Less reviews then the last chapter, but oh well it wasn't very good anyways. ;D
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Squeaky monkey- Thanks very much! Haha, yeah he has a habit of messing stuff up.
BeardyBob- Aw thanks glad you liked it. It was a teensy bit dramatic which is why I disliked it but I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
ChocolateIsKyptonite- Yup, it was a bit sad, hopefully this one will be more cheery, yeah? Thanks! :):)
RosesInJamJars- Thanks that means a lot!
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Without further ado...
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A Fourth Year was making her way across the hall, clutching a roll of parchment. Aubrey loitered at the entrance to the Great Hall, delaying her departure. The young girl's eyes were clamped on Aubrey, and she looked terrified at the sight of her. Self consciously Aubrey tightened her Hogwarts robes around her and vainly smeared her fingers over the circles under her eyes in an attempt to make them seem smaller.
The Fourth Year had finally struggled through the sea of students pouring out of the Great Hall, and now she made her way over to where Aubrey stood, her frightened expression replaced by an irritated one. Aubrey straightened as the girl walked up, attempting a small smile.
"Hi," Aubrey said softly, "Can I help you?" The girl looked slightly taken aback at Aubrey's words, but quickly pursed her lips, hands on hips.
"I have a letter from Professor Dumbledore. He said it's very urgent," the girl accentuated 'urgent,' rolling her eyes profusely as if Dumbledore's important businesses were extremely low on her scale of 'urgent.' Aubrey had barely heard the rest, though, because she had already ripped the parchment away from the little girl, eagerly tearing it open. Excitement pumped through her; this had to be the response from the Minister about her parents.
"Uh, I'm probably late for my next class because of this and I don't get a thank you?" the girl snapped. Irritated, Aubrey looked up and stared coldly at the girl. The girl had a shock of curly red hair that traipsed haphazardly down her shoulders. She had startlingly bright green eyes, and her fourteen year old body was small and curvy. Involuntarily, Aubrey was reminded of Lily.
"Yeah sure, thanks," Aubrey said in a coldly polite voice, noticing the green Slytherin badge on the girl's chest. The girl tossed her brightly colored hair, offering Aubrey a smirk. Aubrey felt a slight pang, but she firmly pushed away her thoughts.
"It's Eleanor Fudge," the girl said, before flouncing off toward a group of giggling Slytherins who cast Aubrey scathing looks. Aubrey glared fiercely back, then realized she was probably only increasing the student's belief in her utter strangeness. Nobody knew why the Marauders had even bothered with her the last couple weeks, but they had. And now Aubrey was the gossip of Hogwarts, and rumors about why she no longer was friendly with the four boys were thick.
"Eleanor Fudge indeed," Aubrey muttered, staring after the gaggle of girls as they strutted away. Peeved that a mere Fourth Year had wound her up, Aubrey stalked over to one of the benches at the Gryffindor table, sitting down. There were only a couple of stragglers left, so she ignored them, focusing on the letter in her hand.
Dear Miss Aubrey,
As you have probably gathered, I have received an answer from the Minister. I would be perfectly capable of informing you about your parents health during your break if you will consent to grace me with your presence. What do you think? If you do not reply I shall assume that this time is convenient for you as well.
Best Wishes,
Professor Albus Dumbledore
Aubrey's heartbeat slowed to a regular pace. If they were dead he surely would of mentioned something, or his letter would of contained some sort of hint. Still, why didn't he just tell me they were okay then instead of arranging a meeting? Gloomily, Aubrey folded the parchment up and stuffed it in her back pocket. Standing up, she found herself face to face with a familiar handsome face.
"Calcifer," she said, surprised, inwardly her heart plummeting. He probably wanted nothing to do with her.
"Hello," Calcifer began hesitantly, smiling softly, "I was just wondering if we could pick a time to study? We never really did..." He trailed off looking embarrassed. Aubrey stared blankly at him.
"Uh, um...yeah, sure," she said finally, "Um, what about tomorrow at break?" Calcifer brightened at the suggestion, smiling widely.
"Sounds perfect, I'll meet you at the library," he grinned, shifting nervously from foot to foot. Aubrey smiled faintly back, feeling slightly more cheerful.
"Bye then," Aubrey mumbled, a blush touching her cheeks. She scooped up her bags and slung them over her shoulder. Calcifer gave her a sort of half-wave, then walked away. Bewilderedly Aubrey studied the skip in his step, an unexpected happiness filling her chest.
She then glanced at her watch and winced, classes started in minutes. Aubrey hurried out of the hall and down the corridor, bags swinging dangerously behind her. Suddenly Peeves appeared in front of her, grinning wickedly and balancing a pile of Dungbombs in his arms. Aubrey groaned audibly.
"Is a wee student late for class?" Peeves cackled, swooping perilously close. Aubrey stumbled backwards, already picturing walking into Professor McGonagall's classroom covered with Dungbomb remains.
"Yes I am, and I really need to get going," Aubrey said desperately, who had been determined to not miss anymore classes after the other day. She still couldn't believe herself. She had cut every single class.
"I don't think so," Peeves laughed gleefully, preparing the drop the Dungbombs. Aubrey shut her eyes.
"OI! PEEVES!" shouted a familiar voice behind Aubrey. She risked a glance and spotted Peeves swooping away looking terrified. She spun around to see Sirius standing there with a smug look on his features. Anger ripped through her and Aubrey stared blindly at him.
"I got him good. He's been scared of me ever since James and I-" Aubrey spun around, stalking away. "Hey, Crawly! Come back!" Sirius hurried after her, easily matching her quick stride.
"I have nothing to say to you, Black," Aubrey said furiously, staring pointedly ahead at the door to the Transfiguration classroom.
"Come on, you know I didn't mean it like that," Sirius pleaded, touching her shoulder lightly. Aubrey moved violently away, turning to glare at him.
"I don't know anything about you, Black, and I'd prefer it stayed that way," she snarled, pushing her way into the classroom. His response was effectively cut off by the look Professor McGonagall gave them when they stepped into her classroom.
"I'm glad you've finally decided to grace us all with your presence, Miss Crawly and Mr. Black," Professor McGonagall said thinly, fixing them with a cold, disapproving eye. Someone sniggered and Aubrey flushed scarlet. Sirius just smirked lazily.
"You see, Professor, Peeves was threatening Aubrey here with Dungbombs, and I walked by just in time to rescue her. As you can probably gather, that's why we were a little delayed," Sirius said easily. The glare Professor McGonagall gave him next would have had Aubrey crying in the corner, but never Sirius.
"I'm sure we are all glad that you walked by, otherwise we would of had to deal with an insufferable smell all of class. However, I request that you and Miss Aubrey take a seat now," Professor McGonagall said dryly. Aubrey hastened to the only empty table, noting the lack of detention sentences despite Professor McGonagall's tone. With a sinking feeling Aubrey realized that the chair next to her was the only one left. Sirius swaggered over, seating himself comfortably next to her. Aubrey scooted her chair away from him, setting her quill and books in a neat pile in front of her, and determinedly ignoring him.
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The bell rang shrilly as McGonagall finished up informing them of the ten page essay due the following week. Aubrey scribbled the requirements into her planner before neatly packing up her things and starting to get up. She had purposely lagged behind to avoid socializing, specifically with Sirius. Aubrey shot a small smile in Professor McGonagall's direction before trudging out of the room.
To her displeasure Sirius was waiting outside the classroom, casually leaning against the wall. Aubrey lifted her chin and attempted to walk by, thwarted by his foot, which she clumsily tripped over into his arms. His hands firm and gentle around her waist, and the dormant butterflies inside her stomach soared upwards. Gently he pulled her up, his hands still on her hips. Aubrey grasped his hands and pushed them down, scowling darkly at him.
"I don't need your help, Black," she growled, stepping back. He smiled cockily at her, twisting out of her grip and clamping down on her wrists.
"I think you do, seeing that you're so clumsy," he smirked, releasing her hands. Aubrey stared angrily at him. Why couldn't he just leave her alone? He had found that she couldn't be used, so why did he still have any interest in her?
"I can mange fine but thanks for your concern," she drawled, spinning around and starting to walk away. To her surprise she heard him sigh heavily behind her. Against her better judgement Aubrey turned half around, finding Sirius raking his hands through his wild hair.
"Merlins Beard, Aubrey, you make this so difficult," he said, sounding slightly angry, "You still don't understand do you?" Aubrey squinted at him, shifting her bag slightly.
"Understand what Sirius? You're the one whose so Damn confusing!" she hissed, putting her hands on her hips. Sirius turned around, pacing to the wall before facing her again.
"Aubrey, I didn't mean that thing about Lily, I've already told you!" Sirius growled back. Aubrey let out a slightly delirious bark of laughter.
"You don't have to lie Sirius! I already know boys use me to get Lily," she snapped scathingly, "You're nothing new." Sirius winced slightly, running his hands through his hair again. Suddenly he stalked up to her and grabbed her in a bone crushing hug. Aubrey froze, doing nothing to prevent him from pulling her tightly against his chest.
"I just didn't know why I cared," he whispered, before breaking away and disappearing down another corridor. Aubrey stood stock still, shock pulsing through her. He doesn't care, he doesn't care, she thought to herself firmly. Despite this, Aubrey couldn't prevent herself from staring after him.
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"I'm glad you decided to come Miss Crawly," the Headmaster smiled, peering down his half moon spectacles at her. Aubrey smiled, attempting to keep her face neutral and hide her turmoil of thoughts. She stared at his ancient face, wondering if he was about to inform her that parents were dead. Dumbledore smiled, collecting his papers together on his desk. Aubrey sat in the same chair she had previously sat in, and him across from her again.
"Now, as I have informed you the Minister has responded to me," Dumbledore began, "If you do not mind I will read you the response."
Finding her voice Aubrey whispered, "Not at all Sir." He nodded, pulling a crisp piece of parchment off his table and unfolding it with a flourish.
"Dear Albus, I have looked into the casualty list like you have requested, and have seen no mention of the name Crawly. However, after further investigations I have gathered that there is a Muggle father of a student at your school at Saint Mungos by the name of David Crawly who was injured during the attack. He has not suffered any fatal harm, just caught the brunt of a severe stunning hex. I hope I have been of help in these trying times my friend. Sincerely, Ronald Malfoy, Minster of Magic."
Dumbledore folded up the parchment, staring at Aubrey gravely, "That, Miss Crawly, is your answer."
Like? :) ;D
~Sophia~