Aurora and the Boy Who Lived

Aurora and the Boy Who Lived

Chapter 1 The Meeting of the Five

Hi my name is Noelle and I'm a witch. Gee, sounds like the greeting at an AA meeting doesn't it? I'm sitting here writing this because I think the world has a right to know what actually happened when Voldemort was finally defeated. (Yes, I know most still call him He Who Must Not Be Named. There were some who once called him The Dark Lord. But I refuse to give his name that kind of power so it's plain and simple Voldemort.) You've probably read accounts in the Daily Prophet and The Quibbler but those rags didn't have the entire story. Everyone already knows Harry Potter's life story. He's been famous since he was a year old but he had a lot of support behind him, good friends who love him. Not many know about the woman named Aurora Dawn who fought beside him in the Final Battle, or that Draco Malfoy had a part in it also. They bravely stood beside Harry Potter, Ron and Ginny Weasley, and Hermione Granger when Voldemort's reign of terror was put to its end. Aurora has inspired me, which is why I decided to write her story as she related it to me. I'm warning you now that this will certainly end up being a long story. I suppose we should start it out with some background on Aurora.

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I was born Aurora Dawn on August 14, 1980 in a small wizarding town called Magic Cove, twenty minutes from New Orleans, Louisiana in the southern United States. Where I grew up, even Muggles still believed in magic. There is a wonderful hodge-podge of cultures and convictions in the South. Because of this I interacted with Muggles daily. I learned about every aspect of their normal lives: their daily habits, likes and dislikes. I came to love their technology, music, and movies. Dad used to always say how much my obsession reminded him of his brother.

The year I turned eleven I was accepted into The Marie Laveau School of Magic. (Coming from a very long line of witches and wizards and having shown signs of magic at an early age, it came as no surprise to my mother and Dad when the letter of acceptance arrived.) I didn't make friends easily at school, being shy. It was hard for me to initiate conversations with people I didn't know well. One day in the middle of my second year I saw the school bully, Jared, picking on a girl in my class. Curious as to why no teachers were intervening I crept closer unnoticed. I watched as he pushed Shawna to the ground. "Filthy Mudblood. I'll never understand why the school bothers to teach any of you." I'll never know where I found the courage, but I yelled at him to leave her alone. He laughed and asked who would stop him. "I will." He proceeded to taunt me for defending my 'little Mudblood friend'. The events following those words are forever blurred in my memory. My newfound friend had to tell me the story of what took place. Shawna informed me I had somehow conjured a lightning storm, which had struck Jared and knocked him out. When the teachers arrived Shawna had covered by saying she wasn't sure what happened. The adults assumed a freak storm had hit, and Jared had been unlucky enough to be out in the open.

When I got home I told my parents what had occurred at school. Mother seemed shocked, then happy. She ran out the kitchen and returned with several ancient looking books a few minutes later. They were the ancestral family spell books and journals. It just so happened that we had an ancestor named Nicholae who had been a gypsy healer. A little over a half century ago he had started one of the journals to preserve his life for future generations. In it he described his gift for 'charming the winds and calling upon the powers of Zeus himself'. He christened himself a 'Storm Tamer'. As far as Mother could tell from the other journals he had been the only one in the family to ever display these gifts until me.

For the next five years I trained twice each week after school with the Charms teacher, Mr. Holmes, learning to control my potentially deadly powers. He helped me understand that not only did I have an obligation to myself but also to those I loved as well to master these newly discovered talents. (Jared by the way was fine. He never messed with Shawna or I again and was in the dark about the 'storm'.)

From that fateful day Shawna and I were inseparable. Our parents called us The Shadows. Our birthdays were even only eighteen days apart. While I had reddish-brown hair and pale green eyes, Shawna had honey blonde locks and deep violet eyes. Her vivacious and outgoing personality was the mirror opposite to mine. I was quiet and reserved around others. Everyone thought of me as the polite and studious part of the duo, but when Shawna and I were alone, I turned into a hellion. Together we cooked up prank after prank to pull on our fellow schoolmates. In third year, we added tadpoles to the swimming pool right before Christmas vacation. When New Year was over, the gym was crawling in frogs. In fourth year's Home Economics while the class was learning basic cooking spells we charmed a batch of Molly Freswell's freshly baked cookies. Everyone who ate one caught the hiccups for an hour. But the best prank had to be when the two of us transfigured the principal's desk into a Doberman. It took Mr. Holmes three days to switch it back. Ms. Cummings, the principal, was suspicious of Shawna but would not believe her 'best mannered, star pupil' could have been part of such a prank. She and the entire school knew Shawna and I did everything together. If I hadn't done it Shawna couldn't have she reasoned. Man, did we have her fooled.

We grew closer and closer through the years. But as it is said, 'All good things must come to an end'. Two months after we turned Sweet Sixteen, Shawna's mum, a Healer, was offered a job in Australia researching the medicinal plant life. The Shadows parted, but we kept in touch via bi-monthly letters. I buried myself in school and Sky Ball to fill the emptiness. When I wasn't studying, I practiced Quidditch with and without the school team.

That winter, only four months after my best friend moved, Mother disappeared. She left behind all her belongings and a note saying she was leaving and not coming back. While Dad seemed to handle it well, I didn't. The loneliness I'd felt since Shawna moved, coupled with the anger and hurt harbored towards my mother, threatened to consume me. My emotions went haywire. I managed to hide it from Dad but I was having trouble with my powers. I practiced exercises with Mr. Holmes even harder than before and regained control.

My seventeenth birthday passed uneventfully. Near the beginning of September Dad came home and said he had something very important to discuss. He had been asked to transfer to Britain. (He was a First Class Auror for the American Magic Ministry, which meant he was always taking on dangerous assignments.) He explained that the British Ministry had specifically requested him. Britain was in desperate need of help because a very powerful dark wizard was on the rise. I could tell he really wanted to help the cause but he wanted me to be okay with it. What could I do? My father made the world a safer place. How could I possibly say no and be so selfish when lives could be at stake? So, we were moving to Britain in less than a month. I wasn't too upset. Since Shawna had left I didn't have any close friends, only a few acquaintances and there was that one guy I was crushing on, but oh well. There was no family in the U.S. to miss, and we didn't even know where my mother was. Dad's brother and his family lived in Britain, whom we kept in touch with regularly. He also told me that not only would we be staying in the same town as my British cousins, I would be attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This made me happier than I'd been in a while. I had always thought it would be nice to go to Hogwarts ever since I was twelve and Dad had given me a book for Christmas called "Hogwarts, A History". It was where he and his brother had gone. He spent hours telling me about their adventures. Since that day I've been fascinated with Hogwarts. It looked as if I, Aurora Dawn Weasley, would be going to Hogwarts.

Three weeks later:

"Aurora what do you think about Diagon Alley so far," my aunt asked. Aunt Molly was the type of person you couldn't help but be comfortable with. She had made it her mission to help me overcome my shyness.

"It's very nice." I looked around in wonder. I took in the noisy bustle of the Saturday morning shoppers and the smells of the freshly baked goods. I even absentmindedly checked out a few of the guys. There were boys everywhere. Shawna had always picked on me, saying I was boy crazy. I smiled sadly and thought, 'If Shawna were here we'd go guy hunting. We'd wander around, pointing out cuties to each other. Then we'd get our school supplies and treat ourselves to a banana split. Damn, I miss her.'

"Aunt Molly, do you think we could go and get my wand first? I still can't believe it got lost in the move," I asked snapping out of my wayward thoughts.

"Let's find where those cousins of yours are first. I told them to meet us in front of Madam Malkin's Robes. I just can't wait for you to meet them, dear."

We started towards the shop. A tall, lean blonde Adonis walked by talking with two gorilla-like goons. The cute one gave me a slow wink. 'That boy is definitely a player.' He glanced at Aunt Molly, seemed to recognize her, sneered and resumed on with his two ape boys.

"Who was that?"

"Who, dear? Oh, Draco Malfoy. He's in Ron's year. They've had quite a few encounters from what Professor Dumbledore has told me. His father, Lucius, is a disgrace to the name Wizard. A known Deatheater, big supporter of You Know Who, but still manages to stay out of Azkaban Prison somehow."

"Hmm." Trying to change the subject I remarked, "This place is certainly different from Wizard's World back home in Louisiana."

"Wizard's World? What's that, dear?"

"Well, it's like a wizard's super store, Aunt Molly. In America they have one stop shopping stores. You can get everything you need all under one roof. Kinda boring compared to this place. A girl could get lost."

"I'm really glad you and your dad are here, Aurora," she said hugging me yet again.

"I am too, Aunt Molly." I had always secretly wished we could live closer Aunt Molly, Uncle Arthur and their kids. Sure, everyone kept in touch, but there are only so many transatlantic flights my owl Nightshadow was willing to make. I'd never even met Uncle Arthur until this afternoon when Dad and I had went to lunch with him. Dad had moved to the U.S. to work for the American Ministry when he was twenty, met and fell in love with a fellow Brit, married her, then had a baby, yours truly. He hadn't been home since. Ginny and I had gotten to know each other in letters. She had told me about her life in Britain, letting me know second hand how dark things were becoming in the wizarding world. Ginny and her friends had already encountered so much.

Arriving at the shop Aunt Molly muttered loudly, "Now where are those children of mine?"

A chorus of voices walking out of the robe shop replied, "Right here!" They all looked at me curiously.

"Okay you lot, I want you all to finally meet your cousin, Aurora."

"Cousin Aurora!"

I was immediately surrounded and hugged close to death. "Hey, can't breathe here."

The four teenagers backed up and started asking questions all at once.

"QUIET! Everyone, just calm down. Give the girl some breathing room. Your Uncle Riddick and Aurora just moved here a few days ago, I'm hoping for good. She'll be starting back to school with you. Bill, Charlie, and Percy know already. Your dad and I wanted to surprise you," she explained. "Aurora, here's Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny," she said pointing to each.

I awkwardly returned their hugs and told everyone how happy I was to finally meet them in person. Fred and George were dressed in vivid blue robes with a rubber chicken print. Ron was tall and lanky with bright red hair. He was at least 6' 6". Even at 5' 7", I felt tiny next to him. All three boys were handsome. Ginny had long auburn hair and a heart shaped face dusted with freckles. She was very pretty.

"Now I'm sure you kids want to catch up without your old mum around. Ron, Ginny, take Aurora and go shop for your school things. I daresay it may take you a while. Let's meet back at the ice cream shop in three hours. That should give you plenty of time." And with a peck on my cheek Aunt Molly handed me my school list and off we went.

"So, Aurora how do you like Britain so far?" one of the twins asked.

Looking at their happy faces I decided to have some fun with them. "I don't think I'm in Kansas anymore, Toto."

"But we thought you were from Louisiana."

"Sorry, George. It's a line from one of my favorite Muggle movies."

"Sorry, mate but I'm Fred."

"Right. Ginny told me about this joke last year in one of her letters. I know how to tell the two of you apart now."

"She's got us then," George said laughing.

"Oh, I'm SO glad you're here! I can't wait to introduce you to everyone at school." Ginny exclaimed giving me another big hug. "The boys are going to love you! If I weren't dating Neville I'd be jealous."

"Huh? Why?"

"Have you seen yourself? You're a cute girl, Cousin. Plus you've got that Southern accent," Fred continued forwardly.

"How'd you get that by the way? Thought Uncle Riddick and your mum were British," George commented.

"From growing up in the South."

"I almost wish George and I were going back this year. I'd love to see how those boys are going to react to you."

Not used to guys talking about me like this, I blushed profusely. "Sure, right. So anyway..."

"Looking forward to classes?" Ron asked.

"I guess. Professor McGonagall owled me Thursday with a list of books and supplies I'll need for school."

"Well that's what we're here for, fair maiden. Let us be off." George said bowing gallantly as he held his arm out for me to take.

"We have to find Harry and Hermione first. They said they'd meet us in front of Gringott's. Then we can all shop together," Ron said quickly. From Ginny's letters, I knew all about Harry and Hermione. Well, EVERYONE knew who Harry Potter was; even in the US he was a legend. I couldn't wait to meet them. They sounded really nice.

As the group walked, the boys and Ginny pointed out various shops and filled the ignorant American in on life at Hogwarts. I found myself wanting to enjoy someone else's company for the first time in a year. Suddenly I noticed THE most gorgeous guy standing in front of a huge white building, talking with an attractive brunette. He was tall, about 6'3", and had spiky windblown black hair. 'Wow.'

"Oy, Harry, Hermione!" Ron bellowed. The hunk turned our way and smiled, waving.

'That was Harry Potter? The one Ginny used to have such a crush on? No wonder.'

"Hey guys, Ginny. Who's your friend?" he asked walking over.

"This is our cousin Aurora from America. I'm sure I've mentioned her to you both." Ginny answered.

"Of course. Hi. I'm Hermione Granger and this is Harry Potter," the girl said introducing herself.

"Hi. Ginny's told me so much about you two I feel like I know you already."

"Us too," Harry said laughing.

The six friends caught each other up on their summers while I stood a little off to the side. No one noticed they were so busy talking. Listening, I realized how close Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny actually were. It made me feel happy and sad at the same time. I studied Hermione and Harry. From some of the things Ginny had written I knew Hermione was a born scholar. Because of this I had already concluded she was the voice of reason and probably tended to be slightly bossy. Harry was a natural leader, even if he didn't realize it. The others looked to him for his opinions quite frequently. He could always be counted on to make the Right decision. Ron fit in because he was a strategist. He thought each step through so thoroughly that at times it made him seem a bit slow on the uptake, but in the end he usually knew what course of action to take. Ginny was the lighthearted one that made those around her laugh and able to relax. She was a lot like the twins, and Shawna.

"I think it's time to get our books and supplies," Hermione said after a while, "if we're going to meet Mrs. Weasley in two hours."

"Well, we're off then. We need to get back. Make sure you four bring Aurora by the shop first Hogmeade's weekend," Fred said as he and George said goodbye then disapparated.

"So, Aurora what would you like to do first?" Harry asked.

"I need a new wand," I suggested.

The five of us walked into Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands. It was a quiet shop with one lone wand in the window display.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. and Miss Weasleys, Miss Granger. How are you today? Oh, and who do we have here?" the shopkeeper asked.

"I'm Aurora Weasley, sir."

"Nice to meet you. Need a new wand, do you? Lost in the move?"

"How did you know that?"

He just smiled gently.

'Weird.'

He pulled out a tape measure. It magically took measurements by itself of my left and right arms and hands. "Now which is your wand hand, my dear?"

"My right."

He then disappeared into the back of the store. "Try this one, Miss Weasley."

I waved the wand. Nothing happened.

He disappeared and came back again.

I waved the new wand. This time it shrunk the wand box.

"No, no that won't do," Mr. Ollivander muttered to himself walking to the back. He brought wand after wand after wand after wand. None was a match. "Hmm, difficult...maybe...ah, yes." He came back, opened another box, and handed it to me.

It was beautiful. Dark red mahogany, with a light gloss. I removed it from the velvet lining. Silver sparks flew from my fingertips and a whirlwind danced around. 'Oh no, not again.' It stilled.

"How very wonderful. I don't believe I've ever made a more perfect wand match. Ten and a half inches, mahogany, springy, core of Phoenix feather. Yes, Mr. Potter, before you interrupt, he gave another just this year. Excellent for charms and transfiguration."

"Thank you sir," I told him beaming and paid for it. 'Wow, a phoenix feather. That's pretty rare. I can't believe it. Wait til I tell Dad.'

"What do you want to do next?" Ginny asked.

"Does this place have a Quidditch shop?" I asked tentatively. I hoped they didn't think I was a bother. "I'd love to check out the new gear Fly Right just came out with if no one minds."

"Not at all!" both boys answered quickly and off we went.

"Oh, wow. This is much better than the sports shop back home. There's so much to choose from."

"I take it you like Quidditch, Aurora?" Harry asked.

"Like it? I LOVE it. Back home I was Lead Chaser on my school's team, the Manicores. We were state champs three years running. We even managed to capture the National Pennant last year."

"Do you know what House you're going to be in?" Hermione asked.

"No, I have to be sorted. Professor McGonagall told me in my school letter. She also explained about the sorting ceremony. I'll be sorted before the first years since I'm older. I'm really hoping I get in Gryffindor. But I guess Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad. Anything but Slytherin."

"Well, if you do get in our House you should try out for Chaser. We still have at least one opening on our team. Just make nice with our old Captain here and maybe you won't even have to try out," Ron said winking and making Harry blush.

"It'd be great having another girl on the team," Ginny said.

"Is that the new Cleansweep 4000? Dad told me last year I could buy a new broom if I paid for half. I've been saving my allowance ever since. I wanna get a really good one for Sky Ball." Mulling it over I decided to ask, "What do you guys think? Is this a good broom for a Chaser?"

"Yeah, it has great acceleration, balance, and a fantastic breaking system. It's perfect for that position," Harry replied.

I looked over at the salesman and asked him to wrap it up.

The next stop was Flourish and Blotts. Hermione was in heaven. She helped pick out books, parchment, and all the other school supplies on my list. After that was the Apothecary where the group gathered all of our potion ingredients we would need for Potions class. Ginny, Ron, and Harry described the Potions Master, Professor Snape, whom I was now dreading meeting. Hermione merely grimaced and suggested we go get fitted for new robes.

We ended up back at the robe shop where I'd first met my cousins. Ginny and Hermione helped with my school robes and made me try on a beautiful dress of pale green with a matching cloak. Both were covered with silver sparkles.

"These are perfect for the Yule Ball. I'm so glad they finally decided to let us wear dresses instead of robes. It looks great on you, Aurora," Ginny said.

The boys were bored and it was almost time to meet up with Aunt Molly. Ginny, Hermione, and I walked slowly towards Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. The boys were ahead talking to each other excitedly about the upcoming Quidditch tryouts. Ginny noticed me looking at Harry and started to giggle.

"What?" Hermione and I both asked as one.

"Well, I may have gotten over Harry, but I do believe he has a new admirer now."

"Oh no. He may be cute, but I'm not looking for a boyfriend. Come on. Aunt Molly's waiting, and I'm dying for a banana split." I hurried ahead leaving the two girls behind.