The Sinistriad
Atta-Nycol

CHAPTER 36

The week following the explosion in Gaza felt significantly more exciting than the others, even though Aurora's mundane routine of working long days and sleeping little didn't change. The small occurrences, however, coated the days with little bursts of news and excitement so that Aurora found herself less bored by her vacation and trapped in a whirlwind of events. A day after she had brought Cissy back to her apartment, an owl was received from London regarding Cissy's father. Mr. Black had avoided being anywhere near the explosion and would be coming to Jordan to pick Narcissa up at two o'clock the following day. Cissy cried after reading the letter and Aurora sighed in relief. Ever since the explosion, Cissy had been in a rather unstable mood. Any loud or unexpected noises startled her into tears again, and Aurora spent the night trying to distract her with wizarding chess and cards. Amidst the masks and fans, tikki's and incense, Aurora did everything she could to make sure Cissy was comfortable and that all her injuries were attended to. Cissy was grateful, but still too shook up to truly express any gratitude towards Aurora. The pureblood's opinion of muggles had also lessened considerably, for as they listened to the news on the wireless, she uttered newfound obscenities against them under her breath.

When Aurora finally dropped Cissy off to meet her father outside the busy bazaar, she did a final check to make sure the floo they had used was working properly, and then called Khan from a nearby phone booth. Khan was there to pick her up within minutes and he escorted her back to her apartment with loud Indy music bouncing the car on its tires. Truthfully, Aurora had called specifically in hopes of hearing any recent news regarding the explosion, but he seemed rather indifferent to it all and was difficult to get information from.

"They are crazy over there," He said in rough English. "Not even I would go there."

"Was it a suicide bombing?" Aurora asked, leaning over the passenger seat to look out the windshield and hear Khan over the music.

"No, just car bomb. Crazy."

Aurora nodded silently and caught herself glancing at the cars parked along the curbs where they drove. It had never occurred to her that muggles could be just as ruthless and prejudice as wizards.

"Do you know how many people were killed?" She asked as they turned the corner to head down her street.

"Thirty-seven. Many in hospitals though," Khan sighed sadly, turning down his music finally and glancing at Aurora. "Very sad."

"It is very sad."

"Khan is glad Aurora is not with them," He said, pointing up towards the ceiling of the car.

"Aurora is glad too!" She laughed. "It was pretty scary."

"You are brave, for English girl," Khan joked, grinning his tobacco brown grin. "Your friend, she is okay?"

"Yes…" Aurora had told Khan all about her and Cissy's adventures, since he was one of the few people around willing to listen. Everyone at the library had heard about it as well and she received the most owls she had all vacation the day after it happened. The letters made her smile.

When Khan dropped her off, Aurora sat down in the silence of her apartment and opened the newest letter that had been owled in. Immediately she recognized the handwriting of her father.

Aura Belle,

Haji Sulli and Jamal won the race! We watched them cross the finish line two minutes and twenty-six seconds ahead of second place yesterday morning. Your mother and I were thrilled. We spent the night waiting for the other horses to cross. So far only one casualty accounted for. Taken by a sandstorm is the rumor. Madhu mala. Today, when the last horse crosses (or fails to) the tents of the elders will be opened and celebrations will commence. We wish you could be here! There is hookah, fine mead, and cuisine desert dining. There are also belly dancers and the most beautiful racehorses you'll ever see. It is a sight. Tomorrow, we will begin our journey home but do not expect us for a few days yet. We have some people to visit along the way back. Did you heard about the car bomb in Israel a few days ago? The folks at the race took some time today to pray for the victims. Your mother and I hope you are enjoying your vacation and let us know if you got your job in Alexandria! Maybe we'll stop by to say hello. Also, your mother asks if you have written to your French relatives yet? They had mentioned that they would like to see you if at all possible during this time off. Send them an owl; they'd love to hear from you.

All our love,

Dad

Aurora reread the letter and rolled her eyes. Those "people" her parents had to see no doubt would set them up with yet another horserace and were more than likely found at casinos where all that cash that had been earned would be wasted. She thought it funny that her father refrained from mentioning how much they won. It was a smart move—it kept Aurora from knowing how much they gambled away before they ever reached home. Aurora also thought it ironic that her parents had no idea how close she actually had been to the car bomb. If she had told them, chances are they would've just written a concerned letter anyway. The money from the races was too important to leave behind, unless Aurora was seriously hurt.

Folding up the letter, Aurora started scribbling her own letters. One in response to her parents, one to say hello to her grandmother in France, and one to Rudy. None were all too long, and Aurora carefully worded Rudy's so as not to concern him. But she couldn't help but mention the car bomb. After all, it had been the most exciting thing to happen to her all week.

My love,

I hope this letter finds you well. I send all my heart and kisses with it, though I cannot wait to shower you with warm ones the minute I see you. Lisa is wonderful, but she is not nearly as convenient to cuddle up to as you are. Your sweater is starting to lose your scent too.

Cissy finally came to visit the other day and we ventured into Gaza City, Israel. Apparently Mr. Black had dragon dealings there. We went for lunch at an amazing seafood restaurant and even shopped a bit. But on our way home, we had the misfortune of walking a block where a car bomb had been set. A car, you recall, is a muggle machine of transportation. Someone had parked it along a curb, and it ignited when Cissy and I were at the other end of the street. Knocked both of us off our feet and we got hit with some good debris. Thankfully, the biggest injury was Cissy's security and she cried for nearly two days straight. Otherwise, our injuries were minor—a few cuts on our faces and bruises on our butts. That's more than can be said for the thirty-some victims. It's the first time I've ever seen muggle violence up close…it both scares and saddens me. The Israelis and Palestinians are just like the Purebloods and halfbloods. Muggles, witches, and wizards…human beings in general terrify me. What lengths we will go to be superior.

Anyway, Cissy is back home safe and sound and I just discovered my parent's horse won the race yesterday morning. That means they shall be returning in a few days with stuffed pockets. I am excited to see what the race brings in. Rent is due and I still don't get paid until the end of the week…by the by, the library is the most amazing job one could ask for. Rudy, I found an ancient book written by the Egyptians and translated into English about primitive methods of transfiguring blocks of clay into pieces of parchment. Think about it—the whole process of the pyramids doesn't seem half as impressive when you take into consideration the ones who built it were probably wizards and were transfiguring their workload into paper-light objects. It made me laugh and think of you.

I miss you. And I love you always.

Aurora

A few days later, Aurora got her response from her grandmother and laughed out loud when she realized how long of a response it was. She had been woken up at sunrise by the elegant white owl pecking at the window, and taking the scroll from it Aurora sank back into the couch and hugged her knees under her as she read it. In elegant calligraphy, her grandmother requested that Aurora come spend the week of Christmas with the family in France, and offered to house her parents if they decided to come as well. According to her, Aurora's parents already had plans for another race in India, but if they changed their minds they were welcome to come. Aurora frowned as she read this, because her parents had never mentioned anything to her about spending Christmas in India. Aurora thought it was bad enough spending it in Jordan where there was no snow and few who even recognized the holiday. India would be just as bad, and there she wouldn't even have her job or anyone she knew. Unless her parents were planning on leaving her home alone for Christmas again…which wouldn't have surprised her either. They seemed totally comfortable with making Aurora fend for herself.

Later that day, Rashad caught Aurora in the hall and asked once again for the rent.

"My father is a bull in waiting," He whispered to her. "I cannot tell him to wait much longer…"

"I get paid at the end of the week," Aurora said urgently. "I swear to you, the first thing I'll do is pay you."

"Your parents have not returned?" Rashad frowned when Aurora shook her head. "You should not have to pay for their apartment."

"No, I shouldn't. But I will since I'm living here too." Aurora shrugged.

Rashad clasped her shoulder. "You are good daughter, Aurora. Allah smiles upon you and will give back to you tenfold what you sacrifice now."

Aurora smiled and departed for him, once again on her way to work. Her parents indeed ended up visiting her on Friday at the Alexandria library, and they both looked on top of the world when they approached her. Grinning from ear to ear and looking tanner than ever, both embraced her with kisses on the cheek and praises on the job.

"Where's the money for the rent?" Aurora hissed, the minute her parents were in a state to talk semi-seriously. "Rashad has been bugging me for days…"

"Who?" Peter snapped immediately and Aurora rolled her eyes.

"The owner's son. He went around collecting the rent that was overdue. YOU guys are overdue and if I don't pay them with MY paycheck today, you won't have an apartment to come back to."

Jacqueline and Peter glanced at each other awkwardly, Peter running a hand through his hair and Jacqueline chewing her lip guiltily.

"We didn't mean to put the rent on you, Aura Bella," Peter said slowly, avoiding Aurora's eyes as he spoke. "We didn't realize they'd come collecting the money…"

"But you have it, right?" Aurora pressed, folding her arms. When both refused to answer, Aurora grunted angrily and leaned back against the shelf. "So I'm paying for it? What the bloody hell did you do with all those winnings?"

"We 'ave some of it still…" Jacqueline said, touching Aurora's elbow lightly. "We just…we 'ave other uses for it at ze moment…we cannot afford to pay AND—"

"And what? Gamble some more? Bet on more horses?" Aurora snapped. Her parents both looked down, red in the cheeks. "Grandmother just informed me that you plan to spend Christmas in India. Did you just fail to mention this little fact to me? Was that your plan all along—get evicted from the apartment in Jordan instead of paying your rent, and then moving to India where you'd leave me to spend Christmas alone while you gamble some more?"

"Aura, keep your voice down!" Jacqueline said feebly. Aurora tossed her hands in the air.

"I can't believe you two. You are conning the system! You don't pay rent because you know you'll be moving anyway, and you don't even tell me when this is supposed to be MY vacation! I don't WANT to spend it in India!"

"Aurora—" Peter started but Aurora was on a roll now. Her finger was in his face before he could continue.

"No! No, I am NOT just going to 'roll with the punches' dad! You aren't paying those people who so graciously lent you a room! Their life depends on being paid and I'm NOT going to just up and move to India without leaving behind a cent." Aurora glared between parents. "Fuck you both. I'm paying the rent and then going to France to spend the rest of my 'vacation' with Grandmother. At least she's not a thief and gambling addict."

Aurora marched past both Jacqueline and Peter and flung the door open.

"Goodbye!"

The two adults looked between each other and then back at Aurora.

"Aura…we are not thieves…" Jacqueline tried soothing the temper of her daughter, but there was no changing Aurora's mind.

"Then you can owl me the money I'm going to use to pay YOUR rent," Aurora huffed. "GOOD BYE!"

Peter grimaced and took Jacqueline's hand, leading her past Aurora and out into Alexandria's streets. Aurora slammed the door behind them and threw the nearest book across the room, watching it crash against the desk and flutter to the floor where it rested in a defeated heap.

Aurora found Rashad that night and gave him the whole of her paycheck. After informing Mr. Growswell that she would not be returning and apologizing for leaving so suddenly, Aurora stormed back to the apartment where she found an owl waiting from her parents. They pleaded with her to wait until they returned before she left for France, but Aurora was sick of Jordan and sick of her vacation and she was in no mood to bargain it. So after rendering herself completely broke again, Aurora packed her chest and sent and owl in advance to her Grandmother, informing her of Aurora's coming. She would floo in the afternoon the following day. Until then, Aurora ate a flimsy dinner of grapes and bread and jam, and listened to the wireless report on the latest from the Israeli bomb. Aurora didn't entirely care for the idea of spending the remainder of her vacation under her grandmother's strict thumb, but anything was better than what she was enduring in Jordan. She refused to be uprooted to India and she refused to be suckered into her parent's games. If they wanted to live wild, she didn't care. But Aurora was not going to be a part of it.

After a night of restless tossing and turning, Aurora flagged down Khan to drive her to the nearest building with a floo. She could've walked just as easily and sent her luggage ahead, but Aurora wanted to say good bye and thank him for his kindness. He gave her a high-five as she left and told her to give him a call if she ever came back to Jordan. Aurora promised, but as she stepped into the floo and felt the tug of the powder, she sincerely doubted she would ever make the effort to return. At least, not while her parents were there.

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