still not releasing Aurora from the hug. Fred and George looked relieved that Ginny had stopped hysterically sobbing, now only sniffling as Aurora held her. "Ron's going to be expelled, oh my, Ron's going to be in so much trouble."

"Ron didn't do it Gin,"

"How do you know that?"

"I saw him. He looked ill just looking at Mrs. Norris."

Ginny nodded, wiping her tears from her cheeks. She waltzed over to her brothers, hugging them all before taking Aurora's hand and leading them to their dorm.

QUIDDITCH was one of Aurora's favorite things, whether it be playing or in this case, watching. The Slytherin vs Gryffindor game had been highly anticipated by all the students, the stands filling with students of all houses when the game finally came around. Aurora was seated between Neville and Ginny. Hermione was sitting behind them, deciding to read a book rather than watch a game that was truly barbaric and horrendous, her words.

The crowds began to cheer as the Gryffindor team came out, meeting Madam Hooch and the Slytherin team in the pitch. Aurora leaned forward, eyeing Oliver Wood and Marcus Flint as they shook hands.

Madam Hooch spoke to the teams before whistling. The crowd screamed as the teams flew upwards, each playing their part.

Aurora was silent for the first bit, brows furrowing when she noticed something, "The Bludger, it's chasing Harry," Aurora stood up from her seat, eyes narrowing as she followed Harry's figure in the fog.

Her words caught Hermione's attention, "What? Bludgers aren't supposed to 'chase', are they?"

"Absolutely not," Ginny's eyes were wide as she followed Aurora's gaze.

It appeared that Fred and George noticed that something was up with the Bludger, motioning to Oliver who got Madam Hooch's attention, the sound of her whistle cutting through the air. Aurora groaned as it began to rain, using a spell to shield not only herself but Neville, Ginny, and Hermione from the water.

The Gryffindor teamed argued for a few moments before dispersing into the air again. Ginny held onto the railing, tapping her finger anxiously, "They're still going to play."

Aurora was silent, watching as Harry dodged a Bludger, not being fast enough for the second one. She grimaced as it smashed against his elbow, his face scrunching up with pain. She was surprised as she continued to move, diving after Malfoy who looked scared, darting out of the way. Harry's uninjured arm shot out, grabbing something before he began to spiral down, crashing into the ground of the pit.

Ginny held onto Aurora's hand, the students running down into the pitch, gathering around Harry who had just woken up, having passed out when he hit the ground. Lockhart and Harry seemed to be arguing over something before Lockhart held his wand out, speaking under his breath. The crowd gasped as Harry's arm fell limp, boneless.

Ginny's nose wrinkled in disgust at his arm, "Now that is gross."

"Caught the Snitch though," Aurora shrugged when Ginny gave her a look, "what? Count your blessings as the muggles say."

BLAISE had finally grown to enjoy Aurora's presence. Mostly, he strolled through the courtyards with her, letting her ramble on about her day or helping Theo to teach her second-year jinxes and spells, the older boys amused with how passionate she was about learning.

But today was different, Blaise jogged through the halls, grabbing Aurora by the elbow, ending her conversation with Lavender Brown as he pulled her away, "Rory! You'll never guess what just happened!"

Aurora stumbled as Blaise came to a stop, whirling around to face her, "Merlin Zabini, what happened?"

"Potter started speaking Parseltongue in class. Malfoy used a spell that caused a snake to appear and Potter just started talking to it!"

Aurora's brows lifted, a surprised look crossing her features, "Did he realize?"

"I don't think so. But Salazar was it cool!"

Aurora felt a smile tugging at her lips as she leaned against the stone wall, letting Blaise ramble on about what had happened. Progress, she thought, thanks Potter.

GINNY had been acting weird for weeks. And Aurora had waited until the holidays were over to confront her. Aurora normally hated confrontation, well, planned confrontation. She was quite the hot head sometimes.

Aurora waited on her bed, picking at the threads of her father's jumper that she had stolen over the holiday. She glanced at her bedside table, smiling at the photo of her mother. The door opening broke her from her nostalgia, Ginny walking in, head hung low.

"Ginny?"

Ginny's head shot up, the bags under her eyes evident, her red hair pulled in a messy braid, "Hey, Rory."

Aurora stood up, pulling Ginny to sit beside her on her bed, "Gin, what's been going on with you?"

"What're you on about?"

"Ginny," Aurora's voice was firm, grabbing Ginny's hand in hers. "I've noticed you've been acting weird lately. You're very pale and you look exhausted. You just, you haven't been yourself Gin, we're worried about you. I'm here for you if you want to talk about whatever is bothering you." Good, supportive, not pushy.

Ginny was silent, tears filling her eyes but not falling down her cheeks yet. Aurora could see her breaking under her gaze. "Rory, I'm scared. I'm really scared."

Aurora didn't say anything, responding by pulling Ginny into her arms, resting her chin on the top of her head. Ginny was going to be okay, Aurora was going to make sure of that.

AURORA'S brows furrowed as Professor McGonagall stormed across the Quidditch pitch, an enormous purple megaphone in hand. She raised the megaphone to her lips, her shrill voice filling the ears of the students, "This match has been canceled. All students are to return to their way back to their house common rooms, where the Heads of the Houses will give them further information. Move as quickly as you can, please!"

Aurora complied, beginning to walk back to the main building. She wrapped her arms around her torso, teeth clattering as she huffed.

"Alright, Rory?" Theo's voice caused her to turn around, smiling at the sight of Theo and Blaise.

"Yeah, cold."

Theo tossed an arm over her shoulder, "Need us to walk you back to your common room?"

"We don't mind," Blaise nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"I'll be alright. You guys should probably hurry before Snape gets in a mood."

Theo groaned, tossing his head back dramatically, "Snape is always in a mood."

Aurora parted ways with Theo and Blaise when they reached the main corridor, the two Slytherins heading to the dungeons while Aurora headed towards the Gryffindor tower. She crowded with everyone in their common room, sitting beside Ginny while they waited for McGonagall to enter. Aurora noted that she hadn't seen Ginny at the match, which was odd.

McGonagall came in with Ron and Harry, no Hermione insight. McGonagall cleared her throat, unrolling a piece of parchment, "All students will return to their common rooms by six o'clock in the evening. No student is to leave the dormitories after that time. You will be escorted to each class by a teacher. All further Quidditch training and matches are to be postponed. There will be no more evening activities." She finished reading from the scroll, rolling it back up and tucking it under her arm, choking out her words, "I need hardly add that I have rarely been so distressed. It's likely that the school will be closed unless the culprit behind these attacks is caught. I would urge anyone who thinks they might know anything about them to come forward."

A frown tugged at Aurora's lips as Ginny took her hand in her grasp, squeezing tightly, her gaze not wavering from the Head of their House. Aurora leaned her head on Ginny's shoulder, squeezing her hand back. When McGonagall left, the room burst into chatter. Aurora sighed, pulling Ginny up from the couch, "Come on, you look tired."

"Thanks, Rory."

HOGWARTS had gone to complete shit. Dumbledore had been accused by the Ministry, causing McGonagall to take his place momentarily. Hagrid had been arrested. And worst of all, they still had exams.

McGonagall claimed Dumbledore wanted the school to run smoothly without him there. But Aurora figured they could run smoothly and still not have to take bloody exams.

Aurora couldn't believe her first year at Hogwarts was almost over. She lifted her cup of pumpkin juice to her lips, taking a sip. Ginny cleared her throat, gaining Harry and Ron's attention along with Aurora's, "I have something to tell you guys."

"What?" Ron noticed the confused gaze on Ginny's face, seeming like she was searching for the right words.

Ginny opened her mouth, no sound coming out. She frowned, closing her mouth and opening it again. Harry leaned forward, speaking in a whisper. "Is it something to do with the Chamber of Secrets?  Did you see something? Someone acting oddly?"

Ginny drew in a deep breath, interlocking her fingers with Aurora's. Percy came up behind them, stopping Ginny from saying what she needed to. "If you've finished eating, I'll take that seat Ginny. I'm starving. I've only just come off patrol duty."

Ginny removed her hand from Aurora's jumping up from the table and rushing off. Aurora glared at Percy, smacking him hard on the arm, "She was trying to tell us something you git!"

"As a Prefect, I am authorized to take away house points and give out detentions should I deem it necessary. So do not hit me again Deveraux."

Aurora grabbed her wand from her pocket, "If you're going to give me a detention, I might as well make it worth it."

Harry's hand shot over the table, lowering Aurora's wand for her, "Go check on Ginny, will you? See if she'll tell you what's going on?"

Aurora threw Percy a lasting glare before standing up from the table, "You're bloody lucky I finished my pumpkin juice, or else it would be poured on your head."

AURORA had locked herself in her dorm, much like Percy Weasley. Ginny had gone missing, believed to have been taken into the Chamber.

Aurora's tears were rolling down her cheeks, the cause of pure frustration. She tugged at the roots of her hair, wrapping her arms around her legs, pulling them to her chest. Aurora had already owled her father to inform him of what happened, wishing that he was there to comfort her.

Aurora knew something was wrong with Ginny and she hadn't done enough. Ginny had tried to tell them something but instead of chasing after Ginny, she tried to hex Percy.

Everything was so wrong and Aurora had never felt more helpless. Oh, how she hated feeling helpless, a pure Gryffindor at heart.

AURORA bolted towards the Infirmary, throwing the doors open and running towards the crowded bed. Ginny lay in the Hospital bed, surrounded by her family. Aurora heard the news of Ginny while the girl was meeting with Dumbledore, explaining what had happened before he sent her back to the Hospital Wing.

Aurora shoved past Ginny's brothers, throwing herself in Ginny's arms, "Merlin!"

Madam Pomfrey tried to pry Aurora from Ginny's grasp, stopping when Molly Weasley glared at her. Ginny wailed in Aurora's grasp, "You don't hate me?"

Aurora brushed the tears from Ginny's cheeks, "Ginny, what happened wasn't your fault. Tom Riddle's diary contained Dark Magic, you couldn't have known, it cursed you."

Ginny didn't say anything, only pulling Aurora back into her arms, burrowing her face into the crook of Aurora's neck, "Please don't leave."

"Not going anywhere Ginevra."

Ginny choked a sob back, pretending to glare at Aurora, "Someone hand me my wand, I'm going to hex her."

"There's the Ginny I know and loathe," Aurora laughed, wiping her tears from her cheeks.

PULLING away from Harry and Ron, Aurora hugged Hermione next. She turned to Ginny, hugging her close, "Owl me."

"Everyday," Ginny nodded, pulling away.

Aurora sighed, grabbing her trunk in hand as she looked around, grinning when she saw her dad, "My dads here. See you next year?"

"Bye," Ginny was tucked under Ron's arm, holding in tears as Aurora ran in the direction of Liam Deveraux.

Liam lifted his daughter in the air, spinning around as she laughed, "There she is!"

"Hi," Aurora beamed as her dad set her on the ground, taking her trunk in his hands.

"Ready to go,"

Aurora shared a lasting look with her friends before turning to nod at her dad, "Yeah, I think I'm ready to be home for a while."

first chapter is finally here !

each chapter, in the beginning,
will cover a book/movie, so they
will be pretty long. this chapter
alone is almost 6,000 words.

copyright © -loonylupins