Sorry for major delay on posting this. I lost my USB saving device which has the series on (Yes the series is complete if i haven't told you before, so just bug me to update). I tried to find it on the other site i posted the series on, but this chapter was broken (It only showed the first two paragraphs). But i found the saving thing today, and transferred all files to my computer so i'll never lose them again.
Alas, i still don't own Harry Potter so don't sue me!
The comforting blackness which had engulfed you, was quickly ebbing away, and being filled with the cold blackness of real life. As this coldness surrounded you, voices began to enter your voice from the outside.
"WHAT IF SHE DOESN'T WAKE UP?" screamed one of the voices, although in your mind it sounded pleasantly quiet and slow.
"For the last time it's not all your fault" soothed another voice, almost inaudible within your head.
"Yeah, we did make her feel that if it didn't work out with you it was her fault" said yet another voice. This time it was reaching you faster and you were able to process it. The voice had sounded so sad, so depressed. You knew how this person must feel, it was the tone your voice had taken on off for the past 8 years.
"This isn't helping" chocked a voice, a lot closer to you this time, and as they said it, something moved under one of your damaged arms.
"WHY NOT?" yelled the first voice once again, this time questioning whilst hurting.
"Because we've had a week to blame ourselves. Right now we should be concentrating on Aurora, and her health" said another voice, this one on the other side of you, yet still close.
"How are we meant to concentrate on her, when she still hasn't woken?" asked the first voice, this time quieter. You knew these voices, but your mind couldn't process where from.
"Madam Pomfrey said she will wake any time, we must have hope" responded the voice by your side once more.
"What if she never wakes?" asked the first voice, this time all hope lost from his tone and instead being filled with desperation, "I can't live without her". There was a noise of movement around you, as if several people had gotten up to comfort this disembodied voice. The two people either side of you, did not move.
"She will wake" whispered one of the two, "you've got to wake princess". As these last words were whispered to you, a warm tear hit you cheek. It felt so refreshing, so reviving. So did the warm finger, which gently wiped it away from your stony form. Thanks to the tear your body was beginning to take register of itself, and to your surprise it hurt like hell. The voices which surrounded you had fallen quiet although there was the sound of someone crying in the background.
"Why do we act like this every time we visit?" finally asked the voice by you side who hadn't whispered to you, "It's been a week, we should be used to it". But his words fell dead on the room. No one wanted to admit how much they missed you and blamed themselves for what had happened. Silence once again fell on the room, only punctuated by the sobs of one of your visitors.
Once more your body was the only thing you had to pay attention to. You felt so weak, and you now remembered why. Listening to the voices had shown you what a big mistake it had been, and you felt a wave of happiness take over you, closely followed by a wave of nausea. You didn't know what to do, your body refused to co-operate, yet you knew you were about to be sick . Suddenly a pair of strong arms had wrapped gently around you, pulling you into sitting position whilst you threw up. The pain and light headedness you felt with this movement was instantly over shadowed by the nausea. As you continued to throw up a hand found its way to your back and rubbed in a comforting manner.
Finally once you had finished and the person holding you up was sure you had, they lay you back onto the bed. It was so soft, you could almost drift back into oblivion, but something else was keeping you awake. Something you had to do. Although you knew there was something your mind couldn't think of what.
Then a voice by your side said it, "Open your eyes". You didn't want to yet you knew you had to. "Open your eyes princess" it pressed. You began to put every bit of energy into this simple task.
"Open your eyes" another voice said. Finally you did it, but closed them immediately. These voices hadn't warned you about the excess light.
"Princess? Angel?" said the voice which had been shouting earlier, as it moved towards you bed, full of hope.
"Open your eyes princess" pressed the first insistent voice. Slowly you tried again, this time only a slit. It seemed so bright in there, your eyes throbbed with the little amount of light you let in.
"Oh A.J." squealed a voice, just before you were engulfed into a hug. This made your head spin, but you were still glad you it. She had blocked out some of the light, allowing you to slowly get used to it. Her tears dripped onto your shoulder, as your sight became clearer and you were able to open your eyes fully. Through her hair, you could see two other girls, looking almost desperate to get in on the hugging. Behind you two figures shifted.
"Libby let the poor thing go, she needs to rest" said one of the voices, which you now identified as one of the twins. Slowly Libby loosened her grip on you, but not fully. The other two saw this as their chances and you were wrapped in all three of their arms. Although your muscles were hurting and your head was spinning, you were content to remain here. There body heat warmed you, and the knowledge that people actually cared for you was all you needed.
"OK, OK" bellowed one of the twins making you wince at the noise.
"Time to share the princess" continued the other one in the same tone, just a little quieter. The girls slowly pulled away from you, allowing you to gently fall back to the bed, but before you reached it, the twins had engulfed you in a hug.
"Don't scare us like that again" the both whispered to you, kissing your cheeks lovingly. Finally the lay you carefully back on the bed, and you were able to take in the room you were in. It was a private room off the hospital wing, lit only by candles. At the end of your bed stood the three girls, grinning madly at you, as tears flooded down their cheeks. On either side of you sat the twins, also grinning madly, and trying really prevent the tears which filled their eyes from falling. Finally a few steps away from your bed, stood Oliver. He looked relieved you were awake, but remained very sad and guilty.
Although you weren't happy with him, you couldn't let someone you loved so much feel that sad and guilty. Slowly you raised your arm to him, asking him silently to come over to you and hug you. He looked unsurely at you, and then seeing the certainty in your eyes, he closed the distance in a matter of seconds and pulled you into a very tight hug, as if he was afraid that if he let you go even slightly he would lose you. His warm tears began to soak your hair, as he kissed the top of your head.
"I'm sorry Princess" he gasped between sobs, kissing you on the forehead now as he loosened his grip slightly so he could see your face. "I'm sorry" he muttered again, this time kissing your nose. His eyes were so watery with the falling tears, but you could still see the pure love which he held in them. "I'm sorry" he mutter once more, this time moving towards your lips, but instead of letting him kiss you as if nothing had happened you turned your head slightly, meaning he kissed your cheek. You might love him, but that didn't mean you had to like him. He looked questionably at you for a moment and then whispered, "I will win your favour my fair Princess, for I love you and will fight for eternity to have you return to me". With this said, he lay you gently back down, kissing you once more on the forehead.
Everyone went back to their original seats and started filling you in about what had happened in Hogwarts during the week you had been out. As they talked around you, you found your mind wandering off into a more sleepy place. The dim flickering light giving the room a peaceful ambiance. There voices easing you tired mind. Slowly you drifted into a peaceful rest, the meaningless prattle of your friends travelling across your head.
**Fast Forward**
A few days later you were finally let out of the hospital wing. Your parents had come to visit several times over those days, but had finally decided, after chatting to your friends, that you should stay at Hogwarts.
"So how you feeling?" Katie asked, as you walked back to the common room with her, Libby and Angelina. The twins and Oliver were apparently busy with something and would see you soon.
"Oh, I'm fine" you muttered, feeling a bit ashamed that you had actually doubted their friendship to you.
"Don't lie to us A.J." Angelina said, fixing you with a stare.
"Fine, Fine. I'm tired and scared" you responded hating this new found power the girls had found about telling whether you were telling the truth.
"You shouldn't be scared" Libby told you, linking her arm with yours and smiling. You smiled sweetly, thanking god once more for allowing you to find friends such as these, as you turned around the corner.
"Oh look boys, its Moody Maxwell" yelled a cold voice. You didn't even look up. "I see you failed to kill yourself, well better luck next time" he yelled again, this time earning a reaction from the 3 girls who accompanied you.
"SHUT UP SPIKE" Screeched Angelina, as her and Katie advanced on him. It was 4 Slytherin boys against the two of them. You didn't like their odds.
"Ignore him girls" you muttered, wanting to just get up to the common room, "He's not worth it". The girls glanced back at you, and seeing your discomfort at being there they turned back to you, ready to leave.
"Oh, what's the matter girls. Don't tell me that the little suicidal slut controls you now" Spike yelled at your retreating backs. This was to much for Angelina who span round and punched him square in the face before anyone else could react. Then happy with her actions, she grabbed your other arm and pulled you up to the common room, the others following quickly behind.
"OMG I can't believe you did that" you managed to gasp out as you reached the Fat Lady.
"Sorry, it's just sometimes those Slytherin's make me Arhhhhhhhhhh" she exclaimed, punching the wall beside her to let out her anger.
"Calm down dear" cried the Fat Lady as she took in Angelina's violent actions, "It's not becoming of a lady in act in such a violent manner". Then turning her attention to you she suddenly looked very happy, "Oh it's great to see you up and about again my dear. Quite a fright you gave us all". You couldn't help but smile at her happy attitude, and the fact that even a painting had informed you she had missed you.
"Sleeping Beauty" Katie said to the Fat Lady, casting a smile in your direction.
"She chose it when she heard what happened" whispered Libby, "She really likes you, you know". The portrait hole slowly swung open to reveal the common room. Weirdly it was dark and empty.
"Urm where is everyone?" you asked cautiously as the girls pulled you in with them. The moment you reached the centre of the room, there was an explosion of noise.
"SURPRISE" yelled everyone, jumping out from behind all the sofa's, tables and even from the staircase. You couldn't help but laugh as you looked round at all the kind faces which surrounded you, saying how happy they were you were better. This was the first time in your memory you had felt so popular. Some third year had made a big banner for over the fire, reading *Welcome Back, Princess of Gryffindor*. This just made you laugh more.
After a few minutes of being welcomed back by all the Gryffindor and some people you could of sworn were in Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, you found yourself sat on one of the big sofa's, between the twins. Well you more squashed within a huge hug with them. After the incident they had become more and more like protective older brothers to you, and you couldn't have been happier. What with the girls feeling like your sisters, you suddenly had a family which had time for you.
"Do you want a drink?" Fred asked, letting you go, whilst George moved over to the sofa where Libby was sitting laughing at you.
"Please" you replied, wondering what he would actually bring you. He bounced off over to the drinks table, leaving you sitting alone, but not for long. Angelina quickly fell down next to you, smiling.
"So, how you like the party?" she asked you, glancing around at everyone who was there for you.
"It's great" you replied, suddenly remembering that there was one person you hadn't seen. You actually hadn't seen much of him since that day in the hospital wing.
"He'll be here" Angelina said, reading your thoughts, "He really does love you, and he's so sorry for what happened". You just smiled at her. You already knew all this, but you had always had trouble trusting people, and Oliver had broken your trust, along with your heart. It would take a lot for you to ever trust him again.
"Hey Angie" said Fred as he sat on the other side of you, now clutching to mugs of something.
"Hey Fred" she replied, smiling even more brightly at him.
"Here you go Princess" Fred said, handing you one of the mugs, "I remember you saying you liked it" he whispered as you smiled at what he had brought you. Coffee!
"Thanks". Fred knew you to well. Giving him a small hug, you curled up on the sofa, whilst the party raged on around you. You felt like a spectator, watching something you could never have. All the laughter and companionship around you, yet still you felt alone. This was until Fred and Angelina slipped their arms over you shoulders and squashed you between them in a hug. You weren't alone, not really, you'd just have to learn this new part of your life.
"Can I have your attention pleased" called a voice from atop of a table in the centre of the room. You looked up and saw Katie and Oliver standing there, with everyone now looking at them.
"Right" began Katie, grinning at the audience, "We all know why we are here tonight, it's for a very special friend of all of ours". With that she looked over at you. Your face was tingling and you knew you were blushing.
"I'd like to propose a toast to Aurora-Jade, the Gryffindor Princess" said Oliver, raising a glass, quickly followed by everyone else, "To the Gryffindor Princess" they all chorused. "So, back to the party, and Princess, GET YOUR BUTT OFF THAT CHAIR AND JOIN THE PARTY" yelled Oliver, smirking straight at me. Then he jumped off the table, striding towards me, whilst Katie turned the music back on. "Care to dance?" Oliver asked, and even as you were shaking your head no, he pulled you up and dragged you to the space cleared as a dance floor.
"Oliver" you began in a warning tone. You didn't like dancing in public. It made self-conscious, and you didn't want to feel like people were laughing at you at the moment. But your words were silenced when he gently wrapped you in his arms as he had done on the night he asked you out. The music began and it didn't take a second for you to recognize the song from that night, it also didn't take a second to realize that you were the only couple dancing. "Oliver and his plans" you thought, as you began to enjoy this one dance. You still held some distrust for Oliver, but he was doing everything right.
**Fast Forward**
A week had passed since the party, and you felt so different from how you had felt before. Firstly you were never left alone, but it was more in a loving manner that people found a reason to remain by your side. Another thing, was the number of people who looked at you with friendship in their eyes. Even though Libby had told you once before that you were popular, you had never believed it until now. There were even a few first years who wore bandages around their wrists in the hope of becoming more like you. It was now the first week of February, and Valentines was 12 days away. You are all off to Hogsmeade. Dumbledore had announced that there was going to be a dance for 5th, 6th and 7th years, but this one was different than most, as you weren't allowed to bring a date. It was going to be a fancy dress masquerade. You had never actually been to a dance, preferring to just hide all the time. But the from the way everyone chattered about it, you were beginning to get a little excited.
"So, what you going as?" asked Angelina openly. You just rolled your eyes, she had been asking everyone what they were going as, and as you, Libby and Katie kept telling her, you didn't know yet.
"For the last Time Ange I don't know" Katie almost screamed, "I'll work that out when we get to the dress shop". Angelina looked shocked at Katie's out burst, and this just caused you all to break into giggles. The four of you all made your way to one of the dress stores off the main street, which Katie had told you all that not many people knew about so should be quite quiet. The moment you walked in the door, you were surrounded with brightness of all the colours and materials. The other three girls vanished off among the rows of dresses, giggling and squealing about all the pretty things. But you were left stood there, feeling quite lost. There was just so much to look at.
"Do you need some help dear?" said a kindly looking woman who worked there, "You look a little lost".
"Oh yes please" you replied, feeling very relieved for the offer help.
"So what are going to the ball as?" she asked, leading you over towards a mass of red.
"Oh I'm not sure" you murmured wishing you had actually thought of something.
"Well that's alright, would you like to hear what I think you should go as?" she asked, beginning to rummage through a rack of red dresses.
"Yes Please" you almost shouted, liking this woman more and more the more the knew her.
"Well with your beautiful hair, I think a medieval princess" she said, pulling out a very beautiful red corset dress, with a gold detailing on the top and long open sleeves with Gold detailing over them.
"Wow" you breathed stepping closer to it.
"You like it?" she asked, you just nodded in reply. "Well hold it while I find you some more" she said, handing you it and walking up the row a bit more. Again she pulled out a red dress. But this was a darker shade. It was looser, and had a circular open neck. The arms were closed, but had a loop to go over your middle finger. It had a gold ribbon around the waste, and more around the upper arms. The bottom was lighter with dark red detailing.
"Wow" you murmured again, causing the women to laugh. You took it, as she wandered on along some more rows. Once again it was a red dress she pulled out. This one similar to the first, except it was darker red like the 2nd one, with lighter red arm, and gold detailing on the shoulders. "Wow" you murmured once more.
"You really like these dresses don't you" the women said (From now on known as Mary). You nodded turning a little red. You walked on a bit more, and she pulled out several dresses similar to the ones you held in different colours, finally she stopped once more.
"This one is a little different to the style of the others" Mary said, pulling out a black dress. It was mainly grey in colour. It had high shoulders, was well fitted, and little silver beads sown onto the top. A black bit, crossed over the bust, and then formed a second skirt, a lot more flowing than the first and open at the front. The grey part of the dress had black detailing at the bottom, and the black part had grey. There was also had a grey opaque shall. You took it, amazed at all the beautiful dresses Mary had found for you. "So lets go and try on shall we" she said in a bright and cheerful voice, leading you to the changing rooms. When you got there you found the other three already trying on. While you all tried on your outfits you talked about who you hoped to dance with.
"Well there's not need to ask Ro who she wants" laughed Katie, causing Libby to start laughing also. Angelina just gave them both a warning glare, and turned to you.
"You know you really should forgive him A.J.* she said, indicating for you to spin around. "That's the one" she commented, looking very pleased at the dress you were now wearing.
"I can't" you said, looking at yourself in the mirror once more, agreeing with Angelina that this was the dress.
"That's nonsense and you know it" she said, shoving another dress into Katie's arms.
"I" you began, but faltered.
"You want to be won again, you want to feel like a princess, don't you" yelled Libby from her cubicle where she was changing into another gown. You just blushed.
"Well then, keep playing hard to get, but make sure he knows he still has a chance" said Katie, smiling at you.
You all had paid for your outfits and were walking along the main street when an Owl swooped down to you, dropping a small note in your hands.
"OMG whose writing to me?" you asked no one in particular. Opening the letter you saw beautiful green hand writing spreading out before you.
Dearest Aurora, for months I have watched you at a distance, wishing to know you better, but being afraid of what you would think of me. I can no longer hide my feelings for you and watch from a distance. I need to know you better. Please, Please meet me outside the great hall at 7pm tonight. I shall wait for you.
Love, a besotted admirer
You looked up at the other girls after you read this, feeling very surprised. Handing it to Katie, the other girls read it quickly and then squealed with delight.
"So" began Libby, almost bouncing with excitement, but was cut of by two loud shouts.
"Oye Aurora".
"Hey Princess".
All four of you span round to see the twins running towards you.
"A.J." they both almost screamed as they reached you, wrapping you in a hug.
"Just the Angel we were looking for" Fred said, grabbing your bags and carrying them for you, while George kissed Libby hello.
"What do you want?" you asked a bit sceptically.
"Just you" George said this time, grabbing your right arm, whilst Fred grabbed your left. "Don't worry you'll have her back in one piece" Fred yelled over his shoulder as they both dragged you off.
"So what is it you two want?" you asked once they had stopped dragging you along.
"We need your advice to pick out of costumes" Fred replied, smiling wickedly at you.
"You see we had this bet about Lee, and the loser has to dress as the female part of the pair" George continued.
"And you being so clever and beautiful we thought you'd be perfect to help us find the outfits" Fred finished. You looked at both of them, and then broke down in laughter. Trust them to come up with an idea like that.
"Cross-dressing?" you managed to gasp between laughter. They just grinned and nodded at you, holding you up all the time. Once you'd managed to calm down, you looked at both of them and said, "I'll help".
The three of you had great fun looking around the costume shops in Hogsmeade, and you even managed to get both of them to try on dresses. But there was one outfit which caused you to fall off your chair in laughter. This of course was the one they decided on, buying the male outfit as well. As you left the shop, you noticed the scarcity of Hogwarts students around you.
"Urm what time is it?" you asked, looking at the boys.
"6" they both replied, linking arms with you once more and escorting you back to the castle. You laughed nearly all the way back, with the little things they kept coming out with and their famous double act.
Dinner flew by, and you found yourself stood alone in front of the great hall. The girls had all offered to remain with you, but you had insisted on meeting this one admirer alone. His letter had been so sweet, you refused to believe that he would be a nasty person. As you stood there the last rays of the dying day fell across your face, causing you to close your eyes a little. It felt so peaceful just stood there, silence surrounding you. Well it was almost silent. Footsteps could be heard approaching you slowly. It sounded like the person was shy, which according to the letter he was. Slowly you fluttered your eyes open once more and directed your attention towards the person. Who you saw made you gasp. You couldn't believe that he, of all people, found you attractive and was afraid of what you would think of him.
"Hi" he muttered, looking at his feet uncertainly.
"Hey" you breathed back, still amazed about who is was.
"Thanks for coming" he continued, walking up to you and standing next to you, "I thought someone like you wouldn't have the time". You looked at him shocked. You could never understand why people said Someone like you when talking to you, it was like when they called you popular.
"I needed to know who thought so highly about me" you responded, taking in every detail of his perfect face. The sun light gently reflected off his brown hair which fell gracefully over his features.
"Are you happy with who you found?" he asked, glancing up a little, and meeting your eyes for a second, but turning away almost straight away.
"Of course I am" you replied calmly, smiling at his shyness around you.
"Do you mean that?" he asked, this time looking up and fixing his eyes on your own.
"Why wouldn't i?" you asked in return, giving him a sweet smile. His grey eyes seemed to dance the moment they heard the confirmation in your question.
"I just thought" he began, blushing slightly, "I mean your just so popular and perfect". Now it was your turn to blush.
"Look whose talking, Mr. Perfection himself" you giggled out, realising how jealous most of the female population and probably some of the male population would be of you right now.
"Thanks" he breathed, smiling sweetly at you.
"What for?".
"For saying that, i mean I've heard it before, but it seems more true when you say it". For the next few moments you just stared deeply into each others eyes. He seemed to take in every detail of you with just one look, whilst you sank into the deepness of his eyes.
"Urm, would you walk with me?" he asked finally, hope filling his voice. You nodded your acceptance to him, and he carefully linked hands with you, leading you along one of Hogwarts many corridors. You walked in silence, until finally you reached a solid wall. Detaching his hand from yours, he paced in front of it several times until and ornate door appeared.
"Ladies First" he said politely, holding the door open for you. Carefully you walked into the room, to see a beautiful sitting room. The walls were a warm cream colour, and the carpet was light blue. Near the centre of the room stood a very large, very messy seeming, Dark red sofa, and in front of it was a roaring fire place. Bookcases lined a few of the walls, and on the far side, opposite the door was a huge window, looking out on the grounds.
"Wow" you breathed, taking in your surroundings.
"I'm glad you like it" he said, walking in behind you and smiling at the look on your face.
"Cedric, it's beautiful" you breathed, turning to look at him finally.
"Not as beautiful as you" he breathed in response, causing you to blush slightly.
"I'm not beautiful" you muttered, looking at your feet. Gently he placed his hand under your chin and lifted your face so once again your eyes met.
"Some might not see it, but believe me, to me you are the most beautiful thing i've ever seen" he breathed, his face very close to your, but not moving forward. In this he was a perfect gentleman not wanting to force you into anything you weren't happy with. So it was you who moved forward to his lips. You weren't sure why you did it, but when your lips met you felt a warmth you had longed for, for a long time. Your heart might of belonged to Oliver, but Cedric was so sweet and kind, that you felt drawn to him. The kiss was short and innocent. You both pulled away at the same moment, keeping your eyes locked.
"Would you like a seat?" he offered, taking your hand once more and leading you over to the huge sofa.
"Thanks" you said, sitting down gently and feeling Cedric sit next to you.
"I like to create this room to think in when life gets to much" he quietly informed you. Looking over at him, you could see a hidden sorrow within his eyes.
"I didn't think someone like you could have problems" you said in a light tone, trying to brighten him up. But instead a sorrowful frown covered his features.
"I didn't think someone like you could have problems!" he pointed out, lifting one of your arms and looking at your wrist, "I guess we're both wrong". You tried to smile, but you couldn't. Your mind was playing over what Cedric had just said, and you realised how selfish you must seem to him.
"I'm sorry" you muttered, tears beginning to fill your eyes. Glancing at you for just a moment, he pulled you gently to him.
"Shh, don't cry" he whispered in your ear, rocking you slightly. Just being this close to him calmed you a little, although you didn't feel worthy of his attention. "Chocolate?" he suddenly offered, allowing you to sit up once more and handing you a piece. It was Honey Dukes best, your favourite.
For the next hour you both sat talking about life. You felt more and more pulled to him as you discovered how similar you were. Although he had never been bullied, he had also never felt like he belonged. Whilst you talked you ate chocolate, enjoying each others company. Finally it was time to leave, and go your separate ways to your common rooms. Once you reached the stair case where you must split, you turned to each other, not sure what to say. Then in an instant you both knew how to say your farewells. You both stepped closer to each other and met the others lips half way. Once more the kiss was innocent and sweet, and lasted no more than a second. But it was enough.
"I hope to see you soon, oh and at the dance I'm going to be a Quiditch player, I hope we get to dance" he said, and then he was gone, walking swiftly down the stairs away from you. After a moment of watching his retreating back, you turned and made your way to the common room, a little smile playing on your lips. Once inside the common room you virtually bounced up to the dorm and fell on your bed reminiscing about the evening. Finally you fell asleep, smiling as you did so.
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