Aurora and the Boy Who Lived

I woke from a deep sleep suddenly. The day had finally come. The day I wasn't sure I was ready for. I was starting Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry today!

"Honey, time to get up. You have just enough time to shower if you hurry. We're eating breakfast at the Burrow today," Dad called from downstairs.

"I'm up. Be down in a little bit, Dad!"

I ran into the bathroom and showered. Using a quick drying charm and a few glamour spells I did my make-up and curled my hair. Pulling on a pair of jeans and a deep green peasant blouse I glanced at the clock. 'Thirty minutes, that's a record for me.'

Gazing at the reflection on the back of the closet door, my mirror said, "You look lovely."

"Thank you." I couldn't help but be critical of the likeness. My long reddish-brown hair fell just above the waist and sparkled with natural blonde highlights. 'Had be all that time out in the sun.' Today I had decided to charm it to curl riotously. I looked closer, nose-to-nose with my mirror image. Her pale jade-green eyes held a hint of mischief they hadn't since Shawna had moved. Her tanned skin glowed from the outdoors. I knew I was kinda pretty but would never achieve 'model' beautiful. 'Well, I guess that's as good as it gets.'

"Are you all packed?" my dad questioned when I walked downstairs.

"Yes, sir. Everything's waiting by the front door."

"Let's go. I've got a surprise for you."

When we walked over to the garage there was a soft green convertible sitting inside.

"Wow! When'd you get that, Dad?"

"I bought it yesterday...as an early graduation present for you. I thought it was about time to have a car of your own."

"Oh Dad! I love it! And you!" I shrieked and gave him a huge hug and kiss.

"Molly and I thought you might like to drive to King's Cross Station. You can follow us."

"You're the greatest."

"Nice car, Aurora," Ron said when he came outside to see who had pulled up at the

Burrow. "Is it yours?"

"Yeah. It's a present from Dad. He said I could drive us to King's Cross Station. That is, if y'all want to ride with me."

"Wicked. Oy, Harry! Come see Aurora's new car."

Harry walked out and smiled. "Nice."

"Thanks. I was just telling Ron Dad said I could drive us to the train station. We can follow Aunt Molly and Dad. Then Dad can drive it back home."

The house was in chaos when we entered. Hermione couldn't locate her cat, Crookshanks, and Ginny was still packing a few last minute things. Harry, Ron, and I found Aunt Molly in the kitchen cooking up a storm.

"Sit, eat, and hurry. I swear those two girls are never on time. Every year it's the same thing. Is there enough room for the children's things, Riddick?" she asked.

"There's plenty, Molly, not to worry. Arthur showed me how to enlarge the trunk when I bought the car yesterday."

Twenty minutes later everyone had packed their stuff into the vehicles and were off. The girls chatted pleasantly about the new school year while the boys talked Quidditch in the back seat. Finally we arrived at King's Cross and loaded our belongings onto trolleys. I was getting more and more excited. 'What would Hogwarts be like?' I wondered.

Aunt Molly and Dad ushered the five chattering kids to the barrier between platforms 9 and 10 where a round of hugs and promises to write were exchanged. Ron and Harry ran through the barrier first. Hermione followed. Ginny went with yours truly, telling me again to just run for it and I would be fine. I closed my eyes just before smashing into the wall, only I never did. When I opened them, I was amazed to find myself on the secret platform. There in front of us was the scarlet Hogwarts Express. I noticed a sign with Platform 9 ¾ written on it. Hundreds of students jostled around trying to get on the train. It was even more perfect than I could have ever imagined.

Ginny grabbed me by the hand; we dragged our trunks, and boarded the train. We found the others sitting in a compartment at the end of the train with a quiet looking boy.

"Neville," Ginny said warmly greeting him with a kiss on the cheek, "this is my cousin Aurora."

"It's very nice to meet you," I said stowing my trunk and Nightshadow's cage in the luggage compartment.

"Likewise. Ginny's told me so much about you."

I looked over at Ginny quickly. I hated being talked about. What had she told him?

"Just a little. I had to tell him about some of your outrageous pranks!"

The group laughed and coaxed me into telling them several stories of pranks Shawna and I had pulled while in school.

"Well, I suppose it's time for Ronald and I to go patrol halls with the prefects. Are you coming Ginny?"

"Yes, I'm right behind you."

"I glad Gin made prefect last year but who would have thought Ron would make Head Boy?" Harry asked out loud when the trio had left. "I'm glad it's not me now. He complained enough about prefect duties. Just imagine how much worse he'll have it as Head Boy."

Neville and I joined Harry laughing.

We passed the time playing Exploding Snap and challenging each other to Wizard's Chess. Neville surprised Harry by trouncing him badly the first game. Then I managed to beat them both. I was staring out of the window at the passing scenery when a witch came by with a food trolley. Hungry, we bought a little of everything. Ginny, Ron, and Hermione finally returned and everyone chatted while snacking on Pumpkin Pasties, chocolate frogs, and pumpkin juice.

Suddenly the compartment door swing open and three boys stepped in. It was the two goons with the boy I had noticed in Diagon Alley, Draco Malfoy.

"Well, if it isn't the famous Potter and his group of tag alongs. And who do we have here? Another Mudblood perhaps?" Draco said leering at me.

'Mudblood?'

"It least this one's halfway attractive."

'Mudblood?' I didn't care how cute he was. No one gets away with saying that around me.

"Leave or you'll regret it," Harry said calmly, reaching for his wand.

"Don't ever say that word in front of me again!" I bit out, making everyone in the compartment turn to look. My eyes burning I glared at Draco. (Every time I use my Storm Taming abilities they turn blue for some reason.) The window shattered and wind swirled in. White sparks joined it and danced around my body. The three troublemakers ran out startled, leaving the door open behind them.

"What was that all about?" Ginny asked. "And what just happened to the window?"

'Now I'd done it.' Facing a massive decision, I took a deep breath.

The group turned to me, puzzled.

"Aurora?" Ginny prodded.

"Only a few people know what I am. Can I trust you five to keep it a secret if I tell you?" This was a huge step but I realized I desperately wanted and needed friends again. In order for that to happen I'd have to trust them.

"Of course you can," Hermione answered. She repaired the window with a quickly muttered, "Reparo."

The others nodded.

Drawing upon some unknown source of bravery I spent the next thirty minutes sharing the story of my secret. I told them about Jared and Shawna, the training, and the carefully cultivated control I usually possessed. "Nothing like that has happened in seven years. I guess hearing him say what he did brought me back to that day."

"I've never heard of a Storm Tamer before," Harry commented.

"It's someone who can control the winds. I've heard they can even harness lightening. I read about it when I was doing an extra credit report in Charms last year," Hermione said with wonder. "They're very, very rare."

Feeling encouraged I proceeded to tell them about the family journals and what Nicholae had written.

"That's amazing," Ron said after the story was finished. "We'd better keep a close eye on you. Wouldn't want you blowing us up or anything."

"Yeah, that's me. Better watch out, freak with wind control." I got up furiously, and grabbed Nightshadow. 'I never should have told them. This is what I got. People worried I'd hurt them.' I struggled to keep the tears at bay. "Yes, well I think I'll go now and find somewhere else to sit. I'm sure y'all don't want me hanging around. Being around me might prove dangerous as Ron so eloquently pointed out."

"You are not a freak. Don't EVER let me hear you say that again. It's a wonderful gift," Harry said softly, walking over and lifting my chin to make me look in his deep green eyes. They were beautiful up close.

"You really think so?" 'Did he mean it?'

"We've seen our share of danger. Can't be worse then what happened at the Ministry," Neville piped in.

"Bloody hell, Aurora. I was only trying to lighten the mood," Ron muttered, contrite. "I didn't mean it. I'd never think that about my favorite cousin, let alone my friend."

"You want to be friends?"

"We already are. We love you," Ginny said tearfully as she and Hermione both hugged me. Neville, Ron, and Harry joined in. Never had I felt so accepted before, except by Shawna.

"Sorry to break this up, but we need to get back to patrols. We should be arriving at school in about ten minutes. Better change before we get there," Hermione reminded us.

Once they were gone I shyly turned to Harry and Neville. Neville was already pulling his robes on over his clothes. Harry was staring back with a worried look in his eyes.

"Are you okay?"

"I am now. Thanks, Harry, for everything," I blushed. We changed quickly and sat in silence.

A few minutes later the train crawled to a stop. Ginny, Ron, and Hermione were waiting for the three of us when we stepped off the train.

"Firs' years over here. Firs' years. Harry, how was your summer?" a giant of a man asked.

"It was good. Hagrid, this is Aurora Weasley, Ron and Ginny's cousin from America."

"Nice ta meet ya Aurora. Professor McGonagall said for me to tell ya that you wer' to ride with your cousins if you're want'n to, or you could go with me and the firs' years."

"It's nice to meet you too. I'd like to go with the others if you're sure that it's okay."

"Fine. Fine. I'll see you lot over at the castle than, Harry. Firs' years follow me," he said to the youngest students clustered around him.

Ron led the way to one of the carriages waiting to take the students to Hogwarts. Thestrals! I'd only ever seen pictures of them in books. I walked up to one and scratched it between the ears. It tossed its shiny black head and blew gently on my hand making me giggle. Neville looked on apprehensively.

"What's wrong, Neville?"

"You can see them?"

"Yes. It's odd isn't it? I've read that only people who have seen someone pass away usually can. Hmm."

The group got in the carriage and off it went. I sat by one of the windows to sightsee. The carriage flew across the ground, taking us closer and closer to a castle in the distance. My breath caught in my throat as we came to the top of a hill. Standing majestically before me stood Hogwarts, my new home for the next nine months. It was beautiful with towering turrets and lots of windows blazing, holding the evening shadows at bay.

We arrived at the front entrance door and a stern older witch with a tight bun was waiting. "Miss Weasley, I presume?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"I am Professor McGonagall. Please come with me."

I said goodbye and followed the professor.

"Now as I've explained in your letter, you will be the first student to be sorted. You will wait with the first years and I will instruct you all presently on how the sorting will take place."

"Yes, ma'am."

Professor McGonagall and I walked over to the first year students and she explained about the Sorting Ceremony, the four different Houses, and point system. "In a moment we will be entering the Great Hall. I want you all to be on your best behavior. Follow me."

The students walked behind her and softly chattered among themselves until we entered the hall. It was huge. There were four long tables filled with hundreds of students and one in front for the teachers. I looked at the ceiling and smiled. I had waited so long for a glimpse of the famous Enchanted Ceiling of Hogwarts. A first year gasped and asked why the room didn't have a roof. I explained to the overexcited girl that it was only enchanted and that I'd read all about it in, 'Hogwarts, A History'. Professor McGonagall led us to the very front of the room where I noticed a three-legged stool. Perched upon it was an old, dusty moth-eaten hat. I could faintly hear the older students talking about 'the tall girl' and speculating as to where I was from. Several boys gave me smiles as we walked past.

"When I call your name please step forward and sit on the stool. When your House is announced you will take a seat at your House table. We shall start with our new seventh year transfer student, since she is the eldest. But first, I believe our Sorting Hat would like to share a few words with you."

A large mouth-like rip appeared in the seam of the hat and started to sing:

Years and years ago

When I was fairly new,

The founding four took me out

And threw some brains in me.

They all knew as mortals do

That time moves on, it's true.

So they put in me their character,

To sort their students dear.

So sit right down, just relax.

Trust in me, for I'm the Sorting Hat.

I can tell where you should go

Just put me up, upon your head!

Will you reside in Gryffindor

Where brave of heart do dwell?

Or would loyal Hufflepuff

Be a better suit?

Could it be smart Ravenclaw

Where knowledge is most prized

Or perhaps sly Slytherin

Is just the place for you?

One last thing before I start:

I've said it once,

I've said it twice,

I'll say it yet again

This mighty school will surely fall

Unless the four unite.

'Cool!'

With that warning, "Weasley, Aurora" was called.

I was so nervous as I walked over and sat on the stool. Professor McGonagall placed the hat on my head.

A voice inside my mind said, 'Hmm. A Weasley. But quite different from the others I've sorted before.' 'My cousins are Weasleys,' I thought. 'Ah, yes, so I see...Hmm...there are very special gifts within you, great potential, loss, and strength in adversity. You're older than the students I usually place, much more life experience. Makes it much easier to know where to put you.'

"GRYFFINDOR!" the hat yelled out.

'Yes!'

I ran over to the Gryffindor table where Ginny and the others were cheering excitedly. Sitting down I was enveloped by several hugs.

"Well, I guess we have our new Chaser, Ron," Harry said beaming.

"Please don't even tease me about something like that."

"Seriously, no joke. I've seen you fly. Captain Potter has spoken."

"When's first practice?!"

Everyone laughed when Hermione said, "Oh heavens, another Ron." She waited for the laughter to die down and then continued. "I'm so glad you're in Gryffindor. With N.E.W.T.s coming up I'll need all the help I can get to convince these two to study."

Ron and Harry both grinned sheepishly at this reminder.

"Aw, come on, Mione. We've got loads of time yet to think about those. I thought you'd at least give us a week before you started harping on our study habits."

"You don't have any, Ron," Ginny said making the whole table laugh again.

By now, the last first year had been sorted into Hufflepuff. Professor Dumbledore stood. He was a tall, white haired man with a long beard to match. He was dressed in a purple robe and pointed hat, which were scattered with gold and silver rune symbols. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he glanced over at the Gryffindor group. "Before our feast, let me say a quick word of greeting to our new students...Fussitibblatherer."

With this said mountains of food appeared on the table in the flash of an eye: spotted dick, English puddings, and a multitude of other dishes I had never seen. 'Ew. What is all this?' I remember thinking I'd give anything for some good ole Southern comfort food. No sooner had I thought it several of my favorites were on the table in front of me. I fixed a big plate of jambalaya and potato salad with a small bowl of shrimp and okra gumbo. 'This is more like it.'

"What's that you're eating?" Ginny asked staring at the foreign foods.

"This is jambalaya. It has rice, sausage, onions and spices in it. The bowl is gumbo, kind of a soup made with shrimp, crabmeat, okra, onions, some other stuff, and a whole lotta seasoning. It's great."

"Think I'll try some of that," Harry said grabbing a bowl of the gumbo and tasting it. "This is good."

Everyone tried a little of everything and agreed while it was delicious, it was also very spicy. I thought it was pretty mild.

After the students had eaten the main courses, desserts of every imaginable type appeared. There were treacle tarts, blueberry pies, cheesecakes, and more. I spied a bowl of Mississippi Mud and dug into it. The others looked at it funny but also took a small share.

"This is wonderful," Neville remarked with a mouthful.

"Neville, that's disgusting."

"Sorry, Gin."

Everyone finally finished eating his or her fill. Ron and Harry sat back contentedly. Plates, dishes, and goblets promptly disappeared as Professor Dumbledore stood once again.

"Now that you are through polishing off that wonderful feast, if I may have your attention for a few moments. All students are reminded that the Forbidden Forest is called that for a reason. Please do not go wandering into it. Also Mr. Filch has asked me to relay the message that all students should read the list of restricted items. It now includes Weasley's Banging Whizzers. There are approximately 364 items currently on his list. Lastly, I would like to welcome our new transfer student, Miss Aurora Dawn Weasley. Miss Weasley, please stand."

I did so self-consciously, feeling hundreds of eyes on me.

"She has moved from America with her father where she attended The Marie Laveau School of Magic. On behalf of Hogwarts we would like to extend our greetings and wishes for a pleasant year." Dumbledore started to clap and soon most of the other students joined.

I sat down and whispered, "Someone kill me now please."

"As there are no other announcements, off to bed you go. Enjoy tomorrow as classes begin Wednesday."

I followed my fellow Gryffindors until we reached a large painting of a fat lady in a pink dress. The lady stared at the assemblage of students expectedly until one of the fifth year prefects said, "The password is Draconus Maximus."

The portrait swung aside and one by one students stepped through into a large common room. It was nothing like Marie's. The spacious area was big enough to accommodate at least thirty students at once. There were several couches and comfortable looking armchairs scattered throughout, some clustered together. A few tables on which to do homework were also present. All of it was decorated in a beautiful mixture of red and gold. Ginny and Hermione motioned me to join them on the other side of the room.

"I don't know about you, but I'm ready for bed." Ginny yawned.

"Me too."

"I'll second that, Hermione."

"You can call me Herms, if you want to. Ginny and Harry do."

"Thanks."

"Night guys," we called to Harry and Ron.

"Night."

"Night."

Ginny led the way to the girls' dormitory. Four-poster beds with scarlet velvet curtains drawn back promised pleasant dreams. After a quick shower, brushing of teeth, and a change into p.j.'s, us girls exchanged good nights and drifted off the sleep.

I had a wonderful dream of playing in the Sky Ball Nationals.